Weston James - 4 months

I love the transition into true babyhood and all the changes and milestones that brings. This baby boy has grown and learned so much over the past month. He is definitely moving faster than his brother and sister, and I'm amazed how quickly he catches on to things.

Antibiotics, and nasty antibiotic injections as a last resort, did little to cure this guy's ear infections, so (praise Jesus) we got tubes. And he immediately began sleeping better. I'm so thankful for a pediatrician and ENT who (obviously) know us well by now and acted really quickly with this little guy. 

We're making strides with his colic, though reflux has increased as he grown. But, no more ear pain or antibiotics at least mean we're not exacerbating all those tummy issues, so all-in-all, easier to manage. He loves his mama best and has started to cry (read: scream) when I leave his sight. He prefers to be holding me, or at least keep me in his sights at all times. Dad or siblings will do in a pinch. 

Weston's funny giggle and giant smiles make the exhaustion worth it. I'm so thankful to be this boy's mama. 

Weight: 15 lbs 12 ounces
Length: 22 inches

New things:

• Constant rolling from tummy to back, and now rolling from back to tummy, too! He's always a little perturbed when he finds himself on his tummy.
• Discovering his toes. Holding them and putting them in his mouth. Removing socks so he can get to his toes. 
• Laughing. His giggle is my favorite. Especially when he's laughing at his funny sister.
• More babbling. He loves when we respond or mimic him. 
• Discovering his tongue, which he loves to stick out.
• Holding his head up with hardly any assistance any more.
• Ear tubes. Hallelujah. 
• Standing, assisted, in our laps. His new favorite position.
• Trying so hard to sit up, but he can only last a second or two at best on his own.
• An actual bedtime. Trying to be consistent about putting him in his bed (which is still his pack and play in our room) after his 8pm feeding.
• No more swaddle. He was Houdini-ing out of it constantly, so switched to the sleep sack. He's still getting used to it ... which means more waking at night. But he loves to sleep on his side and I can tell he's trying hard to get to his tummy.
• Grabbing toys, books, our faces, our hair, whatever he can find. And putting directly in his mouth.
• Still sleeping from 10pm till 4/5am without a feeding.  

Likes:

• Beach balls. New, to him, today. We called the other two "circus baby" when they held a beach ball in their toes. Weston's already got the trick down, too
• Sophie the giraffe. She goes everywhere.
• Hanging out outside. 
• Being in his new carrier, likely because it means he's with mama.
• Being sung to. You are My Sunshine seems to be a personal favorite. His sweet face lights up when I sing to him.
• Getting distracted while nursing. Wrenching his neck to see brother and sister, the TV, the dog ... whatever seems interesting. And sometimes stopping just to talk to or look at me.
• Watching us eat with great interest. 
• Being tickled.
• Peek-a-boo
• His taggie puppy - probably his favorite toy of all right now
• Lights
• Blowing raspberries with that new tongue he's discovered
• Holding his feet, a la happy baby yoga pose
• Look at books, especially if they include fun things to touch
• Bath time
• I don't know that taking a bottle is a "like," and he doesn't do it often, but he will do it. Unlike those other two monkeys of mine
• Whatever brother and sister are doing.
• Watching Lola, as long as she doesn't lick him
• Occasional naps in his swing. In general, like those other two, he thinks naps are for weanies. I'm lucky if I can get 30 minutes out of him before he either wakes or requires being held to finish his nap.

Dislikes:

• Being in his car seat
• Being away from mama
• Not being able to see mama

Weston James - 3 months

This precious boy has changed and grown SO much over the last month! It's amazing to me that he seems to be doing things even faster than his brother and sister, including those dang ear infections. Rounds 2 and 3 this month. On watch for one more and then it's tube time. As usual, this exhausted mama can't decide whether to pray for more ear infections (and tubes) or no more infections.

On the positive side, Weston has started rolling more, reaching for toys and our faces, talking constantly (especially to pretty girls), sucking his thumb and chuckling a little bit. He is such a happy guy (other than the ear infections, colic and reflux!) The tummy troubles are getting easier to manage, I think. Crying spells are shorter most days.

