From Crawling to Walking!

Mason took several first steps today! I was about to take a nap. Travis was playing with him before giving him a bottle and putting him down for his afternoon nap. All of a sudden Travis bursts into our room and says you better come in here if you want to see your son walk for the first time. I was like, no way. I mean he had been kinda taking some steps, but they were really wobbly. He just started crawling, I kept thinking. Well, Travis put his truck in front of Mason and he just took off, literally taking between 6 and 12 steps to get to his truck and push it! It was AMAZING to experience this amazing first as a family. I mean this is a start of a whole new journey for our little man and our family. Travis has been working with Mason on walking and his balance before our nighttime bottle and it looks like his dedication has paid off. Mason is very close to mastering this amazing skill and he's not even 10 months old. Travis is so excited, he says he just wants Mason to run out to meet him when he gets home from work shouting, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy." Well, my dears, you are literally one step closer to making that dream a reality.

On a side note, Mason is starting to get his top teeth in! Wow, they really do grow up so fast!

Zoom...Zoom...Zoom!

Mason is officially crawling and we are so excited! We were starting to wonder if it was every going to happen. He is now zooming and zipping all over the place. We are realizing very quickly that it's going to be twice as hard to keep up with him now. When he wants something, he takes off and gets it, which is already starting to exhaust mommy and daddy. At first he would kinda scoot around using one leg to propel his body forward while moaning and groaning in protest. He just didn't like to do it. He would crawl just far enough to reach the object then collapse on his belly and bury his head on the floor. But now he's on all fours and seems to enjoy his new mobility. When he reaches the object of his desire, he can grab it and sit back up and start playing with it. He smiles and laughs when he finally reaches his destination. It is so fulfilling to see him accomplish this new task. It is so incredible to witness these baby steps.

We are in the process of baby-proofing the home. Lamps, candlesticks, plants and all other decorations will soon be put up. Light sockets are being plugged up and the hardwood floors will soon be covered up with a big rug. We are concerned that we might miss something. So, if you have any suggestions that may help, we are all for them!

He still LOVES to eat! He is now feeing himself the Gerber stars and yogurt bites, it's so cute to see him concentrate on picking the star up and then quickly get it to his mouth! It's amazing how his hand-eye coordination and crawling skills improve by the hour. When we eat at home, we usually invite my Mom and Dad to i-chat with us. Mason loves seeing his grandma and granddad on the computer while he eats. We love having the Mac technology to share his milestones with my parents in Atlanta! If you have loved ones who live far away, the mac i-chat program is priceless!

Mason's personality continues to blossom. He is such a happy little man, quick to smile and giggle. He loves peek-a-boo, Lexi's bumper, his truck and baseballs. He is starting to like to sit and have me read him books, but they have to be the cardboard page kind, because he likes to eat the thin paper kind. He loves his baby can read video's and will throw his arms high in the air when you say, "Put your arms up Mason, put your arms up." We of course think this is because he is brilliant! I think all parents think that. The only thing he isn't doing is saying Mama or Dada. But that will come in time. It's just another memory we have to look forward to in this remarkable journey. God has truly blessed us with a wonderful little boy!

On His Own!

So, it's not like he's ready for college or anything, but Mason is growing up so fast!! He is now holding his own bottle and can take it in and out of his mouth as he pleases! However, he only does this with his "juice" bottles. When you are rocking him or trying to put him to sleep, he doesn't like to be bothered, which I adore. He still wants that mommy/baby snuggle/bottle time. So, I'm more than happy to hold his bottle as long as he wants. I'm so not ready to give that up anytime soon!

It's only a matter of time before Mason is crawling all over the place. He's almost got it, but just can't seem to stay on his knees for more than two steps before he falls on his belly. He would prefer to walk everywhere and can cruise up and down the length of the sofa while holding on with one hand. It's really cute.

I'm adoring this stage in his life where it seems like he picks up a new skill or tick everyday. But at the same time it's a little bittersweet. My baby is growing up.

Fun Weekend!

I love three day weekends, especially when my Mom and Dad are in town to enjoy them with us. Mason is such a joy. Every day he does something new that just captures our hearts. Like today, Lexi was standing in front of him while Mason was in his exerciser. Lexi started wagging her tail, brushing Mason's face back and forth with her fluffy hair. Well, Mason thought this was HILARIOUS. He kept on giggling, which made Lexi wag her tail that much more which made him laugh even louder. So freaking cute!!

Also, we put a swing up on the back porch. At first we thought Mason wasn't a big fan, which confused us. We'd push him gently, back and forth, but he would just sit there looking board. Well, it turns out we were a little tame in our technique. Travis decided to push him a bit higher the other day and this was more of Mason's speed. He started squealing with laughter! It seems the higher the better, the faster the more fun for our little dare-devil!! Lord help us!

