Thursday, July 25, 2013

Just a few things...

  • Sawyer is 11 weeks old today
  • He rolled over a few times when he was about 6 weeks old, but hasn't done it since.
  • He now sleeps soundlessly from 10pm till about 4:30am, and then (usually) just needs cuddles and a binky to put him back to sleep till breakfast at 7:00am. (Thank you Baby Wise)
  • He has the most adorable cry face. Sometimes I just have to let him cry for a sec so I can soak it in.
  • I cried painful tears when he got his 8 week set of shots
  • The first smile (that wasn't due to gas) was something I'll remember for the rest of my life. 
  • During the day, he is eating 5 oz every 4 hours 
  • He is in the .86 percentile for weight
  • Who is that 'percentile chart' based upon, anyway? Babies in the U.S.? Babies who are breastfed? Formula fed? Babies born in this century? All the babies that have ever been born?? 
  • I no longer judge parents who have screaming children.
  • Among others, these are a few questions that Steve and I no longer ask each other- "Who brings a baby to the movies?!" "Why would you bring your baby to this type of a restaurant??"  "Why are people with kids always late??"
  • Sawyer now coos and I swear there's nothing cuter.
  • I have a friend who gave me some laminated black & white printed designs (like polka-dots & checkerboards) to help Sawyer develop his eyesight. He never gets tired of staring at them. Sometimes Steve and I joke that he's thinking (in a nerdy, prestigious voice) "Hmmm...I really appreciate the artist of this piece."
  • There's not a day that passes that I'm not thankful for S & B. I still cannot fathom the sacrifice.
  • Someone recently asked me about Sawyer's "real parents" and it was a dagger to my heart.
  • I realize some are ignorant to adoption phrasing- I can do my part to educate those I come in contact with.
  • Flying alone with your child is something every parent should do. You'll never appreciate your spouse more.
  • Generally, people are good. So many offer their assistance when they see that I'm alone with an infant.
  • Sawyer absolutely knows and adores Steve. Sometimes I can't get the smiles out of him that Steve can.
  • Why is it that watching your baby sleep is so therapeutic?
  • Things that mattered before, simply don't anymore.
  • Its unreal the amount of people who stop and chat with me when they see Sawyer. He's definitely made me more popular during our weekly Walmart trips.
  • The first time we all got into the car (Steve, me, Sawyer & our dog Lucy) I thought to myself  "We're a legitimate family."
  • I anxiously await November 30, the day that we can be sealed together, forever.
  • Being a mother is the most important job that I will ever have. It will always be my first priority. I've never been more sleep deprived, and I've never been more fulfilled.



Monday, July 1, 2013

Nursery: complete

The past 8 weeks have been a dream. I seriously can't believe how blessed we have been.  I've been able to stay home with Sawyer and have absolutely LOVED it.  The middle of the night feedings can be exhausting, but one look at his little face and it brings a smile to mine.  He's becoming a lot more active and cries more than he did the first few weeks of his life, mostly just wanting to always be held. His requests are usually met immediately :)

His last doctor's appointment was when he was 5 weeks old and he weighed in at 7.7 lbs, so he's slowly gaining weight. He is happy and healthy!

I finally finished the nursery! Let me walk you through it and tell you about my favorite features:

 
 
 
You'll notice an awesome vintage Bambi quilt on the crib, as well as a little orange ribbon tied to the bottom right.
 
 
This quilt was Steve's baby quilt that was made by his mother and it certainly has had better days, which adds to the character.  I absolutely adore it, mostly because it was Steve's and made with love by Sawyer's grandma.
 
 
When we received Sawyer, his birth family put together an awesome gift basket and it was all tied together with orange ribbon.  I snipped off a piece and tied it here on Sawyer's crib.  Not only does this serve as a little piece of his birth family, but it also reminds us of the amazing gift that he is.

 
This was Steve's dresser while he was growing up, I wish I had the 'before' picture. It was just solid wood stained golden oak because, well, it was the 80s.  Steve's brother sanded it down for me and I painted it white with lime green trim and obviously kept the original drawer pulls, because they are darling. Its pretty fantastic, definitely my favorite piece.

 
Ferris wheel theme...

 
This bookshelf (and now also a changing table thanks to some craftsmanship) was a $20 DI find while shopping around with the moms and my SIL. Again, sanded down by Kyle and we painted it white.
 
 
 
 
And last but not least, this is the mirror that I redid and blogged about a few months ago.
 
What do you think??