then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby is 41 weeks old

Dear littlest Russell,

Today you have been out for exactly how long you were in. Yes I'm going to be "that" Mom. How fast this time in my life has gone. And look how fast my hair has grown-just kidding (kinda)!

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then mommy is going crazy

Dear littlest Russell,

I've really noticed that there are a lot of articles and blogs posts being shared about the first few months home with your baby. Most of them talk about how hard and exhausting it is taking care of a newborn and how life gets easier and better. It makes me feel sad. I realize that for a lot of new moms those first few months can suck...really badly, but for us is was wonderful. I see now that I had it way beyond easy. You slept well, ate really well and overall you were a very happy content little boy. Dare I say you were "Easy". I rocked those first few months I mean you basically did the eat, sleep, poop cycle on repeat like clockwork. 

Then things slowly changed. You started to get teeth and that I hear is quite painful. Also I'm having to watch you like a hawk these days. You are very mobile-constantly pulling yourself up and walking all over the place. Getting into things you shouldn't. You have sooooo many bruises from little falls and tumbles it looks like I don't look after you. 

And now there is the business of entertaining you. You are pretty good at playing by yourself when I need you to but I always feel like we should be out doing stuff because before I know it I'm going to have to return to work and our time for doing fun things is soon to be very limited. It's exhausting. I'm exhausted. Where are the blogs that say that this part can suck? Just as it seems like everyone else is getting the hang of this parenting business I'm starting to feel lost. 

You are still a great kid. For the most part you are still that smiley, happy go lucky little dude (especially in front of others). It's just with me you pull out all your emotions. I've read that that is a good sign. It shows you trust me and yada-yada. Can I just say that I'm not a fan of this stage. It sucks and for anyone else who may come across my little blog post who feels the same way please let me know I'm not the only one. I do truly feel like I'm going crazy and that I'm all alone.

The other day you fell asleep on my chest like you did when you were super small and you better believe I snuggled you for that entire nap. I miss my little baby. 

Love & Snuggly Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then three ways to wake a sleeping baby

Dear littlest Russell,

I have come up with three ways to wake a sleeping baby. Here they are in no particular order:

1. Deside that you yourself would like to take a nap. You settle yourself in and BAM baby is awake. 

2. You deside that you are going to eat something. The baby could be sleeping on a whole different floor and will sleep through most if not all of the time it takes to prepare and cook the food but as soon as you sit down to eat, that right there is the moment the baby will wake up. 

3. This one only applies to breastfeeding mothers. Your baby has desided to sleep in...nice right...except now your boobs are engorged and leaking. You take out your pump and get excited thinking you might actually get a bottle to put away for later use. As soon as you pump just enough to make the pump and bottle dirty but not enough to actually collect anything worth saving that is when the little darling will wake up after all. And the baby will be hungry so after you're finished feeding him make sure you go back and sanitize all the parts to the pump and bottle. 

There you go. Three easy ways to wake a baby. 

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby is nine months old

Dear littlest Russell,

At Nine Months Old you:

• Can point and do a pincers grasp. 

• Can sign eat, more, all done and up (you recognize way more like milk, drink, water, dog, mom and dad)

• Have six teeth (two on the bottom and four on top).

• Pull yourself up and walk all over the place so long as you have something to hold onto. 

• Love music and any toys that play music. 

• Don't really nap in the mornings unless it's in the car on the way to something. 

• Can stand by yourself without holding on to anything for a few seconds. 

• Have to sleep in your pack n play until I can figure out how to stop you from trying to climb out of your crib. 

• Gravity fascinates you still. You love to feed the dog even though you know you are not supposed to by dropping food over your high chair tray. 

• Wear size 18 month to 2T clothing, size 12-18 month pants (but we have to roll them up because you're short), size 24-2T shorts, and size 6 diapers. 

• Weigh 20.8 pounds. 

Love & Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby sign language

Dear littlest Russell,

At eight months old you are starting to sign back to Daddy and I. I find this to be amazing! We started sign language really early with you but we haven't been really consistent so I'm really impressed that for about a week now you have been doing the sign for eat. 

We have registered to take classes starting next week mainly so we can meet other moms and babies and to get out of the house now that all of our other activities have finished. I'm excited to see how much you really understand already and for our future communication skills to grow!

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby has four teeth

Dear littlest Russell,

The past few days have been a bit rough for you. On July 1st you cut your third tooth and on your Grandma's birthday, July 2nd, you cut your fourth. 

