Olive Ruth | 4 Months

Weight: 16lb (est)

Length: 22 inches long (est)

Likes: You are all about your hands.  If we don't have them swaddled down, they are in your mouth.  You are learning that those things can do something, and you control them!  You can get your paci out of your mouth, but can't quite figure out how to get it back in. 

You love your brother.  If you get fussy, we just put you in your bumbo and let you watch him run around.  You think that he's really funny...and you are right!

You also love baths.  You would stay in the water as long as we let you. We are pretty sure that you are going to be a little fish.  I see swim lessons in your future as soon as possible!!

Dislikes:  Still not a crazy fan of tummy time.  You will tolerate it a little bit longer, but not much.

Your biggest dislike right now is losing your paci.  Especially at night.  It's becoming a huge frustration for you and your mama.  We would appreciate it if you would either learn to keep it in your mouth, or not care when it falls out at night.  Please and thank you. :)

Milestones:

We know that you can sleep through the night, but you still choose not to quite often.  We think it has to do with you coming unswaddled and losing your paci.  But there is no consistency and no matter what we do, every night is different.  But you are sleeping through the night every couple of nights, so we will take what we can get!

You now eat 6oz every 3 hours during the day. We only feed you at night if absolutely necessary.  

You found your voice for sure.  You scream like a cat and it's the cutest little voice ever.  You like to be heard, and that means screaming over your brother.  Which is really loud.  I didn't think that any kid could be louder than Ellis, but you are already giving him a run for his money.

Still not rolling yet.  You've gotten really close a few times, but just haven't completely rolled without assistance yet.  You'll get it :)

Firsts:

You've started grabbing at things.  You will reach towards toys and your pacifier.  Oh and you have pretty good aim for mom's hair.   You don't quite know what to do with said things once you get them in your hand, but you're working on figuring it out!

You wore TOMs for the first time.  And real jeans.  I know, sounds silly, but it's actually pretty monumental around here :) 

Fun Fact:

You are quite the little chunker.  We say that with all the love in the world.  Your cheeks are pretty amazing and seem to somehow get bigger and bigger.  You are barely 4 months, but you are wearing mostly 9 month onesies and 6 month pants.  It's pretty hilarious.  And amazingly adorable.  

Happy 4 months Miss O!

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You can check out Ellis' 4 month post here!

Olive Ruth | 3 Months

Weight: 12lb 12oz (est)

Length: 22 inches long (est)

Likes: You love to smile.  Seriously girl, you are a cheeser.  We love it.  All we have to do is make eye contact and you get the sweetest little bashful grin.  You are going to drive those boys crazy some day.

You love your bumbo.  You can hold your head up like a champ now and can join us for dinner at the table now!



You also love to suck on your fingers.  You just discovered them not too long ago but it was love at first lick.  You almost prefer your hands to your paci, but can't figure out how to get those fingers to stay in your mouth.

Dislikes:  You are not a fan of tummy time.  You don't freak out, but you just don't do it.  You lay your head down in complete disapproval almost immediately.  We've tried rolling up towels under your arms and putting you on the boppy and you just don't want anything to do with it.

Speaking of loving your fingers, you are starting to get pretty hacked off when we swaddle your arms down at night.  It really does help you sleep better, but for the first few minutes you don't agree.

Milestones:

You fooled mama by sleeping through the night for about 4 days in a row.  Just long enough for her to get used to her sleep again.  Then you decided that was no longer fun.  We can't complain because we know it could be much worse, but you are now back to getting up around 3-4 to eat.  We are going to try and up your feedings during the day to see if that makes any difference.  

You eat 5.5 ounces every 3 hours all day.  You love to eat.  You know exactly when it's been 3 hours and let everyone know that it's time to drop everything they are doing and feed you.

You can sit up in your bumbo very well.  And you even can sit up on the floor or table with a little assistance.  You can hold your head up with no problem for quite a while!

You have started to find your voice.  You have the sweetest little coo when we say hello.  It's like you are saying hi back.

You aren't rolling yet.  Probably because every time we try and put you on the floor your brother tries to use you as a chair.

