5 Months Old and Growing Like a Weed!

5 months old!

Well our boy is 5 months old! This past month went by SOO fast! He is doing so well and growing like a weed!

Here are some Baby Stats and Photos:

Baby Stats

• At his 4 month appointment, Caleb was 13 pounds, 10 ounces; however, I imagine by now he is at or a little more than 14 pounds. He didn't really gain as much weight at his 4 month appointment as he had at his 2 month appointment, but he still gained and is still doing well. What he did do was gain length! He is now at least 25 inches long, and continuing to grow. His pants that we just bought a couple weeks ago are definitely getting shorter on him.
• He is wearing mainly 3-6 month clothes, with a few that are 9 months.
• Size 2 diapers and filling those in very well ;)
• He currently eats 5-6 oz of soy formula during the day (every 2-3 hours), and will eat 7-8 ounces of food twice at night (once before bed, and once around 5 AM).
• We are eating solid foods now! YAY! He has eaten rice cereal and oatmeal. We have been switching weeks to ensure he likes them and there is no allergic reaction. But HE LOVES eating with a spoon! His first reaction was hilarious as he wasn't quite sure what to think. But now he will open his mouth when he sees the spoon approaching his mouth and smiles. He really gobbles it up! Plus, now that he has teeth (see below on more information on those teeth), he likes to bite down on the spoon when it enters his mouth.

Mmmmm!! Yummy cereal!

He likes it!! 

• Since he is now 5 months old, we plan on starting to try some veggies! Mmmm! Our plan is to buy some of the canned baby food at first and use those as a test to see what he likes, what he hates, and what could cause an allergic reaction. Once we know that for sure, we will attempt to make our own food. Don't want to make a batch of baby food if he isn't going to eat or can't eat it. So we are trying to be smart about it. I got some ideas from Pinterest!
• He is mostly sleeping through the night from 8-8:30 PM til around 7:30-8:00 AM with maybe only one feeding in between. Sometimes he just sleeps all the way through, and sometimes around 4 or 5 AM, he wakes up to eat. And sometimes he rolls over in his sleep and startles himself and then cries. So we then roll him back over and he goes back to sleep.
• Our boy has two visible bottom teeth, and there is another one coming through on the right side of his mouth (bottom). So three teeth! He is really early for this! My mom said that me and my sister didn't have teeth this early, so I am thinking he is getting this from Todd's side. :)
• He is a funny little dude! Seriously! He makes us laugh every day. He loves to talk, he loves to put his hands in our mouth and talk to us. He loves to give kisses and smiles and giggles everytime we give him kisses. He is soo vocal and loves to chat. I still say he says "Hi" sometimes...and sometimes it almost sounds like he could say Ma or Dada...but, not sure yet. I do know though that he is very chatty!
• He loves to play with his feet! He is quite obsessed with his feet! So many photos recently involve him playing with those feet!

Playing with his feet

 

 

And more playing with his feet!



• We got him his first Jumparoo! He loves to jump in it and play with all the toys. He has even had so much fun that he has fallen asleep in it! hehehe!

Playing in his Jumparoo!

 

Had so much fun, he wore himself out!

• He is sitting a little more...not fully on his own, but definitely getting closer.
• If he sits on your lap and wants to stand, he will stand up on his own! He would rather stand than practically anything else :)

SO much fun with this little guy! He really makes our life soo special. It's exhausting keeping up with this little guy, but he's worth it all. His smiles really melt this mama! :) I mean just look at that smile!

My precious boy has the best smile!

 

 

We've been having a lot of fun so far this fall! We took family photos (which I can't wait to share with everyone). We only have a few sneak peaks, and I loved them! See a couple below:

 

 I absolutely love this shot of me and Caleb!

 



 The three of us!

 

We also went to Caleb's first festival - The Sauerkraut Festival! Lots of booths and food! I had a brat with sauerkraut, and I even ate a sauerkraut brownie (it wasn't bad because they don't put the actual brined sauerkraut in it). There was a booth that had Christmas stuff in it, and Caleb just LOVED the lights! Oh I am soooo excited about Christmas this year. I just know he is going to love lights and his Christmas tree!

