Pieces with Reece & <br>Knick-knacks with Zach: January 2006

Ol' McDonald

Yep, the old man is turning 40 on Saturday. I think Reece captured the point exceptionally well...although for his birthday we are not planning much of a fuss.
: )

Curious Danijela

We spent some time with Angela and Danijela today, just getting away from the house for a little while.

Danijela was very curious about baby Reece and smiled every time she saw him. She shook his seat and later when I had him out, she wanted to touch him. She would get sooo excited...but we had to teach her to be gentle around the baby. She touched his head and did a good job learning how to be soft. Later, we saw her practicing her gentle touch on the fireplace hearth...Good girl, Danijela.

Reece appears to be keeping his eye on her...

Smile

Within the past week, he's gotten so much more expressive. It's hard for mommy to take a picture while she's holding him, so forgive me for the poor exposure on this one. But...I am so glad to have caught one of the moments that I recently get to enjoy daily...a big smile. He is starting to make more varied noises as well. I think he is trying to imitate me. (Usually these smiles come after a meal, so part of me wonders if gas is taking on new forms, but I'm saying that he's smiling at mommy because he loves her. I can tell you that it certainly makes her day!)

Mom good to go...

Had my 6 week dr appt today...it's amazing that you have major surgery and don't go to the dr for a check-up for 6 whole weeks. Well, everything checked out great and now I don't have to go back until my next annual exam. Wow...that's crazy! Good to know this ol' body still recovers quickly though. I'm back to tennis practice this week...taking it slow, but hittin' the courts again!

I stopped by the pediatrician to check Reece's weight again...make sure he was still gaining and growing. He gained 7 oz in 10 days and now weighs 7lbs, 12oz. I was hoping for 8lbs, but we're working our way there! I think his growth is in his belly and length...he's still got skinny little arms and legs. Ooh, but they are soo cute!

Grandmama

Grandmama loves to come see little Reece. She won't let more than a week go by before she sees him again. As a mom, she had two boys, and now as a grandma has 3. It's all good by her...she loves her boys.
Caught them with the bright flash!

Grandmama is learning how much he kicks, kicks, kicks with his legs.

Oh she loves that little boy!

Baby Einstein

Reece was crying like crazy last night and I was leaning down applying the shhhing sound. In his flailing, he grabbed my glasses from my face and they fell on him. It didn't hurt of course. However, I got the greatest idea for a picture when I saw my glasses lying on him. I know there are a bunch of products out there by Baby Einstein, but this is my version...

We had just finished a kicking practice session...he's really kicking well. I might be getting myself into trouble here by strengthening those leg muscles. He was in a laid back mood and didn't get fussy once. Reece, thanks for making me laugh today and giving me some hilarious pictures.

This one is by far my favorite. He looks so wise. (tee hee)

Excuse me...Do not disturb a genius is at work!

Can you pl-ease keep it down over there, I'm busy inventing! (I know what he's 'inventing'!)

Now Serving Number...

On Wednesday, we made our first trip to the office as Mommy and Reece. Reece was basically taking numbers for people to hold him. And, they were standing in line!

I apologize in advance that I didn't take the most glamorous photos of the office crew, but please know they are a very attractive bunch.

Marsha has a heart for babies like no one I have ever known. Her beautiful and sweet daughter, Leslie, inherited the same sweet love of little ones. Everyone was trying to give Marsha a time limit in holding the baby to be sure they got their turn. What a great problem for Reece to have...Beautiful women waiting in line to hold him. I hope it doesn't go to his head!

Teresa, Carolyne, and Julie await their turn as Caryn has hers...she's keeping her eye on them.

Carolyne is a definite second to Marsha in the baby-lover category. She is expecting and due in July. I am so happy for her, and praying for her health and of the sweet little one growing inside her.

Note Aundra in the background who walked by and said 'Who shrunk Darren?'. I think it's too early to tell who he looks like, but so far the consensus is Darren...I'm good with it!

