Logan 2 Month Update

Here we go with Logan's 2 month round up!

This month has been all about those first forms of communication: baby sighs and coos! Or as I like to call them, the sweetest sounds in the entire world. Logan loves watching our faces, mimicking our expressions, and giving the biggest smiles whenever we say his name or "I love you." And, of course, he follows big sister (and her loud voice) whenever she is in the room. Tay is definitely in that I'm two and need all of your attention all of the time phase, so Jake and I make sure to give Logan plenty of one-on-one time after Taylor goes to bed. And he eats. it. up.

As far as eating goes, Logan typically downs 6-8 ounces every 4-6 hours, so it was no surprise when he weighed in at 12 lbs 11 oz  and measured 23 1/2" at his 2 month check up. This boy is growing faster than we can keep up! His 0-3 month clothes are stretched to the max, so he'll likely be moving into 3-6 month pieces within the next couple of weeks. As for his sleeping habits, he still cat naps throughout the day but averages 6-8 hours most nights. Taylor began sleeping through the night at 8 weeks old (just as I was returning to work), so I'm hoping that little Logan follows suit before long. Thankfully, I have 4 weeks of maternity leave left, so there's no major sense of urgency this go round.

As I mentioned in Logan's last monthly update, we decided to pull the trigger this past weekend and move Logan to his crib. As a result, we're all getting more (and better) sleep. We figured the transition would be pretty seamless but chose to do it over the weekend, just in case. He fussed for a few minutes and took a while to actually fall asleep but once he did he was out, and we haven't had any issues since. We usually put him down around 11:00 for the night with him waking between 5:30-6:30 the next morning. I feed him and then he's usually back down between 8:00-9:00 for another few hours. This schedule is by no means concrete, but it seems to be pretty constant over the last week or so.

Another first this month was Logan joining Taylor for bath time! Some of my fondest memories (and favorite pictures) are of my sister and I in the bath tub together, laughing and playing until we were wrinkled from head to toe, so these images hold a special place in my heart. Having both of them in the tub at once is a lot easier (and more cost effective) than bathing them individually. Plus, Taylor loves it. She's been good about "no splashing" and loves to help wash him. She's even offered to share her bath crayons with him, which is basically her way of saying he's welcome.

Thanks to the gorgeous weather we've been having, Logan and I have been spending a lot of time outside this month! On weekdays, I usually strap Logan in his car seat (which snaps into our jogging stroller) for a casual stroll around the neighborhood, but in the evenings and on the weekends when Taylor tags along we either break out the double stroller (we have this one and LOVE it) or I carry Logan in my Solly wrap. You guys, this wrap is a total game changer! I was so hesitant to buy it based on the price tag, but I am so glad that I did. Logan falls asleep as soon as I put him in it leaving my hands free to tend to Taylor, something I greatly appreciate now that we've stepped up our potty training game. Plus, what could possibly be better than a sleeping baby snuggled against you? Nothing.

And just for fun, I want to incorporate a side-by-side comparison of Taylor and Logan into these updates going forward. I love looking back on baby photos of Jake and I and finding similarities and differences between us and our children, so why not do it between our kids as well? Below are photos of both Taylor and Logan at 2 months. Is it just me or could these two definitely pass for twins?

Logan 1 Month Update

Some of my favorite posts to date are the monthly updates I did during Taylor's first year, so I want to  be sure I continue that trend for our little Logi Bear. He hit his first monthly milestone on April 3 so I'm a little late with this post, but better late than never, right? I've been making a conscious effort not to let Logan fall into the typical "second child" syndrome because, let's face it, I definitely don't have a lot of free time these days.  Regardless, I'm determined to do these monthly updates. So here we go with Month 1!

Where to begin? Logan is the most chill, laid back baby ever. He rarely cries unless he is hungry, needs a diaper change, or is bored. He reminds me so much of Taylor at this stage and I am knocking on all the wood in hopes that he continues down this path.

In the past 2 weeks, Logan has really started to pack on the pounds which I attribute mostly to our recent switch to formula (hallelujah for having my boobs back!). Although he didn't have an official weigh in at the pediatrician's office this month, our home scale leads us to believe that he is a little over 11 pounds now. He is currently wearing size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothes, some of which he is almost too long for. At just 6 weeks old, Logan is comparable in size to Taylor when she was 3 months old which makes me wonder just how big this little guy will turn out to be!

