She Said Yes!

I've been waiting a few days to do this post as it's not really my news to share but I'm beyond excited to announce that my sister is engaged!  David proposed last Thursday and she said yes!  

Congratulations you two and welcome to the family David!

Love you both!

Transitions

Transitions seem to come all the time for Colin!  As soon as we master one thing, we are on to the next transition.  Did someone just say 'welcome to parenthood?'  I feel like a revolving door that never stops spinning!  Transitions weren't that hard while I was at home during maternity leave but when I went back to work, all of a sudden transitions took on a whole life of their own.  

A few weeks before I went back to work- right around Christmas time- I got the silly idea that I HAD to have Colin sleeping in his crib for both naps and bedtime.  Let me say that I completely failed at this but I started off on the wrong foot too: the week of Christmas!  Mom fail!  I started by putting Colin in his crib for naps once he was asleep.  That went fine actually.  When he would wake up, I would rock him back to sleep and continue his nap in his crib.  Then we had the whirlwind of Christmas celebrations so any chance for learning this new skill went out the window.  

So the week after Christmas I thought I would really start some 'sleep training' so that Colin could learn to get himself to sleep in his crib and just maybe he could be sleeping in his crib by the time I went back to work.  I was okay with letting Colin cry it out and we would both last about 25-30 minutes before I would completely give in and go pick him up and rock him to sleep.  I was really good about letting him cry for 5 minutes, going to sooth him, let him cry again for 6 minutes, soothing, cry for 7 minutes... you get it right?  Well I really tried but when I went to get Colin and he had worked him up so much I knew there was no way he was going to fall asleep without snuggling.  So this failed and I didn't like watching Colin get so worked up and distressed.  I didn't want him to wonder where I was or why his mama wasn't rescuing him.

So after a really good discussion, Ryan and I agreed that crib sleeping wasn't necessary at that moment since the next week Colin was going to be staying home with his nannies while I went back to work.  That would be a big enough transition.  Going back to work had its own challenges-- bottle feeding.  Colin has been taking a bottle from Ryan every night since week 5.  No problem.  He has had babysitters give him a bottle when we have gone out.  But enter the protest to take a bottle during the day.  When I went back to work I tried my best not to check in with my sister, my MIL, and my mom who each had Colin during the week.  I knew they were all capable of taking care of him and he would be in good hands.  But I was quickly made aware of the fact that my son refused to take a bottle and would hold out until I got home.  I also took a strong stance and refused to nurse him when I got home and instead would give him the bottle.  The other strange thing was that Colin would take a bottle at night from other people.  It was just during the day with his nannies that was the struggle.  

Colin was totally used to nursing during the day and bottle feeding at bedtime so we had to make a new transition to full time bottles and minimal nursing.  We did a little weaning but luckily Colin picked up this new skill relatively quickly.  Within a week or so, we had no issues with Colin taking bottles from his nannies and still nursing in the middle of the night.  Praise the Lord!

I was a nervous wreck though the week and a half that Colin was struggling to take bottles.  I called Kristin for advice, I called my pediatrician for suggestions and I called our friend who is a pediatric nurse for a little help too.  I googled, I cried, and I snuggled Colin like crazy.  I felt awful.  I felt bad for the wonderful women who were taking care of Colin- they struggled to feed him and did everything they could.  My mom even considered making a picture of my face and holding up in front of hers while she fed him to make him feel better- don't worry she didn't do this!  My sister went up in the nursery every time to feed him so he might think it was his normal bed time routine.  And my mother in law, changed diapers, changed positions, adjusted the milk temperature.  They did it all so I felt like a bit of a failure of a mom that I hadn't prepared Colin for this transition.  And of course I felt bad for Colin.  He wasn't eating when he needed to and I'm sure he was wondering 'where's mom?'  The saving grace in all of this was that Colin seemed happy as could be without eating.  I would come home, 2.5-3 hours after when Colin should have eaten and there he was cooing, smiling, and talking.  He wasn't crying or screaming.  He just wasn't taking his bottle.  I was thankful that he was a happy baby and all things considered he did pretty well transitioning.

So to date- we still aren't sleeping in the crib at night.  He is in his bassinet in our room.  And naps are hit or miss for in the crib.  When I'm home with Colin I try to get him to sleep and then nap in the crib but when his nannies are here I've just been letting him sleep in his swing.  He LOVES sleeping in his swing!  

So what did I learn? One transition at a time.  AND it is so hard not to compare yourself to other mamas and babies.  I'm jealous of the mamas who had babies sleeping thru the night, in their crib after 8-10 weeks (CAROLYN!)      And I keep thinking about the mamas who have a stock of milk to last them the next month.  But sleeping, eating, and pumping aside- I have a happy, healthy baby.  And I wouldn't trade that for the world!  We'll figure out sleeping someday :)

Today I'm linking up with Kristin!

