This Christmas...

This Christmas was very special because it was Easton's first Christmas and our First Christmas as a little family of 3.  December is always a crazy month and I feel like it snuck up on us and went as quickly as it came.  It was full of shopping, parties, and family.

Our Christmas Card

The first exciting thing to happen in December was the arrival of our new nephew, Ryan Marshall Kirk.  He finally made his debut on December 15th.  He is precious and is going to make a great buddy for Easton.  I have a feeling they are going to be TROUBLE together ;)

So Cute!

We attended the 3rd Annual Tacky Christmas Party at our Cousin Whitney's house.  Now I say "Tacky Christmas" because anything goes at this party.  It's not just sweaters, it's anything that is tacky about Christmas.  Justin chose to wear the tackiest thing ever.  The picture below doesn't show his outfit, but it was really good and TACKY.  I went 80's themed and Easton was just cute as always ;)

Tacky Family ;)

We celebrated my 31st Birthday too this month.  We went to Lava Grill (a day before my birthday) with all of Justin's family and had a great time.  It's one of my favorite places to eat.  On my actual birthday, I spent the day lounging around with E and wasting the day playing with him.  Later that night, we went out to eat and decided to finally go see Santa.  The line was extremely short and Easton smiled for the camera. 

E and Santa

We went to my parents for Christmas and had a great time.  It was nice being out in the country and spending time with them and my brother's family.  Easton had fun and was spoiled the whole time we were there.  It was fun watching him get excited with new toys.  He had the most fun with the Christmas ribbon, of course ;)

Christmas Morning

Easton is our most precious gift we received this year.  God has blessed us with a happy and healthy baby and we couldn't be more thankful.  We love being his parents and are blessed that God chose us to take care of him for the rest of his life.

We can't wait for next year. . .when little hands will be taking things off the tree and trying to rip off wrapping paper :)

Half a year...

I can't believe our baby boy is 6 Months Old.  I have been very emotional these last few days.  I feel like the days are passing by so fast and before I know it. . .months have passed by.  These last 6 months have felt like a blur.  I'm trying so hard to remember all of the little details of Easton's life so far and I feel like I'm trying to take mental snapshots so I don't forget how he was when he was this little.  Today, he and I cuddled on the couch and I just wanted it to last forever.  Never again will his little hand be so tiny and soft.  These are the moments that I just want to freeze and stay in forever. 

Sweet Baby

I took him for his 6 month wellness check up and it was an overload of information. . .The kinds of foods he should be eating, milestones he should be doing, start giving him water in a sippy cup, how he should be sleeping, etc. . .
I left there with tears in my eyes, because I can't stand watching him get his shots, and feeling like he is no longer our little baby. . .he's now becoming a little boy :(  I know, I know. . .he is still a baby, but that's just how I was feeling.  I knew this day would come when he would have to start switching to real food and drinking things other than formula, I just didn't realize it would come so soon. 

At the Doctor's office, waiting for his shots.

I want him to progress, grow, learn new things, and get bigger.  It's exciting watching him discover new things and learn how to do something for the first time.  Justin and I talk about how we can't wait until he can say words and reach out for us (Justin mostly), I just wish it wasn't right around the corner. Our next big step is CRAWLING. . . Eeeeekkk

Easton at 6 Months 

18.3 lbs

28.5 in.

Favorite Things He Does:

Rolls over

Laughs like crazy at silly things

Jumps in his Jumperoo

Grabs our faces

Pulls on his ears or hair sometimes when he takes his bottle

Kicks his legs like a Wildman when he gets excited

Grabs everything in his sight and puts it to his mouth

Lays in bed with us on the weekends
Jabbers and squeals at 5:00 in the morning ;)

Starting to sit up

LOVE that he is such a sweet and happy Baby



Happy 6 Months Baby E
Couldn't imagine our lives without you



5 Months...

Easton turned 5 months on Halloween.  I just want time to sloooooow down.  It's going by way too fast.  He had a big two days. . . He turned 5 months, had his first Halloween, and rolled over for the first time.  I'm so glad that I was able to see him do it.  Justin put him in his crib on his tummy and we sat there and watched him for a little bit and he never did anything.  Justin left the room and I turned around to hang up some clothes and turned back around and he was on his back :)  I thought Justin had turned him over before he left, but he didn't.  So we put him back on his tummy and we sat there and watched him do nothing again.  Just like the old saying. . . a watched pot doesn't boil.  So Justin left again and I started back with hanging up clothes, and then sure enough, he is on his back :)  I missed it TWICE.  He finally did it when we put him on our bed later that night. . .Yay



5 Months Old

So our first Halloween as a family was pretty uneventful.  I couldn't find a costume that I liked that would fit him.  Then I saw this cute little PJ set at Target that I thought would be perfect.  He was absolutely adorable in it and he was ready for bed too.  We took pictures of him, paraded him around until he spit up on his outfit, and then went home.  We were all in bed by 7:30 (I think).  We are so not the night owls we used to be ;)