You now have two bottom and two top teeth with the two middle top teeth riiiight there. Poor guy. Also it is really hard to get a picture so the above photo is the best I could do. It's hard to see the one on your top left but it's there!

You are growing up so fast. Everyday I feel like there is something new with you. I see the transition from baby into toddler happening much quicker than I ever thought it would. 

Love & Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby is Eight Months Old

At Eight Months Old you:

• Can do high five, clap and wave your hands.

• Have added the "Ba" sound to your vocabulary.

• Love making people laugh by being silly. You will probably be the class clown. 

• Cry when you can't see me.

• Love walking (assisted) all over the place.

• Went on our first mini family vacation to Penticton. 

• Can drink from a straw.

• Have started to play around with the pitch and volume of your voice. I didn't know people could make that high of a sound or have it be so loud. 

• Gravity fascinates you. You constantly drop things just to see what happens. 

• Had your first dentist appointment. 

• Wear size 12-18 month clothing, size 12-18 month pants and shorts (hooray for warm weather), and size 5 diapers. 

• Weigh 20.6 pounds. 

Love & Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then First Father's Day

Dear littlest Russell,

Do you see how far behind I am on writing to you? Oh well, better late than never right? Here are some photos from Daddy's first Father's Day:

Now if you could only say his name...

Love & Squishy Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby is seven months old

At seven months old you:

•Stand supporting yourself by holding onto things with your hands and you are starting to take steps. 

•Scratch at everything to figure out the texture. 

•You think everything should go in your mouth, everything. 

•Sleep on your side or tummy. 

•Say "Ahhhhhh" when you're hungry. 

•Say Mama on repeat. I got a video of you saying "I love Mama". 

•Are quite the explorer. You roll to where you want to go just like I did as a babe. 

•Have two bottom teeth. 

•Love to feed yourself. 

•Did not cry when you had your six month shots. You thought about it for one second and then went right back to breastfeeding. 

•Wear size 12-18 month clothes, 12 months pants and are in size 5 diapers (still)

•Weigh 19 pounds

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby's first tooth

Dear littlest Russell,

Before I even had a chance to write about you bringing in your first tooth you popped your second tooth through as well. I still cannot believe you brought in two teeth in four days. 

I'm sure it's really painful and that biting and chewing help you but please stop doing it while I'm nursing you. Please. 

You are growing up so fast and it's super cute to finally start to see your toothy grin. 

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then first Mother's Day

Dear littlest Russell,

Here are some funnies and motherly quotes I came across just in time for Mother's Day:

Love and Kisses,

Mom

 

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then mommy takes a parenting class

Dear littlest Russell,

I will never pretend to know it all. So when the opportunity came for me to go to a parenting class last weekend I took it. I fondly remember when I was growing up my parents participating in parenting classes. After-all we only want the best for our children and recognize that some of the techniques my parents used and their parents before them may not be the most effective.

The other day I had a moment sitting in the doctors office when I saw a mother and her two-year-old son playing in the kids corner. The way she spoke to him was inspiring to say the least. Another child around two years old with his father joined and in typical two year old fashion the child stole the first kid's toy. I fully expected the little boy to lose his sh*t but the mom showed him that there were lots of monkeys (had them count them) and turned it into a moment to teach about sharing. Did the second kid ask if he could play with the barrel of monkeys? No. But the Mom didn't parent the other kid (just her own). I was amazed. I knew right then that I will work so very hard to be just like her. It's called positive discipline. 

The parenting class I took really embraces that philosophy. For example instead of saying "No" all the time, tell the child what you want them to do instead. This may seem like a no brainer but for me it's super challenging. Let me try to break it down and explain further. When you say "No hitting" a picture flashes through the child's brain of them hitting, then they need to figure out that there's a  negative in that and it leaves them wondering "Ok, mom doesn't want me to hit but I don't know what she WANTS me to do." So instead you can say "Gentle hands" or "Keep your hands to yourself (or) by your side". Then you have to take the time to train your kids, showing them what gentle hands look like. It works for everything. Instead of "No jumping" you can say "Feet on the floor". You can also replace the word No with other words like Danger, Hot, Ick, Stop. Save the word No for when you really need it!

Another take away moment from the class that I took was offer two choices. "You have to wear shoes outside. Would you like to wear your blue shoes or your sandals?"(because you don't want your kid wearing his winter boots-it's summer). Offer them two choices you agree with and let him choose. You can even add the "you choose" part at the end. 

