Christmas is 6 months away!

In the spirit of Christmas being six months away (technically it was yesterday), Max decided to practice his best Kevin McCallister face...(and if you don't get that Home Alone reference, I'm not sure Max can be your friend!) hahahah!

 

"I took a shower washing every body part with actual soap; including all my major crevices; including inbetween my toes and in my belly button, which I never did before but sort of enjoyed. I washed my hair with adult formula shampoo and used cream rinse for that just-washed shine. I can't seem to find my toothbrush, so I'll pick one up when I go out today. Other than that, I'm in good shape." - Kevin McCallister (Home Alone)

 

Great holiday movie - let us know if you need to borrow it :)

 

Summer Time and the Living is Easy...

if your Max :)

Other than eating, growing, filling up diapers, and mastering the social smile (see below)...Max is well on his way to having a pretty busy summer.  Check out what he's done so far!



Here is contemplating the Browns 2013 football season - and like a typical Cleveland fan...started crying pretty soon after ;)

 

Then, he decided to meet up with his future girlfriend Brianna at Jeni's ice cream!

I think they'll make a totally precious couple!

 

 And of course, we can't forget - celebrating flag day!

He loves the USA

 

All that celebrating made him kind of tired...so he dozed on his exercise mat.

 

With renewed energy - he started to practice grabbing at his toys and even managed to grab "Maxwell Quackers" (which is what Mommy calls his duck)

 

Managed a few more smiles...

 

and made room for a little more ice cream (this time at Graeters)...

 

Whew!  After a busy few days, Max decided to relax with a bath...hang out in his robe...

 

and get cozy in his jammies!

 

He can't wait for the rest of summer!

(What a life!)

Happy Father's Day

It's funny how having a child can make you think so much about your own parents and family life.  As Father's Day rolled around and I was rushing to get all the cards and gifts together...as well as everything for our first overnight trip to Dayton - I really started to think about my dad.  So often, I think that I'm a lot more like my mom than my dad and while that might be true - there are several memories of my dad that really stand out.  My dad must have been in charge of bath time at our house because I have distinct memories of him helping me get ready for a bath and eventually shower, blow drying my hair, and making sure I looked pretty sweet (well, as sweet as you can with a curly mullet).  While I'm sure he had no idea how to work with my crazy mop of hair or what products to use - the fact that he made the time to get us ready and helped us put our best foot forward is pretty great.



Also - while my mom is the scrapbooker - my dad also made some pretty amazing home videos with our camcorder.  You know, back before there were i-phones or digital cameras - there were camcorders - which were 10 times the size of an i-phone, bulky, and you had to hold on your shoulder for long lengths of time.  No matter, my dad faithfully hauled that thing to soccer games (I mean, who doesn't want to tape their first grader picking dandelions while they were supposed to be playing soccer), and school functions (like the poetry contest where Steve Homan mispronounced my name), and he even taped my sixth grade performance (if you will) of Rachel Carson at Sugarcreek Metro Park. 



In high school - I was in the marching band (cue the nerdy uniforms, band camp, and Friday night spent at football games).  But, I will never forget my first year as drum major.  It involved a lot of drama...I was a junior and some of the seniors were not too happy about it.  Either way - I came home from school - pretty nervous because it was the big Alter versus Fairmont game (our local rivals) and there were yellow roses (our school colors were brown and gold) with a note from my dad wishing me good luck. 



My dad always knows just the right thing to say - or when not to say something (and just hands over the heating pad)!  He has been by my side, supporting me for the last 31 years - and almost six weeks ago - he supported me in a way I know he's been dreaming about for years.  He stayed up until practically two in the morning while I had a C-section and then finally got to meet his grandson!  I wish I had video of him meeting Max for the first time (but thankfully my mom took 1.2 million pictures) -- truly precious.  And dad, as Max grows and inevitably dreams in strange and wonderful ways about what he might like to do, I want to follow your lead.  I want to support him - whether on the sidelines of the lacrosse fields, or the audience of a concert hall or a myriad of other places - because of how you've supported me. If I can be anything for him like you've been for me, I know it will mean the world.

Beyond my dad, Rob also celebrated his first father's day!  Max is one lucky little boy to have him as as a dad.  Rob gets home from work and immediately washes his hands and changes shirts so he can hold Max.  He has gotten up countless times during the night for feedings, changes the stinkiest of diapers, is the master swaddler, and the falsetto voice he uses when singing or talking to Max is pretty great! 

