Play Time with Max

Now that Max is getting older and mobile -- playing is WAY more fun (and dare I say tiring?)

I'm pretty sure if he had his way, he would climb our stairs every day all day.

(Sidenote: We are totally dragging our feet on the baby proofing.  It all seems so

overwhelming!  They make like 100 different gates and none of them seem

to fit our configuration.  And oh man, don't even get me started on the cabinet locks...)

However, since we are *attempting* to keep him off the stairs... we have to distract him

with other fun things... like TOWERS!

What is it about little boys that makes them want to destroy things? 

The minute he zeroes in on a tower...it's on!  He pushes it right over.  We've gotten really creative with our tower building - using the cups, blocks, books and rings.

(Now we are working on stacking...)

 



 If a tower doesn't work...there is always books!  He loves to pull all the books

out of the basket or off the shelves.  He won't sit still for long...unless the book has flaps or texture. 

Sometimes he even likes to gnaw on them :)

 

 

The day before Valentine's day a special surprise arrived for Mr.Max....in the form of a collapsible tent!  We literally ripped the package open and popped it right up!  It is the perfect spot for

chilling, peek-a-boo, kicking some toys around (or kicking your feet around in Max's case), and generally just being lots of fun!  It also has holes on three of the sides for easy access into and out of.  And, it's Pecan approved too :)

 

 

We are still enjoying music class too!  He's still the youngest (and smallest) child there (and sometimes the only boy!) but he really seems to like it!  This past week we played with the "lolly sticks".  Max was obviously a pro at this - since he is the drummer in our family band.

 

 

We got two days of semi-nice weather last week.  You know I made Papa Rob bust out the stroller (thanks to the Griffiths family for this lovely hand me down).  At first he was so wiggly we could barely get him in (picture him sliding practically all the way out of it).  The next time, I think he understood more of what to expect so he was down with it.  I'm so looking forward to more nice weather (please tell me it's coming) - and more family evening strolls.

 

 

 

The best distraction though - seeing Daddy!  Max's whole face literally lights up when Rob enters the room.  While I'm a little jealous....it's also kind of precious.  Papa Rob's my favorite too, so I can't blame him too much.

 

 

 

Maxwell James - you are just so much fun! You are keeping us

on our toes that's for sure...and we can't wait to see what you are up to next :)

 

xoxo



31 favorite things

Last Sundy was my birthday.  I turned 32.  Instead of feeling real old (which um, yeah I do) I thought I might take a cue from another blogger and start a tradition of sharing 31 things that have made the last year pretty rad.

 

trader joes instant coffee:// I dabbled in coffee quite a bit over the last few years.  But I can safely say I need it now.  Like must have it most mornings.  My diet coke consumption has definitely gone down - but coffee intake definitely up.  I'm not sure which is worse...

maxi skirts:// So, so forgiving in the weeks (and even months) post baby. They make me feel pretty and yet hide some things that are still in progress (aka getting a somewhat less flabby stomach). I'm still loving them and looking forward to adding a few more to my wardrobe this spring and summer.

 

growing my own zuchinni:// It's true - our zuchinni plant only yielded one actual zuchinni but man oh man was I proud of that vegetable!  I posted a picture on instagram of me with the zuchinni and captioned it "turns out I can grow more than humans". :)  And then, I promptly made it into bread!

 

zinnias:// along those same lines - on May 5 my mom and Rob planted some zinnia seeds in our backyard flower beds.  I didn't put too much stock in them growing into actual plants because I had never planted something from a seed.  But - grow they did!  They grew SO tall and provided the most beautiful bouquets all summer long!  Definitely doing that again.

spanxx:// or assets, or shapewear - whatever you want to call it.  Again - so many things are jiggly and wiggly post child birth.  These body sucking garmets just hold you in and smooth you out.  While I probably couldn't wear them everyday - they definitely came in handy on special occassions when you need to feel just a little more put together.

 

group texting:// turns out on your iphone you can include more than one person on your text message.  This is so freakin handy.  And has made for lots of fun when your mom, dad, and sister are all on the same text and you're all watching the grammy's or AMA's.  Or when you're girlfriends are all watching the bachelor. It also makes it real easy to send lots of pictures of Max to lots of people at a time. Those people at apple really know what's up.