Me, Daddy and John Deere

Travis has been waiting forever to take his son for his first tractor ride. This weekend Travis's dream of sharing this adventure with his son came true. As I watched, a bit teary eyed, Travis bounded up the stairs and sat in the cab with Mason on his lap. I could tell Travis was nervous that when he started the tractor the noise might upset lil' Mason. Well, he shouldn't have worried. As soon as Mason saw the steering wheel he grabbed ahold and looked back at Travis as if to say let's go daddy!! Travis cranked it up and off they went. It was so fun seeing Father and Son together in a moment that was all their own. I think the last picture says it all! You can see pure joy on both of their faces! What a great day!

Tooth Fairy and First Aid

The Tooth Fairy has visited the inside of Mason's mouth! She has decided it's time he HAS a tooth! We are so excited, in fact a lot more excited than I think either of us thought we would be. We keep washing our hands over and over so we can stick our finger inside his mouth and feel that sharp little point. Mason is getting a bit weary of the constant attention. But we love it!!

Speaking of attention we sure did attract it last night at our CPR class. First, let me say, Travis and I are on total opposite ends of the universe when it comes to what's okay and what's not okay for little Mason, as far as safety goes. I'm very conservative and I worry a little too much (okay I worry all the freaking time) I would like to bundle him up in bubble wrap. Travis thinks it's time Mason learns how to juggle grenades.

So, I decided if we took CPR and First Aid from the Red Cross, maybe we could meet in the middle with help from an expert.

I was incorrect.

First, Travis informed me when class started that the only reason he was here was to support/help me because he was already certified. I cut my eyes at him, thinking he would be smiling at his joke. Well, he wasn't joking.

Well, we were learning how to do chest compressions on our dummy and Travis was not locking his hands together in the proper position. I took no pleasure whatsoever in pointing this out to him. He informed me again that he was here for me, that he ALREADY knew this and he was doing it correctly. Well, I did not want to make a scene (which we always seem to do) So I said quietly...Honey, really I think you need to lace your fingers together. Travis says back to me... nope I'm good. So I kinda get a little miffed that he's not following the rules, so I call the instructor over. She tells him the same thing and he proceeds to tell her, well it doesn't matter how you do it, you are still going to save a life. I almost fainted right then and there. She looked at him like he had grown a second head. I didn't know if I should laugh histaricaly or strangle him and then practice CPR for real, with my proper laced fingers technique of course. And yes, we caused a scene. Several fifteen year olds who were there training to become lifeguards have decided they will never get married.

Then we start learning infant CPR. This time Travis tells me I'm doing it wrong, I need to use my pointer finger and middle finger to do the two finger compressions. Well, I watched that video like a hawk and I told him very nicely, Honey I think you are supposed to use your middle finger and ring finger. To demonstrate, I proceeded to hold up my middle finger in front of his face. Well, I think the instructor (who had been keeping an eye on us ever since the first run in) saw me do that little signal to Travis. Fearing a fight, she ran over and quickly showed us the proper technique. I was correct, thank you very much. Travis again said well, it doesn't matter how you do it you'll still save a life.

Then it comes time to take the test to get our certification. Now, let me say there were probably 30 people in our class and Travis and I were the LAST to leave. That's because Travis ended up arguing with our instructor about a question that he felt was a trick and should be removed from the international book of Red Cross CPR test questions, because it wasn't fair. By this time I have crawled into the big Red Cross bag with all the other CPR dummies.

We FINALLY leave and as we are walking out Travis puts his arm around me and says...."Well honey, I hope you learned something."

Yep, I sure did.

To Grandma and Grandpa's House We Go!!

Tonight, Mason is all snug in his crib. We lowered the mattress tonight, because he is starting to pull up! It was kinda sad, because I thought well, that's just one more sign that he's growing up. He's already 7 months!! Where has the time gone? He loves to walk, while holding onto our hands and he is now "scooting" around when sitting up. He can turn in circles while on his tummy, but a forward motion "crawl" isn't quite happening yet. I'm in no rush. It'll happen when it happens. He smiles ALL the time now and just giggles. He invents a new sound nearly every day and it's hilarious to hear. He's now eating three meals a day. He loves his veggies and fruits. We have started on some finger foods, but he doesn't have any teeth, so again, not rushing anything,

We had a great trip to Atlanta this weekend. We were able to take Mason to visit both of his great-grandmothers. Mason was as always a joy. We were in the car for most of the day. He was so good and loved showing off his new "walking" skills to his great-grandma's. Of course, Travis and I left the camera at my Mom and Dad's house! So, I'm a little upset, but we bought a disposable one and I'm hoping we got some good shots.

