Wednesday, November 25, 2015

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting
Psalm 107:1 

Happy Thanksgiving! 



And because the outtakes are real life.


Sunday, November 22, 2015

OUR LITTLE GUY IS 8 MONTHS

8 Months 
November 19, 2015 


Height: 28 inches 
Weight: 17 pounds 8 ounces


Likes: 
  • Clapping (not him, but when other people do) 
  • Galinha Pintadinha (Brazilian kids show) 
  • Peek-a-boo 
  • Crackers/bread--although he doesn't really eat much, it just ends up a soggy mess
  • Sitting in "big people" chairs 
  • Looking in the mirror 
  • Seeing people on the street--everyone loves him.  They stop and say hi to him.  He especially loves the gas station attendant, Valdicir
  • Playing with tags (his changing table, his activity mat, his car seat, any tag basically)
  • Being upside down
  • Dogs
  • The dropping game




Dislikes:
  • Anytime I walk out of the room, I think we are officially in separation anxiety stage
  • Not being able to crawl to get what he wants



Milestones:
  • Really close to crawling
  • Holds his own sippy cup
  • "Talks" a lot more nowadays
  • Sits in a high chair at restaurants (rather than us holding him)


Sleep
  • Rising and shining way earlier than before, about 5:15-5:30 AM. The doctor said it was because summer is coming
  • Takes about three naps a day 
  • Falls asleep pretty easily, although I still rock him a little.  
  • Can self sooth and fall back asleep
  • We had to do a couple of cry it outs because he was so used to sleeping on me for a little bit. It wasn't fun, but it worked.


Eating: 
  • Eats tons, but at his appointment we found out that he had lost weight.  Dr. Cesar made a new eating schedule and the kid is eating constantly.  
  • Eats crackers and bread by himself
  • The new change is the following schedule: 7:00 nurse, 9:00 snack (biscuit or juice), 11-12 lunch with juice, 12-1 (depending on when lunch was) bottle, 3-4 fruit and cereal, 6-7 dinner, before bed nurse



Favorite Moments: 
  • We went to Rio for my birthday weekend.  It rained the whole time, but I envisioned this as the first of many trips for our little guy.  He loved the plane and did great
  • Took him to see Santa.  I'll post the pictures once it is actually December :) 
  • Family walks
  • Facetiming with our family back home. He gets all happy and kicks his legs 
  • Coming home from work and seeing his smiley face 


Pics to Remember: 


Action Shots: 



Playing ball (and a fall) 

Giggling 



Flying to Rio 



Mommy's Thoughts: 
His personality is coming out more and more.  He fits his name so well because half of the time he is the chill Tae and the other half he is the energetic won't-stop-moving Taz. He is learning new things each day, which makes it even more fun to sit and watch him.  This month we went to Rio for my birthday. I was so looking forward to taking him to the beach and watching him play, but it rained and was cold the whole time.  We made the most of it and played in the hotel room and did some walking around with frequent stops in stores.  We'll be back in December, so hopefully the sun comes out to play.  

It was hard to go back to work in August, but I think it is even harder to go to work and leave him now.  He is so fun and has such a personality, I feel like I am missing him growing up.  I love my job, but I am so torn. I know all working mamas deal with this and I am hoping it is just a phase, but it is something I have been praying lots about.  On the other hand I am so thankful for Keila and who allows me to go to work and know he is safe and happy. God put her in our life for Tae to have one more person to love him.  

Tae--we love you so much. You are growing so much and learn new things each day.  You are SO CLOSE to crawling.  You will put your little booty up in the air, but you don't hold your arms up or you will push up on your arms and leave your booty down.  We love watching you teach yourself through trial and error, it's hard to watch you struggle but you are getting there. We will always be here to support you and help you grow. Thank you for brightening our days with your smile and laughter.





Monday, November 16, 2015

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.

I know I just posted about things I'm thankful for, but that post didn't have ANY pictures.  I am a visual gal so I wanted to post some of the favorite things I've been doing lately.  

I can't take his wrist rolls. I just can't. 

Rio for my birthday and it was cold and rainy, so we hung out in the hotel.  Lots of cuddle time. 

Date night with this handsome fellow.  Oh and wine. 

Keila and Tae go to the park every day.  I love his little grin in the picture, and she is so happy too! 

I tried (and failed) with a mohawk on him.  

Pool time with my guys.  

Monday, November 9, 2015

Thankful

Although I have already decorated for Christmas, I also love November because the time to reflect upon what I am thankful for. Here are a few of my favorite things...

Jesus Christ- I am and forever will be thankful for His grace and humility to die on a cross for my sins.  I am thankful that He is with me through all the moments of my life. I am especially thankful for the peace and joy He has given me as a mother. I struggled the first couple months of Tae's life with anxiousness, but when I finally put all my trust as a mom into Jesus' hands I have at peace about being Tae's mom.

Jess: I know I say it over and over again, but I am so grateful to be doing life with this man.  Every day he astonishes me with his positive attitude, love of learning and challenges, and support. He loves his family (us and the one back in the States) so much and is always so thoughtful in ways to show it. For my birthday he organized an epic Google hangout with my family. It was so fun, albeit a little crazy, to see everyone and have them sing Happy Birthday to me. Jess is also an amazing dad to Tae. I love sneaking peaks of them playing in the other room because the look on Jess' face is priceless. Their connection is strong already and I can't wait to see it grow.

Tae-My sweet baby that we prayed for for so long. He has taught me patience, grace, love, and strength. His little laugh and the kick of his legs when he is excited about something make my day. I'm thankful for his health and his sweet personality. He always flashes smiles at people anywhere we go, I hope he continues to share his light with the world.

My Health-Recently a bunch of people around us have been dealing with some pretty serious health issues. It made me realize how thankful I am for my ability to live each day to the fullest without worrying about my health.

Family-My family is incredible, I know everyone feels that way about theirs, but mine is. It is so hard to be away from them, but I am thankful for technology to keep in touch. My parents love boldly and have been able to watch Tae grow through Facetime. I value all of their advice and support more than they will ever know.  My sisters are simply amazing. They have been so supportive with any questions I have about motherhood or just lend an ear to listen when I need to vent/cry about lack of sleep or a fussy baby. I admire them all as women of God and loving mothers.

Keila- Tae loves her so much and that eases my mama heart.  She takes such good care of him while we are at work.  They go on walks, play, and dance each day. Of course I would love to be home with him, but knowing he is in such loving hands makes me feel better about working.  I also am thankful for Keila's friendship. She is a Christian and our conversations often turn to God and sharing a bit with her makes me feel more connected.

Old Friends-Living international it is great to meet tons of new people and form strong friendships. That being said, there is something about people that have known you from the beginning.  Each month my childhood girlfriends and I share 10 things happening in our lives.  Each time I pretty much roll on the ground laughing from their stories.  I love that we are still close even though miles separate us.

Brazil Friends-I am so thankful for a handful of people here that make it feel like home.  The people we can count on to cheer us up, enjoy a meal with, lounge by the pool by, laugh at the idiosyncrasies of Brazil, and just do life together. This year has been a year of transition (new kid, jobs, etc) but we have some incredible people here.