Adventures in Eating

A few days after Max hit five months, we embarked on a major milestone event - eating food!

For the last five months Max has had nothing but plain old Similac formula, so we were excited to see how he would take to real live food. There are about a million different ways to introduce solids, so I won't get into all that crazy decision making here (plus our pediatrician seemed pretty loosey goosey about it)...but we are tentatively giving purees a shot for now and hope to add in some baby led weaning down the road.  (So...just so we're on the same page, baby led weaning means instead of mashing up food and feeding via spoon, we would let Max take the lead, and try whole foods at his own speed...even without teeth!)

So we stripped him down (he does still have a diaper on, despite appearing deliciously naked in photos), plopped him in the baby seat, and busted out the cameras to watch and record as the first feeding commenced.  Warning: Prepare yourself for unreasonable cuteness.

 

So..since we decided to try purees first - it seemed a natural choice to go with rice cereal. The whole time I was mixing it - I was thinking, this looks so unappetizing.  Literally, like wall paper paste.  And, since we have no clue what we're doing - we just put it on the spoon and expected him to gobble it down.  Hisfaces were classic. He kept looking at us like we had all made some terrible mistake. Surely this wasn't for eating, and could we please help her get this horrible stuff off of his tongue?! We stuck with it for two more days...and then decided to switch things up. 

 

Because I'm winging this whole parenting thing - I saw three ripe bananas on my counter and thought...what the heck - let's see what he thinks!  First, I cut up some slices...

 

and encouraged him to try it.  I was thinking he would be a natural, as pretty much anything that comes into his little paws ends up in his mouth, but he was slow to embrace this new slimey treat.  He cautiously and thoroughly inspected it.

 

 

When he was brave enough to pick it up and put it in his mouth...he kind of just gummed it.  Then, he would let it fall to the tray and mashed it all around.  He pushed all the pieces around, rubbed them on his onesie (don't you love that it's sleeveless?), and even offered the bananas up to us.  The next night - I mashed up half a banana and added some formula and spoon fed it to him.  This went over wayyyyy better than the rice cereal.  At one point he was even opening his mouth up for more. 

 

I think we will stick with purees for awhile.  I'm going to try and make some of my own and supplement also with store bought.  We stocked up on a few 1st food flavors this weekend.

And...we even busted out the high chair too!  He looks pretty adorable in it.  His first food in the high chair was sweet potatoes.  I fed him the first half and daddy took over for a little more. It's safe to say those went over well!

Each time we feed him - he seems to catch on a little bit more and more actually stays in his mouth (the first few trys his tongue pretty much pushed all the food right back out).

Something tells me he'll soon be eating us out of house and home!

 

Sidenote for Max:  If you haven't figured it out yet...your Dad and I are pretty much just winging it. Each day we make decisions that we hope are the right ones...whether it be with food or sleeping...or even diaper sizes!  We're supposed to have it all together and be able to help you navigate through all life's adventures and we will surely do our best - but also we will probably make mistakes. Just know this: our knowledge base is decidedly limited (the memory of us leaving the hospital and Rob going..."they just let us leave...no one stopped us comes to mind) but our love for you is truly beyond measure. 

Uncle Nick is in the House

Tuesday was a special day for Mr. Max....he finally got

to meet his one and only uncle...Uncle Nick!  Uncle Nick is Rob's brother and

lives in Arizona (though we keep hoping he, Cassie, and Charlotte move to Ohio....

I mean really...did everyone get the memo about moving to Ohio?)  I'm not sure

how long it will take until people start listening to me (aka let's buy

a cul de sac of house together and live happily ever after)...so we will have

to take these little nuggets of time together and make the most of it.

He flew in to Columbus, rented a car, and drove straight over.  We had

delicious Pei Wei waiting for him (I know I know...I'm such a gracious host). :)

But obviously the truth is - Max stole the show of course.  How could he not?

Nick was quick to scoop him up and give him some love.  That's what I

love about Max - so quick to show the love.  And even though Nick hasn't been

around a baby in awhile - he was a pro.  He had lots of good advice to dispense,

encouraging words to lift our spirits, and a gentle reminder that it all goes by so fast.

 

Before we knew it - it was well past Max's bedtime and he was quickly entering

crazytown (otherwise known as overly tired town). We grabbed one last shot of

all the Hauck boys together and Nick hit the road!

I love this picture. Some of my favorite peeps - all in one place. 