There were so many other things I learnt that day but this post is already getting wordy so I'll share some others another day. 

Love & Squishy Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby is six months old

Dear Littlest Russell,

At Six Months Old You:

• Love to jump and dance in your exersaucer, actually you love to jump anywhere and everywhere. 

• Have gone swimming a couple of times and had a blast!

• Love it when I clap my hands. 

• Are eating solids about once a day. You love prunes, apple sauce, spinach, bananas, and pickles. You are not a fan of Peas, Carrots (cooked but love to chew on sticks), Sweet potato, or Yams. We haven't given up on those foods yet though. 

• Drink water from a sippy cup

• We have started a new program called Mother Goose. It's like baby story time at the library but it's longer and a couple of our friends are there too which is super fun. 

• Are sitting unsupported. You like to play with your toys like a big boy now. 

• Have found your toes but you get frustrated because they don't reach your mouth. 

• Still won't take a pacifier. You love to suck on your thumbs and fingers. Particularly your middle finger and ring finger at the same time (just like your daddy did when he was little). 

• Are quite the drummer. Always banging your hands on the desk when we listen to music on the computer. 

• Flap your arms up and down really fast when you get happy or excited! 

• Wear size 12-18 month clothes, 12 months pants and are in size 5 diapers. 

• Weigh 18 pounds.

Love & Hugs,
Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then first Easter

Dear littlest Russell,

This weekend we celebrated your first Easter. We had a jam packed day where we went to Grandma's work, then to GG's house, and finally to Auntie Julie's house for dinner. There the Easter bunny left you a very cute soft bunny which you just adore (everyone else got chocolate). 

At home the next day the Easter bunny left you a basket with some jammies, some muppet band aids, and an Easter book. 

You couldn't be happier. As the day went on I saw what my friends kids received and let me just say holy crap moly. Since when did Easter explode into a second Christmas? Gone are the days of a simple egg hunt and a basket. Now children are getting games, toys, bubbles, trampolines and enough crap to overstimulate a donkey thrown down beside their heaping baskets. THEY DONT EVEN HAVE TO LOOK FOR THIS STUFF. It's just out there in the open for them to *find*. I hope throughout the years you remember what Easter (and all the other holidays) are really about. 

Hugs and kisses to you and your bunny sweet boy,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then best friends

Dear littlest Russell,

It is so wonderful to see your relationship with Charlie blossom. You two really love each other. Here is some proof:

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then it's Spring Break

Dear littlest Russell,

I'm a bit behind on writing to you, sorry, but better late than never right? Last week was Spring Break which wouldn't have meant much to us per se as we are able to go on adventures whenever we please but to your older cousin it meant two weeks off from school and one of those weeks she spent it at Grandma's house. Since Grandma lives so close to us we thought of some fun things to do all together. There were a lot of firsts for you. 

One activity I've been dying to do with you is to take you swimming. I was really nervous to go by myself for the first time since I didn't know how I was going to get both of us ready and more importantly how I was going to get both of us out without any help. Now I know to bring in your stroller for future swimming adventures. You loved swimming and didn't even cry when it was time to go. One of the lifeguards told me that you looked so cute and after I told her it was your first time she said that you were doing really well. We lasted two hours before I felt like I had had enough which is a really really long time for a baby. 

We also took you to the aquarium. I think for our next visit we will wait until you are a bit older. You liked it...except for the jellyfish haha. 

All in all we had a lot of adventures for you and it's so fun to see you experience all these things for the first time. 

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby is five months old

Dear littlest Russell,

At five months old you:

•Put everything in your mouth-books, toys, fingers, other people's faces and hair

•Have eaten pears, spinach, apple sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and prunes

•Can roll both ways; from front to back and back to front

•Are getting better at sitting by yourself

•Actually jump in your jolly jumper instead of just hanging there

•Giggle-but mainly for the puppy

•Are the biggest flirt. You smile at anyone and everyone all the time.

•We have started sign language with you. We practice book, ball, eat, milk, mother, father. I cannot wait for you to start signing back. 

