Saturday, October 5, 2013

5 months!

My baby is 5 months!!!! 5 months is sooooo fun!

She has really started playing and interacting with us.  Whenever she wakes up, she gives a big smile!  I just love it! 
 




 5 months and feeling cool:
 
Reagan is ready for October!

 
So here are some facts about my Reagie Bear:
 
Eating- Reagan continues to be a champion when it comes to eating.  She's like clockwork.  During the day she eats every 3-3 1/2 hours.  At night she has her dream feed around 10ish and usually she doesn't eat until 5:30-6. 
 
Playing- Reagan LOVES to play!  She continues to love the exersaucer and likes it when we lay a quilt out with a bunch of toys.  It's so cute, whenever she wants a toy she just rolls over towards it.  She also loves to grab things including Daddy's glasses, Mommy's phone, and food. 
 
Tricks/ Discoveries-
Reagan has discovered she has feet!!  She loves to put her feet in her mouth. 
 
She's also started rolling over from back to front and front to back.  It's really cute. 
The other morning we heard this buzzing sound and were both like what is that??  Turns out it was our little Angel Pie.  She has learned to buzz her lips. 
 
 
Sleep-  Reagan's sleeping schedule is awesome 90% of the time.  This past week we tried to cut out the dream feed.  Let's just say she is not ready for that yet!  However, when we give her the dream feed she will sleep the entire night and wake up between 5:15 and 6.  Occasionally, she'll wake up wanting her pacifier.  Usually, we just give her the pacifier, a few pats, and call it good.  She will typically go back to sleep at that point.  
 
Okay I have to brag.... Reagan went to sleep all by herself 3 times today!  She was doing this around 3 months, but once school started it seemed like she would never go to sleep unless we were holding her.  This past week, I tried to make an extra effort to put her in her crib while she was still awake.  Today we had people over so I decided to be brave and put her in her crib when she was still awake, but drowsy.  I went and checked on her 5 minutes later and she was fast asleep!  I was so proud of her! 
 
Alot has happened this past month. She was sick for the first time:(. I took her in for her 4 month check up on a Wednesday and she had a fever and was throwing up. My mom watched her on Thursday and I stayed home on Friday. Being the overly cautious new mom that I am, I took her to the doctor again on Friday. I'm glad I did because my poor baby had Croup. Croup is a nasty cough that sounds like a bark. It can also cause babies to sound wheezy. It was not fun. Jerry was out of town and so it was just me. It is the worst when your kid is sick. It's sooo sad. I'm not going to lie a few tears were shed by both Reagan and I.

That weekend I decided I deserved an entire bag of Nestle Milk Chocolate Morsels. Can you say stress eating :/
 
This month we also found out that there is a full time spot at Miss Lindsi's Learning Center for the spring!!!! Hooray!  I was starting to get a little stressed about this.  We are really happy with Miss Lindsi and Miss Jade and are grateful that she is taken care of by people that truly love her. 

 


Reagan,

These past 5 months have flown by!  You are getting so big and we love watching you develop and grow.  You are so much fun.  We love your sweet smile and fun sounds.  Our lives have definitely changed for the better.  We love you!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

4 Months

I have a four month old!  How can this be?  She is getting so big! 

So a lot has happened this past month.  I have gone back to work and Reagan now goes to Miss Lindsi's full time.  Not going to lie the first couple times I dropped her off were a complete disaster.  I'm talking ugly face cry, can't even speak, and a couple of snorts.  It has gotten better, but it's still tough.  We love Miss Lindsi and Miss Jade and know she is in good hands. 

 Here are some pictures of Reagan at school:
Miss Jade and Reagie-roo:
 Tummy/ eat my hand time:
 Reagan's first report card (yes, we are keeping it forever!):

What a sweet little voice!
 
 We also like to coordinate our outfits so we match. 

 Jerry even joins in on the matching fun!  Cuteness!

 So here are some facts about Reagan:

Eat- Reagan is still an excellent eater and still on breast milk. 

Play- Reagan LOVES the exersaucer!  She loves to push the buttons and chew on the dragon.  Jerry and I love the exersaucer because we can actually have a meal and eat at the same time. 
 


Reagan also loves playing on the play mat and sitting in her Bumbo chair.  I've noticed that she will lay in the swing, but she tries to sit up in it. 

Sleep: Right now Reagan goes to sleep around 7:45-8ish.  We are still doing the dream feed around 10:30.  This past week she has started waking up at 1:30 and wants to be held or wants her pacifier. She usually flips over on to her back and doesn't know how to get back on her tummy.  Not going to lie, this is kind of annoying.  Typically, she goes back to sleep and wakes up once or twice before 5:30.  Usually by 5:30 she royally ticked and is ready to eat.  We are moving in the right direction... I think.  I'm not sure what to do about the waking up at 1:30 and wanting the pacifier.  Tips and suggestions are welcome!

