5 Months

The weekend Kael turned 5 months old was jam packed with fun (which resulted in a lack of updating). I hate these in between months that don't have well check appointments since I have no clue how much he has grown (although I don't mind dealing with the shots at all!)

Kael is a machine. He is all boy and likes to MOVE. He rarely stays still, and alot of times looks like he should be swimming, the way he moves his arms and legs when he is on his belly. We will more than likely take him to the pool next weekend, and I can't wait to see how he likes it!

But... onto the updates!

One of the most exciting milestones Kael has reached is he is starting to sit up unsupported. He is still wobbly, but he is increasing the amount of time he can stay up on his own, and really seems to enjoy the new kind of view he gets.

We started cereal and food pretty early. He just always seemed like he needed something more to help hold him over. Since adding food to his diet, he has moved from nursing every 2 hours to every 2.5-3 hours (thank God!). So far, he has tried apples, bananas, and sweet potatoes. He was not a fan of the fruit in the beginning, and is just now starting to warm up to them. He loved sweet potatoes from the very first taste. We will be introducing peas, carrots, and pears over the next 2-3 weeks. Sadly, I have given up on making his baby food. I tried... I swear I did! But he refused to eat it! I will admit... I'm not very good at cooking, and apparently I'm not good at mashing/pureeing either! But we are sticking with all organic, and I feel like if I'm not able to make his baby food, this is the next best thing.

We got our first cold front, and Kael was finally able to buy the first outfit his auntie Lauren ever bought him (and just in time, he was about to outgrow it!)

(check out those toes... I just want to eat them!!)

We moved Kael into his own room. :( It was one of the hardest things I have had to do so far! He did pretty good- although his sleep schedule has been totally out of whack. From the picture, you can see that he has learned to roll onto his side while he is sleeping... but more than that, he is now rolling onto his stomach as well. My assumption is that when he startles or wakes a little, and he is on his stomach, he becomes really confused and can't soothe himself back to sleep. He had been sleeping 9 hour stretches, and then this rolling over thing ruined everything! He started waking about every 45 minutes. We thought he had an ear infection- nope. We thought it was teething- nope. So we are back to the rolling thing... last night in pure desperation I stuck a pillow next to Kael's belly/legs (don't worry, it was FAR from his face) to keep him from rolling, and guess what... he slept!!

Here is his typical 5 month picture. It is getting so much harder to get a good picture of him since he is wiggling around so much these days! Never the less, that smile is all I need to consider this picture perfect. :)

The day Kael turned 5 months old, we took him to his first rodeo. It was the Kodiak fair and rodeo, and we had a blast! It made me so homesick, even though the rodeo was pitiful compared to what we are used to. It was a rainy and nasty day (big surprise considering where we live), but it was still worth it. Kael loved the animals (his favorite was the chicken...), I loved watching the rodeo, and Kevin loved to pulled pork sandwiches. It was perfect.

It has only taken me about a week to get this post finished. I am fairly certain we might have a hyper active child. He refuses to sit still, and gets bored so easily. I'm glad that he is so into the world around him, but I never get a break! Anyway... we took him to the doctor this week for a cough that he has had for a while, so we got his weight.

drum roll please...................16 pounds 10 ounces!

How in the world in my little man so big already?!?

And just for fun, here are pictures of Kael giving mommy and daddy some of his famous baby kisses! I love those drooly, open mouth kisses more than anything!

I absolutely LOVE the way he is holding Kevin's face! Heart warming...

Mommy Moment

Tomorrow Kael turns 5 months old. I should be starting on that post, but I can't seem to wrap my head around it. I find myself asking, "how is this possible? How has it already been 5 months?" Which then turns into..."If these 5 months have already gone by this fast, he is going to be one in the blink of an eye!"

I think you see where I'm going with that... As soon as I realize that he is growing (and I can't stop it) and the time is flying by, I start realize that he is not going to stay this little for very long. I know there is lots of fun in store in the months/years to come. I look forward to him walking and talking. I can't wait to hear him say "mama" for the first time, or for him to actually run up to give me a hug and a kiss. But a huge part of me is not ready to let go of this baby stage. I know you probably think I am nuts... he is only 5 months old. But he wont be for long.

I have had 4 friends within the past week announced their pregnancies. On top of the 3 other friends who are further along, that is a grand total of 7! Of coarse there is NO way that Kevin and I would start trying for another baby right now, but it gives me a weird longing in my chest. I miss being pregnant. I miss the excitement and anticipation. I miss the little nudges and listening to the tiny heart beating inside of my belly. I miss having a big ol' belly and being able to watch my baby move across it.

