Papa John

4 years ago today one of the most important people in my life passed away. My dad was the most caring, loving, and funny man I know. He would do anything for me including driving around looking for me if I was out too late, waking up early to start my truck before school so it wouldn't be too cold, and attending every sporting event I competed in. He always showed me he loved me to pieces and was so very brave in battling his horrible disease. This year's anniversary was extra difficult because all I can think about is how proud he would have been of Lane. It breaks my heart to think of all the fun things they would have done together and how much "Papa John" would have enjoyed being around him. But I am comforted in knowing that he is in a better place, free of the pain and suffering that came along with ALS.

Today Lane wore his most special outfit. My mom had this onesie made with one of my dad's old ties sewn on it and gave it to me in the hospital the day I had Lane. I have been waiting for him to fit into it, and what better day for him to wear it than on the anniversary of dad's passing! I came right home from school and dressed him up in it. He was grinning a lot and so happy. I know my dad was looking down as pleased as ever. Lane looked so precious!

I love you, dad.

A Visit From Nonna

The last weekend in April, Lane got a special visit from his Great Grandma, Nonna. She drove all the way from Houston just to meet him and we are so glad! She had seen lots of pictures but was thrilled to see him in person. She fed, burped, and rocked him to sleep all the nights we saw her. We were also able to enjoy her fabulous cooking! Chicken salad for lunch, homemade pot roast and lasagna for the 2 dinners, and lots of sweets! Thank you for coming to see us Nonna! We can't wait to see you again.

2 Months Old

Well time is flying with my baby boy. He is already 2 months old! Lane turned 2 months old on the day I returned back to work. I was supposed to start back on Monday, May 3, but decided to start on Wednesday the 5th instead so I could transition back into work with a 3 day work week. I was a mess that morning...very emotional! I missed him so much and even though I knew he was in great hands with my mother-in-law, I still didn't want to leave. It got much easier as the week went on.

As soon as I got home from school I took his 2 month pictures. He wasn't being very smiley, but looked cute nonetheless!





At 2 months Lane...

-Weighed 9 lbs 10 oz (at 8 weeks.)
-Can still wear some newborn clothes and can now wear most 0-3 month.
-Still in newborn diapers, but almost ready to transition to size 1.
-Was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, which the Dr. thinks will correct itself within a year.
-Still very fussy and on medication twice a day for reflux.
-Still likes to grab things with his hands.
-Really loves his "Silkie" blanket now. He likes both the minky side and the silk side, and prefers to have it right next to his face! Also likes to grab it tight with those hands!
-Likes to have his diaper changed now. Is very happy when laying on the changing table and smiles a bunch!
-Loves his bath. He doesn't go crazy laughing or anything, but you can just tell he is content in the warm bath!
-Eats about 4-5 oz every 3-4 hours. Still drinking breastmilk and some formula bottles each day.
-Prefers the playtex nurser bottles.
-Usually eats around 8:00 or 9:00 at night and then wakes up twice before I go to work. It will be nice to eliminate that 1 am feeding!!
-Likes to be on his back and kick
-Recognizes my voice and turns his head when he hears me! :)
-Has rolled over from tummy to back 1 time (without ANY help!)...and I caught it on tape by chance!!! Hasn't done it since, though.

We love you to pieces Lane!!!

Big Weekend!

Lane had a busy first weekend of May! He met a new friend, went to 3 showers, and got ready to turn 2 months old!


My last week of maternity leave, Lee came in town with her new baby, Corbin, who was born 11 days after Lane. Lee, Corbin, and her other son Rhett met us at B.J.'s for lunch and Brittany came too! Here we are after the babies woke up from napping in their carriers!

Hey buddy!

That Saturday morning we went to Megan Yeats' baby shower for baby Micaela Rose! It was at Aristide Event center in Mansfield under their covered patio and it was beautiful! Lane did great at the shower. He liked being outside and loved being held by everyone.


These old friends got to meet up again for some fun!


That night was Brittany and Collin's couples shower at the same location. This was mine and Kyle's first night out without the baby. We brought him at the beginning to see everyone, and then Gran came to pick him up for the rest of the evening. We got a quick family picture in before he left. He looked so cute in his little jeans and white button up!

Our family of 3!

On Sunday was Lee and Corbin's shower. This shower was scheduled for a day back in March, but Lee had to have an early c-section and it had to be moved. Lee got to bring Corbin to his own shower! It was at Rose Garden Tea Room in Arlington. We had a delicious lunch and Lee got to open her gifts for her baby boy.

We were pooped out after our busy weekend!

27 years old!

Friday, April 23 I turned 27 years old! This past year was a great one! My biggest and most precious gift was my son, and I am so glad I got to spend my 27th birthday with my 7 week old little man and my 27 year old "old" man...

On my actual birthday, Kyle, Lane, Scout and I ventured out to the Joann Fabric in Cedar Hill to get some window treatments that were on sale. Our Joann's didn't have the right color, so we made the trip out there. We decided to eat lunch out there, so we tied Scout's leash to a chair and ate on the patio at Panera Bread. It was a nice afternoon! That night, Kyle and Lane took me to Italiani's which is my favorite Italian restaurant. It was good as always, and I got a special birthday dessert-complete with candle, for free!

Then on Saturday, we celebrated with my mom and Kori. (Mitch had to work.) We ate at one of my favorite mexican food places, Uncle Julio's in Fort Worth. It was sooo good! The weather was nice, so we were able to sit on the patio.

Then we went to my mom's to open my gifts and eat her famous "Everyday Good Chocolate Cake" that I requested. Lane looked so, so cute in his monogrammed outfit and converse sock shoes! I took a quick picture of Kyle and Lane and wanted one of me with him next...

And then minutes after this picture was taken he had a gigantic blowout all up the back of his shirt and we had to change him out of the cute outfit before I could get my picture with him!

I had to settle for a picture of him in his jammies...but he still looks precious!

Our little family

On Sunday we went out to eat again! We were also celebrating my mother in law's birthday, which was later that week, so we ended up going to The Keg with Kyle's whole family. Lane got dressed up in his polo shirt and cute jeans. He was really good at dinner.
All in all my birthday weekend was really great!

6 Week Check-up

On Friday, April 16, Lane turned 6 weeks old. Instead of having to go in two different times for shots and a 2 month well check, we combined them and did them at 6 weeks. He weighed 8 lbs 13 oz (exactly 3 lbs heavier than his birth weight) which was the 10th percentile. He was 21 1/4 in long (exactly 2 inches longer than birth) which was the 25th percentile, and his head circumference was in the 10th percentile as well. He of course cried during the shots, but was not too fussy when we got home.

Here is the little man waiting to see Dr. Phan.

I'm this big, mom!

Battle wounds on his little legs after we got home. He had to get 3 shots! Poor thing!