 

BANGS:// when I needed a hair change but a small one - I hastily (meaning I did not consult really anyone) got bangs.  They are most definitely more work but I like them a lot.

 

 

Scandal:// the tv show.  Olivia Pope solves all the problems (or she gets one of her gladiators to).  also her wardrobe.  Especially the coats.  I will have one of each.  Kerry Washington (the actress who plays Olivia Pope) even inspired the bangs!

 

 

menchi's:// I love frozen yogurt.  I'm kind of an expert at frozen yogurt.  Trust me - this place is the Best.  I wouldn't lie to you.  Their toppings bar is like heaven.

 

 

Chevy Equinox:// Our new "family" car.  It was a sad day (for Rob) when he sold the Rumblebee truck but I for one love love love the equinox.  I would drive it every day if I could.  I love that is still smells new. dear lord, please send me one too.

frozen meals:// You may recall that my mom and Auntie Stacy and me all got together in April of last year to cook up some yummy meals.  We traded them. And then, we froze them.  It made my life so much easier.  Planning one less meal during the week and having to do that many less dishes in clean up rocked my world.  Gals (Lynn and Candice and Kat I'm looking at you) - let me know if you want to do this sometime.  I'm in.  All in.

 

Instagram:// Facebook's out.  Instagrams in.  Really - I've posted 268 photos of Max over there.  And about 5 on Facebook.  Instagram's where it's at. 

 

Costco:// I wanted to hate this place.  I really did.  But they sucked me in with their salted carmels.  And their delicious chicken tortilla soup.  And their paper products.  And don't even get me started on sample day Saturday (really the only day you should go).  We only go once a month but I really do enjoy our trips.

 

Trader Joes pizza dough:// it's ridiculously cheap - like 99 cents or something.  And it's so much easier than making my own.  Maybe someday I will but until then - Trader Joes does it right.  It freezes well and its fun to toss into the air and pretend your a pizza master (or maybe it's just Rob and I that do that??)

 

Supper Club:// I can't believe I'm in year three of dining with these ladies.  I have only missed one month!  Can you believe it??  I don't plan on missing any more either because the food is always amazing and the company even better.

High Banks Metro Park:// Rob and I did so much walking with Max here in the summer and I can't wait to get back at it when the cold weather goes away.  It's a beautiful park with big trees, woodpeckers, spring flowers and good trails. 

 

 

Snap Chat:// another quick way to stay in touch with people.  I like to quickly snap pictures to people of Max - it's even easier than texting!  And you can doodle on the pics! 

 

Gel Manicures:// sometimes you just need to look down and see some nice looking nails.  If I'm going to spend the money on a manicure...it's likely I will be getting gel nails.  Two weeks and no chipping.  Please.  It's a no brainer.

 

 

Once Upon a Child:// I have a shopping problem when it comes to Max's wardrobe.  As in, the boy has a lot of clothes.  But, please I spent like $40 there this week and got like 40 pieces of clothing!  At $2.50 and under.  It takes some patience and not all of it is great - but I kind of like that hunt.

 

Woodhouse Spa:// After gel manicures my favorite thing to get is a massage.  This spa is in downtown Dublin and is so relaxing and wonderful.  They give you a big comfy robe and slippers and the whole experience was just dreamy.  (I got two prenatal massages). Thank goodness I still have some gift cards to use there!

 

Belvita breakfast bars:// I put these in my shopping cart every week.  It's kind of like a tasty granola bar...but better.  And now they have a "chewy" version...the mixed berry is so so good.  try it.  Let me know your thoughts.

Chambray shirt:// Goes.With.Everything.  I would wear this 5 out of 7 days a week if possible.

 

#machomax://the hashtag I created when Max was born. I'm obsessed with looking back through all the photos (like I probably do this more than one person should). I have lots of plans for those pictures!

 

"you can do anything.  but, you can't do everything":// something I still have to remind myself...this quote will probably carry on into year 32.

 

new glasses:// for Rob and for me. i knew i needed them but man oh man, I love them! 

 

polka dots:// It's fair to say that my love affair with the dots continued into year 31 and still goes strong.

 

 

PapaRob:// He will always be one of the very best things every year.  But this year especially we grew stronger and more together.  Meaning every day he reminds me that we are a team.  when I'm an emotion mess...he pulls it together and vice versa.  I can always count on him. 

