our Christmas together

 (This is our holiday card wall...holiday cards are perhaps

one of my favorite things about Christmas.)

 

In the past, Rob and I have always celebrated "our" Christmas a few days early. 

With the days of traveling around the holidays, we really savor the time just the two of us,

making our own memories and traditions as a little family. 

Now that Max is here - the time is even sweeter. 

 

(this is a snap I sent to some friends.  Are you on SnapChat?  Such a fun app :)

 

I had started our holiday meal in the crockpot earlier in the day...so the sweet smells of

roasted chicken filled the house all day. We sat down to dinner together

and then it was time for presents! 

 

 

Max is super great at getting really pumped up for a present.  I mean like, the hands are flying and flapping and legs are kicking and you can hear a constant stream of babble.  Also, if you get the wrapping started - he's got no problem ripping into the rest of it. 

 

 

 

Once he sees the actual present - he sort of gazes at it - and then gets back to the real fun -

the wrapping paper :)  I swear he can also zero in on the littlest bits of paper or tape on the floor and somehow get them into his little mitts - and then of course, his mouth.

 

 

He tore through all the presents and then it was time for mama and Papa Rob to exchange gifts.  Papa Rob did awesome and came through with a beautiful emerald ring (emerald for the month of May when Max was born).  Papa Rob probably can't wait to use the the massage gift card I got him. :)

 

We are feeling so blessed to have mr. Max with us this year.  We are incredibly thankful

for family near and far.  And we wish you the merriest of holidays!

 

 

xoxo

10 Things Right Now...December edition

 

Since Max is about seven and half month old and just about the coolest little dude ever - we are

going to take note of some of our favorite things (10 to be exact) about him right now.

 

1.)  The number one thing people always comment on in regards to Max is how happy he is! He is one smiley guy.  My favorite smiles happen in the morning.  Usually I'm the one to get him out of his crib (or bouncy seat though we are trying to not use that anymore). He looks at me - with genuine recognition...like "you found me!" and "I missed you!".  I lift him out and its almost like he hugs me and then sits on the bed for a bit while I finish getting ready. 

 

2.)  His hair is getting longer and a bit curly on top.  I thought maybe it was just the extra humidity in Florida - but the baby curls on top have stuck around.  In fact, the hair on either side of his head is so long that it's beginning to "wing" out over his ear.  Very endearing.  I can't even bear the thought of cutting it. 

 

3.)  I mentioned in a previous post that he has started to clap.  First it was pretty random but now it's a bit more purposeful.  He claps in particular when food is involved and after he manages to topple a tower we built.  I just love seeing his pudgy little hands come together. I used to have to force them open when singing pattycake - now, he opens them up pretty easily.

 

4.)  He eats with gusto!  The only thing I can think of that he really doesn't seem to like is avacado (insert sad face as I love avacado).  But, I do keep trying...just in case.  He makes the association between sitting in the high chair and getting fed.  And, he is especially vocal in the morning about wanting to eat...to the point where I try to have everything ready before I sit him down. We are also doing a lot of the pre-made organic pouches.  I refuse to pay full price for them (however, 10 for $10 is definitely worth it).  The combinations are so funny on those things - spinach and rutabega?  Pear, peas, and broccoli?  Pumpkin, carrot and banana?  Either way - he gobbles them down. We have also added in "puffs" and "crackers" too. It's a good way to practice feeding himself - though at this point much of it ends up in his bib.

 

5.) Max is trying so very hard to crawl.  At first he would scoot around in a circle.  Then, he would look like an inch worm.  Now, he is getting his belly all the way up off the floor.  Crawling takes so much coordination.  I read somewhere that babies have to combine all the skills they have been working on (i.e. kicking, reaching, push/pull etc.) for the crawl to actually come together. Until he pulls it all together - he is pretty good at inching forward and backward to get what he needs.

 

6.)  His Christmas wardrobe is outstanding.  He is the best dressed kid I know.  Love it!