Speaking of food, Logan is eating 4 ounces every 4 hours like clockwork. We have learned not to mess with his feeding schedule, because when little man is hungry he is ready to eat and making him wait even 5 minutes is not an option. Although his wake periods are increasing, he continues to be a great little sleeper, cat napping in between feedings and giving me two 4-hour stretches during the night. We are by no means on a set schedule yet, but for now he typically eats between 10:00-11:00 PM and then the three of us head to bed. He wakes up between 2:00-3:00 AM to eat and then we are back up between 6:00-7:00 AM to start the day. The kids and I snuggle in bed while Jake gets ready, Logan chugging his bottle while Taylor downs a sippy cup full of milk. I try to soak up this quite time for as long as possible before the morning turns into pure chaos. I'm sure all you other mommas out there can relate. ;c )

Within the last week, Logan has really started to interact with us, offering up smiles and coo's any time he hears our voices (especially big sister's). Despite his hatred for tummy time (a trait that Taylor also shared), his neck has become very strong. He loves swinging in his swing, laying in front of the electric fireplace, and listening to Jack Johnson on repeat. He is still sleeping in the rock-in-play in our bedroom where he makes all kinds of noises in his sleep (a trait he totally gets from me). I think Jake and I are both looking forward to him moving to his own room within the next couple of weeks, but I'm trying not to think about that milestone just yet.

Our baby is growing up so fast, and I can't believe that my maternity leave is already halfway over! I love spending my days with this sweet little boy, and I can't wait to continue watching him grow. You are the perfect addition to our family, little Logan, and we couldn't possibly love you more!

Newborn & Family Photos

When Logan was a mere 17 days old, we asked our good friend/photographer Crystal of Crystal Arellano Photography to capture some photos of our new family of four. We decided to do the session in our home, because everyone is more at ease in their own environment plus there is no shortage of toys and snacks to entertain the tot. Like all of our photo shoots, Taylor lasted about 30 minutes before she was completely over it. Many bribes were made (including candy and cartoons) which allowed us a couple more shots, but with nap time quickly approaching we ultimately decided it was time to wrap things up. In the end, Crystal worked her magic like always and provided us with the stunning images below. This collection truly captures the current season of our lives, and I couldn't possibly love these photos more.

Little Logan was on his best behavior due to a full belly and a couple of naps. Funny how it takes so little to satisfy them at this age. Oh please stay this little forever...

These shots of Taylor and her little brother are absolutely perfect. Words can't even express how much I love these two little beings.

The images captured in our bedroom are some of my favorite. Not only has this been the backdrop for all of those late night feedings and early morning snuggles, but it is also the place where I have spent far too many hours just staring at this beautiful little boy. Time seems to go by so much faster with your second child, and I want to ensure I always remember all of his little tendencies, like the noises he makes while he sleeps and how he insists on holding his hands up to his face when he eats.

Things turned silly quickly once the tot decided she was no longer interested in taking photos. A few flips over Jake's head and a ride on his shoulders helped to lighten the mood and bring a little laughter into the room. When things get tense in our family, we can always rely on hugs and laughter to make everything better. 

A big thank you to Crystal for another amazing set of photos. As always, I highly recommend her for any of your photography needs!

Easter & Spring Break 2016

Easter marked our first holiday as a family of four as well as our first overnight trip to my parents' house with two kids. We made the drive Friday evening after Jake got off work so that we could avoid waking up at the crack of dawn to get everyone ready and be there in time for brunch Saturday morning. My mom made a delicious spread of breakfast casseroles, sweet rolls, fresh fruit, ham, and some tasty fried potatoes (my favorite)! We spent the morning introducing Logan to the family and quickly learned that my niece Riley may be the biggest baby hog of them all. That sweet look on her face speaks volumes, she's in love!

As soon as they finished eating, the kids ran outside to hunt for Easter eggs. It was a beautiful day, and they had no intention of staying inside! The older two quickly filled up their baskets (since Granny April is known to stuff the eggs with money) while the three little ones needed a little guidance from the grown ups. Logan took turns being passed around among the adults while the kids ran and played in the sunshine.

Later that afternoon, we attended my cousin's wedding and reception where the kids had a great time playing hide and seek under the tables and tearing up the dance floor. I'm sad that I didn't get any pictures of their crazy antics, but I was too busy relishing in some adult conversation (which has been seriously lacking in my life lately).

The next morning we were up bright and early to attend church services and celebrate our risen Lord. The children performed a special skit and, for once, Taylor was able to participate. She and her cousins were absolutely adorable, giving each other hugs and waving to us from the stage. I just love that they are able to share these special memories! After church, we went back to my parents' house to find that the Easter bunny had made an appearance. Taylor's basket was loaded with cotton candy, play make-up & jewelry, and new headbands while Logan's basket contained a new book and a piggy bank! As you can tell, he was pretty excited...

The rest of our afternoon was pretty low key due to the rain and chilly temps. We did manage to snap a few pics before changing out of our Sunday best and heading back home. (Unfortunately, my dad wasn't feeling well so a solo photo with Granny had to do.)

This week our daycare has been closed for Spring Break which means I have had both kids at home by myself. So far things have been going pretty well, but I have learned that as soon as I sit down to nurse Logan, Taylor will decide that she wants to use the big girl potty or that she needs a cup of milk immediately. My days have consisted of nonstop feedings, endless diaper changes, multiple baths, and constantly washing sippy cups, pump parts, and bottles. Kuddos to those full-time moms out there who do this on a regular basis. It is exhausting, but we've managed to make it through the week unscathed. One thing's for certain, I won't hesitate to write that check for daycare next week. Our sitter earns every. single. penny.