Fall Fashion Preview

For some reason, there are a lot fewer boys clothes than there are girls clothes {um, seriously, what is up with that?}. So, when I saw a site with many boy fashions for a very reasonable price, I let my little pointer click and ship.

I ordered Holden two t-shirts, a long sleeve onesie, a pajama outfit, jeans and the piece-de-la-resistonce - a navy puff vest. I could not resist!

The jeans may be a tad long...

 Nathan has a very similar vest. Don't my two guys look handsome? Like father, like son!

First Day of Work

Last week, Nathan started his new job with Manhattan Associates! Normally, work will have him traveling 50-60% of the time, but for this first month he will be traveling to Atlanta. Holden and I said goodbye as Nathan left for National. We are sad to see him go, but so very proud of our amazing husband/dad!

Happy Four Month-day!

First, I must point out that in my blogging fail, there is no Happy Three Month-day post. Sorry Holden. You will never know what happened in your life during those 30 days. Second, I started writing this post when Holden actually was just four months.

On to month four review though! Lots of exciting things for this month, so here we go:

What has been the best part?:
The best part is watching Holden laugh and smile. I'm sure he is not laughing because something is funny and is probably smiling because he is mirroring my smiles, but it just makes my heart burst with joy to see him physically happy. I think as a parent, you always want your children to be happy and, for the most part, Holden is a happy little boy.

What has been the hardest part?:
The hardest part was when Nathan was gone for two days in a row. I have been thoroughly blessed to have Nathan with me every day for Holden's life. In August, he went on a two-day business meeting in Maryland and stayed overnight. I admit that it was tough to be in charge - all the diaper changes, spitting up, cranky moods, entertaining, and housework was on me. There was no Meredith-time, which I am quite spoiled in receiving. It makes me appreciate everything Nathan has done and all the moms who have to do that every day. All in all, though, I did it, so when Nathan does land that great job, I know Holden and I will be able to survive. 

What has been the most surprising part?:
At the very end of August, Nathan and I decided to take the risk of letting Holden sleep without swaddling his arms. We had been using the Amazing Miracle Blanket for a few months and Holden was sleeping through the night. We did not want to mess with that combination, but we knew that we weren't supposed to swaddle him forever. We took the plunge, and I expected Holden to wake up every two hours screaming, but instead he was great. He stirred or cried about four times in the night - but it was very brief and he fell right back to sleep. He continues to sleep through the night with ease.


What is your most memorable story from this month?:
When we visited Chicago in July, Nana (Nathan's grandmother) predicted that Holden would roll over on Rose's (Nathan's sister) birthday (8/14). He did not. But, we decided to put him on his tummy a lot and we were constantly coaxing him to roll. Wouldn't you know it that the only days Nathan was away from Holden, he rolled over for the first time AND it was fairly close to Nana's prediction date (8/17). I was having fun putting Holden in various outfits, so I had the camera out and ready. He was on his tummy and after rocking back and forth and wiggling his cute behind, he rolled! I called Nathan immediately, my mom and Nathan's parents. I was such a proud mom - bummed that Nathan wasn't there - but still such a proud mom. 


What has Holden learned this month?:
Holden is still learning at an exponential rate! He has learned to laugh, roll over, grab and pinch (at times really hard!). Holden is very vocal - he will "sing" to us and make lots of "ooooohhh" and "uuhhh" noises. Sometimes he will grunt too, but we try to discourage the grunting. Holden continues to sleep through the night (PTL!) and just in the past few days, Holden has started sleeping swaddle-free. 


What have you learned this month?:
I think I was obsessed with getting Holden on a schedule. I read the Babywise book and a blog devoted to Babywise techniques. I am a schedule person because they are predictable and controllable. This month I think I have done better with listening to Holden's cues and letting him help me with a schedule, rather than trying to force him into one. It may mean that we are late or a little disheveled, but I know this is just a season and I need to enjoy it!


Stats:
Weight: 18 lbs. (95%)
Height: 26 inches (90%)
Head: 17 inches (75%)
Two month stats:
Weight: 14 lbs., 8 oz. (95%)
Height: 25 inches (90%)
Head: 15.5 inches (70%)
One month stats:
Weight: 12 lbs., 2 oz. (95%)
Height: 24 inches (95%)
Head: 15 inches
Birth:
Weight: 9 lbs., 5 oz.
Height: 22 inches
Head: 14 inches

Um, ok is the photo shoot over?

Are You Ready for some Football?

I am a big football fan. My dad instilled on us at a young age to love football, breathe football and play football - - I could only take that so far being a girl and all. Anyway, Nathan also enjoys watching, is a true Bears fan {hat - check, jersey - check, slippers - check}, and for the past few years he has also played Fantasy Football.


