12 weeks old

We can hardly believe that 12 weeks ago tonight we were meeting our son for the 1st time!  In some ways it seems like just yesterday, but then you look at how he's grown, and know that more time has passed!  Ethan's personality reveals itself a little more each day, and thankfully, it is so sweet.  He has such a content, happy temperament (unless of course he's hungry, then the impatient Ethan arrives!) 

Speaking of eating..., after several weeks of eating less volume (than his previous norm), he's now back up to about 32 oz. a day, as he is now drinking 8 oz. bottles!!!! Since he seems to be outgrowing clothing each day, guessing we hit a growth spurt...  We've settled into a bit of a nightly routine with a walk around the block after dinner, followed by bath and bedtime.  It seems to be working, as Ethan is still sleeping great at night (knock on wood), but he is just a cat napper during the day; so he and Mommy are getting in lots of play time (and some days, little else...)

This past Sunday, Tyson had to work, so I ventured out on our 1st solo trip out of town, and took Ethan to my parents' church in Slapout for him to meet my previous church family.  Needless to say, he was warmly welcomed!  We also got to meet Smith, my childhood friend, Christina's baby, who was born just 18 days after Ethan.  We were so happy to be there for Smith's infant baptism.  We also caught up with cousin Logan, who was wearing the same outfit as Ethan, but a much smaller size.  After church we visited Maw Maw and Paw Paw's house for more fun with family.  Thankfully the full day wore Ethan out, and he slept all the way home and for another hour in his swing.  It was a successful solo travel day for him and Mommy! 

Here are a few pictures from the week, hope you enjoy...

Ethan and Logan in their matching sailor suits

Smith and Ethan, born just 18 days apart

Sleepy baby!

It's hard not to play with all that hair...

Ethan loves his nightly walks!

Loves looking at himself in the mirror these days

He sits so well in his Bumbo seat now,
but sometimes, his thighs get stuck when we get out...





We'll end with a few of the pics I took today; I think I had more fun than Ethan...

We just love this little guy so much!!!!!

11 weeks old today

On Sunday, we went down to Slapout for our niece, Natalie Kate's baby dedication.  Afterwards, we had fun with the family for lunch at Gam Gam and Pop Pop's.  It was supposed to be a lunch celebrating Ethan's great-grandparents anniversary, but unfortunately Maw Maw was sick, so the guests of honor didn't make it... We had a nice time relaxing and there was a house full of little ones, so there was never a dull moment.  Here are a few pictures from the day:

Natalie Kate hammed it up for her Aunt Andrea's camera

Trying to get 3 babies to look at 1 camera proved impossible...

Ethan was excited about changing clothes!

After lunch, the newest member of the Reese family,
5-day old Baby Logan, visited.

This week has been difficult for us after losing Lexie, but Ethan has been so sweet and doing his best to cheer us up with his generous smiles, cooing and snuggling.  Yesterday he began intentionally using his hands to hit toys on his playmat.  It was so fun to watch him go from accidentally bumping them, to really concentrating and watching his hands intently as he made the toys move.  He seems to be learning something new almost everyday!  Other exciting news, for Mommy and Daddy, (hoping I don't jinx it...), is that last week, Ethan started sleeping consistently throgh the night, from about 8 pm until 6-6:30 am!!!! 


The magic frog sleeper that started the
"through the night" trend


We can't believe that he is already 11 weeks old!  He continues to be such a joy and we are so blessed to be his Mommy and Daddy.

Lexie

It is with great sadness that I veer from this blog's usual subject, Ethan, and dedicate a post to our beloved, 11-year old, golden retriever, Lexie.  She passed away today, leaving us with so many wonderful memories, and a giant whole in our hearts.  We had no idea when we adopted her 4 years ago, what joy she would bring to our lives in such a short time.  She captured our hearts immediately, and was instantly part of the family; our home feels so empty now without her.  Lexie was such a great dog, so patient with us, so loving, and so happy.  She loved people, other dogs, chasing tennis balls and sticks, chasing the ducks and swans at Star Lake (sometimes going into the lake to chase them), going for walks, chasing cats, and just being around us.  We are so thankful for the time that we had with her and know that she is better off now and not in any pain.  Here are a few of our favorite pictures of our girl...

We love you Lexie, and we miss you so much!!!

1st Beach Trip

We had a great week at the beach with Andrea's family, and we made it home in just under 6 hours, after stopping 4 times for "Ethan issues".  No complaints though, as he slept last night from 9 pm until 6 am today!!!!  Actually his sleeping "through" the night took on new meaning while at the beach; he was so worn out from all of the excitement that at least 3 nights, he went 10-12 hours in between bottles!!  Don't worry though, as you see in the pictues below, he is still well fed!! 

He had fun with his Gam Gam and Pop Pop and his Uncle Heath and Aunt Kelly.  He was also well-entertained by his cousins who are 8 yrs., 6 yrs., and 11 months.  The 8 yr. old and 6 yr. old love playing with him; the 11 month old is not a big fan of his and tries to swat at him if she can get close enough... We have faith that she'll come around eventually; he certainly loves watching her crawl and pull up and get into things! 

Ethan loved loved loved the lazy river at the condo pool.  The first night, I'm not sure that he blinked, he was trying so hard to take it all in!  He especially loved when he and his Daddy passed under the palm trees.  He also seemed to like the beach; he seemed intrigued by the breeze and kept sticking out his tongue, as if he could taste the wind. 

Hope you enjoy a few of our pictures from the week. 

Snuggling with Pop Pop; we took some great naps together!

Hanging out with Daddy on the balcony.

All that work, getting my sunscreen on and
finding a spot in the shade at the pool wore me out!

But, I woke up from my nap in great mood!

If my shorts say it, it must be true!

Daddy called this my "scare crow hat"

Daddy's so funny!

The beach, I was cool in the shade!

That breeze did crazy things to my hair!

I love my Daddy!

Mommy, enough with the pictures!

This was the closest I got to the ocean...

Maybe next year, they'll let me at those waves...



Ahh, the lazy river, my FAVORITE!

 

We had a great time and were so glad to get to spend time with family and Ethan; it was a very relaxing and fun trip.  Thanks to Gam Gam and Pop Pop for a wonderful family vacation!

2 Months Old and Happy 4th of July

We've had a great week with this fun boy, who turned 2 months old today.  Here are few pictures from the last week, of Ethan, and an unwelcome visitor...

I really like my bouncy seat these days, and coo and laugh at the animals on top.

  

On Thursday, I stayed awake for the entire Kindermusik class!



Went to church with Mommy (Daddy had to work); and again, slept through the music, awake for the preaching.

Such happy boy!

Happy 2 month old birthday!

After some playtime this morning, we packed half our house for a trek to the beach with Andrea's family.  Ethan was great for the ride down, until we were literally 2 miles out; then he was ready to get OUT of that car seat!


Happy 1st 4th of July

Daddy is an amazing packer; he could even see out the back window, barely!

I spent some time with Pop Pop while Mommy and Daddy unpacked.

Once we got settled, it was time to don the swimsuit and head to the pool for Ethan's 1st swim.  He of course, fell asleep right after we got him dressed, but woke up pleasantly surprised in the pool. 

I have had so many new experiences today, and I have been such a trooper!

He was worn out from his big day of activity.  We are looking forward to a great week of vacation and fellowship with Andrea's parents, her brother, sister-in-law, nephews and niece.  Beach pics are sure to follow soon!