just the two of us

So this last Tuesday the hubs went back to work. It was so strange just not having everyone and their brother (and sister, cousin, mother & dog) here. Honestly, I didn't quite know what to do without all of the hustle and bustle. Jackson and I finally got to just hang out! Man was it nice!

As nice as it was, it was short lived because my Uncle & Aunt came into town to meet Jackson. They wanted to hit up a few of the wineries that we are members at so before I knew it I was *that mom* for the afternoon. You know the kind of mom that you swore you'd never be like...the one you commented under your breath about to your friends? I never understood why adults needed to bring their children to a winery. I just didn't understand... I mean it couldn't be that fun for them. Well now I can't judge! 

Anyway, back to the point. haha. We headed over to two of the wineries that the hubs and I are members at. They enjoyed tasting and I was able to pickup two shipments of wine. Win win!

Later in the week Jackson had his 6 week check-up. He was given thumbs up in all areas and the doctor was very happy with his weight gain. While 9lbs 12oz may not be a lot to most; you have to remember that this little guy came early and under 6 lbs. He gained almost 3 whole lbs in 6 weeks. Boobie milk...does a body good. ;)

Overall our first week sans hubby went really well. I was able to figure out some sort of a "routine"...at least as much I can have one with a 6 week old. Jackson was able to meet some additional family members and we enjoyed tummy time much more when there wasn't an army of visitors surrounding us. :)

Wordless Wednesday

(Jackson meeting his Great Nana for the first time)

Hoppy Easter!

Hoppy Easter everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend with those that they hold dear. Ours was non-stop, but it was one of the best Easter weekends ever. It is true when they say that the holidays are way more fun when you have children. I already can't wait for next year!

Can you believe my little Easter bunny has changed this much?!? This picture was taken during his newborn session when he was 10 days old. So presch!

Friday Jackson decided he wanted to sport his bunny pants before we ran errands for the day. Not sure why, but these pants are 0-12 months. You know because babies stay the same size for 12 whole months right?? Obviously they were a little big on him, but that didn't stop us from showing off his little bunny feet.

On Saturday Jackson begged me to look like Pooh Bear. Can't you tell how excited he was when I finally caved in and said yes? :)

We ran our last minute errands around town and then went out to my favorite Benihana style restaurant for my dad's birthday. It was delish!

Sunday we woke up early and had a small photo-sesh. A hundred pictures later I realized I captured a smile somewhere around picture three. Whoops. Mommy fail. :)

Then we moved over to the living room to see what the Easter Bunny brought daddy & Jackson. I got the idea for the hub's basket from Jessica. It consisted of a 6pk of Stella (his favorite go-to beer), beef jerky from a local meat house, Spring colored Goldfish, Cookies N' Cream milk straws, a pack of gum & a cooking magazine. Since Jackson has been here I haven't cooked much. The hubs has been great and has taken over the cooking for me so I could focus on spending time with Jackson. The funny thing is he has actually liked it. He started going online a few times a week to even plan out the meals...which is way more detailed than I ever was. I thought it would be a funny extra to throw the cooking magazine in there and he loved it. I wonder if I can use this fun discovery to my advantage for the next 50 years?? :)

Jackson's basket was a little more detailed...

Wooden teether found here

I remember having a Boo-Boo bunny when I was younger. It was vital to have him for any and all scrapped knees or sore fingers. I wanted to make sure Jackson had one, so of course I had it personalized and added it to his basket.

When I was two years old my Grandma gave me a Music Bunny. This quickly became my FAVORITE thing ever. I took this poor bunny everywhere & couldn't sleep without it by my side. Since it was so important to me when I was younger, I figured Jackson needed one also.

Can you tell which one was mine & which one is Jackson's??

 It's hard to tell, right?? :)

What's scary is there were more baskets than just this. Both of Jackson's aunts made him a basket. His Grandma Joyce & Kpa, his Grandpa Mike & my parents all made him one. It was ridiculous how much loot this kid scored.

