Watch Liam Grow: Monthiversary Series: 1 Week-3 Months

Dear Liam,
My sweet second child. I swore I would never let it happen. I promised that I would be better and try harder to make sure that you got all the special little firsts like your big sister. I would blog about every life change, every smile, and coo. But then life happened. Now don't get me wrong. Your entire life from birth to three plus months has been documented on Instagram (sorry friends) (which is definitely more than what I did for big sister) but sadly it hasn't been written down. Trying to find time to sit down and type is challenging, an understatement of the century. So with this special little moment where both you and your sister are napping at the same time, I am going to take full advantage and try to catch up, if possible, documenting about you, my growing little boy. So forgive mommy as I may be behind or for the lack of little documented moments because to be honest I surely do love my real moments making memories together and for all the craziness that is life for our family of four. Happy 1 Week-3 Months!

Number of weeks: 3 months
Measurements: Measurements taken at 2 month appointment: Weight 11 lbs 5.5 oz (31%), Height 23 2/12 inches (76%), Head Cir 15 5/8 inches (71%)
Clothing: You wear size 3 month shirts, shorts, pants, and 3-6 month footed jamies. You have long legs and toes which make 3 month long footed jammies too tight on your piggies. You have also worn shoes several times these past few months. You are not exactly a fan, but you may kick a few times and not fight too much after. You are in size 1 diapers.

 

 

Eating: You are starting to eat a little more on a schedule. You still love to eat all the time. You typically eat 4 oz every 2-3 hours unless you take a good nap. Then you may take up to 6. Your first and last bottles are both 6 oz. While you still take a breast milk bottle, we are continuing to supplement formula. Needless to say with either breast milk or formula, you are a happy, healthy baby who is getting what you need. Full belly, full smiles, full sleep.
Sleeping: Overall you are finally doing amazing when it comes to sleep. We typically put you down with your final bottle around 8:00. You are now full time in the pack n play. I have no desire to move you to your room just yet. I know you would be fine, but mommy isn't ready. I still love to hear your little grunts and breathing noises. You sleep with a paci but don't usually like the paci during the daytime. You prefer munching on your precious little fingers. It appears we have a thumb/finger sucker, but you haven't officially found them fully. At night you usually sleep from 8PM-6:30AM. It is magical; however, I do have to put your paci in from about 5AM until 6:30. Sometimes it feels like all night that I'm putting it back in. Sometimes it is only a few times and others it feels like every half hour. I am always trying to determine if another bottle would put you back to sleep but technically you aren't awake. My fear is I would be waking you up to give you the bottle and then it would take forever to lay you back down. This is simply trial and error and this has been our experience in the past, so we shall see what our next steps are. Naps are good. You are our second baby and as usual are dragged along for the ride. If we go somewhere you may sleep for a half hour in the stroller or so or not at all. You usually take a nap around 9AM-10AM, 1PM-3PM, and again before bedtime like 5-6PM. I always hated when people would say "What's your child's schedule?" This is just what we have noticed. I do like that both kids take a nap and have rest time around the same time. It has been giving mommy some quiet time to herself which is usually filled with house hold activities but nice to sit for a bit on days where that works. But while you may be learning to love sleep, your big sister has forgotten how to do so and sometimes even the dog has her share of sleepless nights. So one day we'll get it all under control. 

Personality: At birth, you were our serious little man. We really had to work for those little Liam smiles that we have grown to love so much.

But over time, you have grown into this great little cheeser, an open mouth "smiler" with smirks, and eye brow raises. And seriously could that little side dimple be any cuter? I love your fuzzy, long locks that appear to have a bit of a curl like big sister.