We had a wonderful Easter, and Weston made it through an entire church service (sleeping, of course). He delights so much in his brother and sister, always craning to see them when he hears their voices. He saves some of his biggest smiles for them. He got to meet cousins Julia and Lila over spring break. This boy loves to be outside, loves bath time and loves to be naked. He also really loves his mama. :)

Weight: 14 lbs 2 ounces (officially surpassing Hutch at this age)
Length: Probably 21-22 inches

New things:

• Holding full conversations and meetings while sitting in our laps. He has so much to say!
• Rolling from tummy to back occasionally, much more in the past few days. Also rolling from back to his sides sometimes. He is a wiggly little guy!
• Chuckling ... not quite a full laugh yet, but precious all the same. Can't wait to hear this guy's big belly laugh in due time. 
• Holding his head up so well while on his tummy, in his Bumbo or sitting (assisted) in our laps. He does get tired after a while and need to rest that big noggin.
• Discovering his hands. He constantly sounds like he's going to eat them. I'll hear all kinds of loud chewing/sucking and think one of my bigs has gotten into some candy, and then realize it's just Weston and his fingers.
• And, sucking his little thumb. Be still my heart. I left one arm out of his swaddle last night for the first time and multiple times heard him sucking that thumb during the night.
• Taking longer breaks between feedings, usually close to 3-4 hours during the day.
• Sleeping from 10 pm till 4-5 am many nights, then back to sleep till around 7. He still requires multiple paci replacements during the night, but maybe this thumb-sucking phenomenon will help that!
• A reflux diagnosis to go along with the colic diagnosis. Thankfully, meds seem to be helping that, too.

Likes:

• Bath time, which we've taken to doing in the kitchen. Baby tub inside of the big farm sink. He loves to kick and splash.
• Talking to me while nursing. He loves the eye contact and conversation. So does his mama.
• His crazy mom's silly voices and songs.
• When daddy comes home.
• Being read to. Doesn't matter if it's one of his books or one of brother and sister's, he starts swinging those little arms and legs with excitement.
• Music. 
• The TV. Especially if it's on one of brother or sister's shows with kid-friendly music.
• Being in the moby wrap, mostly because it means he's close to mama.
• Ocean play mat, Taggie puppy and mirrors.
• Being outside.
• Lights and ceiling fans.
• Pretty girls. He loves to stare at and talk to them. He was completely enamored with our friends'  6-month-old baby girl, but he's equally happy to hang with grandmas. 
• Naked kicking time. He smiles when his clothes come off, just like two other babies I know.
• His brother and sister. He delights in their faces and voices. And the feeling is mutual. 

Dislikes:

• Ear infections.
• Sleeping away from mama when he feels yucky. 
• The nose sucker.

Weston James - 2 months

We've made it 2 months! Y'all, three children is a LOT of children. Especially when they all need/want you at the same time. And they all have contagious diseases you don't want them giving to you or each other. Whew, this month has been crazy and crazy wonderful.

Weston brings us pure joy in his sweet cooing and smiling at our faces like we're all the best things that ever happened to him. You can't help but smile back and start talking to him like a crazy person. Addie and Hutch cheer him on as he accomplishes more and more. They love praising him during tummy time. He's a great eater and a pretty great sleeper (at night ... I'll take it). He loves to be held. 

We've had some rough spots this month ... brother and sister have both had Hand Foot Mouth and brother had pneumonia ... so keeping them away from Weston and constant worry about him getting sick have been top of mind for mama. Weston had his first ear infection at 5 weeks, which his doctor said was very unusual, but not for my kiddos! The antibiotics were worse than the ear infection, so back to the doctor we went and left with a colic diagnosis and meds. Thankfully the meds seem to be helping. Perhaps we're better at managing the colic the third go-round, but I'm telling you, no matter how severe or not severe it is, it doesn't get any easier. Nothing sucks more than hearing your baby cry and not being able to fix it. We're on ear infection watch as the doctor has warned this likely means he'll follow in his siblings' footsteps and need tubes. 

