Welcome to the Good Life!

henry's first trip to kentucky

My family lives about 2 1/2 hours away in Kentucky.  Last Wednesday Henry and I headed down to visit them for the first time!  I was a little bit nervous about making this trip solo, but Henry did a pretty good job on the way down--and the way home!  I made sure his little belly was full and then we headed down to Kentucky!  Here is his little sweet face when we were getting ready to head out! :)

When I made it to Kentucky my sister and mom were still at work so Henry and I went down the street to my Granny's house to visit her.  She got to hold him for awhile before he decided to exercise some on the floor and show off his little legs and arms for everyone!  

My mom and I had to run to visit a friend in the hospital so my sister and Aunt Connie babysat Henry for me.  He enjoyed some quality time out on the front porch!  We were so lucky to have awesome weather. :)  

On Thursday evening, my sister's fiance and his dad came over for a cookout.  We had a great time getting to know his dad.  I am so excited for their wedding!  I realized I haven't talked about it very much on here (maybe at all?) but she is getting married on Memorial Day and I couldn't be more excited for it! :)

I was a little worried about how Henry would sleep in Kentucky because he's never really taken to his pack and play in our room and that's all we had for him to sleep in while we were in Kentucky.  Henry did wake up one extra time in the night, but it wasn't bad at all.  He slept in my mom's room and I think he mainly woke up to play with my mom. :)

Our visit was WAY too short, but we already have two more weekends planned to visit. :)

dear henry (two months!)

To my darling Henry,

I have absolutely loved this past month with you.  I think we've gotten so much more comfortable with each other.  I know your different cries--when you are hungry, tired, etc.  I love that I can read you so much better now and it makes our days go pretty smoothly!  One thing that cracks me up to no end about you is that when you're hungry, you're hungry.  Nothing makes you lose your sweet personality faster!  If you've been sleeping before you eat I usually have a few minutes to get some things together.  However, if you've been exercising or are awake and it's time to eat--watch out!  You are not a happy camper. I can't help but chuckle at your hungry hungry hippo attitude though--you are so sweet even when you're throwing a big fit!

Your second month of life brought so many big trips and you weathered them all like a champ!  We flew to Kansas City for a conference for your mom.  Henry, you were amazing!  You made it through four flights, three nights in a hotel, plus all day long meetings with the best attitude!  You made lots of friends and met lots of people that are important friends in your mom and dad's life!  We also ate out every meal pretty much and you were a champ in all of the restaurants! :)  I was so worried about your ability to sleep in a crib that wasn't your own, but it didn't even phase you.  You slept just like you do at home.  Amazing!

We also made a trip to bridal shower in Dayton which is just about 90 minutes from our house.  We did that trip without your dad and once again I was so impressed with your easy going attitude, Henry.  You were passed around a lot at the shower and you seemed pretty content to check out your new surroundings! 

We also made a trip with your dad to Cincinnati to see some friends and do a little shopping while we were at it.  We went to my friend Sarah's house for lunch and hanging out.  While you did pee on her couch, you were still a champ guest and showed off how much you like to exercise your little arms and legs. :)  When we met up with some other friends, we were at a giant grocery store and you pitched one of the worst fits to date.  I think you were just hungry and tired from exercising, but it wasn't like you to get so upset!  However, we were able to get in a good feeding and then you slept the whole way home.  I know you needed that sleep sweet Henry!

We've made countless trips on Friday and Saturday nights to your Aunt Bird's house.  You get to spend lots of time with your little friend Millie and I am excited to see how much you two will grow in friendship through the years!  Going over to Aunt Bird and Uncle Henk's is the perfect outing for us--it's only 30 minutes away and nobody cares if you cry, sleep, or scream.  Your mom and dad get in lots of quality friend time--win win for everyone!

This month I took you to Kentucky for the first time--and we made the trip by ourselves!  Your granny kept you in her room in a pack and play and while you did wake up for an extra feeding each night, you still slept really well.  I think your granny just wanted to wake you up to play anyways. ;) You charmed the pants off the neighborhood with your sweet smile and lots of eye contact.  Your cousin Eli also met you and is absolutely obsessed with you.  I know he wishes you would grow quickly so you could play baseball together, but he is still excited to get to teach you everything.  

