First Haircut @ 14 Months

Sunday we decided to take Mason to get his first haircut. He had started to get crazy hair, and had several long random pieces. We went to a place called by our house that has a first haircut package including the haircut, a "my first haircut" certificate, and a photo. He sat in my lap and did very well. Here is what his hair looked like:


Here is him after the haircut:

It is pretty short, but it is all even, and hopefully will grow in nicely now. Since I don't have a color scanner to show you the professional picture, I took a picture of the computer screen when we were picking our favorite picture:

He is even more handsome now with his haircut! He is such a big boy!!♥♥

Click on his 1 year album to see more pictures...

1 Year- We made it!!

One year ago today, I was in the hospital impatiently patiently awaiting the arrival of my son. It is true what they say about looking back at that day not remembering anything, except for seeing your baby for the first time. I don't remember how the nurse kept wanting to check me every time I fell asleep, or how it burned when I got my epidural, or how after 13 hours of labor, I ended up needing a c-section, or how nervous I was being wheeled into the operating room, and how after I had the baby, they wheeled me into the tiniest hospital room ever, and how I had to use a spray bottle when using the restroom, or how I cried every time I laughed because of the pain of my stomach moving nope, I don't remember any of that, just holding Mason for the first time! In all honesty, for those of you who don't have kids, you DO remember that day, but you focus more on seeing your baby then on the other stuff.

This year has flown by, it is amazing how every day brings something new and exciting. Mason is walking all over the place- more than crawling, he claps his hands, loves to play patty cake, he waves hi & bye, and he "talks" all the time. He has the top 2 & bottom 2 teeth, and is getting 2 more up top. He eats anything and everything, and doesn't drop a bite- the boy can eat. I look back at pictures throughout this last year, and I can't believe how much he has changed, and how much I have changed as a parent. I remember thinking that I wasn't going to survive the first 6 weeks, and now look at us 1 year later.

From reading my previous posts you will know that I have come to learn a few things after having a child, so without further adieu:
Top 10 things I have learned over the past year:
10. When people tell you to sleep as much as you can before the baby comes- do it. I am not talking just an extra hour or so a night, I say hybernate the whole 9 months- even doing that, you will still be tired.
9. Don't be upset if you can't end up breastfeeding or if you end up with a c-section- some things are out of your control.
8. "Running in" anywhere is still out the question. In the beginning you just had too much stuff to haul in with you(ie: diapers, wipes, clothes, socks, bottles, bibs, the swing, etc...) but now you have the joy of a screaming child when you try to put him back in the car seat 15 minutes after he got out.
7. Enjoy the puree food stage, because once they get to table food it is much harder coming up with variety.
6. Have your husband look into getting a second job, because buying baby related items becomes an obsession- I am a sucker for sippy cups & bottles
5. In the beginning you look for quiet restaraunts, because you just spent hours trying to get the baby to go to sleep so you can have 1 peaceful HOT meal. Now that the baby is older, you look for kid friendly, loud restaraunts, so people don't notice your child is screaming & throwing food all over the floor.
4. You have stopped buying Carter's clothes, because even though they have some really cute stuff, you need the baby to be able to wear it longer than 2 washes.
3. In a perfect world, your child will only eat organic, healthy food- guess what? It isn't a perfect world- give that baby a cookie, would ya?!
2. The "baby" excuse can get you out of everything! Ha!

And the top thing I have learned this past year is:
1. Time goes by way too quick, so take the time to really get on the floor and play with your baby. If that means putting other stuff off, then do it- they will only be young for so long.

Mason's birthday party is next week, so I will post again then...(click below to see pics)

Happy 1st Birthday to the sweetest little boy, Mason Michael♥

11 Months

I thought you said I would be one next week?

I am a little late on my 11 month post, but since he doesn't have an 11 month check up, I had nothing to update. Memorial weekend we headed up to Disney & Sea World to spend some time with family and friends. It was so nice to get away, and Mason did really well. He is walking all over the place, most days he walks more than he crawls. He still looks like Frankenstein, and Cousin Jax loves to imitate his walk. Next week he will be 1 already, and the following week will be the big birthday party, so don't forget to RSVP. Check out his 11 month pictures in his web album...