We had a wonderful sip and see this month (which Weston slept through!), thanks to several of my dear friends. I'm so thankful for this little guy, and despite the crazy, I feel better able to enjoy him and my other kiddos, most days. ;)

Weight: 11 lbs (at 7 weeks)
Length: 20.5 inches

New things:

• Much more cooing/talking and responding to our faces and voices. He LOVES to talk to us!
• Holding himself up on his forearms during tummy time. Until that big ol' noggin gets too heavy.
• Some batting at toys, which may or may not be inadvertent. He also tries his best to "bat" or touch my face
• If he's not totally starving, looking up at me to smile and coo before nursing. Be still my heart.
• A few rolls from tummy to back, also likely inadvertent but still impressive! 
• Holding on to my shirt, bra or skin while nursing, as if to say "don't you dare leave me, lady."
• Also scratching my neck and chest while nursing, which two other babes did, too. War wounds, y'all.
• Sleeping for 5-6 hour stretches during the night. I love this kid. Otherwise, the eating every 2-3 hours remains pretty consistent.
• Staying awake for longer stretches during the day. And, a la these other two, napping for a full 40 minutes at a time during the day.
• First ear infection. Boo.
• An official colic diagnosis. Double boo.

Likes:

• Being outside. Unless it's super windy, he's pretty happy to hang out in mama's arms while brother and sister play.
• The fireplace is still one of his favorite places.
• First bath without screaming took place a few days ago, so perhaps he's learning to like it?
• Nursing remains his No. 1 like. Followed closely by staring into his people's faces and cooing/smiling at us.
• His Daddy. He's quick to smile at him when he gets home from work.
• His ocean play mat, now that he's sort of figured out that he can bat at those toys
• Mirrors. He loves that cute baby in there!
• Lights and ceiling fans. This kid is constantly looking up.
• Lola. He just started to notice her face and smile at her. Although he still does NOT care for her cold nose or wet kisses. 
• Mama's silly singing and crazy voices
• His paci. He's finally caught on and though he doesn't take it as much or as well as those others, I'm glad he's figured it out. 
• Snuggly blankets and his snuggly swaddle
• His brother and sister. He really lights up when they talk to him.
• Books, if he's in the mood.
• Being held. All. The. Time. Also, touching mama. All. The. Time.
• Being in the Moby. Because that means touching mama.
• Being naked.
• Taking bottles. Well, maybe he doesn't like it, but he'll certainly do it. Thank you, Jesus.
• I think I can finally say he likes being swaddled ... he certainly doesn't fight it as much anymore.

Dislikes:

• Having his nose sucked out.
• Antibiotics. Really, all medicine/vitamins are equally rotten in his book.
• Not being held. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to be held.

Weston James - 1 month

I cannot imagine life without this tiny new person. Weston joined our family on December 31 at 10:44 a.m. weighing 6 lbs, 7 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. We had to exhibit some serious patience as we were supposed to be induced at 7 a.m. on the 30th, but a bed wasn't ready until that night around 9:30. After laboring through the night and not making much progress, my doctor finally broke my water around 9:30 the next morning and, clearly, Weston came soon after. The moment we first saw his face Jordan and I both announced that he looked just like Addie. They're baby pics look exactly alike, and both a lot like mine, too, I might add ;)

Brother and sister are just delighted with him and ask to hold him constantly. They love to help with tummy time and help me get diapers, chose outfits, etc. When he cries, Hutch usually says "mommy, he wants you." Hutch also announced (loudly) in the doctor's office waiting room when Weston began to cry that "he wants to eat from your nipples momma!!!!" Breast feeding is clearly a very open topic around here ;)

We are holding our breath that we've had no major tummy troubles from this guy. Definitely some fussiness and some signs that perhaps he has some reflux, but nothing like what sister and brother put us through. We are hopeful that he'll stay this way!!

He's sleeping 3-4 hour stretches at night, but really prefers to eat about every 2 hours.

The beauty of the third child is that the mama is generally more patient and rests in the knowledge that "this too shall pass," which makes the hard stuff not seem so hard and the wonderful stuff more important to soak up. Took me till my third kid to really figure this out and put into practice. I'm so thankful for this precious little guy!

Weight: 7 lbs, 5 ounces (at 2 week appointment)
Length: 20.5 inches

New things:

• Everything!
• Eating. Nursing is this kid's favorite. And I'm trying my best to soak up the special time with him.
• Smiling. New baby smiles are just as magical the third time around. He started at about 3.5 weeks with a little smile for me. And now occasionally gives big open-mouth grins
• Holding his head up during tummy time and moving head from side to side. If he's not totally pissed about tummy time, or falling asleep during it
• Starting to coo a little bit
• Taking a bottle. Well, he's done it once, and it was a success. He gulped it down like it was no big deal (I tried not to be offended). Maybe he'll be my one child who will actually take a bottle?