And stunningly handsome I might add. 

Can't wait for more Uncle Nick snuggles.

XoXo



5 Months

They say time does fly when you're having fun...and oh boy are we!  Our little

man is five months already!  Here goes another round of weekly photos...

 

 

 

 

There is no "scheduled" five month doctor appointment so we have to wait

a few more weeks to get his "official" stats again.. but we have some educated guesses

given that he has had to go to the doctor twice for illness (boo!!).

 

Weight: 18 lbs 3 oz

 

Length: 28 inches

 

What's New: rolling over, starting rice cereal, size 3 diapers,

taking amoxicillin, exploring with his hands, and expressing when he's not happy about something (i.e. you took something away from him that he liked playing with)

 

Same Old: big smiles, big appetite, loves music, bedtime routine, and napping in the Ergo

 

And a bit more about our month...

 

Max had his first "unscheduled" doctor's appointment this month. He began getting sniffly, sneezy, and runny nosey...and we waited it (impatiently I might add) until we just couldn't take it (#firsttimeparents).  We visited the doctor on a Saturday and were reassured it was just congestion. However, by Wednesday his voice had become hoarse and he was pulling at his ears.  Now, generally Rob and I can't make a decision to save our lives...but we both agreed pretty quickly to visit the doctor again.  We packed up super quick and made it there by 5:45 (they have walk in sick hours between 5-6) to be told that he did in fact have an ear infection.  Cue the drama...and pass the new mom guilt.  We were prescribed amoxicillin and were on our way home from Walgreens in no time.  Mr. Max spent the next ten days getting 4 mL of amoxicillin twice daily...which then led to him filling diaper after diaper...and then a very red bottom!  Several people recommended letting him go without a diaper to help "air things" out and that worked...but not without an unfortunate incident on the carpet...ahem.  :)  By the end of the amoxicillin I was ready to throw it out the window!  I practically had the nurse's line on speed dial...but we survived and are currently battling another cold...ah the joys of daycare.

 

Max enjoyed his first trip to the Zoo with his Grandmim.  They came for an Ohio Health

Hoof-it Tour...but also because there was a free photo booth ....and let's be honest...I couldn't wait to get his little mug in there! He was quite cooperative...happy to indulge me in a fake mustache or four.

 

We have also discovered Max loves to swing at the park! 

The park near our house has a very large swing set and playground...as well as soccer fields, and tether ball to boot - but it's really the swings we love!  He willingly sits in the swing and then loves a gentle push to get him going.  I can tell we will be spending lots of time here in the future.

 

Our evenings are pretty low key because we like to stick with our bedtime routine as much as possible.  It goes something like this - books, bath, dry off/diaper change/infant massage, then bottle, and bed.  Sometimes he falls asleep and sometimes he doesn't.  We've been letting him "cry it out" some nights - which to be honest is quite terrible.  But - he does need to learn how to put himself to sleep ...so we're working on it.  (read - I'm trying not to feel guilty while nursing a few glasses of wine to endure the crying). We hit some rough patches when he was sick (and frankly some nights still) when he wakes up and wants the pacifier.  I would rather not use the pacifier all the time because I don't want him to rely on it - but sometimes I also need to sleep -- so in it goes. The other thing that is crazy - he moves around SO much in his sleep.  Rolling, switching sides, and even ending up horizontal sometimes! This makes me wish we had a video monitor...

 

Max has quite the appetite these days...but we decided to *try* and get him on a schedule - so he eats 8 ounces (give or take) every four hours - most days this works out to be 8am, 12 pm, 4 pm, and 7:30/8pm at night.  I like this becuase it means he gets two bottles at school and two bottles at home. Rob and I can each give a bottle at home...and trust me...Max would not let us forget a bottle :)

 

Overall - we are finally finding our stride as a family of three (you know just in time to shake things up and introduce solids)! We enjoyed lots of Saturdays out together...trips to Costco, football watching, hiking in our local parks, apple picking, and swinging!  Max is such a happy little guy on all these trips...definitely a chill baby..and we couldn't be happier he's here!

Grandparent Visits

Probably some background is needed before I type out a novel on the awesome visit we just had from Grandpa Jim.  Even before Max was born - I considered myself pretty lucky, in that I married into a family that welcomed me with open arms from the first time I met them.  I was nervous as could be about meeting Rob's parents but we've always had a great relationship (which isn't easy considering they both live on the west coast).  Grandpa Jim and Grandma Sugar are in Oregon and Mema and Pops are in Arizona! No matter where they are though - suffice it to say we are really thankful for families who love us. 