But then I have to stop myself. I may miss the joys of pregnancy, but that whole 9 months led to this... what I have sleeping in his own room for the first time. A sweet baby boy who has his dad's nose and lots and lots of gorgeous hair. A tiny mole on his right shoulder and chubby little toes. A smile that can bring tears to my eyes and a laugh that is contagious.

I look at him, and I can't help but to thank God. I immediately realize how truly blessed I am. He was the answer to my prayers, and it was Kael that we waited so long for.

I have found myself envious lately. I envy my friends buying their first homes, who have good jobs, and nice cars. I am especially envious of those who live close to family and friends. And I have struggled with these feelings countless times. But every time I begin to feel defeated, all I have to do is look at Kael. We may live thousands of miles away from our loved ones, in a crappy military 4-plex, where I work for a little more than minimum wage, and drive an older car... but I have him... and nothing else matters. The luxuries that I once yearned for, mean little to me now. As long as I have Kevin and Kael, I am happy. I am thankful for what God has given us, and I can't wait to see what else he has in store.

On a side note... my cousin is going through a lot right now. A week ago, several tumors were found on her husbands lungs and kidneys. He will be going to MD Anderson in Houston on Tuesday. Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers. They have two kids- a sophomore in high school and an 8th grader. I can't imagine what they are feeling right now, and wish more than ever that I could be there to offer some support.

Mid Month Check-In

Alright, it's a little more than mid month, and really only about a week before Kael turns 5 months old, but things are happening and changing so quickly that I feel like I need to start updating more often.

I never did get to post his "usual" pose for his 4 month shoot- so here it is.

I know I am slightly biased, but isn't he cute! He is going to be a heartbreaker...

Well, where to begin?

This month Kevin and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary. We have been together for roughly TEN years! We met and started dating when I was a freshman in high school, a mere 14 years old! We had our rough patches and did the whole break up/get back together thing, but I always knew that he was my soul mate. Kevin has been by my side through everything and I mean everything! He has seen me at my absolute lowest and has helped pick me up and wipe the dirt off my back. He is my best friend, and my biggest support. This anniversary was so different than the rest, we have Kael. The previous two anniversaries, I was pregnant. Having Kael here this year was just a reminder of how truly blessed we are. Kevin is an amazing father, and I can't wait to watch Kael follow his daddy's foot steps. Here is Kael the morning of our anniversary. His shirt says, "Daddy and I Love Mommy" :)

We went for our first jog together. He was a trooper, and lasted a whopping ten minutes before he was passed out. I on the other hand, had my butt handed to me on a silver platter! Pushing that little chunk was much tougher than I anticipated. I made it through my jog with a few more walking breaks than I hoped for, but was thankful we were able to get out and enjoy some of the beautiful Alaska weather we have been having. Sadly, the day we went for a run was the last nice day we have had in about 2 weeks... it is back to being cold (mid 50's) and rainy. So long summer... hello nasty winter!

He is all over the place now! Putting him on his quilt is pretty pointless since he manages to roll himself off within a matter of seconds. You can tell he is pretty proud of himself too.

We took Kael to his first church service, and other than spewing all over me, the pew, and the floor, he did great! He enjoyed the singing and was intrigued by the ceiling fans. He fell asleep about halfway through the sermon, and was out the rest of the service. The church family was amazing and so welcoming. It is a tiny church where everyone knows each other, and just made us feel right at home. Oh, he also got several compliments on his hair. :) After church we went to have lunch at on of our few restaurants, and Kael was just not having it in his carseat. We tried putting him in one of the high chairs, and he was in heaven! It was like he felt like he was part of the conversation, and just looked around at all people around us.

Kael also had his first haircut this month! We have really been debating on when we would be doing this, and had originally agreed to 6 months. This past week I went in for a hair cut, and when Kevin and Kael came to pick me up, Kevin finally caved and said we could cut it! The lady who cut his hair was GREAT and really didn't cut much off at all. She had Kael sit on my lap, and kept him distracted by letting him play with some of her combs. I was really happy with how it turned out. She mainly cut off his mullet in the back, took a little off one side to help even it out (that darn bald side!), and cut a little off the top so it didn't hang in his eyes. I can't really tell he even got it cut- although Kevin swears he can! He is blurry in all of the pictures since he was moving so much. :(

I guess that is all of the MAJOR stuff that has happened this month. I wont spoil everything so I will still have something to write about for his 5 month post.