We also got a chance to stop and see Mason's Uncle Alan and Zia Tracey. We had a nice visit with them, met Tracey's two adorable cats and got to see our nephew, Huen the super dog. We then traveled to the outlet mall and visited Carter's and Strausburg. We bought some super cute stuff for Mason. Travis even let me buy something that he thought was kinda sissy, but OMG it is the cutest thing EVER! I can't wait to take pictures of him in it!! Speaking of clothes, It's so hard finding cute boy stuff. I mean I could find something cute for a baby girl in a freaking vending machine, but boys stuff, Oh my lord. It's either so frilly or so covered with cheap looking patches of weird looking animals or stupid sayings. Drives me insane. It really does.

Anyway, we did find some cute stuff and then we headed back home for dinner. We were in the car all day, and he only started fussing at the end of the day. God loves this child. He is super amazing and it was so special to see him interact and be just adorable with his great-grandma's and his Uncle and Zia. It was a nice trip!!

Here are some new pictures of Mason at our house with Mom and Dad and from our visit in Atlanta, when we did have the camera!!

Firsts and Lasts

So, I know it has been so super long since I've blogged. So much has happened. Mason is 6 months old now. He is 22 lbs, he sits up by himself and he now reaches for Mommy and Daddy! He's kinda learning how to crawl. We are on second foods and he is also sleeping through the night!!! YAHHOO!! I hope I didn't just jinx us!! We are getting into a routine. Eat by 7:00, then bath and our final bottle by 7:30 or 8. Some nights Mason will sleep till 6:30 in the morning! Wow!

It's bittersweet. Our baby is growing up so fast.

We haven't used his baby swing in a long time. From day one that swing was like a third parent in this house. It was such a crutch for us and so helpful! I have memorized every song the swing can sing!!! Our swing was a lifesaver and stopped many of Mason's cries! Now we are talking about putting it away!! It's still in our bedroom right now. I think Travis and I know that when the swing does get put up, it will mean our baby is no longer a newborn. It is symbolic of those early days. I think I will ball my eyes out when we do put the swing away. I guess I keep wondering, will I ever use it again?

We also stopped breastfeeding. I was two weeks shy of making it six months. Mason made the decision for us, which was nice. I was ready, he was ready. Still, I'm sad about one thing. I really didn't take a snapshot in my mind of the last breastfeed we did. I can't remember if it was in the morning or in the afternoon or at night. That's upsetting to me, I mean how could I not remember the last time I fed him myself? I think I've been so focused on remembering his firsts that I have forgotten how important it is to remember the lasts too. Sometimes those are just as special.

Mason is such a cuddle bug! We fall more and more in love with him every day. Travis and I are a great team. We love traveling with him, and when I say traveling, I mean down the street to our pool.....but still, when you are packing enough to keep a baby entertained, dry and fed all day, you consider that a trip! Mason loves the water! I mean LOVES IT! We take him swimming several times a week and he gets in the big bathtub with me at night. He adores his rubber ducky and tries to grab the stream of water pouring out from the faucet. So cute! He also loves watching Lexi and Pebbles. They love him as well.

My mom has been visiting a lot this summer, keeping Mason during the week. Then he goes and stays with NeNe, the rest of the time. I can't tell you how wonderful it has been to go to work, knowing my moms are watching him. They adore him and he adores both of them.

And yes....Mason is really a red head now!!! His hair matches mine almost perfectly!! He has his daddy's blue eyes! He still looks like a balloon animal, but he is quickly stretching out and loosing the rolls. He's just perfect.

MAKE yourself slow down!!

What a wonderful weekend we had! After a busy work week, it was so nice just to hang out, the three of us, in our PJ's and just relax and spend my first Mother's day together. I loved it!! Thanks to Travis and Mason for the wonderful cards and spa day gift package. it was just what this busy mama needed, although finding time to use it, will be a challenge!!!

If it's possible, Mason gets cuter every day! I think it's because at this stage of the game, he is developing so quickly and each day literally a new piece of his personality emerges for us to see. We are loving it. He is so full of life and energy. He is demanding, yet chill, inquisitive, yet silly, giggly and serious. He's really cute.

It is so funny to see him react to the doggies. Pebbles and Lexi love to greet him when we walk into the door. They each have to smell him or get a quick kiss. And they LOVE dinner time!! They hang out under the high chair and wait for the food to start falling!! Sometimes Mason gets so caught up in watching the dogs, watch him, that he forgets it's time to eat.