 

7.)  We decided to not go overboard on Christmas presents this year - and I definitely want to do the "something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read" motto.  So in that vein - we stuck with a few books (read), socks (need), a neon baseball tee that read "go bananas (wear), and a grocery sack toy (want).  Then....I sort of caved a bit when I read about these music classes called "We Joy Sing...(when said fast it sounds like rejoicing).  Anyway - Max loves music and they are geared for children aged 6-12 months. I didn't even hesitate to sign him up.  They start January 7 and go for 10 weeks.  I cannot wait.  I don't have a problem spending on "experiential" type gifts - he will get to be involved with something he likes, meet other kids, practice social skills etc. etc. Bring on the music!

 

8.)  He is busy busy busy lately.  His card from school read "we played peek a boo with the tunnel, listened to piano music, practiced "open close them" and did problem solving with 2 cups and hidden objects. Also he makes a beeline for the wrapping paper every day when I drop him off.

 

9. )  Max is going to have his first real "babysitter" tomorrow.  To say I'm nervous might be the understatement of the year.  But - it's my good friend Candice.  Who is great with kids.  Who is first aid/CPR trained.  Who cannot wait to hang out with him.  And really, by the time she gets here - he will only be up for about 45 minutes and then she will put him to bed. Likely the only person this will be hard on is me :)  Stay tuned.

 

 

10.)  Max said "mama" tonight at dinner.  At first he said "mum mum" (or at least that's what it sounded like).  Then, about five minutes later, he definitely said "mama".  Rob heard it too so I feel validated in putting it out there. I'm pretty sure it was an early Christmas present to me.

 

Everyday Papa Rob and I marvel at how awesome Max is.  And, how much he changes day to day.  Everyday his stance gets stronger.  He laughs deeper.  He babbles longer (and adds new sounds!!)  Most importantly at the end of every night I'm so thankful that we are here.  We are together and we are thriving. 

 

xoxo 

December lately..

Today as I was driving home from work, I was thinking about how there's only a good handful of years that will be like this.  Meaning...the magic.  The newness.  Christmas with a small child is pretty amazing - visiting Santa, dreaming up presents and the perfect Christmas morning, starting new traditions... before long though - the world starts to creep in. So right now...this whole wide-eyed experience of Christmas - even with Max being just 7 months old - I plan on soaking it all up...thus the lack of posting.  But, as you'll see from the photos below - we have been busy busy busy! 

 

 

The first weekend in December, Auntie Stacy and I hit the mall with Max.  He did great..until I took him out of the car seat for a bit.  Then, he decided that he never wanted to return to the car seat again.  That, in fact, if we could just hold him that would be more to his liking. We tried to oblige for as long as possible...but the return to the car seat was inevitable and nap time was approaching.  It was a restless few minutes until he fell asleep.  But, we got Papa Rob some Christmas goodies...so it was all good!

 

 

Of course - I also busted out Max's Christmas wardrobe December 1 too :)  We are Team Santa over here and loving it!  (Side note: Most days Rob sends me a photo of him and Max doing whatever and it's pretty much the highlight of my afternoon.  I hope he never stops).

 

 

Did I mention we got a new tub for Max?  It seemed foolish to fill the whole tub every night for a bath.  (And yes, we bathe him almost every night.  It's probably not necessary but I kind of love it and now he expects it...so we continue).  The "duck tub" is enormous and takes up SO much real estate in the bathroom (not to mention I practically blacked out inflating it) but...it's so darn cute!  Neither Papa Rob or I mind moving it every time we take a shower.  We also have a bag of bath toys hanging in the shower.  Somehow this also makes me feel like a "real" parent. 

 

 

The second weekend of December, Max and I went to Dayton on Saturday after DecemBRRRfest.  It was a BUSY weekend!!  First stop - Knollwood Gardens for a second attempt at a Santa picture.  Max mean mugged on him for like five minutes - no smiles in site.  The minute I pull him off Santa's lap...all smiles!  We plopped him down in front of every decoration at the garden center...but man - it was like sensory overload!  It didn't want to look at us for second. 

 

 

Second stop - the train ride at the Dayton Mall - I'm not sure who was more excited - Grandpa Tim or Max?  They rode in the caboose of the train and did one lap around the top of the mall between Penny's and Macy's...but I see many more rides in Max's future. We also managed to stop at BabyGap (aka - money pit) and the pet store (Grandpa Tim loves to look at the puppies).  Not pictured is the visit to great grandparents, the live nativity, Max in his adorable snow suit, and facetimeing with Daddy. 

