8 months

With every month that passes, I am in awe that I have a child who is continually changing. Seriously, he started out as this "blob" not being able to anything. He is transforming into this little boy with so much personality. I cherish every single waking moment with this child like it would be my last. My heart really does feel like it's going to explode for how much love I have for him.

His 1st christmas was a huge success. We visited Santa, which there was not a lick of stranger anxiety. He smiled the whole time.

Christmas eve was spent at my mother's house. We had lasagna and cheesecake for dessert. We opened some presents and then heading to church. Dylan did amazing and we even sat in the front row (ran a little late). The singing seemed to calm him because he fell asleep in my arms. I was such a proud momma :)

Christmas morning we were at home because Santa came :) Dylan got a cool new car that we can push him around the house in. Eventually he'll be able to drive it himself (not battery operated). It was nice that we got to be home for our first Christmas as a little family of 3! Hopefully we can keep that tradition going. 

Jason and I got a present from Dylan that he made at daycare.  It's a little ornament with his handprint in it with a picture of him on the back and a little poem that made me bawl:
"Sometimes you get discouraged because I am so small...and always leave my fingerprints on furniture and walls.  But everyday I'm growing - I'll be grown up someday and all those tiny handprints will surely fade away.  So here's a little handprint just so you can recall exactly how my fingers looked when I was very small"  Okay, if anyone got through that without crying...how did you do it?! LOL Oh...and the wrapping paper we think was him doodling on the paper :)

 Jason's dad, stepmom and kids came over later on and we opened presents. Jason's dad restored a 1933 GE refrigerator and gave it to Jason.  He worked on it for over a year! It was Jason's great grandfathers fridge so it's been around for quite a while!

After we opened presents and had a lite lunch, we made our way to Jason's cousins house. It was a nice evening with family. We are truly blessed with some amazing people in our lives. Parker was able to go with us too so we didn't have to rush home to him. He does so well around people. He just slept under the dinner table, played with the kids and just hung out!

 Jason got me a HUGE picture and picture frame of Dylan - I absolutely LOVE IT!!!

Madeline and Colin showing Parker some love on Christmas:

I love my family:

Yesterday, the 26th, we had Christmas at my dad's house. There are so many of us and yesterday was the only day we could get together. We opened presents and hung out all day. Again, I can't say it enough...we are truly blessed. Dylan was such a trooper too. He really nap at all and wasn't cranky whatsoever! Such a good boy :)
 Dylan said he wanted to try on daddy's tie:

 Playing with Uncle Jake - I think he thinks he's weird because of his goatee...

 PaPaw and Dylan playing. 

Now time for some stats:
AGE: 8 months 3 days old (December 27)
STATS: he doesn't have his 9 month appt until jan 19. I can't even guess how tall he is but he's definitely grown because when he used to pull up on the ottoman, his mouth was right up against the piping on the ottoman and now the piping is below his chin!
SIZE: still in size 3 diapers, 6-12 month clothes and 9 month PJs. The PJs are getting a little snug so I have a feeling we'll be moving to 12 month here shortly.
SLEEPING: ugh...the past two weeks have been crazy. He's teething and going through a growth spurt so sleeping has been hell. Last week he woke up at 1am and 4am for three days in a row. Then he slept great for one night and then Xmas night he woke up 4 times and last night 2 times. Poor little guy!! I just wake up, nurse him and he goes right back to sleep. Hopefully he'll be back on track by next week when we go back to work.
EATING: BFing is still going great! Still pumping 3 times a day at work to get enough milk for daycare and I still have about 700 ounces in the deep freezer. Dylan is now getting solids twice a day. He gets a veggie after his second bottle at daycare which is around 12:30 and then he gets a fruit around 5:30-6:30 at home. There is not a single thing this kid won't eat!! After he eats his solid, he gets a sippy cup of water. He drinks probably an ounce of it and wears about half of it! He love to drink out of it though!
MILESTONES: as I said in his last update, he's crawling. He is everywhere!!! He loves climbing on the stairs, playing with ornaments on the tree, playing in Parker's food/water dishes, climbing on my stool, everywhere! LOL He got some walking assistance toys for Christmas. He can pretty much walk by himself with very little assistance. I have a feeling he'll be walking in no time!
NEW ADVENTURES: took Dylan to see Santa and he loved him! When he goes back to school on January 3rd, he's slowly going to transition into the infant 2 room. Seriously, can you please stop growing?!
FAVORITE TOYS and ACTIVITIES: he loves his new car ride that Santa brought him. We push him all around the house and he has the biggest smile on his face. We got him an activity table that he's slowing starting to us more and he love pressing the buttons. And of course he still loves the remote and Parker's toys.
FUNNY HAPPENINGS: parker got a huge bone for Xmas. He was chewing on it on the floor and I look down and realize Dylan was chewing on the other end of it! Oops!!! He's starting to throw his head back when he's throwing a fit. Someone was asking us the other day if he's started to let his arms go limp when we pick him up and we told them no...guess what he started doing today?? It's kind of funny because he just throws his arms above his head and I have to make sure I have ahold of him tightly!

