created especially for us: No more fourth trimester

James turned 3 three months just a few days ago which means we are out of what is fondly referred to as "the fourth trimester." We have finally found a "new normal" for us and it's making things a little easier, though not any less tiring. Side note: whoever invented the crock pot deserves a Nobel Prize. It is taking any stress of having to prepare dinner and throwing it out the window. I have even found time to workout out on a pretty regular basis over the last month which I am extremely thankful for. James usually hangs out in his bouncy seat and watches me lift, it's kind of fun having a "cheering" section. =)

Hangin' out while I lift

We had our first long trip in the car with James over Thanksgiving as we drove up to MN to see my family. James did very well and we only had to stop once each way to feed and change his diaper. My brother got to meet his nephew for the first time which was so weird to see. Clay really enjoyed spending time with James and would often walk over and put his hands out asking to hold him. I loved that he wanted to spend so much time with him. My mom's side of the family was also very excited to meet and spend a little time with James on Thanksgiving Day.

On our way!

First time meeting Uncle Clay! I love how they're just checking each other out.

Just lovin it

Hanging with Grandma

James is up to about 13lbs and over 25 inches long. He's so long he already fits into some of his six month clothes! It's amazing how quickly he is developing. He is extremely interactive when he's talked to, often "talking" back, smiling, and kicking his feet. He has started laughing more which just tugs at my heart strings every. time. His newest developments include intentionally reach for things (this just started within the last week) and he fully holds his head up when he's laying on his stomach to look around. He's soo close to rolling over. He gets about halfway there both from his back and his stomach and then decides not to commit. I am so blessed and so incredibly thankful to be able to stay home and take care of him. ♥

"Wanna watch me stuff my whole fist into my mouth?!"

Look at that tongue!

Be still my heart. How can you not smile when you look at this?

Mom! Look at me!

I'd like to be able to say that other than that things have been pretty normal around here (or as normal as they can be with a three month old) but unfortunately that is not the case. Miss Callie went into heat three weeks ago so we've been having to deal with that. First let me say that we do plan on spaying her and her appointment is already set for a week from today. The reason we waited is because when she was younger she had some issues with her girl parts that the vet said would benefit from letting her go through her first heat cycle to help regulate things so that it doesn't persist afterward.

I'm so glad this is the only one we have to deal with. Since she is an indoor dog she is in doggy diapers so as not to make a mess of the carpet. Yes, you read that correctly, I have two "kids" in diapers at home. Her diapers have been a hassle from the beginning. We bought one brand that were for XL dogs that were still too small for her and another brand in both XL and L and the parts they're supposed to be covering still stick out of the diaper! Not only are they not serving they're purpose, it really isn't cute. We have found a way to make all of them work but we've gone through quite a bit of duct tape in the process. Surprisingly Callie has done really well about not trying to tear them off, though it's very clear that she hates wearing them. Since male dogs have the ability to smell a dog in heat from MILES away we are having to keep a very close eye on her. It wasn't as big of a deal in the beginning but she is now in the stage where she would let a dog get her pregnant and a litter of puppies is the last thing we need right now (including her since she's not fully done growing). She was getting a fair amount of exercise through going on runs with Brian but we have stopped that for now so as not to leave her scent everywhere. We are also having to put her on her leash and walk her outside to let her go to the bathroom so we can keep an eye on her. It's obvious she's depressed about it. She has put her nose in my lap three times already as I've been typing this. She is nearing the end of the annoying part of her cycle and will likely be out of diapers in the next day or two. Unfortunately she'll only have a few days of respite before having to wear a cone. *Sigh* I feel sorry for her but in a few more weeks it will all be over with. In the mean time she is getting some extra treats for being such a trooper.

Ready for her spread in Doggy Diaper magazine.

Looking for some loving from Dad because she hates the diaper and is needy from being in heat.

James was a little fussier today and Callie was needy from being in heat, so they were bonding :)

Brian spent Saturday putting lights on the outside of the house and he did an excellent job (see picture below). He went and got us a beefy Christmas tree yesterday so we'll be decorating the inside of the house here very shortly. I even have about half of our Christmas presents purchased and I haven't needed to leave to do it. I think online shopping was also invented for moms with small children. =)

Brian did a great job! There are super fancy icicle lights that we have over the garage but they are not on in this picture.

We will be heading to Chicago for Christmas again this year where James will meet approximately 65 new family members. It's going to be CRAY-ZEE. It makes me tired just thinking about it but I love Brian's family too much to care. I'm looking forward to showing him off to everyone as only a new mama can.

Love,
-K

Here are a few bonus pictures for you since I haven't blogged in almost a month!