This month you also had your first round of shots.  Your dad and I both went with you to the appointment and it absolutely broke both of our hearts to see you in pain and so upset.  I was able to feed you right afterwards in the doctor's office which helped you calm down so much.  We spent the rest of the day snuggled up together while you napped.  I couldn't believe you weren't more fussy through the day--you mainly just wanted to eat and sleep.  :)

Speaking of your doctor's appointments--you now weigh 11 lbs and 13 oz and are 23 inches long.  You gained both 3 lbs and grew 3 inches in one month!  You are really growing and meeting all of your milestones which thrills us to no end. 

One of your favorite things to do is to smile to show off.  When we were at the doctor, he asked if you had started smiling yet.  Your sweet face lit up with the biggest grin and made all of us laugh as you showed off.  You aren't a fan of tummy time unless it's on my chest, but you do love laying on your back to move your little arms and legs.  You love showing off your neck muscles when someone is holding you though--and we are all very excited to make a big deal over you. :)

Henry, being home with you during this time has been the biggest joy of my life.  I have learned what it means to really put someone above yourself, which has been so incredibly difficult but has also incredibly rewarding.  I am not looking forward to going back to work on June 3rd, at all.  I can't even think about it without getting choked up.  I am trying to soak in every single snuggle and cuddle with you while I can.

You are still eating every 3 hours or so during the daytime.  Sometimes you need to eat a little bit earlier if you have been particularly active or a little bit longer if you are napping.  You tend to nap extra on Monday and Tuesday.  I think it's because you have had some really big and active weekends to recover from sleepwise! :)  We are doing a loose version of Babywise and you are absolutely thriving on it.  You eat, sleep, and play like you could read the book yourself! :)

At night, you are just absolutely the best sleeper.  You will normally sleep between 6-9 hours and then after eating and a diaper change you will sleep another 3 or so.  I have been a very well rested momma for quite some time and for that I am very thankful!  I am a much better mom when I have had enough sleep and get to shower in the mornings. :)

You are the sweetest baby and have the best temperament.  I want you to stay a baby for forever, but I am also excited to see how you grow this next month.  Every day is the best day because I get to see your sweet face in the morning and rock you to sleep in the evenings!

I love you so so much Henry and I am so thankful I get to be your momma.  :)

Here is my sweet Henry at two months!

 

And for comparison...here is my sweet Henry at his newborn baby appointment...

And here is Henry at his two month appointment!  

He is seriously so enormous compared to his baby picture!

my first mother's day

This is my first year celebrating Mother's Day as a mom to a human baby--they've all previously been to furbabies. :)  Rob has always recognized me as a momma which has been so sweet, especially when we were struggling with getting pregnant.  

Today and the days leading up today have ben so incredibly sweet.  Rob and I celebrated together last night when we grilled out and had a sweet meal together.  I made strawberry shortcakes which is one of my favorite desserts too.  :)  Rob had a sweet card for me from him and one from Henry.  I couldn't stop crying just out of sheer joy of being a momma.  It is hard work having a newborn, but every single one of those moments is worth it.  I can't help but reflect today on my journey to being a momma and just the overwhelming sense of thankfulness I have at  being a mom.  God is so good and so faithful.

I found this beautiful poem here and it is so perfect for today and the emotions so many people feel.

To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you

To those who lost a child this year – we mourn with you

To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains – we appreciate you

To those who experienced loss this year through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you

To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment – we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is.

To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms – we need you

To those who have warm and close relationships with your children – we celebrate with you

To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children – we sit with you

To those who lost their mothers this year – we grieve with you

To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother – we acknowledge your experience

To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood – we are better for having you in our midst

To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year – we grieve and rejoice with you

And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising –we anticipate with you

This Mother’s Day, we walk with you. Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst. We remember you.

 

our weekend :)

We packed so much into this weekend and it was so much fun!  I love that having Henry in our lives hasn't kept us from getting out, traveling, and seeing our friends and family. :)

Friday night we did stay at home and grill out.  Rob is a master on the grill and I am more than happy to eat what he creates. It doesn't matter if it's chicken, steak, sausage--it's all delicious!  Friday night was barbecue chicken that was amazing!

Saturday morning we both had to get up early.  Rob had an appointment for his car and I headed to Dayton for a friend's bridal shower!  I was a little bit nervous because this was the furthest I'd traveled with Henry by myself--and his longest car trip to date! Henry of course was a champ and I shouldn't have been worried at all. He is quite the social butterfly and had a wonderful time. 

I was so busy talking, eating, and taking care of Henry that I didn't get any pictures of the shower.  It was amazing though.  However, I did take this sweet picture of him on the way home.  Can you tell how exhausted he was?!