Likes:

• His brother and sister. He will turn his head toward their voices, especially when that sweet sister sings to him.
• Being sung to
• The swing ... sometimes 
• Lounging by the fireplace 
• Ocean play mat ... sometimes
• Falling asleep during tummy time
• Being swaddled ... it's a love/hate relationship. 
• His bouncy chair
• Being in the Moby wrap. For up to 45 minutes, and then he's ready to get OUT.
• Naked kicking time, just like two other littles I know. When he's done being held or restrained, he's DONE and wants to just kick it out, preferably on something soft.

Dislikes:

• Not being held
• The carseat
• Lola licks
• Being swaddled (like I said ... love/hate)
• Taking medicine
• Baths

Addison Mae - 4 years, 5 months

This girl is the light of my life! Addie has been such a big helper and pretty flexible for a 4-year-old as we have navigated the last few crazy months. She was feeling very sad and emotional about leaving our old house (read: crying/screaming/rolling on floor as we said goodbye to it) but has transitioned to the new house really well. We lived with my parents for more than 2 weeks in between, over Thanksgiving, my birthday and my dad's birthday, and Jordan and I spent our evenings trying to get the new house "ready" so the kids would feel like it was home when we finally got here. Thankfully, it seemed to have worked as Addie declared it looked "just like my old house, with all our stuff!" She had a rough time sleeping in her own bed upstairs for the first couple of weeks, but finally seems to have acclimated. 

Addie loved everything Christmas, including looking at lights, seeing Santa, crafting, decorating the house and her room, seeing family, parties, etc. She asked Santa for a Rapunzel dress and accessories, and a Tiana dress and accessories, and he delivered. She loved doing the Advent candles every Sunday - and not surprisingly was often our reminder to do it! She loves to pray, and make up the most heartfelt, sweet prayers, which totally amazes me. (Brother's prayer: Thank you Jesus, vacuuming). 

We said very sad goodbyes to Mia, who has been sick for about six months. Although Addie knew it was coming as Mia had been living at the clinic for several weeks, it was still so difficult for all of us. She's my sweet, sensitive girl who loves her animals just like family. We've talked a lot about what Mia is doing and who she's with in heaven. 

Probably the most excitement for my girl is being a big sister, again. Weston is her baby, and she's totally in love. It's been a bit of a transition, and she's admitted that it's been hard for mom to have to be with the baby all the time, but she loves to hold him and help with him. She's also been a huge help with that other baby of mine, including lots of encouragement and praise for using the potty!

She loves school and has started to read Bob books at the encouragement of her teacher. I'm seriously amazed, although teaching a person to read is a little excruciating, y'all. Sometimes we just have to put the book down and move on. She loves preparing her word of the week each week. I love how into academics she is, but I'm trying to encourage more free play and outside play so my girl can exercise her silliness and just be a 4-year-old before every day school starts next year (I can't talk any more about it - I WILL cry).

Weight: 33 pounds
Length: 40 inches

 New things:

• Starting to write her lowercase letters.
• Reading! She is soaking it all up and is great at sounding out words. She also loves to memorize and recognize sight words. 
• Taking a break from organized activities (other than soccer!) for more free time and free play. And because mom has 46 children
• 
  

Likes:

• Time alone with mom or dad
• Pedis and manis. While she's constantly asking me to go back to "the spa" she's usually pretty content to let Grammie, Mimi or me make "a spa" at home. 
• Watching "Chip and JoJo" on HGTV
• Her Elf on the Shelf, Coco. She LOVED finding him every morning and especially loved when he brought her special milk from the North Pole.
• Crafting and artwork. I love that her teacher says she always gravitates towards this type of thing at school, too. My creative little one.
• Being the Handy Helper at school, which also means getting to be the line leader all day and being in charge of the calendar. I totally get it. I want to be the Handy Helper too.
• Bossing Hutch around and instructing exactly how and what they are going to play.
• Getting even better on her scooter. And being a regular daredevil gymnast on her new play set. 
• Helping a lot around the house, with laundry, setting the table, with dishes, feeding the dog, getting things for brother when he's crying. 
• Having a sleeping partner. Thankfully she's been mostly sleeping in her own bed, but she'd always prefer to have a partner ;)
• Being the Handy Helper at school. Also getting to bring home the Bear Bag, be the special helper in chapel or getting to recite the verse
• Baking anything.

Dislikes:

• Not being the Handy Helper
• Feeling left out at school. Being 4 is hard y'all
•