Keaton's First Christmas

Keaton's first Christmas came and went like a flash. All this time preparing and it's over so fast! Keaton had a great first Christmas and added such enjoyment to the traditional festivities with our families. Christmas Eve church service...not so great. We got all dressed up, drove to church, sat down and 2 minutes later Keaton was SCREAMING! I immediately took him out and tried to calm him down....yeah, that was not happening. We figured out that it was when the congregation clapped after a performance that scared the crap out of him that he started screaming. Needless to say we only lasted a couple minutes and had to go home. My poor boy was so scared and would not stop screaming, the tears were rolling.

Christmas day, however, went very well. He napped well and enjoyed the whole day. Between my parents, my brother, and my grandma...he will be well dressed for the year and entertained for hours. I can't believe it is all over but I'm very excited for the new year and to watch my little boy grow. : )

Bath Time Fun!

Keaton absolutely loves getting a bath. We use this little squirt bottle that I got from the hospital to spray on him and he thinks it is hilarious. I can get him laughing hysterically, it is so cute! His feet are kicking constantly because he loves to splash....I can't wait until he can sit up and play with toys in the tub.

Watch out dads...

5 Months

5 months already?!?!? I feel like I just did his 4 month post. Every month he changes so much! Keaton is developing quite the personality...loves to smile and "talk" to everyone and anyone. My little man is not so little any more. He is now doing the following:

- Grabbing his feet every chance he can get

- Eating cereal every morning (barley, oatmeal or rice) and doing awesome with eating off a spoon

- Rolling over constantly (although he seems to forget how to roll from belly to back and gets stuck)

- Moved up to size 3 diapers and size 6-9 months clothes

- Holding his bottle (with minimal assistance)

Some things that he is doing that is not so fun....

- Now that he wants to roll over on his belly all the time he is starting to do this at night. Once he gets to his belly he doesn't want to be there and since he seems to forget how to roll back he wakes up SCREAMING! I try to run over and roll him back over before he gets too worked up but it never works. He is screaming his head off and won't stop. All the shhhhing and patting (without picking him up) does squat!!!! You have to pick him up to calm down. He is waking up screaming now (because he is on his belly) around 9:30pm, 12:30am and 4:00am EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT and taking about 20-30 minutes to calm him down each time! UGH! I miss my baby that only wakes up once a night (not screaming either), even sleeping through the night, to eat quick and goes right back down. I sure hope this passes soon!!!! It may be some teething issues too, I'm not sure.

- Naps!!! UGH...these are frustrating and I'm at my wits end with them. I am happy to have him on a consistent nap schedule (8am, 12:30pm (small cat nap) and 3:30pm) but he will not do the crib or any other place other than in my arms! This means I spend about 4 hours a day up in the nursery sitting in the rocking chair holding him to sleep. Every day around his nap times, I take him upstairs, turn off the lights, turn on his lullaby music and "dance" around the room with him until he gets drowsy and sometimes attempt the crib but most of the time I just sit down with him and let him nap to avoid Screamfest 2009. He knows the routine though...as soon as I walk into the room and put that music on he starts calming down to sleep (with little fussing). I guess I have some progress there but I plan to work on the next phase after Christmas to not stress myself out too much. So I will continue to sit in his room with him for about 4 hours of my day until I work on the next phase. It does force me to relax and maybe get a couple minutes of shut eye. I play games on my blackberry if I'm not relaxing. Oh, the things us mothers do for our children!!!! If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

Other than that...he is a very happy boy and he makes us smile every day!!! Below are some pics of my little guy. Enjoy!

Stress and Worry

I can't remember a day when I felt completely relaxed and stress-free...those days remain back in my childhood. I am a constant worry wort that can NEVER shut my brain off even for one second. I spend countless hours thinking about anything and everything that I have this constant knot in my stomach. So you can only imagine how much WORSE it has gotten for me after having a baby.