 

I also took him out into the leaves to see what he thought. He loved watching the leaves fall...and fall...and sometimes fall on him! :) It was fun!

 

Ripping apart a leaf

 Watching the leaves fall off the trees

And having a ball doing it all!



Looking forward to his first Halloween this year! We won't be going out with him since he still quite little, but will dress him up in a cute outfit. Plus on Halloween night, he will be with Grandma and Grandpa since we (Todd and I) will be out celebrating our 6 year wedding anniversary! Grandma and Grandpa graciously said they would take him for two nights, while these parents get away to enjoy time with each other (and even catch up on some sleep LOL!).

I love this time of year...so much to look forward to. Stay tuned for all the fun!

Where is the time going? Caleb is 4 months old!

4 months old and cute as ever! Just look at that smile!

A face that just melts my heart!

 



No way - 4 months old. Can we just take a minute and reflect on the fact that he is ALREADY 4 months old! I know people told me that time went fast and to enjoy every single minute (which I am doing), but WOW!

He is growing soo much! I am in complete awe of this little guy! Here are some baby stats:

Baby Stats:

• Caleb is approximately 14 pounds now. Getting bigger and stronger everyday! We took out the infant insert he had in his carseat finally, and he seems to like that better. His poor ears were getting squished toward the end.
• Wearing more and more 3-6 month clothes and shoes. Seriously...he is growing sooo much!
• Started moving him over to Size 2 diapers! Wow!  
• Currently eats 4-6 oz of soy formula for each feeding. Loves his food!
• Still sleeping through the night from 8-8:30 PM til around 7:30-8:00 AM with maybe only one feeding in between. Sometimes he just sleeps all the way through, and sometimes around 4 or 5 AM, he wakes up to eat. We are looking at introducing rice cereal this next month! Will get the go ahead from the pediatrician first! :)
• This boy scoots/crawls a little! He did it for his Daddy...I have yet to see him. I just know he moves from one side of his crib to the other in the middle of the night!
• He rolls over on his back and his tummy now!
• Speaking of rolling over, did I mention he rolls over in his sleep and will wake up on his back. Then he wakes me up because he doesn't want to be on his back, and instead of rolling back over, he just looks up at me with a bright eyed smile!
• He giggles at the most random things...when I think I am being funny, he smiles, but no giggles. When I don't think I am funny...he giggles! LOL!
• He is slobbering a lot and "eating" those fingers more and more - teething is definitely happening to this boy!
• He is crazy vocal now! He loves to talk! He jibber jabbers so much now....we don't get a word in ;) LOL! But seriously - he is talking more and more and I love listening to him. It's soo fun!

 Even in his sleep, he will have his hands in his mouth!

 

 This was him over the weekend, and he rolled over in his sleep,

and this is what I saw when I came in. Smiley boy!

 

This is him mid-roll!

 



So much is happening to him right now...and I am soo melancholy about this. I am soo thrilled about his development and how well he is doing. He makes me proud every single day! He is surprising us with how much he moves and how much he is learning. He really is a smart boy (must get that from his Daddy)! But at the same time, while I am soo excited about these milestones, I am sad too. I look at old pictures (old - yeah, that was just 4 months ago) of him as a newborn, and WOW! I mean...he is soo different. He is my biggie boy, and I just want him to stay a baby longer. I am not ready for him to be out and about and going to college ;) I know I am exaggerating...but seriously. Can we pause on time for a little bit and let me enjoy this time?!

I am beyond thankful for him. I stare at him and thank God for him every day! I know all of you mommies out there understand this feeling. It's just incredible...I never knew I could love someone soooo fully and so quickly! I really cannot imagine life now without him. He makes our lives soo much more EVERYTHING. There is so much more love, chaos, laughter, crying, fears, dreams, anxiety, love, happiness, pride, love...did I say love?! I mean...we (Todd and I) are so in love and were always proud of the special relationship we had. We knew that without kids, we would still have a lot of love. But now - the love is so much more! I have more love for my husband, and now I have more love for this little person that we made (or I should say God made). I know I dreamed of him, but I didn't expect my dream to actually be better than ever!

