Pieces of Reese's Life

the STINK eye.

2012-01-28T13:35:00.000-05:00

Oh Reese, sweet Reese.

The time has come...

You understand your face can say more than words sometimes and this face is a new favorite for you...

Whenever you hear something you don’t like (as in “NO!”) or whenever we make a face you don’t like, this is the face we get in return. You have NO problem giving us a dirty look. Right now this is hilarious… eventually, it might not be so funny.

I love this time with you. You’re growing and learning so much. The stink eye you have perfected proves it.

Anything you want....

2012-01-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

Both of these pouty faces (and any other face you make) and I'm wrapped around your finger.

Uncle Justin's I.pad

2012-01-04T12:51:00.000-05:00

Reese,

Here is your first experience with the all amazing and popular, i.pad. You loved it. Slammed your hands on it. Played with the cool music app Uncle Justin downloaded just for you. If only you loved all your toys this much.

Playing beautiful and original music.
Going to town...

He loves it. And Uncle Justin a little more.

Your rocking chair.

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot get enough of you.

Toys.

2011-12-29T13:14:00.000-05:00

Ride'em cowboy!

Choo, choo!

Taking a break.

Playing with your dino while wearing dinos!

Cute.

Bath Time = Fun Time

2011-12-28T11:14:00.002-05:00

You love bath time. You really, really love it.

You’re still sitting in your baby tub… it’s the easiest way to keep you safe and to keep you from falling over (in my eyes at least). Your bumbo seat only makes you want to crawl out of it. And there’s no way you’ll sit up sit still in the bath tub by yourself. This little tub is your own person pool and you seem to LOVE it.

You’ll smack your hands on the water for hours and hours if we’d let you. At the end of bath time, anyone that sits within two feet of you is soaked from all the splashing you do. Now you’re reaching for the faucet when we push your tub forward to warm up the water after 5 minutes. Once you get in reach of the water pouring out, your face lights up and you lean forward. Here’s a picture of you sliding down as close as you can get to the faucet. Feet up in the air. Cracks me up.

You enjoy bath time as much as you like shower time with Daddy. As soon as you hear our shower turn on from the bedroom each day, you start to make your way to the shower – and at an impressive speed too. You take a shower with Daddy at least a few times a week and you just sit in his arms with sheer amazement.

When we pull you out of the tub (or shower), you actually have a serious whine going on now. I would expect it to be the opposite – crying when we place you in the bath! I love that you love bath time. Makes me think how much fun we’ll have when we start swimming lessons!

Thoughts on your 1st Christmas

2011-12-21T12:52:00.004-05:00

I have spent a lot of time thinking about how I want your 1st Christmas to be…

First and foremost, I want it to be filled with nothing but love, joy and happiness. You deserve the world wrapped up in a box. It breaks my heart that I can’t give you that. You are my world. You have made my life… amazing. I want to do the same for you in return and I will try my hardest to.

I know I can fill your 1st Christmas with all the love your heart can possibly handle. Along with everyone else in your life loving on you – I think your heart will be more than content. This makes me happy. This will be my favorite Christmas.

I cannot wait to see you unwrap your gifts. I already have a feeling you’re going to have a blast ripping paper off boxes – you won’t even care about what’s hiding underneath the red and green wrapping paper.

Although everyone keeps telling me you’ll never remember your 1st Christmas, it doesn’t matter to me. I will remember it and I want to remember making you the happiest baby on the planet.

Words cannot describe how excited I am for you little man.

I love you, Reese. My cup runneth over.

my sweet Santa Baby.

2011-12-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

You do not like Santa. I was expecting this kind of reaction next year but you jumped the gun and let Santa know from the get-go you’re not his #1 fan. You wouldn’t even look at him. You just stared at Daddy and Momma and CRIED your little sweet head off.

I might have to spend lots of the next year surrounding you with little pictures of Santa. Maybe next year we won’t have to torture you while visiting the old man in the red suit.

I can’t wait to spend your first Christmas with you. Rest assured, you will be sound asleep (maybe even cuddling with Momma) when Santa drops off your presents!

I love you baby bear.

On the move.

2011-12-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

You're more and more on the go each day!

Chasing you is an all-time favorite for Momma!

When you grow up...

