Rapahel: Three Months

What? Three months?

It used to be that three months was forever time in pregnancy-land. Now three months flies by as Raphael grows just as fast.

Month three was an adjustment period for us. Thankfully Raphael handled everything perfectly. Even using a bottle came easy to him! I think taking him to daycare is harder on Mike and I then him. For now it is his routine.

Learning about our friends!

Speaking of Mike, a few photographs in month three provide all the evidence needed to prove Raphael is Mike's son. Those two are two peas in a pod. Daddy and baby time consist of a lot of napping and some "adventure time". Having a baby has brought out the kid in Mike, even giving way to a few more cartoon watching Saturdays.

I am over joyed each day when Raphael does something new. Whether he makes a new sound or simply smiles even bigger, my heart melts. This kid has got a hold on me. I am going to have to work on saying no because his smile gets me every time. I cannot imagine life without him any more.

My Grandmother made this hat and sweater set. The hat is a little small already!

I think some days my heart wants to burst with love for this little one.

We didn't like this part of the photo shoot.

This is the month when Raphael has learned to grab, pull and pinch. Between cups at the table, my hair and various clothing pieces, he is quite the little grabber. We are getting to the point where everything needs to be processed through our mouth. A lot of slobbery toys have been washed lately.

 

Look at those chunky little legs!

Mike and I got pretty sick early this month. Thankfully Raphael was spared the pink eye and head cold. Mike's family was in for the weekend when were the sickest. They were a huge help getting things done around the house and taking care of (more like spoiling) Raphael.

And then I got the stomach flu later this month. That was not a fun experience. I got sick after Raphael had gone to bed, but those sweet hours of sleep were interrupted by my need to constantly be near the toilet.  Awesome. Not some of my best parenting that next day.

Overall, month number three was awesome! With the weather getting warmer and our little guy getting bigger I can only imagine the fun we will have.

Raphael: Two Months

I can hardly believe it, Raphael is two (as I write this, already three! the plight of motherhood, everything takes longer to do) months old. Everyday he is growing, learning and becoming even more of a little human. Month two was a big month for us, lots of changes in our life including daycare and back to work for me.

Here is what we did in month two:

We took a few baths. Raphael even learned that he didn't mind bath time! We had to bathe via sponge bath for most of this month due to Raphael's bellybutton not fully closing yet. We still need a follow up visit with the doctor before we can get in anything that looks like a real tub, sorry bud.

Bath time with our ducky towel

Such a little gentleman

Raphael played on his play mat. He even started batting at the monkeys! Mike and I listen to more "monkey music" at home that real music now. At least it plays Cannon in D.

But his real favorite toy is a ceramic snowman I had on the table. He talks to it with coos and giggles. I hope it snows a little longer so I can keep the snowman out without looking like I forgot what season it was! (update as I write this post, it has not snowed in a while...it is starting to look silly).

Two months flew by. I cannot imagine how the next 10 will go! I am trying to soak it all in as fast as I can. Luckily I take tons of photos.
And videos. 

Raphael has even started to sleep more than two hours at a time during the night. Not every night, but most. His record is 8 hours IN A ROW! 
That time is so precious to me. I am so thankful for those nights. It helps me get through those other not so great nights.

I returned to work full time this month. I was nervous about the whole bottle feeding thing, but just like the go-with-the-flow kid he is already, Raphael took it well. At first he was particular about the bottle and nipple being warm, but a few weeks in and the ladies at daycare mentioned he took the bottle cold, right out of the fridge. 





I have been able to steal away a few mornings a week to get a run in. Even a brief few miles leads me feeling re-engerized and ready to tackle the day. All the stars have to align in order for me to run, but some careful planning and the right feeding time has allowed me to get out the door. 



I can still hardly believe this wonderful little man is ours.





always, Erika

Raphael: One Month

I can safely say I missed blogging for the last (almost) month. But what I did instead was much, much, much better. 

It included this:

And this:

And a little of this:

And a few of these:

And time with friends:

I have neglected my blog, I know, but the time spent with my little guy was so worth it.

Our first month was spent cuddling, taking baths, talking walks, taking naps and eating (so much eating!).

 I absolutely love being a mom. Even one month in, deciding to become parents is one of the best decisions my husband and I have ever made.

That being said, living on 6 hours of broken sleep at a time can be difficult. Phew.  I never thought I had the ability to wake every 2 hours to feed a hungry, crying child. I am getting used the schedule, which includes many naps. I enjoy all my hours nursing Raphael, but I get tired too. The first few days were rough. Not to mention that nursing makes you feel 20 pound heavier on top. 

Raphael had some jaundice, hence the light bright picture above, for the first few days of life. After a few blood test we got to get rid of the light, thank goodness. 

ok back to the baby. more post soon!