Reece's Pieces

How many meanings can you derive from this shirt? It's funny to know that I had it well before I got pregnant and was not the inspiration for Reece's name. I found it recently when pulling out warmer clothes and just couldn't resist wearing it today!

With the Phish Food, Double Chocolate Milanos, Chocolate Chip Lovers Ultimates and Pinwheels I eat, I bet it is like Milk Chocolate.

Bottoms Up

2 hours into his nap this morning...I almost don't know what to do with myself (as you can tell). I'm sure he'll be waking up any moment. He's found a new position...bottoms up...evidently it works. (I put him on his belly during the day so he doesn't startle himself as much and I can check on him more...back at night.)

Note how I asked for longer stretches in the earlier 'SNAP' post today. What a good listener he is, I mean He is. Thank you.

SssssNAP!

SNAP! I meant to mention yesterday that Reece has been going down for naps in his crib consistently and napping pretty well. We still need to work on the duration of them, as they vary wildly between 30 minutes and an hour and a half. (Actually, the other night, he napped at 5:20 and didn't wake up for 3 hours...yikes! Let's do that earlier in the day, Mr. Reece. Next time I will wake him for his nighttime routine. Thanks, Lindsey.)

He even napped yesterday at the Arbo. Is there any part of him that isn't cute?

On nighttime sleep, he's been waking between 2 and 3am...I hope we can work back up to 9 and 10 hours straight soon. Gotta go, I should be showering now!

Finger Food

Lots going on with hands and fingers these days. Reece's hands seem to be his favorite toy. Today he found my thumb while we were sitting at the Arboretum and began sucking on it...or so I thought. He began biting , if that's even possible without teeth. Man, it hurt. He's a toughy!


Just got this pic from Chrys (she also took the 2 above). He looks like Columbo trying to solve a crime.

A couple more shots of the gorgeous makings of our great creator. Ah yes, Easter is coming. What a beautiful holiday...for me, more about a lamb than a bunny.

Finger Lickin' Good

Five-Fingered Friends

Chick Magnet

Reece and I were invited to lunch today with the work ladies...On second thought, maybe just Reece was invited? Oh well. Caryn, Julie, Marsha and Carolyne all took their turns holding him....yeah, he's a chick magnet. Dianne gave up her turn to let the others have more quality time. It was really nice visiting with everyone...and the quality of my pics reflects how I spent more time socializing than behind the lens. (Looks like I owe you all some handsome pics pretty soon. I'm up for the challenge!)

He's very content with Caryn, just a little groggy from his nap.

Can't explain this expression with Julie, but it sure is funny.

Carolyne is due in July and just looks great. Her mommy skills are looking good!

Marsha (right) took him while he was getting fussy and sweetly swayed him to sleep.

Reality TV

It was a good weekend. I took a pretty big break from the camera...but wanted to share this one (minus the poor exposure).

First off, there was a snafu with the Lime Green Bumbo I ordered...and now canceled (not worth getting into). We bought this one at Target (only color they had) just to test drive and make sure he digs it. I think it's a winner (in another color!).

Reece is clasping his hands and starting to grab and hold things more than just swat at them. In his Bumbo, he looked like a mini man in his lazyboy recliner, so we thought he needed the remote control. He looks like he's trying to change the channel, and has it pointed at me!

Ironically, just the opposite seems true. I returned a swing he didn't like for another one that my mom friends gave rave reviews on. Well, so far, he was not entertained. The cool part is that he's much happier being with me and my crazy games and songs than any swing, bouncy seat, or activity gym. Awwww...Reece loves mommy.

Reece loves Daddy too. I played a tennis match today while Dad and Reece had some dude time together. It was beautiful and I enjoyed being outside...and they did great. I see Reece looking at Dad more and more. He knows and loves his daddy.

Sleep has been good...7 and 8 hour stretches. Looks like we'll be working back up to the 10 hour stretches he did before. It's all good though...we got a good nap this morning together.

Today, he consistently did the sleep, eat, play (repeat) routine and almost like clockwork staying awake between 1.25 - 1.5 hours before a nap. And, this afternoon I successfully put him in his crib for a nap. He slept so sweet on his belly with one leg bent up. I soooo wanted to take a pic, but since it was our first successful nap in the crib (versus our arms, the boppy, or another bed), I didn't want to disturb.

He was so contented in his bath tonight...I think those are getting more and more fun for both of us.

What did I possibly do to deserve this sweet new life...
Oh yeah, nothing. Thank you Lord, that you give your love and blessings so generously, not based on our worthiness.

Diet Riot

I'm not a dieter...at all. I love Chick-Fil-A and my sweets, among other things not so great for me. I had Chick-Fil-A for lunch yesterday and then for breakfast this morning on the way to playgroup. This is probably not going to help me get back to pre-Reece weight.

