My baby is 3 months old!

My Little Bear!

I can hardly believe that 3 months has gone by already. My itty bitty baby is not so itty bitty anymore. Ok, well he's still a tiny guy, but he's far from the 4lb10oz newborn I brought home from the hospital! He's now 10lbs3oz and 22.5". That means he's gained close to 6 pounds and has grown 6 inches! He is on a mission to be a big boy!

Our Tiny Family

Eric turned 3 months on the 13th and it brought about several different emotions with it. Of course I am thrilled that my little guy is growing and thriving, but I am also somewhat sad that he is not the snuggly little infant he was just a few weeks ago. Come to think of it, he doesn't like to be snuggled like that anymore unless it's bed time. He hates to be faced away from the action. He is so involved with the world around him now. He wants to watch everything all the time. He will throw a fit if you try to hold him facing your chest. He likes to be turned around and preferably bounced on your leg at the same time. Eric loves movement, whether it be walking around, bouncing, etc... He will only tolerate the swing now for 10 minutes tops. He wants to be out and about. According to my mother-in-law, he's just like his daddy. Always on the go and not happy if he can't be. He's also going through some sleep changes. He went from sleeping a lot, to fighting off naps as much as he can. Going to bed at night also became a fight. We finally had to get him on a schedule. He goes to bed at 9:00pm each night now and is usually down for good by 10:00pm. He still wakes to feed 2-3 times a night, but will sleep until 9-10 the next morning. I did manage to get him to take 4 naps today somehow. They are short, 1 hour naps, but naps none the less. I think the new air conditioner made a huge difference, so he is more comfortable to sleep. I can't say I blame him being cranky with this ridiculous Missouri heat.

My Beautiful Baby Boy

One new struggle is that he only wants me at bedtime. I know this is hard on Ryan because he feels like he can't comfort his son. It is frustrating for him and it can be for me also. They are bonding extremely well otherwise. Eric will coo and talk to Ryan in a way that he doesn't do with me. He just "talks" up a storm when Ryan talks to him and smiles at him. I absolutely love it. I love sitting and watching the two of them get to know one another. They are going to be extremely close as Eric gets older and that makes me very happy. Of course I know he'll always be my little boy, but he has his daddy wrapped around his little finger.

My Heart

We are trying to plan a little family vacation for a weekend sometime before the summer is up. We haven't been able to do anything yet since we are moving soon and since Ryan has been working such long hours and weekends. I think we've decided that we are going to take Amtrak to St. Louis for a weekend. I don't want to make Eric sit in his car seat for 3-4 hours straight. That would make me grumpy too! Taking the train will allow us to sit back and relax. We'll probably hit up the zoo, the city museum, and the Science Center or Magic House. Hopefully we'll be able to meet up with some of my college friends while we're there too so they can finally meet Eric. We really wanted to go to Omaha this summer, but due to the flooding this year, it doesn't look like that is a possibility. I'll just have to take lots of pictures, because little man certainly won't remember a thing! I just want him to be able to look back at all the pictures someday to see the fun things we've done as a family.

We'll be moving to Lexington in just a couple more weeks. It's only temporary, but it makes me sad. We're moving out of our first home together. We lived here when we were dating, when we got married, and this is Eric's first home. I don't like that he'll never remember living here, but that's what we have to do in order for me to stay home with him. Well, this house is kind of crappy anyway, so it's not really a loss. I'm just sentimental about it I guess. The plus side is that we'll be living with my mom for a while, Eric's "GeeBee". He loves her and she is so excited to be able to see him more often. It is definitely going to save us a ton of money too, so that helps a lot! Once I return back to work next year, we'll finally be able to start looking to buy a home. That will be nice! I would really like to be somewhere permanent before we even start to think about Eric having a sibling. We'll just see what happens. We're flexible people.

He is my reason for living!

Well, this post kind of went all over the place, but I got out most of what has been on my mind. Boogie is growing faster than ever and I wish time would slow down just a little bit. At this rate, he'll be a year old before we know it. My beautiful little baby boy is growing up so fast! I've included pictures in this post that my cousin Josie took for Eric's 3 Months. They are absolutely fantastic pictures and I look forward to doing several more shoots with her in the future. I'm out of here for now!

