Three & Fifteen

Declan {3 Months}

Growing Growing Growing.

 {Look At That Smile}

New This Month

THAT SMILE. Oh boy, does that smile just melt your momma. 

{Cheese!}

We are split now between newborn and 0-3 clothes. It just depends on the brand. You still fit in newborn diapers, but we ran out one day and used size ones and found out that they are far more absorbent and just haven't gone back. So, I guess you officially made the jump up. 

You are finally looking a little more your age. We have been supplementing and almost made the move all the way to formula because of some medicine I was taking. I have to say, I was really sad at first, but you really seem to like formula better. You eat more, sleep more, spit up less, and are just happier.

Your dad and I are thrilled with your sleeping habits. Napping every couple hours during the day and sleeping from around 11 pm- 7 am is just fine by us. The bassinet is still your spot at night, but you have started taking a few naps in your crib during the day. Two babies in one room all night is just too overwhelming for me to think about trying right now.

{Rocking with Dad}

Singing and being talked to are your favorite things. You are most vocal at night while Daddy is talking to you. There's A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea is your favorite song. This song usually morphs into a crazy story, but you love it. We finally found a pacifier, other than Micky, that you will tolerate. Now, I don't feel like I need to be on alert with only one pacifier, that's not even produced anymore, running around. Huge sigh of relief there.

{Thank You Dr. Brown}

Asher {15 Months}

Just when I didn't think I could love you any more, my heart just grew.

{Silly Guy}

New This Month

12-18 month clothing fits just about perfectly. You are still in a size 4 diaper, Huggies Overnights to be exact. Your eating schedule is about like ours, eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner with us and a bottle with each nap. We are trying hard to transition to only a sippy cup, but holding on to those sleepy time bottles. Some of your new favorite foods: tortilla chips (sorry, you got that from me), pinapple, any kind of chicken or meat, and jelly beans. 

{Always Delicious, Frozen Blueberries}

New words in your vocabulary: kitty, mama (more), dada (down). Some favorite activities include shape sorting, chasing animals, singing The Wheels On The Bus, setting off the car alarms with the remotes. You also learned how to scare Momma, you shut the door and then popped out really fast and yelled, AAAHHH! You just laughed and laughed when I was startled. 

You were a little sick this month. High fevers are pretty normal for you. Although, at 104.5 at one point, I had to draw the line and take you in to the ER. Just a virus, that developed into an ear infection, that turned into a rash from the antibiotic. Ugh, kid! I have never wished for summer more than this month. 

{HAPPY EASTER}

 {You loved picking up the eggs}

{Hunting Eggs}

{Trip to the Zoo}

 {Side By Side at 12 Weeks}

Two & Fourteen

Declan {2 months}

My goodness, sweet littlest boy, how have two months passed since you were born. It seems like just days ago.

{Lady Killer}

We went to see Dr. Raley this week for your two month well baby visit. He said you are perfect! Here are the latest stats:

Weight: 9 lbs 11 oz (17%)

Length: 22 in (<3%) heart percent ha!

Head Circumference: (30%)

New This Month

We are kind of stuck in a holding pattern with clothes. Newborn clothes are getting a bit snug but you are swimming in 0-3 months. I imagine it won't be much longer before you make the jump up. Newborn diapers still fit great.

It really seems like you do your growing over the weekends. You'll eat and eat and eat for a few days and then take a day off. Sleep occurs in a similar 3 day pattern. You still have a period of fussiness from about 9 pm to 1 am, but sleep pretty much from 1 am to 7 am. But that stinkin third night...

Cuddling is still your favorite thing to do. You prefer to be held by Mom, but will tolerate others. A little smile has appeared this month. Usually it is in response to Grandma singing you silly songs. Big Brother still shows interest in eating your on occasion, but don't worry, he'll warm up eventually.

{Little Sleepy Guy}

Asher {14 Months}

Oh my Big Guy, you are fourteen months old and full of personality.