So in love!

 

 So true - Caleb is my rainbow!

 



Couldn't love these guys more! I love watching Todd with Caleb! He's an incredible Daddy!

 



Okay - I could gush and go on and on....but seriously, our lives are so much better with Caleb in it. He brings more joy to our family (Todd and I and then also our extended families). I am so thankful...and as I contemplate him being 4 months, tears form in my eyes and a lump forms in my throat. God did an amazing job, and I will forever be grateful to Him for this little blessing.

So here's to another month of changes (can I even handle them all - LOL). Much love to all of you!

Love that face! 

A typical week in this "New Normal" for the Taber Family

So our life has changed in many ways since Caleb entered our world! Obviously! But our work schedules have changed, and well we are learning a "new normal" as my Mom calls it.

It is a new normal for sure. Monday through Wednesday, Todd has Caleb in the morning to feed, play with him, etc., while I go to work by 7 AM (YIKES - definitely new normal for me as I never used to go in that early). I work til 5 (10 hour day) and Todd drops Caleb off at our sitter around 1:30. I will then pick him up by 5:30 and I have him the remainder of the evening. We play, we eat, we take a bath, etc. Rough life being a baby, I tell you what! LOL! Caleb is usually in bed by 8-8:30 PM, so I then finish up some chores (if I am not too tired), and then take about an hour nap before Todd comes home at 10:30 PM. Usually I will take about a hour after Todd comes home to spend with him and talk about our days, etc. We only see each other for a maximum of 2 hours on those three days, so it is important that we make it a point to spend quality time.

Thursdays - Todd has the day off. He gets to spend the whole day with Caleb while I am at work. Then I come home and we can have dinner together as a family and spend quality time together. I love Thursday nights!

Fridays - My day off! I work 40 hours in 4 days so that I can have that day off! I am soo appreciative of my company for allowing me to do that! And I love my Fridays. It's Mommy and Son time for sure! We try to go to the park, or we go to the store and walk around. We play, we eat, we read, we sing, we dance. It's fun being with him on Fridays...and I wouldn't trade that for anything. Todd works a much longer day on Fridays but is home by 10:30. But we do see him in the morning til he leaves around 11 AM. So at least on Friday, I see my husband for a few more hours! :)

Saturdays - Todd works til 3:30, and I am with Mr. Caleb until then. Same scenario as Friday where we play and read, and nap, and eat, etc. :) Tough life! Then when Todd is home from work, we usually go the grocery store and get what we need for the week and spend quality family time together. I do look forward though to the time we have after Caleb goes to bed. It is necessary to make time for your husband and get creative about it too. But it's very special time.

Sundays - Together all day! We go to church usually, and then spend the whole day together. I love our Sundays! I also feel like we all sleep in a little bit (since we go to the later service at church). We get rejuvenated before another week.

So yeah - the schedule is kind of rough and not at all what we were used to. Not at all! But, we get creative and make the time together. It's important to cherish every hour, every minute you have with your loved ones. As you are not guaranteed the next day even. So we try to not take each other for granted.

I should also mention that every night, Todd and I started praying together as a couple before bed. Lots of couples do that, but in the 5.5 years of marriage we have had, we never did that. We each take turns to pray, and it really bonds us as a couple. I find that we get the armor we need to tackle the week, and each day. I wanted us to really find a way to still have a bond even on the days where we see each other so little, and I am so thankful for that time together. We come together and give our days and nights over to God. And when it can be so easy to take each other for granted, I think this forces us to really appreciate the other person and connect in a deeper way. I don't say any of this as boasting...I share this because I think it is important to be real. Our relationship has always been quite close, but spiritually, I didn't feel like we were connected. Sure we went to church and all, but I didn't feel like we bonded together spiritually. But now, I feel like this helps in so many ways. I even prayed to God that if we started praying together as a couple that all other areas of our marriage would be good too. Is our marriage perfect - OH heck no. But I feel like we are working pretty hard to make it and do keep connected. And with a schedule like ours - it is necessary! We need God for wisdom in EVERY area of our lives, and as parents now, we seek Him even more. I know I can't do this mommy thing very well without Him.

