5 months old & a big eater!

So I started feeding Maddy solids... I tried my hardest to wait until six months but it broke my heart to eat in front of him. He would stop whatever he was playing with and just stare at me as I ate. It was sad! Also, his feedings became more frequent and I was nursing him every 2 hours sometimes every hour and a half. So, we started with some green beans, then bananas and so on. He loves bananas and pears but doesn't like carrots. I also fed him some pumpkin today mixed in with bananas. At nights I mix in some oatmeal with his food to try to keep him full through the night. That hasn't been working so well. Maddy still wakes up to eat every 3 to 4 hours in the night. He looks so cute when he eats and opens his mouth for more. It is a lot of fun. So that is the big news. He is developing so fast! Anytime I lay him down, he rolls over onto his stomach and is almost crawling. He raises his legs and tries to push forward with his feet. Since we got back from Hawaii, I have been trying to get him on a schedule and it has been going really well. Maddy wakes up at around 8 or 9 and eats and plays. Then he naps at around 11 and sleeps for 2 to 3 hours. He also takes another nap at around 4 or 5 for an hour or 2 and then goes to bed at around 9 or 10. I'm trying not to be too rigid or strict with it because sometimes, I have to go places or we're not at home so I want to allow for some flexibility and base the routine around his needs. I also created a bedtime routine. Maddy and I read a book- Buenas Noches, Luna and then I turn out the lights and feed him. He usually falls asleep so then I put him in his own bed. Maddy will usually wake up and fuss a little but I am doing the Cry it Out Method which means I let him cry and then go into the room to comfort him in intervals increasing the length of time as I go. We have done this for the past 3 nights and it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. The first night was difficult to not go in and hold him when I was listening to him cry. One good thing is that since we haven't let Maddy cry hardly at all since he was born, he has a very low tolerance for it and is worn out easily. Maddy has become obsessed with his feet. Anytime I lay him down on the floor or when I'm changing his diaper, he pulls his feet up and holds them or puts them in his mouth. And he has a very strong grip so changing his diaper is a struggle. Maddy is still very ticklish and laughs all the time. He is such a happy baby. I definitely was having my doubts when we got back from Hawaii about whether he would stay an easy baby but luckily, he has completely returned to his old demeanor and I think vacation just stressed him out. I really think he missed home and his routine. Also, I think he was constantly hungry. Maddy loves books and his favorite is one with pictures of other little babies in it. He also loves his Star Wars toys and his favorite one is C3PO the gold robot. He lives in his saucer and loves standing up. Maddy is still putting everything in his mouth including his hands. Anyway, everything is going really well. I love being a mom. As for me though, I am having some maternal separation anxiety and hate leaving him. Anytime I am away from Maddy, I am thinking about him and worrying about him and I can't wait to be with him again. I also worry all the time about all the bad things that could happen. I have never felt so vulnerable and fragile in my life. It's like my whole world is wrapped up into my little baby boy and if anything were to happen to him, it would destroy me. Motherhood has turned me into a worrier. But I pray every night for him and my prayers have never been more sincere. Gosh! Being a mom is scary!

Maddox's First Vacation- Hawaii!

Maddox was such a good little traveler! He was perfect on all the plane rides and basically just slept and ate. We had quite a journey to and from Maui. We flew from Boise to Salt Lake to Phoenix and stayed a couple nights with some friends there. Then we flew from Phoenix to LAX to Maui. We had the same stops coming home as well- quite a bit of getting on and off of planes and a lot of time in airports. Looking back, we should have bought direct flights. With Maddy, we had the stroller/car seat which made it easy once we got through security. We got to Maui on a Monday afternoon and it was beautiful! We stayed in a little apartment with Brent and Marina and it was right in front of the beach. The first afternoon we took Maddy out to the beach and dipped his feet in the water. He hated it. It was hilarious. I realized though that it was the first time he had felt "cold" water considering that he had only been in bath water up until that point. But he was a trooper. He went with us everywhere. We did the road to Hana and we woke up at 3 in the morning to drive up to the highest mountain and watch the sun rise above the clouds. Maddox pretty much lived in his car seat the whole week. We were out and about so much and when we were on the beach, he slept in his car seat/stroller. On Friday, he started getting really fussy and by Saturday night, Maddox was miserable. He was up every hour through the night with diarrhea every hour and wanting to eat every hour. I felt so bad for him. He had horrible diaper rash and probably a tummy ache. Sunday morning we decided to take him to urgent care but because they didn't accept insurance, we ended up at the emergency room. Of course, after a rough night, Maddox was the perfect baby for the nurses and doctors. I swear, they all thought I was a crazy paranoid mother. Maddox was laughing at the doctor and smiling at everyone. The doctor said that he most likely had caught a virus but not to be concerned since he was eating and didn't have a fever. I was so relieved and luckily the very next day, his diaper rash started to heal and his diarrhea wasn't as bad. I just felt really guilty for not being able to take him home to his own bed and back to his routine. Being sick and away from home is not fun. The last day in Hawaii, we took Maddy out to play in the water and at first, he fussed a little but then seemed to be okay with it. He looked so cute in his little swim outfits! During the week, I also took him to the hot tub a couple of times and he loved it. Before 4 pm, it wasn't heated so it was the perfect temperature. Maddox had a little float tube that he sat in and just loved it! While we were at the beach, I would lay Maddy out on my towel in the shade and somehow he would always find a way to put a hand or a foot in the sand. Every day he ended up completely covered in sand no matter how hard I tried. I am so proud of my little guy for being such a trooper and a good little traveler. Vacation was definitely different with a baby but I'm thankful for the experience and the beautiful atmosphere we were able to show Maddox. He is our everything and I am so glad he is feeling better! Aloha!

