Santa!

Miles and I, along with our friends Teisha and Eli, went to see Santa at Northpark mall this past week.  Santa had recently undergone a total knee replacement last year and I had the pleasure of being his physical therapist.  He was eager to show me how great his knee was doing, so I am hoping this helps Miles' chances of getting what he asked for this year! Haha.  Miles did great and sat peacefully in Santa's lap. He even smiled once or twice (between shots of course)!  As with the pumpkin patch, I am sure Miles will thank me endlessly one day for allowing him this experience!

Miles is continuing to grow (too fast) every day! He is almost too long for his 6 month clothes and his thighs seem to have a new roll every diaper change.  He is continuing to perfect his skills of rolling, pulling up from supine with help, and propping up on his tummy.  He also continues to sing and talk loudly and has even figured out how to fake cough to get attention!  I love this kid so much. 

This week we attempted to give Miles a little cereal mixed with breastmilk.  Miles got a little frusturated because of his inability to use a spoon.  He ended up with it all over him and settled for munching on his bib! This skill is going to take a little practice!

We are enjoying our week in Arkansas and will have stories and pictures to share after Christmas!

Merry Christmas!! xoxo

 

What. A. Week.

Having a baby is hard work-a sick baby even harder.  Having a husband in medical school is challenging-a husband on surgery rotation even more so.  This week I had both.  Miles woke up with a fever late in the afternoon last Sunday and battled an infection for most of the week.  We went in to the doctor Monday morning and after running a few tests (Strep was negative, Flu was negative) we decided to take some blood to ensure it wasn't a bacterial infection.  As Miles and I went down a floor to the lab, I called Bryan in tears.  As I sat in the waiting room crying I knew the woman at the front desk, named YoYo, could see me boohooing on the phone.  She took us back and had Miles sit in my lap.  She looked in my eyes and said "Woman, you gonna need to get it together, that baby can sense your emotions!"  It took me by surprise, but it worked and I suffered silently through the blood draw, the shot of antiobiotics, and the rest of the examination. 

Throughout the rest of the week, Miles continued to fight a fever, a sore throat, and obvious body aches.  My dad came up Tuesday night (we think...the days meshed together) and helped us out with dishes, laundry, meals, and holding Miles.  I couldn't have done it without him!  We saw the doctor again Wednesday morning and she was pleased with his recovery. Although he was still cranky and hoarse, she thought he had battled and beat a viral infection.  After this week I can say I am very pleased with our choice of pediatrician!  I was able to call her at home, she was very supportive, and when she walked into the room she gave me a much needed hug. 

Although many of you know how strict I am about keeping Miles on a schedule, this week I let him do whatever he wanted.  He ate whenever he wanted, slept only in my arms, and napped whenever he could.  His hygeine suffered also, he didn't want or get a bath for a few days and I even let him sport some nose crusties so he didn't have to endure the snot sucker (I HATE nose crusties!).  Needless to say, we have our work cut out for us this next week! 

Although the majority of the week was spent sick at home, we did have some fun.  Before Miles got sick we picked out and decorated our Christmas tree, put up the lights outside, and did a little Christmas shopping.  Our playgroup went to see Santa on Thursday and I didn't think Miles, or Santa, would appreciate that trip.  We are excited to do that this next week though!

Off to find the perfect tree...

Miles likes sitting in his Bumbo seat! We are working on our ball skills...

 Helping mommy in the kitchen

 Saturday Breakfast at Cafe Antigua with friends

The upcoming week is Bryan's last, yes LAST, week of his surgery rotation and we couldn't be more ready for the Christmas break.  We are planning on staying in Arkansas for a week and then having the Smith family here in OKC.  We are so thankful to have a healthy, happy baby today and have enjoyed seeing him smile and hearing his precious laugh again! 

Have a great week!!!  If you're wondering these are Miles' magic shoes.  The woman at the store told us they'd make him the fastest kid in school.  So obviously he is wearing them as soon as they will 'kind of' fit his feet! Haha. xoxo

Recharging

After our crazy holiday of traveling I was bound and determined not to leave the house on Monday.  Well, I mean I was out of coffee so that trip to Starbucks didn't count.  Otherwise, Miles and I spent the entire day at home looking at one another.  I have come to realize that I am not as entertaining as I once imagined myself.  But we had a fun day and geared up for the rest of the week.


Bryan continues to be working some long hours but we have found many ways to entertain ourselves.  Tuesday we spent the whole day with Kandice and Caroline trading props, swings, and cribs with each other.  Miles has been a little needy this week, but I chalk that up to all the family time over Thanksgiving. Plus, I don't mind him wanting to be held!  This is Miles before his playdate. 