 

However in the nine months of pregnancy...I had read one to many horror stories on blog boards, baby center, parent magazines etc. etc. that said "oh my in-laws were great....until we had kids". It left me a little leary about how our respective relationships might change once our baby boy was born.  I've come to believe that, of course there will be some increased natural tension once baby arrives and the dynamic of family shifts (read- I go crazy because of lack of sleep and my over emotional state and possibly my inability to communicate what I really need sometimes). But, I know Rob and I both believe that one of the best things we can give Max is a great relationship with both sides of our families. 

 

Reflecting on that idea a little more - I think sometimes tension can rise because of fear.  Fear that grandparents who aren't physically here as much be cut out of their grandchildren's lives.  I never fully understood this until Max arrived and thought how terrible it would be if his significant other didnt like me or worse, want me around.  Let’s be honest: as wife I have a lot of influence over Rob and this in turn extends to Max.  The more I thought about it - the more I want ALL grandparents to know how much we value them and want them to have a place in Max's life. 

 

I guess I feel the need to put this all out there because - we had both of Rob's parents visit this summer!  Mema and Pops came out for several weekends in August - they got their fill of Max snuggles, love, and abundant smiles.  They were even able to stand with us as we baptized Max and exchanged wedding vows in the Catholic church.  Then, this past week/weekend Grandpa Jim was in from Oregon! 

(And I have a sneaky suspicion he got my hint about the need for more Oregon gear. He

brought jerseys, onesies, and even t-shirts!  Grandma Sugar also picked up some cute things from

Old Navy and this epic elephant hat)

(What? Your Grandpa doesn't bring you computers?  Too bad for you Max says...or

he would say, if he weren't too busy catching up on his correspondence).

 

Being the planner that you know I am - I had SO many things I wanted to do while Grandpa Jim was here - pumpkin farms, hikes in the park, visiting the playground, getting frozen yogurt, attending the car show, and the perhaps biggest feather in my fictitious cap - scoring tickets to the President's Cup.  Well...I should have known better!  First, Max was getting over an ear infection and finishing up his ten days on amoxicillin...which led to filling up about 10-12 dirty diapers A DAY between Friday and Sunday!  You can imagine what fun that was (read - extra loads of laundry, hosing down the car seats, and making bathroom trips at nearly every restaurant we ate at).  Then....the rain came.  And not just a sprinkle...but monsoons sheeted down starting Friday afternoon...when Rob and and Jim were at the green farthest from the club house.  Needless to say - they arrived home soaking wet.

(But hey! Here they are pre-soaking...all smiles!)

 

Even though the rain cancelled out dampened some of my plans...we did manage to make it out to Costco on Saturday, two plant nurseries (for pumpkins), the grocery store, and several nice dinners. 

(Pumpkin Patchin with Macho Max)

 

 Sometimes I just need to remember - it's not all about the grandious plans or visions I have in my head...mostly grandparents just want to hang out with Max (I mean really, who can blame them).  It doesn't matter if it's in a field of pumpkins or at our house.  You better believe Grandpa Jim got in some snuggle time!

So, unless any grandparents want to relocate to Columbus (and believe me, we would for sure encourage this) - we will always be at least an hour from each of you.  I know this has been a source of heartache for us, and I'm sure you've spent some time thinking about it to.  We don't know exactly what the future will hold - but we do know that we will do whatever it takes to make sure no set of grandparents is left out of Max's life. But, it's not just Max we are worried about.  We need you in our lives, as well. Just because we're all grown up, doesn't mean we don't still need you as role models and wise counsel.  I love knowing that we have three sets of grandparents to go to when we need advice, helping hand, or just some time with family. Most of all, there is nothing more important to me than that you love Max so completely. It's truly a gift to my heart.

XoXo

A Perfect Day for Picking

Fall is by far my favorite season...so I have a list a mile long of special

things I would like to do with Max during this spectacular time of year!

This list may or may not be called "Fall Family Fun"..okay, okay..it is.

And when Grandmim was here this past week we decided to cross one item

off the list...and it was apple picking!  There is only one apple

orchard I know of in the greater Columbus Area and it's called "Lynd's Fruit Farm".

While it's kind of off the beaten path..it's totally worth it because once you

get there, it's miles and miles of apple orchards.  The particular weekend they were

picking "Jonagold" and "Golden Delicious".