Is it spring yet?

Since today is quite possibly the second coldest day of the year, I thought today's post should look forward to spring and warmer weather.  Wishful thinking begin...

Time for a new swimsuit!  Yep- I need a new suit and I already ordered one.  I skipped the bikini this time- maybe later this summer- but for now I thought this beauty would be fun!  I got it in the aqua color too!  We are headed up north in March with Ryan's family and I'm sure a hot tub dip will be necessary after a day on the snowmobiles!  With a few more tweaks to make to my post-baby body, I splurged and went with this new suit!  What do you think?

Cannot wait for a few new spring dresses and items to add to my closet!  I just got this Venus dress for Colin's dedication in March.  It's a little longer than I wanted (mine falls past my knees) so I may take it to the tailor and get it shortened a bit but otherwise I love the pop of color and how fun it is.  Also a great crew neck line for church :)  And I'm hoping it's warm outside so I can wear some fun strappy heals like this pretty lady!

I'm ready to get some pretty flowers on the front step and new deck!  My good friend Mallarie has started her own landscape company and we hired her last fall to do some major landscaping work at our house.  If you need a hard working lady to come tear up your landscaping, tear up overgrowth, or plant new stuff, Mallarie is your girl!  I cannot wait for the snow to melt so we can plant a few new things and create an outdoor space on the deck that we can enjoy and entertain in.

I cannot wait to go outside and take Colin on walks in his stroller.  We got this stroller as one of our baby gifts and I've used it a few times this winter in the mall.  It's so awesome to just pop Colin's car-seat in the stroller and go.  So if he is sleeping in the car, he is not interrupted when I transfer him into the stroller!  It works great but I'm ready to go on long walks with Colin outside!  Enough of this indoor play!

I'm ready to be done with this...

Thank you Husband for snow blowing again while the strong winds blew all over!

And move onto this...

Happy Monday!  Stay warm!

Life Lately

By the time I stop and think to blog, my eyes are half asleep, I'm pumping milk, and trying to hold a conversation with Ryan.  Sorry.  I'm tired.  It's been busy lately.  What's new?!

Ryan, Colin, and I have been on the go 24/7 it seems like lately and I would love to catch my breath.  

We've been busy with birthday parties-- my dad, Joanie (Ryan's grandma), and Evan (Ryan's cousin)-- Dad had minor knee surgery so we hung out and brought my parents dinner-- date night with some friends at Pinstripes-- and a new car (long story but the Tiguan was at the beginning of the end) so now we have a Hyundai Tucson.  Oh yea and the normal day to day things.

Colin has grown leaps and bounds too!  He is learning more, figuring out his little world more and more each day.  

Johny Jump Up!

 

Exercauser!

Bumbo Chair

Swing

Drooling like crazy!!!!

Playing with Friends!

Big boy-- sitting up in chairs!

Three Months

On Sunday our baby turned 3 months old!  I know I say it every month and I will say it every month to come and in all the years to come too!  In the blink of an eye he will be 16 years old and off driving!  Okay I won't get ahead of myself and we will embrace Colin's 3 month birthday!  

Hello Mr. Fancy Pants!

Baby Stats:

Weight: Roughly 15 lbs.  That is almost DOUBLE his birth weight of 8 lbs.  I'm a little shocked at this! 

Sleep: Bedtime is still between 10-11.  He has been sleeping about 5-6 hours each night so up between 3-4 and then sleeps again for about 3.5 hours.  Naps aren't very regimented these days.  From the time I feed him in the morning until his noon feeding, he will nap for about an hour.  I let him sleep in his swing for this one.  And then from noon until 4ish, he sleeps again for about 2 hours.  And we are working to do this nap in his crib.  Some days are better than others.

Feeding: He obviously likes to eat.  Since I went back to work he is having a little difficulty taking a bottle from his nannies.  I think it has more to do with he has to adjust to bottle feeding during the day.  

Diapers: size 2 and he is much happier 

Clothing: 6 month clothes... yep, 6 months for this 3 month old!

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: He is my brown eyed boy!

