Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!!!

Our first Halloween as a family of 4!!

Graham is 14 weeks old

14 weeks old and definitely in the swing of things!!

It seems that in the past week or so we have had consistent smooth sailing.  Out of the past 7 days G has slept through the night all but one night.  He seems to have a pretty good schedule down from his eating , to his playtime and naps.  Graham eats every 3 in a half to 4 hours.  He is then awake for 45 minutes to an hour and then the little guy is ready for a nap.  Most nights before bed , Graham gets a bath and then his "rub down".  Gregg and I aren't sure who enjoys it more, him or us.  Massaging Graham brings out the biggest smiles, and coos of the day.  He loves it!  Shortly after that we swaddle him up in his Zen Swaddle, rock him for a few minutes and he's asleep.  I wake him up for a late night feeding usually between 10:30 and 11pm.  He goes right back down and sleeps until usually sometime between 4 and 5 am.  

I have to admit I was never a fan of rocking a baby to sleep.  We didn't have to with Reece and while I initially said I would have loved to snuggle my baby ( guess I got my wish), Reece was and still is a great sleeper. I was afraid it could become a slippery slope in that if he woke up he would have to be rocked back to sleep.  Well we certainly have tried and still try every night to lay Graham in his bed, letting him go to sleep on his own.  Long story short it turns into a battle of wills because he just hasn't been able to do it.  So, after several conversations with Gregg, we said it is clearly something G needs to settle himself down.  Within 10 minutes tops he is sound asleep for the night, so we are rocking him. 

It has been a week all about the Tigers here at the Matthews house

      

I'm not sure if it just the second child or Graham's personality but he is really laid back and easy to please.  I have gained the confidence to take him just about anywhere, even for a mani/pedi the other day, and he shines!  I do know that the day will come where that isn't possible but I am soaking up every minute of it while I can.  The true test will come this weekend as Gregg and I are headed downtown to watch the Tigers hopefully win their first World Series game.  Graham will have is first babysitter.  Hopefully he will be as laid back and easy for her as he is for us.

As laid back as he is, lets be honest, Graham is still a baby and has his fussy moments.  His fussy times are pretty much only if he is over tired.  As soon as we swaddle him up he settles right down.  G still has a like/hate relationship with the binki.  While I wasn't sure and am still not sure, if I wanted him to have a binki just because of the dependance down the road,  he does have moments when he is falling asleep that he seems to really want the sucking.  If he wakes up mid nap he will try to get his fist or fingers in his mouth to suck.  So clearly he is wanting something to sooth himself.  

Graham has taught me so much already.  I thought having a second baby I knew exactly how I wanted to do things, but I am learning everyday that each baby can be so different and never say never.    If it is the binki or rocking G that he needs to be content, than I am all for it.  

One of our big milestones this week - moving up to the regular seat in the jogger!

(Yes more Tigers gear)

Graham is becoming much more social.  He loves to be talked to and will coo, smile, and sometimes even laugh back.  I can't get enough of this little man!!  

5 days and counting, we are so excited for Halloween

Weekend Recap

Gosh is it Monday already?!?!  We had big plans for the weekend and really accomplished very few of them but had a great weekend.  I love when that happens, spontaneity is few and far between with two kids but when it happens it is usual always a success. 

While I have always loved weekends, they have a whole new meaning now that I pass by my family during the week.  I made it my goal to get all of my homework done on Friday so I could just enjoy Saturday and Sunday as the M 4, with no distractions. We took the boys for professional photos  Saturday morning.  I have to say Reece was an ALLSTAR.  Not only did he look handsome and not complain a peep about his outfit, he smiled and charmed the pants off the photographer.  I cannot wait to see the finished product!!  Saturday night we went over to a friends house to watch the Michigan/Michigan State game.  While Gregg and I don't have much care about either team, Reece decided he was a die hard Michigan fan for the game.  We had a great time and I have to say it is awesome to go to a friends house with another baby and not have to bring a thing.  Graham was mesmerized by their playmate, swing, bouncer, and just all over surroundings.  We need to do it again soon!