 

Saturday night Rob and I went to our friends house to grill out once again.  Saturday's weather was amazing and we were all so excited to take advantage of it!  We hung out in their backyard until it was time for Henry to eat and it had gotten a little chilly by then.  

Henry's BFF Millie was also there and they had a great time hanging out.  This is my friend Bird holding both of them together.  So cute! Check out Millie's super fashionable mint spring ensemble. ;)

This is a little bit of a grainy picture, but we did have Henry put his arm around Millie.  How hilarious is that?! They were both very happy to be laying together hanging out.  So very sweet!!

Even though we stayed up way past our bedtimes, I still wanted to go to church in the morning.  I am so glad that I made the effort because the service was amazing!  So very thankful we were there.  Henry slept through the majority of the service so I was able to enjoy so much of it. 

After church we ran a bunch of errands with Rob and even made a stop in to get some frozen yogurt. :)  Perfect afternoon!!

In the evening, we dropped Henry off with Rob's cousins so that we could have a date night.  I am SO thankful for them because Rob and I needed some one-on-one time together and this was an amazing evening for the two of us.  We went to a great local Italian restaurant, Marcellas and it was delicious.  I had never eaten there before and it was so so good.  Their gluten-free mention was impressive and I am already looking forward to going back there. :)

His cousins sent us this sweet picture of Henry--he was obviously enjoying himself while we were out on our date!

How was your weekend?!

henry's first plane ride!

This past weekend we took Henry for his first plane ride!  My church had a big conference that was really important for me to go to in Kansas City.  Rob and I had debated flying v driving and decided to fly because it was a 3 hour flight v. a 10 hour car ride.  Pretty much from the time I booked the flight until we got home from the trip I was a nervous wreck!  There was so much to think about, pack, organize, etc. but it was seriously an amazing trip and I am so thankful we had such a wonderful experience traveling with Henry!

Before I really get into the post, I have to say that I have truly married the most wonderful, supportive man!  Rob was such a rockstar giving up his weekend to go with me and be so helpful with Henry.  He spent a lot of the weekend in the hotel room or shuttling us around and I am so blessed to be his wife.

Ok onto the post with pictures of Henry!

Henry actually slept through most of the flights--only waking up to eat which wasn't nearly as awkward as I imagined it being!  I had only pumped one bottle for the trip--I have more frozen but I am so anxious about using any of that!  I wanted to really rely on my own body to feed him instead of anything else and luckily it worked out really well.

We do look pretty tired in this picture--but it's only because I was awake from 6:30 AM on because of nerves and our flight wasn't even until 8:30 PM! Rob also put in a whole day's worth of work before the flight. ;)

Our hotel was so amazing to us and I am so grateful!  Not only did they provide us with a crib for the weekend, they also upgraded our room so that we would have more space for the crib (and they gave us a fridge to use as well!).  The hotel was within walking distance of the conference, so it was perfect for us!  I would get up in the morning, get ready (with Henry sleeping through everything!) and then feed H before heading over to the conference.  I would usually take Henry in his stroller which worked out perfect.  He enjoyed the walk and it was so easy for us.  Rob then had the rental car to explore the city and check out the sites.  Look at this sweet picture of Henry sleeping in his crib!

Rob would pick us up for lunch and we would meet up with friends.  Rob would either drop us off in the afternoon or take H back for a nap.  The conference had a great baby room set up with gliders, etc. so I could take a break to feed him and be completely comfortable!  Henry is such a good baby, sleeping lots and just being in a great mood that it worked out perfectly!

One more sweet picture of my baby! :)

henry's first baseball game!

Last night we took Henry to his first baseball game.  The Columbus Clippers are our local baseball team and they have an amazing stadium!  We have been to a few games since I've lived in Columbus, but I'm pretty sure there will be lots more in our future!  The games are pretty cheap and loud enough that it doesn't matter if your baby cries. :)  We also sat in the lawn and were able to sit with our friends that also have a baby!  It worked out absolutely perfect and I can't wait to go back again!

These are our friends who had a baby just two weeks before us!  Henry was sleeping in his stroller so he didn't make it into this picture. :)

Here are our husbands holding the babies during the game.  :)

And this is my absolute most favorite picture of Rob and Henry.  I am so thankful breastfeeding has worked out really well for us and that Henry has been a champ about eating.  I was lucky enough to have a pumped bottle ready for the game so Rob could feed him and I wouldn't have to nurse in such a public place.  Henry was a rockstar and went to town gulping down his dinner! :)

The evening could not have been more wonderful and

I am looking forward to our next game together with the babies!

henry's newborn pictures

When Henry was only a week old, we had his newborn pictures taken.  I was SO stressed about this day because I had to get myself ready, Henry ready, get us to the studio, etc.  This sounds so hilarious now, but when you have a newborn it is so overwhelming to do anything!