Walking @ 10 Months

Over the past week Mason has been taking steps here & there between people or objects. Yesterday he kept letting go of stuff and taking several steps like a little Frankenstein. He chooses crawling over walking now because he gets there faster, but we can definitely call him a walker! I am going to try to get a video of it, and will post it when I do. Now if I could only find shoes to fit his fat feet!

10 Months

Mason Michael
10 Months
28.5" Tall
19lbs

I have been one busy Momma, and that is why I have been slacking on my blog. Mason is a very active boy, always on the go. Besides crawling everywhere, he walks behind his toys, and this past weekend, he took 2 steps on his own. I don't think he will take off quite yet, but he is definitely trying. He eats all table food, and is becoming quite the little pig. He eats more than my 2 nephews combined! He is also becoming the best of friends with his 2 cousins, especially Jax who he is with during the week. He still just has the 2 bottom teeth, but he is in the process of getting all 4 front teeth- you can see his swollen gums and the outline of all 4. We have been spending most of our weekends outdoors with either his cousins, or friends, at the park, beach, or pool. Mason loves "swimming" in the pool, and is becoming a little fish. We will be heading back to Disney Memorial Day weekend, so we are looking forward to that. We also visited Miami Seaquarium with his cousins, and his 2 new friends, Hailey & Kayla. Mason really enjoyed it, and was looking and laughing at everything.

A few things I have learned having a 10 month old:
1. At least for me, it is impossible to feed 100% healthy food all the time
2. My Child LOVES hot dogs- please don't call DCF on me for giving them to him
3. Kids do not like shoes, even if they are really cute shoes
4. I never thought diarhea could smell so bad out of a baby so small
5. Chicken nuggets do not harm your child
6. You will have many pictures of your babies eyes closed, or back of head, because they won't sit still for a picture once they are mobile
7. It becomes your life's mission to get the boogers out of your babies nose
8. It is funny to see your child stand up in the bath to pee, then sit back down
9. You find yourself asking "When did you eat corn?"
10. Last, but not least, my motto: "A clean baby is a happy baby"

Less than 2 months until Mason is 1!!! WOOHOO!!
New pics in his web album- 9 months, 9 months easter, & 10 months...

8 Months & All Over The Place

8 Month Stats:

Height 27" Weight 17lbs 14oz

Teeth- Bottom 2

Baby Food- Stage 2 puree (doesn't like stage 3) Not a fan of puree bananas or peaches

"Real" Food he likes- Toast, waffles, vanilla waffers, ritz crackers, grilled cheese, sliced cheese, french fries, sweet potatoe fries, mixed vegetables, stawberries

"Real" Food he's not too sure about- Pancakes, noodles (any kind/flavor- I think it's a texture thing), bananas, pears (He LOVES puree fruit though)

Baby Snacks he likes- Puffs, yogurt melts

Crawling- YES- Officially began crawling on his 8 month birthday (he was scooting before that)

Standing- YES- LOVES TO STAND! I have caught him letting go of things while standing

Sleep- (insert whispering here- I don't want Mason to know we are discussing this) As you have read in the past, Mason has NEVER slept through the night. I was given all kinds of advice, and I recently borrowed a couple books from a friend about sleep training. Well, I believe Mason got wind of me talking about possible letting him cry it out, or using some other methods, so he has decided for the past 4 nights to sleep from 7:30ish pm-5:30ish am . (insert "Yay" here) I left the sleep training books on his dresser, just so he knows I am still exploring our options if need be.

A few things I have learned after 8 months of being a Mom:

1- It is possible to run in somewhere & not bring half of your house- You can even go run around all day without 6 outfit changes "just in case" he gets something on him.

2- You can travel with only 1 bottle- He can't drink out of more than one at once can he? You can even go as far as rinsing it out in a public place! Crazy, right? Who knew...

3- He doesn't have to have the "perfect" outfit- as long as it's clean & the colors pretty much match, you are good to go.

4- You don't have to run to pick him up the instant he starts crying- as long as he isn't hurt, a little crying won't hurt him- really, it won't.