Eric's 2 Month Well Baby Appointment

I took Eric to the pediatrician this past Wednesday for his 2 month well baby visit. It was a couple weeks later than I would have liked because it takes so long to get an appointment. Thankfully I know this now and will be able to make his 4 month appointment on time. Anyway, he was supposed to get his shots that day. That was a no go. He had been so fussy for two days so the pedi wouldn't give him his shots. She was worried that we wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a reaction to his immunizations or him just being extremely fussy. While I was a bit disappointed we had to come back again, I was glad he wasn't going to feel even worse. She just told us to come back next week and go to the immunizations office and they would do them there without an appointment.


Eric got his regular check-up while we were there as well. At 11 weeks, Eric is now 9.3lbs, 21.5", and has a 15.16" head. That means he's gained almost 5 pounds since birth and he's grown 5 inches! I know he's still a tiny little guy, but he's growing so fast. His pedi also decided to up his dose of Zantac since he has gained 2 pounds since his last appointment. Now we don't have to go back until he's 4 months for his well baby exam and immunizations. I've heard those shots are worse, but I guess we'll wait and see.

Eric sort of fit into his very first 0-3 month outfit this week. It was really loose on the sides, but his torso is long enough that it fit, sort of. It could be that this outfit was a hand-me-down and has been washed & dried a few times and it shrunk, because the rest of his 0-3 outfits are still too big. This little guy is skinny enough thought that preemie shorts still fit in the waist. There is no doubt he's going to end up tall and slender when he gets older, just like Ryan.

Well, we have lots planned for this 4th of July weekend, some things we have already done. I will save all of that for another post next week though. Until we meet again!

Ryan & Callie's 2 Year Dating Anniversary!

The night we started dating 6--26-09

6-26-2009. It's amazing how fast the past two years have gone. This time last year, Ryan and I decided to go downtown with several of our mutual friends. We were just going as friends too, but we left as something more than that. I knew I had developed feelings for Ryan, but after talking to my sister I was convinced that the feelings weren't mutual. It was disappointing, but I was ok with that. Ryan had just been through a nasty divorce. I could understand why he wouldn't be ready to start dating again.

Well, we met up with our friends at Johnny's Pour House. It was just another night out and we were having a good time. I knew I couldn't stay out very late because I had to work at 8:00am the next morning, but I really didn't want to leave Ryan. After we were there a couple hours, some of his friends asked if we were dating. His response? "Not yet." I calmly asked, "What do you mean, not yet?" That's when he told me he had developed feelings for me and wanted to be with me. I instantly had the stupidest grin that I couldn't wipe off my face. He asked me if I felt the same way and I blubbered out something to the tune of, "Of course!".

Shortly after that, we decided to go back to his house. We stayed up all night long talking, even though I had to work in just a few short hours. I never slept that night, but I was on top of the world. I felt like a teenager again, not 25! We spent endless hours over the next several days talking all night and texting when we couldn't be together. It didn't take long before I was at his house every single day. Things were amazing. I had never been with anyone that I could talk to and relate to like Ryan. I knew within months that this was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. I hoped he felt the same way and soon after he confirmed that he did.

Our Wedding Day 10-23-10

Life has been very fast paced and a definite trip since we have been together. We have experienced a lot as a couple in the two short years that we have been together. Moving in together, finishing grad school, experiencing the loss of grandparents, getting engaged, getting pregnant, our wedding, and the birth of our son, just to list a few. Things moved a lot quicker than either of us had ever planned, but we took on each task together and everything has worked out great. I'm not going to say it's always been a smooth ride, but it's a ride we know we'll never have to do alone. I know that I can face the most difficult situations in life and Ryan will be right by my side to see me through it. The same goes for him with me. I have found the person I am going to spend the rest of my days with and that is an amazing feeling.

Right after meeting our son for the first time

I love Ryan more each and every single day. Sure, this post is mushy, but I wouldn't be the person I am now without him. I wouldn't be married to the love of my life, nor would I have our beautiful son. As I sit here typing this, I keep looking over the computer watching my boys sleep. It makes my heart feel full to see my tiny baby boy wrapped up in his daddy's arms. That is a picture of pure bliss to me. So in closing, I just wanted to say that I am so grateful for this day two years ago. I'm thankful that Ryan chose me and I chose him. I'm grateful for every little thing that didn't work out in our previous lives that led us to one another. It's pretty amazing how things come together sometimes. Ryan Jon, you   are my everything and I love you, always & forever!

Our first family photo

Survey for Mommy & Baby!

A~Age: 27 years/10 weeks

B~ Bed Size: Cali King for the both of us, we are still bedsharing

C~Chore you hate: Dishes/Getting diaper changed!

