Firsts!

We've had several firsts over the last week. First off, (pun intended :) we went for our first family picnic while Blake was off work Friday. It was so nice outside so we packed some sandwiches and loaded up. Preston sat in his Bumbo and watched us eat but he seemed to be enjoying himself. We (Preston) had a poopie accident which required a change of clothes but other than that we just relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine. Another first and MAJOR one is Preston started taking a one hour nap in his CRIB. It takes some convincing as he only allows it late afternoon, after a full meal, the bedtime routine and a paci (although he does not usually take one, he will accept it if he wakes while being laid in the crib). I am extremely proud of him because he honestly HATES to sleep and I mean HATES it! He will go down in his crib at night just fine but normally, if he's laid down anywhere during the day, he wakes up immediately and cries and refuses to go back to sleep. His "normal" naps consist of falling asleep on me, in the car, strolling around or in his carseat on the dryer. I know some people may criticize the latter but I can assure you, he has always been watched carefully. So like I said, this is a major milestone for us. In addition, Preston has also started grabbing and holding on to his toes. It's so cute to watch him in the floor holding those sweet little feet. He also started rolling up on his side. He can't quite make it all the way over but he's giving a good effort. I'm sure he'll go all the way very soon. Enjoy pictures of his firsts below (minus the nap - not taking a chance on the noisy camera flash).

Easter & 5 Months

We had a wonderful Easter this year and I'm so thankful we now have our sweet boy to partake in celebrating our Jesus! What an awesome God we have - he has risen and LIVES!!! I had planned every detail of Easter morning which included us getting to church on time. Um, yeah right. I was up at 6:30 a.m. and it still wasn't enough time. Maybe next year we will opt for the late service instead of the early one. We did manage to take a few pictures of Preston with his Easter basket before rushing him into his clothes and out of the house. We went to my parents' house for an early lunch and then to Blake's grandparents' house for a late lunch :) Preston managed to squeeze in a nap on the drives in between. We had a great time visiting with family. I LOVE our families and it warms my heart to see everyone together having fun. Preston was wiped by the time we got home and was asleep for the night at 7:30 (which by the way, he slept until 3:10 a.m., ate and went back down until 8:00 - so proud!). Preston got lots of goodies from the "Easter Bunny". I want to remember everything so thus the following list:

Children's Bible Stories book

Ducky blankie with his name on it. We have named him Mr. Quack

Fuzzy alligator ring-shaped teether

His first sippy cup!

Small bunny that hops when wound up

Moisturizing bath wash

In addition to Easter, Preston turned 5 months old on Sunday. I truly cannot believe how fast the time is going by. He is changing so much and learning new things constantly. He loves to chew on his hands and suck either his thumb or first two fingers. He is also starting to grab his toes. He loves to play and chew on anything he can wrap his little fingers around. We gave him his sippy cup for the first time today with a little bit of water in it. He starting sucking that water down so fast I couldn't believe it. He loved it! He played with the handles a little bit but couldn't quite grasp it to hold. I honestly didn't even think he would even drink out of it. He's so big! (sniff) And I mean that developmentally AND physically. He is one hefty little guy. My biceps are sure to be bulging before too long :) Preston loves to be talked too and for me to tickle his tummy up to his chin. It cracks him up. He also loves to stare at his Daddy. He will stare and as soon as Blake looks, Preston looks away. It's hilarious. He loves his Daddy so much and Blake can always get him to smile. I can't wait to see what comes next - 6 months here we come!

Easter Eggs

Amanda and Mattie came over today and dyed eggs with me and Preston. I knew they wouldn't be participating very much but we still had fun. Preston twirled an egg in his highchair for a bit but traded it in for his favorite toy after the egg got boring. Mattie liked to hold the eggs and try to eat them with the shell. After a while, her mommy peeled her one and she munched away while observing us dye the eggs. We did manage to get a few pictures of them despite the slight chaos. Fun day!

March 17, 2009

One year ago today I found out I was pregnant with our precious baby boy. The details of it are still so vivid...That January I had a miscarriage and it left me devastated. After several months of trying for a baby, mine was now gone. After MANY tears and a week to recover emotionally, I went back to work and began to put myself back together. I had to continue seeing my doctor to check my HCG levels (pregnancy hormone) and make sure they returned to zero. I went twice in February and they were very low and I was told to come back in a few more weeks to check again. I went back on March 17th, had my blood drawn as usual and returned to work. It normally takes them 2 days to call me with the results but two hours later, my cell phone was ringing. It was my doctor herself and not the nurse. Our conversation went something like this:

Doctor: "Were you coming in to confirm a pregnancy?"

