Easter Weekend Recap

Easter came and went three days ago, but we've been all over Texas since then, so I'm just now getting to write about it! We had a wonderful Easter weekend in Anson. Thursday night, we headed up to Horseshoe Bay and had a 'layover' at my parent's lake house. Jonathan and I spent a lovely night sitting out on the patio and watching a massive hill country storm roll in. It was fun to watch from the cover of the patio, and a real blessing - Texas has been needing rain so bad!

We hit the road again early on Friday morning to complete the road trip. We hit Abilene right on time, then headed in to my great aunt Billie's house in Anson. It was so wonderful to see Billie. She's always been like a third grandmother to me, and it's been far too long since I've been able to visit. Being at her house was like coming home for me. I've spent many a night there, visiting her and my Uncle JD - with my parents, then as an escape from dorm life when I was at ACU. As soon as we walked in the door, she spread a quilt down for Larkin, and covered it with toys. We rolled around on the floor with him and had a great time. He was rather relieved to be out of his car seat!

My parents and my Nana joined us shortly. They have been in Dallas for the past three weeks, and were pretty happy to see "their" baby again (Larkin, not me, of course). We just visited all day and into the night. Then Saturday we drove to Stamford for the reunion. It was so good to see the family again. It was hard to be there for the first time without my great uncle JD, but nice to reminisce about the good times. The adults chatted while the kiddos ran wild, then we had a delicious lunch that some of the cousins grilled up for us (steak and potatoes - it's easy to be gluten free in Texas!).

Larkin got to meet his cousin Braden who was born just two weeks after him. I'm sure these two will cause us plenty of worry in the years to come!

 

 

We do a big egg hunt for the kids, and the little ones got a small piece of the action.

Just the cousins age three and younger.

 

Larkin looked adorable in his little Easter outfit, even if it was more casual than a typical Easter get up (and thank goodness it was because it was HOT!).

On Sunday morning, we visited Billie's church. Larkin was extremely restless, so we spent the whole service in the cry room/nursery. It was so nice to visit though, because I love going back to the more traditional, acapella hymns that I grew up with. Larkin finally fell asleep in my arms about five minutes before service was over, and stayed asleep as we walked out of the building, put him in the car seat, drove back to the house, and got him upstairs in bed. He was just all tuckered out - or else that country air got to him!

We ate lunch, then packed up to hit the road. We drove into Abilene (about 20 minutes away) and stopped at a grocery store to grab some snacks for the road. While stopped, I realized Larkin needed his diaper changed, so I went to pull out his diaper bag and realized we had left it at the church cry room in Anson. Sigh. We drove back, went to Billie's, and she tracked down a church key. She unlocked the building for us, Jonathan ran in and grabbed the bag, and we piled back in the car. By that time though, Larkin was ready to eat and needed another diaper change. So we stopped for a change and a nursing session. By the time we hit Abilene again, we had added almost two hours to our trip.

 Luckily, we got out of town just in time as a HUGE storm swept through town. They needed the rain so bad, as many parts of the area had been plagued by wildfires in the previous days, but they didn't really need the softball sized hail and tornadoes. Got to love the insanity of Texas weather!

We made it to Horseshoe Bay for another layover, then back into Houston the following afternoon. It was a rough trip, but so very worth it to see everyone.

That Little Boy of Mine

Every day with my son is a beautiful day. That's not just lip service, either. I mean that down to my depths. His presence is sunshine, his smile is paradise. But...

Some days are long, and some days are hard. Some days are both.

And at the end of the day, I am tired to the bone. I am tired from wrestling 18 lbs of pure energy. 18 lbs of little boy who (even though he can't crawl yet) is convinced that he can run - or even fly. 18 lbs of opinion and temperament and unvoiced insistence that "Mama, I can do it MYSELF!" (and if you think a six month old can't insist something like that, you should see the way he shoves my hands away when I try to hold on to him).

Oh, but what joy!

Joy because that exhaustion means that I have a little boy who is full of energy and activity. Who is already a ball of independence and confidence and self worth. That 18 lbs I wrestle? That's 18 lbs of health and vigor and excitement about the world - HIS world.

Oh, little boy. I can tell you now, it wouldn't surprise this mama one bit if you did learn how to fly.

Photo Fails

Have you ever taken a photo that, when it turns out to be irreparably blurry, breaks your heart? One that just tears you up because behind the blurriness (and besides the mountain of clean laundry in the background) it so perfectly captures the spirit of the subject and the merriment of the moment, down to a crinkled nose and crescent moon eyes?

 

Sigh.

Self-Taught Sleep Training?

I hate to jinx myself, but I think my baby has sleep trained himself. Yeah, he's just that cool.

When Larkin was born, I heard chants of "Put him on a schedule!". Then I was lectured not to put a breastfed baby on an eating schedule (especially at first) because breast milk was digested so easily, plus it's impossible to tell exactly how much they actually consume. The scheduling concept quickly went by the wayside. Jonathan and I don't follow any semblance of a schedule, so it seemed silly to try to enforce one on Larkin (and thereby, ourselves).

