Mikey is ONE month old (how?!!)

Somehow, my sweet baby boy, Mikey, is one month old (as of Friday, August 19).  I'm not sure if it was the longest or shortest month of my life, but it's over and we're already rocking month #2!

Length: 23 in (95%)

Weight: 10lbs 4oz (77%)
Head: 15 in (68% - I think this is our first kid without a HUGE head!)

He's been steadily growing and I (of course) have been a crazy breastfeeding mama and been stalking his weight constantly because I am still paranoid three kids in that they won't grow!!  But good news is that he is growing like a champ.  I (again) have an oversupply of breastmilk for sure but am really trying to not pump unless I really need to this time.  I already have a healthy freezer supply, but I'm not feeling engorged constantly, so that's good.  

P.S. I love the baby pics app for the baby (I had fun with it during pregnancy too!)

Milestones:

• You are for teh most part a pretty alert kiddo when you are awake and it's fun to chat with you.  I cannot WAIT until you smile.  Seriously dying for this to happen.
• Well, so far you seem to be our best sleeper.  In an attempt to stay somewhat in sync with Charlie and Maddie's schedules, I've been bathing you, feeding you and putting you down around 7:30 or 8 and then getting a few snuggles in with Charlie (as Maddie is already asleep).  You have been going the longest stretch right when you go down - one time you went almost SEVEN hours and I freaked out and made sure you were still alive.  But now you've gone a few more longer 5-6 hour stretches and then the rest are more 3-4.  Trust me, I'll take it for sure, kid.  Thank you, thank you!!!!  It makes everything so much easier with a little sleep
• We moved you to your crib after ONE week.  I know.  I'm sorry, but I'm really not.  After talking with the nurse at your one week check up...YOU ARE SO LOUD.  Like grunting, making noises, etc.  But I wasn't sleeping because I would just stare at you.  So yep, kicked you into your room.  It's been a smooth transition and was mentally what I needed for sure.  The Dock-a-tot for sure helped as well.  And the Snuza gives me more confidence putting you in there alone.  We are both sleeping so much better and at your one month check up, the pediatrician totally agreed and said it helps too!  so yeah!  We will see!
• You lasted about one week (maybe) in your newborn clothes --- or really your brother's old clothes, but it's been so fun getting them back out and remembering when he was that little.  Now you are up to 3 month in Carter's and 0-3 month in other stuff.
• Newborn diapers I think lasted less than a week - you quickly were having some wicked marks and are much more comfortable in the size 1 for sure.  You haven't peed on us yet (well except during your first bath on me when I was holding you!).
• You have OLD MAN hair!  Haha.  Yep, you've lost a lot on the top and have kept it on the sides - it's hilarious
• AND it's slightly red!  Not fully but hints of it for sure - potential red head kid?!?!?
• Your belly button fell off in the middle of newborn pictures (so July 31) and for some reason that makes me feel like you are less fragile and got some more snuggles and a bath!
• We picked up some probiotics at Whole Foods during your first week (per the suggestion of other mamas when I asked about the grunting and gas!).  It's the powder kind, so it's kind of nice because that means you have to get a bottle each day - I only give you about an ounce in it and mix in the powder....but you also got a full (3 oz) bottle when I went into visit my work friends one day and took it like a champ!

Things you like:

• Eating. You are a fast little eater and have been from day 1 - which is appreciated by all!
• Love being held as well - some days you don't ever want to be put down - that can make for interesting days!
• The Ergo carrier.  (YEAH!)  My awesome co workers went together and got the new Ergo 360 and the mesh one that is a little cooler.  We used it during your first Royal's game and I actually didn't even use the infant carrier because it's FAR too hot and you did great - well besides the puking on me, but we lived.
• I'm going to say that you like your brother and sister - but to date I think they are much bigger fans of you than you are of them - but I'm sure that will change sooner than we think.  Once you start stealing their toys, they might be singing a different tune!
• Pacifier - thank goodness!!!  This has been clutch for us!
• You're neutral about your play mat - but the good news is that it's not a hand me down.  You started with one, but then it broke because your siblings used the tops as swords.  Typical.
• Surprisingly, you don't mind the bath or the car seat.  I hope I didn't jinx that!

Things you don't like:

• When you have GAS or have to BURP.  I cannot figure out why you are such a hard kid to burp - but sometimes at night after you eat, I try and try to get you burp and you won't!  But then if I lay you down...you freak out because you need to burp.  Poor thing!
• When your siblings poke you - sometimes in the eye or the mouth.  Oh Maddie.  Charlie is more about rubbing your face and head softly - Maddie doesn't quite understand the concept of "soft touches" quite yet.  Haha.