This age is so fun!  Reagan is really starting to play and interact with us.  I can't wait to see what the next month brings!

Reagan,
Sometimes I look at you and I feel like my heart will explode.  I love you so much!  You are so sweet and loving.  I love when you rub your face on my shoulder and hold me close.  You are my little buddy and I can't get enough of you!  I love showing you off and talking about you.  You are the best and I love you with all of my heart!  Happy 4 Month Birthday!
 

Monday, August 12, 2013

Sweet Moments

This post is a compilation of pictures.  Enjoy!

 This is picture of 2 bottles with no nipples at the Parks Mall.  Cool
 First time in the Bumbo!  Big Girl!
 I like to refer to this picture as "Moment of Desperation."  After battling with Reagan with her nap for an hour, I decided it was too bright in her room.  It drove me nuts, she would only take like 30 minute naps and wake up grouchy.  So I marched into the garage got the staple gun and a blanket and went to town.  Jerry was not very pleased so he went to Home Depot and put in a roller shade.  I'm happy to report Reagan is taking much better naps! 
 Oh hi Rowdy!
 Reagan and Lukie Doo
 Claire Bear and Reagie-Roo

Here is a video of Reagan talking
 
And for the grand finale--- Reagan rolling over!!!
 
School is right around the corner.  I'm trying my hardest to soak up every moment with my Reagie!

Road Trip Fun

Over the weekend Jerry, Reagan, and I took our first road trip to Haley's parent's lake house in Granbury. Jerry and I were excited, but a bit nervous. We sat down the night before and made a list of things we needed to bring.

So here is our list:
  1. Pack n play
  2. pack n play sheet
  3. Pump and parts
  4. Boppie
  5. Pacifier
  6. PJ's
  7. Sunday outfit and 2 back ups
  8. Diapers
  9. Wipes
  10. Diaper sacks
  11. bottles (with nipples- haha)
  12. Burp Cloths
  13. Toys
  14. Sound Machine (a serious must)
  15. Colic Calm
  16. Bouncer
Here is a picture of the back of our explorer.
 
Honestly, we used everything except the Colic Calm and Bouncer.

 This is a picture of Jerry and Reagan before we hit the road.  Oh my cuteness.
Here are a couple of pictures:


Alex holding a baby for the first time!  I think Reagan really liked Alex.  She was talking and smiling at him. 

 Haley and I holding our babies. 
 
We had a great time hanging out with friends and Reagan was a complete champ!  Each time Jerry and I have a successful outing with Reagan our confidence goes up 2 points! 

Thursday, August 8, 2013

My must haves the past 3 months

I am in no way claiming to know it all when it comes to babies.  In fact, it seems like everyday Reagan throws me a curve ball.  I'll be honest these past 3 months have been a complete roller coaster of emotions that range from confused to frustrated all the while you are so amazed and in love with this little human.  It's very hard to explain.  So I figured I would come up with a list of things that helped me. 

1. ibabylog- In the beginning I logged all of her wet/dirty diapers.  Now I use this app to help me remember which side Reagan needs to nurse on and to time each time she eats.  It also tells you how long it has been since her last feed.  This is very helpful for me because I try to get Reagan to eat every 2.5-3 hours. 
 
2. Medela Pump- I pump at least once a day and I know I'm going to pump alot more when I go back to work.  Medelea is the only brand I have ever used, but it seems to work great.  Having expressed milk is so great because it gives Jerry the opportunity to bond with Reagan and me time to sleep/relax.  Also, I've becoming somewhat of a hoarder collector of frozen breast milk.  I don't know why, but I'm just worried once I go back to work breastfeeding is going to be very difficult.  I'm trying to stock up on as much as I can.  Below is the pump I have. 


 


 
3. Hands Free Pumping Bra-  This bad boy is a must.  While I'm pumping I'm able to facebook, jot down to do lists, and entertain Reagan all that the same time.  Sure I look like a complete idiot, but I love it! 


 
4. Gel pads- Breastfeedind and pumping makes your nipples feel like they are on fire for the first couple of weeks.  My friend gave me these gel pads and they saved me!  Highly-HIGHLY recommend!


5. Lawn Drying Rack- I love this thing!  I'm not going to lie, Jerry and I registred for it because we thought it was cool looking.  However, this thing is a must for us.  We use it everyday!