We adapted to watching for his signals - chewing his fingers and rooting when he was hungry, rubbing his eyes and pulling his ear when he was sleepy - and accommodated his needs. It's just what has worked for us. If I were working outside of the home, or if either of us preferred to go to bed early, or if we had older kiddos, we might have needed to work out a more precise schedule. But as it is, Larkin had a approximate schedule of his own - up around 9 am, down for a nap around two hours later, a few small naps through the afternoon and a longer nap in the early evening (no matter what I did, I couldn't get him to cut out that late nap). Then he'd be ready to party until 10:30 or 11 pm.

Yes, that's LATE. But it wasn't a huge problem for us, since we're such night owls. But it was hard to get anything done or any time to relax, since we went to bed shortly after he did.

Then, about three weeks ago, he started taking his longer nap earlier in the afternoon. Bed time was pushed up to 10, then 9. Then last night - 8.

And - the holy grail of parenthood - the kid slept through the night.

Seriously. From 8 pm to 8 am. He woke up once at midnight for a quick snack, then went right back to sleep. I got in bed then, and slept for EIGHT UNINTERRUPTED HOURS. I haven't done that since my second trimester. And it. was. AMAZING.

And tonight? Tonight, Larkin was asleep by 7:00. He stirred a few times over the next couple of hours, but since he was in our bed, I just crawled next to him and comforted him right back to sleep. I kept waiting for him to wake up and decide he'd had a nice nap and could play all night, but it's midnight now and he's still sound asleep.

This may not last, but I'm sure going to enjoy it while it does.

Man, my kid is AWESOME!

Sweet Dreams

Sweet boy,

When you were just a little bit, your favorite place to sleep was as close to Mommy as possible. Nap time, bed time, any time… we would snuggle up in bed or on the recliner and sleep soundly together. Recently though, you decided you didn’t want to sleep with Mommy. Any attempts (be they middle of the day or middle of the night) would be met with your insistence that if you were this close to Mommy, it had to be either snack time or play time.

Your first night home from the hospital!

 

You took to sleeping in your swing mostly, with some nights in your crib for a change of scenery. I missed our snuggles, and the ease and sweet sleepiness of half asleep nursing. I also missed the built in excuse for a midday nap! 

The past few weeks, though, you’ve started being willing to lie down beside me and drift off to sleep. We don’t sleep quite as snuggled as we used to, but it’s still so sweet – plus, it gives me the ability to sneak off during nap time if I need to get things done. Of course, you wake up pretty irate when you figure out I’ve wandered off, but you usually manage to forgive me pretty quick.

You’re starting to outsmart me, though. When we lie down and start to nurse, you’ve figured out I can’t sneak off as easily if you tangle yourself in me. So as soon as I lay next to you, you wrap one hand around the strap of my tank top. The other hand holds on to your food source so it can’t get away from you. Your top leg gets thrown over my waist, and your bottom foot curls its toes into my shirt. You’re like Velcro! I feel like Houdini when I manage to extract myself.

My favorite though, is when I have the time to just lay beside you. I love drifting off to sleep with you in arms reach, the smell of your sweet head in my nose. I adore the feel of your cool, dry hand holding mine. and the softness of your warm cheek as I kiss you (holding my breath lest an exhale wake you). And my heart swells when you reach out in your sleep, seeking to touch my arm, just to know I’m close. And the best part? Waking up to you, patting my face and grinning at me.

I sure do love you, little boy.

To the moon... and back,

Mommy

New Life Celebration

Last Sunday was our church’s New Life Celebration. On this day, the parents of the congregation’s newest babies make a commitment before the church to raise our children according to God's will, and our church family pledges to support us. Our church does not perform infant baptism (believers who are able to understand and choose baptism make the choice themselves as adults), so this was a dedication ceremony.

Image courtesy of my friend Elizabeth, who thankfully took a picture of us since I failed to take a single photo of the event.

Larkin looked extra handsome, and was surrounded by both mine and Jonathan’s families. We attended a reception before the service, so Larkin was well past nap time by the point in the church service they begin the ceremony. Literally five minutes before they invited the parents to come to the front, Larkin nodded off on his Grandma Suzie’s shoulder. I hefted him over to my shoulder and the three of us headed up front.

The elders surrounded the new families, and a microphone was passed so the parents could say their names and introduce their baby. Larkin stayed soundly asleep during the first introduction, and then the microphone was passed to Jonathan. I was a little sad that he was going to sleep through the whole thing. Then Jonathan said our names, and as soon as he said, “And this is sleeping Larkin…” Larkin heard his daddy’s voice and woke straight up with a big grin. No way was this kid going to sleep through his moment in the spotlight!

After the introductions, the church elders and their wives joined the church in praying for the physical and spiritual growth and health of our children and families. It was a beautiful and touching ceremony. It was made doubly special being held in the church that helped raise me.

The sweet gifts the church gave Larkin - a tiny Bible, a very cool book that we're already enjoying, a copy of his blessing, and a letter for him to open on his baptism day.

