Autumn

Oh, the joy of childhood...

Carefree & Happy!


Last week when the boys and I were at my parent's house, M had a ball playing in the leaves.



God is truly the ultimate artist. This was our beautiful sunrise this morning with Mt. Hood in the distance.

By the way...Santino makes my heart melt.


I hope you're enjoying this time of year.


Happy day!

12 Weeks & Happy Birthday To...

 
Santino is a happy baby that just happens to cry a lot. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but he truly is a happy and peaceful little guy.

He likes to suck on his fingers and knuckles. It's funny to watch him do this, as he makes lots of smacking sounds.

Saturday we celebrated Maximus & Santino's cousin's (Sydney's) 1st birthday. Grandma LaLa (Rob's Mom) was playing with Santino and really got him giggling. It was so adorable. He's already laughed for Rob and I a little, but nothing like this! I'm so happy that I caught it on video. Rob's Aunt and I were getting all teary eyed and emotional about the whole thing.

And, speaking of LaLa (LaRita). It's her birthday today! Happy Birthday to YOU! I hope you are having a wonderful day!


Love,

Baby Pictures

 

Both of these photos were taken around 2 months old. The one on the left is Maximus & the one on the right is Santino.

 

 They definitely resemble each other, don't you think?


Happy Weekend!





Growing

This photo really captures Santino's growth recently.

Here he was at 2 weeks old. Hard to believe how much bigger he has gotten in a couple of months.

 

Brothers hanging out. M gets such a kick out of S's expressions and movements.

 

I cannot get enough of these cheeks and that neck. He's getting quite used to my kisses.

 

Perhaps Santino's related to the Chiquita Banana Lady.

 

While Maximus took a nap today, Santino got to try out M's chair. Sitting up is so much fun!


Happy day!

 

11 Weeks

I get asked from time to time about these weekly photos and the scoop on the shirts with the numbers. So here's the deal: It's just a plain white onesie and with the help of photoshop, I add the weekly numbers and graphics. The idea came from John & Sherry over at Young House Love. When I was pregnant with Maximus, I saw what they were doing with their first child and I fell in love with the idea! You can check out their cutie here along with a tutorial on how they created their weekly photos.

This week when I put Santino down on the blanket, it didn't take long for me to get him to smile. He responds practically on command now, when we say "hi" and/or smile at him. It's absolutely heartwarming to see him communicate with us by smiling back. The little talking noises he makes almost resembles laughter at times. So much fun!

He is continuing to grow. I went up a size in this onsie he's wearing.

Santino still likes to be swaddled. I will wrap him in two separate blankets. There have been so many times though that he's wiggled his arms right out the top. He's a very strong and determined little guy!

His tear ducts are working, so when he cries now, sometimes we see tears. When he's not crying he is so calm and sweet.

Hope your week is off to a good start. We are having some gorgeous Fall weather here - temps are in the high 60's, low 70's. Just PERFECT!

Happy day!

Happy Fall

Yesterday when M and I went to the mailbox, he put a card in the outgoing mail slot for me. Afterwards, we played a little outside. His outfit cracks me up. He was wearing his jammie bottoms, and I didn't bother to change them when we went out the door.

 

Of course he wanted to wear a hat.

 

He had fun "cleaning" the cement with this tree branch he found the other day.

 

What a glorious time of year!

 

We collected some leaves...

 

And took some inside to do a leaf rubbing.

 

This was a first for him.

 

But he seemed more interested in coloring the leaves themselves.

 

Happy Fall Everyone!!!

 

10 Weeks

Santino is getting more and more alert. When he's awake, he's wide eyed and curious. He looks around at his surroundings and we're getting lots of smiles. He coos and sometimes it sounds like he's laughing. Hiccups are a common occurrence for him, but he doesn't seem to be bothered by them.

 

Nine times out of 10 he doesn't like a pacifier and he won't drink from a bottle. I love holding and cuddling with this little guy. He sleeps well when being held, but oftentimes wakes soon after you put him down. When he starts to get fussy, he responds well to shushing. I'll say, "shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh..." or "shoe, shoe, shoe, shoe..." and he settles down. If he grows to love shoes later in life, we'll know why. ha! He also calms down if he's patted on his back or booty. If those things don't work, he enjoys lying on his back. I think sometimes he just wants freedom to be on his own and exercise his arms and legs. In fact, tonight when Rob and I were hanging out with him, we had him on his tummy and he rolled over onto his back a couple of times! He's a strong little guy.

 

Last week we pulled out the swing. He likes it, but in small doses. Several times he's fallen asleep in it.  The bouncy chair works great for when we're eating at the table. He'll sit in it, on top of the table. Usually he makes it through our meal without crying. Sometimes he even falls asleep in it.

 

Most of Santino's newborn clothes are starting to get a little small. He's now wearing size 1-2 diapers.

 

Santino, it's fun watching your personality starting to emerge.You have a sweet and gentle disposition. Keep on smiling!!!

 

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Mama, Papa & Maximus

Story Time

Maximus likes to share his blankies or "mackies" as he calls them, with Santino.

The other day M was reading one of his books to his baby brother.

Santino was amused by Maximus.

"Who's foot is this?" 

"Here, let me get a little closer, Santino."

M also likes to cover S with flashcards.

We finally pulled out the swing this week and Santino enjoys it for the most part. He especially likes to look outside while swinging. It helps us when we're trying to get something done around the house, like prepare dinner.

Have a good weekend!

Girl Meets Boy

Last Sunday when we were at church, I was off in the nursing room with Santino while Rob was with Maximus. Rob told me that all of a sudden, this little girl comes up to Maximus and hugs him, kisses him and holds his hands.

 

Could they not be any cuter???
 

Thank you Rob for snapping these photos!
 

I met the girl's mom later and the two of us decided on an arranged marriage for these kiddos. ha!

 So long for now...

 

Smile

Last week, Grandma LaLa (a.k.a. Rob's mom) came over and visited. Santino looks so serious in this photo, but check out the following...

 Grandma had the magic touch...

And got him to smile!


Maximus was excited to see Grandma LaLa as well. She gave him some new jammies, so that evening he wore a new pair to bed.

 I was trying to capture him in them but the little stinker kept running away. This picture says it all. Pure joy!


Happy day!

9 Weeks

Santino's appointment went well at the Pediatrician last week. He's healthy and strong. The nurse practitioner commented when he lifted his head up, while on his tummy, that he had the strength of a 4 month old. Here's a comparison of his stats at birth vs. 2 months:

 

		Birth		2 Months
Weight		5 lbs. 14 oz.		10 lbs. 2 oz.
Height		19" long		22" long
Head Circumference		13 ¼"		15"

He's gained 4 ¼ pounds and has grown 3" in length. His head circumference has increased by 1¾". I'm amazed at his growth, even though he is still on the smaller side.

He is starting to stay awake for longer periods during the day and continues to be quite alert. I'm hoping that eventually that will translate to longer stretches of sleep at night.

Santino enjoys lying on his changing pad, except for the part when his diaper or clothes are being changed. ha! When he's lying on the pad, he'll sometimes notice the ceiling fan in our bedroom. 

He also likes watching Maximus. And in turn, Maximus LOVES to interact with Santino!

Thanks so much for coming by and for your sweet comments. Even though I haven't visited many of you lately, I miss you and hope to stop by soon. Also, I plan to do a few more posts this week, because I have a bunch of photos that I'd like to share.

Have a great week!

 

 

Birth

 

2 Months

Weight

 

5 lbs. 14 oz.

 

10 lbs. 2 oz.

Height

 

19" long

 

22" long

Head Circumference

 

13 ¼"

 

15"