Tip toe-ing through the tulips

Today we spent the day at the Dallas Arboretum. It was absolutely stunning. Several of us moms and babes came out to enjoy the day together. The day passes much sweeter when shared amongst friends. Chrys took the pic below...I wanted to show our pile of strollers!

Stroller-cise

I've been back at tennis for 3 weeks, but Monday's Stroller Strides was a whole new thing. It was fun, and I am way sore. It wasn't any real cardio, but the walking lunges, stair stepping, pushups, band work, and crunches were a real wake up call to the ol' body. The babes were pretty good, but a bit fussy when we were stopped. We're going again on Wednesday and then will see from there. I'm so sore today. I groan, especially when I sit down and get back up.

New notables:
- He's 'going' once a day lately and when he goes, he explodes!
- He has really discovered his own hands...sticks them out in front and just stares at them like they were the most intriguing and amazing things he's ever seen. May you always be so easily entertained!

Sunday Skool

It's been a busy day for little boy Reece.

He worked out:
He enjoyed his activity gym...at least for a few minutes.


He studied entomology:
He is discovering his hands and now likes to play with his flutterbug.


He read:
He's learning his name...even though it's backwards. The story here is that he discovered the black letters against the white cloth and was sooo concentrated on it. He stared at it for several minutes with a very intent look. We decided that he was trying to read.


He made a new friend in Flat Stanley...(with Dylan's head, his cousin).
What a cute expression.


He got love:
Grandmama missed seeing him last week and spent good time with him today. He was just on the verge of closing his eyes for a nap.


Overall, a great day which started with a good nights sleep...this time un-aided by rain and formula...Yea!

It's raining, its pouring, the Reece man is snoring

Although without actually snoring, Reece slept from 10pm - 5:30am, fed, then awoke at 8am...even during that loud and crazy storm. Blame it on the rain? Not sure. He was extra hungry last night and so we gave him a little extra, < 2 oz. of formula. Either way, he slept great and we were grateful.

Guy Friday

Started Friday with some decent sleep....a 4 and 3 hour stint. Yea!
Had a bath...I haven't done the night time bath...We like to start our day clean! You can tell he's not sure about bathttime just yet...oh, look at those clinched fists...he's still handsome, though.

Next, we went to a playgroup with some babies a few to several months older. Reece enjoyed watching the other babies move around. So...he showed them his move....MENTS. He had a big blowout and soiled his yee-hah cowboy outfit. Of course, mom forgot to pack another outfit and so I wrapped him in a blanket. Below it looks like the blanket was covering his nose and mouth, but no worries...it wasn't. Does he look like a man of mystery here?

After that, we got home and I made BBQ Pulled Pork. It was DEElicious and the easiest recipe I have ever made. Thanks, Anne!!!

Square 1 is really a circle

Square 1 was an awesome way to go through these past 6 weeks and to share life with other first time moms. Square 1 for me became a circle...a circle of friends.

We 'graduated' this week. In order...Miles, Noah, Camden, Caleb, Bailey, Blair, Cole, Reece.

To try to back into shape, some of these moms are going to try a free class at Stroller Strides on Monday. Check for an review on Tuesday.

Exclusive Interview

Congratulations on surviving your first 2 months of life. The people out there would like to know a bit more about you, so I'm going to ask a few questions...

Q: Do you have a nickname?
A: Pea. Mom thinks I'm her little sweet pea....yeah, whatever. It's cool for now, but I'm growing and she'd better start calling me Reece pretty soon. I've also heard booger bear, wiggle worm, and stinker.

Q: Are you laid back or more high strung?
A: I'd say both. I'm pretty laid back in the bathtub, on my changing table and in my car seat. I also like to kickback to the sounds of the hairdryer and vibrating pillow. But, once I get going...arms, legs, and all, it's not easy to stop me.

Q: Where do you get your good looks?
A: Daddy Mac of course...everybody thinks so. I attribute my many facial expressions to Mom.

Q: What is your favorite sport?
A: For playing, Mom or Dad holding me up while I kick my legs up and down. I'm quite good. For watching, football for sure. I'm just bummed that I pretty much missed the whole season this past year.

Q: What do you dislike?
A: Being hungry, having my nails trimmed, and a few other things that I can't share or it would spoil the fun of mommy and daddy trying to figure it out. Tee hee.