 
6.  Soothies- At first we were going to try to not use the pacifier.  Yeah... that lasted for about 1 week.  Some babies just need a pacifier.   At times I worry about weaning Reagan off of it, but then I realize she's only 3 months.  However, then I think it's going to be easier to get rid of it when she's younger.  I go back and forth.  For now, the pacifier helps Reagan go to sleep.  The past couple of weeks it has been incredibly helpful in cutting out her 3 AM feed.  I'm hoping she will tell us when she's done with the pacifier and it won't be when she 10 years old ;)
 
 
7. Sound Machine- The sound of rain or waves in a constant in our house.  One time our friend came over to pick something up and he asked, "What is that sound?"  I had not idea what he was talking about, because I had become so used hearing it all the time.  This thing helps block out sounds like dogs barking, lawn mowers, and door bells.  I love it.  Our sound machine also shoots a projection on to the wall that Reagan has just recently started to enjoy. 


8. Angel Care Monitor-  This little guy gives me peace of mind.  An alarm goes off if there is no movement for a certain amount of time. Some may say it's a false sense of sercutiry, however I feel better knowing it's there. 


 
9. Boppy- I love this thing!  I use it to feed Reagan, for tummy time, and for pictures. 



10. Zipper Sleepers-  Let's be real sleepers with snaps are annoying at 3 am.  I decided to buy zipper sleepers for Reagan and I kept asking myself, "Why did I wait so long to do this?"  This particular sleeper is our good luck charm.  Every time Reagan wears her Daddy's Little Cupcake sleeper she sleeps like a champ. 


 
11. Aden and Anais Blankets-  These things are so great to have in the summer.  We don't swaddle Reagan any more, but they are great to have.  I'm not going to lie, I've snuggled with one of them a couple of times.  They are also fit for royalty :)  I spoke with Kate and told her she had to get these blankets for Georgie. 




 
12. Chocolate milk- At the end of the day when you have been dealing with a crying baby and are covered in spit up a nice little treat is the best.  For me this treat is chocolate milk.  Jerry knew that if I had a big glass of chocolate milk that was really dark that meant it was a pretty rough day. 
 


 
 
 Just so we are clear-- I'm in no way pretending like I've got it all figured out.  I do not!  These are just the things that have made my life easier. 




3 months!

Reagan is 3 months old!! Time goes by so fast!!!


 I tried so hard to get her to smile and she was just not having it.  It's funny because she is usually full of smiles.  She freezes up when I pull out my camera.  The 2nd picture cracks me up- I imagine Reagan is saying, "Well, well, well so you think you're going to get a smile out of me.  Not going to happen!"
 

Alot has happened this past month!  Reagan has rolled over!  It was totally an accident, but we are counting it!  I think when it happened she was really surprised.

We also have eyelashes!!!
Reagan is quite the helper at the grocery store. 


Reagan also got to ride in her jogging stroller for the first time!  What a big girl!
Reagan also met her best friend Mackenlie!  Amanda and Rustin had Mackenlie on July 31. She is so cute!  I know Reagan and Mack are going to best girlfriends!

So here are some facts on Miss Reagan:

Weight: 14 pounds (unofficial)

Eating: Reagan does not miss any meals.  She probably eats every 2 1/2- 3 hours. 

Play:  She has really started to play alot. She loves hanging out on her play mat. She hits the toys with her hands and kicks her legs when the music plays. She also just started sitting in her Bumbo Chair.  Another thing she really enjoys is when we turn on her sound machine to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and have pictures of a cow jumping over the moon and stars projected on the wall.  It's so cute!  She likes to smile and talk to the cow. 



Sleep:  Reagan is a great nighttime sleeper.  She goes down around 8.   I like to read her Goodnight Moon at bedtime.  Jerry gives her a dream feed around 10:30ish.  A dream feed is where Reagan eats while she sleeps- seriously, she doesn't even open her eyes!  This dream feed tides her over until about 4 AM.  We are trying to get rid of this 4 AM feed so we give her the pacifier for as long as she will take it.  Usually around 5 AM she has had enough of the pacifier and is ready for some muncho.  I would say this works pretty well for us.  This is totally doable once I go back to work- I think ;)

Naps are a different story.  Reagan does not do naps that well.  I try to follow an eat, play, sleep routine.  We have the routine down, but she only naps for like 30-45 minutes.  I feel like she should be sleeping longer, but my pediatrician said she just might be a cat napper.  I'm hoping these cat naps are just a phase. 

Talking:  Reagan has started to "talk" to us!  It's the sweetest thing!  She has the cutest little voice!  She's so proud of herself when she talks.


Reagan,

We are so in love you!  We just love kissing those chubby cheeks and having our chats.  It seems like you change or learn something new everyday. We are so proud to be your parents.  We can't wait to see what this next month brings!