Beckett :: Seven Months

This month has been a big one for Beckett Boy! First Christmas, sleeping through the night, travel, food and more!

We started trying some table food, to mixed reviews from B. :) Some of his little faces were just hilarious. I really wanted to do more of a Baby Led Weaning approach with solids for Beckett, but after a few weeks of mainly messes and not much food ingested, I resorted to picking up our favorite Happy Bellies oatmeal and doing purees. Womp womp. But I am still trying to offer him some foods he can hold and explore, and not all baby food. We'll see. Just trying to do what works for him. And me, frankly. :)

On Christmas Eve, I let him gnaw on a piece of ham and the boy LOVED it! He kept reaching for it and wanting more. It was pretty funny.

Still no teeth, but lots of teething and drooling going on. Any day now, I'm just sure of it.

Beckett isn't crawling yet, but has really got the whole rocking on all fours thing down. There have been a few times when I thought it was going to happen, but then I come to my senses and push him down… Kidding!!! But seriously, I don't want him to crawl. Or be mobile in any way, more specifically. #secondchildprobs

We are still working on sleep, but made some really good strides this month. My kiddos just like the catnap as babies. 30 minutes on the dot. I have come to accept this, mostly, but it still drives me bonkers some days. Especially when he is on his 4th catnap of the day, and clearly fussy and tired because he hasn't gotten enough sleep. And forget trying to schedule anything around naps or get anything substantial accomplished while he sleeps. But in last few weeks, he has started to give me a longer nap (1 - 1.5 hours) every once in a while. So I know he can do it! And he puts himself to sleep just fine, so I am extremely thankful for that. Baby steps! Oh! And as soon as we got back from traveling after Christmas, he started to consistently sleep all night! He will still wake and need to be soothed back down here and there, but no nursing and in bed from about 6:45pm to around 7am! Glory.

I just love this boy so much. He is just the sweetest baby and has such a good temperament. I love the way he watches his sister and how she makes him laugh. Their little bond makes my heart so full and thankful. I can't wait to see what kind of boy and man he becomes, but there is no rush!!

I love you to the moon and back, Beckett Boy!

Beckett :: 4 & 5 Months

So my little big guy is nearly SIX months now, but I clearly can't be counted on to post his monthly pictures with any timeliness. So here you go- a twofer for months 4 and 5. I did actually take the pictures on time, but that's where my punctuality ended.


So on to the show… 4 months!

He had no love for the camera this month.

This past month was a big one. Beckett's first plane ride(s), hitting up Disneyland, seeing the ocean and putting those cute little toesies in the sand, meeting our cousin and drooling up a storm!

He was a champ while traveling. We were lucky enough to get to spread out on a few of our plane rides, and as long as I was wearing him, this little guy was content! He is such a good tempered baby, even though he only likes to nap for 30 minutes at a time. We're working on it!

I promise, he does smile!

After much debate, we gave him a little hair trim this month. Just a tad off his rat tail and a little over the ears. He has SO MUCH hair! We want it to grow, but it was looking very unruly and it's much better now! He's my little old man.

Beckett has really started to find his voice... he loves to squawk and coo and talk. His favorite times to chat are early in the morning, while we're still trying to sleep, or laying on the bed after a diaper change. I love to nibble his belly and toes and neck and get him talking and laughing. He is such a delight and I could squish and kiss him all day long. 

 

We love you sweet boy!

_________________________________________________

5 months.

 

Five big months, my boy! You are growing and growing. You will definitely be bigger than your sister before too long. We had to go see the doctor for a bad diaper rash and you were 17lbs! You love to laugh and watch your sister and the dog. Evie fascinates you and loves you so much. She is such a big help and I can't wait for the day you guys will get to really play together!

You have started to act interested in what we are eating… tracking the fork or spoon to our mouths. :) Once we start solids, I have no doubt that you will love it. Though I'm not sure I'm really ready!

You continue to be a drool monster and munch on anything and everything that comes close to your face. I was pretty sure I could see a tiny white dot of a tooth on your bottom gum, but I can't see it now. Teething is no fun!