We were given the chance to write a blessing for Larkin:

Dear Larkin,

There are a million things we wish for you, but our greatest desire is to give you roots, wings, and Jesus.

Roots to hold you to solid ground, a foundation that is unshakable. You will always have a place to call home, a family who loves you beyond measure.

Wings to go forth into the world, and the courage to follow your dreams. God has mighty plans for you, little one. Our prayer is that you always find the faith and courage to live big.

Jesus, to walk alongside you. Your family will always be close, but where we cannot go, Jesus will follow you. May you always feel His peaceful presence, and rest safe in His everlasting arms.

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19

You are our greatest joy.

To the moon… and back,

Mommy and Daddy

I consider it such an honor that God has blessed us with such a precious, sweet little boy, and entrusted us with the care of both his physical and spiritual well being.

A Boy By Any Other Name...

Just a few nicknames Larkin has collected in his six months:

Lil monkey

Stinkbug

Stinky

Fussy butt

Little man

Pumpkin

Little dude

Precious

Bunny butt

Monster

His highness

Grumpy britches

Sweetheart

Sweettart

Buddy

Budders

The General

"Sir, Yes SIR! Captain Larkin reporting for duty!"

Six Months Old - HAPPY HALF BIRTHDAY, BABY!

Hey Monster,

SIX MONTHS. I know I say this every month, but seriously – where has the time GONE? You are already half a year old. That blows my mind. You’ve been growing and changing so much these last few weeks that I feel like I’ll surely be packing you off to college tomorrow! Two weeks ago, in the span of five days, you learned to sit all by yourself, started eating solid foods, and went swimming in G & G’s hot tub. It was quite an exciting week for you!

The weather has been warm and beautiful here, so we heated up the hot tub, slapped on the sunscreen, and went for a short dip. You tolerated the float boat, but preferred for Mommy or Daddy to hold you while you kicked at the water. We had to cut our dip a little short when a cool wind picked up, but you bundled up in your towel and snuggled with Gaunie in the sunshine.

 

 

As far as solids, your hands down favorite is sweet potatoes. Whenever I serve them, you gobble them down and even make a dent in seconds. You rated bananas as acceptable, and took a pass on peas. That’s okay; we’ll try them again later. You have marvelous table manners – except when sweet potatoes are on the menu. When that yummy goodness is in front of you, all bets are off. You grab for the spoon, lunge for the next bite, and grunt and shriek if it takes “too long” for Mommy to scoop up the next spoonful. 

More please!

 Another milestone is that we officially left behind the pacifier. You were never really crazy about it, although it would help chill you out occasionally. Now, you act like we are attempting to poison you if we get the pacifier anywhere near you. You’ve been exploring the wonders of thumb and finger sucking, but haven’t really figured out how to use them for pacifying. Mommy would really appreciate it if you’d get that worked out soon, because until then, you’re pretty much using me as a human pacifier. So let’s work on that!

While working out the finger finding mission, we have also abandoned swaddling. We tossed out the Woombie, stocked up on footie pajamas, and got to sleeping like a big boy. You still wake yourself up sometimes without that snug swaddle you loved so much, but I finally realized I couldn’t hold on to swaddling anymore since you were rolling so well.

We have officially abandoned the bottle effort. You were never a bottle baby anyway (as the poor ladies in the church nursery learned when you screamed bloody murder when they tried to feed you), so we bought you a sippy cup. You mostly like it as a teether right now, but will drink out of it occasionally.  

Tomorrow is your six month checkup. I can’t wait to find out how much you weigh and how long you’ve gotten. None of us are looking forward to your next round of shots, but since your four month shots went easier than your two month, I’m hoping this round will be even easier (although I’m pretty sure they’re harder on Mommy and Daddy than on you). **Update - You are now 17.5 lbs and 26.5 inches long. Big boy! You also took your shots very bravely, and were mostly just mad at Mommy and Daddy for holding you down.**

It’s so funny. When you were born, I swore I could never love you more. But as you grow, so apparently does my heart. Every day you change a little, grow a lot, and I just love you more and more. You get cuter and more charming (which I also didn’t think was possible). You give the sweetest smiles and kisses. You demand everyone’s undivided attention (and have even learned how to fake cough to get it!).  You are master of all of our hearts.

Making a grab for the camera

I love the way you dissipate all my stress with a smile. I love the way you wake up from every nap completely discombobulated and annoyed, but happy and cheerful when you wake up in the morning. I love the way you try so hard to talk. 

Seriously, this is your 'trying to talk' face. SO CUTE!

I love the way you perk up while Daddy watches Wheel of Fortune, because you think the audience is clapping for you. I love when you smile so big that your eyes turn into upside down crescent moons like a cartoon character. 

I love when you cry and tiny, earnest tears streak down your sweet chubby cheeks. I love when you see your reflection and get so excited to “kiss the baby”. I love how you do everything full tilt - Including falling asleep mid-play!

                                                      

I love how you light up as soon as I walk into your line of sight. I love the so funny expressions you make.

 

I love everything about you, little boy. I love you wider than the world, and I love you -

- to the moon… and back,

Mommy