Q: Who do you love more, the ceiling fan or mommy?
A: The thing with the ceiling fan is just a flirtation and won't last. Mommy is the real deal.

Q: Are you a leg or boob man?
A: What's a leg? I haven't even discovered mine yet. I'm definitely a boob man, but feel free to check back with me in a few years.

Q: Milk or formula?
A: Why have it a bottle when you can get it from the cow for free? Sorry, mom. I know you're not back to your pre-Reece weight yet, but you're no cow. You're udderly gorgeous to me.

Q: What is your favorite position for eating?
A: I'm usually kicked back on the boppy either on my back or side, flexing and curling my toes. When I'm really serious, I clinch my fists. I stop at times to get in a good stretch, and usually fall asleep at some point.

Q: Do you hit the pacifier every now and then?
A: Sure. I like having something in my mouth to suck on at times when I'm not eating, whether it be my hands or a pacifier. Hopefully, it won't translate to other habits like cigarette smoking or dipping later in life. I'll probably just stick to chewing gum...pun intended.

Q: Where do you sleep?
A: At my crib. Duh. I'm hoping MTV comes by soon, so I can give them a tour.

Q: Do you snore?
A: Every once in a while. I hear it's pretty cute.

Q: Swaddle or no swaddle?
A: There's a time and place for swaddling. I get restless just before bed and it calms me down to sleep at night. But, hey, when it's day time, that's my time for freestyling!

Q: What are your most annoying habits?
A: Silent crying. When I unknowingly bonk myself, and then fuss about it. Scratching my face with my fingernails.

Q: Anything else you want to share?
A: I've really enjoyed my first two months here, although it's been an adjustment for sure. I've met several people and they are all really nice. It'd be cool to spend more time with them and meet some new ones too.

The Prince and the Pea

He looks so proud of himself here, just after a bath. Did you notice his little pillow? Do you know any babies that have a stylin' pillow for their head on their changing pad? What a Prince!

The pillow has an embroidered train on it and came with an adorable blanket that reads: 'Train up a child in the way he should go. Proverbs 22:6'. I love that blanket (thank you, Julie)!

Contrarily, he looks like a total goof here. What a comedian. This was several days ago when he still had his rash. Okay, now the confession...Rather than Reece, most of the time I call him 'Pea'. I guess he's been so small, cute, and precious that he is my little sweet pea more than manly Reece just yet. My mom found this pea hat and couldn't resist sending it. He just looks hilarious.

I want to be a real boy

Reece has been wearing footed sleep-and-plays and onesies pretty much everyday of his 8 week life. Most of his clothes are too big and the sleep-and-plays keep his little feet warm during the day and at night when he breaks out of his swaddle. Daddy calls him Hugh Hefner because he is in his pjs all the time...no velvet robes though.

Today, was his day to be a real boy. We got all dressed up in a shirt, pants, socks, and shoes for an afternoon at Angela's. This Pooh outfit is from Carolyne (friend from work)...the pants are reversible and sooo cute. The kicker...literally...are the adorable doggie Robeez he got from Kristen (friend from tennis).

This is his handsome pose...

And his playful pose...

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Needle Schmeedle

Reece seemed to be in great spirits Friday evening even after a traumatic morning of shots. He slept most of the day in between feedings and slept the same routine as the night before. So, mom and dad both got some sleep.

He and Dad had some happy moments together last night. I loved it.

Strong like bull

Today was Reece's 2 month doctor appointment. He got four shots...two in each leg. He cried, of course. The nurse said that his legs were so strong that it was taking all of her energy to keep them still for the shots. He may be a bit on the smaller side right now, but our boy is strong...strong like bull! Yeah, I remember it well when he was in my belly...my little monkey man, I used to call him.

Here are his stats:
Height: 23"
Weight: 8 lbs 13 oz
Head: 15 1/2 inches

Great consistent weight gain...he is doing well. Rash is still present, so we're going to give some Corizone for the next few days until it clears.

Run down but not out

The past few days and nights have been tough. He hardly slept during days and then was eating every 2 hours during nights. Some think a growth spurt...but we'll never know for sure. I've really been rundown.

