Summer 2011

I need to begin this blog by saying sorry to Hankers. While these blog updates are for keeping loved ones up to date as it happens, I've also hoped that one day my children will grow up wanting to read all about their first few years, the years our memories don't store for us. While I seemed to be on top of it with Audrey, I've fallen short for sweet Henry. Henry is now almost 5 months and has changed dramatically since my last post, when he was just a newborn at 6 weeks. So now I'm going to cram 3+ months of changes into this one blog entry. Please bear with me, and Henry, while this may seem like a summary version, every last bit of your 5 months of life has a permanent place within my memory and heart, always.
In the last three and half months Henry has had experienced many adventures. At close to 12 weeks he's started his meds for acid reflux, went on his first camping trip and did great (just like his sister did), began daycare, started sleeping in his crib (for half the night anyway) and was blessed with his big cousin Lola.

To briefly elaborate on each issue, Henry was recommended by his pediatricians to see a specialist in regards to his acid reflux. Not long after our visit, and he was prescribed the right dose of medicine, we began to see great improvements. His fussiness and choking all started to subside, as did his colic. He began to sleep better, although still not on his back. He's a belly sleeper and I've come to terms with it. I figure in just a couple of more months he'd be able to roll over on his belly anyway. He's happy, and we're both getting sleep. I still have him sleeping in my room though after his first feeding. This was because I felt better when he was next to me however he's starting to out grow his co-sleeper so I'm afraid I'm forced to get him to sleep a full nights sleep in his own room. Wish us both "Good Luck"!
Henry's first camping trip was Memorial Day weekend, since that he's been twice more. He loves it just as much as his sister did at his age. Perhaps it's the fresh air and good company. There is never a shortage of warm arms to sleep in when we're camping. Our next planned trip isn't until Labor Day Weekend, but I get the feeling we'll probably sneak at least one more trip in there before then.

I was set to go back to work right after our Memorial Day camping trip however Henry developed his first fever on Memorial Day (a viral infection that Audrey had the week before). I was then forced to postpone my return a few days since he couldn't go to daycare with a fever. It turned out to be a week because I then developed the fever too :( It kind of worked out to our advantage though. It gave us a few more days to get Henry use to taking a bottle. We were pretty much convinced we'd failed and he was going to be just as difficult with the transition as Audrey was. He absolutely refused to take a bottle from me or Mike. We kind of just brushed it off as him being difficult due to not feeling well, and hoping he'd do just fine when it came down to it. We lucked out! He took the bottle from Nana like a champ, and still does. He naps regularly (unlike his sister) and when he's up he loves to be outside to watch the older kids (including big sis) play.

Heather and the kids were in town for the 4th of July and at that time we decided to have both Henry and Lola blessed together. We had a small gathering at my house where an ordained friend of my mom's, Audrey, blessed both kids. It was short, but sweet ...and hot! The temp kept most of us indoors, but that is July in Michigan.

Just this past weekend Henry had his first visit to Lake City to see Grandma and Grandpa. Audrey always enjoys her time there and while she loves the water, Henry not so much yet. That goes for the drive too. He wasn't happy about sitting in his car seat for three hours but we tried to make the best of it. It's worth it to to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa.

So on top of all that I found that he's cut two teeth already! Both bottom ones, and aside from excessive drooling he hasn't showed much sign of discomfort. He's an extremely happy little boy that will give you a smile anytime. My heart gets so full just thinking about him. While I'm excited to see all these milestones, it's also a bit bittersweet to see him growing up so fast.

Now quickly, I want to update you on Big Sis. Audrey has come a very long way too. She celebrated her 3rd birthday with family and friends with a Princess themed birthday party. She's also started to play soccer and loves it, but most importantly she is fully potty trained! We had a few issues, mostly the stubbornness (wonder where she got that from) but it seriously took us just one weekend of no more diapers and that was all it took. It's been over two weeks now and she hasn't looked back. She adores her baby brother and has been the one who's given him all his nicknames (chewy, french fry, Henish, and Hankers are a few of my favorites). She's a creative and outgoing little girl. This Fall she'll start a preschool program that we're all looking forward too. I'm positive that she'll do great!

6 Weeks, Really?

The title ...well that seems to be what I'm hearing a lot lately. People can't believe Henry is only 6 weeks old. He's filled out quite nicely. In fact, I clearly remember Audrey having chicken legs that plumped up after some time. Henry, he just skipped the chicken legs and went straight to plump! He's a wonderfully easy baby. He nurses well (kind of lazy but never a problem with latching), he loves to nap in the swing (Audrey wanted nothing to do with that), took a bottle a couple of times with no problems, and will occasionally take a numie but he really could take it or leave it (Audrey would leave it every time). Now, I said he was easy but I didn't say perfect. He has fussy time every evening, between 7 - 12am. Sometimes it's for an hour, sometimes five hours. He sleeps really well at night, waking to eat every 2 - 4 hours, however he is still sleeping with us. I've tried to use a co-sleeper (aka bassinet) and even tried his crib however he doesn't seem to enjoy laying flat on his back (he'll probably be a belly sleeper, like his sister). He is really congested at night, which I think contributes to his dislike for back sleeping. The doctor has placed him on a small dose of Zantac in hopes that the congestion is due to a small case of acid reflux. If they can clear that up then hopefully the congestion will clear up as well and he may learn to sleep alone. All this, hopefully, sooner rather than later. Audrey slept with us for 6 weeks ...I'm giving Henry til 8 weeks then he's getting the boot! We've gotten a few random smiles from him, mostly gas related I think, but cute all the same. Audrey has come to terms that he's here to stay. She competes for attention, especially when she feels he's getting too much, but other than that I think she's a fan of her baby brothers.

And speaking of 'lil Miss Audrey. She's a little girl now, with attitude! Her birthday is right around the corner and she's super excited about it. Aunt Heather was in town over the weekend and she was able to capture some absolutely beautiful pictures to help capture Audrey's personality. We found Henry is favorable in front of a camera too!