Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sleep Bandits

As of last week, our now 5 month old, has two little special visitors that I have named sleep bandits. These bandits are pearly white, fairly sharp, ready for solids, and came out of no where! Well, kind of out of no where. There were some tell-tale signs to their upcoming heist ( I mean appearance), but I thought that they surely knew that Bigfoot was just getting into some wonderful days of sleep. I mean, really wonderful. We’re talking 7-9 hours on any given night! Even longer on some really special nights. Nap times were getting to be easy with the routine we had set in place. I almost think Bigfoot started to experience some enjoyment during nap times because he knew when he awoke Mama would be standing right there. Almost like a really intense, drawn out game of pick-a-boo.

But, moving past the beautiful nights of sleep and fast forwarding to last week, our sleep bandits hit us and they hit us hard. Now, you would think that these bandits would have made their presence known in the quietest, most gentle/subtle way seeing how Bigfoot has been nothing but good to their landing grounds. The way I see it, Bigfoot’s wonderful sleep not only benefits him, but the little bandits themselves (and, of course, myself) by allowing them good healthy gums ready for all things pearly white. But, as life would have it, these bandits came with a vengeance, and they have stolen sleep. A little too much for my liking. Therefore, I have decided that I need to go into negotiations with these two little bad boys for the sake of our sanity. I’m talking, busting out all possible ammo that a mother can conjure. Things like: teething gel, teething tablets, infant tylenol for the really sore nights, teething toys, and frozen washcloths. Oh yes, you little sleep bandits, I will win for the sake of my son and for our sleepy family.


Don’t get me wrong. I am thrilled at this new milestone that our Bigfoot has hit. I mean, he has gone from our little baby boy to our now baby man ready to chomp on some good steak (well not exactly, but you get where I’m going). Teeth are a big deal. Our Bigfoot had the cutest gummy smile that made my heart melt. And now, this beautiful gummy smile has the two cutest little teeth a Mama could ask for (yes, the bandits are very cute!).

Bigfoot getting ready for some solid food fun :)


Being a first-time Mama, I didn’t know what to expect when these little pearlies decided to show up. And, honestly, I wasn’t anticipating their first heist (because I imagine the other pearly whites will join the Sleep Bandit Gang) until 7 months or so.

But, here we are. Our son is just as adorable as before. The little one is just in need of some pain relief from time to time and that pierces a Mama’s heart like none other. So, I look forward to when the soreness either A) goes away or B) Bigfoot gets used to it and puts his foot down, telling those bandits that they can’t have anymore of his sleep.

And so, after two weeks of random and multiple night wakings, I have decided that the sleep bandits need to figure out a more gentle approach to the future invasions their other little pearly friends have yet to make. I have asked nicely and hope they can meet us halfway.


Signed,

Sleepy Mama


PS I have yet to get the bandits on camera. They really are pretty sneaky and hard to catch! For now, enjoy this fun shot of Bigfoot.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let yourgentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. -Philippians 4:4-5

Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Givelove to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next doorneighbor… Let no one ever come to you without leaving better andhappier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in yourface, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. -Blessed Mother Teresa

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Traveling Bigfoot

The holidays are upon us! Pumpkin spices, fall weather, cream cheese frosting, turkey, apples, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family, family, family!!! :)

Sweet Bigfoot has made a trip to GeekMan’s home town to visit great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Big foot has also been to San Antonio to visit grandparents and his sweet auntie. He has done absolutely wonderful in both locations, and we’re so glad that we were afforded both of these amazing trips to visit and spend some quality time with family.

CC trips


Trip to meet great-grandma G. Such a special gift that God gave us as a family before bringing great-grandma G home with Him.



Nonna and sleepy grandson.

SA trip - Auntie Red helping.

Empty plastic bottles - his new favorite toy.

Saying buh-bye.

Bigfoot also recently experienced his first family vacation. We went to Hot Springs, AR with a great group of friends we have in Bible Study. Imagine, 12 adults and 13 little ones later, we had such a great weekend of wonderful fellowship and fun!

Seph and Mama.

Friends.

Family fun.



Mini-golfing with Bigfoot nice and cozy in his Ergo.

And now, *finally*, we will be making the über long trip to my hometown!! I am so excited to be bringing our little one to my home to meet more great-grandparents, all his great aunts, uncles, second cousins, and dear friends that have been waiting so very long to meet him and shower him with kisses, cuddles, and love!