7 months (a little late)

Age: 7 months 2 weeks 3 days old (December 10, 2011)
Size (clothes, diapers, etc):  He's in pampers cruisers size 3. Still in 6-12 month clothing.  He's in 9 month sleepers, but can fit in 12 month. 
Sleeping:  No need to really update this because it never changes :)  He goes down between 7:30-8:30pm and I wake him at 6:30 to get ready for daycare.  On weekends he'll sleep until 7.  He takes about 3 naps a day.  An hour one in the morning and about a 2 hour nap in the afternoon and then about a 30 minute nap in the evening.
Eating:  Dylan still nurses in the mornings and evenings and gets 3 bottles of BM at daycare.  He has moved to stage 2 solids and this kid has not ate something he doesn't like.  He gets a container of food during his 2nd bottle at daycare and then gets a container of food around the same time that we have dinner.  He does amazing and it's so cool to watch him taste a little bit at first to know what he's about to eat and then he downs the rest of it no problem!!  After he gets the food, I offer him his sippy cup, which he pretty much wears all the water he "drinks" but I think he's starting to understand how to drink out of it.  He pitches the BIGGEST fit when we take the sippy away.  I kind of laugh because it's funny to see such a personality out of a baby :)
Milestones:  He's crawling!!!!  Well...army crawl that is.  He seriously moves so fast!  The second we set him on the floor, he takes off.  He loves to go to the back door and stare outside and bang on the window.  He also loves crawling to the fireplace and bang on the metal pieces.  It's like he's making music :)  He's babbling up a storm now. He's been saying 'babababa' for about 2 weeks but just this past week he started saying "dadada".  it's the cutest thing.  We know he obviously doesn't understand what "dada" is, but whenever Jason goes to him, he instantly says "dada".  Now...let's start saying "mama", Dylan!!!
New Adventures:  Dylan's exploring the house. He just crawls to wherever he wants to go.  He loves crawling to the kitchen floor and banging on it.
Favorite Toys and Activities: He loves all of his toys that are on the floor.  As long as he has a variety of them, he's perfectly content.  It's cool to watch him go toy to toy and roll over and play with it.
Funny Happenings:  He's just an overall funny baby.  The babbles that come out of this kid's mouth is hilarious!  He's not really doing the screetching voice anymore, but he's doing this high pitch thing but he's not screaming.  He just loves talking :)
What I'm looking forward to: Dylan's first Christmas and Dylan visiting Santa!  We were going to go today but he's cutting his second tooth and just has been a little crabby so I didn't want to chance it.  We WILL be going next weekend though, that's for sure!

Dylan and Parker hanging out by the XMas tree

Seriously, how can you NOT love this boy?!

His little tooth with the right one coming in!