Our Little Monster

Favorite Things He Does:

Turns his head and looks behind him

Holds onto me when I carry him

Touches my face with both of his hands

Loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Takes his pacifier out and puts it back in

Gets so excited that he can't control his body and kicks his legs like crazy

Recognizes me when I pick him up from Lolly's house

Stares into my eyes when he is going to sleep and then slowly drifts off

Talks and squeals and bangs his hands on his legs, head, stomach,

and just about anything that is around him

Drools constantly and blows bubbles

Halloween 2011

We are having a blast being parents and just enjoying doing life as a family of three :0)

Pumpkin Patch...

It has been extremely hot here and we have been patiently waiting for the cooler weather to get here.  So. . .It finally hit (yay) and we were able to get out to visit the Pumpkin Patch for the first time.  I was so excited to go.  I ordered Easton's outfit online about a month ago and couldn't wait for him to wear it.  We went with Easton's cousins Karsyn and Landrie. 

I have to say that it was a little chaotic with all the other kids running around like they have had way too much candy.  WHERE are these kids parents at these things?!?!?!  I couldn't believe that there were 3 year olds walking around unattended.  Don't these parents realize what kind of world we live in these days??  I was shocked and just have to say. . .WATCH YOUR KIDS people.  That might be the teacher in me, but I can't stand it when adults have zero parenting skills when they are out in public.  I should teach a parenting class. . .but that's a whole other subject ;)

Besides the chaos. . . we had a such a great time there and it was fun putting Easton in different places and taking his picture.  He was so excited and interested in all the people walking around.  Here are some of our favorite pics from the day (thanks to my SIL for taking them) :

This is my favorite family picture of us so far.  I
love Justin's smile in this one.  I'm a lucky girl with
these two handsome men in my life.

I love when he sticks his tongue out.

Sweet Cousins

He was eating his shirt and not wanting to look up.

He melts my heart with his smile.

Happy Fall :)

4 Month Checkup...

Baby Boy is 4 months old today. I can't believe how fast time is flying by and how fast he is growing and learning.  We had our checkup today too :)

He has had a little trouble with reflux lately and we have had a lot of sleepless nights and crying like he is hurting.  We are on our 2nd medication to help with this.  It seems to be working but he is still waking up at night at random hours and sucking on his pacifier like its a lollipop.  His doctor said that is because he needs more calories...so guess what that means??...yep...solid foods HERE WE COME :) 

I can't wait to start him on it...so Momma can get some sleep...haha :)

He got shots today...this time they had the cute band-aids

Easton at 4 Months

15 lbs

26 inches

Favorite Things He Does:

Laughs

Follows us with his eyes and head when we walk around the house

Grabs and hold our fingers

Touches my face when I play with him

Splashes in his tub

Sucks on his hands and anything that he can get his hands on

Lays his head on my shoulder and looks around

Stands on my legs when I hold him up

Squeals at the TV (especially football games)

Smiles at everyone he meets

Happy 4 Months

Bath Time...

I absolutely LOVE bath time with Easton :)  He is so much fun.  His favorite thing to do is kick his little legs and splash.  I usually sing to him while he is in the bath and he just smiles and talks back.  It's probably the most adorable time we have together right now.  I am loving that he is learning to interact with us and he starts to get excited when we play together.  He is just such a happy baby and we are so blessed to have this sweet boy in our lives.  I just want to squeeze him because he is so CUTE :) 

Back to Work...

Another day I have been dreading since I had Easton . . . my first day back to work.  This past Monday was THE day, and it actually went better than I thought.  I for sure cried the night before just thinking about not being with him all day and all the things I would miss him doing throughout the day.  My biggest fear is missing him doing something new for the first time like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, his first word, etc. 

I have some amazing friends in my life who have been through it before and have great advice.  I got a sweet email from one of my best friends, Jennifer, who said "If you didn't see it, then it didn't happen".  I love that advice :)  It will break my heart if it happens and I wasn't there, but I will just keep repeating that phrase in my head. . .haha.  I know it's inevitable and I can't not let him progress just because I'm not there.  I just wish I had a little video camera on him at all times that gives me live coverage at work :)  of course then I wouldn't get my job done. . .haha

The amazing thing about me going back to work is that he will be with his Lolly, my mother-in-law, all day.  If I'm not able to be at home with him, then the next best thing is family.  I know that she will love him like no day care person ever could.  I can be at work and do my job to the best of my ability because I know he is being well taken care of.  I don't have to worry (too much) about him and if someone is playing with him, talking and singing to him, and taking care of his every need.  We are so blessed to have her and appreciate her wanting to watch him while we are at work. 

