Month One

I can't believe our little Calvin is one month old already. This whole month has been a wonderful, tiring, blissful blur. I feel like we were just driving home from the hospital and now here we are one month in already. And what a month it has been. We have experienced millions of firsts and are settling into our new roles as parents as we find our rhythm and learn Cal's routine.

Calvin is changing every day and quickly growing from a sleepy newborn to a more alert interactive little baby. See for yourself...

One Week

One Month

Here are a few tidbits that we have learned about our sweet son during his first month of life..

For my own records and maybe your curiosity, here is what Cal is up to..

Weight:
Currently weighing in at a whopping 7lbs 2oz, we have been working hard on nursing frequently and gaining weight over the past few weeks. In the meantime, we are happy to be getting a lot of use out of his newborn size clothes.

Eating:
Calvin is a great eater and would probably nurse 'round the clock if I let him.

Sleeping:
He sleeps very well at night. He has been staying up late with us for a midnight feeding and only getting up once during the wee hours of the night (knock on wood- we know we are very lucky). He takes lots of short cat naps during the day and one 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. Oh the joys of a newborn. I know I will miss these sleepy days in a few months.

Milestones:
He is starting to follow us around with his eyes, getting better neck control, and has become more and more interactive every day. We may or may not have seen a hint of a smile this week that was not gas induced. Cal tends to be happy in the morning, sleepy in the afternoon, and cranky in the evening. Fortunately for all of us, he absolutely loves his sling and spends most evenings curled up in the sling as one of us marches up and down the hallway with him. Hey- you've gotta do what you've gotta do.

Yes, life has changed so dramatically in the last month, but all for the better. I cannot imagine our lives without this sweet little boy. He is everything I have ever wanted and the best thing we have ever made. 

I am so in love.

Tummy Time

Pinterest Love

My love for Pinterest has only grown with late night diaper changes and 3am feedings. To keep me from falling asleep and landing head first on my nursing son, I have spent countless hours on the site dreaming up delicious meals and admiring creative DIY crafts. And while I would love to say that I tackled all sorts of fun new meals and crafts during my all too short maternity leave, I would honestly rather stare at a certain handsome boy all day long. However, I did manage to whip up this quick paper heart wreath from this site - just in time for Valentine's Day.  

Paper, ribbon, glue- it doesn't get any easier than that!

Best Friends

From the moment they met..

we knew it was love. Okay, okay, maybe not love but more of a cautious friendship.

That eventually gave way to love. I must say that introducing Marshall to his first non-furry sibling was a bit nerve wracking. Were they going to get along? Was Marshall going to become overly protective? Or worse- not protective of his little bro at all? My worries have quickly diminished over the past few weeks while I have watched these two interact. So far everything has gone very well. Marshall remains interested in the baby yet very gentle with him. And as for Calvin, he remains tolerant of Marshall's sloppy kisses and pacifier chewing obsession, which is really all we could ask for of a three week old. 

Here's to hoping this is the start of a beautiful friendship. A friendship that will begin with Cal pulling on Marshall's tail in exchange for Marshall knocking him over as he takes his first wobbly steps, and end with a little boy and his best friend. 

Days Full of Firsts

Frozen Fruit Cups

I'm all about quick and easy these days. While my mom was visiting last week she decided to make a few freezer friendly treats that could be pulled out one at a time for a quick meal or snack. These frozen fruit cups were the perfect idea! They are super simple to make and easy to enjoy whenever the fruit mood strikes you. While they are delicious all on their own, I have also used them as ice cubes in a punch bowl for showers or parties. They will not water down your punch and let's face it.. they are oh so pretty!

Ingredients

2 bananas- sliced

2 cups of sliced strawberries

1 small package of frozen mixed berries

1 15oz can of mandarin oranges- drained

1 20oz can of crushed pineapple w/ juice

2 cups of orange juice

1/2 cup lemon juice

24 tin foil muffin cups

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Ladle fruit mixture into a muffin tin lined with tin foil muffin cups. Freeze for 12 hours. Thaw for 15 minutes before serving. 

Enjoy!

40 Weeks Later

After 39 weeks of a growing stretching belly,

week 40 is feeling pretty darn good.

Sweet Calvin

Calvin's Aunt Rebecca was sweet enough to photograph him in the hospital at 1 day old and again at our home when he was just 5 days old. Can you say spoiled??

I know we will always cherish having these photos of our newborn baby in his sleepiest, scrawniest of days before he quickly grows up overnight and becomes a chunky active baby boy! Here are a few of our favorite photos that Rebecca so beautifully captured for us...

I know I'm biased but I really do think he is the most beautiful baby on the planet!

I cannot say enough about how fun it was to spend an entire afternoon working with Rebecca and gushing over sweet Calvin. She is an incredible photographer and we are beyond blessed to have her snapping her camera and preserving these special moments for us. Stop by her blog and check out her latest projects when you get a chance- she's amazing! Thanks again Aunt Rebecca!

Ringing it in.. Hospital Style

We may have spent the night in a quiet hospital room but you wouldn't know it. There were friends, a countdown, a little celebrating, a champagne toast, and even some illegal fireworks (that were set off accidentally in a hospital closet by the proud new dad)! It was the perfect way to conclude the amazing ride of 2011 with our new little family.

Cheers to a healthy and happy 2012!!