valentine heart

I didn't post anything last year on Valentine's Day. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a big day.

Something pretty monumental happened... yet no one knew because we kept it secret for another month. (Looking back, I'm not quite sure how we did that!)

The day began with my 10-week ob appointment. The first time we heard our little guy's heartbeat.

It was unreal, scary, exciting and completely overwhelming, all at the same time. It moved both of us to tears.

Beyond thankful that now my sweet Valentine is sitting in front of me, healthy, happy, and cute as all get out.

favorites

I always appreciate hearing about other people's favorite finds, so I thought I'd share a few of our recent attachments...

Sophie the Giraffe

Our little teething monster sweetie LOVES this French toy which is designed to "awaken all of baby's senses." She squeaks easily and provides plenty of chewing surfaces that are supposed to ease gum pain. Not sure if Sophie truly takes his pain away, but at least she distracts him from it for a while!

Amber Teething Necklace

Speaking of teething, I am hesitant to even include this on a public blog... but I will. After going through three days of intense whining and drool literally pouring out of my son's mouth, I was getting desperate. At the recommendation of several friends I really trust, I decided, despite snickers from my husband, to pick up one of these necklaces (actually I got a bracelet which we put around Boone's ankle and cover up with a sock so no one knows its there).

The guy at the store said they can't keep these things in stock and that they offer a no-hassle return policy if it doesn't work. After selling hundreds, he claimed that not a single one has been returned yet. When we put Boone's on, I will be honest, I didn't notice an immediate difference. But the next day, and all the days since, the drooling has almost stopped. Hmmmm. And even the hubs agrees that he is faaaar less whiny. Coincidence? Maybe. But could these little beads used by Europeans for hundreds of years really work?? I don't know, but I'm kind of a fan.

Bobo Glove

You may think this contraption looks ridiculous, and perhaps it sort of is, but Boone can't get enough of it! My grandparents gave it to him for Christmas and it is one of the only toys that he never gets bored with. It's a rattle! It's a squeaker! It's a book! It's the BoBo Glove!

Healthy Steps Total Tea Infuser

Since Boone can't handle a whole lot of caffeine in his milk, I am doing my best to limit my coffee to just one cup in the mornings. To battle the mid-day slumps, I've started "taking tea" instead (ha)! I've never been a huge tea fan but this little contraption has pushed me to start giving the loose leaf a chance. I say it's the best tea strainer around. (FYI, I linked to this on amazon but actually picked it up at World Market for a way better price.)

Hidden in My Heart Lullabies

Our dear friend Val introduced us to these lullaby cds produced by BreakAway music and they are incredible. I can't recommend them highly enough, even if you don't have a baby! Each song is a beautiful arrangement of Scripture set to lullaby music. They are soothing and powerfully calming and worshipful. We have both volumes and they are equally wonderful.

We've had lullabies (almost all worship music) playing from an iPod sound dock in Boone's nursery since the day we brought him home from the hospital. I never, ever turn it off. I love that Scripture and praise fills his room 24 hours a day. These albums have become the soundtrack to our sweet baby's life and will always hold a very special place in my heart. I already dread the day that will eventually come when we turn the music off. :(

Baby Connect

This $4.99 app is a lifesaver for me, for too many reasons to explain here right now. I will just say that it is worth every penny - usually I don't buy apps over $1. It allows me to EASILY keep track of everything Boone-related (how much he eats, what time he wakes, how long he sleeps, when he dirties his diaper, etc.) so that I don't have to constantly be focused on remembering all of it. And it allows multiple caretakers to enter information in their smart phones, automatically syncing to mine. It is super simple to use. We think it's brilliant.

I don't mean to write all about babyish favorite things, that's just kind of our lives right now. :) Does anyone else have any favorites - baby or not - they'd like to let us in on?

five months

Sweetheart, is it possible that you are really FIVE months old today?

Although it's hard to notice all the changes day-to-day, you certainly are growing up. And it makes Mommy a little teary when she allows herself to think on it.

At your last doctor's visit a few weeks ago, you weighed in at 13.75 lbs (24th %) and 25.5 inches (66th %). He says you are "lean and mean." I say you are just perfect. You're probably well over 14 pounds by now... it's getting harder and harder to tote you around the house, and your car seat is nearly impossible to lift!

You're eating five times a day: nursing first thing in the morning and then taking four 6 oz. bottles of milk. One of my favorite parts of feeding you is that you have started to sweetly reach up and play with my hair. One of my least favorite parts of feeding you is that you are soooo easily distracted! It's a battle trying to keep you focused long enough for a good meal - you are just so interested in everything happening around you!

You wake up pretty consistently at 7 a.m. and then go down around 8:30 p.m. You're sleeping pretty well through most nights. However, just when we think we've got you figured out, you decide to be an unpredictable little stinker and wake us up a few times. Nobody can put you in a box. :)

What you've lost in hair on your head (only one long lock left), you've gained in chubby sweetness. Dimples in your hands, rolls in your thighs.... oooooohhh, I could just eat you up! You've been in size one diapers for several months, but Amazon just delivered your first size two shipment - it's finally time to make the switch. And it's silly, but even a change in diaper size makes my heart pang, just a little.

While you went through a stage a few weeks ago where you wailed at EVERYONE new (and even people who aren't new, like your grandparents), you seem to be past this and back to your normal, happy self. You've even started reaching out for me and a few others, and for your beloved doggies. (Talk about making Mommy's heart swell.)

Much to our delight, you're growing increasingly ticklish under your arms and on your tummy. We take full advantage of this. Tickling you and blowing on your tummy never gets old. I know a time will come when you won't welcome this sort of attention, so I'm cherishing each giggle and every squeal.

Your feet have recently become your new obsession. Flexible little thing, you are constantly grabbing them, trying your darndest to get them into your mouth or pull off your socks! Another favorite activity is when Daddy lets you play Uzu on his iPad. Immediately, you figured out how to manipulate the lights and movement. We're pretty sure you're a genius. We've already started limiting your digital time, seeing as you are your father's son (and your grandfathers' grandson, and your uncles' nephew)!

Now, let's be honest, you're not all rainbows and sunshine. About a week ago, your two bottom front teeth started peeking through. And the pain brought out one of the most annoying whines your parents have ever heard. Shrill, high, some might even say pig-like. ;) It's a bit irritating, but we know it will pass.

We couldn't love you more, little dude.