Milestones: Rolling over!  He rolled from tummy to back right after Christmas and on Saturday (the 11th) he rolled from his back to tummy! AND 1st Christmas!
Nicknames: Noodle, I-tie, Little Man, Pumpkin
Favorites: SWING, tummy time, reading, playing on the floor, talking, moby wrap, Mommy (personal yay!), talking and cooing

 

Colin,

The last 3 months have been more than I imagined.  Your sweet smile melts my heart every morning when I pick you up and listening to your little voice puts the biggest smile on my face.  This last month you really started to show your own personality and it was very fun for your dad and I to see the little person inside of you beginning to emerge.  You are curious and attentive- you love reading and playing with new toys.  You are a social little butterfly- always wanting to talk and interact with us.  You've discovered Dupree and you are interested in watching him and you don't mind his kisses either.  And you surprised us all when you started rolling over.  I'm sure it won't be long until you are sitting up on your own and on the move.

As we celebrated your first Christmas, I felt an overflowing feeling of being blessed.  You are healthy and happy and we feel like the luckiest parents.  You are simply a joy- no other way to say it.  I truly feel honored to be your mama and I love you to the moon and back.  We are looking forward to 2014 and all the special moments our family will create!

XOXO,

Mama  

 

LASTLY, today I have to give a HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to my dad!  I love you so much and treasure the man you are in my life!  Happy Birthday!  XOXO

Today I linked up with Kristin for Baby Talk!

Christmas Cards

One of my favorite things about Christmas is receiving Christmas cards.  I LOVE going to the mailbox and getting each card.  I love seeing the family pictures, pictures of new babies, and the fun designs!  I also love when people write a letter.  It doesn't happen as often and I've found it to be something that my parents' generation does.  Maybe when our family is more active- baseball games, swim meets, and summer camp- we will write a letter too but until then, we do just pictures, like so many of our friends.

This year, I wanted our Christmas card to double as Colin's birth announcement.  I found a vendor on Etsy who had exactly what I wanted.  She made is so simple and easy!  The chalkboard theme that I used in so much of Colin's baby book and my bump updates had to be put to use in his announcement as well.  And I loved it!

And the back...

Usually I collect our Christmas cards in a festive basket, sitting in the corner of our dining room.  But this year, I wanted to display all of the cards so we could really enjoy them all season long!  So I searched Pinterest for a creative way to display them and this is what I came up with...

Our front closet doors became the Christmas card display area.  This was really simple and so fun to fill up as the cards arrived.  I just put two holiday, red and gold ribbons on the doors (taped on the inside of the door at the top and bottom) and using some clothes pins I was able to put up the cards.

On Sunday, when I took down all the Christmas decorations I enjoyed looking at the cards one last time.  In years past, I take all the cards and they end up in a pile in the guest bedroom closet.  I decided I needed a better way to keep them so once again I called on Pinterest.  I found a fun idea of making a book of the cards and so here is my end product...

I just hole punched the cards and then made a book with ribbon to hold it together.  Now all of the 2013 cards are all together in one place and I can bring this out each year to display, perhaps in that old basket I didn't use this year :)

One last thing I wanted to do this year was to display all of our Hannay Christmas cards.  I think as the years go by, it will be really fun to see how our family changes, grows and all of our life experiences captured in one card.  Here is my mini display this year.. 2011, 2012, 2013

Do you have any fun ways of displaying your Christmas cards?  And what do you do at the end of the Christmas season with all the cards your received?  I love fun new ideas!

Cheers,

Wonder Weeks

You always hear about babies having growth spurts.  I thought this was true.  You hear about the 4-5 week spurt and the 8-9 week spurt.  Babies will be fussy, have difficulty sleeping, and just be more difficult.  Well that simple explanation was not enough for Ryan.  At 8 weeks Colin was really fussy.  He wanted to nurse all the time and he was pretty clingy to me.  So Ryan got online and did a little research and here is what he found...

Babies go thru what are called the "Wonder Weeks" which is the time during when significant mental development is taking place.  Here is the website we found and gave us so much insight into Colin's ever changing, developing world.  During these times of mental development, Colin will want to sleep less, nurse more, likely will want Mama more, and will be more difficult to console.  Let me tell you how incredibly helpful it was to have some reasoning behind this fussiness and it gave Ryan and I some answers for what Colin needs.  

It ALSO gave us a heads up on when the next "wonder week" would happen so we could be prepared and more attentive to Colin's development.  This explanation was spot on for week 8- Colin loved watching changing lights (in his activity gym), he was excited by voice inflections, and he began using his arms in a jerky motion.  I took the advice to nurse him more often, snuggle him more so he would sleep, and take more time with me (sometimes it didn't matter what Ryan did- I could do the same soothing mechanism he was just doing and Colin would calm down for me, but not Ryan).  Within a few days, Colin seemed to be back to his normal self and we could return to our normal nursing and napping schedule.

Colin at 8 weeks, loving the lights and music in his gym!