During the shoot, the photographer wanted Henry to be really full and happy so that he'd be able to take these sleepy baby pictures.  I basically fed Henry the entire time we were at the shoot which was kind of rough on me and I probably wouldn't do that again.  It made me be very stressed!  When we finally got him fat and happy, I did end up falling asleep for a little bit which was nice.

Henry had his diaper off for most of the pictures and I picked him up one time and he peed all over me!  Not only did he pee all over me, he peed on me so that it looked like I peed myself.  Perfect, right!?  Later when we were taking the picture of just Henry and I, he pooped all over me.  And, if you know anything about a breastfed baby's dirty diapers, you know that it is the color of mustard and very runny.  I had so many hormones and I was so stressed that I just burst into tears.  Rough day, but honestly I love the pictures so much that it's worth the stress I had to go through! :)

So--here are the beautiful pictures of my little babe!  Isn't he the most handsome baby you've ever seen?!  Even though this was only 5 weeks ago, I still can't believe how much he's grown.  Just the sweetest baby that there's ever been. :)

my weekend :)

This past weekend (well really from Wednesday through the weekend!) my family came in to visit.  I was so excited for my granny and cousins to meet Henry.  I love being home with Henry, but it's so nice when people come to visit-it makes your days so much more exciting!

My family came in on Wednesday evening and made a quick stop by our house on their way to the hotel.  Henry was fighting sleep in this picture--isn't it hilarious?!  

Hannah held Henry first and they were instant friends.  He was so good while being passed around and loved on by my family! :)  I love how sweetly she is holding him in this picture!

My family was staying in a hotel with a pool and water park my cousins wanted to check out so I headed over to the hotel to hang out with my mom and granny while they went swimming.  I picked up some pizza on the way over and Henry was very good while I ran him around town--he slept in his carseat most of the way there and back.  I had to feed him at the hotel, but other than that he was asleep! :)

On Thursday my family came over to watch Henry while I went to the doctor.  I was so glad to leave Henry in good hands--and it made me feel so confident leaving him.  Normally I feel so anxious whenever I'm not watching him, but I was excited to have a little bit of an outing.  Rob went with me and we stopped at Chick Fil A on the way home--I love their french fries!!

Thursday evening we met more of my family that lives in Columbus at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner.  Henry was SO well-behaved even when someone bumped into his stroller.  Rob took him for a quick stroll around the mall when that happened and Henry was right back to being happy again!  

On Friday, we went back to the mall to do some shopping.  My mom wanted to walk around with Henry while I went shopping with my cousins for bathing suits and dresses for my sister's wedding.  Once again Henry was a champ!  In the evening I picked up Chinese with my mom and we hung out at the hotel again.  We were all pretty tired from our big day out, but we did spend some time hanging out at the water park.  I definitely think Henry will love it in just a few years! :)

My mom is so in love with Henry and one of her favorite things to do is give him his bath.  Henry tolerates bathtime, but it's definitely not his favorite thing!  Before my family left on Saturday, Mom wanted to give him one last bath!  She also gave him a fancy hairdo!

Henry doesn't look traumatized at all, does he?! ;)  My family's visit was much too short, but I am so thankful they were able to make the trip up to see us and meet Henry! :)

random on wednesday!

I can't believe I actually have time to blog three days in a row!  Henry is asleep in his crib and while I sometimes also take a morning nap, I have a big to do list today instead! :)