Baby Kael... can you please slow down?!?

Reality

After reading a friend's blog last night, I laughed to myself as I began to realize something. While I was pregnant, I had all sorts of "ideas" as to how I would do things once my bundle of joy arrived. Of coarse, the majority of them went straight out the window once Kael joined us, and I'm just wondering if this is how most moms have felt.

Here are a few examples:

Thought- My baby will not leave the house (except for Dr. visits) until he is 6 weeks old.

Reality- After his Dr. appointment at 4 days old, we made a trip to Walmart and went and had Mexican food

Thought- He will only sleep in his pack-n-play in our room until he is a month old

Reality- He is still sleeping there... and he is 4 months old!

Thought- I wont cut his hair until he is a year old

Reality- I would cut it right now if Kevin would let me! Our agreement is 6 months

Thought-He is going to wear baby jeans and shoes everyday (just because they are so cute!)

Reality- He wears "stretchy" pants when he is at daycare, but as soon as we get home even those get stripped off! I would rather him be comfy than cute

Thought- I'll breastfeed for 3 months MAX

Reality- I have fallen in love with breastfeeding, and will probably continue until he is one (the fact that he refuses formula plays a role in that decision as well...)

Thought- No trying for another baby until he is at least two

Reality- I think about having another baby ALL.THE.TIME. I feel really guilty about it too. Will we try for another one right now... NO WAY, but I'm pretty sure once he is a year old we will start trying again.

4 Months Old

Every month I think to myself... how is this possible?!? It is amazing how fast time flies by when you want to cherish every single moment. I look at Kael every morning and wonder to myself, "is it possible that I love him even more than yesterday?" I feel like with every day that passes, my heart just grows a little bit more. I miss having a newborn, but getting to look at a smile like this one...
Makes everything that much more exciting. It makes me excited to watch his personality continue to grow, each milestone, his first steps, his first words... there is just so much to look forwards to! Although I can already tell I am going to have my hands full! He is not "easy going"- but rather a busy body. He gets bored quickly, and wants to go, go, go!

At about 3 months, 3 weeks Kael found his toes... and has become obsessed! Anytime he lays on his back, he immediately grabs his toes. He is slowly starting to figure out how to put them in his mouth as well. I can't put him in his bumbo seat anymore either, since all he does is bend over and grab at his feet and try to pull them to his mouth- it pretty much defeats the purpose of the chair!

At 3 months, 2 weeks Kael rolled over from back to belly... and hasn't stopped! He doesn't stay on his back for very long before he flips himself over. After 2 weeks of rolling like this, he learned how to roll back and forth between back and belly. I will walk out of the kitchen into the living room, and he will be half way to the kitchen, leaving his blanket far behind! Once he got the hang of rolling down, he began pivoting. Once he gets himself onto his belly, he pivots himself around in a circle until he can see what it is he is looking for, or grab the toy he wants. Needless to say... I don't think we have much longer before he begins scooting and crawling (which is scary to think about!).
This is the 8th week that he has been in daycare (and I have been back to work!) Seriously?! How did that happen?!? As much as I dreaded having to put him in daycare, I am actually really glad that he is there. It's amazing to watch him already interacting with the other babies. He loves to watch the older babies crawl past him (he tries to grab their hair!) or jump up and down in the exersaucer next to him. He smiles at them, and even reaches out to touch their hands or feet. There are two other babies that are just days apart from him (and another one about to start soon), so half the class is 4 month olds! It's interesting to see where each of them are at developmentally, and to see how they each grow and learn at their own rate.
We have also started rice cereal. I am using Earth's Best Organic Whole Grain cereal, and he LOVES it. He is eating about 2-3 tablespoons with an ounce of breast milk for breakfast and dinner. He devours it! He has come a long way with the spoon, and has no problems with it anymore. I am still debating when we will start fruits and vegetables. I know it is a sore topic with most parents, as far as when you should start, but his doctor told us that as soon as he is comfortable with the spoon and cereal, to go ahead and start slowly adding in the rest. I plan on making my own, and will probably start him off with avocado and green beans. I'd like to wait until he is 5 months, but with the rate he is going, I wouldn't be surprised if I started earlier.

This past Friday, he had his 4 month well child check. He is 26 1/4 inches long (90th percentile) and 15 pounds 13 ounces (50-75th percentile). They are still concerned about the flat spot on the one side of his head, and continue to gripe at me to keep him off the back of his head. I don't know how to do that anymore! He rarely does lay on his back other than when he is sleeping, and I switch which direction he is lying each night. My biggest fear is that they will eventually tell us that he will need a helmet to reshape his head, although I really doubt his flat spot is that bad.