4 Months Old!

Maddy is one big four-month-old. We went to his four month check-up and he is 17 lbs 3 oz which is 87th percentile and he is 27" which is 97th percentile. They gave him his shots and this time he cried very hard. It was the saddest thing ever. I just wanted to take his pain away. It was the worst feeling knowing that my baby was in pain and I wasn't and there was nothing I could do. But he is such a good baby that he only cried for about two minutes and then stopped. Maddy slept for most of the day afterward. His umbilical hernia is healing and the doctor said it is very small now. I asked the doctor about a little mark on his tummy and it turns out he has a third nipple. It's very small and not noticeable. It just looks like a dimple. Overall, Maddy is a very healthy baby. He has been rolling over and moving around on the floor just by kicking his feet. He is wearing 12 month old pants and 6 to 9 month old shirts. He still eats every three to four hours and some nights are rough. Instead of spacing out his feedings I just decided that if he is hungry and a big eater then so be it. I know that some babies just eat a lot and I don't mind feeding him. Maddy also has been putting everything in sight in his mouth. And if nothing is reachable, he puts his hands in his mouth. I have been giving him little tastes of food like banana and frozen yogurt. At first, he seems confused but then he seems to be interested. He also loves blowing bubbles and making sounds while he has my hand in his mouth. It is so cute! Maddy is still very ticklish and laughs all the time. He has been doing much better at sleeping in his own bed. He takes naps in his bed and sleeps most of the night in his own bed. However, I'm still waiting for that magical night when he doesn't wake up to eat every four hours. Anyway, I love my little baby so much even though he is not so little anymore. It is so sad how fast he is growing up. It is amazing and makes me want to cry just because I want all of this to last forever. But it is also exciting to see him progress and to be able to do new things with him. I love my baby Maddy!

Halloween

Maddy was a cow for Halloween and Allan and I were farmers. We only got to wear our costumes once because we missed our ward Halloween party. We were sick the Sunday before so we didn't hear the announcement that it was on Friday night. We ended up going to Tasha's ward party and dressed up for that. On Halloween night, I just put Maddy in a cute little Halloween outfit. Obviously, Maddy didn't understand Halloween or why he was dressed as a cow but it was still really fun. And of course, I thought Maddy looked so adorable and so cute as a cow.

Growing Too Fast

Maddox is getting so big and it is happening way too fast. He weighs almost 18 pounds and is developing in so many ways. He knows how to grab things now and is constantly grabbing my hair, his toys, his blankets, my clothes, and anything else he feels or sees. He is also very ticklish. It is the cutest thing ever! Whenever I get him dressed or undressed or even change his diaper he squirms and laughs from being touched which of course is my cue to take advantage and tickle him. He laughs so much! I love it! Maddy is still very vocal and started to make more noises that sound more like words. Now for the not so cute stuff...Maddox is a little spoiled by his mom and has become a little bit of a fussy baby. He loves to be held and sometimes gets really mad when he is set down or when I don't feed him right away or if I'm not right by his side when he wakes up. However, I am trying to change all of this and this week am in the process of training him to sleep in his own bed, get on a schedule, and space out his feedings. He has had a hard time falling asleep on his own and in his own bed. But today is the second day that he has napped in his own bed and fallen asleep on his own. I am so proud of him. He definitely fights it and cries but I'm sure eventually he will get used to it. He is a very hungry baby and still eats every 3 hours even during the night. I have been trying to space out his feedings to 4 hours but sometimes I feel too bad when he cries from being hungry. Maddy laughs so much and is overall a very happy baby. He laughs at me whenever I talk to him and a lot of times while he's supposed to be eating, he will look up at me and start laughing. He seems to think I am very funny. Maddy also can now stand up in his saucer without standing on a box. He is getting so tall! He loves his saucer and he loves the toys on his bouncer. He also likes watching cartoons on Daddy's Ipad and Mommy's phone. We have all been sick the last week with bad colds. I felt so bad for Maddox! He was so congested and hated when I would "unplug" his nose. We are so glad he is feeling better and even when he was sick, he was still such a good baby. We are so blessed to have Maddox in our lives and I pray every night that I get to spend one more day with my baby angel. Every moment with him is so much fun!