After checking out the goods, we headed over to Church. Yes...I am certifiably crazy for taking a 5 week old to church, but he did Ah-mazing! It was great too because he was able to experience it with all of his grandparents and one of his aunts there. Easter Sunday service is normally busy...but it was crazy packed with our huge group sitting in the pews.

When we got home it was naptime for the little guy while the rest of us celebrated Easter. I guess singing praise is tiring to a newborn? Lunch was great and the company was even better. 

I hope your Easter was blessed! What did you do to celebrate the holiday??

First Month Loves

Reading other blogger's monthly favorites really helped me put together my registry and figure out what I needed to buy. Since their posts helped me so much; I figured I would give back and write about our favorites for Jackson's first month. 

Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads- Loved these and the Lanolin Cream during the first 2 1/2 weeks of breastfeeding. I don't know if I could have gotten through those first few weeks without them because they help out so much with dry, cracked nipples. Worth. Every. Penny.
Satsuma Baby Mittens- We loved these mittens, but not for the normal reasons. Jackson's hands were ALWAYS cold during the first month. Unless he was wrapped tightly in a swaddle blanket his hands were always little ice boxes. Within 1 1/2 weeks he learned to wiggle his arms free from the swaddles, so I had to come up with a plan B. Insert Satsuma Baby Mittens here. Happy baby = happy momma.
Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets- Love these blankets. They made swaddling Jackson into a little burrito stupid easy and they were lightweight enough that I could throw one (or 6) into my diaper bag and it didn't take up a ton of room.

Gdiapers- The hubs and I decided that we were going to use cloth diapers instead of disposable while I was still pregnant. Hours of research later I decided to stock up on the Gdiapers and biodegradable inserts. Love doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about these diapers. We've been using them for just over a month and we have yet to experience an explosion or diaper rash. They are so easy to use and will save us a ton of money in the long run. Like I said... Love. 

Odwalla- I don't think these drinks need much explanation. They are great for on the go, or a quick boost inbetween caring for the little one. They are packed with calories, neutrients & vitamins to help me get through the day (and breastfeeding) when I don't have time to cook.

Vibrating Chair- This isn't the exact chair we have since we bought our chair at Once Upon a Baby for fifteen bucks after realizing that Jackson was too small for the swing. This has been a lifesaver for us during dinnertime. It keeps him entertained just long enough for me to shovel some food in my mouth and get back to snuggling.

Summer Infant Swaddlers- These things are great because they are husband proof and are a lifesaver in the middle of the night. Jackson has probably lived in these for the last month straight at night.

BabyGanics Hand Sanitizer- I have these all over my house, in my diaper bag and in my car. They are organic, don't have a nasty alcohol smell and don't dry my hands out. I don't think I will ever use another brand of hand sanitizer again!

Aden + Anais Burp Bibs- Another must have in my opinion. Jackson loves to lay on my chest after he eats and I can wrap these around my chest to prevent being covered in spit-up. They soak up everything and are so soft since they are the Muslin cotton. Love!

Well, that's it. I hope this helps a few new moms out there the way past blogger's helped me.

Exciting Weekend Recap

This last weekend should go down in the history books for being one of the most jammed packed, but fun, weekends we've had since Jackson was born.

It went a little something like this:

Saturday morning we were up at 7am to get ready for the Baby Expo that was taking place in our area. It started at 10...but I have learned that things take 3x as long with a baby...

So we get to the expo and our newborn photographer was one of the first venders we saw. After a hug she tells me that my Jackson is famous because he's one of her demo babies. Look at my little naked angel *I say this as he starts to cry for another "snack"* on the bottom right. He looks so peaceful!

So after the Expo we made our way over to the mall because we had heard that the Easter Bunny was in town. Another adorable picture of my little munchkin!

Since Saturday was also Jackson's 1 month birthday we took a few pictures *shown here* to document how much he's grown. Shortly after that he went down for a nap because looking cute and having your photo taken 5 million times is such hard work. :)

That night we went out to dinner with my FIL to celebrate his 1st month. It was a jammed packed day, but it was a lot of fun!