 

 

The snow.  Blah.  I'm already over it. 

 

 

ZooKid Christmas Dinner/Mug Swap!  Hooray!  Any excuse to see these gals is a good one!  I could have sat and talked all night.  Some highlights include:  when Elizabeth ordered Seagrams and I thought it was an alcholic drink..turns out it was just ginger ale.  When Becky showed up in an "ugly Christmas sweater" (she swears it was for a work party...but....).  when someone asked my mom's name and I said I don't know (because I thought she was talking about her instagram name).  Gosh, I wish I could seem them at least once a month. Also - mac and cheese bites are amazing!

 

Third weekend in December - Grandpa Jim arrives from Oregon!  Hooray!  Max and Grandpa Jim got along like two peas in a pod. Max of course showed off all his tricks - which include clapping, eating food, babbling like a boss, rolling everywhere, trying to crawl, yanking of his socks, and Grandpa Jim's favorite - when Max balances every toy on his thumb. 

We didn't let the snow hold us back either - a trip the Franklin Park Conservatory, Cherbourgh Bakery, and lots of tasty (and gluten free!) meals.   It was at one of these meals that I discovered (when I went to retrieve a napkin from Max's mouth) that his bottom two teeth are starting to come through.  What?!!   Please note in these pictures - not only did he get the start of his tiny teeth, but he is wearing his big boy coat, baby denim, and hanging out in a new umbrella style stroller. 

 

 

The fine Hauck men enjoying the Rainforest room at the Conservatory!

 

 

Hanging out at the Conservatory was the perfect way to ignore the crazy winter weather happening outside.  And, they had plenty of plants at Max's height - so he was entertained as well. 

 

 

Christmas round one!  As everyone predicted - Max was way more interested in the tissue paper and wrapping paper then the actual present itself.  :)  He likes to fling the paper around, crinkle it, and even play peek a boo with it.  Also - technology is amazing - we were able to Facetime with Grandma Sugar (in Oregon) so she could see all the Christmas fun in too! 

 

We capped off a great visit with dinner at Molly Woo's on Monday night! It's safe to say we had a blast and are already counting the days until we see Grandpa Jim again!

 

 

Whew! I can't believe we are a week out from Christmas.  Thanks to a little elf named Papa Rob, our Christmas cards are also in the mail, shopping is almost complete, first batch of cookies made, and I'm ready to stand under the mistletoe with that handsome man of mine!

xoxo 

7 Months of Max

There are some days when I feel like time is moving so slowly and I'm just willing it forward.  Then, when I look back and realize that this Max has been with us for seven months, I can't even believe it.  We are so lucky he's part of our family.

 

(here he is really showing you how happy he is about having his picture taken)

 

and now...we are at 7 months!

 

 

I apologize for the hunchback look and assure that Max can in fact sit up straight...but

he is so darn wiggly now! And, obsessed with the chalkboard.  It's the first thing he looks at when we sit him on the couch and no amount of toys can deter him from picking it up, trying to fling it around, and generally making it impossible to take a picture.  He's definitely asserting some level of independence and now I'm thinking it would have been easier to go the monthly sticker route like so many of my friends.  Alas - we will perservere in the name of cutness and memory making.

 

Again, seven months means no scheduled doctor appointment - but we have some good guesses on his stats:

 

Weight: 21 pounds 3 ounces

 

Length:  about 30 inches (or dangerously close to needing the bigger car seat)

 

Charming: giggling, bouncing, leaning forward as he sits up in an effort to grab a toy, trying new foods, and so many smiles

 

Challenging: tummy sleeping, boogies in the nose, having his face cleaned after dinner, and keeping his winter hat on

 

Max continues to be our smiley little guy.  He loves going to school and we really appreciate all the things he is learning.  His newest trick is clapping!  He randomly started clapping at the dinner table last week.  I looked at Rob and questioned "did you teach him that?"  Turns out neither of us can take credit for this.  His babysitter said they had been doing some clapping as part of a song they were learning.  At first she said he was very hesitant to open up his hands all the way - but turns out he was paying attention because he claps all the time now.  She also works on certain sounds everyday and we have noticed the emergence of the "ba" sound.  He prefers the "ba" and "da" sound most over all others.  (Still no mama - much to my chagrin) :)