Reece and his buddy Tyler

Sunday, my sister was running the marathon downtown.  I wasn't sure how I would feel about not running but Graham and I headed down to offer our support.  I have to say I was invigorated.  It was just what I needed to motivate me.  While I started running about 5 weeks ago, it has been anything but easy.  The days where I feel great, I am lacking motivation and the days I have motivation my legs feel like a ton of bricks.  I am not a natural runner but 4 years ago my sister said she was running a marathon and I should do it with her.  Little did I know how hard the journey would be, but how addicted I would become.  Running was the first thing in a long time that I did entirely for myself.  I pushed myself to limits I had never experienced or accomplished.  I had a love hate relationship with my new passion.  When we decided to have another baby and struggled to make it happen , running took a back burner.  So it has been two+ years that I have really competitively run.  I convinced myself I needed the break, and maybe I really did.  But today I realized that I am ready to get back on the boat. Spending two years making excuses for why I wasn't running much, I have realized since having Graham how much I miss how I feel after a run.  So I committed today to run a half marathon Memorial Day weekend, the Bayshore half Marathon.  While I know the challenges that lie ahead, I also look forward to the feeling of crossing that finish line.  

Leah after 26.2 miles, amazing!!

After the race Graham and I headed home to enjoy the beautiful weather and what may possibly be our last boat ride of the season.  I have to say we have two boys who love to be on the boat!!

All and all , we had an amazing weekend!

Graham is 3 months old!!

3 MONTHS OLD!

I think Graham is now considered a baby and no longer a newborn.  Gosh while I am loving every minute with him I have to admit this makes me sad, I cannot believe how fast time is flying and how Graham is changing.

Yesterday Graham had his three month doctors visit.  He now weighs 12 pounds 8.5 ounces.  He also had to get two more shots.  I hate this part of being a Mom.  I wanted to cry for him but believe me he wasn't very happy about it.  Within a few minutes he had calmed down and lucky Graham as not had any side effects from his vaccinations yet!

Graham has moved to size 2 diapers ( sad face ).  He is however still mostly wearing 0-3 month clothes, although he is starting to fit into some of his 3-6 month outfits.  Mostly it is just because we are in need of some warming clothes because our weather has been consistently cold and raining. 

Enough of being sad about how quickly our little man is growing, Graham is such a happy boy. He loves his playmate.   He loves to kick and bat at animals.  We have also been working on belly time each day, even though it is not G's favorite.  Graham is starting to talk up a storm.  It is the sweetest thing to hear him cooing.  He has also found his fist and fingers.  Needless to say they are constantly in his mouth.  I am sure it won't be long now before he is sucking his thumb, uh oh!!

I am hoping I don't jinx things but it is fair to say Graham is pretty much sleeping through the night.  He is sleeping on average around 7 hours straight after a late feeding.  That a BOY!!  We also have a pretty good schedule down now.  After eating he plays for 45 mins to an hour and then goes down for a nap.  By late afternoon he only wakes to eat then falls almost immediately back to sleep.  While Graham is still sleeping quite a bit during the day we try to make the most of the time he is awake.  As long as he stays on schedule, Graham is such a happy baby.

Rooting on our Tigers!!

As far as his acid reflux, it seems that the Zantac is working wonders.  The doctor did up his dose a  bit because he gained weight.  He gets his medication once in the morning and once in the evening.  While it use to make him gag, he now takes it like a pro. As far as my diet I am still dairy free.  The doctor did suggest that I try to slowly add a few things back in to see if he really had a lactose intolerance or if was the acid reflux.  I am just not ready to do that yet, as I feel like we are in a great place right now and I would hate to step back.  While I certainly miss my dairy, I have learned to live without it for this long, I think I will just continue for now.

We have having professional pictures taking tomorrow with Graham and Reece.  I am hoping for even just one great shot of the boys together.  I will be sure to share them with you as soon as we get them.  Our fingers are crossed!!