 

 

Family photos:// While I balked a little at the initial "sitting fee" and then again at the actual price of the pictures I'm obsessed with the images that our photographer (the fabulous Jenny Barnes) captured.  The expressions on Max's face.  The feelings between Rob and I.  Our new little family of three.  Honestly, worth every penny.

 

Oakland Nursery:// I truly became crazy plant lady this past summer.  I would beg Rob to take us there every weekend.  And if not there, then Lowes.  He suggests I'm "crowding" our flower beds....I say no way!

 

My People:// Auntie Stacy, Grandmim, and Grandpa Tim.  We joke that our lives (meaning the Hauck family) are being held together only because of the once a week visits from these guys. I'm embarrassed to admit this is sort of true.  Just this week my mom did some laundry, cleaned the litter box, and sorted some clothes.  My dad shoveled our driveway and salted.  And Auntie Stacy encouraged me to get take a much needed sick day. The way they take care of us can only be described as generous, thoughtful, and heartwarming.

 

Max:// easily the thing I am most fond of.  He has certainly made our days so much more fun.  I'm obsessed with his hair.  His wardrobe.  His chubby thighs.  His chin dimple.  His gumby-like legs. His giggle.  All of it.

 

 

Absolutely can't wait to see what 32 holds.

xoxo

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Last Sunday we attempted to create some Valentines for Max's "school" party.

I had found an idea on Pinterest that involved a fish theme.  So, I die cut some

fish on cardstock at work...and then let Max paint them with different shades of pink paint.

 

 

I squirted the paint directly on the tray of his high chair. He noticed it

right away and put his fingers in it.  Then he wasn't sure what to do....

 

 

Finally he began to run his fingers over the fish and picked some of them up to investigate.

Grandmim also did some strategic encouraging and off he went!

 

 

 

At the end he had "painted" about 12 Valentines fish! 

 

 

Later on in the week Papa Rob and I assembled bags of PepperRidge Farm goldish with

tags that said "I'm so glad you're in my school".  And Max took them to school tday!

I love doing these kinds of projects :)

 

Bonus for us - when we got to school, Max had created this precious

canvas for us!  Love it!!

 

 

My darling Valentine's :)  I'm a lucky gal!

XoXO

 



A Dynamic Duo

Batman and Robin.  Tom and Jerry. Bert and Ernie.  Kermit and Piggy.

Enter Grandmim and Auntie Stacy.

This particular dynamic duo swooped in last Saturday night so

Papa Rob and Mama could attend a wedding (#bgsquared).

I'm never really worried leaving Max with these two because

I know they will dote on him, entertain him (or be entertained by him),

sneak him treats, and generally give to his every whim. 

This child already has them wrapped around his chubby little fingers.

 

They arrived about 3:30 (we had to be out the door at 4). 

I gave them some light instructions since they

had previously babysat only just a few Saturdays before

and we were on our way.

 

And then....I got some super fun pictures all night long!

So much so that Papa Rob got jealous and needed

in on all the fun too!

 

Here he is...practicing his "you will give me anything I want" face!

 

 

I mean obviously a selfie was in order. He's getting pretty good at them :)

 

 

Auntie Stacy got the "chomp and clack" alligator walking toy up and going to!

From the looks of it in the second picture - he was getting tired and needing a ride.

 

I think we've recruited another member for the family band!  Consider this your official invitation

to "MJ and the Rockers" Auntie Stacy.  You can accompany Max on his drum solos (or sing alto because we all know who the soprano in this family is!) #itsme

 

 

Max is showing off his new favorite book - "Ducks".  In this

riveting tale the ducks do things like splash and dive.  But, the best

part is that the "ducks" are foam pieces that come out of the book

and he can chew on them.   Max apparently also wanted to show off

his sippy cup drinking skills!

