A Very Happy Thanksgiving

Dayton's first Thanksgiving was filled with smiles, squeals, happiness and love. Namie, Bebop and Nan all came in to visit their Grandson (and maybe his parents too). Dayton was so happy to have everyone here to hold and talk to him. I think he knew that these people love him!

Over the past week and a half or so, Dayton has begun reaching and grabbing everything. This includes toys and noses as some of the pictures show. Other good news...he has been consistently sleeping thru the night for the past few weeks. We're so thankful.

Sadly, Dayton starts daycare tomorrow. I'm sure he'll do fine...I'm more concerned about me. I have so enjoyed this precious time with him. I'm so sad to see this chapter (maternity leave) come to an end. I'm going to miss spending every day with him. I have never felt so healthy emotionally, mentally and physically. I love you, Day Day, Little D, D-boy, bub bub, my little boy.

Sitting Up & The Swing

We had a playgroup in the park today. The weather could not have been more perfect. I had not realized that Dayton was big enough for the playground swings until I saw other Moms putting their babies in them. He loved it.

Dayton is also getting better at sitting up on his own. He's 4 1/2 months old and has so much sweet personality. He brings us such joy.

Another piece of good news. We bought a car last night. A 2008 Toyota 4Runner with 30K miles on it. May it be as reliable and protect us just as well as my 2000 4Runner did.

Family Weekend

It has been too long that we had a weekend - - - the 3 of us (plus the animals, of course). I think Dayton thoroughly enjoyed himself too. I love the pictures of Dayton in his walker. He loves to chew on the bar. I'm sure this is a sign of things to come. I hear whispers of babies chewing on their cribs and having to install crib protectors. Let's hope our son does not have rabbit tendencies.

It's wonderful to have Mike home. We're all happier.

Romulus Hirschenfang - One Year Ago

One year ago, my best friend, Romulus, passed away. He was my gaurdian while he was alive and I believe he remains my gaurdian now that he's passed. We tell Dayton that he is our 'Gauridan-angel-dog'. We kiss his picture every night before bed and a picture of him is also on Dayton's crib. While we may not see him in the physical-sense any more, he is still very much a part of our lives.

On October 22nd, I found out I was pregnant. Rommie and Mikki were the first to know. Mike was away travelling and I only told him when he returned home a few days later. I truly believe that Rommie knew it was okay for him to pass on. He watched over me for many years. I believe he knew that I was okay now and starting a new chapter of my life with a wonderful husband and a son to come. He could move on, his job was done.

Rommie, thank you for all you gave to us. We love and miss you very very much.

Happy Reunion & Dayton's 4 Months Old

As you all know, it's been a rough week so we missed taking pictures on Dayton's actual 4 month birthday. But, it's never too late! The pictures below are Dayton's reunion with his Daddy after 3 weeks away from one another, the 4 month birthday shots and finally Dayton enjoying himself in his jumperoo. Gotta love those big smiles.

Jenna Visits!

My first cousin, Jenna, came to visit from New Jersey on Monday evening thru Wednesday. Her visit could not have come at a better time as I was still going thru the post-trauma of the car accident. It was such a relief to have family here to keep me distracted, lend a pair of helping hands as well as change my mindset from trauma to opportunity. Thank you, Jenna!

Dayton really enjoyed spending time with Jenna too. The weather in Houston has been mid-70s and sunny blue sky all week. We spent a lot of time walking and Dayton got to have his first few stroller rides in his jogging stroller. He seems to really like it, thankfully, as he is growing so quickly I won't be able to carry him in the bjorn carrier forever.

At this week's 4 month doctor's appointment, he weighed 15 lbs 11 oz and stretches over 26 inches long. He remains 75% in weight and has dropped 5% to the 90% in height. He's only ounces away from being double his birth weight.

On a frustrating note, Dayton's sleep schedule has been completely disrupted by the car accident. For months now his schedule has been to bed at 9 PM, up around 3 AM for a 4 minute feeding, and awake around 7 AM. Since the night of the accident he is now getting up every 2 - 3 hours. Last night he was up at 11:30 PM, 1:30 AN, 2:30, 3, 6 and finally 7:30 AM. I played the tough Mom last night and only picked him up at 3 AM since that was the typical time he would get his middle of the night feeding. Here I was the week prior to the accident trying to eliminate the once a night feeding and now I'm struggling to just get him back to the once a night schedule. Darn wrecker driver....

Mike is on a flight home as I write this. I cannot wait for him to see Dayton. He has changed so much in these 3 weeks that Mike has been out of the country. Mike's comment seeing some recent pictures of Dayton was, "he has so much more hair!". It will be a wonderful reunion.

Not A Great Week

Well, first it was the car accident and now it is a stomach bug. I was down for the count yesterday and weak in my knees today. I can't wait for Mike to come home...it will be three weeks of him being gone by the time he returns tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm so thankful to have my smiling boy by my side. I hope these pics make you smile too.

By the way, Happy Birthday to Tara!

A Very Scary First Halloween

Well, we did not have the Halloween we expected. It's late so I'm not going to write to much but it will be summarized by the pics below. We are okay but remain emotional over the thought of what could have happened.

In short, a tow-truck sped thru a stop-sign and into the driver side of my car. I crawled out the passenger side door and got to Dayton immediately. My neighborhood is incredible and they came out in droves to help us. Dayton and I got a first class ride in an ambulance to the ER. Thanks to Ashley for picking us up from the hospital and spending the night with a very shaken family. Thanks to cousin Jenna for visiting and taking our mind off of the events. Thanks to the Heights Kids Group for their support and advice. Thank you to all my family and friends for their love and support.

I can't tell you how thankful I am to have my son smile up at me...today more than ever.