Baby's First Smile

Dear Wyatt,

Today you smiled for the first time.  Really smiled.  It was a "social smile."  They say that a real smile appears as a response to something - like your mother's face!  I smiled at you, and you smiled back.  It happened several times in a row.  Then you did it for Daddy!  I tried to get a picture of it and a video of it but I wasn't successful.  That's ok, though, because that image will never leave my head or my heart.  I love you, buddy.  Way to hit a milestone!

Love, Mommy

Out & About

As a preemie with underdeveloped lungs in the middle of cold & flu season, we're advised to mostly stay home with Wyatt.  Most of our outings are to and from doctor's appointments.  

A few weeks ago, we hit up one of our favorite spots, Ballard.  Since we could be outside (open air = germs escape), we walked around, taking turns going in our favorite places (while one of us stayed outside with Wyatt).  We did introduce him to Hot Cakes, our very favorite spot.  There were only 2 people inside so we figured it was safe!  It was so nice to leave the house for something other than a doctor's appointment!  

The usual - doctor's appointments.  Always checking up on his weight!

A week later, we joined our nephew, Bennett, and all of his family to celebrate his 4th birthday.  Happy birthday, Bennett.  We love you!  My favorite is the picture at the end.  I asked Bennett if I could take a picture of he and Wyatt and he said, "Can I look at him instead of smile?"  

Jossie with Rory, me with Wyatt

We're very thankful for days like today when we can walk around outside in the GORGEOUS weather!  As we walked around today, I said to Matt, "I know this is cheesey but this is one of my dreams coming true.  Taking a walk as a family."  Living the dream.

Happy 60th Mom & Dad!

We celebrated Mom & Dad's 60th birthday today.  I have 2 pretty wonderful parents and I can't imagine life without them - especially the last few months.  I've always loved them but I have a whole new appreciation for them now that I'm a parent.

We surprised them with a book filled with notes, pictures, and memories from many of their friends and family as well as a framed picture of all SIX of their grandkids.    It was a fun time and I'm glad we got to celebrate them.  

We love you, Mom & Dad!

The best part of all of this was probably getting the picture of the grandkids.  Corralling 6 kids mostly under 3 is a challenge!  This "project" included bribing with hot cocoa and marshmallows, designated sitting spots, lots of parents making funny faces, and a smiley face on the top of the camera - "look here!" - to name a few.  Here are the outtakes, and the best shot at the end.

4 Months!

We can't believe you're 4 months old, Wyatt! (1 month adjusted)  At your 4 month appointment, your doctor was very pleased with your growth.  Based on your adjusted age, you're in the middle of the pack for weight.  You're still a shorty but we love you anyway. You've begun your oxygen wean and keeping growing and amazing us each and every day.

Life at Home

Our days are filled with diaper changes, formula preparation (I have to make it a special way to make it higher calorie), bottle feeds, doctor's apppointments, baths, enjoying the meals you all bring to us, and lots of snuggles.  It's hard to go too far with the oxygen and oxygen monitor so most of our time is spent in the living room and kitchen or our bedroom (where he sleeps for now).  We love being home as a family of 3, napping with him in our lap, greeting visitors, washing our hands, and just soaking it all up.  

Our nighttime routine consists of diaper change, pajamas, bottle, stories, and singing.  We love this part of the day and usually Wyatt does, too!  Matt has already made trips to the library for new books in addition to reading and re-reading our favorites each evening.  I've read Love You Forever hundreds of times before to many kids in my life.  However, the first time I picked it up and read it to Wyatt, I was a teary mess.  It's amazing what parenthood does to you.  Needless to say, I need a break from that book for a while!  I'm pretty certain Wyatt's favorites include Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and I Love You, Stinky Face.

Like all babies, Wyatt grows a little each day and we enjoy seeing the new faces he makes and the new sounds he makes.  He's still got that "preemie grunt" in full force as evidenced in the video below.  He also flashes a little smile (often when he's sleeping) and you can see his dimples!  We're continually grateful for each day with this guy.