Firsts:

We celebrated Christmas as a family of 4 this year.  You had a great time sleeping in the swing while your brother torn open all the gifts.  Even ones that weren't his.  It was a great day :)  I'm sure you will be a little more aware next year.  But you did love all the attention from family!

You took your first train ride!  Your dad and I took you along with us to a staff retreat up in Chicago.  You were awesome the whole time we were there, no trouble at all.  You even spent a full day with your Aunt Sarah and Uncle Yianni while mom and dad got to go shopping and out to dinner kid-free.

Fun Fact:

We now have 2 babies in cloth diapers.  We started you a little earlier than your brother, but that's probably because we are more comfortable with them this time around.

Also, you totally rock the jeggings.  Cutest little lady in jeggings we've ever seen. 

Happy 3 months little lady!

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You can check out Ellis' 3 month post here!

Olive Ruth | 2 Months

Weight: 11 lb 12oz (actual)

Length: 21.5in (actual)



Likes: 
You love being talked to. You are such a big smiler and as soon as we say "hello" you just go crazy.  Your little grin that you were doing before has turned into the biggest giggliest smile.  You get a sparkle in your eye that is just so contagious.  We can't see you smile without smiling right back.  You love when we say "hello peanut" or your nickname "sugar" or as mom prefers, "sugardoos".

You still like your swaddle.  You are a little more of a Houdini these days and so we've had to perfect the double swaddle.  You have yet to bust out of the 2 layers, but I am sure that it won't take long before you figure it out.

You love your paci.  Thankfully, you don't need it constantly at night.  You fall asleep with it and as soon as you are out it falls out and you are content without.

You have come to love bath time.  You love just laying in the water.  We tried baths with your brother, but he is just a little too crazy for you.   You just want to relax and he likes to splash and dive bomb the duckies on to you.  So, we keep rocking the sink baths for you and you love it.

Dislikes:  

Besides having a full diaper, not much makes you unhappy.  Mom saw real tears for the first time at your 2 month appointment when you got your shots.  That was the first time we heard you really really cry.  For the most part, you are just a very content happy baby.



Milestones: 
You are sooooo close to sleeping through the night.  But not quite there.  You will have a couple good nights and then another night of being up every couple of hours.  You have done a couple 7 hours stretches and one 9 hour!  It was a good break for mom, but on average you are doing about 5-6 hours at night.  There is no rhyme or reason as to what nights you sleep longer, so we stopped trying to figure you out.  

You are up to 5 ounces every 3 hours during the day.  We just talked about upping you to 5.5 because you love to eat so much! :)

You officially have outgrown your newborn clothes.  You are wearing 3 month and even some 3-6 month clothes!  

You are starting to have a lot more awake time.  It's fun to see you start to react and interact with some of your toys.  We need to keep working on the tummy time.  You haven't shown any interest in trying to roll over at all. 





Firsts: 
Thanksgiving!  We had a few different Thanksgiving celebrations and you loved them all.  And by loved them, I mean you wore your Turkey Shirt like a pro and slept the day away.  You did sleep through meal time and allow your parents to eat handsfree which was great, so thanks for that! :)




Fun Fact: 
We have had a lot of people ask us if we think you look like Ellis.  Up until now, my response was that I don't think you really "look" like him, but that your mannerisms and movements remind me of him.  However, over the last few weeks your look has been changing.  And after taking these pictures, we have officially changed our minds.  You look just like him.  I searched for a few pictures of Ellis when he was 2 months old to compare and what I found was crazy!  Your brother is adorable though, so it's not a bad thing to look like him! :)  Also, I find it kind of funny that you are just about the same weight that he was at 2 months, but you are 3 inches shorter!




Happy 2 months Olive Ruth, we love you!

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Want to see Ellis' 2 month post?  Click here!

Ellis Hay | 18 Months

For Ellis' first year I did these every month, and now that I'm switching that to every 6 months, I feel like there is SOOOO much to catch up on.  It's even hard to remember what all has changed in the last 6 months!  So bear with me, this one's a little longer than the rest :)

Weight: 27.5 lbs

Height: 3 feet tall!



