Henry at four months

What a difference a month makes. Henry's little (and by little, I mean BIG) personality has blossomed. He is vocal, he knows what he wants, and he give the loudest squeals I've ever heard. He's also incredibly sweet and cuddly and putting on one fine layer of baby chunk that I just want to kiss and squeeze.

He loves getting outside and much prefers to be carried and worn throughout the day so he does not miss out on any of the action. He still loves diaper changes and hanging out on the changing table.

He has also discovered that he can play with his own feet and that he can reach out to grab things - toys, books, my face, my hair, etc. He is also starting to break out of his swaddle so I imagine we will have to retire it in the near future. You can usually find his left arm up by his face while he attempts to get his thumb in his mouth. 

I bet he will be much happier when he can do it.

He still doesn't sit up on his own but is working on it. He's a bit top heavy so just plops forward. But I am in no hurry for him to get moving. Emma was really fast in the moving department and I am not ready to have two movers and shakers quite yet. 

He loves music and especially lights up when I sing to him. He is also fairly content just laying down next to the Christmas tree and staring up at the lights. 

His big sister is still his best buddy and she seems to be past the whack him on the head and run away stage. 

We also found a nanny for him and he loves her. It gives Paul and me peace of mind that he is in good hands during the day and has allowed me to, dare I say it, have some alone time. 

I am trying to think of good Christmas gifts for him. So far, I've thought of diapers. 

Welp, I still have a bit more time.

He attended his first wedding but threw a fit when I wouldn't let him catch the garter. Maybe when you're six months bud. 

He still has not gotten sick yet so fingers crossed we can get through the cold and flu season with minimal runny noses. Emma's is runny enough for the both of them.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving at home just the four of us and he enjoyed the stuffing and cranberry infused breast milk. I think.

Henry at three months

I know what you're thinking.

THREE MONTHS LIKE OH EM GEE HOW IS HE THREE MONTHS I DIE. 

Oh you're not? It must be just me then.

This has been a busy month for us. We moved into our new place and I started work again. Henry has completely blossomed this month. He loves smiling and has started babbling. He tries to imitate Paul's noises.

Henry is starting to get on a more predictable schedule. He also has one long stretch of sleep per night which saves my sanity most days. But he does like to eat a lot around 4am most mornings so I suppose it's a trade off.

Emma and Henry are already becoming buddies. Although she has recently relegated him to punching bag so we have to work on that. He takes it in stride, the little trooper. 

Speaking of being a trooper, thankfully he takes a bottle of breast milk. I went back to work and I am grateful I can pump while I am at work. 

He is also the best little snuggler you ever did see and he cannot stand missing the action. He wants to be front and center when we do anything around the house and prefers to be sitting upright. 

Today, we also celebrate Halloween, his first major holiday and one of my favorites! We are doing a family costume this year so stay tuned. 

He is hovering around the 50th percentile in height and weight but a whopping 80th percentile in head circumference. I like big brains and I cannot lie. 

He still hates baths but loves diaper changes. He will sleep in the car as long as you don't try to put him into the carseat while he's tired. Go figure.

Happy Halloween!

He is a constant joy and light in our lives. 

(Emma at three months.)

Henry at two months

TWO! DUEX! DOS! ¡Olé!

Henry Gabriel is two months young today. This past month has been a little easier on us. He's starting to figure out this sleeping at night thing (praise the good Lord) and his animation and smiles fill our days with joy.

He is a BIG eater and I am grateful my supply can keep up. Of course, that makes me completely ravenous and I should buy shares in the ice cream industry because I am single-handedly keeping it in business. I do not know his stats right now but when we take him in for his two month appointment and vaccinations, we'll find out. I do know that he is a long baby, that's for sure. He's taking after his big sister in that way.

With the big appetite comes some big poops (sorry future Henry). He gets incredibly fussy when he has a dirty diaper. Sometimes we just have to hose him off. Okay, enough of the poop talk. #motherhood

He seems happiest when he is in the baby carrier while being outside. Something about the sunshine, fresh air, and tummy-to-tummy time with Paul or me makes him so calm and happy.

Speaking of being happy, he is a big smily baby. He loves toys that make a little noise and loves when his big sister gives him hugs and kisses. He also coos here and there but has not laughed yet. I await with baited breath.

He is still not a fan of baths, but he does enjoy a shower. Go figure. He also took his first plane ride with me to Minnesota.

We are co-sleeping and love every minute of it. He is strong enough to nurse in bed so that has really helps us in the sleeping department. Also big news for us, we are moving into a 2-bedroom apartment in the next couple of weeks, wee! We need the space and we found a great little Victorian a few blocks away from where we are at now. Emma will be getting her own big girl bedroom so we will be attempting to transition Henry to the crib...eventually. 

I am still amazed that he is ours and we are his. Although it does feel like he has always been part of our family. He fits right in. Watching Emma and Henry together fills my heart with joy. 

I am soaking in every minute with him while I am still on maternity leave. I'll start working again sometime in October, so I'll be staring at his beautiful face all the live long day.

Now, I have something really important to talk about. It's really serious...

What should we dress up as for Halloween??! It will be hard to top our family costume from Emma's first Halloween. I want to do another family costume so I need to get on top of planning. Oy. 

But we do have this gem... 

Ye old photo (the tradition continues)

A photo posted by Samantha (@substance_soul) on Sep 29, 2016 at 4:54pm PDT

(Emma at two months.)

Side by side at 6 weeks

Memory can play funny tricks sometimes. We may remember things one way, but over time things might be slightly altered in our minds. (That sounded a lot more existential than I meant, ha.)

"Everyone" always says that Emma looks just like me and now "everyone" says that Henry looks like Paul. Personally, I've always seen a little of both Paul and me in Emma and now, in Henry. But looking at Henry, I was thinking how much he and Emma look alike because I can't help but compare. It's a mother's prerogative right?

Here are some side by sides of Emma and Henry at 6 weeks. 

One thing is for certain - my children have giant hands, feet, and nostrils. Sorry kids. Love, mom and dad.

Well golly, they do look similar, but also different. But both SO STINKING CUTE, LIKE OMG. 

Same blanket. Different mouths. Same effect - GIVE ME ALL THE BABIES. 

I am quite enthusiastic today, aren't I?

Emma's first day of pre-school

Emma started pre-school today! She has been home with Paul and me for the last year so today I have mixed emotions. I am excited that she will get to make some friends and have plenty of activities at her fingertips. I am melancholy at the closing of one chapter of our time together. I have valued this year immensely. She has taught me more about parenting and motherhood than I could have imagined. She's my special buddy. 

She will be at school four days per week and I hope she adjusts well. Drop-off this morning went well, so prayers for her that she settles in and does not have too hard of a time. She was a little shy at first but slowly got into playing with the other 2 year-olds. (Side note: She is the tallest in her class by a good amount. Woah!) 

She seems happy about it though, no?

Have the best day sweet Emma, I love you my brave girl.