To make up for it...I had one of my favorites for dinner when Darren was holding Reece...A tomato, avocado, swiss cheese sandwich on multi-grain bread with Miracle Whip (light) and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette...Yummy! Then, I ate the rest of the 'maters and avocado that didn't fit in the sandwich. Darren thinks it's pretty gross as he hates tomatoes. My friend Dianne hates avocado and thinks it looks like baby poop...Well, it does, just ask Anne!

The Truman Show

I feel a bit like I'm spying on Reece when we're riding in the car....reminds me of The Truman Show (great movie) or Ed TV (not as great).

Reece was playing nicely with his Whoozit...that MR. Whoosit to him. He's only in his diaper because he had another blowout without backup clothes....Aaaagain. The weather's been so weird that I needed the outfit in the diaper bag for pjs...then forgot to replace it. It's replaced now with other sundries.

Sleep update: He woke up at 2:20am last night (6.5 hours), ate, and then back down. Although not all the way through the night, it's still good!

Might as well face it, I'm addicted to blog

Sometimes I wonder if I would get through the days without blogger. It's being able to record and share this awesome time with my little guy and also a creative outlet that I yearn to express. I might as well face it, I'm addicted to blog. Thanks for sharing it with me.

Great expressions during tummy time today. Gotcha!

He really looks like a little man in this one. You are sooo good lookin' (and he didn't even sneeze...Seinfeld reference)!

Sleep update: 10 hours last night. Yea! Was fussy today (me thinks overtired from lack of solid naps). I'm going to start working on getting him down for naps before he's too tired...that will be a challenge b/c he doesn't know how to fall sleep on his own just yet.

Head Games

In playing with his hands today, Reece managed to get his pacifier out of his mouth and atop his head. He looks here like he is doing magic.

On the other hand, perhaps he had a headache and thought the pacifier works on more than just mouths? Here he looks like he's waiting with high hopes to see if it works...

Oh, and to give an update from yesterday's sleep note...he slept 9 hours straight last night, fed, and slept 2 1/2 more.

The Boss

Went to lunch with the boss today...

although he looked more like this...

Jay calmed Reece after he got restless and fussy in his car seat. You can see Reece's eyes are a little watery. Jay let me eat and then switched turns as I lulled him to sleep while we talked....I guess we're pretty boring, but we enjoyed yummy Chips burgers and good conversation.

10-6 Good Buddy

I know it's 10-4, but whatever...you know by now I have to have some kind of cute title.

Stopped by the dr office today for a quick weight check. 10 lbs, 6 oz! We hit double digits...25 ounces in 32 days...that's right in line for my 3 month-er (tomorrow). Also quite notable (another warning for sleep deprived moms) is that he slept his longest stretch ever last night. Guess how long? 10 hours (8 - 6). Hmmm...10lbs, 10hours. I like it!

The funniest thing about him sleeping that long is that yesterday morning we had a totally random nap together at 9am. We woke up at 11:15 am! When something like that happens, you can't help but wonder what the rest of the day and evening will be like...and then he sleeps his longest stretch ever. That's funny. Not expecting the same results tonight, but it will be a real treat if it's a repeater. I'll let you know.

I was changing him this morning and am usually pretty darn quick with the fresh diaper. However, he beat me this morning, and shot himself all over his blue onesie, see below. He almost got it up to his face, but not quite. Joys of having a boy! He didn't care. I think he's a fan of pottie humor like his mom.

My spot

This is my spot. It's my quiet time spot, my nursing spot during the day, my eating spot, my blogging spot, my bill-paying spot, my e-mailing spot, and my tv watching spot in the evening. Although Reece and I spend time in his room playing, I still end up sitting in my spot a large part of the 24 hour day. Within arm's reach I've got... my boppy, a burpcloth, my Bible, water, Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, my laptop, the remote, usually the phone...

I hope I don't wear out my spot...whatever would I do?

This is a hot pic Darren took of me in my spot yesterday during the grandparent visit, unshowered and in my sweats. Anne, I can totally relate!

Big praise (beware sleep deprived moms): Reece has been consistently sleeping a 5-6 hour stint and then another 3-4 hour stint. The past 3 or 4 nights though, he extended his first run to be 7 hours...sweet! He'll be 3 months on Wed...what a big boy he is (in maturity, that is). ; )

Come hell or high water

Just as one was leaving, the other grandma headed over. Let some little storm get in the way of her weekly visit with her grandson? Heck no! Big props to Papa Ben driving in that crazy weather yesterday to visit us. Clearly the daredevil nature comes from both sides of the family.

This pic is of our back yard to show how the water was really pooling up. It's nothing compared to what some people experienced yesterday.

Easy being green

More pics on St. Patty's day with Tootie's help. It's nice to have another set of hands to take adorable photos of my little man. Oh, it was easy being green today...he's so handsome in that second one if I do say so myself. I put the first one in since there is so rarely a pic of me...hey, I think I even showered today. : )

Tootie Fruitie

Tootie (my Mom) came to visit us for a few days. We didn't have any big plans, but are really enjoying our time together. It has been especially helpful to have her here for a few days while Darren was out-of-town, although I did fare two nights on my own pretty well.

