Baby's First Christmas

I'll post pictures soon!

We finally got the decorating done on the 24th. We also all got colds, but that didn't stop us from having a really nice Christmas. Everything looked beautiful. The baby loved the lights! We all had a wonderful time at home and out at the mini and then larger family Christmas. =)

We had yummy food, way too many cookies, and my poor husband laughed so hard I think his face still hurts.

It was just a really nice, and pretty relaxing once I got over the Domestic Goddess Itch, Holiday.

I am happy.

And the baby got so totally spoiled rotten! But then, so did we =)

Holiday Expectations

Here is it December 22nd and we still have not decorated for Christmas, I don't even have cards and most gifts yet, and we went and bought cookies because making them this year just seemed like insanity.

So much for my perfect first Christmas with the baby.

I keep trying to remind myself that 1. He won't remember it and 2. I just had a baby and can't be expected to dish out a Christmas of fabulousness and extreme domestic awesomeness...maybe next year...

But I still feel bummed, and like I am failing somehow. I wanted to get cards out with a cute little family photo (I still have not sent out thank yous from my baby showers), I wanted to have decorations everywhere to enjoy for weeks, I want to make gifts, I wanted to bake the most spectacular cookies the world has ever seen...I don't know what I was thinking. I have never done all that in previous years. I don't know what made me think I could do it now with a new and very demanding baby, when I can barley get laundry done during the week.

Still, it is a disappointment. I just so wanted to have the perfect first Christmas as a family.

I am probably putting way too much pressure on myself. I was just so excited about Christmas with the baby.

Just another example of my expectations not being super realistic.

So what can I do about all of this?

Well, I really did want to do Christmas cards. They will just be late. And tag along with thank yous maybe. We bought cookies. Maybe we will bake New Year's cookies?

And decorating? Well, in Germany you don't actually decorate until the 24th. Considering the fact that my poor husband is sick right now anyways, perhaps that isn't such a bad thing, waiting a few days so he can enjoy it too.

I have a feeling once Christmas actually hits, it'll be super special regardless of the lack of decor the store bought cookies, and everything else. Having those things, or not having them, does not change the fact that this is our first Christmas with the baby, which makes it pretty darn specail all on its own.

Now...if I can just convince that crazy little domestic goddess wanna-be in my head...

Spit-Up, Poopie, and Giggles

So, we have discovered that when I eat even the tiniest amount of dairy (I was trying to see if maybe a little would be ok) while he did not get more fussy and gassy, he did spit up more...ALOT more. So, it is official. No dairy for me!

We are really getting the hang of diapers. I find myself wishing I could have him potty trained before he starts on solid foods. Because that poop will be more difficult. Oh well. I am sure we will get the hang of that too when the time comes. For now I am enjoying to ease of the poopie. Also, cloth diapers are fantastic! I really don't know why some people were telling me it is so difficult. It really isn't. And dare I say...It is kinda fun...maybe I need to get out more.

Patrick is 5 weeks old today. He giggles almost all the time when he is awake now (aside from the occasional cry, fuss, and really upset cry) He even giggles when he spits up, which is kinda funny.

He also laughs in his sleep.

He is just so happy! Must be all the yummy food I ate while pregnant. ;)

Patrick is 1 month old!

Weighing in at almost 11lbs, and about an inch or so longer than when he was born...my baby boy is growing fast!

He sometimes looks so big to me, and other times I can't get over how tiny he is.

I am feeling alot better. I still have down and overwhelmed moments, and blah days, but mostly I feel good. And now is the time to start DOING stuff...

But that's not as easy as one might think. How can I get stuff done and keep the baby happy?

It may take me another month or so to figure that one out.

But instead of boring you with that - I am going to be the gushing mommy and share with you everything my brilliant little baby can do!

He can hold his head up for over 1 minute and push himself up with his arms. And he can stand on his legs and bounce. He laughs and smiles, I think he recognizes me. He loves to fly, he loves watching lights and staring at light and shadows. He coos and ahhs and of course makes his little happy monster noises often.

It is so wonderful to have such a happy baby =)

It was not Love at first sight...

I did think he was pretty adorable when he was born, and more every day since...

And I've been completely fascinated by him, the things he does, and the fact that I am a mother...(that still has not quite sunk in yet)

I have loved snuggling him, and find it hard not to hold him when its been too long...or he's sad...or sleeping all cute...or awake and happy...

The one outing I have had without him so far, I had so much fun but really missed him.

I feel happy and proud when people say how cute he is...

So, it is obvious that while it was not love at first sight, I liked him a whole lot from the very start, even during the frustrating times...

But...today...

Today I fell in love.

Or maybe it really was love all along.

It's been 3 weeks...

He gets cuter every day.

He's a teeny bit less cute when he decides to cry and be awake all night instead of sleep...but still pretty adorable, though at that point my vision is a bit blurred...

He adores the owl mobile above his bassinet, and the little car seat rattles. He plays with faeries regularly...and sometimes he laughs out loud for no apparent reason. He makes little monster noises, and really seems happy 90% of the time. It feels wonderful to have such a happy baby.

It is so strange to think he was born just 3 weeks ago...