November 19, 2013:

It's been multiple weeks since I've blogged, but I've been keeping a running list of all the fun/frustrating things that RJ has been doing. I'm constantly praying for more patience to take care of our lil boy, yet he keeps testing me. Once he's fast asleep in my arms or on my chest, my frustration just melts away.
I guess b/c I've been putting this blogging thing off I'll try a different style of writing.

Oct. 29th- RJ wanted to snuggle longer than normal after finishing his morning bottle. It was so special to just cuddle him and look at his perfect face. I grow more in love w/ him every day…

Oct. 29th- RJ took at 3 hr nap on my chest today! I slept for part of it, which was much needed. I just couldn't give up the opportunity to hold him. He was just too snuggly. The bathrooms can wait!!

Oct. 29th- RJ made me laugh as I was putting him to bed. He was making noises while his eyes were shut. I couldn't help but giggle and when I did he would look at me.

Oct. 30th- Feeding RJ solids has not been the easiest. I just want him to open his mouth wide for the next bite. He has seemed to like black beans and really smeared up his face well tonight. :)

Oct. 30th- Bath time is always a fun time for Robert, RJ, and myself. Robert usually gets RJ undressed while I get the bath ready. We usually wait till the last minute to remove the diaper, for obvious reasons. Well, not sure what the difference was on this day, but Robert took off RJ's diaper early. I left the bathroom for a moment and heard, "Honey come hear quick! I need help!" I walk in to see that RJ had pooped on daddy and the floor!! I was hilarious!! Funny how I didn't mind cleaning up this poo from our son. Nothing like the adults I've cleaned up during my nursing career.

I wrote this note somewhere between Oct. 30th and Nov. 2nd. RJ has started to talk some before falling asleep at both naps and bedtime. He will take the paci even after a full stomach. It still takes longer for him to fall asleep. The lil stinker!!--- He will not take the paci anymore. I guess it was only a fleeting phase.

Nov. 2nd- This was a very special day and weekend. We had RJ's baby dedication here at the Lexington SDA Church. Our senior pastor, Pastor Goia, did the dedication. I had put together a slideshow that was shown before we went to the front. It gave the congregation a real look into how serious things were at the beginning for RJ. I had it broken up into months so everyone could see his progress. It was special and very emotional. Our parents were able to make it, but no siblings could come. RJ had lots of fun with all his grandparents though. :) We were even surprised by a visit from Tim and Carol Doudiken!! They've been family friends of the McLennan's forever. They were only here for a few hours, but it was super duper special!!

The next note is more of a general observation. RJ has gotten really good at his hip thrusts when on the changing table. It makes it quite difficult to change his diaper or dress him. That's how he's able to wiggle off his mat!! Maybe he's going to back crawl before tummy crawling.

Nov. 6th- Once I got RJ situated for his night feeding. He stopped and just looked up into my eyes. Robert was still in the room and the lights were on. RJ would look at me and then put his hand up to my face. Robert was taking some photos. I was making silly noises and making him laugh. It was priceless

Nov. 7th- RJ had his first blowout poopy diaper tonight that even got on his clothes!!! It was a total mess!! Of course I was the one who took RJ to the changing table and found the surprise. Too bad Robert didn't find it. :) We all know how fond he is of poop. :)

Nov. 7th- RJ sat up by himself on the bathroom counter for the longest time tonight! He was having fun getting into my basket of goodies on the counter before bath time.

Nov. 10th- Today was stressful because we had our family photos taken at a local park. It was tricky trying to have RJ take a nap and eat before the photo shoot. I wanted him to be as happy as possible. It was windier and cooler than we wanted, but in the end it all worked out. We got some great shots and RJ was a real trooper. He gave us some good smiles.

Nov. 12th- The weather around these parts is crazy. RJ woke up to see his first snow ever!! There was a light dusting over the ground that was mostly gone by the evening. Who knows what he thought, but it was still fun to show him. :)

Nov. 14th- Tonight Robert found out RJ is now ticklish!! Robert's been waiting for this moment. RJ gave us some really good, but quirky laughs. Not your typical laugh, but he was smiling none the less.

Nov. 17th- We keep working w/ RJ to roll over, but he's just not a great fan. I tried putting his feet up under his butt like the crawling stance a few times. While he was on his mat all of a sudden he pulled up his knees under his butt all by himself!! I happened to be taking pictures and caught it so Robert could see. I think maybe we are getting closer to a lil mobile RJ!! Yikes!!

Nov. 19th- So I confirmed today that RJ only wants to drink his bottle up in his room while I rock him in the lazy boy chair. Oh mercy… Not sure why the comfy couch downstairs won't cut it anymore. Robert says RJ is particular like me. Oh dear… As soon as I started walking towards the couch and started sitting down, RJ began fussing and squirming. I tried putting the bottle to his mouth and he blatantly refused. Robert was watching the whole thing. I then took RJ up to his room and he ate his whole bottle. Grrrr. It's frustrating b/c I don't want him to learn he can get whatever he wants by fussing, yet he needs the calories to grow! It's quite the predicament…

It seems like every day RJ's growing up more and more. He's grabbing at everything he can get his hands on. He even has started to kneel when in my lap. He's becoming more expressive and interactive. He seemed to really like sweet potatoes and did descent with carrots. Tonight I tried bananas. He took a few bites and then was done. Maybe tomorrow will be better. :) In an effort to help RJ get more sleep, since his naps are dwindling, last night he was in his crib fast asleep by 7:35pm. I was worried he would wake up earlier since he went to bed 30-40min earlier, but he slept till about 7am!! He's been getting quite fussy between 5pm till bedtime. When I discussed it w/ my friend Stacie Garcia, she recommended putting him to bed earlier. I did it again tonight and had him in his crib by 7:20pm!! RJ gets better sleep where he's not burning as many calories and he's growing, plus I can get projects done and have a lil more time for myself and Robert! It's a win/win situation. Well I'm getting pretty tired. The alarm clock will go off early. Off to bed I go. Thanks again for all your prayers, love, and support!!