 

He is eating two meals a day. I feed him some sort of grain cereal with a fruit or vegetable in the morning and then we head off to school.  He also gets dinner around 5:30 most evening.  Dinner is by far his biggest meal - where he eats a fruit and vegetable as well as cereal.  We have also started givng him some "puffs" to practice picking up and eating on his own.  While he knows what to do with them - he pretty much gags them up once they start to dissolve.  I had the best intentions of giving him more whole steamed fruits and vegetables...but so far the purees are so easy and he gobbles them down.  Also - he loves anything in a pouch.  Literally, we can squirt it in his mouth and he swallows it.  He also likes to hold it...but doesn't quite understand that he can actually squeeze it himself.    No dice with the sippy cup either - though we do offer it at nearly every meal.  He does still take four bottles a day between 6-8 ounces each.

 

He is also starting to get very mobile - meaning he can scoot on his belly.  It's not a full on crawl but believe me - if he wants to get somewhere he will belly crawl/roll to make it happen.  He is desperately trying to get crawling...but I think it may still be awhile before he can connect all the dots between arm and leg movements. 

 

Sleep is still hit or miss.  There are nights we put him down and just hear very small peeps throughout the night but nothing to warrant getting up.  And other nights - when he gets up about every four hours and just needs his pacifier put back in.  Honestly I've tried to blame the not sleeping through the night on everything - "he's teething", "he's got a cold" "he's practicing his new motor skills"...but honestly I have no idea.  Rob and I have agreed we will try to sleep train him..but honestly I see no point until we get back from our trip at the end of the month.  When we do go to comfort him - he mostly just needs a pacifier but I've got to be honest - anytime someone asks if he is sleeping through the night a little piece of my mommy confidence dies inside when I have to admit that he is not. He also gets the best sleep in his snugabunny bouncer and swaddled.  I would never swaddle him in his crib but when he's in the seat...it really helps soothe him.  I have no idea how to break him (or myself) of this habit. 

 

He is a great playmate!  Max loves tearing through a pile of toys and if you put a bucket (or basket) of toys in front of him - be prepared - it will soon be toppling over.  We build tower after tower with the stacking cups and he delights in pushing them over.  He also loves the stack of rainbow colored "donuts" as Rob calls them. He can pull them off the stacker but is still mastering putting them back on.  Music is still a favorite - drumming, xylophones, and trying to clap all sorts of toys together to see what happens.  The Christmas music is blasting all the time - with no complaints from Max or anyone else for that matter!  He will sit for books but especially loves the books with texture and flaps for him to look under.  And - he is starting to recognize faces.  This morning when I dropped off at school, the babysitter had glasses on and Max just stared at her!  When she took them off - his face lit up - like "i know you!".  too funny.  He also loves, loves, loves, remote controls, cell phones, and of course, paper! 

 

Month six was a lot of fun - with vacations, new foods (barley, prunes, pumpkin, blueberry, apricots, and mangos to name a few!), our first Thanksgiving, a visit with Santa, and a fun new holiday wardrobe.

We can't wait for more!

Just keeping it real here - the pictures quickly go from "lots of fun" to

"total mental breakdown".  :)

XoXo

 



DecemBRRfest!

Our traditional ZooKids programming technically ends with the conclusion of our November classes.  But - we always offer a special program called DecemBRRRfest for a week in...you guessed it December. 

(The whole week we heard about the impending snow storm...and we did end up getting about four inches...not enough to cancel work though :(

 

In addition to our weekly class, we also offer classes on one Saturday (which we don't normally do) but it is extremely popular (as a newbie parent I can totally see how you might want to take advantage of five whole hours by yourself in the month of December). 

 

(We had a penguin animal visitor in honor of our theme - Penguin Palooza!)