I made myself shower before Square 1 on Thursday, make-up, something cute and the works. I told everyone not to let the exterior fool them...it was a complete facade for how I was really doing. Somehow it made me feel better in looking better, sharing how I was feeling, and then praying about it with the group. I prayed for rest last night before bed and then the night went really well with feedings at 9pm (went to sleep after), 11:30pm, 5am. Darren and I woke up at 8am with his dr appt at 9. Who cares that I didn't have time to shower...I got rest! Thank you! Of course, sweet Reece got fed...no worries.

Whassup Dude

This week at Thursday's Square One, Reece met Cole.

They greeted each other in dap style as if to say 'Whassup Dude'. That's right...he's down at the ripe age of 8 weeks.

I dig meeting new peeps.

You'd better not pout. Well, on second thought...

I'm so glad I captured this picture today while at Square One. This is one of my favorite expressions Reece makes. It's a little pout that he does before one of his warm-up cries, and is the cutest thing ever to me. It never works for him because it's soooo cute I either giggle or just watch for the next one...just for a little while.

The Heart of the matter

I'm not much into Valentine's Day, but I do love hearts (and chocolate...thanks D!). I wouldn't say that I collect hearts necessarily, but I have quite a few in various forms and fashion that are special to me. I even framed a shoe box cover that has a cool heart picture on it.

This isn't a picture that I took, but one I thought silently represented what hearts are about. Of course, I don't know how to be silent, so here's why they are special to me...

They represent the inner beauty in each of us. They warm a room and they allow us to love one another. They are usually better shared...I love that. Most importantly, they are what God seeks from us...

Happy Valentines Day, everybody.

BTW, Reece got three Valentines yesterday (not from mom or dad)...what a stud!

Da Dum Da Dum

We went to see The Pink Panther on Tuesday with Reel Moms at Loews. It was a pretty goofy movie...but it really reminded me of my dad.

My dad LOVED Peter Sellers. We gave him all the original Pink Panther movies back when VHS was the thing. It makes me smile to remember him watching those shows and just HEE HAW-ing and laughing like crazy...sometimes crying he was laughing so hard. He so enjoyed slap-stick, play-on-words comedy. Yeah, he liked the 3 Stooges too...probably a guy thing.

It's not too much my thing, but I so appreciate the memories they bring. Remembering you today, Dad.

The good...and the ugly

My beautiful boy...

Now that it's out about his rash, here's a close-up for the record books. It looks pretty icky, but he's still got a great attitude.

Being Rash-ional

Went to the doctor today about Reece's rash. He has which is basically cradle cap on the face. It is caused by an overproduction and blockage of oil glands, and is not unusual for infants. We'll wash and lightly scrub it for the next few days with warm soapy water, and then add corizone cream if it's not clearing. We'll be back to the dr on Friday for our 2 month check-up and will check it then.

The rash is red and flaky, and feels like sandpaper...poor thing. But...He was laughing and playing with Dad as I snapped away tonight. He spit up on Dad 3 times...too funny and his expression is fantastic.

Also, we weighed him while we were at the dr office. He has gained 13 ounces in 14 days, now at a whopping 8 lbs 9 oz. Hey, hey, hey, it's fat......
Well, we're not worthy of a Fat Albert reference just yet, but he is a growing boy.

Rash and Happy

Week in Review

Monday - See Out and a pout post earlier.

Tuesday - Reece's first chick movie Something New. It was cute and we had fun.

Wednesday - Home all day...Dad came home for lunch, see earlier post. Baby acne appeared a bit differently...as a rash all over his face. He's still handsome, but it's disguised just a bit. Today (Sunday), it's still there, but now like sandpaper and flaky...I think it's healing. He's in great spirits, so I'm not too concerned about it bothering him. We have a dr appt next week and ask about it then unless it changes majorly.

Thursday - Square One, which is always so helpful and fun. Got a few good crockpot recipes, one of which I made today. VERY EASY and pretty tasty too. We've got dinner for a few nights...yea!

Friday - Home all day. Watched a movie that I had for two weeks...Bend it like Beckam...on Mom's recommendation. It was very cute, clean, and I recommend it.

Saturday - Mom got out for a few errands while Dad stayed with Reece. Still wondering if Reece was getting enough to eat. His demeanor was good as has been lately. Despite my concerns, he slept from 10:30pm - almost 5am...his longest stretch ever. I'm not expecting this to become usual just yet, but it was nice. I had dreams and remembered them...it's been a while since I've dreamt.