Hope you've enjoyed seeing pictures of this little man as much as we love taking them!  I'll try and update his 8 month a little sooner but we'll see what happens :)

As every day passes, Dylan discovers something new.  It's amazing to watch him grow and learn.  I can't believe we are so lucky to call him our son!  We love you little man!!

PS...on a side note, Dylan was born on Easter, celebrated his 7 month birthday on Thanksgiving and will celebrate his 8 month birthday on Xmas Eve!  He's one lucky little boy this year :)

Wordless Wednesday

Dylan's first tooth came in last weekend! He's growing up so fast :(

Dylan's 1st Halloween

We started off Halloween 2011 by having a parade at Dylan's daycare.  I worked from home so I could make the 3:15 start time.  J didn't know if he could make it but when we were walking outside, I spotted him!  I'm not gonna lie, I teared up a little knowing that he made it just in time to see his son's first Halloween parade!!

 He is seriously the happiest kid I know!!

Here's Dylan with his friend Luke!  Luke's parents, Jina and Mike, both went to Eastern!  Mike and J are both Sig Pi's. 

 Dylan sitting like a big boy!

 Dylan and Grandpa

I can't believe that our little man is 6 months (and one week) old!  He is growing ever so fast.  I wish he would slow down a little so I can remember this stage forever...but I guess I'll just keep blogging so I can keep these memories down!

Visiting baby Jac (and Sophia)!

My brother and sister-in-law had their second child, Jason Allen Coward, Jr (aka Jac) on 10/19/11.  We finally got to go see him on Sunday!  He's so adorable and I don't remember Dylan being that tiny!!  Makes me want to have another one :)  Dylan did amazing in the 3 1/2 hour car ride there and back.  He got a little fussy once each way but nothing a toy or paci couldn't fix!

We dressed Sophia and Dylan in their Halloween costumes too!  Strawberry Shortcake and a dinosaur :)

Wordless Wednesday

Okay, this was actually from last Tuesday (10.25.11) but I had to share!  Dylan loves bathtime!

6 months old...that's half a year!!

I know I say this every time a month goes by but...seriously?  He's 6 months old now?  It is amazing how fast time can fly when you have a baby!  It really does feel like yesterday that we were just finding out we were pregnant, just hearing his heartbeat for the first time, just finding out he was a boy...ugh!

Sunday was spent outside for most of the day.  It was absolutely gorgeous out so we took advantage of it and went to Hammel Woods which is about 20 minutes from our house.  Any time Parker gets to come with us is a time where we really get to enjoy being a family :)  This picture was taken basically at the end of our 3 1/2 hour walk...let's just say he was a very happy, tired lab!!  BTW...I bought a new carrier (Babyhawk Mei Tai) and I am regretting not buying it sooner.  It is amazing and Dylan loves it!  He's quiet and content being close to his momma!

Okay...so for a couple stats and an update on the little man :)

Thursday, October 20th we had his 6 month well check.  Doctor said he is doing great!  He weighed in at 17lbs 1.2ounces and was 27 1/4 inches long!  Doctor also told us that we should start solids because I'm not going to be able to keep up with him...I think he's full of crap because if Dylan wasn't getting enough from my BM then he'd be waking up in the middle of the night to eat.  Dylan is still STTN so I am not too worried.  We are slowly starting to give him solids though and by slowly starting I mean he's only had sweet potatoes twice.  We just started on Sunday :)  I'll post a video of him eating them later!  I think he might like them.  We didn't start him on rice cereal or any of that so I think he's just trying to get used to eating from a spoon!