In all, Lord, we are so grateful for all the safe traveling you have blessed us with and look forward to another trip with our traveling Bigfoot. But, most importantly, we are so very thankful for the gift of time spent with family and friends that we don’t get to see as often as we like.

Get ready Valley family and friends, this little cutie will be seeing you *soon*!


St. Christopher, pray for us.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Wonderful in every way

Sweet, sweet child. You are 4 months (and a week or so by the time I post this). This past month has been wonderful! You are growing so fast and Daddy and I still think you need to slow things down a bit. Once we figure out how this would actually be possible we will be sure to have a family meeting to discuss our game plan.

Well, this past month has been just as exciting as the rest. You, my sweetheart, are such a Joy! You make us smile so many times every single day, and for that we are so incredibly grateful. We just pray that we are serving you as much as you already serve us in your abundant giving of your precious little self.

Here goes the list of your amazingness this past month:

-at your 4 month Dr. appt you weighed in at 18 lb and 10 oz!! My my Bigfoot, you live up to your name more and more as each day passes.

-also, you have grown a whole other 2 inches since you’re 2 month appt. You are now a grand total of 26 inches of hug-able goodness!

-You were baptized!! Such an amazing day for our family!! Baptizing our firstborn has definitely been the next exciting moment in our lives next to your actual birthday. We love you so much! Welcome to the Faith, my sweet boy!


-You continue to be so alert. Always taking in life and all its beauty.

-You grab at objects now and love putting everything in your mouth.

-bath times are so soothing for you. I think it’s a favorite for you :)

-you were given your first Rosary (Thanks, Mad!). The moment you saw it you started squealing and we’re so happy! Mama Mary, pray for us.


-you love to squeal! In fact, I think that is an understatement, because when you get to squealing, it’s like your heart just lights up! You are definitely having a fun time discovering your vocals and so are we :) haha

-You have a jumperooooo! Grandmpa and Nana bought this for you and you absolutely love it!


-You and I have been working on our ASL skills! can’t wait till you sign your first sign on your own! :D

-You’ve also been enjoying Mama signing songs to you :) You like watching my hands move :D


-haha and you really find it amusing when Daddy or I dance and sing in front of you

-You are reallly enjoying Itsy Bitsy Spider. You immediately start to smile the moment I start saying Itsy!

-You interact with your Einstein gym in a whole new way now that you are grabbing and turning over. it’s fun to watch.


-You are always trying to sit up on your own. Such a big boy! Patient, my sweet one, that fun milestone will come soon enough!!

-You were such a champ when getting your shots this time around at your 4 month! Such a strong boy!


-You continue to enjoy watching a good Aggie game with your Daddy!


-we’ve been going on walks more often now that the weather has cooled down. You love being outside! You always get so calm and you look so intrigued :) look forward to more outdoor adventures.

-you are so ticklish!

-Watching the Cowboys is another pasttime you are enjoying with Daddy and with Grandpa Wooly in the picture below!


-I’ve been sporting you as attire more often lately. You like our Ergo Carrier and our ring sling :) fun stuff and gives mommy two free hands while holding you!

-you always greet mommy and daddy with a smile when you wake up from naps or from nighttime sleep


-speaking of sleep, you area a champ at night now. You sleep anywhere from 7-9 hours pretty consistently

-you love rolling over to your tummy and hanging out there for awhile now. You have yet to figure out how to roll back to your back which can get a little frustrating sometimes…in time, sweetheart, you’ll be a fully functioning roly poly.


-Daddy got a new job and we are all so excited about this! God is so good and taking care of our little family in such a loving way :)

-Uncle Godfather is in Houston now doing his second rotation, but he’ll be back in our neck of the woods come this spring! :)


-you’ve gotten a lot of hang out time with mommy and daddy’s dear friends, Peter & Lauren :)

-We continue to enjoy Family Grill Fridays :D

-You love watching all the kids at Bible Study. Can’t wait till you can start interacting with the other little ones that are just a few months older than you :)

-you like chomping on your little fingers - but hey, let’s be honest I like chomping on them and your little toesies too :D


-you are a big fan of being flown around like superman or parachuting down to the ground like a skydiver. maybe you and I will get to enjoy some roller coasters some day (since daddy isn’t a fan of them) ;)


Son, you are wonderful in every way. We love you more with each breath you take, and could not be more thankful to Our Lord for sharing such a precious miracle with us.

motherhood // standing

  Never had I experienced true fear or anxiety till becoming a mother. Fragile little souls wrapped in beauty pla...