5- This may get some people mad, but I'm going to say it- If he doesn't eat, sleep, drink, play on the same set schedule every day, that's OK. Mason has a rough schedule, but if I decide to shop all day on Saturday & he misses a good nap, or doesn't eat exactly at 12pm, our lives won't stop. I don't know how other women can stick to these strict schedules- to me that is not reality. (FYI- the above statement is not directed at anyone I know, it actually came from Mason's last helmet appointment. A woman was trying to make her daughters next appointment, and the first day & time she was given, her response was "That won't work, that is her nap time". The receptionist gives her another day & time, her response was "That won't work either, she eats lunch at that time." I honestly thought- are you kidding me?!) Again- PLEASE don't take offense to this if you are a "strict" schedule keeper- if it works for you & your baby, that's all that matters!

Check out Mason's 7th & 8th month web album for new pictures...

Standing Up, Round Head, 2 Teeth, Not Sleeping

Mason has officially graduated from his helmet. His head looks amazing, what a difference only 11 weeks made. We are very pleased we went ahead and did the helmet, and would recommend it to anyone who needs it!

Mason has 1 tooth, and one is about to break through right next to it. Teething is such a fun experience- I curse the tooth fairy every night! His little teeth are so cute, I love them♥

Mason decided yesterday to pull himself up in his crib. He kept doing it, then he would start laughing. He also pulled himself up holding onto the couch. I can't believe he is standing before he is even officially crawling. He can scoot to anywhere he wants to go, then sit himself up, but he is not crawling on all 4's. He will get up on all 4's, move a little, then fall. I believe he will be crawling officially very soon.


The dreaded question people love to still ask- "Is he sleeping through the night" NO (Insert screaming here)!

Oy vey- I am hoping maybe by the time he enters college, he will be sleeping through the night!? Everyone likes to share what worked for them, which I appreciate, but I am still trying to figure out what works for us. I know that he eats and drinks enough throughout the day to where he does not need a bottle to go back to sleep. I think at this point, he just relies on it, and that is not good. I know most people suggest the "cry it out" method, but honestly, I don't know if I can do it, even if it does mean that I can get some sleep. Now, I do give it 15 minutes before I go in his room, but to think of him sitting in there crying, waiting for me to come in and pick him up, and I don't, just breaks my heart. I feel like he is crying because he wants me, so how do I not go to him?! Don't judge, but I also change his diaper when he wakes up at night- is this bad too? Am I waking him up more?! These babies need manuals... I want to know what works for you, but if I hear one more story of how your 2 month old sleeps 10-12 hours/night- I am going to scream!
Please take time to vote on the the top right hand side of the blog of what your method is...

*Check his web album for a couple new pictures.

Obsessed

Just for fun, I asked other Mom's what is the one baby related item they are obsessed with buying. Here are the results:

Clothes (general)- 2

T-Shirts- 1

Hats- 1

PJ's- 3

Cloth Diapers- 2

Headbands- 1

Shoes- 1

Food- 3

Sippy Cups- 2

Strollers- 1

When results first started coming in, I was afraid I was the only one not obsessed with buying clothes. If you can't tell from the picture, my obsession is baby bottles & sippy cups! I can't get enough of them! It's crazy, right? I could spend hours just looking at the different kinds of bottles & sippy cups. Mason has 6 types of bottles & 5 types of sippy cups. The sad part is, he really doesn't know how to drink from a sippy cup quite yet, but I can't stop buying new ones!

(New pictures in his web album- 7 months)

Rub a dub dub...

Masey in the tub...Happy Friday!

More pictures in his web album...

1/2 A Year Old

"I'm how old?"

Height 26 1/2"
Weight 15lbs 13oz

Wow, where has the past 6 months gone?! Mason is now pretty much sitting up un-assisted- he's still a little webble wobble, but getting better every day. He loves to sit up, play in his bouncer or exersaucer, and he is so amused by his cousins, Jax & Logan. He is eating solids 2 times a day. So far he has tried: pears, apples, bananas, banana/blueberry mix, peaches, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, & carrots. He HATES green beans & peaches, but likes everything else. The Doctor said that once he is completely sitting up on his own, we can give him some table food that is soft enough for him to gum since he has no teeth yet. He still wakes up once a night, but I am beginning to think he is just toying with me!
He went to Disney World for the first of many times, and he did great. He got to meet his other cousin, Madison, and he thought she was pretty great too. I took 1 picture the whole week- I know, it's terrible, but it was so hard to stop and pull the camera out! He is doing great with his helmet, and his head is rounding out great. We get MANY looks, but I don't even pay attention to them. Only a couple people have actually asked why he wears it. He is a very happy baby, and the past 6 months have really been amazing. He is really at a great age right now, and we can't wait to see what he learns to do next!