Going back to work makes me appreciate every second that I get to spend with him.  It's that much sweeter when I see him at the end of the day and our weekends together will not be taken for granted.  I will miss playing in bed in the mornings, our afternoon naps, cuddling on the couch, kisses throughout the day, and just wasting the day watching his precious face. 

I'm already counting down the days until Thanksgiving Break. . .

I love you Easton J

2 Month Check-Up...

Easton had his 2 month check-up today.  This was the day I had been dreading since he was born.  Everyone said that this was the check-up where he gets his shots and it was such a hard visit on the parents.  I knew that I would probably cry because of him crying and because I'm just sensitive and cry a lot (haha). . .Well . . . I was RIGHT.  I cried right along with him :(  He was so happy then. . . All of a Sudden. . . a burst of tears and a crying scream to go along with those tears.  Justin was the only one not crying. . .and the nurse who was giving the shots.

His Battle Wound

Baby E is one tough little guy.  The crying only lasted a couple of minutes and he was fine.  He then slept the whole way home.  We knew he would be tough through this visit.  When we were at the hospital, Dr. Benzick (our pediatrician) said that he slept right through his circumcision. . . OUCH ;)  We are so proud of our little guy and he had an outstanding report.  He is growing and developing right on track. 

Resting at Home

I love it when we are affirmed at the doctor's office. . .It's kind of like being in school again and you get grades on your report card.  He lets us know that we are doing a Great job as parents and are nurturing his development :). . . and not screwing up too bad ;) haha

Easton at 2 Months (8 Weeks):

12 . 4 lbs

23 . 5 inches

Favorite things he does: 

-Cooing

-Smiling (starting to show his dimples)

-Peddles his legs like a bike

-Laughs in his sleep

-Lights up when he sees me or his Daddy 

-Holds his head up

-Gets excited by the fan or lights

-Likes to be outside

One of My Favorite Pictures of Easton

**Just a side note:  We LOVE our pediatrician.  He was recommended to us by a friend of mine and I am so happy that we chose him to take care of Easton.  He is so informative and seems to care so much for the kids**

Our Little Fishy...

Easton had his first experience in a swimming pool the other day.  I was a little hesitant about it because I am always wondering at what age I should expose him to certain things.  I don't want to him to learn things late or doing things that he's not ready for.  I guess you could say that I am bit of a worry wart :)  I also get a little concerned about the heat.  This heat is KILLING me...so if I'm hot, then I know he's got to be hot too (I'm glad that I'm not 9 months pregnant during this hot and dry summer). 

We made sure that the shallow part of the pool was shaded before we put him in.  I bought him a cute swimsuit from Gymboree (he's worn it a couple of times but he never got in...haha).  Justin got in with him while I took pictures.  I think that is how it usually is...the mom is always the one taking the pictures and the dad is always in the pictures :) 

I think he liked the pool.  He didn't cry when we put him in, so I take that as a good sign.  We put him in with a regular diaper and it was so heavy by the time we pulled it off of him.  Justin thought he should go skinny dipping...so we took off his swimsuit (Hope he didn't pee in Lolly's pool...haha).  I know when he gets a little older he is gonna love the water and love to go swimming.  

**I used this app on my iPhone (that I'm obsessed with) called Instagram to make the pictures like they are**

Not Spoiled...LOVED :)

** Warning ** These are personal opinions and views :)

Can you spoil a newborn??  A question that is answered by many people so differently.  I have many friends who say you can't and they held their babies as often as they wanted. . . and I know others who say you can and to put the babies down and not hold them as much.  I, personally, don't believe you can spoil a newborn.  After having Easton and being with him 24/7 for 6 six weeks, I now have the belief that a newborn is not spoiled. . . they are LOVED.  Easton is not spoiled. . . He is Loved :)

For 9 months all he knew was a nice, cozy, warm environment where everything he needed was taken care of, AND THEN, all of a sudden was thrown into a loud place where the temperature changes, random people are holding, touching, and talking to him, and he has to learn to eat and sleep with all of this new chaos around him.  His little sweet cry is key to his survival. . . it's his communication tool.  He has a cry for when he is hungry, has a dirty diaper, is hurt, needs to feel secure, bored, tired, just needs a good cry, etc..  He is 110% dependent upon Justin and I.  Our job, as parents, is to take care of his every need until he can do things himself.   

There are times that Easton just wants to know that he is safe and there are people there to make him feel secure.  Holding him makes him feel protected and I think makes him happy.  Plus. . . he is only this little for just a short period of time.  I'm going to take every advantage that I can to hold him, snuggle with him, and just love on him.  (I do hold him a lot, but not all the time.  He is put down to play and sleep).

Now, when he gets a little older and starts to learn more about his environment, I do believe that's when he can be spoiled.  When that day comes, I know we will continue to love him and give him what he needs with certain limits. . . But for right now. . .