I can't stop researching and asking people about my parenting skills wondering if I am doing something wrong. I spend hours after Keaton goes to bed reading and looking up information about sleeping through the night, napping in crib, eating solids, milestones, you name it! I can't seem to get this thought out of my head that I am doing something wrong with raising my son. People can tell me a hundred times that I am doing a great job but I have a hard time believing it. I hate that I am this way because I really think I am missing out on the enjoyment of being a parent. Don't get me wrong...I love being a parent and watching Keaton grow everyday is such a blessing but I struggle everyday to relax! I am so worried that I ask myself things like...Will Keaton stay on his schedule today?, Will he take 2 naps today? Will he nap longer than 1 hour? Will he take all his bottle? What if he cries when we go to the mall?. I stress when I have to leave him with Erik for a couple hours so I end up texting him the whole time to check up. I trust that Erik can take care of things, I just worry that something will happen or Erik won't do something quite the way I like to do things, etc. Why do I feel this way all the time?

Let's take Keaton's napping issues...I worry myself to death about how I am "training" him to nap. I sit and read all these different sleep training techniques that my head is about to explode. Every "expert" has a different opinion and it makes a new mom go crazy with confusion. I can't stop worrying about this!!!! I'm trying so hard to be happy that I am being consistent with my abilities and that one day everything will just fall into place. This napping issue is just ONE thing that I stress about on a daily basis.

I knew that this parenting adventure was not going to be easy but wow, I am beyond stressed! I just want everything I do to be perfect for my son and I am sacrificing my happiness for him. I know that this is not healthy but I can't seem to lose this knot in my stomach and this constant nervous feeling that I have. Hopefully someday soon I will learn to relax and believe in my abilities but this is something I have struggled with my entire adult life.

My Little Reindeer!

It's been one year...

My boy today!

(November 21, 2009)

And one year ago, I woke up to this...

(November 21, 2008)

The start of solids...

Yesterday was Keaton's 4-month check-up (and shots). He was such a good boy laughing and smiling at the doctor...until shot time! His big smile quickly turned into a Mr. Sad Face and he started screaming!!! My poor boy!!! It didn't last long and he was calm by the time we left the doctors office. He did a lot of sleeping the rest of the day and was a little extra fussy in the evening time. Doctor was very pleased with his weight gain and he was so happy to show her all of his developmental milestones right on the examining table. He was trying to roll over the whole time, grabbing for her examining instruments, and following her around the room with his eyes. She was so happy to see such an advanced little 4-month old. Erik is also happy to see that Keaton seems to have mommy's height (as of right now) and measuring 26 inches...that is up 4 inches since his last appt. He is above average for both weight and height. Keaton is becoming a big boy!

We got the go ahead to start Keaton on some solids so this morning we started him with a little rice cereal. He didn't do too bad and seems to like the change. We are in no rush to start him on all kinds of other foods so we will stick to the cereals for awhile. It's so cute to watch him try to eat off a spoon and amazing to watch him learn something that we take for granted each and every day. I didn't realize that the high chair we got has different reclining positions so you can use it at an earlier age...I was excited to discover this. I can't believe my little man is growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital and now he is sitting in a high chair eating rice cereal from a spoon. Erik and I are trying to enjoy every minute with him because in a blink of an eye he will be all grown up.

First time in the high chair having some rice cereal

"Come on mom, enough with the pictures...just feed me!"

And this one was just too cute not to post...excited for his afternoon walk

4 Months

Today my little man is 4 months old!!! Time is flying and he is changing so much everyday. I love to just watch him grow and explore new things each and everyday.

Now that he is hitting the 4 month stage, it's time to start some sleep training. Right now he is doing pretty good with bedtime. We stick to a strict bedtime routine starting at 7:30pm. We give him a bath first, followed by a lotion massage, we then put his pajamas on, turn off the lights and give him a bottle and rock him until he gets drowsy....put him in his crib, turn on his raindrop sounds and his is out within a matter of minutes. He will usually sleep a good 5-7 hours before he needs to get up for a quick snack. I feed him and put him back in the crib and he will sleep until 6-7am. Occasionally he will play around in the crib for 15 minutes or so when I put him back down in the middle of the night but he does put himself to sleep without any crying. Overall I am very happy with how he is sleeping...eventually we will try to wean that middle of the night feeding when he is ready.