 

 

By the time we got home (around 9:30) - they had played all night, fed him, bathed him,

and put him to bed!  They even managed to get dinner themselves (even though we offered to have

a pizza ready for them).  Auntie Stacy revealed that she likes to babysit with Grandmim because Mim does all the not so fun tasks (i.e. changing dirty diapers, filling up the bath tub, cleaning up after dinner etc.) and then she gets to do lots of the fun stuff! ha!  No matter how they work it though - I can't tell you how much joy it brings us to be able to leave

for the night and know that Max is going to be well taken care of (maybe even spoiled... ;)



9 Month Update

I feel like every month I'm rendered almost speechless as I look back through the weekly photos.  As much as I hate admitting it, my wee little man is not so little any more - in fact he's nine months!  He's been on the outside now for just as long as he was inside.  And, as much as I enjoyed the "in" - the "out" is just better and better everyday! 

 

 

 

 

We had a regulary scheduled doctor's appointment today.  It was a bit grueling in that we had to fill out a six page "test" with questions pertaining to Max's gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social skills, sleeping etc. It really forces you to think about how your child is developing (and possibly freak out a little bit) as well as making you aware of how "in the moment" you should try to be when interacting with your baby (aka put down the phone sometimes :) That said - he passed! haha!  The doctor said he was doing great - we talked a bit about food and bottles (because I had lots of questions) and she sent us on our merry way.

 

Weight:  23 lbs 8 oz

Height:  30 inches

Such a Big Boy: Full on crawling, pulling up, eating more solids, using a sippy cup, and finally sleeping through the night

 

Still our Baby: Oh so chubby, snuggly and sweet, loves his bottle and pacifier

 

On the development side

 

Crawling:  Last I updated - he was army crawling everywhere.  And suddenly, almost overnight, he got really good at full on crawling.  He got his belly off the ground and it all clicked into place.  Can you believe it?  My little used to be embryo is crawling!!  He crawls everywhere - in the family room, all over his room, and even down the hallway.  We need to take some time and really babyproof this house ...but there never seems to be enough time!  For now, if we keep an eye on him and "spot" him near the stairs it seems to be fine. 

 

Sitting:  He is an excellent sitter!

 

Pulling up:  I used to call him "gumby" because his legs seemed so bendy but - lately he puts more weight on them.  We often find him standing in the crib after nap time (enough that we lowered the mattress).  He can also pull up on the stairs, couch, high chair, and ottoman. 

 

Playing:  Max is so much fun to play with these days!  He loves to pull out all the books and is especially obessed with "tactile" books (meaning something he can touch, turn, or pull on the page).  He still LOVES his instruments - probably the drums most.  He will use the drum sticks to bang on just about anything. We use the stacking cups to build tower after tower that he knocks down.  Also - homeboy loves to "rough house".  Meaning - he will crawl over to you, pull up and flop on you.  Then, if you flip him on his back - he will just roll all over you (Auntie Stacy started this habit....and he's super in to it!)  Another funny thing I discovered is that if you put a small blanket over your head and ask "where's mama" or "where's dada" - he will crawl right over and pull it off.  It's his version of peek-a-boo, I think.  I would also be remisce if I did not mention he is OBSESSED with out cat, Pecan Sandy. Sadly, Pecan does not reciprocate his love and usually runs away (much to Max's chagrin) - though she will stick around if he's eating cheerios. (She likes to "clean up" after his mess).

 

Babbling:  Max loves to babble!  We are hearing lots of "da dads" and "ma ma" too!  Mixed in with lots of "ya ya", and the "na na" and "ga ga" sound!  He also likes to experiment with the pitch of the sounds...almost like he's trying to get our attention! ha!

 

Eating

 

Max still drinks four bottles a day (8:30, 12ish, 4ish, and 7).  While we prepare eight ounce bottles - he generally drinks somewhere between six and eight ounces.  His favorite is the bedtime bottle -- he will usually drink all of that! We aren't too worried about him drinking the full eight ounces all the other times because it's natural for babies to start drinking less when they eat solids and generally start to wean themselves as they get closer to one year.

 

As for meals - Mama still feeds him breakfast - usually a grain based cereal with pureed fruit or vegetable and one or two finger foods.  The babysitter gives him a snack (toast, mum mum, cracker, or softened fruit).  We finish up with dinner at home.  The biggest changes are that we are trying to offer/give more protein (so far chicken, turkey, and beef) - he usually eats about 2-3 ounces and also more pureed fruits and veggies.  More recently he has tried steamed broccoli, asparagus, soft cheddar cheese, yogurt, pasta (bow-tie) and banana!  He can totally get down on a banana.  Basically we try to "deconstruct" whatever we are eating so he can have some too.  It's just so hard to monitor how much he is eating of "solid" foods - so we still offer the other pureed stuff too!  The finger foods we are using include - puffs, mum-mums, crackers, toast, yogurt bites, and these things look like cheetos (but aren't).