2011-11-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

Reese,

I want you to remember that laughter is the best medicine.

I want you to remember our home as a warm, inviting, safe place. Not a place that was spotless with all the toys put back every night in just the right place.

I want you to remember me as your safe place in life. Your Momma will always be there for you.

I want you to remember that your needs were always met. But sometimes you had to wait on the wants.

I want you to remember that any time Momma or Daddy told you "No", you always knew the reason behind why you were told "No".

I want you to remember that I never disciplined you out of frustration or anger. But out of love and respect for you.

I want you to remember that I always treated you with dignity when disciplining you.

I want you to remember that I always listened to you. The silly. The hard. The lovely. You were listened to.

I want you to remember that I always said "I'm sorry" when needed. Parents make mistakes too.

I want you to remember that miracles happen. Every day. You just have to believe.

I want you to remember that God always sees the big picture of life.

I want you to remember that Daddy treated Momma like a princess... chivalry is not dead.

I want you to remember just how much I love and adore you. You are my world. I would die in a heartbeat for you.

Just an ordinary {perfect} day.

2011-11-07T14:00:00.001-05:00

Our beautiful boy.
Happy as can be.

Up close and personal.

My love bug.

Giggle butt.

Taking a break.

Trying to nap... or poop.

And he is out.

His first "carnival" rides.

2011-11-05T12:30:00.000-04:00

My little man in a bucket seat.

He's amazed... or confused.

Hold on tight, little man!

He's so cute I could cry.

My chubby cheeked sweet heart.

He looks so grown up in his sweater vest.

Adorable.

"Who's this guy?"

My son is {clearly} perfect.

His idea of fun.

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

My poor dog... in the line of fire.
Chasing Gracie and loving it.

He's hilarious yet dangerous in his walker!

Poker face.

2011-11-01T10:00:00.002-04:00

Yes, my 9 month old likes poker chips. Don't judge.

So serious. And a runny nose to boot!

I love his thigh rolls.

I wish I knew what he was thinking here.

Ok... he thinks their edible.

"Does anyone else see how awesome these are?"

Simply gorgeous.

Golf Balls.

2011-10-28T10:00:00.001-04:00

Reese LOVES to play with golf balls. His face lights up whenever he sees one.

Reese and mandarin oranges.

2011-10-27T17:00:00.000-04:00

It's official. Reese likes to feed himself. His days with baby food are numbered. He's all grown up.

No comment.

Sloppy face.

It's carvin' time!

2011-10-26T13:17:00.000-04:00

Carving your first pumpkin was amazing for me and loads of fun for you (although you weren't quite sure what to think).

Oh my.
What's this?

Hmm.

I guess this is fun!

Curious George.

Finishing up.

Reese's first carved pumpkin.

His first pumpkin.

2011-10-25T11:00:00.003-04:00

Yes, his hat is huge. It was on just for fun.

Thinking about eating the pumpkin/squash.

What a smile.

He's just the cutest baby in the world.

cute.

2011-10-20T13:54:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin Patch Time!

2011-10-17T15:37:00.000-04:00

Gracie (a.k.a. Miss Mae)

2011-10-14T12:51:00.003-04:00

The other love of my life...
She is the other apple of my eye and deserves her own post.

There aren't words to describe how precious Gracie is to me. She's the first baby in my world. Today she is 5 years old. I remember celebrating her 1st birthday like it was just yesterday. She's all grown up now but acts just the same as she did when I first brought her home.

Gracie is unique. But then again, what English Bulldog isn't?!

She's afraid of leashes.
She hates walks.
She snores at night... like a man.
She lays like a frog more than actual frogs do.
She farts like a 300lb man.
She's afraid of her own shadow.
She cannot swim... she'll sink.
She loves to fish for golf balls in her kiddie pool.
She barks at any animal on the TV.
She thinks trash can lids are toys.
She can do no wrong... really.
She is the most loyal animal on the planet... in a lazy way.

She lights up my world.

Things that change....

2011-10-13T12:32:00.006-04:00

Reese,

So many things changed after I had you... I'm not sure what hasn't changed actually (all for the good of course).

Examples:

Your pain feels much worse than my own.

My heart breaks much easier.

My love became limitless.