Now, napping during the day is a whole different story. I can't seem to get Keaton to sleep in his crib during the day. He will only nap in his swing, car seat or on me. I keep trying the crib but he screams bloody murder every time. I think I need to change up my strategy and how I go about getting him to go down without a struggle. Right now when I see that he is getting sleepy, I will pick him up and rock with him until he gets drowsy but that is always a fight...he screams for a couple minutes until he calms himself down to get sleepy. I put him in his swing and he will usually sleep for 1-2 hours (sometimes more). I bought "the no cry sleep solution" and "no cry nap solution" books by Elizabeth Pantley and plan to use some of her techniques in getting him to nap better and to nap in the crib. I hope it all works out soon but WOW, those books have so much information in them that it is so much to process. It all seems so complicated! I didn't know it took this much "training" to get a baby to sleep properly...it sure opened my eyes! For you ladies out there that have a baby that sleeps at night and naps great during the day without doing any type of training or routine...YOU ARE LUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, over the last month, Keaton has done the following:

• Rolled over belly to back (he now can do both ways)
• Blows bubbles constantly and drools constantly
• Giggles and laughs
• Constantly grabbing on to things and bringing it to his mouth (bib, bottle, toys, my shirt, everything)
• Sitting up VERY well and wants to do it all the time (still obviously needs assistance but he is doing awesome)
• Graduated to size 6 months clothes (Carters)
• Talks (baby talk) ALL THE TIME...he is going to be just like daddy

Keaton loves walks!!!

Cute Pics

Floor time fun with mommy!

First time riding forward in the stroller like a big boy! He loves it!

Working those neck muscles.

A day in the life of mommy and Keaton Thomas

6am-7am - Keaton wakes up and I get him dressed for the day

7am - Feed Keaton a bottle while daddy makes breakfast

7:30am-8:30am - Read Keaton a book and play on the floor

8:30am - 10:00am - Keaton takes a nap and I either get some work done or do chores around the house.

10:00am - 10:30am - Feed Keaton a bottle

10:30am - 12:00pm - Play with Keaton or run our errands for the day

12:00pm - 1:30pm - Keaton takes a nap and I watch some TV and get on the internet, also eat some lunch

1:30pm - 2:00pm - Feed Keaton a bottle

2:00pm - 3:30pm - Play with Keaton

3:30pm - 5:00pm - Keaton takes a nap and I get a couple things done around the house while daddy makes dinner

5:00pm - 5:30pm - Feed Keaton a bottle and eat my dinner

5:30pm - 7:30pm - Watch TV with Keaton and play on the floor (Keaton also likes to get undressed down to his diaper and play on the floor...he LOVES this)

7:30pm - Bath time and get changed for bed

8:00pm - Feed Keaton his bottle and put him to bed

8:00pm - 10:00pm - Mommy and daddy get things cleaned up from the day and just relax

10:00pm - Bed time for mommy and daddy

2:30am - 4:30am - Anytime between these hours Keaton will wake up for a bottle (sometimes he won't wake up and sleep through the night)

6:00am - 7:00am - Keaton wakes up and we do it all over again!!!

Some days daddy does this schedule while I go into work for a bit. Erik is super helpful around the house and I am very lucky to have him working from home a lot during the week.

What I've learned and my advice...

As every first time mom-to-be you spend so much time wondering how life is going to be with a baby and whether you will be good at it. Over the past 3 months I've learned so much. Here is some helpful advice for you new moms-to-be.

What I've learned over the past 3 months...