Likes: 

You love people.  You love when someone new walks in a room and don't like when they leave.  You are a very social kid.  When it's just you and your mama at home, you tend to get a little board.  Going out in public and waving/talking to everyone is a fun afternoon activity!

Being outside.  You are all boy.  Nature excites you.  It stinks how cold it is getting because that's going to very much limit the amount of time we get to play outside.  And you are at such a fun, exploring age.

Your pacis.  I feel like the older you get, the more you are getting attached.  You only get them in bed, but you are becoming more and more excited about them when you see them.  You love going to bed at night and I credit this to the pacis in bed.  Seriously, we say "nigh-night?" and you bolt to the stairs.

You love getting your hair brushed.  You think it's so funny and you even try to do it yourself!

Trains, cars, and kitchen utensils are you favorite toys.  I think your very favorite would be the ladle.



Dislikes:  
You are starting to revert back to not liking baths.  I am not sure why or what happened, but it's hit or miss on whether you are going to cooperate in the bath or not.  

You aren't a huge fan of vegetables.  I think that a lot of it still has to do with texture.  You touch/squish every piece of food before you eat it to make sure it is just right before you eat it.  You are a silly boy.

The word no.  Yep, we have a toddler in the house.  And you are starting to repeat it.  Stop growing up please?



Milestones: 
You still love your sleep.  Some days you are just too wound up to get in a good nap, but for the most part you practically ask to go to bed.  And unless you are sick, you sleep the whole night through without waking.  You go down and wake up right about 7:30pm and am!

You are a crazy tech generation child.  You have figured out how to turn the TV on and off, how to scroll around on our iPhones to find the games you want to play and how to get up on mamas office chair and type on the computer keyboard.  You really do amaze us at the things you have figured out.  

You are in the toddler room at church now.  And you love it.  You get to run and play and even have a snack.  I think you would live at the church if we let you.

You are still about the same with words.  You like to "talk" a lot in your own little language, but we haven't picked up many more real words in the last few months.



Firsts: 


First time trick or treating!  Last year we got you dressed up and you went around in the stroller for fun, but this year you ran up to a house (maybe 2) with the big kids.  It was short lived, but you were the cutest little Pop-eye we've ever seen.  And you felt so cool with the big kids.  

Last month you had your first weekend ever without your mama!  Mama packed up and went to a 3 day conference and left you home with your dad.  You and dad had so much fun.  You went to a pumpkin patch and hung out with your cousins.  We think you really enjoyed your boy weekend!  And mama really enjoyed her "time off", but was very happy to see you when she returned!

Shortly after your first birthday you had your first haircut!  It was just a little trim, but you handled it like a champ.  With your crazy curls, you have had quite a few more haircuts since then.

We took our first loooooong road trip this past summer.  You were an absolute trooper.  We went from home to Carmi, IL for a week long mission trip.  Then down to Chattanooga, TN for a good HS friend's wedding.  We got to see your little buddy Grayson there!  From there we went to Salem, SC to see your great grandparents for a couple days.  After leaving there we went up to North Carolina to see your cousins.  We got all the way to the very end of our 2 1/2 week vacation before you got sick.  You woke up our last day in NC with a 103 fever.  Throughout the day it spiked to 106 and landed us in the ER.  Fortunately you were okay and had no side effect from the fever, though it was very scary.  We left the next day for home and stopped in to visit the Moore's in TN.  It was a very long trip and we all had such a good time.  I see this becoming a tradition for us each summer.  The extended vacation was good for all of us to just get away and relax.

 

Fun Fact: 
This month you became a BIG BROTHER. (a few days after you turned 18 months).  Your little sister, Olive, was born on Oct 23rd.  Let's just say you are smitten.  You are amazing with her.  You aren't overly attentive, but you don't ignore her either.  You will go say hi, give her a kiss, and then go about your business.  We are so proud of you, you helped make the transition to two kids very smooth.

Olive Ruth | 1 month

Weight: 9 lb 8oz

Length: 21in (estimated)

Likes: 
You love to be swaddled.  All day, every day.  If you are fussy, all we need to do is swaddle you up and most of the time that calms you right down.  (However, you really aren't a fussy baby at all!)  You know what you want and as soon as you get it you are happy.  You took and loved your soothie pacis from day one and also love your swing.  You spend a lot of time in that thing!  