Sunday we ran a few errands and rested after the busy day we had the day before. By rested I mean sit on the sofa and entertain Jackson because he refused to take a nap aaaaall day. I'm not complaining though. I know these moments will disappear and I will miss them...so I am soaking it all in. <3

Also, Jackson wanted to say one thing before I signed off for the day...

Link up your weekend happenings at:

Jackson's a Month Old!

Happy one month birthday bubbs! How are you a month old already?? It feels like I rushed to the hospital to deliver you just yesterday but somehow it's been a month. It's crazy how fast time is flying! Something tells me it's only going this fast because you are such an easy baby...even Olivia said that at your newborn photo session! :) You are growing and changing daily and while I am sad that you are getting bigger: I am excited to see what each day brings. 

I have heard people say for years that having a baby is a different kind of love and I am realizing just how true that really is. While life before you was fun; it was nothing compared to this last month! I love you Jackson. I can't wait to see what comes next!

Weight: I'm not exactly sure, but you were 6lbs 13oz at your 2 week checkup. While I know that you're still small, remember you were 3 weeks early and only 5lbs 13oz at birth. I am almost positive you are well over 7lbs now too because you are finally fitting into some of your 0-3 clothing. You also measured at 21 inches at your appointment, which is up from 19.5 at birth.

Health: You had a small eye infection due to the jaundice, but that cleared up after 4 days of medicine. Now you are a healthy little boy!

Sleep: Remember when I said you were an easy baby? This is one area that makes you are super easy! While most new parents live on little to no sleep, we were getting solid 4 hour stretches during the night. By 3 weeks you were sleeping 5.5 hours during the night. Ah-mazing buddy...you really are amazing.

Diet: 100% breastmilk. This is the other area that makes you such an easy baby. You eat like a champ and never had a latch problem. Thank goodness because we've got to fatten you up! :)

Clothes: You are still a mixture of newborn clothes and 0-3.

Baby Gear Love: You love, love, love your vibrating chair! It's been a lifesaver some days. You also love the Ergo baby carrier (mommy can't figure out how to make the Moby work) and your bathtub. The minute we put you into your tub you're alert and coo during your entire bath. It's too cute.

Crying: You only cry when you're gassy, hungry or have a dirty diaper. Your hungry cry is the cutest thing ever too. It's sounds like a vibrating cry/scream. You even shake your head. There really is no mistaking that cry for a tired/dirty diaper cry.

Likes: I think it's a tie between eating, basking in the sunlight, sleeping on my chest or taking a bath. All four of those things instantly make you a happy baby.

My child...the sun worshiper!

This was the face you gave me when I
took you out of your first bath.  Haha

Postpartum: I was sore for about 2 weeks after, but other than that I have felt great. I am only a few pounds heavier than my prepregnancy weight, so it really is true what they say about breastfeeding! I am looking forward to my 6 week appointment though because I am itching to get back in the gym.

Milestones/ Firsts: You are making eye contact now and it's amazing! :) You also celebrated your first St. Patricks Day at your grandma & Papa K's house. You also got to meet the Easter Bunny today. I know it changed your life even though you slept through it. :)

Your first St. Patricks Day!
Don't mind me...I was looking directly into the sun.

 Here are a few bloopers from his monthy photo. :)

"What time is it? Are we done yet??"

"Ugh...I am soooo bored!"

Special thanks to Little Baby Garvin for the One Month chalkboard round!

Easter Basket Goodies

As a child I loved Easter and all the festivities that surrounded the special day. There were always so many traditions that went along with Easter that it just made it a day that I always looked forward to. Hunting for the eggs, the overflowing basket with all the goodies...and of course the perfect excuse to get dressed up.

I love this holiday so much that I still have my basket that was used when I was a child! You can bet your bottom that it will be sitting right next to Jackson's this year too. :)

While I know that he is far too young to remember Easter this year; it won't stop me from filling his basket to the brim with all of the fun items that I've picked up in the last 2 months! Here are a few things that will be included in my babe's first Easter.

Easter Bib, Gap Rabbit Outfit, Bobo Bunny,

The Night Before Easter, Wooden Teether, Storybook Bible