You also are honestly a very good baby and as of late have been pretty easy to read. You are either hungry, happy, playful, or sleepy. This of course has also recently changed as you have begun the dreaded teething process. This may take another three months before we even see a little pearly white, but boy the drool, the munching on your hand, and a bit of fussiness will of course keep me on my toes. Thank you baby orajel. When you were first born, you had colic pretty bad, a first for mommy and daddy. You honestly didn't sleep during the day (minus a few little cat naps that I caught some of the most adorable little snuggle pictures of) or at night. Oh how your little personality has changed since you have been free from colic and have learned to love sleep. I mean I couldn't blame you sweet heart. One of mommy's favorite things is that you surely do have eyes for me. I get the biggest and best little open mouth smiles. You are such a talker (you get it from your mama). You love chatting it up with your daddy and big sister. I do have to apologize as big sister loves to play with your ears while she's hugging on you and occasionally puts her entire head of hair in your face while she whispers into your ear. She calls you hers and while we do see some moments where she will ask to put you in the swing or stroller so that she may have her usual attention, I know that she adores you. I am tso thankful for this sweet little relationship and am excited to continue to watch it grow.

Activities: coos and lots of talking, finding your left foot, munching on your fingers and fist- signs of teething, attending the nursery at church- The ladies love telling us that you either are a big sleeper or a bigger talker, summer activities, first July 4th celebration 

 

and parade. Firsts: movie going experience to see Finding Dory, finding your left foot and pulling on your toes, first baby giggles, attempting to roll over but definitely not there, smiling at the dog, "swimming" in the pool

Likes: taggie blanket, toys, dinosaur blanket, putting things in your mouth, big smiles from mommy and daddy, music, eyes follow Disney movies,

Dislikes: lotion, loud noises, car carrier, not being fed right away, diaper changes (this is so much better), not being held when you want

Liam, I am so thankful God gave you to us. I have loved watching you grow and change these last 3 months. You are a perfect addition to our family and to this great adventure as a fam of four. It hasn't always been easy, you surely make it all worth it.

Watch Liam Grow- Weeks 4-7

 

Dear Liam,

You continue to grow up right before my eyes sweet boy. I absolutely adore watching your little personality grow. There is nothing cuter than your sweet smiles, our morning coos, and that side dimple. Today I look at you while you are napping and know that within only a few days I will return to work to say my good-byes before I am at home full time with my two love bugs. I'm both excited and anxious as this is a huge step for our little family. I absolutely love teaching but know this is where God is calling me to be. I know days will be challenging but so worth it. Little man we have shared almost 8 weeks together. Our days have been filled with smiles, cuddles and coos, and excitement, but also with tears, pure exhaustion, and moments of complete trial and error. You are my perfect little boy. You are definitely your own little person but I wouldn't want it any other way. It is crazy to think that within a week you'll be two months old. I have loved watching you grow and all the newness you've learned. My prayer for you is that God will continue to grow your body big and strong, that your colicky days will quickly draw to an close, and that you will learn to love sleep during the night. May you never lose that adorable grin. You are my determined little man. You are strong, active, and have an eye for your mama. You do not have a problem to let everyone know exactly what you want. That usually means to be held or fed but it's ok. I know that simply will translate to bigger things in your future. I adore your smiles. You make my heart full and I am so completely in love with you. So while this post will catch us up from weeks 4-7, sorry lack of sleep and not wanting to be put down has not allotted the time to write weekly, but it's ok. I'll continue to enjoy my snuggles as I know babies don't stay babies forever. I'll enjoy it while I can. Happy 4-7 weeks my little Liam love.

Number of weeks: seven weeks & 5 days
Measurements: We will know more at our 2 month appointment
Clothing: You are officially too big for newbie clothes. You are long and lean like your daddy. You fit comfortably in size 0-3 month clothing but can additionally wear 3 month Carters clothes. I cannot believe how quickly you are growing sweet babe.
Diapers: size 1
Eating: You love to eat! (just like your mommy) You are on breast milk but want to eat all.the.time. We are having to supplement a few times throughout the day but are doing well overall. You are showing some signs of reflux but seem to have grown out of your tummy issues that you had a few weeks ago.
Sleeping: As I write this, I do have to celebrate that last night you slept 7 hours straight. I feel like a new mommy! But to be perfectly honest, you are not a sleeper. We learned early on that you had a bad case of colic and your days and nights were switched. When you were a few weeks old, you took pretty good morning naps between 9-11 and then again between 3-5 and not for the full time. Sadly this was only if you were being held and would quickly wake up if you were set down. You have not been the greatest fan of the swing, bouncer, or bassinet. At night you have learned to sleep a 3-4 hour stretch in the bassinet from 8-12 or 10-2AM. Then sadly would wake between 1-2 hours later and would be up for the night. Daddy and mommy have been on survival mode for the past two months but are feeling that we may be turning a corner with your sleep patterns. It has also been challenging as big sister is also going through a phase of sleep refusal.
Activities: coos, more eye contact, opening hands, recognition of our voices, smiles and facial expressions, holding onto toys/fingers 
Likes: being held, fed, cooing with mommy and daddy, pacis, play mat with our fishy friends, riding in the car when it is moving
Dislikes: changing clothing/diapers, being put down, being put into the car carrier, car stops

