Brian is 1 Month Old!

Well here we are, I cannot believe its been one whole month already since Brian Jeffrey was born. He has grown so much in so many ways in the past 4 weeks its almost unimaginable. In the past 4 weeks we have learned so much and jumped some hurdles and gone through 2-300 diapers already! And while our little man remains pretty slender, he's getting a belly on him and is about 9.5 lbs. Here is a rundown of our 1st month:

The first week was difficult and surreal as we brought out son home for the first time and slowly realized the miracle we created, learning how to care for him and dealing with breastfeeding woes.Of course we had many firsts this week such as baths, stroller walks, the swing, car rides and diaper changes (including one especially messy diaper blowout that daddy got to discover).

1st home bath/stroller ride

First time in swing/car

By two weeks everything began to run smoother, even with the nights of interrupted sleep due to feedings, and Brian returnign to work. Brian was not only healthy and back up to his birth weight but had grown 1/2 inch already! After a few more difficulties with breastfeeding during this week I opted to provide Brian with breast milk in a bottle and have continued doing so. This works out so much better for us; we are no longer frustrated at feeding times, daddy and others can participate with feedings and we have more flexibility in our day now. He also lost his umbilical cord stump and circumcision ring this week, we were so excited to see his cute little belly button! Speaking of cute, check him out in his Halloween costume :) He was so cozy in it he went right to sleep and didn't wake the entire time lol.

Halloween/ Getting ready for 2 week checkup

During the 3rd week we learned a few more things, like to expect milk to come out his nose sometimes after a bottle when we burp him (not sure why this happens, or if its common with other babies but it doesn't seem to bother him). Also that if we don't point his wee wee down in his diaper he can pee right out the top of it lol. Brian showed outstanding improvements with head control this week (check out the video below) and started staying up more and more during the days, sleeping a little longer at nights and going longer between feedings.

Brian working on his head control, 3 weeks

This week we also experienced a tragedy on post with the mass shooting Thursday. Brian thankfully was safe on another part of base but it was a very scary experience; we did not know anyone who was shot but it was truly unfortunate for all of us in the area we really appreciate everyone's concern and support in dealing with it.

We started this week with yet another growth spurt and a very fussy baby. Luckily the spurt was short lived and happened during the weekend and the bliss of week three quickly returned. The past month Brian showed us his many pouty faces as well as more and more smiles everyday. He especially likes to smile at his Daddy as he makes funny faces and noises as he bounces him up and down, its absolutely adorable to watch.

Another thing we have noticed he loves is the mirror; he loves checking himself out in the bathroom mirror during baths and is great with his crib mirror during independent play time, keeps him entertained forever. He is also discovering his hands this week, constantly moving, flexing and putting them in his mouth.

Figuring out those hands

Thanks to everyone for all the gifts and well wishes you have sent us, so many adorable outfits and toys from everyone, and the money you have so graciously sent has been so helpful, did I mention 300 diapers already! lol

Cute sweatshirt from Ohio

Each day with him becomes more and more enjoyable as he shows us something new and a little more of his personality. Its amazing watching him grow; we look forward the the milestones he'll reach this month and will be sure to keep you all updated with them all and try to do more short videos. Also coming up this month is his first Thanksgiving! Of course he can't enjoy the food as much as us but it is exciting none the same. Everyone in Houston is looking forward to seeing him again or meeting him for the first time (he already has a big fan base down there) :) Hopefully we can spend his 1st Christmas with our family from Ohio, I know they are even more anxious to meet him especially his grandparents!