Speaking if eating, he loves it. It's all business. He likes big bites and he likes to eat very quick. We better have everything ready by the time he's in that chair, or else!! Then it's time for a warm bath, a little bit of playing, then a big bottle and a long rocking session and off to bed. He still smiles right before he falls asleep. It will melt your heart. I always rock him a while longer after he falls asleep, I'm just trying to take it all in, because everyone tells me how quickly they grow up. I MAKE myself slow down. During that special rocking time, the laundry, dishes, checking email...everything can wait. In that moment, there is nothing else but me, my son and a rocking chair. Life should always be that wonderful and simple.

We also just bought a second baby monitor. This one has a mat that goes under his mattress and measures movement and breathing. If Mason doesn't move or breath for 20 seconds, then the alarm goes off. It really is quite amazing and it works. We've tested it out on purpose and on accident. Mason is starting to roll over, and because he hasn't spent that much time on his tummy (he hates tummy time) I'm worried something might happen during the night. So this new monitor has been a saving grace. I love it, I just sleep better knowing it's there to watch over him. In fact, it's called Guardian Angle. Thanks to my friend Gina, for recommending it to us. We love it.

Beautiful Boy!

Life is amazing. Each and every day Mason makes us smile more and more. He is growing into such a sweet, beautiful little boy. He isn't our infant baby anymore. How time passes!

He has quite the personality. He loves his Mama and adores his Daddy. He never meets a stranger and just loves being held and kissed. And oh my LORD, can he TALK!! He just chit chats all day!! We love hearing all the new sounds he makes. He's very calm, and chill. Like his Daddy. He is so super strong and can sit up by himself for a good length of time. He loves to watch baseball with his daddy and take his bath. He grabs just about anything, but he does have his favorite objects. He loves his green frog "lovey" his rattle, and baseball from his dad. Early in the morning, Travis most often goes and gets him when he starts to fuss. Travis brings him into our room and as soon as Mason sees me, he stops fussing and breaks into a huge smile! Oh, what a way to start my day. We lay in bed and nurse for a bit, Travis gets Lexi on the bed and Pebbles is still under the covers somewhere. Travis sometimes goes back to sleep, or we talk. Sometimes we all just close our eyes. I love these mornings the best.

He loves the new foods that we are slowly introducing him to. In fact I think he wishes we would go ahead and get to the burger and french fries. He loves eating and it shows. He weighs around 18 pounds and is 26 inches. Nursing is still a part of our day, but nothing like it used to be. It's so hard being back at work, no time to pump and more often than not I'm not able to run to MJ's to feed him at lunch. But the pressure and the discomfort is worth it during the day, to still be able to feed him when I can, esp. in the morning. I'm shooting for 6 months, maybe longer. He had his four month old vaccines Friday. Did great and it was a blessing to be able to nurse him following the shots and calm him down. Thinking about stopping is so upsetting to me, but I know the day is coming soon.

MJ has been a blessing. She keeps Mason all week now. I never worry, knowing she would do anything for him. Travis is able to spend more time with him this way, and MJ and I have become closer in the process when I do get to go see him for lunch or a break. Mama is almost out of school and will be coming up for extended vacations during the summer to keep him, wow. Mason is a very lucky boy. But really, we are the lucky ones. He is our life, our joy, our everything. I'm loving every second of this.

Applesauce is YUMMY!!!

Quick Pics Post!

I've decided that I need to clone myself, a much more relaxed, organized and calm self. I'm so freaking busy! I work all day, and all I want to do when I come home is be with my Mason. So, until I can become the first human "Dolly" I've decided to institute a new "Quick Pics Post." I don't have to blog something hilarious or cute...I can just let the pictures do all the talking. Here you go!!!

Back to work, and no more hair down the back!

I had to go back to work today. I don't even want to talk about it. A huge thank you to everyone who called and texted their love and support. Thanks Mom, for coming in to take care of Mason and for picking up the pieces when I fell apart! I love you.

Also, big news tonight! My husband is back!!! He cut his beautiful long hair today, after growing it out for locks of love! His beloved niece was there to do the honors. Kate has alapecia and has struggled with hair loss for a while now. It's now growing back and she looks beautiful! I'm glad my clean cut man is back, however I have to say, the long hair was kinda sexy. The fact that he grew it out over a year for his Katie-bug was even sexier! He's a wonderful man!! I'll post pictures as soon as his mama sends them to me!

Let it Snow!

So, it snowed in Auburn today! Beautiful! Travis made a snowman all by himself. He was like a big kid all day. The dogs loved running all through the yard, I loved watching Lexi, if the snow made Travis act like a kid, then it made her act like a puppy! She loved it.We bundled up little Mason and took him outside for some quick pictures. He looked adorable in his little outfit from Jackie and John! I kept thinking to myself, this is the first time Mason has worn shoes, this is the first time he has seen the snow. I mean that's a really big deal, you know? So many firsts are still to come and what a blessing each and every one will be!