•Had fun swinging in the swings at the park

•Went to Vancouver for the first time

•Wear size 12-18 month clothes, size 12 month pants and size 5 diapers

•Weigh 18 pounds

Love & Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then you make me late

Dear littlest Russell,

There is one thing in this world that drives me completely nuts...being late. I have always made it a habit to be early for appointments and events. I would much rather waste my own time arriving early somewhere than wasting other people's time waiting for me to show up. Lately, I can not figure it out. We have been "running behind" several times over the last couple of weeks and it is driving me nuts. It's rude and it gives me a panicky feeling that I don't like. I find myself saying things like "We would love to come for a walk. We will be there around 10:30ish." and I hate that. What is "ish" anyways. It's like I'm warning the other person that if I'm not there right at 10:30 not to panic or something. People make excuses for us me and that needs to stop.

Also, I've noticed that your schedule is changing a bit. You are back to sleeping right through the night but you wake up for the day around 5am (so not cool) and don't take your first nap until 9am. By then I'm not able to go back to sleep myself as I usually have something planned for us so I have to get ready. Hmmmm maybe we need to cool it on the morning adventures for a bit until I can figure out your nap times. I feel bad because lately I've been having to wake you up to go on our outings. I'm lucky your such a cool guy and you usually fall back asleep on the car ride to wherever we are going.

And since we are talking about naps...can we have a small chat about how you nap differently when Daddy is home on the weekends? Why is it that you sleep longer instead of catnaps? It makes me look like I sit here all day doing nothing for hours at a time when in fact you and I both know differently.

Recently I purchased an espresso machine (to make those 5 am wake ups bearable.) Here's hoping that the extra caffeine in my diet doesn't make you crazy too.

Isn't it pretty? Please say hello to my new best friend. 

Love and Hugs,
Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then the flu happened

Dear littlest Russell,

It has now been just over a week since daddy and I got sick from the flu. If there was one thing we ever did right as parents it was taking turns being sick-haha just kidding I'm sure there are many other things we do right. I was very happy that you didn't end up getting what we had too. Although, you didn't get off completely scott free. I was lucky that your Daddy is so hands on with you. It allowed me to be by myself when I couldn't move from the bed/bathroom for about 18 hours. Trust me it was a sight you wouldn't have wanted to smell see. The only problem was I did not have near enough pumped breast milk so you were brought to me when you needed to eat. I nursed you through my sickness because I had read that by that point you had already been exposed to the illness and the antibodies in the milk would further protect you, plus I was so afraid of my supply going down.

It was another full day before I could keep down any food or water and so you could imagine just how dry I felt after a couple of days. Nursing alone makes me feel pretty dry on the best of days. The only thing you suffered from through all this was a week's worth of constipation. The first few days I wasn't so worried but as we approached the one week mark and you still hadn't pooped I really started to feel for you. Especially when you would cry so hard only to have released the nastiest smelling farts.

So since we have introduced a few solid foods to you I crossed my fingers and I gave you some pureed prunes. All I can say is I'm so glad the diapers that you are in right now fit really, really well. I'm sorry that you weren't feeling great but I am so glad that the prunes worked and that I was able to freeze most of the jar to use if we ever need them again in the future.

Don't worry, we did manage to get some actually inside your mouth too

Who could resist this face?

Love & Hugs,
Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then we are all Canucks

Dear littlest Russell,

We have a lot to catch up on small child. This past weekend was supposed to be your very first live Canucks game. I got the tickets back in the summer when I was still pregnant (and had no clue about parenting). The plan was to buy you some noise canceling headphones and for you to sit on my lap there as we watch them crush the Flames. I made you a Canucks hat and everything. But this was what I didn't know back then, that your self regulated bedtime is the same time the puck hit the ice and you've outgrown the whole falling asleep in my arms. No you much rather fall asleep these days in your own crib. Sure the car seat, baby carrier and stroller sometimes work but I couldn't use any of those there. So to save my sanity and the sanity of those seated around us the troops were called in (aka your grandparents came over to babysit you and the dog) and daddy and I went on a date. 

Not bad for a couple of sickies

I must admit I was worried we would come home well past your bedtime to you screaming/wide awake but I figured if you were going to cry it would be better for you to do it here than at the game. You had been pretty constipated so I gave you your very first Tylenol and much to your visitor's dismay you were asleep for the night twenty minutes after we left. Charlie on the other hand was wide awake and in full play mode when we came home. Next time I know to drug the dog too (just kidding).

 

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby is four months old

Dear littlest Russell,

At four months old you:

•Hold your own bottle

•Ate pears

•Starting to army crawl

•Said Mama

•Drool a lot

•Suck on your thumb but still won't take a pacifier

•Grab toys and people's hands and bring them to your mouth to chew on

•Love Charlie. Your face lights up everytime you see her and you reach out to pet her. 

