Routine please?

Do you ever have those days where you just can't seem to get it together?  Where the house is a never ending disaster, laundry just keeps growing, dishes never leave the sink?? Where there is no routine??  This seems to be a constant battle with me ever since I was pregnant and especially since Mason has joined our family.  Granted a newborn is a life changer and fully occupies the majority of my time, but I still feel like I should be able to get more things accomplished or at least get into the swing of things.  Things like not burning dinner, which was the case tonight.  I basically have five more weeks until I join the working force again.  Ahh!!  I don't know how I'll cope with everything at that point.  It doesn't help matters that there are boxes which still need to be unpacked and an entire storage unit which needs to be cleaned out by the end of October. 

And most importantly, there's a BABY who needs to be cuddled and loved on, and don't forget fed.  I just keep telling myself that I will never get these 12 weeks back. These are sweet times, tiring at times, but all the same special moments. 

Remember self, the house can wait, but time with Mason cannot...

Snoopy - 1, Screen door - 0

This would be our screen door, lying in its current position.  No, we did not take it down, rather...

On a particularly lovely day, I decided to leave the door open with only our screen door in place to keep the bugs out.  Our dog, Snoopy, was in a playful mood.  You see where this is going, right??  Snoopy was running around the living room and continued on out through the open door (or so he thought).  Totally took out the screen door and the picture above is the aftermath.  Poor Snoopy chin planted into the concrete, scrapping up his chin and leg.  After the initial shock, Snoopy was okay. 

And what was I doing when all this happened...just watched and laughed.  What can I say, I couldn't help it.

Do you remember?

Today is 9/11.  A day where my generation remembers exactly where and what they were doing on this particular day eleven years ago.  I was a freshman at the University of Kentucky.  I had an early meeting at the library that day.  As I was leaving to return back to my dorm room, I happened to glance into an auditorium where students were gathering.  On the screen was a building on fire, but I honestly didn't think anything of it, just kept walking.  Once I was back at my dorm, I turned on the tv and there it was, continuing coverage of the first tower that was hit.  As I watched in horror, an airplane hit the second tower.  It was a sight that I couldn't turn away from, after that moment I just continued to watch all the breaking news and coverage.  I cried as people jumped from the towers, I cried at the thought of all those lives lost in an instant. 

Every year since on the anniversary of this day, I'm once again glued to the tv.  Remembering this event, thinking of those whose lives changed in a heartbeat.  I may not live anywhere close to New York or know of anyone who was directly affected, but that doesn't matter.  With that act, the entire country felt the pain and cried.  And each year, we remember. 

(I found this picture on another blog, www.jupinfamily.blogspot.com)

One Month a/k/a 4 Weeks

We have officially survived our first month of parenting and can honestly say that Mason is a champ.  Don't get me wrong, we were tired at times but over all, we couldn't have a better baby.  He sleeps good at night, only waking once or twice when he is hungry, but the number of times where I felt completely exhausted were few.  He's a great eater and doesn't get fussy too much (just make sure he is fed when he starts providing cues because there is a short window of opportunity and this momma does not like to see (and hear) the pitiful cries and tears.  Granted I can't really blame him...when I get hungry, food better be coming soon!

At his 2 week appointment, he weighed in at 9 pounds, 7 ounces, 21 3/4 inches.  He is a growing little boy! 

Here's some interesting tidbits and quirks into the life of Mason:

**  He loves to suck on his fingers, particularly his thumb, though he has yet to fully master his coordination.
**  He is an alert baby, especially upon waking first thing in the morning.  When we get up, he usually is already up, but just looking around quietly.
**  He is a big leg kicker and it tends to look like he is trying to ride a bike.  This occurs especially during diaper changes which makes for a challenging change. 
**  During diaper changes, he will also stick his arms straight out with a wide eyed shocked look...not sure if he's surprised with the situation or what.  He likes to grip my finger after this occurs, maybe it calms him down...
**  When he is trying to wake up from his naps, he has several wrinkles on his forehead that really stand out...Hubby has these same wrinkles...
**  When I wash his hair, it seems to get lighter each time, so I'm just wondering what his hair color will end up being.  I may just stop washing it and try to keep the dark around for awhile.
**  Speaking of his hair, he has not lost any and I hope it stays that way. 
**  I'm amazed at how much his eyelashes have grown since birth.
**  He tends to be extremely vocal when feeding.  What can I say, he loves to eat and just likes to share this love.  At least we are having no issues in that department. 
**  Speaking of vocal, he is also vocal when pooping or trying to poop.  Lots of grunting occurs and sometimes it helps to bring in his legs like he is doing crunches.  (You know you have hit new parenthood when this entertains you and is a topic of discussion.)
**  He has already been lifting up his head and has been doing this birth. 
**  He enjoys napping in his little rocker, although we don't rock it or turn on the calming vibrations...we have yet to even put batteries in the thing.
**  My favorite thing is his grin which typically occurs while he is sleeping.  I like to think that he is having wonderful dreams that make him smile and sometimes even giggle.  Nothing is sweeter than this.

I'm enjoying getting to know my little man and cannot believe that one month has already passed.  The newborn stage has been good to us and nothing beats the cuddles that have taken place. I'm excited to see how he grows and develops, but I'm cherishing these moments now and I wish the clock would slow down.   

A peek into the life of Mason:

Life as we know it...now

Since my last post (which seems like ages ago) life has changed and I must say, though challenging at times, it has definitely changed for the better.   

Meet Mason James...8 lbs. 14 oz. 20 in.

He decided to make his appearance 5 days after the "estimated" due date and 3 days before my scheduled induction. 

Mason is almost one month old.  I find myself still looking at him in amazement...that this precious little person heard my heartbeat for over 9 months and that he is a part of Hubby and me.  I cannot get over what a miracle this entire experience has been for me.  Just to look at Mason and see how perfectly God formed him from his head full of dark hair to his little fingernails and toenails. 

It is amazing the amount of love that this little guy has brought into our lives.  We wouldn't want it any other way!!