PS- I have been terrible at taking pictures, but there are a couple more in his 5 month album. (Click his picture on top left side of blog)

New Hat for Mason

Mason got a new "hat" for the winter! As you know, the pediatrician had noticed a flat spot developing on Mason's head around 2 months old. By 3 months old, we went to see the plastic surgeon about Mason's head. We then went back 6 weeks after that, and his head shape had not improved. So, we picked up Mason's helmet on Friday! Hopefully, he should only be in it for 2-3 months, and it has to worn 23 hours a day. He has adjusted fine to it, so that's good. We, of course, get stares when we are out, but it's more of the "I feel sorry for him, because something must be wrong with him" stare. I honestly wish that people would ask me why he is wearing it, so I can tell them there is nothing wrong with him. He just has a flat spot that is mis-shaping his head, and the helmet is rounding out his head to correct it.

I think he looks cute!!♥

5 Months Old

Weight: 14lbs 5oz
Height: 25 3/4"

I really don't know how we got to 5 months old already. I feel like the last 5 months have been a blur. It goes by so quickly, and Mason is changing every day- literally, every day! Yesterday he decided that he is now a 100% roller. He had rolled a few times here & there in the past, but I think they were on accident. Last night I was playing with him on the floor, and he kept rolling onto his stomach then onto his back! Also, he slept on his stomach for most of the night last night. It was a long night, though. He isn't a huge fan of "tummy time", so he would sleep on his stomach for a while, then roll back over, but he would fling himself so hard onto his back that he would wake up! Hopefully after a few nights, he will figure it out!

Mason is still not sleeping through the night! All of you Mom's out there who's kids do sleep through the night- please don't tell me about it! He is getting better, so on a "good" night, he wakes up 1 time. Also, Mason is not quite used to a lot of noise when he sleeps, so this pretty much sums up how I feel once he is asleep:

Even after 5 months, I really feel like I don't have enough time in the day. Working full time, and taking care of Mason, I really have no time for anything else. It is definitely still a work in progress to balance everything!



There are a couple new pictures in his 4 month album, and 5 month album. (click his picture on top left side of blog)

Coming soon: Mason's new winter "hat"...

Mud Bogs, Cereal, & Toys, Oh My!

Mason went to his 1st Mud Bogs @ Moroso(a.k.a- Palm Beach International Raceway)last Saturday night. He did really good until towards the end of the night a LOUD truck raced by & flung mud on us! I am not too sure what scared him- the loud noise or the craziness of everyone jumping up because of the mud (the mud flinging is a rare occurrence into the stands). As you can see above, Mason got a little muddy!


After asking about every person I know their opinion on starting cereal/food, Mike & I decided to try oatmeal this past Sunday. We knew that Mason would let us know if he wasn't ready! Well, I believe he was ready, because he LOVED it. The first bite, of course, mostly came back out, but after that his mouth was wide open & his feet were kicking with excitement! He eats 1tbsp around 6pm. His stomach issues(knock on wood) must be fixed, because he is back on gentlease, and with eating oatmeal he has had no problems. We might try fruit this weekend, but we'll see!


Now that Mason is getting bigger, his couple little rattle toys I have are not too amusing to him anymore. Well Papaw & Mamaw (my parents) felt that Mason can't wait until Christmas to get some new toys, so my Dad & I went to Toy's R Us yesterday for a few things. I am not sure who enjoyed it more, Mason or my Dad! Ha! Mason says "thank you" for his fun new toys! My sister is also gathering up some toys for him too! "Thanks" Logan & Jax for sharing your toys with Mason Cousin (Logan calls him that!) Mason has so many people who love him!


He also got a new high chair to eat his food in, so he doesn't have to eat in his rocking chair! Thanks Papaw & Mamaw, Mason ♥'s you! If he gets this stuff just on a Tuesday, I can't imagine what he will get at Christmas!