We have successfully moved you out of the rock n play, to the pack n play in our room. I was dreading the transition, but it was much easier than I thought! You started to arch and flail while you were in there sometimes, and I could tell you wanted to lie flat. Most nights I would lay you down next to me in our bed after the 3/4am feeding and you loved it. I think you also just really like our bed and being close to mom and dad. :) We love it too!

Hi favorite/famous ninja arch move.

We love you so, so much, precious boy, and couldn't imagine our lives without you!

Beckett :: Three Months

 

Our boy is 3 months old today!

 

 

This past month has been so much fun. About two or three weeks ago, Beck really started cooing and talking to us a TON! He wakes up so happy and talkative each day and really gets chatty when he's getting his diaper changed or about halfway through a nursing session. It's so sweet. He'll stop once he's eaten some, look up at me and give a big grin and start cooing at me. Melts my heart every time!

 

 

Brother hates tummy time, but has a very strong neck, just like his sister did. He still loves to be swaddled and I continue to be his most favorite person in the world. :) I definitely think his eyes will end up brown, which I love. We'll see about his hair! I love it dark, but wouldn't be surprised if it lightens up. This baby is just the sweetest thing in the world. He is so content to hang out and watch his sister play. He mainly only cries when he's hungry and tired. It's so sad and pitiful when he gets worked up. We try not to laugh!

 

this is my serious face.

 We feel so blessed by this boy and can't imagine our family without him. And is it just me, or is soooo handsome??? :)

 

We love you to the moon and back Beckett Boy!

 

Beckett :: Two Months

 

This big guy is 2 months old!

 

He has changed sooo much in the past month. I feel like that tiny, delicate newborn-ness is already starting to wear off. Sniff sniff. I think it's because he's such a big eater and is filling out nicely. I stinking love him.

 

 

 

Beck continues to be his daddy's little doppelganger. It amazes me sometimes. He just looks like a little man! In the past week and a half he has really started focusing in on us, tracking me across the room and hamming it up. We can get smiles pretty easily and I can't wait until I hear those first sweet little laughs. He is such a doll!

 

And as much as he looks like daddy, he looooves his mama. :) I'm not complaining.

This weekend we tried a bottle for the first time and he did great! Nothing like his sister (who straight up boycotted). I think it's because he takes a paci. And he just likes to eat.

 

 

His 2 month appointment is tomorrow, so I'll update his stats after that. Can't wait to see how much he's grown! He seems long to me and he has most definitely been gaining weight like a champ. I've already had to put away the newborn sleepers.

 We love you little buddy, and couldn't imagine our family without you! 

 

{Evie's 2 Month Pics}

 

Beckett :: One Month

Our boy is 1 month old already!

I'm pretty sure I said this with Evie, too, but it feels like he's always been with us. This sweet little nugget just fits seamlessly into our family. He has truly been a dream baby and I couldn't be more thankful! 

He is a great eater (and takes it very seriously), and is definitely filling out. I'm guessing he's right at 8 lbs by now. We exclusively nurse and he eats every 2 1/2 - 4 hours during the day and every 3-4 at night. He either falls asleep on me or goes right back into his Rock n Play during the night, so I really can't complain! Such a little love.

He's starting to stay awake longer during the day, which is fun. I think he is his daddy's twin at this point, but he is 100% a mama's boy and likes to be swaddled. :) Car rides are hit and miss, but overall pretty good!

 We are still getting used to being a family of four, and all that entails... but overall things are wonderful. Evie loves her baby brother and is so sweet with him.

He's here...

 He's here!

Beckett Cullen arrived on Thursday, May 29 at 11:46 pm.

7lbs 1oz, 21 inches

Sweet as can be.

 

Bumpdate 2.0 {36 Weeks}

How far along? 36 Weeks
Weight Gain: 20 lbs

How Big is Baby? Supposedly about 6 pounds?? I don't really know how that's possible, since Evie was only 5lbs at birth!