 

The sippy cup is going So Much Better!  We give it to him regularly and he probably drinks about 2-4 ounces of water a day (which the doctor said was great!)

 

Sleeping

 

I'm proud to say that he pretty consistently sleeps through the night!  We went through a rough patch during some teething (on the top) - but that can't really be helped.  And, the baby orajel was pretty great during this time.  Most nights he will wake up and babble a bit in the morning (around 5) but we don't go in and he usually goes back to sleep.  The past two weeks, he has been waking up around 6:15 and then I go get him from the crib and bring him back in bed with me.  We snuggle for a bit and he usually falls back asleep.  I love this time (so much in fact it made me late today! ha!)

 

Napping is usually pretty good - still two naps a day (morning and afternoon).  Morning nap at about 9:15 AM for an hour and fifteen mintues or longer.  Afternoon nap about 1:45ish for an hour or so.  All total he gets about 13-14 hours of sleep a day (wish I were getting this much!)

 

Just plain fun...

 

Renewed interest in clapping, still trying to put together a "wave", creating Valentine's (stay tuned), having Auntie Stacy and Grandmim babysit two times (for a work event and wedding), new toys, music class (on Tuesdays), a big boy car seat, messy meal times, bathtime splashes in the ducky, snow days in his snow suit, and his first piece of "art" came home from school! 

 

Can't believe this babe is NINE months old. We love you Max, forever and ever and ever!

xOXo



Super love at the Superbowl

One of the perks of having Auntie Stacy live in town (other than free babysitting, hand me down clothes, supper club, endless phone chats/Facetime, and Sunday Suppers) is that her friends have slowly become my friends!  And who doesn't need more friends?  When Stacy and I lived together at Chandlee Place (or the Nut, as we loving referred to it), she introduced me to Liz!  We all started working out together, grabbing pizza, crafting on the weekend and then it eventually led to full blown friendship.  Fast forward a couple years and Liz is now married and the mother to Max's girlfriend, Brianna.

 

You may recall that Max and Brianna have been on just two previous dates - you know we're all about taking it slow here :)  We started out with an ice cream date (#classic) and then a Zoo date (#predictable)...but on Sunday, Liz and her husband Jordan hosted a Superbowl Party! While we knew we couldn't stay for the whole thing - it was basically an absolute must that we get these two cuties together again (or maybe it was all the amazing appetizers and promise of not having to cook dinner...but I digress). 

 

Max started out as the youngest baby there (but later, a darling five month old named Aubrey showed up and stole the show)...so he was acting a little shy.  He was very content to just sit with Rob, Auntie Stacy, or me.  But - after awhile the call of the new, SHINY toys couldn't be denied.  We sat him down on the carpet and let him go to town.  Eventually him and Brianna ended up next to each other...and here's how it played out.

 

At first - they were all...oh we're sitting next to each other?  We hadn't noticed...

Max is playing it real cool here...rolled up shirt sleeves, sporty thermal and coy smiles..

 

Then, Max zeroed in on the fact that Brianna had a water bottle.

(This is so funny because I thought it might just be Max that liked

water bottles...turns out most kids are fans of them. It's the little

things I guess).  So ...now he's like...ohhh I want Brianna that water bottle.

 

Now - here's where we need a little "sharing is caring" reminder. 

But basically they are both trying to play with the water bottle.

It didn't end all that great - there was some fussing,

some hair pulling (Max has lots of hair to grab) and then

later possibly some jousling.  BUT -

 

Then, Max was like let me show you this awesome

Hoberman sphere...it's magic! (which Brianna probaby already

knew because it's her toy #babyproblems).  However, she does

look like she is entranced.

 

Then, she was like - "let me show what it does!"

And he was mesmorized!  Amazing!  Falling in love

over mutual love of toys :)

 

It was such fun seeing all the kiddos together!  And Liz was

an excellent host...all the best toys, a high chair to borrow, and no

judgement when I busted out my jarred baby food. 

Can't wait to get everyone together again.

XOxo