{Cheeser!}

New This Month

Like I said, you are chock full of personality. Most of the time you a super joyful and so sweet. You laugh at every little thing and keep us entertained with all of your funny faces. There is another side to our happy guy, though. You have discovered exactly what you want and most of the time you want it right then. When this doesn't happen, you turn into something similar to The Incredible Hulk. This guy is pretty crazy, but we love him too, I suppose.

Cracker has been added to your vocabulary. It is frequently used, as it is your favorite food. Most days, we don't turn on the television. I really do not like the added noise and distraction. However, when I need to get something done around the house I can count on The Lorax for at least an hour of "babysitting." That is the only movie we have found that you really enjoy and will hold your attention. We also got dvd players for the car. Road trips just got significantly easier! 

{Rare TV Moment}

I am also doing something new this month. We found a great church and have started getting plugged in. We signed up for a small group on Sunday nights and I am doing a women's bible study on Thursday mornings. The study I chose is Stuck by Jennie Allen. I really chose it based on the art on the front of the book and the lack of art on the other books. Turns out, it has been a really great study for me. 

{Aforementioned, Enticing Book Cover}

One of the things we really love about our new church is childcare. The church not only provides childcare services for Sunday Services, but for small group times and bible studies as well. Ok, ok so this might make me sound like a terrible person, but I love being able to drop my kids off and have some adult conversation/time to worship. I am really impressed with what the staff is teaching Asher, even at only 14 months old. 

{Asher's First Sunday School Craft}

Stay tuned, I will post about our trip to the zoo, a new family member, and some cool Grandmas! 

One & Thirteen

Declan. {1 month}

You are one whole month old, little guy. It was a big month for you! A trip to OKC to meet your great grandma, a few doctors appointments, and a sip and see kept us very busy.

{The Pinterest Inspired Table at Declan's Sip and See}

Sleeping is kind of your thing during the day, but when 9 pm roles around we can count on those eyes being wide open. Despite the awake period from 9 pm to 12 am, you sleep pretty great at night, waking up around 4 and 7 am to eat. We are super thankful for your sleeping habits.

{The Many Sleepy Faces of Our Sleepy Kid}

Newborn clothes are still a bit big on you and you are still rockin the newborn diapers. You love to be snuggled and held all the time. The Baby Bjorne has quickly become Mommy's best friend.

Grandma watches you and your brother a couple hours a day 3 or 4 days a week so Mom can go to work. This means you have to take a bottle, but you don't seem to mind at all. The pacifier is a different story, you have zero interest in that thing.

{One of the Few Binky Moments We Get}

We aren't really sure who you resemble at this point. It really varies from day to day. One thing is for sure, we can't wait to get to know you and your little personality as you continue to grow!

{HA}

Asher. {13 months}

Has your life changed or what, big guy?! I had some suspicion after a few pretty bad reactions after eating certain foods and asked your doctor at your one year check up. He ran the test and sure enough you are allergic to eggs and nuts. Bummer dude! We have had to be super conscious about making a change in not only your diet, but ours too. We are learning slowly but surely. One of the moms at the gym heard me talking about these allergies and blessed us with an allergen free baking cookbook. I can't wait to try out some of these (hopefully) delicious recipes!

In light of this food change, you have some new favorites: oatmeal mixed with natural applesauce, turkey dogs, Mac and cheese, and (the old standby) saltine crackers. We waited until we knew for sure about food allergies, but we are starting the transition to cow's milk. We can't wait until you are done with formula!!

Sleep is one thing we feel has greatly improved since removing nuts and eggs from your diet. You sleep significantly better at night! We rarely hear you up and crying, which is a huge change from before. The constant runny nose and terrible dirty diapers are all but gone as well. What a relief!

In other news, you would much rather walk than crawl. It is too funny to see you lumber around like Frankenstein. You love to push buttons, turn the lights on and off, sort shapes, and your favorite toy is still the hockey stick. In fact, you walk around pushing the puck with the stick, saying "Alex." That uncle of yours is a pretty cool guy for making you a mini hockey stick!

It's been a crazy month for all of us, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Valentines Day!

My two littlest valentines and I spent the morning crafting for our valentine. Painting was a lot less enjoyable for the boys than it was for me. In fact, both of them cried through the whole ordeal. I managed to snap a few pics of Asher with paint all over his hands, but couldn't bear to let Declan cry any longer.