Maternity Clothes? No. But elastic waist shorts are my new best friends.

Stretch Marks? None

Sleep: Not great, but not too, too horrible.

Best Moment of the Week: Crossing a few baby-related things off my To Do List! Nursery is finally done being painted, the crib is put together and a load of teeny tiny newborn clothes has been washed!

Movement: Yes, and they're now all really intense and hard, since he's running out of room in there!

Food Cravings: Sweets and refreshing, lemony drinks

Gender: BOY!

What I Miss: Our anniversary was a week & a half ago, and all I really wanted (other than to lay on a beach somewhere), was to enjoy a nice, big glass of wine while out at a leisurely dinner. But that seems to be frowned upon around these parts. ;)

What I'm looking forward to: Holding my boy

Symptoms: I have officially started to swell. Which is awesome. This never really happened with Evie, but my wedding band gets snug and my feet and ankles start to swell almost immediately every day. Not sure if it has to do with the warmer weather or what, but it's not cute. My legs basically feel like tree stumps by the afternoon.

Emotions: Oh man. I literally have an emotional breakdown at least once a week. I just cry so much more easily and quickly (thanks hormones!) and I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately with all I feel like I need to get done and a pretty full May calendar. Top that off with less and less energy, and I just don't think I can get to everything. Which I can't. And I won't. But I'm trying to give myself a little grace and realize that it will be ok in the end. One day at a time!

Bumpdate 2.0 {21 Weeks}

How far along? 21 Weeks
Weight Gain: 7 lbs

How Big is Baby? The size of a large banana. Or a pomegranate. Dealer's choice.

Maternity Clothes? I broke out a pair of my maternity jeans! Not sure if I I'll use my other pair or not. That's it so far.

Stretch Marks? Nope

Sleep: This weekend we picked up a preggo body pillow. So far, so good! Though Little Miss thinks it's for her...

 

Best Moment of the Week: I'm loving all of Evie's references and discussions about the baby. Last night she wanted to see him move, so pulled up all 63 layers of my clothing, cupped her hands around her eyes like goggles and peered into my belly button. Then declared she could see him moving around in there. :)

Movement: Oh yes. He is very busy! At our last appointment (at 19 weeks), the dr. mentioned that he's laying in there horizontally, which isn't typical, and I guess could make me more uncomfortable than normal. This made a lot of sense to me, since I already have decent sized hips and don't seem to get very big out front when I'm pregnant. I think most babes are positioned something like this:

 

Food Cravings: Not really, but I'm wishing I did! I did pick up some ice cream at the store the other day and have been having some before bed. Not majorly craving it or anything, but I'm not hating an excuse for ice cream every night, either. :)

Gender: BOY!

What I Miss: Energy

What I'm looking forward to: Still need to tackle the nursery, but I've made some progress on Evie's big girl room, so I am happy about that! One kid/room at a time.

Symptoms: I've had some major back and sciatica pain lately. I really need to start doing my pregnant Pilates video. Also, pretty sure I'm having Braxton Hicks already! Not my favorite.

Emotions: They've been good.

All in all, I'm thrilled to be halfway there! I can hardly believe it though... it kind of feels like I've been pregnant forever!

 

Bumpdate 2.0 {17 Weeks}

Happy New Year!!!

 

How far along?  17 Weeks

Weight Gain: 5 big ones

How Big is Baby? The size of an onion! Yuck.

Maternity Clothes? None yet. Leggings and a few pairs of skinny jeans are still working for me.

Stretch Marks? Nope

Sleep: Up and down, though lately the rough nights are due to Little Miss Evie
and her crib-jumping antics, rather than baby boy! 

Best Moment of the Week: All sorts of Christmas fun with our family

Movement: YES! I started to feel him the weekend before Christmas! Each night when I lay down in bed or to watch TV (around 9 or 10), I feel lots of little kicks and rolls. It's seriously the BEST thing, ever. I can't wait until Daddy can start to feel them from the outside.