• My family is coming up to visit tonight through Saturday.  I could not be more excited to see them!  I love love love being home with Henry, but being home alone all day does get a little bit boring and the company is much appreciated!
• My granny and two of my cousins will meet Henry for the first time--how cool is that?!  I am so excited for everyone to meet Henry, but I am really looking forward to seeing my granny with him.  Expect lots of pictures from that meeting! :)
• Henry has almost outgrown his newborn clothes.  I am really sad about it--and basically in a state of denial over it all.  I know he has so many cute clothes to wear that are just one size up, but I need him to stay my little baby for just a little bit longer.
• Rob and I watched Les Mis last night.  We've seen most of the other Oscar nominated movies, but not Les Mis.  It was honestly a little bit of a letdown for me.  I loved the stage show, but maybe I just expected too much from the movie?  Also, I didn't think Russell Crowe was nearly as bad as everyone made him out to be in the movie.
• I go for my postpartum checkup tomorrow.  I am SO ready to be working out again.  Because of different things throughout my pregnancy, I haven't really exercised (except for some walks and prenatal yoga) since last July and I am ready to get back into it.  It's funny how much you miss it when you aren't able to do it!
• I am so glad there is more sunlight in the evenings now...but I really need the temperatures to cooperate a little bit more!  Ohio weather is so messed up--and having freezing temperatures at night through April is not my favorite thing.  I am ready to go on stroller walks with Henry, but that's not going to happen when the high is 40!
• Ok this is enough random for today--but I needed to include one sweet picture of Henry. Doesn't he look like an angel!?  Such a darling face. :)

to my sweet henry!

Sweet Henry,

You are one month old! I can't believe so much time has passed since you have been here with us.  One part of me feels like you've always been here with us, but I also can't believe you are a month old.  I feel like we've just brought you home from the hospital sweet face!

Overall you are a really easygoing baby and for that I am so thankful!  As your dad and I try to figure out how to be parents, you have made things pretty easy on us!  When you are upset, we know it is one of a few things--hunger, a dirty diaper, gas, or you are getting tired!  I don't think you've ever fussed for no reason, which is pretty amazing. :)

You are on a really good schedule where you eat about every 3 hours during the daytime.  You are a very good eater--and have been from the beginning.  I am so thankful we have not had any problems breastfeeding.  I love the bond we have because of the time we spend together--even when it's in the middle of the night. ;)  

When we first brought you home from the hospital, your dad and I wanted to have you sleep in a bassinet in our room.  You lasted about one night before you let us know you were NOT having it.  We took turns holding you while you slept because we had no idea what to do!  Finally, we decided to put you in your crib and you have been so happy ever since.  I think you wanted to show us how independent you are, already!  Honestly, I am glad we aren't going to have to do any sleep training with you even if it did make us a little sad to have you sleep in your own room so soon.

You also hated being swaddled for the first few weeks of your life, but now you are in love with it.  When you are having a fussy moment, we will swaddle you up and you are so comforted.  You usually fall right to sleep!  I think it's so funny how quickly things changed with you. Your daddy is a much better swaddler than me, you break out of mine too easily!

You are a champion sleeper and I am very grateful for that!  I will put you down in the evenings with a full belly and a good swaddle.  You will normally sleep between four and six hours before you wake up, wanting to be fed again.  Occasionally you'll break out of your swaddle earlier, but those days are the exception and not the rule.  Also, you have been very good about letting your mom get a shower in every day which makes me feel very accomplished and like a real person. ;)

We have taken you out and about quite a bit which now that I think about it makes me a little nervous!  You have been to the grocery store several times, as well as a few trips to Target.  We have been to our friends' houses several times and you have been very content to travel around with us.  We have also been to mall to meet the Easter Bunny.  You even went to church on Easter and were the perfect baby!  Thankfully you usually like being in the car and don't seem to mind being in your carseat--once we actually get you buckled in there!

You are going to have your first flight next month--which will be its own separate post, I'm sure!  I am nervous about it, but I am also excited to show you off to some of my friends!  You are so very loved by so many people and I hope you always know that. :)

I am so filled with joy to see you grow and develop.  I was able to see you focus on something for the first time and it completely overwhelmed me with happiness.  You were actually throwing a little bit of a fit over having your diaper changed and were waving your hands around.  Your hand passed by your eyes and you completely focused on it and stopped fussing.  It was such a sweet moment--and I loved seeing the wheels in your head turning as you realized you had hands for the first time!  Since then you have noticed so many more things around you including me and your dad.  You also are a big fan of talking to your crib and the little teddy bears on top of your swing.  I love seeing you interact with things around you--and I know it is only going to get better.  You are still not a huge fan of tummy time unless I am holding you.  If I'm holding you, you are very happy to show off how strong you are and hold your head up for a long time!  You are a little bit of a momma's boy and I love it. :)

Now--let's talk your weight and length!  When you were born you weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz. and were 19.5 inches long.  At your one month appointment you weighed 8 lbs, 15 oz. and were 20 inches long!  You are my little chunky baby and I love you!

Henry, you are such a sweet, cuddly, and lovely baby boy.  I am so privileged to be your momma and I thank God every evening for another day with you.  You are absolutely the light of our lives and I can't wait to see you grow and learn more.