Special memories:

• The first night in my hospital room together with you - the first night of your life you spent in the NICU (ok, yes, still need to write your birth story!), so I was more than thrilled to have you in my room next to me
• Watching your older brother and sister get to officially meet you and touch you and kiss you for the first time - and our first family picture of 5 (when you were out of the NICU).  I love this picture so much.  I never want to forget how happy I was here.
• 
• Bringing you home and our first couple of *CRAZY* nights
• First visit over to Grana and Pop's house to meet the rest of the Carter clan and your bff cousin, Jay, who is just 3 months older!
• A fun first night out to dinner with the whole family (and just our family).  It was crazy, but fun!
• We have already had two trips to the shaved ice place too - YUM!
• During the day you've got into a good eat-wake-sleep routine, but does like to eat more like every 2 hours during the day.
• already had a sick doctor visit! Poor guy woke up on a Sunday with stuff in his eye and I figured just clogged tear duct- Monday morning rolled around and oh my...pus and swollen, I went in and he had an eye infection.  It's been a week now and getting better!  And I know have a dispenser of hand sanitizer in the seat pocket on each side of our van for our grimey big kid hands :)
• you've been to church 4 times and done great!  Usually get hungry during the sermon which is just fine!
• attended two birthday parties (he's a popular little guy haha!)...his big brother's and our friend from our small group
• have yet to make it on a walk because it's sooooo hot
• gets lots of gripe water during the day for his tummy- seems to help!
• likes to be held but if he's in a good mood he can just chill on a blanket staring away!
• ok at tummy time- won't quite hold his head up yet on the floor but will if he's on your chest
• visits from SO many friends and family.  I have to say this time around it's just been so nice to have people come visit and stop by.  I think the last 2 kids, I was so overwhelmed and stressed out about "what if he has to eat/poop or {God forbid} cry while people are visiting".  This time it's like whatever and I couldn't be more thankful for some of the great times I've had so far to catch up with friend!!! So THANK YOU for those that have come by to meet him and visit- I've loved this "slowing down" that he's forced me to do
• about 7,000 shopping trips already under his belt (nursery and big bro birthday shopping)--- I seriously laughed at hobby lobby when a lady asked how old and I said 2 weeks and she said"oh this must be his first trip out!" - ha, or like 30th (#thirdkidproblems)

A note to our sweet boy:

Little baby Mikey.  You made us a family of five and I don't mean to sound cliche, but my heart is bursting and has been from the minute I met you.  There is something about being the third kid - I'm so much more relaxed as your mama this time around that I feel like I'm truly able to enjoy my time with you.  I want to soak in every moment because I just glance across the room and see your brother and sister and just cannot believe how fast time flies.  Before I know it, you'll be rolling around, sitting up and then walking.  And eventually, I'm guessing you'll talk back to me just like they do :)  I could just stare at your sweet face all day.  Your little hands, little feet, the way you look at me!  AHH!!!  I'm obsessed and yes, I'm nuts, but I just love you so much.

That's not to say this first month hasn't been a bit crazy.  Adjusting to being a family of five and officially having the kids out number the parents...well that's had it's challenges for sure.  But luckily, right now you seem to roll with the punches and are a pretty stellar addition to the family.  You let us know when you're not happy, but luckily don't stay too unhappy for too long.

Pretty much everyone in our house just loves you so much.  Charlie begs to hold you every night.  He is so sweet with you and softly touches your face and head and likes to put his cheek next to yours.  He is such a good big brother and I can't wait to see how your relationship grows over the years.  Your dad makes sure I know how lucky you guys are to have each other as brothers. As for Maddie?  Oh my.  "BABY MIKEY" is what she screams about every time she sees you.  She always acts like she's surprised you're still here but is so happy to see you.  She always wants to hold you and kiss you and not-so-soft touch your face and hair.  Maddie has no concept of how much bigger she is than you (see below)...as she likes to lay on you and we have to stop her immediately as she almost crushes you!  But trust me, there is no ill will intended.  She's so in love with you.

You and your dad...you'll get there.  You're a momma's boy because you like to eat, but since dad usually has big kid duty, I try to be conscious of giving you two your time together as well, as it's so important.  But let me tell you what, he's the best dad in the world and you're so lucky to have him.  He love you so much already!

Looking forward to all the fun that is to come in watching you grow and change and love on you!

Love,

Your mom (and dad)

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Just for fun - here is Charlie and Maddie's one month side by side picture.



Charlie and Mikey are TWINS!

And there we go - one month down!  I'm just impressed that I got a great picture of him on my own!  It was a quick set him up and pray that he stays!  Can't wait for the fun of the months to come!