He is still doing good with his sleep, going from 8pm-5am pretty much every night. He eats at 5, then goes back to sleep until 7:30am. He is starting to stretch his feedings out to 2.5-3 hours during the day. He typically takes 3-4 naps, each lasting about an hour. He is becoming very predictable, in the sense that he is eating and napping at almost the exact same times each day.

We have moved up to size 3 diapers, and he is now wearing 6-9 month clothes.

He is vocal, and loves chatting away with anyone who will listen. He is starting to say "ba" and use consonant sounds. He has the sweetest laugh, and singing, tickling, big/dramatic bounces on your knee, and kissing his neck will make him giggle.

He is losing the hair on the right side of his head :( He looks like he has a real old-man comb over now! It breaks my heart, but I know it will grow back. We still aren't completely sure what color hair he is going to have. Some days it looks very light and golden brown, but other days it looks much darker with a red tinge. I guess only time will tell! We have also agreed that we will cut his hair at 6 months. I'm ready to cut it now! His mullet is BAD, and the top is so long I can't even try to spike it up anymore, but Kevin is the one putting his foot down on this matter.

My heart is happy... I love my son more than words can express, and every night before I go to bed I can't help but thank God for giving me everything that I have ever wanted. :)

What's New

I realize that this blog has become consumed with Kael. Mostly my pregnancy with him, and his monthly updates. I feel guilty at times, but then I take a step back. He is my world now. Nothing else seems to matter. I have a smile on my face all day long each time he accomplishes something new. I can't wait to brag, and what better way, than on my very own, personal blog!

But as much as I am consumed with Kael, I am learning that I need to take time for myself. I love the child to pieces, but for my own sanity I have to get away every once in a while.

After I had Kael, I knew I needed to do something drastic to get into shape. I want to be able to keep up with him. I can already envision him crawling and walking and running around this house. I want him to run and play outside, and I want to be able to chase him and not feel out of breath. I want to take pictures of our family, and love them to pieces, instead of glaring at my double chin and wanting to crop myself out.

Kevin and I began weight watchers when Kael was about 9 weeks old. We have both fallen in love with the program and have been seeing great results. Kevin found his niche with Crossfit. It's a form or working out that is mainly weighs, and using your body (pull-ups, push-ups, etc). I on the other hand, wasn't really sure where to turn, in terms of exercise. I have always been involved in sports and considered myself athletic, but after high school I just let it all slip away. I found a program called couch to 5k. It seemed easy enough. A 9 week program, which starts you extremely slow, and helps you build up to 3 miles in a work out. I figured this was perfect for me since I needed something that would start me off slow since I was just getting back into the swing of things. I was also deathly afraid of working out after giving birth, due to my 4th degree tear.

After my first week, I was hooked. I have come to love running... and find myself wanting more. I am only supposed to run 3 days a week, but I am itching to hit that treadmill. I don't know what it is. Why I feel this draw to running. Maybe because it allows me to have some "me" time. It gives me a chance to empty my mind, and just go. I find myself wondering, "Why am I running?". One reason is to thank God for allowing me to have this body. That I was able to carry a child to full term and give birth to a beautiful baby boy. I want to take care of this body from now on, in hopes that I will be lucky enough to provide Kael with siblings. Another reason is to reward myself. I deserve that time to myself. It also helps relieve any stress or frustration I might be feeling, and actually helps give me the extra energy I need due to the lack of sleep I am now experiencing.

Once I realized that this was something that I really enjoyed, I went to Kevin. I wanted to find a way to push myself. Not to settle for running a 5k and then quitting the program. So I have decided to train for a half marathon! I am actually really excited, and find myself pushing a little harder with each work out. And what better way to push myself, than to sign up for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon! We will be going to Disney January 5-10, and the race is on the 7th. I am so excited, I can barely stand it! We booked our trip today, and I can't stop grinning. We wanted to go to Disney for our honeymoon, but just didn't have the money to do it back then. This will be the first vacation Kevin and I have taken together since we have been married, and I couldn't be happier that Kael gets to join in the fun this time around. I know he wont remember anything, but I will never forget! :)

3 Months

It seems unreal that Kael is already 3 months old! 1/4 of the way to the big O.N.E.

