Mondays with Crosby

At 11:24 am, Crosby Fox turned 26 weeks old!!! He is officially 6 months old!!! And what an amazing 6 months this has been. Labor, breastfeeding, pumping, supplements, sleepless nights, fussy phases, spit up on our clothes, poop in my lap (twice). I would do it all over again and again. He is worth every single second!! :)

Crosby is taking 5, 6-7 ounce bottles every day. We haven't been super consistent with solids up until this point, which is fine with me. We plan to make it part of our daily routine now that he is 6 months. He is watches everything we put in our mouths now. He even opens his mouth when we do! I think he is ready for solids for sure! He continues to talk and squeal with joy. We love hearing his voice. He still loves the Nuk but is willing to take the Playtex pacifier as well. That makes me happy because I prefer the colors of the Playtex pacifiers!! Silly...I know! His absolute favorite thing to do is chew on his hands or ours. I don't feel any teeth yet but he sure acts like they coming soon! Crosby still sleeps through the night, usually going down around 8:00 pm and waking up at 7:00 am. As of late, he has been taking at least 2 naps a day without issue. He still loves his activity mat and bouncy seat. He uses his "movie seat" (swing) several times a week. It mellows him out like a charm. He is starting to spend more time in his exersaucer now and is starting to enjoy it more. Crosby still prefers to be on his back. However, he is starting to roll to his stomach and is tolerating tummy time much better. We are now really working on sitting and he is doing well. See...

He is able to sit straight up for a few seconds at a time. Don't think poorly of me when you see the pictures below. I remembered you could watch videos online and I wanted to see if he would respond to Mickey on the computer screen like he does with his stuffed animal! He LOVED it! He kept reaching for him and smacking his hands against the CPU!!

It was good exercise...sitting balance, trunk control, head control, forward reach...lots of good stuff!!! I have only let him do this twice!!! We will not make a habit of this for sure! :)

Speaking of good habits, we celebrated his 1/2 year birthday with a nice, healthy meal. We heard on the news that Krispy Kreme was serving a new product...Donut Sundaes!!! We thought they were giving them away so we stopped in. Turns out we just got a free sample of ice cream! Oh well, it was good and we got a few donuts to go with it!

By the "HOT NOW" sign!!

On a healthy note, Crosby and I have added something else to our routine. He will be spending time in here while I do a little exercise!!!

I re-joined the YMCA after being on "medical leave" for almost a year now! I know, I could have joined for several months now. There are multiple reasons (excuses) that I have not done so. You are supposed to limit activity for the first 6 weeks after childbirth, so there is excuse #1. Dr. Patton specifically told me to avoid the Y for the first 12 weeks of Crosby's life. Excuse #2. Then I was worried about my milk supply dropping, which is the 3rd excuse I have been using most these days. The hit to the checking account was the 4th excuse that has kept me away. And there is the 5th and final excuse, which is probably the main problem...lack of motivation!!

So, I am trying to turn over a new leaf and get myself in shape again. We have a long way to go, made evident by the urge to stop after completing only 3 minutes of a 30 minute elliptical workout!!! Finding a good time to go is going to be tricky as well. Today, Crosby got up at 7:15. Then I pumped while he took his bottle. After getting dressed and ready, we drove 1.1 miles to the Y. I had him signed by 8:15 and headed off to burn a few calories. I wanted to lift weights but found Mr. Crosby in the nursery falling asleep in the swing! Ohhh, no sir! I decided to pack him up and take him home because I did not want him to miss out on a good 2 hour nap. I had to pester him to keep him away for the 1.1 mile drive back home. Luckily he made it to his bed and slept like a dream! I do best if I go first thing in the morning. But Crosby takes his first nap within an and hour and a half or two after waking. I am not sure how to balance both of our needs so he wins!! I really, really, really want to get back to the gym on a routine basis. I will take any and all accountability partners...

This is what we did after that morning nap I referred to! Perspective pictures...

Crosby and his bear in the chair...

He isn't as tall as it seems. He just wants to sit up rather than lean back like he used to! But he is getting much bigger...

Crosby and his bear side by side!

He wanted both hands in the picture...

Piggies...

Upside down...

And I forgot to take a picture of his head next to my hand. I knew I was missing something!!! I will have to get that one tomorrow!

Crosby ate a large meal after our photo session... rice cereal and peaches. We played until Blake came home for lunch. Crosby started to fuss a bit, which meant it was time for Blake to give him his next bottle. He took it down, no problem and started getting sleepy. So, I put him in his bed. He fought going to sleep a little, requiring me to go in his room twice to replace the Nuk!! When I went for the 3rd time, I was horrified to find my sweet little boy covered in peaches, rice cereal and milk!!! It was horrible. He was crying and looked scared out of his mind. I took him into the bathroom where he proceeded to further empty the contents of his stomach. He looked up at me with a pitiful little face, as if he was asking my how to stop it from happening again. It broke my heart. In to the bath we go. His smile returned and he started laughing and splashing. Once things calmed down, Blake informed me that Crobsy never had a good burp after his bottle!!! I am pretty sure that the full belly combined with the lack of a burp and chewing on his lovie and hands triggered his gag reflex! He was worn out when it was all said and done. He cuddled up in my lap and I held him while he slept for 30 minutes or so before taking him to our bed...