D~Dogs: Didymus & Mac

E~Essential Start your Day Item: Caffiene/Diaper Change & Bottle

F~Favorite Color: Pink/Don't care yet! Mom likes to put me in green and navy blue

G~Gold or Silver: Silver/No preference

H~Height: 5'2"/20"

I~Instruments you play: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Oboe/Just "talk" a lot, no instruments yet, but daddy will teach me the drums someday

J~Job Title: Stay at home mom now, was Youth Specialist II as of yesterday/Diaper filler and good at it!

K~Kids: Eric Ryan/no babies for me!

L~Live: Missouri

M~Mom’s Name: Bonnie/Callie

N~Nicknames: Crickett, Baby girl/Boogie, Gizmo, Fuss McGuss

O~Overnight Hospital Stays: Salmonella poisoning, Cysts, Birth/Birth

P~Pet Peeve: Bad drivers, Poor Grammar & Spelling/Dogs licking my face

Q~Quote from a Movie: I'm a peacock, you gotta let me fly!/Just starting to stare at the screen now

R~Right or Left Handed: Right/To be determined

S~Siblings: Aaron,Beth, Tammy, Chad/None yet!

T~Time you wake up: Whenever we feel like it

U~Underwear: All the time/still in diapers

V~Vegetable you Dislike: Hominy, Lima Beans/No solid foods yet

W~What Makes You Late: Eric/Mommy

X~X-rays You’ve had Done: Too many to mention/None

Y-Yummy Food You Make: Angel Food Cakes, Italian Food, Salsa/Not a cooker yet

Z~Zoo Animal Favorite: Penguins/Haven't been to the zoo yet-so my dogs at home!

A Father's Love

Dad & Eric

Most people know that this past Sunday was Father's Day. I celebrated it on two different days with the special men in my life. Ryan went on a float trip this weekend, so Eric and I went up to Mama Foster's house on Saturday. We were celebrating my dad's Father's Day. Charis was there as well, so it was a lot of fun! We had an amazing meal of boiled shrimp, friend shrimp, new potatoes, asparagus, homemade mac n cheese, and brownies. I know it may sound like a regular meal, but it was my Mama's homemade cooking. That is far from regular! I ate until I was uncomfortable and I never do that!

My Dad & Eric

Eric made a card for Grandpa Kevin, with a little help from me... (: We traced his hand inside the card and wrote his name on the front. He loved it! They got some good pictures together and then we all watched a movie with Charis before bed. We stayed the night, so Charis, Eric, and I all shared the big bed in the North Room. It felt just like all the sleepovers we had when I was little!

The next morning, Eric and I loaded up and drove the hour back home. Ryan made it home from the float trip and we met him outside with a big hug! Eric had on his camo onesie that I picked out for him to wear just for Father's Day. Ryan decided he wanted King Chef for lunch, so that's where we went. After lunch we did a little shopping, then back home to relax. I told Ryan we could do whatever he wanted since it was his first Father's Day, but that's what he wanted to do!

Ryan & Eric watched TV and napped, so I got the house all cleaned up and packed Ryan's bags for his TDY the next day. I wanted him to just relax, so I got everything ready for him to leave the next morning. Then he got his gifts. Eric also made him a card with his hand traced inside, he's pretty talented, no? Eric then showed him the other onesies he has that are just for his daddy! One says, "I love my daddy!", another says, "Best Father's Day Present Ever", another says "Spirit of America" with a picture of the B2 Bomber, since that's the jet Ryan works on. The last one shows a drum set and says, "Proof my mommy liked the drummer". I think that one describes itself! (: I gave Ryan his card from me and then his gift. I made him a custom, "All the Reasons I Love You" book. It is a little book that lets you pick all the different reasons why you love someone, then it attaches the matching stick figure cartoon. You can even make custom pages, which we did several. I was worried he would think the book was a little cheesy, but his reaction blew me away. He started crying!! I asked if he liked it and he replied, "No one has ever done anything like this for me before, I love it!" I was really glad in that moment that I decided to make that book. Now he can always have something to look at to remind him just how much his wife and son love him, even if we aren't always able to be with one another.

The next morning while the boys were still sleeping, I shut off Ryan's alarm for the airport. I finished packing his bag, laid out his clothes and uniform, and made is breakfast. I took him his breakfast in bed and let him know everything was ready for his trip. He was thankful for the extra sleep! Then he got ready and headed off to work happy.