Monica and Alice look on during Carolyne's turn. Note that the baby is now resting on her chest...this was the first time she scooped a baby from cradle style to resting on her chest. Way to go, Carolyne...you're well on your way to being a new mommy!

Monica gets her turn with Mike looking on. Monica is the mommy to two little girls. She graciously threw the lovely KPMG ladies shower back in November...it is posted in earlier in the blog.

Even the guys joined in. My boss, Jay, has been extremely supportive both during my pregnancy and while on leave. He's got 3 boys of his own. It is truly a blessing that I have been able to focus completely on this little boy. Thank you, Jay, and everyone at the office who help on a daily basis through their hard work.

Mike waited until things had settled down and then came in for his turn. He is a very loving father of two.

And....we're spent!

Head Held High

Well, maybe not quite 'high', but it's UP. This was part of our daily tummy time on Wednesday morning before our visit to the office. He looks a little silly, but is concentrating very well at pulling and holding his head up....what a good boy!

Posing for Mommy!

Home Alone...

With our first full week at home by ourselves, we are doing well. Lucy and Reece were very helpful in getting some laundry done earlier in the week. : )

I tried to make dinner the other night, but it took about 3 nights to piece together enough dedicated time to get it done...too funny. I'm just keeping my expectations low and this little boy happy...that's my primary goal right now!

Reel Moms, Real Fun

Reece and I saw our first movie together today. We met three other moms and babies to see The New World). It is part of a neat playgroup for moms called Reel Moms offered by Loews theatres. The lights are a bit brighter and the sound a bit lower so you can see your baby and the noise isn't overwhelming. There is even a changing table at the base of the theatre. The cost is the same as a regular adult ticket and it's offered every Tuesday at 11am, I believe, at select Loews around the country.

It was great and the movie was well acted and beautifully shot, and surprisingly quite the love story. Reece again was an angel and slept through the entire movie. I even had a chance to visit with the other moms for a little while after the movie. Reece ate a bit more in the afternoon and evening to make up for what he missed earlier. Overall, it was a great day for our second full day together.

I've enjoyed getting mail lately, as almost daily we get a sweet card from people that are genuinely excited about celebrating our new life with us. I am so amazed at the generosity and kindness people have shown us. I often feel like I'm so slow at learning how to live life loving people, but I am thankful for this example others are giving. My new job as mom is to completely love this little boy, this little child of God. I pray for a heart that showers those around me with love. I hope to become a more loving friend, wife and mommy.

The Millers

Jenna is the 2 1/2 year old daughter of very good friends of ours, Henry and Kelly Miller. Her birth came on a day on which we had set up two friends to go on a blind date with us, the married couples. Kelly went into labor earlier that day and had Jenna, and Darren and I went had ahead with the double date. Of course we went to see Jenna in the hospital that very day! Matt and Kerri are now married, have a little boy together (Darren and I are his Godparents), and another baby on the way with a total of 4 kids. It's an awesome story of how so much new life was created that day...some of God's blessings!

Jenna loves our dog, Lucy, and always talks about her when she sees us. We made a special trip to the house just so Jenna could see her. Jenna is a bit timid in front of her, but truly loves dogs.

Jenna had on some really stylin' shoes...I wish I had some!

Hank was born just 6 days from Darren's birthday and 1 day after sweet Danijela was born (see earlier post). Hank is such a happy and handsome boy...I've never seen him fuss!

Hank taught us how much we have to learn about being new parents. We have a lot of work to do in the baby proofing department...note the scissors in the basket. Yikes! We obviously don't have to worry about that yet, but thank you Hank for reminding us!

I couldn't resist posting this pic of Hank...Yep, those are delicate, silver bracelets that he is dawning. I heard from his mom that he really likes them. And...look at those beautiful eyelashes!

Hank is a real poser here, as if he is saying in his best Joey from Friends voice "How YOU doin'?"