We picked the perfect day for being in the orchards (read - they were practically empty)

and the apples were everywhere!  As we pulled into the orchard, the woman sent us off with our

"20 pound bag" and her parting words were "eat a lot of apples and stuff the bag full because

we don't weigh them"! Done and done. 

I did a quick taste test of the Jonagold - one bite in and I was not impressed.  So, I tossed it. 

Literally - I threw it on the ground (don't judge me - there were plenty like it). So, we

headed over to the rows of Golden Delicious.  Now, these were so tasty!  Grandmim and I

munched our way through the orchard - even Max wanted to help.

Cutest little apple picker I ever did see!  His little chubby hands were

so curious...pulling at the leaves from the Ergo.

Honestly, it didn't take long to fill up our bag.  And while doing so visions

of homemade applesauce for Max danced in my head!  (Sidenote: if anyone

has ever made homemade applesauce, I would love to hear about it...because

I have no idea what I'm doing).

Max and I made a pretty good team :)

 

After frolicking in the orchard and Grandmim shoving as many apples

in the bag as she could possibly carry (it's quite possible there were 40 pounds

worth of apples) - we made our way over to the farm market.

On top of apple orchards - Lynd's Fruit Farm has a giant pumpkin patch,

corn maze, pear picking, and a GIANT farm market full of produce, baked goods,

crafts, and any kind of fall pumpking/squash/gourd variety you can think of. But, even before we

made our way inside we took lots of fun fall pictures with Mr. Max.  He was happy

to oblige of course - and someone even said "Is he for sale?  You have him in the

pumpkin bin?!"  um no...crazy lady - he's all mine!!

(How tall this fall sign)

I tried to convince my mom that we should take a corn stalk home but she wasn't

so sure...space in the Vibe is limited.  Max told me he wouldn't mind sharing the

backseat with some corn though...

Max loved these hay bales...he's very into grabbing and touching EVERYTHING!

Nothing is safe from his little mitts - but it's a good sensory experience

so I'm okay with it :)

Giant chair - tiny baby. Love :)

 

We wrapped up our visit with purchasing gourds, mini pumpkins, 3 fall wreaths made of

Indian corn, and one apple cider slushy. It was a pretty great day and I didn't feel

one bit guilty about not being at work! ha! :)

Can't wait for more fall fun with Grandpa Jim this coming weekend! 

Pumpkin Patch here we come!!

xOxO

Auntie Stacy and Max

I knew when Max was born that our family would love him (i mean, duh) but it was hard

to picture how that would really all play out.  But, I think it's safe to say that we are

surrounded by family and friends, both near and far, that cannot get enough of him!  We feel so    lucky that people want daily pictures, email updates, blog updates, instagram pics, snaps, and even phone calls all the time about our little man.  It's not a bad problem to have really...because I'm pretty willing to tell anyone and everyone how amazing Max is alllllll day long. 

 

One such person who also cannot get enough of our little man is Auntie Stacy! 

Through a weird set of circumstances...she found herself babysitting him all day long

on Monday.  Now...this is kind of amazing, considering that all of high school and

much of college this girl told me she "didn't like kids from birth until about 16". (Hence

why she worked in the air conditioned office at the Park District...and I was camp counselor...or why I worked at a children's toy store and she worked in the Deli at our local grocery store...but I digress).  It's kind of crazy though because children LOVE her! My child included :) 

Stacy has a natural patience for them, can make them laugh, and gets right down on their level. 

 

Even before Max came along she was proudly stepping into her role as an Auntie ...I mean I'm pretty sure Max got more presents than I did last Christmas from her!  And, she threw an amazing baby shower for us...and now she even has a special chair for Max at her house, toys, swaddle blankets, and a bottle.  If you peeked in her fridge there might be some formula in there.  When she got here on Monday morning (bright and early at 7:30 with coffee for me!!!) - I wasn't even worried about Max because I knew she would be amazing!  She kept me entertained all day long with pictures and her commentary.  Let's take a look...

 

Here's the main man - just before Auntie's arrival - he can't wait to monkey around with her!

A parting shot of the goofballs on my way out the door

Just about an hour or so later - she got Max down for his first

nap of the day...and a swaddle too.  (Please note - we have only been swaddling

him the last couple days because of his cold - and he normally sleeps in his crib...

but being upright helps the congestion drain).