So pray for us if you would. We've been doing this new schedule thing for the past 5 weeks, and there are definitely challenges to it. But we need prayer support for our marriage, and our family. We changed this schedule so that Caleb would have less time with a sitter and more time with us. It was important to us that we raise him, and not someone else. We want to see all his firsts. We appreciate the 4 hours on Mondays through Wednesdays that our sitter has with him. But we also appreciate the time we have to be the parents of our boy!

Thank you for the prayers...I know that is what sustains us!

Much love to all! And I had to share a couple of pictures on here because...well...,Caleb is just too cute!

 

 I love those eyes!

 

Daddy and son!

 

 

 Playing with blocks!

 

Reading with Mommy! 

3 Months - And The Little Boy Continues to Steal Her Heart!

13 weeks/3 months old!

THREE MONTHS! What? Is that even possible? How is it my baby boy is 3 months old? So much has happened just in the past month! Where do I even begin?

Baby Stats:

• Caleb is approximately 12 pounds now. Getting bigger and stronger everyday! Need to take out the infant insert from his carseat now! :( Can't believe how big he is getting!
• No longer wearing newborn clothes, but is even growing out of the 0-3 months. Starting to wear some 3-6 months clothes!
• Wearing Size 1 diapers, but probably not for much longer (maybe in the next month)
• Currently eats 4-5 oz of soy formula for each feeding. Loves his food!
• Sleeping through the night from 8-8:30 PM til around 7:30-8:00 AM with maybe only one feeding in between. Sometimes he just sleeps all the way through, and sometimes around 4 AM, he wakes up to eat. But either way - he is a sleeper and we LOVE it!
• Names we have for our boy (some are more fun than others): Caleb (of course), Cutie Pie, Bug-a-boo, Sweet Boy, BabyCakes, Little Man, Biggie Boy, etc.

Well...we all knew he smiled, but he continues to smile BIG and laugh and coo and talk! And I don't care what you say - He is saying "Hi." Multiple times this little boy has been mimicking us by saying "Hi." :) He has this little giggle/coo that just melts the heart. And when he breaks out those three dimples (cheeks and chin), he melts me. Heck - he melts everyone that sees him do it. He's going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up! He also has found his voice by his random "yelling." It's not a cry yell - it's like he is talking to something or someone by yelling. It's funny. We were at his pediatrician's office, and I was standing him up and he was looking so intently at my shirt. I guess my shirt was very busy and he was soo into it. Well then all of a sudden, he just starts "yelling" at it. It was funny. He is definitely learning his voice.

The most infectious smile!

 



He has lifted his head pretty well since Day 1; however, he is doing it all the time and will be on his tummy and just look up and not bob his head around like he used to. His head control is AWESOME! He continues to want to stand on his feet and is definitely putting more weight on those legs. He would rather sit or stand than be on his back now. In fact, he wants to "take off," and he really wants to crawl/walk now! I really see him crawling/walking MUCH sooner than we expected. He wants to see the world. He doesn't want to have his head facing me. He likes to see the people and everything going on around him. Curious little boy I have! :) I swear he is going to be curious about anything and everything as he grows up. He has so much wonder and amazement when he looks around that I just can't help but believe this little boy will be an adventurer. His curiosity is so fun to watch!

Standing like a big boy! 

Our big boy - look at that head control

HE PLAYS! :) BIG milestone! Month 2 - he wasn't so interested in toys. But this month, he wants to play, grab, touch, taste, etc. everything! He especially loves a toy my Mom got him called "Freddie the Firefly." It has so many different things on it to touch, feel, hear, etc. It's a great toy! Plus he just has more interest in different things and how they feel. He loves to reach for anything, including fingers. Or mommy's hair! LOL! It really is so amazing to watch his brain at work. He is learning so much! OH - and we recently learned he loves Patty Cake! He LOVES it! He laughs and smiles soo much while we play Patty Cake, and it's just soo infectious. I just wanted to keep playing it with him because of that smile of his!

Playing with Freddie the Firefly


Playing Patty Cake with Mommy! He loves it!