You truly keep us on our toes sweet boy, but you are an absolute blessing. Parenting a newbie is tough, but we are better parents for it. All our love growing boy!

Watch Liam Grow: Week 3

Dear Little Liam,

Each and every day is a new adventure. I love watching your sweet faces and love the way they resemble your sister but are definitely your own little self. I love your little dimpled chin and cheek. This week while so special has been a hard one little man. I can tell your tummy is uncomfortable and it's hard for mommy not to be able to fix the problem. You have also become very congested this week which led us back to the pediatrician's office for advice and testing. So far our only thought is overeating which is causing reflux. This then leads to a sour tummy and uncomfortable little boy. I am so thankful Oma has been here this week to spend with us, to help us with these little issues, to cuddle you, and to give mommy and daddy some chances at sleep. We are so thankful for this amazing little bond we have grown and know that you will continue to make progress each day. We love you so very much little guy and cannot believe you are already three weeks old. There is so much excitement to come! Watch little Liam grow!

 

Number of weeks: Three Weeks  

Measurements: 8 lbs 15 oz

Clothing:  newborn clothing and adorable little hats.

Eating: As you can see by the growth in weight you are a champ eater. We have found this week that you may be overeating due to reflux and the comfort of nursing with mama. You are still breastfeeding and breast milk bottle feeding exclusively. Because you may be overeating we have learned this may be the cause of reflux which then leads to upset tummy and pooping issues. This surely leads to fussiness, lack of sleeping, and an uncomfortable babe. This makes you want to be held at all times and do NOT like being put down. You are a snuggler for sure.

Sleeping: Sleep is something of the past and it seems that we may know what it is for quite some time. It has lead to hazy days of pure exhaustion and hard times on mama and daddy. I cannot express how thankful I am that Oma is here this week which has allowed for some daytime napping and an early bedtime until our dreaded wakeful hours of the early morning. I will say that you are a great sleeper in the early morning and throughout the day. The hard thing is that you are typically up from 1AM-5AM. You previously loved the swing but have decided that is not longer an acceptable sleeping place. You want to be cradled in our arms or snuggled up on our chest. 

Activities & Tidbits: You love to eat and to be held. When fed and awake you are such a chill little boy. I love the way you look around. You are a very strong and determined little man. You respond to sounds and stimuli. We have enjoyed days of tummy/back time as you search around for new noises and sights (while I know you can't see too far). 

 

 

 

This week your Oma has come to visit to help your mommy and daddy with the newness of a newborn and parenting two little humans. We are so incredibly thankful to have her here. You have enjoyed snuggling with her. I have to say I know she loves this special time just as much as you do.

 

 

We went to our first Brazilian Steakhouse this week to celebrate your daddy's 32nd birthday. Our pup Mattie seems to be interested in you as she does give sweet kisses, but then quickly tries to nudge you out of the way so that she can get further attention from mommy and daddy. The dog is definitely experiencing some separation issues for sure. I love the way you hold your hands by your head and face. You will hold onto our little fingers when you are eating and pull on our shirts/clothing. 

 

Little Liam we wish you the world. This week we will sadly say good-bye to Oma and continue our little adventure as a family of four. My goal is to get you on more of a "schedule" and to have you sleep more on your own vs being held. While I do love my snuggles, we are going to get you a little more independent as well as work on your tummy issues. Sending love to our littlest. Happy 3 weeks our little Liam love.