I don't mind going to bed at 9pm on a Friday.

I've discovered how much there is to say about 1 tooth and a poopy diaper.

I take the time for one more kiss even if it means I'll be late.

I now believe in love at first site.

The most significant & wonderful conversations I have each day involve "oooh", "ahhh" and a lot of "ma-ma"s! :)

I think of someone else 5,892,300,231 times a day.

I respect my body... finally.

I couldn't have been blessed with a more amazing son... I'm truly blessed.

Love,
Momma

Reese's first ride.

2011-10-01T12:49:00.000-04:00

Needless-to-say, Reese LOVES his walker. He FLIES in this bad boy. So much, the dogs hide when he's in it.
"What are you lookin' at?"
Obviously the couch jumped in front of him.

"Check me out!"

Happy boy.

Just plain adorable.

Checkin' out the bells & whistles.

"Outta my way Momma!"

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

You think that true love is the only thing that can crush your heart; that will take your life and light it up or destroy it. Then you become a mother.

Playtime.

2011-09-20T12:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Days.

2011-09-18T16:38:00.000-04:00

Doesn't get better than this.
Reading daddy's magazine.

... or just looking at the pictures :)

Close to crawling these days.

Love this picture.

Touchdown!

my happy kid.

2011-09-10T18:56:00.000-04:00

2011-09-06T12:59:00.001-04:00

Reese.

This little man is the love of my life.

this is what he thinks of squash.

2011-09-04T16:02:00.000-04:00

Swing time.

2011-08-23T09:39:00.000-04:00

" They say this should be fun...
...but I want out!"

CHEESE!

2011-07-21T10:06:00.000-04:00

Momma's sleepy boy.

2011-07-16T12:36:00.000-04:00

All tuckered out. Too much thinking.

my monkey boy.

2011-07-15T10:06:00.000-04:00

he owns my heart.

my men.

2011-06-30T14:57:00.000-04:00

A gift from Daddy.

2011-06-10T09:55:00.000-04:00

"For me?!"

Sheer amazement.

Facsination.

My love bug.

The many faces of my "tough guy".

2011-06-07T16:47:00.000-04:00

Reese's first trip to our local splash pad!

Keep in mind, these pictures were all taken within 3 minutes...

Irritated. Very irritated.

"Enough already!!"

Suddenly happy.

Thinking about taking a nap.

My kid is AMAZING.

My first Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:25:00.001-04:00

Nothing is better than being Reese's mom but having a day to celebrate it was amazing. He was such a happy baby all day - I think he was trying to be on his best behavior! ;)

All grown up in a big boy outfit.

Mr. Serious Man
Shoes that are socks!

xoxo.

First Walk.

2011-03-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

The last day of my maternity leave, the weater warmed up to about 55 degrees so Reese and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. He was very well bundled... too much for the temperture I think. I loved being outside with him - it was a breath of fresh air after spending 6 weeks in the house.

He's crying in this picture only because his pacifier popped out of his mouth.

Happy boy again.

My little man.

2011-03-19T10:04:00.000-04:00

What a face.
Fell asleep talking with Momma.

Snuggle bug.

So serious.

Chubby cheeks.

"Enough pictures already!"

On his changing table.

He was yawning here, not crying... at least that's what I tell myself.

One Month Old

2011-03-02T15:22:00.001-05:00

My little Man,

I cannot believe that you are even out of my tummy, let alone, a month old! I woke up on your one month birthday with butterflies in my tummy. What an amazing day for me. I sat in bed with you and sang you “Happy Birthday” at least 20 times in a row. There wasn’t much of a reaction from you… but you stared at me the whole time.

You are so tiny, it’s unbelievable. I look at your tiny toenails and fingernails in amazement. You are amazing. I appreciate my body in a whole new way I never imagined… it built you.
Because I’m on maternity leave, it’s just you and me all day long … along with the pups, Gracie and Lucky. We have a lot of alone time which is nice. I hardly put the TV on because I don’t want to waste a minute watching the TV when I could be staring at you... watching you blink and listening to you breathe.

You sleep a lot during the day. You wake up when you want to be fed (which is every 3 hours or so). You eat about 2 to 3 ounces every feeding and you burp like a champ!

