Clay Baby Comes to Life!

Just wanted to show the comparisons - I think it's pretty cool! He even has his little hands up by his face in some of the pictures!

Before you...

In your short little life, Jameson Reed, you have taught me oh so much and I can never put into words how much I thank you and love you. But, I am going to try :-).

Before you:

• I thought I knew how much my parents loved me. Now that I have you, I realize I had no clue the love a parent can have for their child.
• I thought I knew what life, love and happiness were all about. You have shown me all three in a whole new light.
• I thought I knew how much I loved and needed your Dad. I did not know the half of it.
• I thought myself being sad, sick and/or uncomfortable was bad, but you being one of those breaks my heart.
• I thought I had so much to worry about, but now everything seems trivial in comparison to worrying about something happening to you.
• I never knew the best conversation could be one without words.
• I never knew that one little smile could instantly take away any amount of sadness I was feeling.
• I never understood how my body would just adjust to the erratic sleeping patterns, but it did.
• I never understood when people said your instincts will kick in nor did I believe them.
• I never knew how terrifying it would be to know that I am responsible for another life.
• I never knew that being someone else's sole form of nourishment could be so incredibly rewarding and empowering.
• I never considered picking someone else's boogers :).
• I never knew how many things could be done one-handed.
• I was unable to truly appreciate the embarrassed faces of the Moms with screaming children in the grocery store or the full cart of groceries that had to be left behind (oh Mom, I am so sorry for doing that to you!). You haven't done that yet, but karma will get me I am sure!
• I would get slightly annoyed when people would say, "just wait until you have kids". I so get that now! 
• I never knew how incredibly amazing it would feel to have you fall asleep in my arms or look up at me with such innocent eyes.
• I never could fully appreciate that there is no greater bond than that between a mother and her child.

I have learned that:

• I can cry instantly when I think about how fast you are growing up.
• I can experience frustration and pure joy at the same time.
• I am going to miss your little baby noises, baby hugs and baby kisses immensely.
• I will make silly faces, talk in annoying voices and make myself look like a complete idiot just to make you smile and laugh.
• You will never be too old to be my baby.
• I will never be too old to need my Mom and Dad.
• Your Aunt Lindsay is the strongest woman on the planet.
• A baby's laugh can lighten up an entire house.
• There is no such thing as giving a baby too many kisses.
• It is not nice to buy toys for other people's children that play music non-stop (even though I am very grateful for all of the gifts we receive!)...this is mostly an apology to all my friends and family for buying some pretty obnoxious toys!   
• You can be dead set on parenting a certain way, but you just do what you can in the moment and the world won't end if you do things differently than planned.
• We did not need to spend so much time worrying about creating the perfect nursery because the only detail in that whole room that matters is you.
• I am a sucker when it comes to a pouty lip. 
• Sleeping in a recliner all night really isn't that bad...especially when you have a baby to cuddle.
• A messy house doesn't make you a bad mom...I think it makes me a better one because I would rather spend all of my time with you.
• I will literally do whatever it takes to protect you and make you feel loved every day of your life.
• You really can love something so much it hurts.
• Being a Mom, especially being your Mom, is hands down the most incredible and rewarding job in the world and I cannot imagine life without you.

I am sure I could continue for days and I may just add more as you get older. But, this is a good start - I love you little bean.

Pesky Gremlin

I realized that I neglected to write a post about the little gremlin that likes to visit every now and again! As you have noticed in my previous posts, I think Jameson is an awesome baby. Overall, he is extremely happy and content and honestly just a complete joy to be around - he seriously smiles 90% of the day. However, we did go through a stretch at about 3 months where whenever 7:00 PM rolled around, the gremlin would come out to play! Luckily, this only lasted about 4 days, but now this little creature likes to come out at random times! You see, Jameson's one issue is that he is already so interested in the world that he does not always like to go to sleep when he is clearly tired. That child fights with all of his might to stay awake!  This is when the gremlin takes over and he is kind of hard to keep at bay.  Most of the time, whoever is watching Jameson can "catch" him before he gets overtired, but not always. But honestly, in a weird way, it is so endearing. And, deep down, I kind of like being able to rock him, walk with him, sing to him, and talk to him to help soothe him...it's things like this that I know I will miss when he gets older! Plus, I have learned a lot of new songs (or at least make up words to them...) and know almost every book we own by heart. So little gremlin, you have met your match...I am learning how to fight you now, so you might as well just stay away and let my sweet little boy fall asleep in peace :).