Me: "Um, no ma'am, I was just getting my levels checked again to see if they were down to zero yet."

Doctor: "Well, your HCG is over 700 so I believe we have a new pregnancy"

Me: (wordless and in shock)

So after a home pregnancy positive and an ultrasound at the doctor the next day, it was confirmed. I was pregnant again and we were thrilled to say the least. This last year has been amazing...from hearing Preston's heartbeat, feeling him flutter in my tummy, finding out he was a boy, watching my belly move from his strong kicks, waiting anxiously during labor and holding him for the first time, and now watching him grow and change. He truly is a miracle and I'm so thankful for him. Being his mother is such a gift and blessing from God and I just can't say it enough. Thank you Jesus for my beloved baby.

4 Month Checkup

We had quite a morning today. In addition to Preston's appointment at 10:00, our dog Lola had a grooming appointment and had to be dropped off by 9:00 a.m. Let me just say that getting a baby ready and packed and a dog loaded up is a huge task. Oh, did I mention it was a monsoon outside? We get to the groomer and it's sprinkling so off we go out of of the car, dog on the leash and carseat in hand. Lola realizes where we are (she hates the groomer) and refuses to move forward. Meanwhile our sprinkle has turned into a full blown downpour. I'm trying to get Preston inside the door and Lola is standing by the car getting soaked. Where is my inspector gadget arm when I need it? Lola finally comes toward the door and we're in. Thank goodness! After the rain subsided a bit we headed towards the doctor. Now it's feeding time so what's a breastfeeding mom to do but park at the doctor and feed the baby in the backseat. I'm glad our windows are tinted :) Side note: While in the car, I saw a dad (only adult) come out with not one or two but THREE carseats in hand. Triplets! He had two on one arm and the third on the other. He didn't miss a beat though and loaded those babies in the minivan in record time. I was very impressed!

So anyway, now on to Preston's appointment. He weighed in at a whopping 18 pounds and 1 ounce. Wow! He measured 26 inches long too. This puts him in the 93rd percentile for weight and 81st percentile for height. His head circumference is 16 1/4. He's a big boy! Dr. Youngblood said he is very healthy and looks wonderful! The doctor said Preston is obviously getting plenty of nourishment from me so there is no need to start solids until 6 months...unless I'm just dying to let him try it. We'll probably try a little cereal soon just for practice but wait on the baby food for now. She said he's definitely teething with his amount of drool and constant gnawing of his hands (which by the way are his new best friends). He was doing so great, smiling and having a good time. Then the nurse came in for his 4 shots. It was so sad because he is laying there all innocent and smiling at the nurse right before she pricks him. One jolt of shock and then the screams and tomato red face :( It took longer to console him this time so I was a little more upset too. My mom met me there and she had tears in her eyes. Poor guy. So afterwards, Mom and I went to lunch and Preston slept. After a nap and another feeding, he is now as happy as a lark. We go back to the doctor at 6 months so 2 more months without shots! Below is a picture of him in the bathtub. He LOVES to take a bath.

Preston's Dedication

This past Sunday we had Preston dedicated at church. It was such a special moment for us as a family. What a blessing it is to have this child entrusted to us. He is truly a gift from God and we thank him daily for our precious boy. As Pastor Steve said, Preston's first perception of God will come from the two of us. No pressure! :) I want lots of things for my child in life but most of all, I want him to love Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him. God loaned us this precious angel while we are here on earth and I intend to take good care of him, teaching him about the One who loves him so much and who gave his son so that we may live eternally in his heavenly kingdom. I pray our love for Jesus and love for each other will be a constant witness to our son all throughout our lives. We love our baby so much and I am so thankful for being his mother. Our families got to come share this day with us and we loved having them. Since Preston was dedicated in the early service, we all had a late breakfast at Cracker Barrel afterwards. Preston was pooped so he napped while we ate :) It was a wonderful day.

After his nap that day
What's up

Mr. and Mrs.

Well, not anytime soon. The beautiful little redhead (Mattie) with Preston is the daughter of our best friends, Matt and Amanda. The day we found out Preston was a boy, Amanda and I immediately started daydreaming about their future nuptials to each other. We may be getting a little ahead of ourselves but you never know :) We took some cute pictures of the two lovebirds in their bumbos. As you can see from the second photo, Mattie LOVES to touch Preston. And anyone that knows Amanda can tell you that this trait is definitely from her. She is hilarious and Blake and I just adore her. I think these two are going to be great friends. Be on the lookout for updated pictures as they grow and change. I've also added a few pictures of Preston and his precious little smile. I just love my boy!!!

Cheese!
Mattie: "Aw, I love to rub your face, Preston"
Preston: "Mom, I'm done"
Little Monster
I love his smile