Sunday (today) - Fed him in the morning and then he slept some more. After that, he was ready to eat, eat, and eat some more and Mom just couldn't keep up. After we went left, right, left, right, we opted for our first bottle of formula. He noticed something different immediately and paused a few times at the beginning. Then, in his usual 'go with flow' (literally!) attitude, he drank up! He took right back to mom for more later, too, which was great. The funniest part was that after the big feeding, he blew out his diaper big time! Whew, that was a messy one! So, we're going to give formula going forward when he's still hungry after fully nursing.

Belly Dancing

I was getting pretty stressed again about Reece getting enough to eat from me and growing enough, and had been praying about it. Today, just when I was thinking more and more about giving him formula (not that there's anything wrong with it, just something I wanted to wait on), he showed me signs of growth and He gave me peace of mind.

I hope this is not a lude photo, but you can definitely see a little belly protruding...nothing looked more adorable and relieving! Now, check back in 20 years and I may have a different reaction to that belly.

Also, I weighed myself today (not telling!), and then weighed myself again holding him. My scale isn't precise like the dr, but registered 8 1/2 lbs difference. To mom, that was 1/2 lb more than a few days ago; he's probably between 8 and 8 1/2 lbs now. He has a belly and I was dancing!

Guess who's coming to...lunch!

Dad! Dad took time away from work today to spend his lunchtime with us. It wasn't glamorous with Taco Cabana, an unshowered wife, and slightly fussy baby, but it was a wonderful treat and break in our day. There isn't always things he can do with the baby right now. Despite that, he finds ways to be so helpful and supportive. Big props to Mac Daddy...You are a wonderful man, husband, and dad.

One thing I try to do is for the whole family (Mom, Reece, and Lucy) to greet Dad at the door when he gets home. We can't do it everyday (eating or excessively fussy), but when we do, Dad is so happy. It's always the little things that mean so much.
Thanks, Dad, for reminding me to keep it simple in this busy world. I hope little Reece takes after you.


And...I got a pot roast made late last night, so we've got dinner for a few days and some for later in the freezer. Yea, home cooking instead of fast food!

Out and a pout

We had our first trip to BRU and the grocery store Monday (couldn't post last night due to blogger prob). He was a little bit fussy at BRU, and pretty fussy at the grocery store. It was a bit stressful, but we made it through with groceries and all. It's good for us to get out and try new things. Babies are just fussy at times, whether we're home alone or out and about...that's what I keep telling myself as long as I'm otherwise keeping him loved, fed, dry, and burped. Later, we went for a little walk down the block in the Baby Bjorn just to get out for a minute. We both seemed to enjoy that.

Reece-LI-cious

This is a pic from Darren's birthday dinner at Joe T Garcia's in Fort Worth. It was yummy Mexican food and a good time by all. Grandmama is holding Reece while Jill pretends to lick Reece. Jill and I always talk about how adorable babies are that you just want to lick them. She didn't actually lick him, but she did hold him and gave him a smooch when she left. She's a sweet friend and has 9 month old, Amanda. 

Happy Birthday, Dad

Reece gave Dad a card yesterday on his birthday about fishing...one of Dad's favorite things to do.

Reece can't wait until Dad teaches him to fish, so he's studying up...

On second thought, he'd rather wait and learn on the water...

2 in 2

Well, Friday was a tough one. Except for the early morning, he cried most of the day between eating, with very sporadic sleeping at best. There seemed to be no apparent reason for the crying. Mommy did a fair amount of her own, too. I still got my smiles, though...he didn't seem to notice my sadness and frustration. I thought the day would end with my swollen eyes and a bit of a tired spirit.
But...
God is so good. Just as I was writing this, we decided try to give him a bottle of expressed milk...his first. I put it in his mouth and within 2 minutes, the 2 ounces were gone! (hence the 2 in 2) Dad and I were impressed at how fast he drank. After that, he wanted more and took the natural method immediately as well. Thank you! I am going to continue drinking my mother's milk and do more expressing to ensure my supply is meeting his needs.
I'm headed to bed still tired, but with a new focus, a thankful heart, and a refreshed outlook.
Here is a pic Angela took on Wednesday evening during our weekly accountability group gathering. Reece was asleep on me...and pretty sweet at that.