Happy 3 Month Birthday G

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH

Inside my diaper bag

Inside my diaper bag by lindsay-matthews featuring a lip treatment

Burt's Bees lip treatment, $3.96 / Vera Bradley Baby Bag / 'Burpy Bib' (2-Pack) / Aden By Aden + Anais Cotton 4 Pack Muslin Swaddle Blanket / Old Navy Bodysuit 3 Pack For Baby / Pbnj Baby Paci Holder Pacifier Holder / Nursing Cover / Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers / Manhattan Toy Winkel

Just about three months in and my diaper bag has become my best friend.  While I occasionally have to make a few changes on what I bring with me (the toys mostly), these items have become my staples.  I love the Vera Bradley bag, as it is easy to access things with one hand or in a hurry, plus even loaded up it is relatively light to carry.  My only complaint would be the length of the handle, but hey a girl can't have it all for $100, right?!  

We are a Pampers family.  While I have tried Huggies and have no real complaints I found that the Pampers sit a little bit lower on Grahams belly.  So when he is sitting down in the Bumbo or his car seat he is not experiencing any irritation.  I try to keep at least four diapers in my bag at all times. Graham has a love hate relationship with the pacifier, so I always have one just in case we are in Costco and he decides he likes one!!  While we originally went with the NUK pacifier I have found that I have better luck with the Avent.  The "leash" as I call it, is a must have if for no other reason just to find it easily in my diaper bag. Graham is definitely a baby who spits up so I always have a burp cloth or two.  I really like the Aden and Anais brand.  We also love their swaddle blankets.  I keep one in my diaper bag at all times and they can be used for many purposes.  While I am not big on nursing in public the reality is in order to have a life there are times where I have had to.  The nursing cover is awesome as I can just toss it around my neck and be completely covered without smothering Graham.  

Being a breast feeding mom I seem to always be hungry so of course I try to never forget to pack a snack for myself.  I like the peanut butter Cliff Bars the best!  They are a great dairy free snack!  Lipstick these days is overrated but since the weather has been cooling down I find that my lips are constantly dry, Burts Bees is my go to.  

I am sure as Graham gets older my diaper bag will be looking different but I seem to have the essentials down for now.

Graham is 12 weeks old!

Graham - 

12 weeks ago you came into our lives or as Daddy likes to say it in days, 85 days ago now.  I am definitely feeling much more comfortable in knowing what you need, how to make you happy, and what makes you sad, which is really only when you are overly tired or hungry of course.  You have spent a week now on medication for your acid reflux and you are doing so much better, in fact last night you sleep 7 in a half hours!!! That's our boy!  I have to say you certainly are giving me a hard time going down for your naps and staying down.  The key is getting you relaxed and ready before you are exhausted, but hey as long as you continue doing great at night we will figure out the days.

 

Twelve weeks and you are now a whopping 12 pounds!! Holy cow are you growing so fast.  I am trying my best to hang onto every moment.  In fact I won't even acknowledge that you are officially 3 months old until October 19.  Why rush things, right? we have the rest of our lives to rush.  

We have been trying to have you spend more and more time on your belly and while you certainly are getting much stronger it gets tough to hold your head up too long especially when you are tired.  While I certainly think back to my mornings of slowly waking up, I love nothing more than after feeding you and lying you on the changing table first thing in the morning you stretch and give me huge grins.  You certainly know how to start my day off right. We all love when you play on your mat in morning, as you are just really starting to coo and Reece is convinced he knows exactly what you are saying! ( I certainly wouldn't pass it by him though).  You love to bat and kick the animals all while occasionally finding your own hand in your eye sight, you can't take your eyes off them!  Watching you kick, Reece is convinced you are going to be a soccer player, with him of course!!

We spent our first weekend away from you this week but Nana and Papa LOVED spending the time with you and getting to know you better.  They said you were a perfect angel!! And while we really enjoyed our time away I couldn't wait to come home pick you up and have you tuck your little arm down on my chest, knowing how content and happy you are.

If this is how great the first twelve weeks have been I cannot wait for the next twelve years, then the next and next.  Graham you have brought so much wonder and contentment into our family.  We love seeing what you are going to do next all while watching and enjoying where you are today.  

WE LOVE YOU G!!

8 YEARS!

8 years ago we had our dream wedding, little did I know how incredible the journey ahead would be!

Our marriage certainly hasn't always been easy but what worthwhile in life is.  We have fought hard to be were we are today and I feel incredible blessed to be married to my partner, my best friend, and an incredible father to our boys.

