Month #1

Yesterday we attended our 1 Month Dr. Appt. - and can I just say...sheesh.

RF is not a crier (knock on wood). He has very specific squawks that mean different things - primarily feed me, change me or burp me. But yesterday, ladies and gentlemen, there were tears - real baby tears. I was doing everything in my power to hold it together and I must say that I wasn't sure I was going to make it. He did fine through the weighing, measuring and basic exam, but the shot and heel stick were another story - tears I tell you...real baby tears. Once things were over I scooped him up, consoled him and he was asleep before we made it back out to the car.

We certainly have a big boy - and a growing boy - on our hands.
At Birth:                    At 1 Month:
9 lbs, 7 oz.                 11 lbs, 8 oz.
21 inches long           24 inches long

Top Five Things I've Learned This Month:
*I can do a lot of things one-handed such as set a pot of coffee to brew, make a sandwich, laundry, type an email, vacuum, scrapbook, and even make the bed.
*There is absolutely nothing better than your baby staring into your eyes or sleeping on your chest.
* I am a lot stronger and more capable than I thought I was.
* How much more I love my husband after seeing him as a father.
* I've always known that people could communicate without speaking, but having a baby reminds you just how impressive the human connection is - we can tell what he needs/wants by looking at him, his movements, and his noises.

RF the night he was born - 10/24/12

11/24/12

Thanksgiving 2012

Our first Thanksgiving with RF was just perfect - low key, family-centered, and of course a fantastic meal. So much to be thankful for...

RF meeting his great-grandparents...

A happy little family...

Loving my new role :-)

Four generations...

Week Four - A Birth Announcement, A Photo Shoot and Lots of Sleeping

We have a four week old. A FOUR WEEK OLD! I cannot believe it...time is flying by.

This week we continued our hermit-like lifestyle and stayed at home.

You can tell RF is RA's child by looking at him. You can tell RF is my child by the way (and how much) he sleeps. He sprawls out and pretty much fills up his Moses basket and cradle already.

We also were able to send out the first round of RF's birth announcements this week. I LOVE THEM!

Lastly, Papa Tad and Lola came over this weekend to do our first family photo shoot. Again, we want RF to know how important family and home are, so his nursery was the backdrop for our photo session. The pictures turned out perfect (of course, Papa Tad took them!) and I will be sure to post more as soon as they are finished.

 

As we prepare for our first Thanksgiving with RF, we do hope each and every one of you remember what is truly important in life - not the things, but the people and the precious moments you get to spend with those you love.



Reasons to Give Thanks.

As I watched shoppers snatch up turkeys at the grocery store last night in preparation for Thanksgiving, I began thinking of all the things I am thankful for which includes, but is not limited to...

1. Babies...they are truly little miracles...Robert Franklin is the most amazing little person...
2. Love...it's the best part of life...
3. Husbands...I am lucky enough to have a man that is my best friend...
4. Family...I am lucky enough to have a family that is supportive through everything...
5. Doggies...pure unconditional love...just pure unconditional love...
6. Cameras...to capture all those special moments of life...
7. Coffee...moms know why...
8. YouTube...it has EVERY song imaginable...the song to calm a baby, the song to dance with your husband to, and even songs that teach students history lessons...
9. Pinterest...from dinner ideas, to DIY projects, to the animal page that can always put a smile on my face - LOVE Pinterest...
10. Fall/Winter...definitely my favorite seasons...the holidays, sweaters, soups, and snuggling...
11. Google...as a new mom I find myself with tons of questions and while I don't trust everything I read on the internet, it is nice to be able to get some reassurance to some of those new mom questions without always having to call the pediatrician...
12. Time...time that I can spend with my little family, time that I can rest and re-charge, time that I can sit in silence and just be...
13. Scrapbooking Supplies...to document all life's amazing experiences...
14. Facebook...a resource to share, explore and connect with friends and family...
15. NetFlix, Project Free TV and TV Links...websites that allow me to catch up on my favorite TV shows because, lets face it, life is busy (and life with a baby is even busier...)
16. Hugs and Kisses...because sometimes that's all you need to make things better...
17. Sweatpants...because they're comfortable...that's why...
18. Chocolate...no reason needed...
19. USPS, UPS, and FedEx...knowing that I can order just about anything I need from the comfort of my own home...
20. Chik-Fil-A...for those days when a turkey sandwich just isn't going to cut it...a chicken sandwich, fries and a diet coke hit the spot...
21. Scented Candles...for those moments when I don't have time (or don't want) to clean the house...
22. Nail Polish...it makes me feel put together even when I know I'm not anywhere near put together...
23. My Home...the privilege of taking care of a 110-year old structure and outfitting it with furniture and decorative items that have a story and a history...
24. Smiling/Laughter...when stress gets to you and there are those people (Robert Alan and Robert Franklin) who can put everything into perspective by making you smile/laugh...
25. Life...knowing that I have the opportunity to impact the world in some small way every day..through my role as a wife, mother and teacher...

Our first holiday season with a little one kicks off this weekend with a photo shoot to take our first family Christmas card pictures, then things officially begin next week with Thanksgiving as we celebrate with our families. Also, next week Robert Franklin will be a month old - time truly does fly.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Week Three - Cartoon Faces, Naps, and Being A Hermit

This week has been quite calm. R2 and I are settling into a routine and we are spending our days at home - resting, relaxing, playing and napping.

One of the best parts about R2 so far are his facial expressions. Robert Alan says R2 is our little cartoon character because of the funny faces and sounds he makes.

I pray that even through the overwhelming newness of having a baby in the house that I never take for granted the time I get to spend with our little family.

Pure Love.

I have taken so many photos in the last two weeks, it might be a little extreme, but I cannot seem to stop staring at him. Absolutely, positively, pure love.

 

 

His puppies like to come check in on him anytime he stirs. Again, pure love.

 

Week Two - A Walk, Weight-Check and Casting Our Vote

I cannot believe another week has passed since the birth of Robert Franklin. We have spent the past week being quite hermit-like and I must say, it has been fantastic.

The only time we left the house this weekend was for our first family (dogs included) walk around the neighborhood and I must say, it was really nice to get out in the fresh fall air, even if he did sleep the whole time...

 

We had a weight check on Monday afternoon. RF has surpassed his birth weight and is now up to 9lbs, 13oz. He did wonderfully at the appointment, sleeping through the whole thing as you can see.

 

Yesterday our one reason for leaving the house was to go vote - and, again, he slept through it, but involving him in such an important part of the democratic process is something we feel strongly about.

Even though he is only 14 days old, we have certainly seen him grow and change over these two weeks and we are absolutely loving every minute with him.