3 hours later, he woke up hungry!!! Wonder why!??!

Happy 6 Month Birthday, Crosby Fox Malone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a gift

Exactly 6 months ago, it was a Sunday night. I had been on my feet all day long; something I had not done in nearly 18 weeks. Contractions were picking up and they were changing in intensity. A few other "changes" lead me to believe it was time to give Dr. B a call. "If you are going to call him you need to do it now, " Blake stated, concerned that we would wake him up if we called any later. So I did. He returned my call within minutes and told me to head to the hospital.

In my heart, I knew this was the real deal. Our time had come. We were having the "TLC moment" I had see so many times...the gathering of the bags, driving to the hospital, parking in the spot for active labor patients, changing into the gown, starting the IV. Unlike our past experiences, it was not a frantic scene. There was no hysteria. Tears flowed down my face. Yet, this time, they were full of joy. My worries were few, as I felt confident this little boy would thrive outside my womb. I would finally see the face of the one whose 2-D and 3-D images I had seen over and over again. I would see his chest rise and fall with each breath he took. I would feel the warmth of his skin as I held him in my arms. I would hear his precious cry and know that he would come with us.

I had dreamed of this moment time and time again, praying for a happy ending. But nothing could have prepared me for what happened nearly 12 hours from this moment, 6 months ago. No TV show. No book. No words. No song. No picture. Nothing can describe the unconditional love that filled my heart the second I looked into Crosby Fox Malone's blue eyes.

At this moment, 6 months ago, I was preparing to receive the most amazing gift I have ever been given. Oh, Heavenly Father, thank you for granting the desire of my heart...

Mondays with Crosby

At 11:24 am, Crosby Fox turned 25 weeks old!!! Have mercy!!! My little man sure is growing up fast. We are LOVING this stage of development. Lots of laughs. Lots of smiles. Lots of talking. Lots of exploring. He "found his hands" this week. He holds in front of his face and stares at them for a bit. Then he sticks them in his mouth and chews on them. He is doing LOTS of that! I have yet to see or feel teeth but he sure is acting like some are working their way up!!!

Crosby isn't the only thing growing around our house! Would you take a look at these...



We went with Endless Summer Hydrangeas for their pink (at least they are in our soil) blooms. A perfect reminder of Finley and Caroline. There are so many blooms and they are HUGE this year. Just to compare, here is our bald headed baby next to one of the larger ones...


Too bad they only look this good for a few weeks. When the temperature gets up in the 90's, as it has done all week, they start to wilt and dry up. I keep saying I am going to cut a few to enjoy inside before they get to that point. But I love seeing them on the bush! I will enjoy them while I can.

Crosby sitting next to Blake like a very, big boy...



On another note...sweet potatoes gave our little one an upset tummy last week. He woke up at 10:30 one night crying in pain, which we have never seen him do before. It broke our hearts.
:( So...we have been a little lax in giving him food. I decided to resume last night and this is how he looked wearing his peas...

After his meal, we headed outside to hangout with Blake while he worked on a very exciting house project!!! More on that to come! But here are a few cute shots of the tiny baby last night...

Still loves his activity mat...

Nugget and Crosby...

Little piggies...

Me getting in on the fun...

We spent a few hours in swimming in Dickson today. This was the first time Crosby REALLY got into the water. He LOVED being in the water!! That should come as no surprise if you have seen the video of him in the bath. He splashed and squealed and smiled!! Too cute. Thanks to Shelley for inviting us over and for saving us with Evan's red cap!!

Father's Day

My little alarm clock started his morning chatter around 7:15. By 7:30 he and I were up and moving. We let Blake sleep in a bit in order to prepare for his special day! Once Crosby was fed and dressed, we headed to the kitchen to make breakfast for Blake. Now don't get too excited...Blueberry multi grain waffles from Ego and a cup of yogurt are hardly the gourmet breakfast! It is more than he normally eats so that counts for something!! :) Crosby and I served breakfast in bed to the father of the house! He appreciated our efforts for sure. We also gave him a new shirt and a pair of soccer shoes...which he was definitely thrilled to see!

After church, we had lunch with my parents at Justin and Katie's. Katie made pork chops, broccoli salad, orzo and pound cake. Delish!! We spent the afternoon playing with Crosby, watching golf while we waited for Crosby to wake up, and then playing with Crosby again! He is not loved at all...;) Here are a few pictures from our day...

Dad, Crosby, me and Justin...

Dad, Crosby and me...

Cutie pie...

Justin's 4-legged daughter left a gift for him...

How gross that he didn't even feel it!

We weren't able to spend time with Blake's dad today because he is on an Alaskan cruise!! I must admit, we are a bit jealous!! :) I am sure we will spend time together then they get back!

