1 Month Old

James, you are 1 month old today! The old saying is true "time sure does fly by".  I remember so vividly the day you were born. It was the most emotional and physically intense day of my life.  Daddy and I recount the events of that day often to each other and we both agree that there is nothing more amazing than the birth of your first child...and you, my dear little boy, are the most amazing part. You have truly made our lives so much richer.

As a 1 month old, you are sleeping great (Momma and Daddy thank you!). You take little cat naps (45min-1.5 hrs) throughout the day.  You take your long naps in the evening around 3:00pm and 6:00pm.  You are your most happy during these evening hours.  You love to sit out on the patio and talk with us about your day ;) You take your final meal from daddy (1 bottle a day) around 9:30-10:00pm and then you are off to bed until 2:30-3:00am.  Yea James! You want to eat around 6:00am and then are ready to start your day!

Mornings-early afternoons have been a bit tough lately, as we discovered that you are allergic to milk protein. It affects you most after you have been sleeping all night.  All this really means is that Momma can't have any dairy in her diet (goodbye ice cream) because you have trouble digesting it :( We feel so bad for you as it is taking a few days to get this "poison" out of your system.  However, I can already tell (1 week in) that you are feeling much better and are much less fussy and more comfortable while you eat.  Dr. Terry gave you some antacid medicine as well, which is helping you feel better.

You weight a whopping 9lbs 11 oz now and I know you are getting bigger and stronger each day :) You can hold your head up very well during tummy time and have also found your fists, which you love to suck on. You also started "cooing" this week...which we love to hear among all that grunting ;)

Happy 1 Month Birthday!

2 Weeks Old

James, you are two weeks old and had your second check up with Dr. Terry.  The first appointment, just a few days after you were born, you had regained the 6oz lost at the hospital and were back up to 7lbs 8oz. You were down slightly in height (20 inches) due the little "cone head".  Grammy and Daddy said they could see you growing by the minute, but it was hard for me to see.  Low and behold, they were right, you weighted in at 8lbs 11oz and 21 inches! We were amazed.  Dr. Terry said you were the winner for the day for most weight gained! Ha.  "Mommy must be making cream instead of milk,"  she said.

You are such a funny little man, who loves to look around and participate in the adult's conversation. In the doctor's office you were very vocal while we were talking about you...you wanted to make sure YOUR voice was heard as well. The Dr. thought you said "HI" really loud. First words?!

You are not much of a napper. You sleep about 6 or so hours during the day and then are up for most of the evening.  You are always so tired by around 6pm, but refused to shut those pretty blue eyes. You sure know how to wear mommy out!  However, you have been (so far) a great night sleeper.  Two nights now you have went 5-5.5 hours straight! Go James!

James, we are enjoying you so much and look forward, each day, to your new discoveries. You're our little miracle and never cease to amaze us.

James' First Week

We have had a great week getting to know our bundle of joy.  He has been such a good baby, eating every three hours and sleeping in between.  We are still trying to figure out the best way to keep him comfortable at night.  He loves to sleep in our arms or in the swing, but is not so sure about the crib or bassinet.  He makes his discomfort know with a multitude of grunts and squeaks :)

We  are probably biased, but he seems to be so strong, despite his young age! James does a great job of holding his head up when on his tummy and turning it side to side to better identify the voices around him (so proud!) He "smiles" a lot and give us lots of funny faces that keep Daddy, Grammy and I very amused. 

Milestones..

 First Bath

 

First Play Mat Time

 

First Ohio State Game! Go BUCKS!

 First Date with Finley Marie ;) He likes slightly older women

Welcome Peter James III

Mr. Peter James Shempp III "James", made a 2 week early arrival on 8/26/2011 at 1:38am.  He weighed in at a whopping 7.8lbs and 20 1/4 inches. He is such a sweet natured little boy, who loves to eat, sleep "skin to skin" with his daddy and face time with his family.  He DOES NOT like to be undressed and has decided that he needs 4 layers of clothing to feel warm.  He definitely has the Texas thin skin ;) 3 hour sleeping increments has left mommy a little fried, so I'll just leave you with some cute pictures instead of cute commentary :) Welcome Baby James, you are so loved.

Here we go....

 He's here!!!!! 7 lbs. 8 oz; 20 1/4 inches long

 2 am...it's been a long day, but so worth it!

First Day Home

 GRRRRR....

"What's Going On?"

 Proud Pops

 Proud Grammie

 Hang Time ;)

 Definitely has Mommy's feet (long & skinny)

 Doing what I do best!

 Milk Coma

 Sizing up the Competition

 

L.O.V.E

Professional Maternity Shoot