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.