Food Cravings: Nothing in particular. I still have a nasty taste in my mouth a lot of the time, which kind of ruins it for me. :/

Gender: BOY!

What I Miss: A cold beer would be nice!

What I'm looking forward to: Getting organized and cleaning out the room that will become his nursery.

Symptoms: Growing aches and pains, gagging when I brush my teeth, sciatica pain.

Emotions: Good!

I hope everyone has a fun and safe New Year's Eve!! You'll find us lounging around, watching the boob tube with some take-out. :) I seriously doubt I'll stay awake long enough to see the ball drop, but I'm good with that. Can't wait to see all that 2014 has in store!
 

We're having a ...

BOY BOY BOY !!!

We are extremely thrilled and feeling blessed to have a little boy joining our family. I really felt all along that we were having a boy, but I think hubby didn't want to believe it until the doc said, "Oh yeah. It's a boy. 100%." :)

Now on to choosing a name and finally thinking about the nursery! Eeek!

Bumpdate 2.0 {14 Weeks}

How far along?  14 Weeks

Weight Gain: 2-3 lbs? I feel very large and in charge after this snowed-in weekend where I mainly just made it my business to eat the pantry clean.
How Big is Baby? The size of my clenched fist
Maternity Clothes? not yet
Stretch Marks? Nope
Sleep: Blergh. Not great. Especially lately with this nasty head cold I've had.
Best Moment of the Week: Getting to play in the snow! (I know- totes baby-related)
Movement: not yet
Food Cravings: Food. All the foods.
Gender: We should know at our next appointment!!
What I Miss: Energy and feeling like myself. I'm not sure I've ever felt so unmotivated, in general.
What I'm looking forward to: 2nd trimester goodness
Symptoms: Growing pains, exhaustion, breakouts, hormonal roller coaster rides
Emotions: See above. I cried profusely and inexplicably for the better part of Saturday. Fun times.

 All in all, I am SUPER excited to be entering the 2nd trimester. I already feel so much bigger than I did with Evie at this point, and all that early pregnancy bloat is gone, so I can't even throw the blame that way. But frankly? I don't care. I know my bump is still not fully noticeable to others (as in, I just look chubby), but being comfortable is all I care about right now, so I'm letting it all hang out. :)

Another little turkey!

Most already know, but we are so beyond excited to be expecting a sweet little babe next June!

I am 13 weeks along and had planned on posting something last week, but with all the Thanksgiving and birthday shenanigans, it just never happened. So here is last week's belly shot:

This is the main reason I have been such an absent friend, wife, business owner, blogger lately. This baby has totally given me a run for my money. The all day queasiness and sheer exhaustion set in at about 5.5 weeks and has only recently let up. I still get a sour tummy in the evenings but my days are slowly returning to normal. Naps (or at least a good rest in bed) are still a necessity when Evie is napping and I'm typically in my pj's and lounging in bed as soon as my girl is tucked in. My poor husband has to spend most evenings by himself and has been such a trooper and help during all of this. I truly don't know what I would do without him!

I keep trying to decide if this time around is worse than with Evie or if it just seems like it, since I'm chasing a toddler around all day. Ultimately, I do think this pregnancy has been harder. There were some really dark days in there and I am so thankful that they have passed. I also just think that with moving, having my appendix out and going back to work all in the space of 2 months really did me in.

But moving on! To say that we are thrilled to be expecting again is the understatement of the year. We are just so, so thankful and amazed at God's faithfulness. It has been a long, heartbreaking journey to add to our little family, but I know that so many go through so much worse. I feel the weight and significance of getting to mother another little person and don't take that lightly. I can't wait to snuggle another little newborn neck. I can't wait to see my husband's proud and happy face at the sight of his new son or daughter. And I truly cannot wait to see my girl as a big sister. She is going to be amazing.

So get ready for regular belly updates. I am hoping to at least keep up and track things like I did with Evie's Bumpdates.

And as for what we're having? We should know for sure in a few weeks, but I'm thinking all BOY! :)