one month

Preston was 1 month old on Friday - where has the time gone?! It is seriously unreal to me to think that it's been a month already since we were in the hospital meeting our sweet sweet boy.

Preston is such a good baby. He is so content, when he's well feed :), and sleeps like a dream. Since his first week home he has only been waking up about twice a night to eat. I feed him before we go to bed, usually around 10pm - he's up around 2 or 3am, then again around 5am, and then up for good between 7 and 730am. 

He is definitely growing! At his 2 week appointment he weighed in at 9lbs 1oz - up from his birth weight of 7lbs 12 oz - so he's doing great! He's already grown out of most of his newborn clothing and is now in 0-3M. Not exactly sure what he weighs today, but we will get that at his check up next month. He has changed so much too since that first night. Within the last week I think he's really started to fill out - getting those chubby cheeks and arms! His legs are still very long and skinny but hopefully those will fatten up too!

He is very curious, he studies faces for a long time if you are holding him, really looks around outside if we are close to a window, and already enjoys his tummy time and laying on the play mat. We've only had a few "mishaps" with Lily and her lack of carefulness - which have resulted in my phone falling on his head as well as a few toys. The small pumpkin she picked out last weekend may have been dropped a little too close for comfort a time or two as well :) So is the life of the second child, right?!

A few new things or firsts for this month include:

*first camping trip

*meeting many new faces - aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends

*first day alone shopping with mommy - sorry buddy :)

*first family walk
*pulling his own hair and crying

It's taken us a few weeks to get the hang of things with a newborn and 17 month old but this week has finally felt a little more normal and somewhat routine. We are still a little off "normal" as Jimmy is driving to Ankeny 3 days a week which makes for a long day at home alone, and unpredictable Tuesday and Thursday's, but we are getting the hang of it.

One of the biggest challenges has been breast feeding this time around. I had forgotten how much newborns eat! For a few weeks I literally felt like all I was doing was nursing while trying my best to keep Lily entertained and avoid a major meltdown, jealous fit, whining, etc. Lily has been so so good with him - she doesn't go long without checking where he is, giving him a kiss, or stealing his paci :) I have tried to be very cautious of finding something for her to do while I nurse Preston but it was becoming more and more difficult, other than the old TV - which unfortunately she's probably watched way too much of lately! However, this week has seemed to be a bit better and he already seems to be getting a little more routine with his feedings and needing it ALL the time!

Being a second child I definitely have the same instant and endless love for our little man. He is so so precious and I have really enjoyed the few quiet moments with just him as we've gotten to know him this past month. I feel like he fits so well with our little family and I already am finding it hard to remember our life without him. 

Overall it's been a good month. One of new adventures, discovering and learning about our new precious baby, moments of frustration for me as I try to navigate through stay at home parenthood of 2 babies and establishing a new routine for us all, but so so much love and hearts full of absolute joy. We know we are incredibly blessed to be the parents of yet another precious life and we are loving him to pieces!

And here's his one month candids........