You sleep for about 3 hours at night. Your daddy and I take turns waking up to feed you. Each time I barely stumble out of bed, hardly awake... but as soon as I your beautiful face, I am wide awake and thanking God for you. I will admit sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night in a panic – I shoot out of bed and run over to make sure you are ok.

Your facial expressions (since the day you were born) have been amazing. You make the funniest faces; you raise your eyebrows and stare at us with such a serious grin. Every now-and-then, you smile at us (even though you don’t recognize us just yet) but when you smile, my world lights up.

You take your bath time very seriously now. You lay in the tub and you stare into space… taking everything in… all the noises and the feeling of the water really enthralls you. It’s my favorite thing to watch your daddy give you a bath.

You are still wearing newborn diapers and fit into them perfectly. You are wearing newborn clothes still along with some 0 to 3 month size clothes. My favorite outfit on you is your navy blue elephant out that says “mommy’s peanut” on it. You look amazing in navy blue. That might be your go-to color when you're older. :)

You sneeze a lot and it’s the cutest noise I’ve ever heard in the world. And no matter if you sneeze at 3am and I’m half asleep, I still have to say, “bless you baby” loud enough for you to hear me.

You get the hiccups often enough to give your momma a stroke! No matter how much I burp you, you manage to get the hiccups. And it doesn’t really happen after you eat, it happens at the most random times (like an hour after you eat or right after you wake up from a nap). I always get so nervous about your hiccups too… I’m worried that you’re in pain and that breaks my heart.

You grunt a lot and that’s another one of my favorite noises. You sound like an upset little man when you do it and it makes me giggle every time. There’s not a thing you do that I don’t find adorable.

You are my world now. Everything has changed and I couldn’t have been more blessed to have you as my son. You are an amazing baby and you are so sweet. I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I am so lucky and extremely thankful to call you mine.

I love you with all my heart, Reese. You are my everything.

First Bath.

2011-02-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

Bath time is not that interesting to everyone but I had to dedicate a post to it as I will for any kind of "first" for Reese (hopefully).

At the beginning of the bath, Reese seemed pretty scared. He didn't know what to think and was probably dealing with a little bit of "sensory overload" (I'm sure the flash from my camera didn't help). But after a few minutes, he was completely impressed with everything. He sucked on his fist and just stared into space... trying to take everything in.

He still doesn't know what to think!

First weeks of life.

2011-02-18T16:51:00.001-05:00

My strong, little man.

The days when he liked a pacifier are LONG gone.

Cuddle time.

More cuddle time.

He looks so good in navy blue. :)

Dreamin'

Lovin' from Jo.

... and from Great-Grandma

Bath time.

More dreamin'.

This little man slept a lot the first month! Family time with Grandma and Great-Grandpa.

Sleeping on Uncle Justin!

Great-Gramps. This picture melts my heart.

After bath time... Reese fell asleep sitting like this.

Nap time!

After his first bath.

Staring at Grandpa.

Show me a baby that's cuter.

Home Sweet Home.

2011-02-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Packing up from the hospital to take Reese home was bittersweet for me. The thought of having him in our home was more than exciting and comforting but the thought of ending the hospital stay felt like time was already moving too fast. I couldn't believe I had finally given birth to my son and already taking him home seemed so surreal.

All bundled up, ready to go!

Last picture with Daddy in the hospital.

I had to post this picture... Derek stood at the end of this hallway, waiting to take a picture of Reese and I being wheeled down to the hospital exit. He never snapped a picture of us because we came down a different hallway. I thought it was too sweet not to mention.

Covering the little man up to hide from the chilly MI weather.

All packed up.

First picture at home.

My perfect boy, home at last.

His "Going Home" Outfit.

2011-02-14T09:32:00.000-05:00

The day Reese was born, we received the most meaningful gift from a complete stranger...

The outfit Reese is wearing in the pictures below was given to us by a mother that lost her son during delivery on the same day Reese was born. For the past few years, the woman purchases a baby boy outfit, drives it to the hospital and asks the nurses to give the gift to a baby boy born on that day. The nurses then pick a baby boy to give the outfit to and this year, they picked Reese.

Needless-to-say, we were so touched and beyond honored to have received this gift.