You love it when your dad sings to you.  Dave Barnes and Andrew Peterson are your songs of choice!  You just smile and watch him as he sings.

Oh, and you love to eat.  Love it.

Dislikes:  
Just like your brother, you do not like to be burped.  We try and try and most of the time can't get a burp out of you.  The only other thing that makes you mad is if you are cold.  You don't hate your bath, but if I don't wrap you up quick enough afterwards you aren't very happy. 







Milestones: 
Sleep.  You love to sleep.  Most people ask if your eyes are ever open!  Yes, they are…but not often :)  You sleep 3-4 hours at a time.  

We got pretty lucky when it comes to good sleepers/eaters.  You are very scheduled and eat about 3.5-4 ounces every 3-4 hours.  You sleep in between. :)  We are working on a bit longer stretches, but can't complain at all about where you are at now!







Firsts: 
Smile!  You aren't crazy expressive yet, but I did catch a picture of your first big old smile and it was pretty darn cute!


You do a lot of sleeping and laying around (ha!) but I put you in a rocker last week at church that had some toys dangling from it and within seconds you were reaching up and batting at them.  I guess mom and dad need to get you a little more interaction! 


Bath with your brother!  It was quick and you weren't very happy, but we got it done and even took a picture to prove it. 






Fun Fact: 
It's been so fun to see you and your brother interact.  The first thing he does when he wakes up is run into the living room and say "where sis?"  It's cute.  And when he gives you kisses you just stare at him.  

Happy 1 month Olive Ruth, we love you!

Ellis Hay | 1 Year

***Side Note: This post is LONG overdue.  I was sitting down to write his 18 month and about had a heart attack when I realized his 12 month wasn't ever posted.  So...here it is...very, very late.***  

Weight: 21.5 lbs
Length: 31 in

Likes:  You play peek-a-boo with yourself all day long.  And by all day long I mean all day long.  You will play with anyone and everyone.  My favorite was when you played with an older lady at Joanns and she wasn't having it.  Finally you said "where-de-gah?" (where'd he go?) with your big smile and laughed at yourself enough times that the lady finally cracked a smile.

You love to read books.  Always have.  But you will sit and read to yourself over and over.  You turn the pages very fast and "read" the words all in your own little language.  It's pretty darn cute.

Your basketball hoop on the front porch.  You will chase the ball and "shoo" over and over.

Dislikes:  When we try to make you snuggle.  You really aren't into sitting still pretty much ever :)

Most vegetables.

When your puppy runs away from you.

Milestones: 

You are walking like a pro.  You took some steps a few days before your birthday, and by your birthday party you were toddling around like it was your job.  It's so fun to see you figuring out new skills.  And your little waddle walk with you butt out is probably my favorite thing ever.

Eating habits are about the same.  As long as you have cheese and bread, you are a happy camper.

You officially dropped your morning nap.  We are down to one nap, people.  At first I was not okay with this, but the more we get used to it, the more I don't mind it.  You will nap for 2.5-3.5 hours, so I really have nothing to complain about.   And it allows us a little more freedom during the day.

Words.  They are starting.  Still mostly just sounds, but you are discovering your voice more and more and it's so fun to watch.  For now, this is your vocabulary:

ball

mom

dada

woah!

Hi

Bye bye

ni-night

sta (stanley) 

moo

quack quack

woof woof

more

all done

and my absolute favorite:

 "What's that?" as you point at everything in the room and wait for an answer. 

Firsts:

Birthday.  Obviously :)  Your party was so much fun.  You are one very loved little boy.  I hope you always know that.  Your mama had big plans for a themed party with all the bells and whistles, but the pregnancy sickness kinda got in the way.  It was still a very lovely day with lots of fun details and most importantly, lots of family and friends.  You played and laughed with all your little friends, and you rocked your suspenders, handsome dude.    I'm thankful for these great pictures to help remember the joy of the day.

