Babies Make Four

Sunday, August 25, 2013

First Hike

Yesterday we took Luke on his first hike! He had so much fun looking at trees and plants and laying in the sunshine. Dillon and I tried to pick blueberries. Once again I underestimated what it would be like to do that with a baby. I was wearing Luke so it made it harder for me to bend down to pick the berries. We ended up sitting in the grass playing while Dillon headed back in the berry patch to get enough so I can make a pie. There were SOOOO many people at the head of the trail, so it was a little stressful trying to find parking and get going. But once we were on the trail, the views were absolutely amazing. It was a cool 67 degrees and the breeze and the sunshine were great. On the way back we saw a baby bear cub so the mama cub was probably somewhere close by. We didn't get out of the car to find out!

We're still getting the hang of our new schedule. This week felt a little bit more than stressful. Work is picking up for me and I'm trying to find the balance between work and home. We're really excited for next weekend which is Labor Day, just to have 3 days off! No exciting plans or trips, just hanging out at the house.

Luke has his 4 month check up on Thursday so next week we'll have all of his exciting stats! I really think that he's gained weight since yesterday. I know for sure that I'll be gaining some new muscles as he gets bigger!

The butterflies were everywhere!

Blueberries... YUM!

Diaper change at 4,000 ft above sea level!!

Feeling new textures... grass!

It's rained so much this summer, we weren't quite sure what to make of that glowing ball in the sky!

These folks were trying to make it out to the end of the trail. Their Jeep almost went rolling down the mountainside. I about had a heart attack from watching it.

This morning... after a good night's rest!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Luke at Four Months

Today Luke is four months old. It's hard to believe and time is flying by. This month, Luke's made some new developments and is even starting to look more like a little boy instead of a baby. He's started "talking" in the mornings and usually babbles the whole time I get dressed. He's grabbing onto toys now and bringing them to his mouth and he LOVES his exesaucer and playing with all the rattles on there. He weighed 14.8 pounds at his doctor's visit this week and has gained almost 2 whole pounds in a month. Luke's wearing 6 month clothes and started eating cereal this week. Every morning when I pick him up out of his bed, I think he's gained weight and he feels heavier. He hasn't started rolling over yet, but is well on his way and I'd say by his 5 month post he'll be rolling around everywhere. I love watching him develop and take in the world. It's amazing.

And today, on Luke's 4 month "birthday", he was christened. Growing up, going to church was commonplace. You knew that every Sunday morning you would be heading to church to listen to a sermon that you may or may not listen to. Since living in Asheville, Dillon and I have struggled to find a church that we like and agree with enough to belong to. Plus, I know it sounds terrible, but it's really hard to get up and going when Dillon's worked all day on Saturday and Sunday is the only day of the week that you have off.

After having the baby, I feel that our faith was renewed or refreshed in a way. To know that two cells form into this little human being with a heart beat and fingers and toes and those incredible eyelashes that Luke has, it makes you feel closer to God and understanding your purpose. I am so excited that we have found a church with lovely and friendly people who make you feel welcomed. They're not overbearing in any way and are truly glad to see you there. I feel comfortable with the services (growing up in a Methodist church, it feels kind of like going home while I think Dillon's still getting used to some of the things). It's a place that I'm glad Luke will grow up going to church. Hopefully, soon, the church will be getting lots of great things together for children in the community. We're looking forward to helping and participating with events there.

It's been a great but exhausting weekend. We cooked and cleaned all day yesterday, had a house showing, visited with some folks from the church and I cooked well into the evening last night. I woke up at 4:30 this morning with thoughts on my mind of everything that I needed to accomplish and now we're gearing up for another week of work. I'm looking forward to our beach vacation in September and I don't think it can get here soon enough!

Luke's first attempt at eating cereal. We're trying it out because the pediatrician thinks he may have a little bit of reflux and this could possibly help.

Trying out the new GAP hoodie from Grandpa Larry

Sock monkay!

Trying out the high chair. I love how he puts his foot on the tray.

Heyo, I'm 4 months!

First time in the high chair!

Guests start arriving!

Wearing a bib so he didn't throw up on his christening outfit

My 2 boys!

After the christening

Us with Pastor Rick Schilling, the new minister at our church

Us with Pastor Rick and his wife Suzanne

foood stuffs

Uncle Josh thinks I'm one cool baby.

Hello, ladies.

And our video of the week. Luke tells you about his happenings.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Enjoying Baby...

Luke is becoming quite the entertainer and is forming his own personality. I'm pretty sure he's starting to figure out that he can "play" his old mom and dad because he screams when we put him in the car seat and two seconds later he's smiling when he's all settled.

I've realized this week that I'm really glad that the baby's here and that I'm not pregnant. It really wasn't all I thought it would be cracked up to be and while I would do it again in a heartbeat, I came to the conclusion that having my body back to myself is pretty nice for the following reasons:

1. Coffee: Oh glorious, coffee. I've had about 3 cups in the morning and then in the afternoon I'll run and get an iced coffee. I also drink a sweet tea with my lunch and I never realized how much I would miss my caffeine when I was pregnant. I am on caffeine overload these days and IT IS AMAZING!

2. Bleu Cheese (and soft cheeses)...: Twice this week I had a salad that may have slightly resembled a bowl of bleu cheese with some sprigs of lettuce. When you're pregnant, all soft cheeses are supposed to be taboo. They hold bacteria that could potentially be harmful to the baby and while some folks eat it all the time and have perfectly healthy babies, I was too scared to eat it while I was pregnant. And it is so delicious now... mmmm.

3. Sushi - Dillon and I probably got sushi once every other month before I was pregnant, but since having the baby, I've eaten it at least once every other week. And maybe it was just going without it for 10 months, but it tastes so good now.

4. Pumpkin/Fall Beers - my favorite time of year is fall. Changing leaves, cooler temperatures, mums growing in the garden. That's one reason we got married in October because of the natural beauty. I also love a good pumpkin beer with spices that make it taste like pumpkin pie. Last year right when I was finding out I was pregnant was when the first fall beers were coming out and I missed all the fun tastings. Friday we found the first sampler of the season and I got to enjoy my pumpkin beer.

I just realized that my list revolves around food (what does that say about me?!). While it's nice to be back to my old self (with a cute, little baby in tow), I will say I miss having little Luke with me all the time and feeling his punches and kicks in my tummy. I may have complained about missing out on my favorite foods, but it was all temporary and if I had to I would give up that stuff permanently for Luke!

We've had a great weekend hanging out with our friends and can't wait until next weekend for Luke's baptism! Another crazy week coming up with grocery shopping, cleaning house and cooking for Sunday, but we're so excited! We can't wait for Lucas to be dedicated and to join our new church family!