•Sleep has/is going through a regression.  You no longer sleep right through the night, rather you are up at least twice usually around 1am and 5am. You are able to stay awake for longer stretches during the day and for car and stroller rides too. 

•Weigh 16 pounds 2 ounces and are 24.5 inches long

•Wear size 9-12 month clothes, 9 month pants and size 4 diapers

 

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby's first word

Dear littlest Russell,

You did it! You have been practicing all week and you finally clearly said Mama. I know at this point you are just making sounds and you don't know what you're saying but oh man did you get the most excited reaction out of me. 

I cannot wait for you to say it in context or any other words for that matter. You are such a bright, strong, smart, happy boy and I'm so proud of you!

Love & Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then things that make me laugh

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then first food

Dear littlest Russell,

Today you tried (and gobbled up) your very first food-pears. I know, I know, you are "supposed" to wait until the baby is four to six months old before introducing solids but who are "those people" anyways? I'm your Momma and I know you better than anyone and for many reasons I could tell you were ready to at least try something. 

Reason number one: You have amazing neck control-since day one really. It's kind of freaky but I'm glad you came out so strong as I never had to worry about supporting your neck like you were a fragile little bird or something when I held you or passed you to someone else. 

Reason number two: You have been showing a big interest for about a month now in real people food. Every night you watch Daddy and I eat our dinner before you go to bed. You watch us as we put food in our mouths, chew and swallow and I can tell you are learning because you are following with your eyes and reaching out with your hands. 

Reason number three: This may be too much information but I'm going to say it anyways, my peiods have come back for a couple of months now and I feel like my milk supply has gone down. Breastfeeding has become challenging for us right now. You are teething something fierce and the pressure on your gums as you try to nurse frustrates you. Also you are way more aware of your surroundings lately. The dog barks and you pop off to look at her, you pop off to tell me stories, you pop off because the neighbour came home and slammed her door shut, you pop off when you see my phone and want to play with it, you pop off when you hear Daddy talking...I think you get the idea. I'm trying to build up my supply with pumping more often as you have no problem talking a bottle of pumped milk but it's nice to know that you can now be fed something else if you need to be fed in a hurry from Daddy (aka we haven't defrosted a bottle and your freaking out).

Reason number four: I'm trying a new thing out. It's called trusting my instincts. This is going to be challenging but I'm up for it. 

And the main reason or (reason number five): I gave you pears today because I opened a can of them for part of my lunch and didn't want to eat the whole thing so I busted out my baby bullet and voila-baby food.  

Someone sure loved his pears. 

Love & Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then first date

Dear littlest Russell,

Tonight Daddy and I went on our first date since you've been born. And it felt like a first date in many ways. I was excited and nervous and had an upset stomach full of butterflies. Grandma and Grandpa got a quick run down for feeding, jammies and bedtime as we ran out the door. Of course we picked a restaurant close to home so we wouldn't be out long. It only took one of these bad boys before I started to relax. 

Daddy and I had a lovely time and I was glad and a bit surprised that we talked, laughed and smiled like we did before we had kids. Sure we talked about you but we were able to return to the people we once were and it felt great to eat a meal while it was still hot, no interruptions, no crying babies. 

I'm not sure why you weren't in your bed sleeping when we got home-maybe it was because Grandma and Grandpa were just trying to steal a few more cuddles before they had to go home anyways I'm glad we came home sooner rather than later. I gave you the rest of your bottle that I had to wake up in the middle of the night to pump and put you to sleep. 

I like and love you sweet boy (even though I heard that you peed on your Grandma). We will have a chat about that tomorrow when you wake up. 

Love & Hugs,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby's first Valentine's Day

Dear littlest Russell,

Today was your first Valentine's Day and I'm afraid I failed you. I didn't know that even at this age (I thought it was a school thing) kids hand out cards to each other. So you received two cards and handed out none. Mind you the two cards you received came from my mommy friends who do have school age children as well as children close to your age...so for a lack of any other words "they've got this mommy thing down."

I promise to be on my toes for the next holiday...I just have to google what it is. Easter? Saint Patrick's Day? Is there something in March? Do we prank your friends on April 1st? I guess I should figure it out sooner rather than later. 