There are new pics in his 4 month & 3 month album- enjoy!(Click picture on top left corner of the blog)

4 Months

Mason @ 4 Months
Weight 13lbs 8oz
Height 24 1/4"

Dr Morrison says he looks great! He said we could start on cereals at any time now, but to hold off on food until 6 months(that's what all the textbooks say)!

To help him maybe sleep longer at night he suggested we let him cry! As long as he eats enough during the day (about 30oz), he can physically go 8-12 hours at night without needing to eat. He suggested when I hear him wake up, give it 15 minutes before I go in his room. If he hasn't soothed himself back to sleep, go in & pat him on his back before picking him up. If that doesn't work, then pick him up & rock him to sleep. Don't offer bottle, if I don't feel he needs it. After a few nights of this, he should improve his sleeping habits! He just has to learn to sooth himself back to sleep, but he also said a lot of Mom's can't do this!

Here is Mason in a nutshell:

Loves to talk

Hates to put on lotion after bath

Loves riding in his stroller

Hates to wait for bottle

Loves baths

Hates tummy time

Loves to be sitting up (he can't do this on his own)

Hates to be cradled like a baby

Eats 4-6oz every 3-4 hours

Bed time between 7-8pm

Wakes up 2-4 times a night (ah!)

Sleeps in crib

Catnaps during the day- maybe 1 long nap in afternoon or morning

Tried cantaloupe in mesh feeder 1 time- loved it

Drooling & eating fingers, but no teeth yet

Formula= Enfamil Gentlease (day 8 back on it & no problems yet!)

What I have learned this month- honestly, I don't know! Babies are very demanding of your time! Ha! All I know is that every day Mason is changing more & more. I love to watch him learn different things. He has found his feet & I am pretty much the only person who can make him really belly laugh!♥ I can't wait for more milestones to come...

3 Month Stat's

Weight: 12lbs 9oz (27th percentile)

Height: 24" (43rd percentile)

Mason's appointment went great. Dr Mizrachy said he is right where he needs to be developmentally. We are still on Enfamil Nutramigen until his 4 month check up. At that point, we will probably go back to Enfamil Gentlease. After about 2 weeks back on that, as long as he is doing ok on it, then we will start oatmeal- not rice. The doctor said I could start with either, but rice tends to constipate some children, so in Mason's case, we should try oatmeal instead. Once we see he does ok on oatmeal after a couple weeks, we can then start vege's & fruit. I know some Doctors say to wait until baby is 6 months for anything other than milk, but Dr Mizrachy said that you can start anywhere between 4-6 months- it's up to each parent. That's all for now...

3 Months & A Plastic Surgeon

Mason is 3 months old, well last Friday he was 3 months old- I am a little behind... He goes to the doctor on Thursday, so I will know his stats then. This month he had his very first cold! Luckily, no fever, but he had the saddest little cough and a runny nose. We slept with a humidifier every night! When I took him to the doctor to make sure his ears & chest were clear, the pediatrician brought up his mis-shaped head again(they first noticed it at his 2 month check up). He is flat on one side of his head, and they wanted to make sure he didn't have torticollis. The pediatrician recommended we see Dr Stelnicki who specializes in craniofacial reconstruction. When we went, they took pictures of his head (to track his progress), x-rays (to make sure the plates in his head were growing properly), and he evaluated him, and came to the conclusion that Mason is fine. He did not diagnosis him with anything! He just loves to look left, but not because he can't look right, or the muscle is too tight or short- he just likes looking left! The instructions were for us to keep him off his back as much as possible during the day, and not to tote him around in his car seat- leave it in the car. You can already notice a difference in the shape of his head after only a week! He will see us back on Nov 3rd, and we will re-evaluate; if no progress is made then we will decide what to do next.

