November. Start to Finish.

In effort to get myself caught up I will be attempting to cram an entire month into this one ;) 

We kicked off November with a mother/son 5k. This definitley wasn't planned, but my brother has become quite the runner and can have you committed to a race before you even realise what the conversation is about. So, my sister-in-law and I broke out the jogging strollers and took our boys for a joyride.
Linc loved it, my calves, not so much ;)

Let Freedom Run 5k, Jenks, OK



Jess & Linc
 watching Sid the Scince Kid

Just before Thanksgiving my pawpaw was scheduled for pretty serious surgery. I'm fortunate enough to be staying home with Lincoln until the end of the year so Linc and I loaded up with mom for a short trip to St. Louis.

Thankfully, little man stays pretty content on road trips....Ok, until he wants yogurt and the spoons you knew you packed have disappeared...trying to pour little yogurt droplets into his mouth? Went as smoothly as imagined....Go ahead. Please, try it.
And of course, he sleeps extremely well away from home too. Takes a little more cuddling and lullabying that's all. Oh right! That's until he decides he wants his pacifier....In that case, make sure you didn't pack them in the 'secondary' diaper bag you left by the door at home. Fabulous! Not to worry, as soon as we unpacked my mom found a nearby pharmacy and picked up a few. You know those sizes on the top of the pacifier package you've seen and all thought, this will never matter? When you desperately want your precious baby to sleep and he can't decide whether to gag on a gianormous pacifier or cry you will suddenly realize just how important this little detail is. Excuse me, why wasn't that part in your "know-it-all-mom" book??


Papa & Lincoln.

Once you get over forgetting everything you need at home and aside from adding an hour or so to your trip, lacking precious sleep and coming moments from possibly losing your mind, road trips with a baby to see family really is totally worth it.
When this moment arrives, the lack of sleep matters not.
And it won't even phase you that the only article of clothing your wearing without spitup, snot or milk on it is your underwear.





Up Next, Thanksgiving! It was little man's first Turkey Day....


Lincoln's first Thanksgiving Nov. 2012

I've never seen him eat so much! After both dinners we all indulged in long much needed naps and for two nights Lincoln slept 13+ hours! Can we please have this holiday twice a year?
Please ignore my son's lack of Thanksgiving realted attire. That's right, not a "My 1st" bib, no orange and brown, no turkey feathers on his bottom....Fail on my part? Au contraire! I blame his grandparents... the baby handbook states they are responsible for providing all cheesy "My 1st" gear.

Pa & Lincoln

This shot of Lincoln and his Pa (his great grandfather) after lunch I just had to include. We are so blessed to have the family we do. This little guy is so spoiled loved.




4 Burnt Nipples & Some Lullabies

No, I don't have four nipples. I committed another rookie mistake.

New moms/dads/babysitters: Don't commit to anything around the house until your little one is in the 'deep sleep' state. I've learned recently babies spend more time in REM sleep (which is lighter and easily interrupted). and the first 15-20 minutes of sleep is said to be the lightest. This is information I wish I'd known when I decided to start in on my "To-Do's" last week. I put little man in his crib a few minutes after he'd fallen asleep and decided I would boil all the bottle nipples. Seemed like a great idea at the time, I promise. You guessed it, as soon as I put them in the water, Lincoln woke up and began crying. Next thing I knew I was smelling the burning pan and rubber ...Nipples! Crap! Well, one more Wal-Mart run for my husband. 

Something else on our Wally World list? A lullaby book, CD, singing animal...something. I've really enjoyed singing to Linc, but recently I've noticed I really don't know many lullabies. Wait, do the ABC's count? Man, have I worn out the ABC's & Jesus Loves Me! So the other night when he got fussy I decided to try something different. Slight problem, I couldn't think of anything and his cries were getting louder....quick, Cait, sing!

If you have a structured settlement, but you need cash now...

That's right, I calmed my son down by singing him that commercial. And I kept singing it over and over. Whatever works, right? I've since decided to start him out young on Dave Matthews...his favorite right now is "You and Me". My husband, however, thinks he prefers 50 cent & Lil Wayne.

Rookie Mistakes...

Linc is officially four weeks today; the days are passing too quickly already. He is growing and changing so much every day, it's really going to be difficult when my maternity leave ends. I return to work in 2-4 weeks (it's still in discussion) so I'm soaking up every last minute second that I can with my little man. He's such a fun and alert little guy....well, when he isn't sleeping that is! 

Now, a few Rookie Mistakes from my first month...

(I have a feeling this may become a regular part of this blog!)

1. When changing a dirty diaper...get the dirty diaper out of the way! Don't leave it on the changing pad...Those wiggly little legs will have those cute little toes buried in poo in a matter of seconds.
2. Use the 'peepee teepee' (if you have a boy, of course). Even when you're in a hurry...it's just too risky! 
3. After washing the suction bulb make sure there is no water left inside. Yep, I did it. I squirted him right in the face as I was closing in on the nostril. Side note: Maybe don't have the tip pointed at your baby's face period as you squeeze...*good thinkin, Cait.
4. When you're using a baby monitor, you actually have to remember the monitor handheld. I can't tell you how many times I've been doing things around the house and that thing is still sitting on the charger in my room! Thank goodness I live in a small house. 
5. While nursing Lincoln this afternoon I desperately needed a drink, but both hands were tied...my sweet husband offered to help by pouring his drink in my mouth. Bad idea. Lincoln, myself and my Breastfriend (hehehe...that name still makes me giggle) were covered instantly in Dr. Pepper 10. What were we thinking??
6. Don't shop online at 3am while nursing or trying to put little one back to sleep...this is just a bad, bad idea. I promise! (Dang that Ebay app makes it way too easy!)

My poor son...poopy feet, water shot to the face and drenched in pop....all in one day. Obviously, we're learning a little at a time. I'm sure there will be plenty more days filled with many more rookie mistakes, but at least it gives us plenty to laugh at when we go to bed and we'll have plenty of stories for this little guy when he gets older. :)