And he loves to put things in his mouth more now. Probably because my sweet boy is starting to teeth some! Yes - that's right - Teething! I wasn't expecting him to start so soon. His gums are swollen, and he really gnaws at his hands. Caleb also got his first illness.  He had "Hand Foot Mouth" disease, but thankfully it wasn't too severe. He never had a fever, and he wasn't scratching at his rash. It was a pretty mild case - thankfully! Within a few days, the rash cleared up. I am just thrilled it wasn't more serious. This momma also got it, but it didn't last very long either.

Loves those fingers and loves to put his hand and really anything in his mouth now!

It's just so much fun watching my boy grow up! He's learning so much and I couldn't be prouder of him! When someone asks how he is doing, I know I must light up because I love talking about him! He is so special and he continues to steal my heart each day!

Also in very fun news - Caleb FINALLY met his Aunt Jen and Uncle Wes in person for the first time! Jen and Wes came into town (now that she is done with the Bar Exam - so proud of her on that!), and it was just so wonderful to see her and see Caleb with her! :)

Super giddy Aunt Jen with Caleb

He looks so snuggly with Aunt Jen

Jen and my Mom even watched Caleb one day during the week that they were here instead of going to the sitter! I asked Jen what she thought, and she said it was the highlight of her trip! :) She had a ball! While we were at work, I guess Caleb was very smiley and loved to play Patty Cake with her. I knew he would love his aunt Jen! I knew it!

Look at the love between these two!

 

We got spend time together as a family this week (all 7 of us) on Thursday and on Friday! It was a lot of fun. We even celebrated the September birthdays a little early since we were all together (Mom, Wes, and me)! Pretty neat cake that incorporated all three of our birthdays!

 

 All three of our names and years are on there!

 

 View from the top

 

All 7 of us!

 

 

It was really such a blessed time together as a family. Jen had a ball with Caleb. I knew Caleb would just adore her!

 

 So happy together!

 

Caleb just adores his Aunt Jen! 

 





Two Months Old and Back to Work

My little boy is 2 months old now! The time with him has felt fast and slow all at the same time. And I remember everyone saying that he would change soo much in these few weeks, and you were right! He has changed sooo much. Just look at this difference - 1 week vs. 2 months.

1 week old vs. 2 months

He has changed from that tiny little infant baby boy that I thought I would break, to this smiling, amazing little baby boy who has definitely gained some weight. I will find out this Friday how much he weighs, and I am guessing he is at 9 lbs by now (or at least close to 9 lbs).

In this second month, I have seen so many changes in  my little boy. He smiles a lot now! And there is nothing that makes a mother and father more excited than seeing their baby smile. He even laughs a little. He lifts his head amazingly well and is soo strong. His feet are insanely strong. I am just so proud of my boy. He is incredible and growing soo much. It also makes this momma proud because it just goes to show you that you don't need to be a breastfed baby to grow well and be strong. This isn't a slam against people who breastfeed by any means. But being a mother that had to give up on that idea 5 days into his life because I was physically unable to do it - well, now I feel much better. He is doing amazingly well. Thank you, God!

My smiling boy!

Lifting his head with his arms!

And he's so smart. He talks and coos so much now. He loves to talk (even if we don't know what he is saying). I know I heard him say "Hi" multiple times now...I wonder if he was mimicking us. He said that early on too! Smart cookie! He also stands - yes he stands with us holding him up by his arms, but he puts weight on those legs of his. In fact, we visited the park last week, and I had him sitting on my leg with his feet on the blanket, and he stood up himself. Seriously! Now he needed my support, but he is the one that initiated it and stood up! He really puts weight on those feet of his to stand! I was impressed!

So BIG! He's standing!

 

Video of him talking at the park:

Talking at the park

 

And in good news - he has been sleeping for the past 2.5 weeks in his crib! YAY! YAY! He sleeps through the night and only wakes up 2 times for feedings (every 3-4 hours). Sooo excited about that too! I was concerned with starting work that it would be a problem, but so far, so good! Now yes - he is sleeping on his belly. I know what many have said and that is a "no-no," and maybe I am a "bad" mother for it. Or maybe I have seen what my baby boy can handle and I have seen that he really isn't sleeping when he is on his back. He sleeps so soundly on his belly and he can also lift his head quite well. He also has turned over on his back a couple of times before when he was on his belly. Believe me - I am a worry wort about a lot of things. But I am trusting my "mommy instincts" on this and also trusting in God on this. I have asked God for a lot of advice and wisdom in how to handle this, and I believe this is good for Caleb.