Jan 20th - Dinner Out!

Friday night was momentous...our first dinner out as a couple with our new baby. We went with the Henry and Kelly Miller with their 2 1/2 year old daughter, Jenna, and their 11 month old, Hank. Reece was sleeping perfectly just like in this picture below, so we were able to enjoy the time out of the house. The Miller's were a bit distracted with their little ones. We'll be there soon, I'm sure!

Today was also my first outing by myself since the baby was born. I went to Target for stuff and bought a pair of jeans...non-elastic pants...Yea! Not quite the size I once was, but making progress!

Well, I forgot my camera at the restaurant, but we took this pic when we came back to the house together. Mommy and Daddy were exhilarated about being out and baby Reece was a little angel.

6 more ounces of love...

Just got back from the doctor's office today for another weight check. Reece gained 6 ounces in the last 7 days, and now weighs a stout 7 lbs, 5 oz. Okay, so 'stout' is a bit strong, as he's still quite the little babe...but we're thrilled to see such good growth. The expected growth at his age is between 1/2 to 1 ounce a day, so he's well on his way. Thank you for your prayers!

First Outing for Mom and babe

Today was our first outing as Mom and babe and my first time to drive since I was pregnant.

Reece and I went to Square 1, a ministry through our church for first-time moms where we bring our babies and connect with others also starting the journey of being a mom (). Big thanks to the experienced moms there who led, counseled, prayed, and soothed both us and our little ones during this time together.

I had a great time and was so reguvenated by just being out of the house. It was a beautiful day today. Reece did an excellent job and slept most of the time.

Afterwards we went to Babies-R-Us to get a car mirror and some diapers. Reece had a little snack (tee hee) in the car before we went inside. I decided to carry the car seat inside without the stroller and BOY was it heavy! I'll be getting the stroller out next time. I bet I'll be sore tomorrow.

Once we got home, we changed clothes into a cute onesie with elephants on it that wonderful family friends, the Mayberry's, gave us. I'll send this photo to them...it's a bit dark, but still precious. He's still so small that so few things that fit him, so we were thankful for the outfit.

Then, I experimented with trying to take a pic of mom and baby in the mirror. It didn't work so well, but thought I'd post it any whoo!

Angela and Danijela

While we were at Square 1, Angela and Danijela were next door in a playgroup. Angela is a dear friend, one I am extremely blessed to have. Her little girl, Danijela is full of personality and completely adorable. Here is a link to her blog, with amazing dialog and pictures...including a few of sweet Reece! (http://www.mooncookie.blogspot.com/)
She crawls fast...

Pushes a chair like nobody's business...

Loves her mommy...

And loves to play coy with me...

Every little part is precious...

I took this a few days ago, but just love the photo and had to share it. I know it's not a conventional shot, but I just love every itty bitty sweet part of this little boy.

We took a nice walk around the neighborhood today. Reece was fussy on the first block or two and it seemed like his cries echoed for miles. Then, he settled in and we enjoyed the rest of our walk. Mom even got a bit of exercise too, which was nice. It was beautiful out today and it was soooo quiet in the neighborhood, as most people were at work and in school. Anyway, it was nice to be out of the house for a little while. I am so thankful for this beautiful and warm, but strange, January weather.

Gettin' His Yawn Awn

Father and son

Dad is doing a great job, helping in any way he can...
Changing...

Walking and soothing...

And even sleeping...It's a tiring job!

Jan 13th - 2 oz of love!

Ahh...2 ounces...never has sooo little meant so much. Reece is finally back up to his birth weight today after our weigh-in at the dr office. If he hadn't gained the weight today, we were going to need to supplement his feedings, which I wasn't too excited about. But, no worries, he gained 2 ounces of love in 2 days and we'll check again next week to confirm he's still a growing boy! I think the 2 oz. was inspired by my lovely singing of this tune while he's eating: 'Yummy, yummy, yummy, I've got love in my tummy.' : )