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then stranger danger

Dear littlest Russell,

I've noticed lately that you are starting to prefer who attends your company. You now play shy and while you still love to show your toothless grin to anyone who so much bats their eye at you, you will only do it if you are being held in my arms. 

Your grandparents are feeling sad that you don't want them holding you...oh sure you warm up after awhile and you see them as much as a few times a week so it's not like they are strangers but lately as soon as you are in their arms that bottom lip is out in full force. 

I'm hoping that this phase will soon pass after all Valentine's Day is coming up and mommy and daddy plan on going out on a date and leaving you with your grandparents. 

Love & Hugs

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then baby is 100 days old

Dear littlest Russell,

Today you are 100 days old. How quickly have those days gone by! No longer do you resemble a newborn but an infant all the way. I feel a little sad that you are growing up so fast. The older you get the more my confidence lessens with what I'm doing with you. Sure in some ways it has grown but you are in an awkward stage of becoming more independent without being able to communicate. 

When you were first born I had the most confidence with you. You were such an easy baby (and still are for the most part). Your needs were easily met. I mean after all, all you did was eat, sleep and poop. Then you started to stay awake for longer stretches of time. You didn't wake up crying for boob and that's where the "ok now what am I supposed to do with you" phase entered. So I tried playing with you, reading to you, teaching you sign language, tickling you but I feel like sometimes it's too much and that maybe I'm not very good at it. 

We go to baby story time at the library and you by far are the youngest one there. I have people coming up to me all the time asking how old you are, and when I tell them they congratulate me for getting out of the house all on my own with a baby who is so young. I'm taken aback every single time I see that surprised face. And then the doubt comes in...am I pushing you too much too soon? Are we supposed to be sitting at home singing the itsy bitsy spider? 

Lately I've been trying to let you play on your own without hovering around you, engaging you in play. It's hard. My need for control and protection over you is really high. Maybe it would be different if I could lay you down on the floor and let you roll around and play on your own but we have Charlie who would be all over you in .32 of a second. So far you can play in you exersaucer by yourself for short amounts of time which is nice because it gives my arms a break from holding you. 

So as much as I would like time to slow down or even rewind I would also like it to speed up so we can get out of this awkward stage of I don't know what to do with you thing we have going on. 

And this is where I feel the most satisfied. When you are both sleeping. Haha. Poor baby! You are sure getting the raw end of the deal here. 

Love & Kisses,

Mom

then comes marriage...then a house...a dog...then Daddy goes out of town

Dear littlest Russell,

We have had a super busy week this past week. Daddy was out of town from very early Sunday morning until past your bedtime Wednesday night. 

Sunday we went over to Pop's house with your puppy Charlie. We go to his house once a month and your big cousin Kristina, Auntie Kayla and Uncle JP go over too. I love that you have so many people in your life who love you so much they fight over who gets to hold you next which helped me out a lot because you were pretty fussy. 

Monday we went grocery shopping and hosted our first play date with the mommies and babies from our prenatal group. As us mommies chatted you babies also seemed to be chatting with each other- it was so cute. Later that night your Grandma and Grandpa came over with sushi for dinner. Again you were pretty fussy. I have a big feeling you are working on some teeth and nighttime seems to be when it's most painful for you. 

Tuesday we went to a play date in the morning with your little friend Ben and then we went out to Chilliwack and you met my cousin's baby girl Ella. She is three months older than you. It was so much fun to see what you are going to be able to do in just a few short months from watching her. When we came home to pick up Charlie from Gandma and Grandpa's we were invited and stayed for spaghetti dinner. Grandma was talking to you when I was changing your bum and you giggled for the first time. 

Wednesday we went to the library for baby story time. This is our second week in a row that we have gone. I really love learning the new songs and watching your face when the librarian reads the story. You managed to stay awake a little bit longer this time but I understand it's hard for you. These activities always seem to run during nap times plus they are really stimulating which is a lot for a small fry like you to take in. We came home and read more stories at home before we went to pick up Daddy from the airport. 

I hope your love of reading matches my own. It seems to me that you are off to a great start. 

Thursday we went back over to Ben's for another play date. You guys are so cute together and Ben is super awesome at sharing his toys with you. 

Friday we are hanging out around the house. Daddy and I get our new king size bed delivered and the drywall repair man is supposed to come over too. We still need to go to buy our bed frame which is great timing because the Ikea bedroom event is now on. I declare a full on pajama day in our near future to relax and recoup from all the craziness I put us through this week. 

Love & Hugs, 

Mom