A lot has changed over the past few weeks, the biggest thing being the fact that we don't get to stay at home and play with each other all day long anymore. I went back to work on June 20th, and although he is in the same room as me, it just isn't the same. I have 7 other babies that I am taking care of, and we rarely have a moment to sit and play or talk. I am lucky in the fact that I usually get to breastfeed him once or twice while I am there. He still gets a bottle around lunch time, but it is so nice to take 10 minutes to sit and feed him and "reconnect". I also went to part-time, so I get off at 2pm instead of 5pm now. It is kind of like the best of both worlds. I am still able to help financially, I get to have a few hours which include adult interaction, and Kael gets to learn social skills and play with new toys. But then we get to come home early enough that we still get plenty of time to spend with each other before he has to go to bed. It also gives me more time to get things done around the house, and not feel like I am going non-stop from sun up to sun down (although the sun isn't really going down at this point...)

We have had a few issues with Kael recently. We are still dealing with the reflux, which causes him to spit up massive amounts at a time. He literally goes through about 6 outfits a day (and that is with him wearing a bib as well!). He has also developed a rash on his face. We have taken him in on two different occasions to have it looked at, and I think we finally have it under control. The first appointment ended with the doctor telling us that he thought he was allergic to something I was eating, and had me cut out dairy for two weeks. If that made it go away, we knew the problem. Well... it didn't go away. So we went back on Friday, and the doctor we saw at this appointment (he was an Aggie!!) thought it is just an extreme case of eczema. He told us to put hydrocortizone cream on his face twice a day, and to put vasoline on it, at every diaper change. I thought he was full of it... but after only 2 days, the rash has gone away! His face looks like a big ol' grease ball with that vasoline on it, but if it keeps the rash away, we will deal with that (although I miss giving him kisses on the cheeks!).

Since we were just at the doctor, I know what his weight is as well. He is now up to 14 pounds 8 ounces! His weight gain is slowing, and he actually doesn't seem as chunky as he used to, but he is still such a big boy!

Speaking of being a big boy, here are some of Kael's "talents" at 3 months old:

1.) He is learning to actually enjoy tummy time. He does great holding his head/chest up, and is starting to kick his legs around as well. He is also starting to rock, and has come close to rolling over, but hasn't gotten there yet.
2.) He loves his bumbo! He enjoys watching the dogs run by him, or following my voice around the room. He has even started to watch TV (not sure that is a good thing...) He typically only looks at it when he hears music (his new favorite show is Glee!)


3.) He is doing LOTS with his hands. He folds them together on his chest, he loves holding rattles (except when he hits himself in the face with it), he will pull his pacifier out (and then get really mad), and he pulled my glasses off my face yesterday!

4.) He is a huge fan of his jump-a-roo. The swing has been put away for good, and has been replaced with something that he enjoys 10x more. He is so entertained while he is in the jump-a-roo. He does great putting pressure on his legs, and sometimes gets to excited he looks like "Happy Feet".

5.) We are still having some issues with his sleep. It has gotten much better, but it is just much more unpredictable. For the most part, he will go to bed at 8pm, and wake up around 5:30am to eat, then goes back to sleep until 7:30am, which is when I wake him up to get ready to go to work/daycare. I'm not sure why he is getting up for that feeding at 5:30am, but I'm hoping he will drop it again pretty soon.

6.) He still loves his bath time. It almost seems as though it is his favorite part of the day. I know it is mine! I love giving him his bath (or watching Kevin give it to him), and wrapping him in his towel and putting him into his pajamas. He looks so cute when he is all clean and ready for bed! :)

7.) When Kael was 7 weeks old, we made a trip to Texas. I didn't get to write about it in his 2 month update since Kevin's family in town, but he did great on the plane, and with all of the driving and traveling in general. The whole reason for our trip down there was to surprise my little sister since she was graduating from high school. So here is a 3 month picture... just for my baby sister, Lauren!

8.) We are excited to be celebrating Kael's first 4th of July tomorrow. Thankfully Kevin will be off work, so we will get to enjoy the day as a family (which doesn't happen very often). And what better way to celebrate, than with an Alaskan fish fry!

9.) Kael is beginning to smile all the time. First thing in the morning (after he eats), he is all smiles. It is hard for me to get anything done since I want to enjoy every single smile.

10.) He is also becoming a chatter box. He will carry on little conversations with me, taking turns listening and talking back and forth.

11.) And the most exciting so far is hearing his little laugh! It brought tears to my eyes, it was so cute! I am determined to get a video of it!

But as much as we make Kael laugh, he makes us laugh just as much! Exhibit 1...

(what can I say... he gets REALLY excited after he eats!)