 

After five days of DecemBRRRfest I was getting a little burnt out...so when Saturday rolled around and I had to go into work for a sixth day in a row (instead of hanging in my pajamas rolling around on the floow with Max - which is my new favorite thing to do) - Rob took pity on me and agreed to bring me lunch!   The only other thing saving this Saturday of working was seeing some of my favorite summer ladies.  We were all reunited and believe me - it felt great! They were also totally pumped about seeing Macho Max - so we were all just counting the minutes till lunchtime rolled around.  Prior to lunch - Rob texted to ask what I wanted and I texted my order back, along with - "Max can just put on the outfit I laid out".  Then, Rob texted back "I already dressed him".  Hmm...this should be interesting.  :)  Let's just say, Rob doesn't really understand how I've organized all Max's clothes...so admittedly the outfit combos he comes up with are um, interesting.  But...he did totally great!  When my favorite boys rolled up - Max looked so perfect!  He had on his "I'm on the Nice List" shirt and buckeye pants on the bottom.  Santas and Buckeyes for the win (although, my beloved Buckeyes did not win). 

 

 

 

Max was so smiley and adorable (I mean really, when is he not)? 

And we all loved on him and commerated what will be known here on out as the best lunch ever with a picture of Max and his ladies.   Can he please bring me lunch every day? 

 

 

Also - Rob gets the award for best dad ever because he managed to bundle them both up, remember the diaper bag, carry Max all the way through the Zoo, AND he went to Jersey Mike's for my sandwich but Wendy's for my Diet Coke. He's a keeper that one.

 

Love those boys.

xo 

Wildlights Family Night

The Advent calendar is in full swing and we're only twenty days from Christmas!  Someone please slow down December!  It's a Hauck family tradition (and only fitting since Papa Rob and I work at the Zoo) to attend Wildlights.  This year happens to be the 25th year of Wildlights -- so it's bigger and better (just like our family...ha!).  The Zoo always puts on a family night for employees to enjoy Wildlights and thank goodness, the weather (for once in Ohio) was cooperative. 

 

Max had a homeschool day with grandmim and grandpa tim - and when school was "out" - the whole crew met up with me. 

 

I had to work my skills at the registration table before truly joining them..but it was all worth it because after dinner - Max got to meet a certain jolly old man from up North :)  You guessed it - Santa!!  It worked out great because we didn't have to wait in any lines and Santa was super patient.  Max has never really had any sort of "stranger danger" so, I didn't think that he would cry...but I was still nervous.  I shouldn't have been.  We plunked him down on Santa's knee and began calling out, "Max! Max!". Max had zero interest in looking at the actual camera because Santa had a beard! And a velvety suit!  And glasses! And, and, and...Max was completely fascinated by all of it.  He could not take his eyes off Santa.

 

 Totally melts my heart.

 

After our epic visit - we headed outside to check out the lights.  There is a light show set to music around the lake - very impressive!  Max was really taking in all the blinking and flashing...just staring out his chariot stroller and loving it! 

On top of the light show - there are over 100 animal shaped lights.  It never ceases to amaze me how fast the lights go up every year and how truly beautiful it is when they are all lit up.

 

The night ended up being a pretty busy one for the Zoo (13,000 in attendance) - and we hustled from the lake to the nocturnal house back to the manatee region.  Max was SO, SO awesome!  He hardly made a fuss, even though we kept him out way past his bedtime.  Our last stop for the night was the elephant building! 

 

 

Max rocked his elephant hat all night (he really could not look any cuter in it) - so seeing our ellies was clearly a must. They did not disappoint - the gals (Connie and Phoebe) were out and it was so fun to see Max just stare at them.  At first I wasn't sure if he could really see them but Rob got him out of the stroller and held him up high.  He looked all around and I saw his eyes follow the elephants as they roamed their home. Very cool.  It was the first time he really seemed big to me.  Like a little boy - who could express true interest in something (you know, with a little guidance from mom and dad).

What a great night! And, another memory of our first holiday season with mr. Max :)

xoxo



Tis the Season!

The holiday season is in full swing here at the Hauck's nest...as evidenced by the twinkling lights, three stockings hung with care, and of course our tiny elf! And yes, I already broke out the holiday wardrobe.  I can't help myself. 

 

 

Growing up, we always marked the start of the holiday season with our advent angel.  (Advent is technically the relgious term for the four weeks leading up to Christmas - but I feel this fun tradition can apply to all).  It was this white angel that hung on our basement door and had a numbered pocket for each day leading up to Christmas.  The pocket always held a hershey kiss.  I think some years being able to eat the kiss was tied to our behavior or something...but who are we kidding - Stacy and I were always angels :)  This tradition even continued into college.  My mom would either send me an advent calendar or we would get one together when I was home at Thanksgiving. Trader Joes was my go to store for an advent calendar because theirs always had a little piece of chocolate behind the "door" you opened. With each day that passed - I would open the little door, marking one day closer to Christmas break and of course, the actual holiday itself.  