He is one LOVED little guy :)

and one Happy Baby

Sweet Dreams...

My Snuggle Bug

One of my favorite things to do is take naps with Easton.  It's always hard for me to sleep because I'm usually watching him dream. . . He makes such sweet faces.  When he smiles while he is dreaming, it makes my heart melt.  The moments I cherish the most are when he falls asleep on my chest or on my shoulder.  I know that there will come a day where he no longer can lay on me or will want to take a nap. . . but until that day comes, I will take as many chances as I can to enjoy these cuddly moments with him.    

Sleeping with Daddy

We have been very blessed to have a baby who LOVES to sleep.  He is just now starting to sleep through the night (6 weeks old).  It's not every night, but we will take what we can get ;)  Sometimes it's not the quietest slumber you could possibly get either.  There are moments when our room sounds like a family of bears...haha.  We have Easton making noises, Sparky snoring, Justin snoring, AND. . . occasionally me :)   

There is just something about sleeping babies that is so innocent, so sweet, and just so peaceful.  I always wonder what babies could possibly be dreaming about . . . bottles, diapers, baths, burps??    Whatever Easton is dreaming, I know they are sweet dreams :)  









4th of July Weekend...

We decided to go to my parents on Sunday (the day before the 4th) so we could spend time with them and so they could see Easton.  Last year, they were able to come up here and spend the Holiday with us and Justin's family...but this year, there was a lot going on with the cows out at their land and they were unable to come.  I'm so thankful for my family and just wish that we lived closer to them.  When we are able to visit them at their house in the country...I always appreciate things just a little bit more.  My parents have never been people who have wanted things in excess...they appreciate the simple things in life...and they "want for nothing".  I admire that so much and am so thankful that they instilled that in me.  I hope to pass that on to Easton.  I think he is going to make a great cowboy and I hope he loves the country as much as we do.

 Sitting with his Grammy...enjoying the Beautiful View

 Haha...this one just makes me laugh...

Redneck ;)

 He had a long day in the country.

 We had a blowout on our way home :(  This is not fun when you have the whole backseat loaded down with luggage, a baby, and a dog.

 I was trying to keep everyone cool in the front seat while Justin changed the flat.

We got home from my parents on the 4th and Justin went to his parents to swim in their new pool...which is amazing by the way...while Easton and I took a little nap.  We went over there later for the Big Reveal.  My sister in law (Jennifer) is pregnant and due in December.  They decided to tell people the gender of the baby on the 4th.  They had a box full of balloons that their two girls had to open which told if it was a boy or girl.  I totally thought it was a girl...but as you can see...I was wrong.  

BLUE Balloons

Easton is going to have so much fun with Ryan Marshall Kirk.  We are so excited for them and can't wait to meet him.

Cute cousins in their matching outfits that Lolly got them...Next year there will be 4

Pretty Baby...Happy 4th of July

Hope everyone had a great time. Can't wait until next year :)

"29 is the Best One Yet"...

That's what Justin said at then end of the day on his 29th Birthday (July 2nd).  I'm glad he had a better 29th birthday than I did.  I think I cried the whole day (haha)...and on my 30th...I cried too (I was pregnant, hormonal, and attended a funeral for my Aunt that day).  31 can't get any worse...I'm hoping. 

I'm so glad that Justin had such a great Birthday, considering that we really didn't do a whole lot that day.  Over 100 degrees outside and a month old baby isn't a good combo.  Justin got up early and went fishing at his grandparents place and then we had a lazy day in bed (just us 3).  Later that evening, we went over to his parents house to open presents and then out for dinner to Babe's :)  I don't know why we keep going back to this place...We always stuff ourselves and leave feeling so gross and never wanting to eat there EVER again.  We finished the night with PTA pie (Justin's favorite) at his parents house.  I'm so glad that the his family was able to help him celebrate :)  It was a quiet day...but it was a GREAT day.

Happy Birthday Justin

 Our first picture together since the hospital

Easton was snoozing away in his carseat...that's why he's not in the picture.  He stayed this way the whole time until it was time for him to eat. 

1 Month already...

Easton J is a month old today!!!  It has gone by so fast. . .I still can't believe he has only been in our lives for a month.  It seems like we have had him forever.  It is going by too quickly.  Before I know it, I will be back at work and I will miss our days together (I get very anxious and sad just thinking about it).  I look at pictures and he has changed and learned so much in just the short amount of time he has been here. 

 His very first day in our lives...

 First car ride (headed home from the hospital)...

 First smile (unintentional)...

 First Bath...

 1 Week old...

 Ready for his first visit to the doctor (2 Weeks)...

 Our first walk together...

Happy Baby. . .First intentional smile caught on camera :)

Happy one month Pretty baby. . .Mommy and Daddy love you so much