Even though I love football and all things associated with it, I've never tried Fantasy. Honestly, I was too scared to lose {I am a sore loser - there I said it!}.


This year Nathan convinced me to play a friendly league consisting of him, myself, Holden and my mom {my mom doesn't know she is a part of the league...shhhhh}.


I drafted Drew Brees as my quarterback, Adrian Peterson as my main running back and the rest I just picked who ESPN said were the top scorers.


This week, I am up against Holden. I have never wanted to lose so badly. Funny how children change you.

Our current "scoreboard"

Sleepy Time

This week, Nathan and I noticed Holden getting super fussy after his fourth, and last, nap of the day. After remembering my good friend Crystal's advice about her daughter Ava's sleep schedule, last night we tried putting Holden to bed for his "fourth nap" and then I dream-fed him for his last meal. 


It worked LIKE A CHARM! We went through Holden's bedtime routine and he was asleep by 8:46PM - a big change from his usual 10:30PM bedtime. He also woke up after 7:00AM. All in all, a very successful night!

The verse above reads, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139." Thank you to Carin for giving us God's word to be with Holden.

This Little Piggy

Holden has discovered his toes and he LOVES them. Every chance he gets he grabs them and tries his hardest not to let go. He is not flexible enough to get them to his mouth yet, but I'm not holding my breath for that to happen (although his father was a gymnast...).
Nathan and I do prohibit him from touching his toes at times - when Holden is in his cloth diapers, he is not as flexible. So, last night, we let him go naked for a while and have some fun with his toes.

Little Reader

Nathan and I still continue to read to Holden every night. Lately, Holden has been reaching out to grab the books - most likely so he can put them in his mouth (everything goes in his mouth these days!). So, we caved and let him have the book. Here is what our future reader did:

I'm pretty sure he went on to lick the book: Goodnight Moon - educational AND tasty!

Rolling

As I mentioned, Nathan was away on a business trip last Tuesday and Wednesday. Well it figures that the one day Nathan is away, Holden achieves his biggest milestone to date. That's right - Holden is officially a roller. 

Holden had been thinking of rolling for a few days - swaying back and forth on his tummy. On Wednesday August 18, though, he took the plunge and thrust his body all the way over. 

I was able to capture him mid-roll! 

Look at that face of accomplishment! 

When Daddy is Away, Mommy will Play...Dress Up

Nathan had a two-day business meeting in Maryland last Tuesday and Wednesday. He stayed overnight, so I was alone with Holden for about 30 wonderful hours. 
I LOVE bonding with my son - and I also enjoy playing dress up with him.
Nathan does not like to have Hoden in pants, but I think he looks stinkin' cute in them. So, here he is - and, yes I probably did go a little overboard on this first one...

Four Generations

Nathan and I decided to take a trip out to Itasca and Fontana to visit the Bagni and Sandell side of the family the third week of July. Holden breezed through his first plane ride - bearing a 4AM wake-up, security lines and a slightly delayed take-off. We landed safely, without any tears from any of us, and Holden was quickly engulfed by hugs, kisses and smiles from his grandparents and aunts. Later that evening, Nana came over and met Holden. I think she was pretty excited, and Holden was happy to meet his Great Grandmother too!

On Wednesday, Grandpa Stu came over after his dentist appointment and met Holden, and then the four of us drove to Fontana for a visit to the lake. After seven years, this was the first time I have even been to the famed lake. I tried to go on the boat with Nathan and GS, but I have to admit that water still scares me after the 2008 oar incident!

Nathan's uncle Gregg and aunt Robbie were also at the lake. Stu, Gregg, Nathan and Holden all share the middle name Read. One day, if Holden has a son, we hope his middle name will also carry the tradition of Read.

Stuart Read, Gregg Read, Nathaniel Read, Holden Read

Grandma Ginny was a wonderful hostess to us all. She made delicious meals and had Holden in smiles.

On Thursday, Connie, Rose and Hilary drove up to join us at the lake. We walked around the lake a little, saw some huge houses and boats, and made Holden laugh for the first time! Grandpa Stu and Grandma Ginny have a monkey puppet at their house and apparently Holden thought he was hilarious. We do not have the audio proof, but we'll capture it soon and post it.

We left the lake late Thursday night. Before we left, we got another four generation shot!

Stu, Connie, Nathan and Holden

We had a wonderful visit in Chicago and Fontana with our wonderful family. We love you all very much and we can't wait for Holden to see his family again soon!


Thanks for everything Grandma and Grandpa!