Daddy's Major Man!

*My Boys*

I would have to say this Father's Day was wonderful. I spent time with my father and watched my husband experience his first Father's Day. I am lucky to have such wonderful men in my lives that take pride in raising their children. I was blessed to be raised by a wonderful father, step-father, and finally my grandfather. Papa, though in Heaven this year, was not forgotten. I thought about him all day and missed not having him there with us for the first time. I know he would have been so proud to see his new great grandsons and would love his granddaughters as usual. He's just watching over us now instead of sitting next to us. I miss him every single day and when Eric is old enough, I plan to tell him everything about his Great Grandpa, Papa, Foster.

Well, that about sums it up for now. Until we meet again!

Boogie turns 2 months old!

His first real smile on camera!

I can't believe it really, but little man is 2 months old now. It amazes me just how quickly these past 9 weeks have gone by. I find myself already forgetting the completely sleepless nights, constant feedings, and the pain from birth. I guess if I remembered all of those things I would never want to have another child someday! :)

Eric is now 8lbs 3oz. He is still so tiny, but he is getting close to doubling his birth weight. No too bad! He is doing amazing. His reflux is under control and he is sleeping so much longer during the night. I usually wake up with him once or twice a night and then it's back to sleep for another few hours. I don't really have anything to complain about!

We are getting to spend lots of time with his cousins Charis and Owen this summer. I really enjoy sitting over at my sister's house while Ryan is gone to work. Owen is still very attached to his mommy, so I don't get to hold him very often, but when I do I love it! Owen is still bigger than Eric! It's hard to believe that Owen is 5 weeks younger, but is bigger everywhere (except his head) than Eric. They are both such beautiful little boys. It is going to make me so sad when the end of the summer is here and we both move to new towns. I will miss the closeness, but thankfully we'll still only be an hour apart. I want our children to grow up together and hopefully they will be just as close as my sister and I are.

Boogie has his 2 month well baby appointment next week. I look forward to seeing his new measurements and for my Grams to get to go on base for the first time. I like watching people experience the Air Force base for the first time, it's pretty fascinating! Well, I'll end this with a picture. Ciao!

2 months old!

A Pedi Visit for Eric

I had to call and make an appointment for Eric this past week. He started spitting up, then throwing up, and had the worst tummy troubles at night. I felt so terrible for him and mom and dad weren't getting much sleep either. As long as he was upright he did ok, but as soon as we put him to bed at night he would get fussy. He would pull his little legs up to his body, grunt, and cry. It even got to the point one day that he was screaming and would throw up everything he just ate. I can honestly say that was the first time I felt defeated as a mother. I didn't know what else I could do to help my child feel better. So, I called the doctor.

The doctor's office on base was able to make him an appointment for the next morning. My mom stayed the night with us that night so she was able to go with me. It was my first time driving on base and my first time being on base without Ryan. Things went smoothly though and we got there with no problems. We met his nurse practitioner for the first time and she was wonderful! She was so attentive and so very friendly. That instantly made me feel more relaxed. The weighed and measured him first and wow! Eric had grown! He is now 7lb2oz and 19.5in long! Little man has been busy!

She then asked several questions and was able to diagnose him with reflux. That didn't surprise me in the least bit. He was prescribed Zantac twice daily and was switched to Enfamil Gentlease Formula. We were to try that for a few days and if that didn't work, switch him to Similac Sensitive. So, we got home and we started the new mixture. He struggled the first 24 hours while the old formula was getting out of his system, but the throwing up stopped instantly. What a relief!!

The first 24 hours passed and my little baby was so much happier!! I could already tell his little tummy was feeling so much better. He slept so well that night, which means so did we! He was already a happy baby, now he's even happier! I am so thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful son. I thank God every single day for bringing him into my life. I love that little boy dearly.

We've set up his 2 month well baby appointment for the end of this month. He'll get his 2 month shots then. I'm really not looking forward to that, but his doctor reassured me that babies really aren't phased by their first set of shots, it's usually the 4 months shots that bother them more. At least we have a little bit longer before that time comes.

Eric will be 2 months on the 13th. I'm working on another page for his scrapbook for that day. It is really starting to look pretty amazing. I'm actually impressed with what I've been able to put together. If I keep this up, I'm going to need a 2nd book soon! Well, I'll write again for his 2 month milestone. Until then... adios!