Age: 6 months 1 day old (October 25, 2011)
Size (clothes, diapers, etc):  Nothing has really changed in this department except we're going from size 3 swaddlers to size 3 cruisers!  yes, we are anticipating Dylan to start crawling in the coming weeks! I'll post more on this later on in this blog!  He's in 6-12 month clothing.  The shirts are still a little long in the sleeves but we just roll them.  He's starting to fit into the jeans but, again, we're still rolling them :)  
Sleeping:  Still STTN.  Goes to bed between 7:30-8pm and wakes up between 6:15-7am.  He has started to sleep on his stomach.  The first couple of nights I didn't get much sleep because I would either run back in there and flip him or just stare at his chest on the monitor.  Now I know he's okay so he stays on his stomach the entire night.
Eating: Still getting BM like always but Sunday we started introducing solids.  He had his first bite of sweet potatoes.  He really didn't know what to think!  He kind of gagged when he got a big piece in his mouth but for the most part I call it a success since he hasn't been on rice cereal or any other kind of solid starter.  I'm contemplating making my own baby food.  I did for the sweet potatoes.  It was pretty easy, but it's time consuming.  I think once I start my new job (a whole other post in itself) I will have more time to dedicate to making his food.  We'll see what happens :)
Milestones:  He's a champ at rolling.  The second he's on his back, he flips.  He also can manuvour in a circle.  He is soooo close to crawling!  He gets up on all fours (and sometimes his hands and toes) and just rocks back and forth.  It's sooo cute!  I think he knows how to move his legs but it's those darn hands that he just can't figure out how to move at the same time!  Last night J and I were just sitting around and he just started babbling!  He started saying "babababa" so it's just a matter of time before we hear "dadadada and mamama"...yes, I know he doesn't know what these mean yet, but it's still so precious to hear his little voice!
New Adventures: Nothing really new.  Dylan loves to be worn and I love wearing him!  Sometimes I wear him on my back so I can get some chores done around the house and he just hangs out perfectly content! 
Favorite Toys and Activities: I caved and bought Sophie the giraffe that was $17!  J asked why I spent so much money on a dog toy (no, it's not really a dog toy but it's rubbery and squeaks just like one though).  I don't know what the deal is about this toy but it's like crack for kids.  He LOVES her!  I think it's her long thin legs that he's able to easily chew on and the fact that he can barely touch her and she squeaks!  All I know is is that I am happy I bought it!!
Funny Happenings:  He's doing this screatch thing where he tries to scream at the top of his lungs but nothing really comes out.  I'm so afraid he's going to grow up with a raspy voice! ha!
What I'm looking forward to: The holidays!  I can't wait to experience all the 1st holidays as a family and take lots and lots of pictures!!!

Dylan's just chatting with his brother, Parker :)  Man, I love these guys!

5 months (another one :) )

So I totally forgot that I wanted to do these stats each month so I am posting another 5 month blog :)
Age: 5 months 4 days old (September 28, 2011)
Size (clothes, diapers, etc):  He's still in size 3 diapers.  He'll probably be in this size for quite a while since they are for up to 28 pounds!  He's fitting snuggly into 6-9 month clothes.  The 6-12 month clothes are a little loose on him but they still fit.  I didn't want to really buy any 6-9 month winter stuff because I thought it was a waste of money since he'd only be in them for about a month...this way, he can wear the 6-12 month stuff all winter long :)  I'm sure I'll still buy him more clothes because I'm crazy like that, but for the most part, I've already bought the bulk of his wardrobe for the winter.  I just need to find a fall jacket. 
Sleeping:  He has always been an amazing sleeper and he still is.  He goes to bed around 8-8:30pm and doesn't wake up until 6:30-7am every day. (Definitely gets his sleeping habits from his father!!) ...This still has not changed.
Eating: Still just getting the boob.  One more month before we'll start solids!  I'll continue to BF him in addition to the solids though.
Milestones:  I noticed for his 4 month stats that he wasn't rolling back to front yet but I can now say that he has mastered this!  He'll be on his back for literally 2 seconds and he's already flipping himself onto his stomach.  He's so cute :)  He LOVES his toes.  I'm finding it harder to change his diaper because he just wants to eat his toes all the time!
New Adventures: We had our first "overnight without Dylan" a week ago. He stayed with my parents Thursday morning through Sunday evening while we went to Vegas for Andrea and Freddie's wedding.  We had a blast, Dylan had a blast but I definitely missed my little guy while we were away!! 
Favorite Toys and Activities: He loves his jumparoo (baby einstein thing).
Funny Happenings:  Nothing really.  He just puts smiles on our faces 24/7...it's pretty awesome!!
What I'm looking forward to: We are getting family pictures done on October 15th and also getting some of Dylan since he'll be 6 months. So excited!!!!