 

You probably can guess where this is going...of course, Max had to have an advent calendar!  For weeks leading up to December 1, I agonized over what type of Advent calendar to make or even purchase for Max.  Pinterest has really upped the anty so to speak when it comes to anything handmade...but the number of "pins" I saw for Advent calendars was ridiculous!  From felt trees with an ornament for each day, to a wrapped book for every day (I was really digging this idea) and literally everything in between... I also loved the idea of the type of calendar where there is an activity associated with each day (i.e. make hot chocolate, go caroling etc.) but since Max is only going to be seven months this December it seemed a better idea for a different year. 

 

I was pretty sure I wanted to make the Advent calendar...but then - lets be real, unless three hours suddenly gets added to each day - I wasn't going to have time for that.  Then, I thought about what Max really loves right now...which is pretty much any kind of paper that he can smoosh, crinkle, and generally tear to shreds.  So - I did turn to pinterest to see what my options were.  With a few clicks, I had printed off some numbered strips with intentions of making them into a paper chain. 

 

 

 

I had a few moments this morning (while our Christmas angel took a glorious two hour nap) to assemble the whole thing.  I could not wait until he woke up to show him what Mama created! It was pretty much love at first sight. :)  I gave it to him just to look at - and of course, he ripped it in three pieces pretty much the moment he saw it. I call that - love at first sight :)

 

(He was looking at me like, "I can have this?  Really?)

 

The above photo is blurry because well, he could not contain his excitment.  He was flapping his arms and the legs were going and it was pretty much the cutest thing ever. 

 

In conclusion - I feel pretty great about choosing the perfect advent calendar for Max.  We can rip the paper together every morning...bringing us one day closer to Christmas :)  And, as I told Rob - it was sort of a relief to let go of the pressure to create some sort of masterpiece this year.  Afterall, it's just a countdown calendar - the real gift is all of us being together. 

xoxo

 



We've Got a LOT to be Thankful For

Thanksgiving week brought lots of fun and of course, new turkey attire for every day!

 

 

On the actual day of Thanksgiving we woke up bright and early...thanks to our little turkey. 

 

We had some time to play around...but I wanted to be at Auntie Stacy's in time for the Macy's day parade...so we kept Mr. Max in his turkey onesie and bundled into the car.  I know it's totally cheesy but I love all the big balloons.  And, Florida Georgia Line performed...rather lip synced...but I still love them.  All in all it was a pretty low key day.  We didn't even make the turkey this year (!).  It was purchased from City BBQ and worth every penny not to have to slave in the kitchen for hours. 

 

 

Everyone filled in with side dishes.  I introduced a new brussel sprout salad (that went over quite well with everyone but my own father) and Bob Evans I made the mashed potatoes.

Stacy made a family favorite - seven layer salad, cornbread stuffing, and amazing (and I can't say this enough) Sangria!  I could have had like a gallon of this stuff.  It goes down that easy.

 

 

I have to say though - the crowing jewel of it all was

the turkey butter!!!

 

Is it just butter shaped into a turkey? Yes.  Is is awesome?  Yes (duh).  Did I call around to all the local grocery stores to track it down?  Of course.  And, did my fabulous husband go out at 6:00 on the evening before turkey day to pick it up.  Yes.  Because he is also awesome. 

 

Other than our delicious dinner - what was on my mind was just how much we have to be grateful for.  I'm so thankful for our little family.

 

For the time we spend together.

 

For his smiles and laughter.  And all the ways he is teaching me to slow down, be patient, and savor just how small he is now.

 

For this man of mine.

 

And for our village.  Near and Far.  Thank you for all the times you called, texted, and FaceTimed - we needed it. Oh did we need it. (Still do!) For all the times you said " you're doing great" (because so often we feel like we're way out in left field making these decisions and just hoping we're doing the right thing in the moment). You have lifted us, cheered us, and loved us.    

We are so very thankful. 

xoxo