In addition to shopping, friends, yoga, and errands, this week included something I had been dreading since I made the appointment...shots.  Miles slept horribly the night before so we were both a little tired and emotional on our way to the doctor Thursday.  I decided I would feed him a little before and then a little after the shots.  We had to wait almost 30 minutes in the exam room and Miles was happy as a clam.  He got a great report, 60th percentile on weight (14 lbs, 9 oz) and he has grown to 26 inches long.  Doctor said she thought he was long and lean before taking his clothes off and seeing the rolls on his belly and thighs.  She was happy with his progress.  The one thing she wasn't happy about was the lack of tummy time this physical therapist provides for her child!  He just doesn't care much for it and I hate to put him through it.  But, I promised I would do more!  Here is a picture of Miles patiently waiting.  He had no idea what was coming...

Since Bryan wasn't with me this time I had to be the one holding Miles' arms. What?! I am supposed to be hiding, crying in the corner like last time!  But we both made it through with a little screaming, but I nursed him afterwards and that calmed him down. "Put him to the breast..." as my Smith mother would say:) 

This morning we both woke up happy and rested.  As promised, I put Miles on his tummy twice already and guess what?! He rolled over.  He hates tummy time so much he rolled right back onto his back. Haha take that doctor.  I was able to catch in on video and send it to his father today at work!

Overall, Miles is continuing to become more social, coo, and smile endlessly.  I couldn't imagine life before him.  Well...I mean the sleeping part was nice, but what I got is so much better!  Have a great weekend! We are hoping to get our decorations and lights up in preparation for Christmas!!  Love you all! xoxo

Thankfulness

This has been an amazing year and we are thankful for so many people, things, and events!  This holiday week didn't exactly go as we had planned, but we had a wonderful time with family and friends.  We had a weekend in Tulsa planned with our Uncle Toby, Aunt Sylvia, and many friends we hadn't seen in a long time.  We got a call Wednesday however that changed our plans. My Great Grandpa, and Miles' Great-Great Grandpa, Guy Gresham passed away Wednesday, November 23rd, on his 96th birthday.  He had been battling cancer for many months and ultimately passed away from pneumonia. His wife, my Great-Grandmother, Kathleen Gresham was by his side for 77 years of marriage.  My Papa told us that up until his last breath Grandpa loved her and thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world.  How Amazing.  I shed tears for her and our family for losing Grandpa, but was reminded this weekend that this life is not the end.  I am thankful for him and his faith and example he passed on to the Gresham family and so many others.

Miles was quite the world traveler and trooper this weekend.  We traveled to Clarksville Wednesday night and Miles made it the whole way without stopping!  Although we had not planned on having Thanksgiving in Clarksville, my parents put together a wonderful feast that we all walked away happy and rubbing our bellies!  We spent the cloudy, chilly day watching football, cooking, and playing with Miles. 

We got up bright and early Friday to make the trip to Heber Springs.  It wouldn't be Black Friday without a quick stop to Best Buy in Conway.  Yikes.  Although Miles did great, it was crowded and not the place for a baby (or mommies who don't like crowds!).  We made it to Heber just in time to watch the first quarter of the Razorback game.  I say this because this is the only quarter I wish we had watched.  It was an ugly loss to LSU.  On the bright side...Miles looked dapper as usual in his Razorback Red.  We visited until bedtime and Miles had his first night stay in a hotel.  Bryan and I were not upset to have an early bedtime and enjoy some rest.

The funeral was Saturday and Bryan took over Miles duty.  Miles slept through the service and woke just as we pulled in to the cemetary.  Unfortunately, it was rainy and cold so Bryan (in a suit) had a crying, hungry baby confined in the back of the car.  What a man. 

In addition to many family members, Miles also got to meet one of my best friends Amy Julian.  Her boys are just about the cutest things I have ever seen and it was fun to see them with Miles.  Amy texted me later that day and said Carter, her oldest, said 'I just love that baby!'   We are looking forward to spending more time with them over Christmas break!

So overall, it was a great holiday filled with Love.  And Love is what I am most thankful for this year.  I have seen and experienced it in so many ways: The love of my husband as we welcomed our first child, the love of my Grandpa for his bride of 77 years, the love of our parents as they became grandparents, love that I never fathomed I could have for my baby, and most importantly the love of our heavenly Father who continues to forgive and protect us.  Thank you to all of you who continue to love us and show us what it means to be loved. 

These are a few of my favorite things...

Miles turned 3 months old on November 15th! I can't believe how fast it went!  He is changing every day but there have been a few constants the past couple of weeks.  He is becoming much more expressive and lets me know what he does, and doesn't like!  These are a few of his favorite things...

Books...Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, The Hungry Caterpillar, and Snuggle Puppy

Toys...Weird mushroom squeaky toy (thanks Paula!), Peggy the Peacock, and his light rattle from Nonna.