5 months (and a couple days)

It's really hard to try and find time to write a blog. I wish I had more time to update on a weekly basis, but that's just not gonna happen, so monthly it will be for a while.

Dylan is growing like crazy.  I don't have exact stats because he doesn't have a well check until he's 6 months old.  I weighed him on our scale at home the other night and he's up to 16 pounds :)

Dylan went to his first Thresherman's Parade in Pontiac over Labor Day weekend.  He loved it (and so did Parker).

We spent the day out at Grandma and Grandpa Rambo's house.  It was a nice and relaxing Sunday!  So glad that Parker got to make the trip with us!

Sunday, September 11th we all went to Bussey Woods in Schaumburg.  We hung out and walked around until I had my softball games that night.  Parker went nuts because of all the new smells!  He loved it!! Dylan loved hanging out in his stroller and just looked around the whole time! 

Love this kid to pieces!!!

It was a nice day to be outside and I am so thankful to have some amazing men in my life to share it with!

Jason and I went to Vegas Sept 15 -18...I'll put that in a whole other post since this one is about Dylan!  I will say that those were the hardest days because we left him with my parents!

Dylan is changing every single day.  His little personality is so awesome.  He's so laid back all the time but the second he's hungry, he's like, I need food NOW!!!  He loves his baby einstein bouncy chair now that his feet can touch the ground.  It's so funny to watch him bounce up and down in it!  He loves twirling himself around to all the different play areas on it.  He's rolling front to back and back to front with ease now.  If he's on his back, within seconds he flips himself over to his belly and looks up at you with the biggest "look what I just did" smile on his face!  So precious

We've been battling a cough for almost 2 weeks now.  I finally took him to the pedi yesterday and they told me that coughs could linger up to 3 weeks so we shouldn't be worried.  Just wanted to make sure it wasn't anything worse...which it wasn't!

I have to admit, I am a milk machine and proud of it!  I haven't had any issues with my supply and I am so thankful that I have been able to continue to nurse him and pump during work to provide him with what he needs!  We still haven't started him on solids yet, so he's still strictly on breastmilk.  We'll start solids at 6 months so be prepared for a food update for his 6 month blog! 

It's so awesome to watch him interact with Parker. he's really reaching for him now when he goes to give him a big slobbery kiss on the face.  He reaches his arms out and basically hugs his face.  Those two are going to get into some major trouble when they're older...I just know it!

Anywho...I know I'm just starting to ramble now :)  I really hope that Dylan one day is able to look back on these blogs and understand just how much his parents love him.  It's such an incredible feeling to have inside, knowing we are the ones creating/molding this little guy into the person that he'll one day become.  I hope all of his wishes and dreams come true and that he never gives up hope.  We will support him in whatever he wants to do and become because he is our son and our love is unconditional.  We love you, Dylan!!!

Ugh...such a little man!!!

Finally some pictures

So this past weekend we went downtown.  We loaded up Dylan and Parker and went to Lincoln Park Zoo (okay, we walked on the outside bc Parker wasn't allowed in).  We met up with one of Jason's co-workers so our dogs could meet, but they couldn't play bc her dog had pink eye :(

They both did an amazing job and were big troopers!

Dylan really has a very laid back personality and he pretty much just goes with the flow.

Dylan and Parker got to hang out with the cows.  Parker didn't know what to think of them...we scurried right along before we caused a stampede!

I really can't believe Dylan is already 4 months old!  Time sure is flying and we are enjoying every waking minute we have with him!