One Year Check Up

Asher's One Year Well Baby Visit was today. 

Here is the latest on our oldest.

12 Months 17 Days

Weight: 25.55 lbs (79%)

Length: 32 in (92%)

Head Circ: 48.5 cm (93%) HUGE :)

Skills: You are walking up to 10 steps, throwing the ball with both hands, working on eating with a spoon, and occasionally climbing out of the bathtub and onto the fireplace.

Sleep: We are all finally getting in a good routine. You sleep from about 7:30 pm to 8:00 am, waking up around 11 pm and putting yourself back to sleep. You still take 2 naps a day; usually a 2 or 3 hour nap in the morning and a 1 hour nap in the afternoon.

Speech: Little Man, you are quite the talker. When you aren't paying attention, you will repeat most anything. After you realize that you are doing it, you clam up. Some words you say consistently: eat, more, drink, down, momma, dad, dog, bottle, and stick.

Eating: You are great eater. Spaghetti is, by far, your favorite meal. You would it everyday if I would let you. Some other foods you like are tangerines, bananas, chicken noodle soup, oatmeal, and string cheese.

Things You Enjoy: Moving all the time, playing with your hockey stick, throwing the ball, chasing and feeding Juneau, taking a bath, and pulling on all the blinds in the house.

Things You Don't Love: Diaper changes, being buckled in the car seat, having your nose wiped, hearing your brother cry, and being confined, held, or cuddled are a few things you have a very strong opinion about.

We sure do love our big man.

Baby Steps.

I think it's safe to say we officially have a toddler.

Another Birthday!

The Kelley family celebrated the third birthday of the year last weekend. 

Austin turned 24! 

We didn't really document with pictures, but it was a great day shared with great people.

Austin got some cool stuff for his birthday!

Recap:

-The boys let us sleep in until about 9 am.

-Loaded up the whole fam and took off for Oklahoma City.

-We had a delicious lunch at Old Chicago with my family.

-Attended Alex's hockey game.

-Headed back to Tulsa to make sure the boys got to bed at a reasonable hour.

-Austin got to work in the garage on a workbench he's been building.

I am so lucky to call this guy my best friend and love. Austin is the most amazing husband and dad I could have asked for! Glad he is mine! :)

Baby Declan!

Declan James Kelley

January 18, 2013 4:31 pm

6 pounds 13 ounces

19 1/4 inches 

At 26 weeks I went in for a routine doctors appointment and ultrasound. The doctors discovered my cervix was very short and my body was going into preterm labor. We spent 6 weeks in the High Risk Unit trying to keep Declan inside and safe. After spending Christmas and New Years at home with family, it was finally time to meet our littlest boy. 

I was actually very thankful for my stay in the hospital when it came time to deliver. Our favorite doctor just happened to be working and she was wonderful. We really had our hopes up for a successful VBAC and a supportive doctor makes all the difference. When we checked in, I was already dilated to 4 cm, but it still took a few hours on Pitosin to get things moving along. I was a bit discouraged when Declan's heart rate dropped because I knew it wouldn't take much for the doctors to say I needed to have another c-section. Turns out his heart rate dropped with his body, and I went from 6 cm to 10 cm in 4 minutes. I pushed for about 16 minutes and the rest is history. 

We couldn't be happier with the way things turned out. My body is recovering faster than I could have imagined and little Declan is as healthy as can be. 

Spending some time with Dad. 

Ready to go home!

Side by side of the brothers sleeping like their Auntie Em.

Asher checking Declan out, he approves.

So many of you prayed for this little guy.

 It truly is a miracle that he is here and healthy. 

We serve a pretty awesome God.

Happy Birthday Asher!

We had a little party for Smash on Thursday for his first birthday.

Nothing fancy, I made cupcakes and some of our family came to celebrate.

The boy didn't really get into the cupcakes. 

He was far more concerned about playing with the toys he got.

Mom and Dad sure do love you, Little Man.

Welcome!

Our little family is expanding and I would love a way to document milestones in our boys' lives. Hope you enjoy keeping up with us as our little ones grow.