Colin just turned 12 weeks old on Saturday so we have been anticipation the 12 week 'wonder week' however many of the skills expected in this phase of development, Colin seems to have already developed.  However he nurses much longer- this is a change in the last week.  We used to nurse for 9 minutes but now, we are taking 12-14 minutes.  Colin seems happy and I'm happy to say, his whole meal stays in him (no puking!).  I'm not sure if this is a new way of eating for him or if it is just a phase but it has coincided with the 12 week 'wonder week' none the less.  I can't say he has been fussy lately- no more than normal at least.  His napping has been a little different, not too much though.  He just isn't sleeping as much but I do think his awake time is stretching in general.  

I hope other new mamas can find some insight from this post and the Wonder Week website.  Whether you believe this to be true or not, it did help us by giving some tangible explanations to Colin's every growing and developing world.  I feel like I can better give Colin what he needs when he has these mental leaps.

Today I've linked up with Kristin...

Cheers,

 

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's back to work I go

Today is the day that I have been dreading for a long time.  Ever since last January actually.  When we got pregnant I knew I would take a good amount of time off.  I was very fortunate to take off 12 weeks.  And I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE minute of being with our baby.  I loved being there when he woke up from a nap, snuggling him when he cries, playing with him and listening to him babble away.  I've felt so incredibly blessed to spend so much time with him.  But today I go back to work.  

I'm not upset that I have to work- I like what I do and I love the people I work with.  I'm not nervous about Colin's care- he is with the best ladies I know... my sister, my mom, and my mother-in-law.  I'm just going to miss the little moments with him.  And to be completely honest, I feel bad that I can't explain this transition to him.  I don't want him to wonder 'where is mom?', 'when is she coming back?', 'why isn't mom here?'.  I wish I could explain to Colin what is happening in his world.  

Everyone says it is harder on me, than on him and I sure hope that is true.  I just love this little one to pieces!  My heart is exploding.  Say a little prayer that everything goes well for us as we transition back to work.  I'm so glad Colin gets to spend time with his Aunt and Grandma and Nona.  Have fun little buddy!  Mama will be get home as soon as I can!  Until then I will be staring at this little face whenever I can between emails...

  

Goodbye 2013... Hello 2014!

It has been a crazy, busy and incredibly special last few weeks for us while we celebrated Jesus' birth and the New Year upon us.  To say I was excited for the holidays would be an understatement.  When I found out we were pregnant I recall looking for fun Christmas outfits for baby and shortly after finding out Colin was a boy, ordering a stocking for him (no joke!  i ordered it in June!).  

First let me start with our Hannay Christmas!  We began a new tradition last year of celebrating Christmas with Ryan's dad and his aunt and uncle a few days before Christmas.  We host and make dinner, open presents and enjoy spending time together as it isn't often that we are all together.  This was Colin's first official Christmas!  He was a bit fussy and Mama's boy this night but he was awake and 'opened' presents.  

The porch was all decorated for Christmas!  This was just before the Hannays all arrived... Colin was nicely napping in his swing.

The table was all set, complete with candy cane name holders.  Credit to Pinterest for the idea!

Colin was all dressed up in his new peppermint tie and vest onesie!  Thanks Annie!

After dinner, Colin got into his winter jammies- thanks to the Lewallens!

Papa Bill gave Colin Woody and Buzz Lightyear... both wearing adorable sweaters for Colin too!

 

Uncle Jim & Aunt Linn gave Colin his new Spiderman life jacket!  It will be perfect for the cabin weekend!

Uncle Ben & Aunt Becca gave Colin some books!

Papa Bill and Aunt Becca & Uncle Ben

Ben and his new ice fishing pole and Jim & Linn snuggled.

Oh sweet Colin!  Merry Christmas!

 

The next morning, I had my high school girl friends over for brunch.  I can't say how much I love these ladies!  I treasure them and am so thankful that Colin has so many aunties that love him tons!  **Sorry we didn't take this picture sooner, before Mallarie left and we missed Megan not being able to join us but it's a pretty cute group!  And yes Colin is sleeping in the picture and that is Dupree's brother, Chad!

All three of us- Ryan, Colin and I- attended that annual Christmas Party that evening with Ryan's college friends.  I didn't take a single picture as I mainly spent the evening snuggling Colin and trying to get him to sleep.  

On Christmas Eve, we went to church however Colin was getting a little fussy and I did not want to be THAT family with the crying baby, so we left about 10 minutes early and missed my favorite part of the church service- the candlelit 'Silent Night' song.  Oh well- diaper changing and feeding was required!  After a quick stop at home to address Colin's needs we headed to my parents' house.  It was the first Christmas in their new house and it was perfect!  Almost everyone was there- we missed Laura that night- but it was a special night of family, food, and celebrating the birth of our Savior!

