Graham's First Month

It's so hard to believe that our little man is already a month old! At times it seems like so long ago that we were at the hospital getting ready for his arrival, but it was only 4 weeks ago. It is hard to imagine what our lives were like without this precious boy in our family. We love him more and more each day if that is even possible! Lilian just absolutely adores her little brother and has taken her role as big sister very seriously! She is a big helper to us and most of the time has to be where Graham is with her hands somewhere on him! It has been the sweetest thing watching her take on this new role.
Our first week home Lilian was still going to Michele's during the day so Brian and I got to spend quality time home with just the three of us which was such a special time. We forgot how much newborns sleep! We were able to get settled in back at home and spend time getting to know our new son. He has been a good eater from the start...our chunky monkey, which has made him a pretty good sleeper as well. He sleeps at night for 4 to 5 hour stretches so we cannot complain! At his doctor's appointment he was already up to 9.4 lbs. so he is eating well! Thank you to all our amazing family and friends who kept us well fed as well...we enjoyed many special visits and thoughtful meals which made things that much easier!
The following week Lilian was invited up to Iowa to spend the week with grandma and grandpa...one of her favorite places ever! Brian started summer school the same week so I was home with just Graham. I enjoyed tons of cuddle time! We missed Lilian's sweet voice around but again enjoyed some quality time with our boy and a very quiet house, it was almost strange!
The third week my mom took off work and came over each day to help me with my first week as a mommy of two! It was wonderful having her help. I had not ventured out at all with him but with my mom here and the extra set of hands we got to get out and run some errands...we went on walks, to the mall, ate out for the first time at Panera, and went to story times at the library. Having my mom here we divided our time between playing with Lilian or tending to the baby which was so nice! She also watched Graham one afternoon so Lilian and I could take daddy a special lunch at summer school and visit him.
This past week was my first week solo with both kiddos. As you can see I have been blessed with help which I truly am grateful for! I tell people we have really eased our way into this two kids thing, which is so true! The week went great...we enjoyed a few play dates with friends and even went to the pool for the first time. Graham of course slept in his car seat with my mom watching on (my mom is off every Friday this summer, so I still enjoy a little help!) and I got to enjoy some swim time with sis. Lilian had some special dates with Tracy one day at the park and another day with her best buddy, Amelia, at the zoo.
Graham's first month has been incredible. I am not sure if the second time around you are just more comfortable and relaxed since you have done it all before or if he is just an easy going baby, or probably a combination of both, but we have loved every second of it. I also think part of it is you know how fast this newborn stage goes so you try and enjoy each moment. I look at Lilian and can't believe how fast she has grown...it makes me cherish all the little naps on my chest and sweet small moments with Graham at this age as I know this time will fly by and be a distant memory all too soon. The middle of the night feedings are easier to get through when I remind myself how fast they go by! We thank God each day for blessing us! Here are some pictures of our first month as our family of four...

Father's Day 2013

we had a wonderful father's day and were able to see both our dads which was a blessing! brian's parents called on thursday night and said they wanted to come down for a short visit on sunday (I think they were missing lilian and graham!) it was a great surprise. we visited here and then took them to lunch at rancho grande. lilian loved having grandma and grandpa here! it was so sweet of them to drive all that way for just a few hours but we are so glad they did!

that evening we hosted my entire family over for a father's day celebration. my grandparents, parents, and bryan, alison and curtis all came. brian grilled out pineapple brats for everyone. we also had strawberry salad, baked beans, deviled eggs, and a yummy ice cream cake and cookies. it was a nice night with family celebrating all the dads in our family! we love you all. we felt very lucky to see both our dads today!

lilian and graham are beyond blessed to have brian as their daddy! one of the reasons I fell in love with brian was seeing how amazing he was with kids...I knew he would make a wonderful father and I have been proven correct every single day. he is the best daddy to our little munchkins. he is the most involved, helpful, patient and fun father. we could not have hit a better jackpot!

 

Dancing Debut

Lilian had her first dance recital on Sunday at Blue Springs South High School. I have to admit I was a little nervous if she would have stage fright and if she would remember the dances! Boy, I had nothing to worry about. She was right in her element and did such a fantastic job. We were laughing and smiling from ear to ear the whole time. She had so much personality and you could tell was having the best time on stage! The highlight was the finale when they brought out all the girls from the studio to do one last bow. The little girls were first in line and Lilian was busting a move and freestyle dancing up a storm! It was such a memorable event and we were so proud of our little dancer. Special thanks to our families for sitting through all the dances! Another special thank you to my friend Mary who gave me door to door service so I didn't have to bring baby Graham in. She stayed with him in the car while I ran in to watch the dances. I think we have a lot more recitals in our future! Way to go, sis!