 

Also - to my father-in-law Jim (one of the biggest supporters of the blog) - thank you for raising a patient, loyal, hard-working son - one who drops everything to help me (and now Max).  I firmly believe children are a true reflection of how they were raised and you (and Suzi) did one heck of a job!  We have enjoyed all your care packages, Facetime calls, and even postcards.  Honestly, I'm so excited for future trips to Oregon, golf outings (and then splashes in the hot tub), and for Max to hear all of your great stories! 

Truly - Rob and I are so blessed to have so many wonderful men in our lives.  We wouldn't be where we are today without all of your love and support!

 

xoxo

Macho Max - One Month

Well...we made it!  Rob and I have successfully kept a human alive for one whole month :)  While it hasn't been easy (read - there have certainly been times when I went rogue on Rob and he probably wanted to throttle me...) but please - I think we can all agree that the above pictures certainly show that Max is 1.) the most adorable child ever 2.) well cared for and 3.) well loved! 

 

We had a one month doctor's appointment on Tuesday.  And, Max is practically off the charts! Hooray!  The doctor actually said that he is measuring more like a two month old...so we must be doing something right! 

 

Length:  23 inches

 

Weight:  11 pounds 4 ounces

 

Loves:  snuggling, flinging his arms around, stretching, eating, walks around the neighborhood, and chalkboards (obviously)

 

Hates:  bathtime, being swaddled, when the car is not moving, the pacifier falling out, and explosive diapers

 

I will say, he is warming up to the idea of bathtime, now that we can put a little more water in the tub...and while he doesn't like the process of being swaddled - it's totally necessary because he is like a magician at getting his arms out and flinging them around thus waking himself up!

 

He is a good little eater...and has just starting taking five ounces in his bottle before bed.  He usually sleeps for 4 to 4.5 hours, wakes up, eats, and then sleeps another 3.  We are working on a schedule...but they say you aren't really supposed to start sleep "training" until four months and 14 pounds.  So we are just trying out best! 

 

Recently, he has been giving us lots of smiles (though I'm not totally convinced he's doing it on purpose).  He has also really begun to notice his own hands and stuffs them in his month (usually a sign that he is getting hungry).  He seems to have good neck control and we are doing "tummy time" everyday to keep that up!  Finally, when he's awake - he makes more eye contact and seems to hold our gaze longer - definitely more aware of the objects dangling on his play mat. 

 

As for mommy and daddy - I went to the doctor on Monday for a follow up.  Dr.Vanek said my incision looked great (I was like um, yeah, you did it - so give yourself a pat) - and that I could start some light exercising.  No big time runs yet - just fast walking and slow jogging if I'm feeling good. And, as for Daddy - he turned 32 last week!  He has been a life saver in keeping me calm, doing some night time feedings, cleaning up the REALLY dirty diapers, and generally just making sure Max and I are doing great!  

How We Spent the Weekend

It's safe to say that since Max arrived, our lives here at the Hauck's nest have slowed down quite a bit.  That's not to say that we are staying in entirely...just that we have to be picky about what we want to do and the time frame in which we do it. It's no joke when I say Max rules our house with a tiny iron fist...he likes his meals on time! All that considered...we had a fun weekend.. a nice mix of things we "had to do" and family time. 

 

It all started on Friday when my fabulous hairdresser Haley texted to say that she had a cancellation and did I want the time slot?  I could not text back fast enough - not only was I in need of some color, (read - Max/motherhood has given me a few more grey hairs up front) - but there is just something so relaxing about getting your hair done.  And....because Haley is the greatest - she welcomed Max coming along!  Hooray!  Three hours later I had some summer highlights and BANGS!!  What?!  I know, I know, I was skeptical too - but I have to say I love them!  Also, Max was an angel baby the whole time...mostly sleeping...until he lost his mind on the car ride home - but to be fair I knew he was hungry.  But, check out my new hot mama look! 

Next up - Saturday - and we had big plans!  Starting with a nice 2.5 mile walk at Highbanks Metro Park.  We used the multi purpose trail, which is paved, and just strolled with Max.  He makes a pretty good walking companion - usually sleeps through most of it.  He got a bit fussy...but we loosened up the straps on the his car seat and freed his little toes from the socks and he settled right down.   