1. Taking care of an infant is all about trial and error. Since they can't tell you what is wrong, just keep trying different things until you figure it out.
2. The first couple months are very tough (at least for me). The adjustment to a new life was a VERY hard struggle for me but things DO get better. Everyone kept telling me it would and I really didn't think it would happen but it is!
3. If someone offers to help you out...take it!!! Life becomes so overwhelming in those first couple months and getting a break for yourself is a necessity!
4. Communicate!!! If you are getting frustrated or if something is on your mind...tell your husband. It's so important to work as a team and talk about your issues. No one is a mind reader so make sure to express those feelings. Your marriage will get so much stronger if you do this.
5. Don't let other mothers get you down for not doing what they think is right for your baby. I got a lot of disappointed looks and comments from other mothers when they found out that I was not breast feeding. Only you and your family know what is right. Be proud of your decisions.
6. If you feel that you are struggling with postpartum depression...seek help immediately! I thought I could fight through it but needed help. Now I am feeling so much better and enjoying my life with my son.
7. Getting out of the house with baby is a must do! I try to get out once a day with Keaton even if it is just to run to the bank. You will go stir crazy in the house if you don't get out.
8. Enjoy every second with your baby (even those middle of the night feedings)! That saying "they grow up so fast" is so true. It is absolutely amazing how much Keaton has changed over the past 3 months.
9. If you can't get the dishes washed for one day, it's ok!! Household chores definitely take a back seat once you have an infant. I'm lucky to have a clean freak for a husband so he makes sure to keep things cleaned up but some days it can't get done and that's ok.
10. Don't ignore your pets. Del has been adjusting well but I definitely don't have as much time to spend with him as I did. At times I look at him and start crying because I feel that he is sad because I can't be with him all the time. I make sure to spend some time with him every day so he knows that he is still loved. He was my first baby and always will be.

I know there is so much more that I could say but that is some basic advice for new moms-to-be. Just know that it is tough in the beginning but with the help of friends and family, you will get through it. There is nothing better than raising a child!

3 Months

Where did the time go? My baby boy is 3 months old today! He has changed so much over the past 3 months. He is now doing the following:

- Rolling over from back to belly (he likes to sleep this way now too).

- Has lots to say now...making all kinds of cooing sounds.

- Wanting to sit up all the time.

- Looks at everything!!! He is so aware of his surroundings.

- Smiling at everyone.

- Starting to grab on to toys if you place them near his hands.

- Responds to sounds and gets startled by loud noises.

- Taking 7oz bottles! He's my little eater!

- In size 2 diapers.

- In size 3-6 month clothes (some bigger depending on brand).

- Taking smaller naps during the day.

- Growing more and more hair.

Keaton got his first cold the other day and he is still stuffy today. My poor boy! : ( I hope this ends soon for him.

We have a roller...

Last night at 8pm, Keaton rolled over from back to belly. Every night about a half an hour before bed time we undress Keaton down to his diaper and let him play on the floor (he LOVES it). I was just about to start getting his PJs on when I noticed him trying to roll over. It on;ly took him a minute or so and he was on his belly. He has been so close to rolling over for the past couple weeks but he finally did it! I turned him over on his back and he rolled over again. Mommy and Daddy were clapping in excitement. : )

Baptism

My baby boy was blessed yesterday morning and he was perfect up until we were ready to leave. I couldn't ask for a more well behaved little guy. After church everyone came back to our house for a small luncheon. Everything was perfect and Keaton got some wonderful gifts as well. Thank you to everyone that attended and all the great gifts. We all love you very much!

And yes Keaton is wearing a gown. This christening gown has been in Erik's family for 95 years. Keaton's great grandfather was the first to be baptized in it. Erik was also baptized in it so it was very special for Keaton to wear it that day. That is what babies wore back in the 1900's to be baptized.

All of the lovely gifts from friends and family.

"I love my godparents" onesie and Guitar outfit from Keaton's Godparents. So cute!

Quilt that my grandmother cross-stitched all on her own (85 yrs. old). What a touching gift!

Finding Nemo quilt that the ladies at our church made for Keaton.

Keaton with my friends.

Keaton with his Great Grandmother

Keaton with his Godparents, Angela and Scott

With the grandparents

Keaton with his proud parents

Keaton with Pastor Willard. He slept the whole time.

Sound asleep with mommy.