.:Jabren - One Month:.

I cannot believe that this little guy is one month old!

I'm not sure how the time has flown so quickly when I'm getting by on 3-4 broken hours of sleep every nite, but somehow it has gone fast! 

Little Jabes is not the most content baby in the world. He is certainly not as difficult as Reece was, but he has his moments. I think that part of it is a mix of reflux and gassiness. He goes stiff as a board after every feeding when I try to burp him, and he is constantly squirming and grunting when he tries to poop and toot! I mostly just feel bad for the poor guy; he seems so uncomfortable all the time. I have suspected reflux from the very beginning (the other three all had it!) so I'm hoping that our pediatrician will just prescribe us the medicine now, and not make us wait until we go in for his two month appointment. Seems to be how our babies are made! There's not a whole lot we can do for his gassy problems. I do think he gulps down too much air when he eats; whether that's just something he does, or something related to latch problems from him being slightly tongue tied, I don't know. I'll probably discuss it with the doctor at his two month appointment.

Jabren only goes about 2 to 2 and a half hours between feedings, whether it's day or nite. He is a big boy, so I don't think that he needs to eat so frequently, especially at nite. But I'm not anywhere close to wanting to try any sort of training with him; he's too young! I think the nite time would go longer, but he just gets uncomfortable and wakes himself up with his gassy pains and then thinks he needs to eat. Which I oblige because that is all the sooner that we can both be back to sleep!

He is much more content if he is being held, especially by me. I really need to learn how to use my wrap so that I can accommodate him, but still have hands free to get things done around the house! He is just a yummy, snuggly bundle, and I can't say I mind spending my days on the couch with him in my arms.

His three sisters just adore him! Even when he is having his fussy moments, they don't ever get bothered by him; they are always just concerned that he is crying. They love to kiss him and rub his little head, and Reece is so great at trying to help calm him down by getting his binky, or rubbing his tummy. She also loves to hold him. It is fun to see how sweet they all are with him!

This little guy has been super aware since the beginning, responding by turning towards my voice, and even just seeming to see and focus early on. Lately he has really started to take an interest in things, and I swear he is ready to crack a smile! Sometimes he will make a little humming noise in response to me, and I love it. I can't wait until he starts getting more vocal! 

Jabren was obviously a healthy size at birth, and has continued to steadily gain weight. He was only in newborn clothes and diapers for about two weeks. He is very comfortably fitting into size one diapers and 0-3 month clothing. I have to admit, I was a little sad that the newborn size was so short lived; he is my baby and supposed to stay little longer! 

We just love our little guy, and can't imagine our family without him!

At one month, Jabren likes:

- nursing

- being held

- sleeping with mom (he likes to snuggle up and nuzzle in towards me)

- baths

At one month, Jabren does not like:

- being put down or left alone for too long

- getting dressed

- being in the swing or bouncer

.:Sleeping Jabren:.

I seriously cannot stop taking pictures of Jabren sleeping. You can never have too many pictures of a sleeping baby, right?

He looks so cozy!

Froggy!

Burrito baby.

I mean, if you have to be up all nite long, it may as well be in the company of these cheeks and lips. Yummy, squishy baby!

It is probably borderline ridiculous how many pictures of him sleeping that I have taken, but I just can't help myself. He is so cute, and he is my baby, and I just have to.

.:Halloween:.

Our Halloween was super fun this year. All of the girls are at great ages for understanding the whole Trick or Treating thing, and no one was shy or scared. We were able to get good use out of our costumes. First up was our ward chili cook off and trick or treating through the halls. The funniest part of the evening was when they were having all of the kids share their costumes on stage. Each kid was supposed to say what they were into the microphone. We were shocked Remi went up in the first place, but even more shocked when she walked out on to the stage, put her hand up to the guy with the microphone - like I'm a princess and I don't need any introduction - and then proceeded to have her own little dance show on the stage as all of the other kids were coming across in their costumes. It was so unlike Rem, and Josh and I were seriously dying. I was crying from laughing so hard! I squeezed Jabes into his skeleton jammies for this, but that was the only time he wore them. He is too long!

We also had our very first elementary costume parade! It was fun to go to Reece's school and of course see her and all of her friends, but also a lot of kids that I know from teaching piano and from activity days. 

On Halloween, we met up with Sam, Nikki, Evie and Jay at Jordan Landing to trick or treat around to the stores. It was nice to go out earlier while it was light out and a little warmer. Just a fun little pre-cursor to the real deal later that evening. 

Then we came home to eat some chili and scones, and it was off for more candy! 

Jabes and I went out for a few streets, but then he came home to pass out candy with me.

Our 2014 costumes: princess, mermaid, and cowgirl. Surprisingly no Frozen characters! 

And a cute little devil!

Our FOUR beautiful children! 

Happy Halloween!

.:Gramzee & Grandpa Paul Visit:.

We were so lucky to have my parents come to visit a couple of weeks ago to meet Jabren. 

There was lots of baby snuggling time, and my parents were super helpful with Jabes while I was taking care of things for the other three - like getting ready in the morning! They were also super helpful with the girls, and made sure to entertain them, too!

We enjoyed a fun afternoon out to Gardner Village to the Wee Witches Playground. The girls all enjoyed a friendly chat with this witch. She was hilarious.

There were slides,

corn pits, 

and a big trampoline thing that I didn't get any pictures of. It was beautiful weather, and nice to get out of the house a little bit. 

We also were able to head down to Cornbelly's one evening. Josh's company was having a work party down there, so we took advantage of the excuse to go and play!

It was in the evening, so we had to make sure to keep Jabren super bundled up!

More slides!

The cow train is always a favorite (for the kids at least!)

There were lots of fun wooden play structures all throughout Cornbelly's, and the girls had a great time playing on those. (Notice creeper Daddy in the background?!?)

They even had a little nursing tent, which Jabren and I made good use of!

The potato sack slide was also a big hit for Reece and Harper, and Rem even braved it once. We had a great time! 

Along with these fun things, we spent time going out to eat, hanging out around the house, and going shopping. I always love having my parents come to visit, and really appreciate the efforts they make to see us! We had a wonderful week, and only wish it could have been longer!