Watch Liam Grow: Week Two

Dear Little Liam,

We absolutely adore you sweet boy. Happy two weeks to our little love. Each day we experience a newness as a family of four. Thank you for continually teaching me love, grace, and patience. I love our daily snuggles, the relationship that grows with my little loves, and seeing how God continues to use our lives to show His glory. May He continue to wrap his hands around you sweet boy, to guide our little family, and grow us in Him. Watch little Liam grow!

Number of weeks: Two Weeks  

Measurements: 7 lbs 15 oz (30%), Height 20 3/4 (62%), Head Cir 14 1/8 (53%)

Clothing: newborn clothing, zipper preferred. This week you have adorned not one but two very stylish and adorable bow ties like daddy. I love dressing you up like a little man as well as your snuggly jammies while we are at home. You are not a fan of changing your clothes or being swaddled. You would much prefer being held.

Eating: You are exclusively drinking breast milk and are a champ eater. We give you about 2-3 oz each feeding but you are always in search of more. Sadly you have had lots of gas and tummy issues this week. It has made sleeping at night next to miserable for you sweet babe. Mommy will be changing her diet to see if this can help. We also try tummy meds too to help alleviate your little belly problems, but right now we have not found an answer just yet.

Sleeping: You have a great morning and night time napping "schedule." You sleep the best from 6-9AM and take a feeding and again from 9-12. While this is not always consistent or for the entire time, you are a champ sleeper during the daytime. At night is another story. You will wake from 11-? and then typically will wake within the next hour for about 3-4 hours. Your poor little tummy issues keep you from going back to sleep. At this time all we can do is hold you or have you sleep on our chests. We have tried the swing, bouncer, bassinet, rocker, etc. While one may be hit or miss we have not found anything consistent that you prefer.
Activities & Tidbits: 
This week you turned two weeks old. Sadly we are experiencing some tummy issues and lots of gas. While you may not be a fan of the car carrier you do so very well in the car and on drives. This week you have decided to become a paci baby. I think it helps to sooth the above listed issues. When you are awake, I love looking at those blue/gray eyes of yours. You seem very observant and are a very strong little boy. When it comes to eating I feel you are very determined. You like to lay with your hands close to your face or behind your head like big sister did when she was a baby. 

Little man we love you more than words and this new adventure will take us on some highs and lows, but we are so very thankful for each and every moment that we are grown as parents and as a family of four. Happy two weeks little love.

Watch Liam Grow: Week One

Ten little fingers,

And ten little toes,

The adventure begins.

Where it ends,

 God only knows.

To our little man,

We are filled with such love,

You are part of our heart.

You were sent from above. 

 

Number of weeks: One

Measurements: 6 lbs, 12 oz (9% drop in weight from original birth weight)

Clothing: newborn clothing

Eating: You are exclusively drinking breast milk. We do have formula as an emergency back up (Please know I do not side either way on breast milk or formula as my daughter was all formula from week 9 on. I am just thankful I have a different opportunity this time with Liam.)

Sleeping: What is this? You are a typical newborn and are a pretty good sleeper during the daytime. We sure do love our squishy cuddles. At night you want to eat all.the.time! You love to snuggle and hate to be put down. We are told it is because of your drop in weight. At the end of this week you did decide that you were ok with the swing and bouncer. Each day is part of a process and you are making good progress. Sleep exhaustion is not something you can fully prepare for. So mommy and daddy's prayer is for great weight gain and good sleep from our little boy.
Activities & Tidbits: 
You are a snuggler and are always in a froggy position with your feet due to the way you laid in the womb. You are not currently a paci baby but do love to suck on your hands. You are hungry all the time. You absolutely hate being changed or having your diaper changed. Your chord fell off with in the first few days and it seems that you will be an outie like your sister. You do not like to be swaddled at this time. You make the best old man faces as well as raise your arms like super man when you are picked up and sleepy. You open your eyes quite often and seem like a super strong little man. You have the loudest little squeals.

Likes: eating, sleeping, being cuddled and held,

Dislikes: car carrier, being put down, having your diaper/clothes changed, waiting for food

Happy Week One to our littlest love!