Sleeping in his crib!

 



Speaking of work - I am back! It's a new schedule and it will be its own challenges. Namely leaving my baby boy with a sitter three days a week for 4-5 hours each day. Plus, Todd has been handling Caleb in the early morning hours so I could sleep, and I know that Caleb is confused by this change. All this time I have been the one with him while Todd is at work. And now all of that is different. It's hard. We created this beautiful haven at home for the past 2 months, and I am just so sad to be leaving him. I know that our sitter is wonderful and she is soo kind and loving to kids, but it's not us. Don't get me wrong - I am happy to be around adults again. I really am. I am happy to be doing my work again. But, I miss him during the day. Fortunately, I have surrounded my desk with photos of him to help me through! I also know and can be proud that I am working hard to provide for this beautiful family we have. But we need the prayers! This new stage/transition is so much harder than I expected it to be. So please pray that Todd and I have wisdom in how we handle this and only show Caleb love and support to help him through it too! Poor guy doesn't understand what is going on and it just breaks my heart. But, I know he will eventually get through it just fine. We just need prayers!

So in love!

 



So all in all - I love this little guy more than any words can say. He has challenged me soo much, but the smiles, the way he holds onto my shirt to ensure I am there when he sleeps is incredible, and I just love looking at him. I don't think I am all that great at being mom, but he's obviously doing okay. I totally believe God is the One that has helped me through it all. I am amazed at how this little guy wasn't here, and then he was. He really is a gift from God to us. I just stare at him sometimes in just complete awe. And I love that he knows me...I love that he seems to see me and feel better (unless he just wants food (LOL!)). I love him more than life itself. He has brought so much life to our lives - sleepy life, but a beautiful life! I am sooo thankful to God for him! So thankful and humble to be his mama!

Mommy and Caleb at the park on her last week before work!

Our sleeping sweetheart!  

 

Having a ball at the park!

July 2nd - 2 years later

 

It's been two years. Two. It's a bittersweet day today. I know, I know - I can tell some of you may wonder how I can even think about what happened two years ago when I have my miracle baby (Caleb) here with me now.

But you see - it never goes away. The sadness of losing a child is always with you. Yes, my child never breathed air outside of my womb, but he or she did live for a brief period of time inside me. And I know that many people wouldn't even call that baby a life. But Gabriel lives - he or she just lives in heaven now.

Why do you think I put all of those weekly updates with Caleb on my Facebook page? To emphasize the significance of each weekly milestone of life. Each week, there was something new happening with that little baby that grew and grew and now he is here with us. And while Gabriel only lived a few short weeks, he or she still lived! I imagine that Gabriel was only the size of a seed, but he or she still lived. And now Gabriel is thriving and enjoying perfect paradise in heaven.

And today I honor that little one. I honor Gabriel. Here is the video I put together in honor of him or her back in 2012.

I also honor and I am thankful for the precious answer to prayer and healing that God gave us when He gave us Caleb. I think of all that God did to help us through that time. I think of that song "The Hurt and the Healer" by Casting Crowns when I think of this time in our lives. He really did meet us at our lowest point and heal the pain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqBMNSuDf7g

He heard our cries and it wasn't in vain. Because now - sitting on our lap is our boy Caleb. He cries, he eats, he sleeps, he coos, he screams, etc. We wanted that with Gabriel, but for whatever reason, Gabriel is in heaven instead.

But now - now we get to hold and love and snuggle with the sweetest baby boy! I am less sad than I was, but I will never forget. I hold Gabriel close to my heart today and everyday because he or she was our first child and always will be. And someday - someday we will all be a family together.

So to my Gabriel - We love you and honor you today. We know you are in a better place and we know you are in perfect hands. We will see you someday and I can't wait to hold you in my arms! And someday you will get to hug your little brother too! :)