And, I actually have an update since this post is kind of past tense. As of late, Jameson has really learned how to fend off the gremlin in most situations. Darin and I have mastered the walking around with him before he gets grumpy in the evening process and this past weekend, putting him down for a nap in his crib during the day was a breeze. And with bedtime, we are slowly but surely getting our sleepy little boy back who falls asleep with no issues. Whew! And now I am going to go knock on wood...

5 Months!!

Another month in the books! Time to celebrate the adventures and milestones of the past month:

• I weigh 18 lbs. 9 oz. (with a full belly!) and am about 26.5 inches tall!
• I am officially in size 3 diapers and wear anything from 3-9 month clothes.
• I am about too long for my swing and bouncer, which Mommy is a bit upset about because it means I am growing up.
• I am quite possibly the most content, happiest baby during the day and early evening! No one ever believes Mommy and Daddy when they say I get fussy at night! But overall, I really am just so happy. I smile ALL of the time.
• I am starting to respond to my name...my mom thinks it is the greatest thing ever.
• I squeal and make these hilarious noises when I am talking. It sounds like a baby velociraptor according to my Mom. 
• I started blowing raspberries with my mouth - it's really cute!  
• I think some teeth are trying to break through. I have been drooling like a faucet and want to chew on everything...watch your fingers...or chin, nose, cheek, etc.! I love my Sophie though, so thank you Erin for getting me her to chew on!
• I tried oatmeal and am a big fan. I still have a bit of a tongue thrusting reflex, so a lot of it ends up on my bib or on my hands...sometimes I even spit a little out at whoever is feeding me!
• I decided that sleeping on my tummy is awesome, even though my Mommy gets super nervous about it.
• I sleep in my crib now much to my Mommy's dismay. 
• I can almost sit by myself, but still need a bit more balance. I prefer to stand though.
• I really, really want to crawl, but I cannot quite get my belly off the ground. I kick my little legs like crazy though and if I can push off something, I can scoot!
• I love watching Hoyt move around...and I like to pet him (or grab his fur, whatever!).
• I can move the seat around in my jumperoo almost 360 degrees and I have discovered how to play with and move things on it....Ray can't get over how smart I am!
• I love to snuggle and give hugs, especially when I am sleepy or right after I wake up.
• I got to play with squirt guns with Grandma Debbie, Ray and Braden and I thought it was the greatest thing...I cannot wait until I get to go to the pool.
• Everyone is always kissing me...I now open my mouth when they come at me because I am trying to give them big kisses back!
• Mommy and Daddy got to hear a real belly laugh from me for the first time. My silly cousin Braden was making faces and doing tricks and I thought it was just so funny.
• I am so blessed to have so many people who love me so much. Mommy always tells me she loves me so much she could explode...I really hope she doesn't!  

OK, now it's time to go learn more stuff so I have more to report next month! 

"When your child looks into your eyes, you know what it means to be alive." ~ Anonymous



Sitting in my big boy chair, reading my book.

My cousin Braden can make me giggle!



So can my cousin Beckett! I want to be one of the big boys.

I love to watch Baby Einstein with Daddy!

Mmm, oatmeal!

Ooooh, shiney!

Nom nom nom, I love chewing on  Sophie!

I love my Jumperoo!



I am such a happy little boy!!



Growing like a weed!



Love my bear!

Had to get capture all that glorious chub at 5 months!