Baby Favorites

After reading one of my favorite author's blogs (See Shauna Neiquist's blog), I decided that I would steal her idea and post some of my Baby Favorites.  I have so many friends who are new to mommyhood, like me, or who are about to become a momma soon, so I thought I would share my "two cents" about what I can't live without!

1.) Miracle Blanket- as we all know....I have a son who was addicted to his swaddle. Yes, WAS, he is finally out of the swaddle! However, the Miracle Blanket is a must have for newborns.  It truly is a mircle and a good night of sleep is guaranteed!
2.) Wabanub- Pacifiers with stuffed animals on the end...Genius!
3.) Target- Carters 'Just One You' Blanket. Soft, Cuddly, and just enough warmth.
4.) Discovery Toys- great for baby development, lots of colors, textures and sounds to keep baby busy.
5.) Peutnuia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag- great for traveling with a fold out changing pad and plenty of space for bottles, burp cloths, toys, etc.
6.) Marpac Sound Machine- portable and perfect for the nursery.
7.) Sophie- $20 chew toy (enough said!)
8.) Sandra Boynton Books (Snuggle Puppy, Pookie and Pajama Time are the best)
9.) Summer Baby Touch Monitor- like your Iphone...only better!
10.) Inchbug bottle labels- rubber-bands for around bottles or cups, personalized for on the go!
11.) A baby bath robe...not practical...just cute ;)

Thighs like his momma ;)

Happy Shopping Mommies!

 

Grammy's Visit

Grammy's visit was a bit different then we hoped it would be...Mommy going to Florida for work, Grammy playing with a healthy Baby James....it turned out to be Mommy and Grammy both home with a flu stricken baby James :(  We still managed to have a little bit of fun when he was feeling well.

Even sick...that's one pretty baby ;)

 "You talkin' to me?"

 James' "Kiss"

TUBBY TIME!

 Jail Bait

 

 Grammy Zerberts!

 Out and About ;)

5 Months

 James,

5 months going on 5 years :)  So many big boy skills you have learned this month.  You are rolling over both ways, tri-pod sitting by yourself, jumping in your jump-a-roo, kind-of...eating cereal, and yes, drum roll please....are officially sleeping with ONE ARM OUT OF THE SWADDLE! It deserves all caps because you, my dear burrito baby, are completely in love with your swaddle blanket.  As of late, however, you are breaking free each night so mommy and daddy decided it was time.  So the past week, we have been wrapping you with one arm out. You are doing great and have discovered that, with this one arm, you can better grab hold of your lovie blanket and snuggle.  Next week, we'll try TWO ARMS...YIKES!

You are still on a pretty regular schedule, eating every 3 hours (7,10,1,4,7;  5-6oz).  Sleeping has been a bit disturbed by all this swaddle non-sense, but we have begun enforcing a stricter sleep schedule consisting of bedtime at 7pm, bottle around 1:00am and then staying in bed till 6-7am.  This has included some tears, but you are adjusting.

You are doing so great at Andy and Teresa's day care. You love the kids and zonk out for naps due to all the activity.  The unfortunate thing about day care is...the sickness. You had a horrible fight with the flu virus that included another ear infection. Luckily, Grammy was in town (because mom and dad were both supposed to be out of town) but mom stayed home to help Grammy take care of you.  Typical man ;) you are a rough patient; very clingy, whiny and didn't sleep. It was so hard to watch you struggle, buddy.  I know you felt horrible.  We are still dealing with a stuffy nose, but that hasn't seemed to set you back at all this week. I cherish these healthy days so much now, as I peer over my shoulder for the next bug to attack.

We love watching you grow and sharing all these wonderful milestones with you. There is never a day you don't make us smile as we say a million "thank yous" to God for sending us the most wonderful little boy. 

We love you! Momma & Daddy

New Years

We celebrated the new year, 2012, in a very low key fashion with some Ohio friends who recently relocated to Houston.  Thanks Nate and Holly for coming up to Dallas to celebrate with us...even though I went to bed at 10 ;)

Pete and his mini-me

 Nate & Holly Hively

  After a winning game of bocci ball

James' First Christmas

Oh, how these last few weeks have gotten away from me! I have been wanting to sit down and post about how wonderful our first Christmas with James was, but in a rush of visitors, going back to work, and holiday fun...I realize it has been almost 3 weeks and still...no post. So here I am, finally sitting down, with the house quiet this Saturday morning remember back a few weeks ago...

Auntie Jacqueline and Uncle Danny were the first visitors! We had such a blast with them, opening presents, going out for Mexican food, carriage ride through Highland Park, cocktails and dinner at Neighborhood Services.

 Charlie found a new best friend

Then came Christmas with Grammy & Gramps

 Morning cartoons ;)

 Pathetic...right?!

 James' favorite toy...Charlie!

 Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

 Christmas morning!!!   Gramps' new Ipad Keyboard (Kurt and Katie watch over Facetime!)

 My new 'J' charm necklace

 Charlie's new toys

 Daddy's new blender!

 James missed most of the present opening...but woke up just in time to survey the mess :)

 Christmas breakfast

 Mommy goes back to work...sighhhh

 Merry Chirstmas!