 

 

(I mean really...I say this all the time...but is soooo precious!)

 

(We even saw some wildlife...in the form of this black rat snake who was sunning himself on the path...pretty neat!)

 

 

After our walk - we ate a quick lunch and head over to Lowes because I'm addicted to plants!  ha :)  Thankfully Rob and Max indulged my need for pretty flowers.  We ended up purchasing 4 more plants for around the deck and got right to work getting them in the ground when we got home. 

 

(Here is Max supervising the whole planting process from his spot on the deck!  He makes a great assistant - quick with gummy grin and shake of the fist!)  Sadly, Max cannot help daddy mow the grass yet...so we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon inside (Max napped...I did the glamorous task of laundry).  Then, we met Auntie Stacy for dinner at one of our favorite spots - Jason's Deli!  With full bellies - we headed to Krogers for some grocery shopping.  This task is hilarious because we have to put Max's car seat in the actual cart and then put the groceries around him.  Essentially, by the time we are done, the groceries are piled high and then there is no where to put the bags when we check out.  Oh well - we manage! 

(See our groceries all around him??!)

 

Next, Rob has been talking about his "birthday sundae" from Graeters ice cream for two days - so we made one more stop!

(Rob with his 1870 Tower Sundae and Max)

 

On Sunday - my mom and Stacy came and picked me up for a fun afternoon at the Columbus Arts Festival.  It was weird not having Max with me - but Rob did a great job sending me pics of their afternoon together :)

(Napping in the swing)

 

(Catching some rays...working on their tans!)

 

(Getting some mommy snuggles when I got home!)

 

A pretty great weekend indeed!





The Many Faces of Max

Max will be one month old on Sunday (*tear)...it's true what they say - time flies!  I feel so lucky to be able to stay home with him during this time and I swear he changes everyday!  Lately he has been super expressive...even sharing some "social smiles"...

here are some of my favorite pictures of his little mug!

He's warming up the camera :)

 

The above picture was on Memorial Day - he sported red, white, and blue all weekend!

Another red, white, and blue onesie (remember...I love all holidays - so clearly Max will be sporting over the top holiday gear all the time!).  As Rob said...it's hard work saluting the troops...but Max makes it look easy!

 

Love all his little duck outfits!

Max had a blow out diaper in the middle of the night...like Rob came to ask me what to do with the soiled clothes.  I was practically comatose..so I said I would take care of it in the morning - little did I know he meant poop was everywhere!  It must have come out the back of the diaper...so Rob changed him into the above sleeper -- it says "Daddy's Little Man" :)

My two favorite guys making silly faces at each other!  I love the way Max is looking up at Rob!

 

More duck outfits -- we've been having weird weather -- cooler in the morning and warming up toward late afternoon.  When I found this gem of an outfit - I knew he had to wear it pronto.  I mean please - it had a matching hat (which is actually more like a beanie) and I really had to jam it on his head :)  Quack Quack!

This is his "zoo" onesie - which he is clearly pleased with!

 

Rob and I went out for a little "date" for his birthday...leaving Max with Auntie Stacy.  While it was terrifying (read I might not every leave home without him again and I need a get rich quick scheme so I don't have to go back to work) - Auntie Stacy did great.  She is reading him a story in the above photo...and it looks like he loves it!

What a jolly smile!  love it!

Killing me with his cuteness here!

 

I literally want to eat his cheeks!  I feel like I kiss them 3.2 million times a day.  Probaby by the end of the day Max is totally annoyed..but really, they are so adorable!

 I would never call him a monster - maybe a "Maxter"??!  ha!  But...the outfit is pretty cute!

I made some muffins for the gals at work since they were gearing up to start camp this past Monday (it's our busiest season).  Rob, Max, and I delivered them to the office on Sunday evening so it would be a surprise on Monday morning.  We left notes that said "muffin man max strikes again" - ha!

 

Max really is a great travel companion - usually conking out in the car :)  On Wednesday we had a lunch date with Aunt Stacy at the Abercrombie corporate offices.  Max wore his "wild about auntie" onesie with some cargo shorts (which were practically pants) and pretty much melted everyone's hearts! Look how his hands are folded across his chest like a tiny angel :)