Maddox's Baby Blessing- October 14th, 2012

"Our dear Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Melchezidic Priesthood which we hold, we take this infant in our arms to give him a name and a blessing. The name by which he shall be known on the records of the church and throughout his time on this earth is Maddox Diaz Draper. At this time Maddox we give you a blessing that may be a pattern for your life on this earth. We bless you that you may be strong spiritually, emotionally and physically. We bless you that you may be an example to those who will surely follow you. We bless you that you may seek and follow good examples in your own life—that you will listen to your parents and be patient with them. We bless you that you will work hard in whatever it is you seek to do in your life. We bless you that you will walk uprightly before the Lord, keep his commandments, and always strive to prepare to serve a mission and be married in the Lord’s temple. We bless you with these things and every other blessing that the Lord sees fit to bestow upon you and we do this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Pronouncing the blessing: Allan Draper Also in the circle: Ryan Nelson, Brent Draper, Kevin Draper, Derrick Draper, Doyle Morrill, and Bishop Allan Heaps of the Caldwell 15th ward. Holding the recorder: Ethan Draper

Daddy's Boy

3 months

Maddox will be 3 months old in just a couple of days. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. He is getting so big and chubby and more beautiful everyday. Maddy loves going for rides in the car and in the stroller. He gets so excited when I put him in his car seat and gets mad if the car stops. Maddy is incredibly strong. He spends a lot of time in his saucer where he can stand up and he loves to stand when Mommy and Daddy are holding him. He rolled over for the first time today and it seemed so easy for him. I think he probably could have rolled over weeks ago. He also has been very interested in his hands and grabbed for his pacifier as I dangled it over him today. Maddy does not sleep through the night but does go for a 4 to 5 hour stretch. He still flails his arms violently when playing and sleeping. He also is very vocal still. He has very loud burps, sneezes and bowel movements. My favorite part of the last couple of weeks is how much he laughs now. Maddy is so happy and laughs easily. I also discovered that he is ticklish. If I catch him laughing and I tickle him, he loves it and laughs even harder. Maddox also has been interested in the TV. While I get things done around the house, I'll put on Dora la Exploradora or Go Diego Go for him and it seems to keep him entertained. He still loves his baths and getting his diaper changed. Every morning, when we first wake up, I change his diaper and he stretches out with his arms above his head and looks for me. When he finds me, he gives me a huge smile. He is definitely a morning baby!

Our Big Boy

Maddie has been smiling a lot more and almost laughing. He has been a lot more aware of his surroundings. He has been getting distracted during his feedings and likes to look around and see what everyone is doing. He is getting really big and has thick thighs and a cute little belly. He loves getting his diaper changed and loves baths. He also loves riding in the car and cries if the car stops. Maddie is a very restless sleeper and flails his arms and kicks his legs through most of the night. He has been doing a little better sleeping in his own bed but sleeps a lot better in Mommy's arms. He loves being held and loves his swing. He and I spend all day together and have so much fun. I love hanging out with my baby!

2 months

I can't believe Maddie is two months old! Yesterday he had his two-month check up. He weighs 14 lbs 15 oz (90th percentile) and is 24 inches tall (85th percentile). They gave him two shots, an oral immunization and a foot prick test. I felt so bad for him and of course, I teared up. I felt like he thought I was betraying him and not protecting him like I'm supposed to. But he was such a good boy and only cried for about a minute. Then he went back to being happy, playing and kicking his little legs. The nurse and doctor both commented on how "big" Maddox is. The nurse called him "solid" and the doctor said that Maddie is going to be a football player. Maddox has a little bit of an umbilical hernia but the doctor said there is no reason to be concerned. Maddox has been sleeping in his own bed during some nights and sometimes during his naps. He still struggles and would much rather sleep with us in our bed. He is always happiest in the mornings and smiles all the time. Maddie loves his swing and I have been putting him in his little stand-up saucer toy and he likes that too. He has been following me with his eyes when I walk around the room and recognizes faces easily. He also watches TV and turns to look when he hears noises or voices. He is growing up so fast! Maddie also loves to stand on his feet. His legs are getting so big and strong. We love our little boy and feel so blessed that he is so easy going.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1a7A4KTO5E