It was so much fun to celebrate fatherhood with Blake and Crosby. There is no greater feeling that seeing a father and his son. Although he may be too young to know, Crosby is so blessed to have Blake as his dad! And Blake and I have been so blessed by our dads. Happy Father's Day Blake, Buddy and Danny!!!!

Mondays with Crosby

At 11:24 am, Crosby Fox turned 24 weeks old!!! 24/52 = almost 1/2 way through one whole year!!! Somebody needs to do something about the rate at which time is flying by! Seriously...

At an unofficial weigh in, the not so little one tipped the scale at 16 pounds 8 ounces!! No wonder my back hurts from carrying, no lugging, the car seat around. His lungs must have gotten bigger too. This baby LOVES to squeal his head off now. And let me tell you, it is a high pitched squeal...



That was pretty mild! Crosby has also gotten a little more messy. He has started to spit up more than ever. We never had that much of an issue when he was a tiny thing. Is it because he is taking 6 oz bottles?? Do we just need to burp halfway through?? If the answer is yes to the later, Crosby is not your friend! He is not fond of that technique!! He has also started spitting. Such good manners our young lad has learned! I have never seen anything quite like this...


This one is just for the lashes!! Would you look at those babies. Maybe it's Maybelline??


Speaking of manners...can 5 1/2 month old babies have "tempers"??? I am pretty sure this one does!! When he is gets frustrated with us for not going fast enough when he is hungry or when he is tired, he kicks his legs really hard or slams his arms down!!! Excuse me, mister testy pants??? Where did this come from? I am pretty sure I have never done that in front of him so he is not modeling me! I am a bit worried that we have a feisty little booger on our hands!

Whose bright idea (Blake) was it to feed this baby squash while sitting in a bouncy seat??? Something tells me he didn't think that one through...

Squash face...

Attempting to grab my camera with squash hands...

Into the tub we go...

I was fascinated with the beads of water on his face...

Doll face...

I made Blake take this one because we rarely get to cuddle. As I may have mentioned before, the sleep books recommend you put your "drowsy but not sleeping baby" in the bed. But come on. You HAVE to cheat every now and then...

This week I will leave you with, not a picture, but a song. I do not have permission to post this but I am in charge of the blog and I don't want to forget this!! Sooo....

If you have been around is long enough, you know that Blake is quite the "jingle master". He makes up songs for EVERYTHING. Sometimes he takes the tune from a song or commercial and then rewords it. Other times, he come up with a tune of his own. Until December 29th, Nugget has been the theme of most of his work. However, he has been known to sing songs about friends as well. He doesn't compose under pressure. It just "happens". So, I was excited to see what he would come up with for Crosby. It took a month or 2 before it came to him but this is what he have gotten so far...

I'm a rootin', tootin' cowboy,

I like to root a lot.

I'm a rootin', tootin' cowboy,

Mom's milk sure hits the spot.

But you can interchange the last line with one of these as well.

I like my water hot.

OR

Mom puts Desitin in my slot. (said at a faster pace...)


It is my goal to catch that on video. I have to be REALLY sneaky though. He busted me in the past and promptly erased it! But, I will not give up!! I will get it one of these days! :)

Celebrating

9 years of wedded bliss!!! Nearly 17 years together!!! Not bad...if I do say so myself!

Mondays with Crosby

At 11:24 am, Crosby Fox turned 23 weeks old!!! This week has been full of "firsts." But then again, when you are 5 months old, there are a lot of "firsts"!! That being said...

First time to eat bananas...

We don't care for ripe bananas, but he sure does!!

First time to eat sweet potatoes...

He liked them, although the face suggests otherwise. :)

***same bib, same high chair, different days! We are waiting 5 days before introducing new foods. And, thanks for the comments on feeding solids. I bought the book Super Baby Food and am excited about trying to make some of his food. We'll see how it goes!

First bottle of water. If you have seen his bath video, you know he likes water!!

Technically, this is news for last week...but...first time in a pool...

He really liked being in the water, watching the big kids play. Of course, all the fun fell during nap time...

So we cuddled...

Until he passed out...

Like a loser mom, I left my camera at home and did not take pictures of my own to document these. Thank goodness for Moriah, Justin, Katie, Uncle James and Aunt Mary!! They saved the day with their cameras!! I will have to post the following when I get them...

First day in the nursery at church!!! I thought I would be worried about him the whole time we were in church. But how can you worry when you leave him with your brother and the Farmers??? It was the perfect day to break the parents in!! Crosby did just fine!!

First time meeting my uncle and aunt from Texas!! They gave him the frog suit and I promised to send a picture of him wearing it!! :) Uncle James and Aunt Mary...it fits NOW! Have I ever mentioned he is growing way too fast???

And last but not...no...it is my least favorite to report... He was in his first "fender bender" thanks to the lovely driving skills of his mother!! Everyone was fine, the car will be fixed but boy did it scare me silly. More on that later...

And here is a picture of the little fellow sleeping on this Monday night. So glad the flash didn't phase him!!! He is such a good baby. So predictable. Sleeps like a dream. Melts my heart on an hourly basis with that gummy grin! I am so in love with this boy...