  

We had the opportunity to spend this past weekend in northern Michigan just the two of us.  We both agreed that while we have had some incredible experiences our greatest accomplishment is our two boys.  They complete our family and look forward a lifetime of experiences and making memories together !!!!

Happy Anniversary to my perfect partner.  Thank you for making me smile wider, cry harder, and love more than I ever knew possible.  I look forward to the next 100 years together!!! XOXO

Graham is 11 weeks!

So I have to be honest this has been a crazy week.  I am currently taking five classes plus a field placement in 3'rd grade all while trying to raise two boys.  I feel like my tires are spinning on overdrive and I am going nowhere.  I read a great quote today which really resonated with me about slowing down and enjoying the moment.  It said something to the effect that in 10 years you won't remember if the laundry was folded or the dishes clean, but you will remember the memories you are making with your kids.  So I am certainly going to try to make this my new motto.  I know I say this every week, but I really cannot believe that Graham is almost 3 months old!!  He has grown and changed so much.  I certainly need to slow down and enjoy him more.

Gosh we love the little rolls he is starting to get, I just eat him up!!

And wow has he changed.  The last week or so we began noticing things changing with Graham.  He started waking up again in the middle of the night and has become almost impossible to lie down for a nap or even to sleep at night unless I take him out on a run, or in the car (as long as the car doesn't stop moving).  We knew the little guy was exhausted and while occasionally he would fall asleep in his crib or on the Nap Nanny he would wake up hysterical after just a little bit.  In addition, he reverted back to showing symptoms similar to when he was diagnosed as having colic.  He was struggling nursing as well as taking a bottle and even had a few instances of choking ( HOLY HEART STOPPER).  And while I hate to even admit this I keep telling myself I would ask the doctor next time we were in at his 3 month appointment because I have just been too busy.  Well I woke up yesterday and said enough I have to call TODAY!  Not to mention he had another awful night.  So to make a long story short, Graham has acid reflux, and she thinks a pretty severe case.  This was something that was tossed around by my laceration consultant and the pediatrician when they diagnosed him with colic but then dismissed it because we saw such improvement for several weeks after I went off of dairy products.  Well now the doctors think it might not be colic at all but acid reflux.  I have to say while I love our pediatrician, I am really sick of going in there so often.  I want them to get it right and for Graham to get some permanent relief!!!  Because she thinks it is severe enough, they are starting him on Zantac.  While I know medicine isn't an exact science, I am hoping and praying this is it!!!  She said if within a few weeks we notice great improvement with Graham to start reintroducing dairy into my diet and see how things go.  While the initial idea of that excites me, as I sure have missed my ranch dressing, I am also so nervous because we have been on such a roller coaster of a ride trying to ensure Graham is healthy and comfortable.  I'll keep you posted.

On a happy note Graham is growing like a weed, he is now up to 12 pounds!  While at the pediatricians office today a lady walked in with a newborn and it made me feel a little sad because Graham looked so much bigger.  But I am happy to know that overall he is healthy growing boy.  

Team Matthews

Graham is becoming so much more alert and loves to look around.  He continues to love being outside and now stays awake for our morning runs, looking all around with wonder.  Despite his acid relax , which at times gives him discomfort, Graham is really easy going and a very content baby.  He loves to snuggle.  If he is fussing I walk over to him, snuggle him up and he immediately comes down.  LOVE!

Graham is also really trying to hold his head up.  We put him in the Bumbo for the first time this week and he seems to really enjoy it, as it offers him a whole new perspective on things being able to sit!  

Graham has the greatest Big Brother

Finally, Gregg and I are going away for the first time this weekend to celebrate our anniversary.  We are both really looking forward to it and hoping that I am able to get some much needed rest and clear my mind a bit.  Although now with Graham having had such a rough week I am nervous about leaving him, yet I  know leaving the boys with Nana and Papa they will be just fine.  We certainly we will checking in often.
  

We love this little man

Graham's kisses are priceless

As crazy as our life becomes I love coming home everyday to my family...I feel incredibly blessed and look forward to Graham experiencing it all!!

What a face!!
XOXO