Daddy's Version of Maddox's Birth

The night before Jules was to be induced I took one of my basketball shoes and put it next to one of the shoes that someone (I believe Doyle) bought for Maddox. I took a picture of them and posted it on Facebook expressing my excitement that the following day I was going to meet my baby boy. Fast-forward to the next morning, a couple hours after we got to the hospital. The doctor said that Jules was not progressing and inducing her could take 3-4 days. I don't know why but the first thing that I thought about was the picture of my big shoe next to his little shoe and that I was premature in saying that I would be meeting Maddox that day. Nevertheless, a couple hours later, I was able to meet my baby boy! Although I was right about when I was going to meet him, there was a significant difference between how I imagined I would feel upon seeing/holding/kissing him for the first time and what I actually felt. After Maddox was born and while Jules was still in the recovery room, I was able to hold him for a few minutes after they cleaned him up and took his measurements. Holding him, in those short minutes, I had a life-changing experience. One that I hope to never forget. It was quiet. There were no other babies or nurses for a few minutes in the post-delivery room. It was just he and I. I was rocking him and he was quiet except for making a few really cute noises. He was looking up at me and I never wanted that moment to end. Words are insufficient to explain how I felt. Mostly because I had never felt that way before nor did I know I could. It is not rare for me to feel that I should be doing better or more with my life. However, there was only one person in my life that had made me a better person just by knowing her. As I held Maddox and he looked at me like I was his everything, I realized that I would do anything for him. As a result, I realized in that moment that another person just came into my life that would help me reach my true potential. Someone who, just like his mom, would help me achieve things and become someone that would be impossible without him. This was clear to me as I sat there, with tears in my eyes, trying to understand how much my world had forever changed.

Family

6 weeks old

Maddie is six weeks old and has already grown and changed so much since his birth. He is getting stronger by the day. He loves to kick his legs and stand up. Maddie also loves his baths. He just relaxes and lays there in the water very peacefully. His eyes are getting bluer and his hair is still brown. He is also gaining weight and getting a little chubbie. Maddie is smiling more and becoming more alert and aware of his surroundings. He loves to look out windows toward the sunlight and loves being outside. He still loves to be held and still sleeps in my arms. He has also become my running partner. I've been taking him on my runs in a jogging stroller and he has done really well. He still does really well in the car seat and almost always falls asleep. He is very vocal and always grunting or making some kind of noise. We are so lucky to have such an easy baby. Maddie is so beautiful and I love getting to know him as he shows more and more of his personality.

Smile

Bathtime

Maddie's Birth Story (by Mommy)

I fell in love for the second time on July 10, 2012. Maddox was born on a Tuesday at 5:13 pm via emergency C-Section. We had arrived at the hospital that morning at around 7:30 to be induced. However, I was not progressing and my blood pressure was rising to dangerous levels. The doctors began the surgery at 5:00 and 13 minutes later, our little angel appeared from behind the curtain. I remember feeling incredibly sleepy from the epidural but when the anesthesiologist told me I would see my baby soon I kept my eyes open and tried my best to stay awake and lucid. First, I heard him cry. Immediately, tears came to my eyes and an overwhelming feeling of love, relief and anticipation came over me. A second later, I saw my son for the first time. He was beautiful and I loved him instantaneously. They took him to a table behind me to clean him up and check him which took about 5 minutes. The table seemed to be miles away and those five minutes seemed like hours. I couldn't wait to hold and kiss him. I remember Maddie's legs being outstretched and up in the air while he was laying on his back. It was so funny. Finally, Allan carried him over to me and we cried and kissed our little son. During our stay in the hospital, Maddox proved to be the perfect baby. He loved to be held and never cried. He would only fuss a little when he was hungry and he would make the cutest little squawking noises instead of cry. Most nights, he slept in my arms. I have never slept so peacefully. When he was circumcised, the doctor said he slept right through it. He nursed well and took a bottle well. We knew that we had been blessed with a special baby. We believed that Heavenly Father blessed us with an easy baby to help us make it through the trials we faced right after his birth. Maddox was a miracle to us because in spite of all the pregnancy-related complications I experienced, he was perfectly healthy and we never had to worry about him. I remember my doctor telling me that sometimes, babies learn to thrive and become even stronger than they would be otherwise when their mothers have preeclampsia. I knew that this was the case with Maddox. He thrived when I struggled. He was strong when I was weak. I know that my ability to recover was in large part due to his existence and resilience.