Songs...Peter Bjorn "Young Folks" (this has been since birth!), Boyz to Men "End of the Road" (thanks to Rachel Ray for having them on! I love the chorus on this one, its very soothing), and any song I make up such as 'Cutest Baby in the Whole Wide World' or 'Everybody loves a baby.' (he actually told me these were amazing)

Places...his swing, our back patio, his play mat, his changing table

People...obvious.  Of course I am the picture taker in the family so there isn't a pic of us this week. But believe me, we spent lots of time together!!  He also kind of likes his dad.  This is a picture of when Bryan was off and we enjoyed a fun breakfast at IHOP.  Bryan and I used to avoid places like this because of noisy children...obviously that has changed:)

Time of day...he is so happy in the mornings!  I love going in to get him and see his bright smile!  And sometimes when I get lucky, he goes back to bed with me and snuggles! MY favorite!!

Team...He was born with this weird birthmark which I take as a sign!

Friends...We are so lucky to have such good friends here in Oklahoma City!  Here is a picture of our 'play group.' They are lined up according to age and believe it or not Miles is the oldest!!  My best friend Elizabeth is also here with her little one Wilder! He just started walking and I am sure the two boys will be up to no good together soon!

Miles, Braxton, Eli, Colton

This was a fun week and we can't wait for Thanksgiving!  Bryan has some time off and we are traveling to Tulsa to visit with our Uncle Toby and Aunt Sylvia.  Cousin Jessica and her boys will be in town and Papa G and Nonna are also making the trip to Tulsa.  We are also looking forward to seeing some of our Tulsa friends who have also had little ones we haven't met!  We hope you all have a happy holiday!
Love you all! xoxo

Someone forgot to tell the baby we changed the clocks

 

Being away from home for a week definitely messes with your schedule.  Add a little daylight savings time to that and you have a perfect recipe for a cranky, confused baby!  It was a little rough the first few nights home, we were back to waking up at night, eating every 2 hours, and fighting nap and bedtime.  Thanks to Momma Nazi however, we are back on track and sleeping great!  Miles still doesn't like to nap longer than 45 minutes, but is sleeping from 7 pm-4 am then back to bed until 7:30.  Ahhh. 

This picture makes us laugh, he is doing great with the rattle.  Obviously this is before we got back on schedule...not a happy baby.

And this one is funny too...peacock's gonna get it

By far, the best part of this week was being home with Bryan.  He is an amazing dad and husband! His schedule has stayed pretty busy but we have enjoyed him when he is here.  We got home early on Sunday and had the whole day together! 

The weather has gotten cool this week in Oklahoma which has limited our outdoor activities.  But Miles doesn't mind bundling up for a walk or two! We went for a walk today around Lake Hefner with our friends Caroline and Braxton.  It was windy, but it was nice to be out!

We are looking forward to a lazy weekend at home (hear that Miles...lazy)!  Hope everyone has a great weekend! Here's a few of Miles from the week!  xoxo

AaaaR-KAN-SAS for Arkansas!

Miles and I had a blast in Arkansas!  We spent time with friends I haven't seen in forever, Miles met some family members for the first time, and Nonna and Papa G re-learned how to get up in the middle of the night to change diapers!  We had such a wonderful time I sometimes forgot to take pictures!

Although the week was perfect timing for our family, it was a different story for my parents. My Dad is working 12+ hour days at the Plant and Mom had already signed up for a continuing education course in Branson.  So...Miles and I found ways to keep ourselves busy during the day.  We spent time with some friends I haven't seen in forever! Valerie, Amber, Jeb, Nicole...we loved spending time with all of you and your families and I remember why you are still some of my closest friends!
(Insert pictures I did not take of all of their kiddos...it was so fun seeing all of them!!)

This week also included Halloween!  As many of you  know, I love costumes.  That is why I could've kicked myself when October 31st rolled around, and neither Miles or I had costumes!  Granted we had no plans, but for pictures, family, and mainly my satisfaction I decided to scour my parents house for something to put on the two of us.  Luckily, I get my packrat qualities from my parents and we hit the jackpot! 

Miles also got to meet his aunt JeanAnn and cousin Corie this week.  They drove down from Little Rock with my grandparents and Miles just 'happened' to wake up the minute they got there! 

I battled all week with the decision to travel to Fayetteville to visit my best friends and watch the Razorback game.  I kept telling people my parents were nervous to have Miles overnight...but in reality it was me!  After prepping bottles, outfits, and his schedule for my parents, I decided to drive up Friday night for dinner and a night out with the girls. I woke up early Saturday morning and drove home to a happy, clean, live baby so we all survived! It was nice to see my girls and have a night out! I don't see or talk to these girls as often as I should, but they mean the world to me!!

Paula, Brooke, Me, Amy, Simba

As much fun as we had visiting friends and family, the highlight of our week was spending time with Nonna and Papa G!  They are amazing parents and grandparents and it meant so much that we could spend the week with them.

And Aunt Tiffany!!!

We had a great week but it feels good to be home with Bryan!  Miles and I are planning a lazy week and the past two rainy days have kept us true to that plan.  He is growing so fast and already in some 6 month outfits!!  He weighs 14 pounds and getting more rolls by the day.  I love him so much and thankful I am getting this time with him!  See you Friday! xoxo