The Medina Family: February 2012

My Cuddly Baby Boy,

I can't believe that it is time to write another monthly update for you! Time is flying by so quickly that it is almost time for me to return to work. I have enjoyed so much the last 13 weeks that I have been able to spend with you and Katie, and I do not want to leave you guys. You have changed so much since you were born, I know I am going to miss something being away.

Most of your car rides are spent with your sister reaching over to touch you, tickle you or sing to you!

We have had a busy, but fun, month this month! Our weekends have been quite full, it seems. Mommy had a birthday at the beginning of the month and turned 29. Our family went out with some good friends to one of our favorite restaurants, El Chaparral, to celebrate. You did pretty well at the beginning, but after a bit you got hungry and a little fussy. Katie started swim classes this month, too, so you have been coming with mommy and daddy every Saturday to the Love to Swim School to cheer big sister on. The classes start at age 6 months, and I often wonder if you will enjoy the water and want to do classes, as well.

At swim class with sister, February 4th

First time to mass, February 5th

You celebrated you very first Valentine's Day this month and seemed to enjoy the yummy chocolate that mommy ate just for you. Our friend, Charlotte, turned two this month and we celebrated her birthday on the 11th at Fiesta Farms. What a neat place that was! There were so many animals and they even had pony and hay rides! Your godmother, Meghan, came into town for your baptism on the 19th and met you for the first time. You had so much fun snuggling with her; she loves you so much! We also had a get together to celebrate your Grandma Irma's birthday at Grandma and Grandpa Gauna's house. This past weekend, Mamaw and Papaw went with us to the Stockshow and Rodeo to see all of the animals. You slept through most of it, but you were awake for a bit to check out the sheep and take some pictures. You were the most handsome cowboy there!

At Fiesta Farm with Grandma and Katie, February 11th

First Valentine's Day 2012

With your Godparents, February 19th

Paternal Extended Family

With Grandma, Grandpa and Katie headed to the rodeo, February 24th

You also went to Aunt Nonee's on the 21st and 23rd so that she and I could iron out the wrinkles for when I return to work. The first day that you were there, you weren't quite sure what to think, but did pretty well, Aunt Nonee tells me. The second time went much more smoothly, and you ate a whole bunch. I definitely think you are in the midst of your "12 week" growth spurt....carried over to week 13.

First Time at Aunt Nonee's, February 21st

Playing with Katie, February 23rd

You usually nurse 6-8 times a day, however, the past week you have been eating 8-10 times a day. I can tell you are getting more milk, too, because my pumping output has increased. When you have a bottle, you drink anywhere from 3-4 oz. Your sleep has been a bit affected for the last couple of days, as well. You woke up last night at 1am and 6am to eat after falling asleep at 8:30pm. Usually you sleep from 8:30pm-6:30am and fall back asleep after a quick meal until 8:30 or 9am. You take several cat naps during the day, but generally get in 2-3 longer naps a day. I have been so blessed with good sleepers! (knock on wood so that I don't jinx myself.)

"I can sleep through anything, Mom!"

For the past couple of weeks, you have been sneezing and developing a worsening cough. I started giving you Albuterol nebs a couple of times a day to see if that would help, but it didn't seem to have much effect on your coughing. I finally made an appointment with your doctor for yesterday to see what was going on. I was afraid you might have RSV, but your test came back negative and it looks like you have some pesky allergies like your sister and mommy. I am so sorry, Nathan. It is not much fun to have allergies, as you have found out. You were more congested this past week and it has made you spit up a whole lot more. I promise that we will try to keep you as comfortable as we can. The steam showers and humidifier seem to help you some.

The "meh" or "Mom" cry

"Okay, now I am unhappy!"

Giving some smiles to mommy

Recent Milestones:
-You recognize faces and scents. Whenever you are upset, if you smell milk or see that you are about to eat, you will calm down pretty quickly. You also give out the best smiles whenever you see faces you recognize. Your sister loves to come over and see you when you wake up and you greet her with the most precious smiles.
-You hold your head steady most of the time. You love to be up on someone's shoulder so that you can stare around and look. You are a little wobbly sometimes, but I would say 90% of the time, you control yourself pretty well.
-You continue to track objects and will follow faces as we walk around the room.
-You are verbalizing so much more. You coo and gurgle and "talk" to yourself all the time when you play on your mat or sit in your swing.
-You are batting at your toys on your consistently. You really seem to like playing and you kick your legs so much!
-You continue to bear weight on your legs when we hold you up. Sometimes you take "steps," which are more reflexes than you trying to walk, but it is so cute!!

Tummy Time at the Doctor's Office, February 10th

Swinging with Sister, February 16th

Looking around with Daddy at the Rodeo, February 24th

Clothes: very few 0-3 months, mostly 3-6 months
Shoes: size 2
Diapers: size 2 disposable, small cloth

We love you so much, Nathan, and you make our family so happy! It has been exciting to see you grow and learn this past month as you have become more interactive. Your happy smiles are the brighest part of my day! I can't wait to see what next month brings!

February 8th

Love,
Mommy

We had Nathan’s baptismal on the 19th before I returned to work. It was held at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, our family’s parish and where Katie was baptized. The ceremony was held after the noon mass and was so special. Meghan made breakfast for our family, my parents and brother prior to mass. Paul’s dad met up with us at our house so that we could car pool to the church. It was a beautiful day, and we were so glad that our families could join us. Those in attendance were: Katie, Mawmaw and Pawpaw, Uncle Jon, Aunt Tara and Uncle Kevin, Aunt Meghan, Grandma and Grandpa Gauna, Grandpa Paul, Aunt Melissa, Uncle Jason, and Charlize.

Nathan was napping at the start of the service, however, he quickly woke up when Deacon Joe started the blessings. There were several children being baptized during the ceremony, and fortunately we were first. Nathan did not like the anointing with oil or the holy water being poured over his head. He did like looking around to see what everyone was doing, though, and chewing on his hand. There was a blessing of the mothers and the fathers during the baptismal which I really enjoyed.

After mass, everyone went with us to eat at Paloma Blanca! What a fun tradition it has become. We are so blessed that the Lord has given us Nathan and Kaitlyn! Praise be to God!