She kept Reece by herself for the first time while I played tennis on Thursday. He was barely even fussing when I got home, which is unusual for that hour...Great job, Tootie! Notice how she is cute and smiling in each photo and Reece is the man of many faces as always. Oh, and he's wearing his pea hat for St. Patty's Day today...but we still pinched him!

Risky Business

Well, look who has a life! I've gone 2 whole days without posting...did ya miss me?

Reece has not been a big fan of his swing just yet. Tootie (my mom) and I tried it again on him today in a non-fussy moment. While he wasn't overjoyed, he wasn't fussy either. Tootie and I decided he looked like he was harnessed up for a day of skydiving.
What a risk taker just like his parents!

Two Wise Men

Went to lunch today with two special men that I know through work. These are not just 'guys', they are amazing men that I am blessed to know. Now please know that I'm not using the word 'blessed' lightly here. I've truly grown as a Christian in the time I've shared with these two 'wise' men.

And...they love the little ones! Paul tenderly snuggled with Reece and talked about when his sweet twins were little. I think he's thinking about more!

Richard talked to Reece in his silly voices, doing a great Elmo impersonation. Later, he lulled Reece for a little nap on his chest just before we left.

They took turns while the other one ate, but first they were pretty much fighting over who got to sit next to him in the car and hold him first...too sweet. Reece was awake almost the entire visit, and very peaceful...it's like he knew he was in good company.

You are loved...all three of you.

Good Clean Fun

Sniff Test II - A Closer Look

9 to 5

Perhaps as an anniversary present, sweet Reece slept from 9pm to 5am last night. After eating, he slept another 2 hours. This was the second time he has slept that long in a stretch...the other was several weeks ago.

But, he was a bit fussy today. We still a nice day at Angela and Danny's. Danny has such a heart for little ones and lulled Reece to nap on his chest while I visited and ate breakfast...so sweet. Another sweet memory from the day is Danny, Angela, and I all singing the Moon song together in an attempt to calm Reece. I don't think it worked this time, but it wasn't for a lack of effort and love!

Sniff Test

Wood you believe?

Wood you believe it’s been 5 years? Happy, happy anniversary, Darren.

On April 1st, less than a month after our 4 year anniversary, a seed was planted. An April fool’s joke, hard-ly. Through this long awaited journey, we hadn’t knocked on wood for luck, but instead focused our faith in the cross. And…hope floats. After 3 years of praying and pining, we went from distressed to restored. God blessed our family tree with a little fruit.

Tax Day, April 15th is when we learned the news. That day will no longer be a splinter to signify what we have to give up, but will be a reminder of what we have been given.

While this year meant fewer trips away (less scuba, sand, and beech), we were growing our own little plank-ton and discovering new life.

Even when just a little walnut, we began taking pictures of this little baby. Now these first pictures were a bit grainy, definitely no Digital Rebel, but the doctor could still tell us the incredible news… it was a healthy baby boy. You were indeed a stud. And what an active baby boy he was…the next Tiger Woods perhaps?

As the months progressed, the evidence became more and more obvious as I grew big and round like a barrel. Yet I felt quite poplar, as we were showered so lovingly and generously by family and friends.

Thanksgiving came and there was much to be thankful for, including eating pecan pie for two. Within a month, the time had come for him to post an appearance. As I labored, you were in knots right there alongside me. When he finally came, you saw him first. I will never forget the look on your face and the beam in your eye, when you brought him to me. We brought him home Christmas day…an awesome day…a reminder of new life God gave us both in Reece and through His only son.

At some point, we became petrified…did we know how to be good parents to this precious little boy? Well, we quickly learned there were no hardcover how-to-books on the subject. We were just going to live and learn day-by-day.

Even though you antiqued this year turning the big 40, they say he looks like you…a chip off the old block. And what a handsome boy he is.

This year was marked with blessings from the beginning. Our roots deepened and extended farther than the years before. Our family tree grew a new branch as we created a new life together. I am so thankful to be your wife. Now I look forward to every year also as a mother to your son. Happy, happy anniversary.

In summary, 5 weeks. 5 months. 5 showers. 5 minutes apart. 5am. 5 alarm. Take 5. 5 alive! After 5. 5 fingers. 5 toes. 5 fingers. 5 toes. 5 star. 5 letters. 5 golden rings. 5 days off. 8 to 5. 5 hours of sleep. 35+5. 5%. 5 years. Hi Five.

Why we love the Arboretum

With it being slightly overcast, the lighting today at the Arboretum was wonderful. Spring Blooms starts Friday and the flowers and colors are just amazing right now. I'm thrilled to have captured these images today showing off the work of our incredible creator.







And...just a little insight on what the other moms were doing...
You manly men will appreciate that I didn't capture any pics with Reece frolicking in the flowers. Get prepared though, when he can sit up on his own, I'm doing it!


BTW, I used the Hooter Hider today (also known as 'Bebe au Lait' for the squeamish) when Reece was hungry and it worked great! Functional and stylish...but mostly I just cared that it was functional. I'm so clumsy with a blanket!