Play time ...and then shortly after she said "he had a rough time with

the bottle because he was trying to eat and poop at the same time!"

Maybe he's going to be a multi-tasker like his mama...

They made it through a BLOW OUT diaper...or "15 wiper" as Stacy

described it, by holding hands.  Such a gentleman!

More playing - Max has gotten really good at holding and grabbing

things...apprently he couldn't decide here...so he held both captain calamari

and the duck!

Stroller time! (He's got his skeptical look on because I made Stacy

take a thick blanket because the temperatures are dropping!)

Some more play time...this child loves to look at his own mug in the mirror!

Can't say that I blame him...he's one good looking baby :)

Hey...look..he's wearing a new outfit!  Stacy said she only glanced away for

a second and he was peeing all over himself!  I must say...he hasn't done that in

quite awhile -- but I think he was just giving her a run for the money.  Thankfully

Auntie Stacy picked out a cute outfit (one she bought I might add) and even

threw a load of dirty clothes in the washer for me.

They finished out the day with lots of play time -

and he even rolled over for her.  This is a trick he seems

to do when he thinks no one is watching...sneaky little thing!

All in all it was a busy day for both Max and Auntie...

so much so that he needed a little cat nap when Daddy got home

We can't thank Stacy enough - not just for loving on on Max and giving him the best care...but for taking care of us too!  She recently referred to herself as "the third wheel in our family" but to be honest - her presence is so welcomed all the time!  She gives us yummy left overs...buys us ice cream...doesn't freak out when we can't put her shelf up correctly the first time...and most importantly keeps it real.  Girl knows when to give us a good dose of perspective. 

We love you Auntie Stacy!

xOxO



Around Here

College Football://  Tis the season! Basically that means that Max

needs to rep for our favorite teams -- thus you will

see him most Saturdays in Scarlet and Grey or Gold and Green.

I'm quite certain that Max has no real opinion either way regarding the teams

he is supporting...but he looks pretty cute none the less.

Note to Grandpa Jim - his Buckeye gear far exceeds his Ducks gear....

maybe you can help us with that?  :)

Pumpkin Spice Lattes:// Oh man, I love the fall for so many reasons

(see pumpkins, gourds, candy corn, costumes etc.) but pumpkin

spice lattes are up there too.  Thank goodness there is always a Starbucks close by.

Tummy Time:// Max has never really been a fan.  He goes through phases

where he tolerates it and other days when he just wants to face plant into the carpet. 

He's getting to the point where the Boppy is pretty helpful.  Not only does it support

his upper body a bit...but it serves as a drool mat too! And drool he does...maybe he's

concentrating too hard?  Thinking about his next bottle?  Dreaming of his next date

with Brianna?  No matter...even with a little dribble he's still handsome.

Caught in Khaki:// oh yes we were!  It's Jack Hanna's 35th anniversary at the Zoo!

Zoo staff surprised him on Wednesday morning by all wearing these "custom" Jack Hanna shirts.  Everywhere you looked...it was a sea of khaki. We also took a Zoo wide staff picture.

Rob and I stood next to each other...awww!

Also - there were free Tim Horton's coffee and donuts...they really know the

way to our khaki lovin' hearts.

Gnome onesie:// not much to say about this other than Max makes gnomes look good!

This look://  brought to you by Nose Frida snot sucker.  This week Max

suddenly became congested, sniffly, and coughy (not even sure that's a word).  Either way,

he seemed pretty miserable.  Since he's not quite capable yet of blowing his own nose -

we bought this handy tool that literally I suck the snot out of his nose via a little tube.  One end

goes up to his nostril and the other end goes to my mouth. Don't

worry there is a filter between us...so I won't catch his germs...but this process

is not for the faint of heart.  Rob literally almost had to leave the room.  haha!

Four months into motherhood and I'm already not intimidated by a little boogies...bring it on!

Daycare:// The lady who watches Max sends us pictures and this one is pretty cute :) 

This is Max and his buddy Ronin just chillin in the grass on Friday.

Auntie Stacy:// or "Tee Tee" as we are now calling her.  This came about because

between now and 6 months, Max should start being able to start stringing consonant sounds

togther (i.e. ma-ma, da-da)..  Stacy might be hard for him to say for awhile...but

"tee-tee" should work just fine! Can't wait to start hearing that.  I swear I heard him make a "d" sound this weekend... maybe he's close? #geniusbaby

 

xOxO