Model Mother & Baby

Lane and I went to Baby & Me class yesterday, it was a lesson on Infant Massage. I have to admit that I am always nervous going to these, since a majority of the time I feel like I have no idea what I am doing as a mother. I am always a little on edge whether Lane will be in a good mood if/when he wakes up from the car ride and that I respond correctly in front of all of the other mothers and babies. So, he woke up pretty much as soon as we got there, and I fed him. Always happier on a full stomach. This was somewhat of a big deal since I was self conscious about formula feeding since most of the moms are breastfeeders... but I got over it. Anywho, Lane was in a great mood after he ate. They were making their way around the room introducing themselves and asking questions about whatever issue they are having at the moment.... Lane is so alert now and very curious, staring at everything and looking around, I hear other mothers comment on how cute he is and how well behaved. He hasn't really been around other babies since this stage that he is in of alertness, and he was very into the other little guys his size and super smiley. Thank goodness! Anyway, he was alert and we were asked that if anyone had a baby that "seemed open to massage" to come to the floor. (I am thinking to myself, let's see how long this will last). I laid Lane down on the mat, he was entertained by the babies around him at first, then the massage started. He last through his right half of his body before he started to "wimper" a little, so I picked him up before the real cry started. That's when we were pointed out, the instructor saying "If your baby becomes uninterested, feel free to stop and tend to his needs like Mary Jo is doing." (Pat on the back to myself) I calmed him, then tried laying him down again, and he wasn't having it, so I just picked him up, swaddled him and started humming my sleep time song Little Lane and he fell asleep almost immediately. That is when I was again pointed out by the instructor saying "you are becoming very in tune to Lane's needs." (Pat on the back to myself, again) Well, I call it pure chance. It was pretty awesome though, and I left feeling like I actually half-way know what I'm doing... at least for a couple of days until the next stage comes and we have to start all over again... Ahh... Motherhood...

We met Jenny for lunch today before she heads back to Sweden for a couple of weeks. Lane was awake and feeling social, I was pleasantly surprised when he sat through the whole lunch on my lap while Jenny and I ate and caught up and he just looked around and smiled. So cute.

STONE

: STONE : 

3/3/99-4/12/13

We said goodbye to our beloved dog Stone yesterday. It was one of the hardest things that we have ever had to do, and our house feels empty today. We are so sad, thank God we have you to brighten our day. Stone has been with Dave for 14 years and I have considered him my own for 8 years. He slept with us in our bed, while I was pregnant with you he slept with his head on my belly, then when I started to get bigger and I was sleeping on my side, he would sleep with his face up against it. I let him do this, even when I started to get SO HOT and your dad kept turning up the heater.

There are just so many stories to tell, I don't even know where to begin. First of all, he could sing. He was there when your dad was practicing Angels by Robbie Wiliams for a wedding and Stone would sing (or howl) along with him, in tune. I first learned that he could sing when I had just moved to California. I was running some errands and brought Stone along with me. Mind you, I had only known this dog for a couple of weeks, so did not know everything about him, but I did know how much Dave loved him and was protective over him. So, after a few hours, it was a little warm, and I had made my last stop. I got back to the car, turned it on, and Stone started howling so loud, I called Dave freaking out. I didn't know what was wrong with him... I was so scared. Then, Dave asked, "What is on the radio?" I said, "Red Hot Chili Peppers" - Dave said "Turn the station." I did and he stopped. I turned it back to the station and he started again. I'm not sure whether he loved or hated the band, but any song came on and Stone was singing along. We later were on a road trip up to visit Grandpa Dave & Grandma Liz and we learned a new song that he liked Don't Dream, It's Over by Crowded House and we sang along with him. I was excited, because even though I didn't sound as good as dad, Stone would sing this along with me. It was our party trick. He loved pizza, peanut butter, turkey and buttered toast - and to eat off of your plate. When we first moved into our house, he galloped around the back yard and ran the perimeter of the fence every day, until that became a slow walk. He was so excited to have a back yard.

We miss him so much and now he is protecting you from heaven, hanging out with Grandpa Mac and Charlie.

you are loved!

On top of how much we (mom & dad) love you... you have THREE grandmas and TWO grandpas who love you so much and cannot get enough of you. Not to mention all of our family and friends. I sure wish you could have met your Grandpa Mac, but you have his eyes and will meet one day and I'm sure he is looking down on you with a big smile.

Here are some of your first visitors...

Grandma Price 

was here when you were born and stayed for a few weeks after - don't know what we would have done without her, or if we would have survived! You really made a special bond, she was up at all hours with us and would sing you to sleep many times with "You are my sunshine".

Grandma & Grandpa Kursawe

Grandma has come to visit almost everyday and says she is "addicted" to you - you two have really bonded as well, both of you with smiles ear to ear. I have tried to do some of the same things that she does with you that makes you happy, and you want nothing to do with them when she is not around.

Grandma & Grandpa Thomas

Just came to visit this past weekend and had so much fun with you as well. They even woke up to spend time with you during your "happy time" at 6 AM! Liz just called, they have arrived back home, and they miss you already!

Sonia & Adrienne came to visit in the hospital. Sonia showed me how to change your diaper and clean you up right, and Adrienne helped me figure out the next one - we got peed on and all! It was pretty funny.

Megan & Dave were your first visitors at home. You were so tiny...

Jaynie & Paco were next.

Aunt Kelli, Levi & Thomas came to see you too - they were very excited about meeting their new cousin. Aunt Kelli held you for almost 3 hours while you slept.

Jenny... she held you like this for almost 2 hours while you took a nap, not to mention jet lagged from arriving from Sweden hours earlier.

Sarah - she's been waiting to meet you after talking about you all of the time on our lunch hour walks up the hill to the cross... 

Molly was a little nervous about holding you...

John was not.

Darren

T.J. & Lisa

 Andre & Max

Meredith

Rayna & Kalen

2 months

So... starting a little late here. But, better late than never... RIGHT?! Lane is doing so good. He just had his 2 month physical and vaccines and did great. He wasn't uncomfortable or fussy at all, had a low grade fever and slept good. That's all! He weighed in at 12.1 lbs and 23 inches long. He is getting so big so fast. I looked at "old" photos yesterday and he looks so small in them now... Our boy is really smiling and so happy. He is eating really well and starting to stay awake and play a little longer. The doctor asked how we were doing with Tummy Time, and she put him in position on the table - after seeing the way he moves his legs, said "Looks like we have an early crawler!". The way that he always wants to stand, I say he might just start walking first, haha.