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