Baby Meets Beard

You found it! Daddy's majestic beard.

It's the stuff of legends and it's yours to pull, turn and grab for next three years. Enjoy bud!

Arlo is three months old!

Arlo at three months:

-Loves to talk

-Loves to play on his mat:

-Kicks a ton! I try not to take it personally when I get in the way of those kicks.

-Napping 2-3x a day

-Sleep regression 😳

-Eczema/ woof

-Smiles at pretty girls. Does it really start this early????

-Stares at his hands:

-Is having a blast with daddy! And no one is funnier to Arlo than his daddy. Trust me, I've tried.

-Laughed at daddy! 

-Wearing 0-3 and 3 month clothing which consists of mostly white onsies and socks since it is HOT

-Weighs 14.5 lbs and is 24.5 inches long and still has a "giant @$$ head"

-Still very calm and is great in public. Until he's not. Then it's ON.

-We love and adore this boy! He is such a gift. Thank you, Lord!

Cosleeping

I can feel you snoring. I can't hear it because the air conditioner, air purifier and white noise (why do we bother?) are all whirring louder than you, but I can feel the low grumble in your chest.

You've got one leg in your swaddle and one leg out. It's the way your daddy does it. Both arms are in though- it's the itchy kid way.

I never really wanted to co-sleep. But you've been up every hour for more nights than I'd care to count. So tonight we will snuggle. Or you will. I'll just be over here sweating and contemplating exacly where my arms are supposed to go.

In a strange way I love just how awkward this scene is, because the awkward is equally and beautifully partnered with the feeling that this is exactly right- a natural fit, you and I. 

I hope you sleep well and maybe let me get a few winks in a well. But if you don't, that's ok too. I like our 2 am chats and the silly half grin that parts your pursed lips as you blissfully drift back to sleep. I'll take an awkward and sleepless night just for that sight. But I'll also take a full night sleep too. You pick.

OHIO

Jeff, Arlo and myself went to Ohio so Alro could be introduced to my grandparents, Muz and Pop. The trip there was great minus a run in with some less than helpful Target employees. 

Grandma Deanna and Pa graciously hosted us. While there we got to see all of the Ohio family! Kyle, Brittney, Ben and Whitney all came over to have dinner and hang out. We felt so lucky!

Here is Arlo with his great grandparents

It was so great to see Muz and Pop with my son. Talk about a trippy feeling! 

Thanks again Pa and Grandma Deanna!

Cousins!

Arlo has a pile of cousins. Here are some photos of him hanging with a few!

Arlo and Hudson- born two weeks apart!

The aforementioned Hudson with his brothers Duncan and Barrett. We didn't get a picture of the two older boys meeting Arlo, but they went on record as saying they like Hudson better. Hahaha! Love those silly boys.

Elias and Lincoln trying to make Arlo laugh!

Caroline was born about two months after Arlo. His first girl cousin!

Joshua (above) and Caleb (below) snuggling Arlo while we visited Hampton.

That's a total of eight cousins. Can't wait for more!

Nonni

After the first day at home alone, my mother (known to the other grandchildren as Nonni) came over to spend the first few days with us. Those days remain some of my dearest memories. Those four days also felt like many many more days than just four.

Nonni cooked us every meal, cleaned the house, did laundry and basically made it so that us new parents could focus all of our attention on the new baby. During that first week we had doctors appointments galore and Nonni even packed is snacks for the car rides into town! Each meal was crafted with Jeff's and my favorites in mind. It was decadent!

It was incredible to have every need taken cre of so that we could care for Arlo's every need. It was especially nice for me as a new mom to turn to Nonni during those times when I was not sure I was doing the right thing for Arlo. She has tons of experience not only raising 5 girl, but also doing child care for many families and having studied early childhood development. We were so blessed to have her!

We love you Nonni!

The First Few Days

When we arrived home we planned to spend the first day just the three of us. It was a great idea, and one given to us by Aunt Karen. I honestly don't remember much from that first day. I know that Jeff had to do the majority of the work since I was still recovering. Sweet man. :)

Here are some photos from Arlo's first few days at home.