Our First Christmas Eve at my parents' new house!

Colin is a lucky boy to have these cousins who adore him- Rose & Jaxon.

I can't say how much these two pictures melt my heart.  I think Colin is very lucky to spend his first Christmas with his great-grandparents.  My grandpa, 91 and my grandma, 88.  This was also the first time my grandpa has held Colin- he was a little nervous before AND my grandma basically hogs Colin whenever she sees him-- it's hard to get him out of her arms!

 

Allison & David-- love these two!

Allison with her nephews!  Only a 15 year age difference, no big deal.

And yes we had an outfit change to get into comfy Christmas jammies :)

 

Oh yes and over the Christmas holiday, Colin has found his fist.  I guess it's better than a nuk but he seriously tries to put his whole fist in his mouth.  

More celebrating... Dad got an auger for ice fishing!  

And Rose and I... my goddaughter and one of Colin's godmothers.

After dessert at my parents we headed to Ryan's mom's house... Nona and Papa Rossco were hosting Christmas Eve with family and friends too.  We didn't stay long as it was a late night for Colin but we wanted to give Nona and Papa Rossco their Christmas gift as it was a gift from the three of us and Ben and Becca too!  Colin was passed around and loved a ton!

Colin with his Nona and his GGMA Cyn

Aunt Becca and 'Uncle' Austin... so glad you are finally home Austin!

Austin and Vibov (I probably spelled that completely wrong... I'm sorry!) and Becca & Ben snuggling Colin!

I have been looking forward to Christmas morning for a while now!  I was so excited to open presents with Colin and Ryan.  I had visions of warm pajamas, coffee in hand, maybe a little snow falling while we opened presents on the porch.  I think most of this came true... it was perfect!  Our first Christmas morning, just the three of us... my heart was full!

My boys... I love this.

 

Colin's many faces of the morning while opening presents with Daddy.

 

 

 Even Dupree had a stocking full of goodies!

 I got some good snuggling with Colin in the morning- don't judge my morning look :)

 

 Twas Night Before Christmas... one of my childhood favorites to read at Christmas time!

And yes we read the whole book!

Daddy helping Colin put his giraffe ornament on the tree!

 

 And when the stockings were opened and stories were read, Colin passed out under his activity gym.

After our own little Christmas morning, we packed up and headed back to Nona and Papa Rossco's for Christmas brunch.  We had yummy eggs and fruit!  Colin and (Ryan & I) were spoiled!  Colin got several cute outfits, an awesome entertaining rattle, and lots of goodies!

Look at the ADORABLE scarf Dupree received!  How stinking cute is this?!

 

 And yes, Colin passed out again.  Holidays are hard on little ones!

After a movie, pizza, and a much needed nap- we headed to my sister's house for the end of Christmas day.  We didn't take a single picture as I think we were all exhausted and overdone.  You can imagine more delicious eating, snuggling of Colin, and family fun... picture it, without the pictures :)

 We enjoyed a quiet day on Thursday.  We did a few returns and lunch out but mostly spent the day at home, napping and recovering from the exciting Christmas celebrations!  Then on Friday, we had our company Christmas party.  We enjoyed dinner, a white elephant exchange and Cards Against Humanity with family and friends.  Colin joined the party, all dressed up in his Christmas outfit again so that everyone could meet him.

How cute is my husband and baby boy?!  

The weekend included napping, Scrabble, reading books, playing in the execauser, and ROLLING over!  Yes you read that right-- my baby rolled over!  

And then Sunday night, what was one of the coldest nights, our furnace started to die.  Great.  And Ryan got hurt at broomball... stick to the chest.  So the next 24 hours were awesome (insert sarcasm).  Between a husband who could not breathe easily and a house that was cooling down, we just stayed in the porch by the fireplace and played.

We had the fire going, the oven turned on, and space heater rotating.  Center Point arrived before noon and replaced the motor- thank God it was not a full furnace replacement.  And the house started heating up again!

We wanted to keep New Years Eve simple and easy, and we did just that!  Our friends Gavin & Trisha came over, Ryan cooked a yummy steak dinner and we played games-Farkle and Cards Against Humanity.  It was a very relaxing evening-- so relaxing that I failed to take any pictures.  And just after midnight, we all called it quits and got to bed.  We are officially old, lame, parents.  Cool.  

Three Christmases and a quiet NYE celebration and we are slowly getting back to normal.  We hope you had a wonderful holiday with family, friends, or whoever warms your heart.  Cheers to 2013 and all the wonderful memories and Hello 2014, we are excited for what is in store!