Here are a couple things I learned this month...
*Coupons are still great, but you know what’s greater? Remembering to use them! I curse myself every time I leave a store!
*When you tell me your child “sleeps through the night”, then I respond with- “Wow, he/she sleeps all night” and you respond- “Oh, well he/she gets up at 11:30pm & 4:30am, but they sleep from 11:30pm-4:30am” That is NOT sleeping through the night! If it is, then, yes, Mason is sleeping though the night! (Children’s bedtime is NOT 11:30pm last time I checked)
*When buying clothes at Carters, buy 1 size bigger then what baby wears. If not, don’t plan on baby wearing them after 2 washes!
*At this point you’ve stopped obsessing over the diaper bag contents being perfect- if you don’t have something while you are out- oh well, you can always pick it up in your travels!
*You have probably stopped changing their clothes every time they get a little spit up on them. If you are still changing them, have fun doing all that laundry!
*You have mastered feeding & changing diapers in the middle of the night- you probably can do it without even opening your eyes!
*You can now somewhat “run in” somewhere & not feel the need to bring any & everything the baby may need.
*Even though you try VERY hard not to be late, you are ALWAYS late- especially in my case- apparently DiVito’s can NEVER be on time! (My Husband)

Mason also attended his friend Addison's 2nd birthday party & received his first "goody" bag- isn't it SO CUTE?! Great Job Alicia!


Check out the pictures from the doctor & other 3 month pictures in his 3 month album. (Link on top left page- click his picture)

2 Month Stat's

Yesterday Mason had his 2 month check up. I explained to him he has to go to the doctor to make sure he is healthy. He was ok with it:

But then I mentioned the shots, and he was a little concerned:

He then began thinking of a way to get out of it:

"I got it, Mom- how about we just leave?"

"Why can't we leave, Mom?"

"Oh, the Doctor really needs me to get these shots?"

"I guess I will have to stay and get them, but I am NOT HAPPY!"

"No, Mom. I could never stay mad at you!"


Weight: 11 lbs 6 oz
Height: 23" Long

Doctor said he looks great, the only small issue is he favors one side of his head.(He likes to look left) We just need to spend more time on our tummy & when he is in the swing, or something similar, put a rolled up blanket behind the left side of his head to force him to look to the right! The doctor said it will work itself out! Also, now that we changed his formula to the Enfamil Nutramigen, he is doing GREAT! No belly aches, and no Mylicon! Now we won't stay on this formula long term- the doctor said around 3-4 Months the stomach issues are generally worked out (their stomachs are stronger around that time), then we will either go back to the Enfamil Gentlease or Lipil. I asked if it is ok to switch around like that so much, he said yes! He said that until stomach issues are worked out, that the Nutramigen is just used as a "fill-in" formula. Now, of course, every Doctor is different, but that's how he does things. He also said that we may not start rice/cereal until around 6 months instead of 4 months, just depending on how is stomach is doing. We will just be taking it on a month to month basis, so hopefully it will all work out...

Don't forget to check his web album in the top left corner for more pictures... I am trying to add some every week...(Just click on his picture to go to the album)

2 Months Old

Mason is 2 months old today, and I can't even believe it! He has changed so much in just a month. He smiles all the time, he stays awake more during the day, and usually sleeps longer at night. He really is a good baby, only crying when he has gas or he is hungry. Gas pains are still an issue, so mylicon is still in our lives, but hopefully that will end soon. We don't go to the Doctor until next week, so I will update his stats then. For now, I will leave you with the things I have learned this month:
*You go to target for toothpaste & laundry detergent, but come out with 2 outfits for the baby, diapers, wipes, batteries for the swing, and any other fun baby items you just have to have- BUT NO TOOTHPASTE or LAUNDRY DETERGENT!
*Your friends & family must now talk to the baby on the phone when they call you- so surprisingly you get less phone calls
*You realize you are not talking to another parent when you start talking about your babies pooping patterns or gas, and they are looking at you like you are nuts
*Now that you are a parent, you don’t think twice about wiping your friends children’s butts, noses, or anything else that may have grossed you out before
*You put a lot of effort in finding the baby the perfect outfit to wear, and when you get yourself dressed, you don’t even realize the shirt you are leaving the house in has baby puke on it
*The baby might like something one day, and hate it the next- so you learn to just roll with the punches
*You never realized how loud a restaurant or a mall is until you had a sleeping baby. Also, you tend to hang out less with friends who don’t have kids because they just don’t understand the concept of being quiet while baby is sleeping or why you just can’t go to dinner at 9pm anymore
*People like to ask you, with a SMILE on their face “Does the baby cry a lot? I bet he never sleeps, right?” Look- just because you had a terrible experience with your children, doesn’t mean that I did! For the record, Mason only cries when he is hungry or has gas, and he goes to bed between 7-8pm, sleeps 4-5 hours, wakes up to eat/change diaper, goes back to sleep for 3 hours, eat/change diaper, then sleeps for 2.5-3 more hours. SO YES, I do get sleep!
*At 2 months old, you have now mastered the snaps on the baby clothes, but you have now came across outfits with buttons! Really, buttons? Are you kidding me?!
*Also at 2 months, you have started really going through the babies room & finding stuff you had purchased or you received at your baby shower, and you think- “Why the hell did I need/want this?”
*You’ve never noticed the baby aisle at Publix until now
*You see a $1 off coupon for pampers wipes & get excited, and a $5 off coupon for formula- you do a little dance!
*If the baby has a wet diaper, and you are in a hurry, it’s “ok” if you don’t use a wipe. (I’m saying like 1 out of 75 diaper changes- not all the time- and don’t sit there reading this and say “I always use a wipe”- don’t kid yourself and don’t judge me!)