The woman wishes to remain anonymus - she has no desire to receive thanks from the families... just the hope to keep the memory of her lost son, alive. The only way we can think to thank her is to continue the tradition of bringing a baby boy outfit to our hospital each year on Reese's birthday. This way more families can be touched by his life.

Reese wore this outfit the day we left the hospital.

We couldn't have picked anything more meaningful.

First days of life.

2011-02-13T11:58:00.001-05:00

Welcome baby boy.
Perfect.

"Sitting" with Daddy.

#1 Fans.

First teddy bear.
He looks terrified in this picture but he really didn't mind this pose, I promise!

With Great-Grandma.

Sleepy time.

First time with Grandpa.

The most adorable button nose.

"Would someone wrap me up!?"

"....that's better."

The Delivery Crew.

Simply sweet.

Great Aunt Linette

First bubba with Momma.

And with Daddy.

More sweetness.

Meeting Grandpa.

Meeting Grandma.

Auntie Lex.

The best for last.

2011-02-10T16:47:00.001-05:00

My Sweet Reese,

My pregnancy with you (all the way until the minute you were born) was textbook perfect.

You were such an easy baby to carry and I had such an amazing time bonding with you while you were in my tummy. Although NOTHING can compare to holding you in my arms, there was nothing like feeling you move in my tummy. That was such a beautiful experience that only you and I shared and I miss it more than words can describe.

I had morning sickness during the first trimester - after that passed, I felt great. I had mild heartburn during the third trimester but that was about it. The pregnancy went so smoothly that it concerned me... but now that you're here, it all makes sense... you're just a content and happy baby.

While in my tummy, you never moved so hard that it hurt me (such a sweetheart from the start). Your movements were subtle but you definitely made sure I knew you were there all day long. Especially at night. As soon as I laid down in bed, you had a dance party in my tummy... it was always my favorite time of the day.

1 month before you were born.

The day you were born, was the best day of my life. I was so anxious to finally meet you. Everyone was. There was a crowd of people waiting to meet you... they traveled in the biggest snow storm of the year to get to the hospital in time.

I'll spare you all the labor details - but from the second you were born, you were fixated on everything around you. You only cried for a few minutes until the nurses cleaned you up and wrapped you in a blanket. You were very interested in the lights and especially the faces looking down at you. Although this might be wishful thinking, I know you were drawn to my voice and your daddy's too... you must have been comforted by something familiar in such an unfamiliar place.

We stayed in the hospital a day longer than expected - the Pediatrician wanted to give you 4 rounds of antibiotics because you had a slight fever and a low white blood cell count when you were born. You handled all the antibiotics like a trooper and your vitals were back to normal in no time.

Here's a picture of you with the IV for the antibiotics. Your poor hand.

You were such a beautiful newborn, perfect in every way. When I first held you, I felt like I was dreaming. I couldn't believe you were mine and that I was finally holding you. Those first few moments were the most amazing moments of my life... NOTHING will ever compare.

You being handed to me for the first time.

You are the best thing I've ever done with my life, Reese. I love you more than you can ever imagine.

Your 7th day at home.

Love,
Your Momma

The Best Day of my Life

2011-02-04T10:06:00.000-05:00

Reese decided to join the world during the biggest snow storm Michigan had during the 2010 - 2011 winter. We all had a feeling I would go into labor during the storm, so I tried to relax as much as possible in hopes of holding off until the storm had passed. But without fail, my water broke at 8pm, only a few hours into the blizzard.

Derek and I rushed around, picking up things and getting everything in the truck. It took us over an hour to get to the hospital, anxiously trudging through the snow.

My doctor induced labor with pitocin a little after midnight on February 2nd to help things progress a little more. After hours of extreme and intense contractions, I was given an epidural and rested for at least 5 hours until I was fully dilated and ready to push. With the help of a few amazing nurses and doctors, I delivered Reese (after only 30 minutes of pushing) at 12:31pm on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 (his official expected due date!). He was perfect in every way – 7lbs 1 ounce and 19 inches long. The most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on.

My world has been changed 110% ever since this and I couldn't be any happier. Reese is a blessing and a miracle and I enjoy every minute of my life with him.

LOVE at first sight.

the BEST is yet to come... a baby boy.

2011-01-01T12:00:00.000-05:00