Ellis Hay, you are our pure joy.  God truly blessed us.  You are strong willed, completely crazy, and 100% boy.  You are silly, creative, and have the best laugh.  You can throw a fit with the best of them, but you always give your mom and dad a kiss at night that warms our hearts.  You have taught us so much.  We are so grateful for you and can't wait to continue watching you grow.  We know a whole new kind of love because of you.  Our firstborn.  Our little mister.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.  We love you so, so much.


(all photo credit to Shultz Photography)

11 months

Weight: 20 lbs
Length: 31 in

Likes:  You still love your daily Thomas episode.  And I think you like that your mom has had some days of really not feeling well and letting you watch more than one Thomas :)

You follow your puppy around all day long.  Stanley isn't as fond of you as you are of him, but it's pretty cute to watch you crawl after him and "pat-pat" him.  We are still working on being really gentle, but Stan is very patient with you.  Or he just gets up and walks away!

Fans.  You have always loved them.  But Dad just installed one in our living room and it's the coolest thing in the entire world.  You point and blow at it all day and make sure that everyone who comes into the room sees the fan.  We are going to put one in your room eventually.  That should be fun!

Dislikes:  You are overall pretty happy as long as you are being entertained.  You are a very social baby and love to just walk around target and wave at people.  You really don't like when we are stuck at home all day.  You start to go stir crazy.  Hopefully this spring weather will hurry up so we can spend more time outdoors.

You are starting to get mad when we leave you in the nursery at church.  It's not bad, and as soon as you realize that there are friends and toys, you get over it pretty quick, but you really are a daddy's boy. So, we try and keep dad away from the nursery on Sundays!

Milestones:  Still not quite walking!  You are soooo close!  You will stand up in the middle of the room without holding anything for minutes at a time, but just haven't taken that first step yet!  I know everyone says don't rush it, but honestly, I need you REALLY good at walking so that when baby 2 comes you are more self sufficient.  :)

You continue to get better and better at eating.  We have to keep reminding ourselves that babies are all so different, and that you are just doing things in your time.  You have almost completely stopped gagging at foods, and have moved more into just being picky with what you will and won't eat.  But you are good at trying just about everything.  Your favorite foods are eggs, turkey, ham, cheese sandwiches, blueberries, and mashed potatoes!  And by "favorite" we mean "pretty much the only things you will eat!"  But you've come a long way and are getting better everyday.  You have, however, stopped wanting purees, and so we are really trying to get your food intake up so that you keep putting on the weight!  We don't think there has really been much of a change in your weight in the last few months and so we are waiting to see what the dr is going to say about that.

Nighttime sleeping is still great - thank you!  You have the occasional teething night where you are up, but for the most part we go to bed knowing you will sleep through the night!  Your naps, however are starting to shorten and shorten!  You take about 1-1.5 hours in the morning and 1 hour max in the afternoon. We are debating on whether or not to go down to 1 nap, but your mama just really doesn't think she can make it through without your morning nap! :)

2 bottom middle teeth and 2 top!  It's so cute to see your little teeth gums start to fill up and really makes you look a lot older!  Still taking forever for each tooth to pop through!

You are wearing 9-12month clothes for the most part and just about to move up to 18 month jammies!

Firsts:  We ordered you your first Kid's meal at a restaurant!  It wasn't completely necessary,  but we hadn't planned to go out so you needed dinner.  It was kinda fun, but at the same time completely a rip off!   Fun to say we did it, but we will be bringing our own food and feeding you off of our meals from now on :)

You went down your first slide!  We were at your buddy Trager's 6th birthday party and he had a really big bounce house...so when the kids went inside for cake, your dad took you in the bounce house and down the big slide!  It was really fast and you were completely unfazed by the entire event.  But it was fun for us!

Fun Fact:  We have yet to be able to find a pair of hard soled shoes that fits you.  We found a great deal on baby TOMS and were so excited when they came in.  However, you might have the worlds chubbiest baby feet.  I'm convinced of it.  They aren't wide (shoes come in wide!) they are thick.  They are super thick. They are just one big chunk.  I guess you will just keep wearing your stretchy slip on shoes until we find a cobbler to make you a custom pair.  :)