I will add more pictures in the web album in a couple days, so please check back!

Bye Bye Maternity Leave...

It's official! I am all healed and released to go back to work, unfortunately! I can't believe it has already been 6 weeks! Mason and I were finally getting into a great routine, and now I have to go back to work and disrupt it all. Luckily, Mason will be going to my Mom's, so that will help the transition. I hope all of you who are stay at home Mom's are very grateful for the time you have with your children.

In the past 6 weeks being a Mom, I have realized a few things. So here it goes:
*I should've slept a LOT more while I was pregnant
*Either be quick when you change a diaper, or you WILL be peed on
*Make sure you have a good grip on the babies ankles when you change a diaper or you WILL get poop on their feet
*You CAN'T just "run in" anywhere- you have to really think "is it worth it" to pack the diaper bag, drive there, get the baby out, pick up what you need, get him back in the car & home, without him crying
*You avoid places that don't have changing stations in the bathroom
*You are DISGUSTED when you actual have to use the changing station (they are SO gross)
*You can't go ANYWHERE with the baby without someone asking you at least one of these questions:
1-Boy or Girl?
2-How old?
3-What's his name?
4-Are you breastfeeding? Why not?
5-Is he a good baby?
6-Do you want more kids?
7-Can I hold him?
*Your adult conversations now begin with a story about the baby
*Your conversations with other Mom's are now an exchange of baby stories
*Once you think you are ready to walk out the door, it takes a minimum of 15 more minutes to actually get out the door
*You CAN'T make plans in advance anymore, but if you do, you will NEVER be on time
*When venturing out you must have the following items:
diapers, wipes, 2 spare outfits, bib, burp cloth, formula, bottles, 2 pacifiers, portable changing pad, blanket, mylicon drops, infant tylenol, and stroller- oh, and of course, the BABY!
*If you don't want a cold dinner, you & your partner must eat in shifts, because even when you have changed, fed, and put the baby to sleep- he WILL wake up as soon as you sit down
*Showers mean SO much more to me now
That is just a few things I have realized, but the most important thing I have realized is there is nothing in the world like being a Mom!

On a side note, Mason & I have our first play group on Tuesday night with some fellow Mom's. We are very excited to play with the other babies and have some adult conversation!!

1 Month Update

This morning I told Mason we had to go to the doctor, and he might have to get a shot. This was his reaction:

Once he got over the initial shock, we headed out...

The doctor said he looked great, but he does have a little bit of a rash & cradle cap (dried scalp). I had originally started bathing him with Johnson & Johnson lavender soap, but noticed he was breaking out. I switched to the basic Johnson & Johnson, and it was beginning to clear up. It is not completely gone, so the doctor suggested to use Aveeno soap & moisturizer, because he may have sensitive skin- so I picked some up...

Mason had to get 1 shot, which he did not even cry when it went in, or even when she pulled it out, but when she put on that band-aid, he did that scream where nothing comes out, and he is beat red! He must have realized what had happened after the fact...

Mason weighs 9lbs 10oz and is 21.5" long! Mason was very happy when he heard that:

The doctor was also very pleased...

Once we got home, Mason just wanted to lounge around, so that's what he did...

See that band-aid that gave him so much pain?!

Check his album (top left corner) for a few new pictures...