New Year's Eve

We stayed in at my parents house and had a delicious dinner with my family on New Year's Eve. We opened Christmas presents with my sister, brother-in-law and the kids since we didn't see them on Christmas, watched Lilah take care of Henry, relaxed on the couch, and played cards. It was the perfect way to celebrate.

Happy Birthday Mom

Even though I'm a mom myself now, I still need you as my own mom....more than ever it seems. I don't know what I'd do without you. So glad you're a phone call away, a 12 minute drive away or a "pop in" away. I love you forever.

Looking forward to some yummy homemade ice cream from your new ice cream maker... and so is Henry. Don't worry, we promise to let you be the first one to feed him ice cream.

1 Month

Dear Henry,

You are one month old! We can't believe it!

So far you have been such a good baby (let's hope you stay that way). You are calm and easy going...only crying when you are hungry, tired, need to be changed, or when you feel like fussing for a bit. You are a good sleeper too, usually only waking up once during the night to eat. You sleep in the Moses basket next to our bed and then we bring the basket in the living room during the day for your naps. You are swaddle trained. As soon as we put you in your "straight jacket" you calm down and fall asleep. You've been a stinker in the feeding department though. Since day one, you've wanted nothing to do with nursing. Mommy tried everything (tools and working with lactation consultants) and had lots of patience (over three weeks), but you never took to breast feeding. As daddy says you're like him: "more of an ass man than a boob man." Hehe. We needed you to gain weight and grow so we had to take the bottle route (which you have no problem sucking down). Mommy and daddy now have a system worked out where mommy pumps throughout the day/night and we both feed you. We also supplement with formula to bulk you up. You like to suck on your fingers and take a pacifier to soothe yourself. All of a sudden, you turned one month and you've become more alert in the last few days. You can track us and recognize our voices already.

Mommy loves being home with you... especially snuggling on the couch together. The best part of the day is after your morning feeding when we fall back asleep for a few hours (mommy's best sleep of the day) and then undoing your swaddle and watching you stretch and coo. Daddy loves putting on your iPod in your room and singing and dancing with you at night when he gets home from work. You have your own playlists and quite the variety of music.

We love you so much, Henry. You are just so perfect and cute... daddy's nose and ears, and everything else mommy. You melt our hearts and have made us laugh every day since bringing you home from the hospital. We can't even remember what life was like before you arrived.

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Exchange Game

Every year there is that "one gift" in our family exchange game.

Round 1: Aunt Karen picked this beauty.

Round 2: It got swapped to my dad...

Christmas Jammies & Brunch

We had a relaxing Christmas morning of lounging around comfy in our PJs, cuddling under blankets, opening presents and eating a scrumptious brunch. The best gift of all; Henry.

1st Christmas-Best Ever

Henry had his first Christmas at one month old. Santa brought him two Fisher Price toys and two books.

I got new jammies and an outfit.

Edward got a pair of Merrells. He and Henry got matching flannels.

Dinner Table Shenanigans

Somehow things always get a little crazy around the dinner table on Christmas Eve. It must be all the kapusta and pierogis!?!

Christmas Eve Portraits

As you can see, Henry was the hit of Christmas Eve and passed around to everyone.

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Edward, Amanda & Henry

Christmas Tree 2011

SURPRISE!!!

Edward's sister Emily & her husband Richard surprised Edward's parents by coming home from Korea for Christmas. Edward and I kept the secret since this summer. We arranged for John and Dale to come over to our house (which almost back fired on us) where Emily and Richard were waiting by the Christmas tree. They had no idea and it was priceless to see their reactions!

Cuteness

Aren't I just so stinkin cute!?!

Firsts

We've had lots of "firsts" around here lately....

Henry had his first bath.

As you can see, Henry did NOT enjoy his first tub experience. He screamed the entire time! Things have turned around since then...he now LOVES bath time and being in his tub!!! As soon as he's in the warm water, he's in heaven. He just chills calmly in his tub as you get him clean and cries when you take him out. We've made it part of our night time routine to get Henry ready for bed.

Henry went for his first walk around EA.

Who would've thought we'd be able to take our newborn out for a walk in December!?! With the mild temperatures around here, we bundled Henry up and got him some fresh air.

Henry got his first Christmas tree.

Yes, that is Henry in his car seat above. All you can see is his doggie hat...hehe. We picked out our tree as a family of three and brought it home to decorate together (I held Henry as we put on the lights and ornaments.). He did push the button to light up the finished tree for the first time!