It's a MATCH

Yesterday was Match Day for all D.O. fourth year medical students. All of the students have spent the fall of this year doing audition rotations, interviewing, and spending a fair amount of time away from home.

Then, when they've visited all of the places, they submit a list in the order of their preference for where to go for residency. For us this proved to be an agonizing process. For weeks we talked, made pros and cons lists, talked again, decided, talked again, switched, talked again, switched again. It was painful. Jim would come home with one decision, while I made up my mind about the other. Then we'd talked about it, go to bed, and he'd leave the next day. That day we would each change our minds, thinking we were agreeing with the other. Repeat. Horribly painful.

We agonized until the very last evening, deciding over dinner. But before we went to bed Jim said, "You have until midnight to change your mind." Painful.

The residency programs also submit their lists. We happened to have some inklings about what was on some lists. Then there's a huge drumroll that can be heard all over the country, and then they're announced. Well okay, okay... there's no drumroll, but that's what life's felt like for us. For a while. And now it's finally over.

Jim matched in Blacksburg!

In the end, we believe that this was definitely the best decision for our family. I'm so grateful that we feel this peace.

Surprises

Those baby blues. The porcelain skin. That smile. The strawberry blonde hair.

I can't get enough of this little 20 week old!

This week Ian's started to really notice and care if I leave the room. His eyes follow my every move. I heard that babies consider their moms to be part of their body for much of their first year of life. Not sure how we know that, but it seems to be somewhat true for Ian. He's also very fascinated by his papa. When Jim's in the room, he often watches him and waits for him to turn around and smile at him. Jim loves to come up and get as many smiles as he can. It's pretty sweet.

He's really craning his body to observe and reach for things. Sometimes he'll pivot his body, by walking his hands on the floor, in order to turn toward our voices. It's the beginning steps of a crawl, minus the help of his feet.

Rolling is getting faster and faster! He'll often add a soft grunt to the final thrust of his roll. He has not attempted to roll from his stomach to his back yet. He gets tired of being on his stomach and starts to whine sometimes and I wait to see if he'll try to roll, but eventually assist him in rolling over when he gets too frustrated. He'll figure it out one day.

It's so nice to have the option of putting him in this bouncer while we're in the kitchen. He loves to bounce and turn. Leif often comes through this doorway and Ian enjoys watching him come and go.

We went on a five mile hike last Saturday on Sulfur Ridge and Price Mountain Trails. Though it was a cold day, Ian was a champ. He was all bundled up and cozy while riding with Papa in the Beco. He was awake for the beginning but soon fell asleep for the entire hike. We've gone on a few short hikes (Falls Ridge, Cascades, Paris View, & walks around Heritage Park) since Ian was born, but this was my first somewhat strenuous hike.

This week Ian has been waking up much earlier and so I've been waking up in the dark. 5:30, 6:00, 6:30... in that range. Fortunately there are some beautiful sunrises just outside our door.

We've both had colds this week, so perhaps that has something to do with his getting up earlier. This cold has not been nearly as pitiful as the one he had when he was two weeks old. Oi! That one was so hard because he really couldn't breathe when trying to nurse. I had to constantly use the bulb syringe in order for him to eat and function. Not now! He's taking it in stride and I've only used it a couple times during the hardest days.

I have to admit that I LOVE cloth diapering. I once read that it takes disposable diapers 400 years to break down. Umm. Yikes! Every time I put a disposable diaper on him I cringe inside, but that is what I do during the night. He only needs one through the night, whereas I think he'd needs a few changes with a cloth diaper. And the disposable keeps the moisture away from his bum. But I really don't mind the laundry and the extra folding. Somehow I feel more connected to him. Weird. I know. A BIG thank you to Julie for her hand-me-down stash and to Cathleen, Adrienne, Rena, Joi, & Marianne for also supporting us in this endeavor!

Who can mind washing this guy's cloth diapers?! He's just too sweet.

Thanks Gramee & Grandpa for the outfits in this picture
and the one above!

Ian's starting to really enjoy little surprises! He's fascinated by the different voices Jim uses for reading each night, by the clicking of our tongues, the melodies we sing, and little games of peek-a-boo. This game consists of one of us hiding behind something and coming out with a big smile. We normally get a face that looks like this! He also enjoys "Trot, trot to Boston. Trot, trot to Lynne." Lately I've played this where he sits on my stomach while I'm lying down and then he falls down between my legs. He's getting so strong that we no longer worry about lowering him by holding his arms.

Here's an example of the pivot!

Ian LOVES reaching for our faces. He seems to quickly get a good grip on his papa's beard and on my hair. I have been struggling with my TMJ lately and yesterday he managed to grab and yank my bottom jaw while my mouth was open. Ouch!!!

This week we learned that it's time to install the breathable bumper on the side of his crib. One day I went into the nursery to work on a few things right after he woke up from a nap. I left him in the crib, since he was content but soon had to rescue a very upset boy because his feet were stuck through the sides. He continues to grow and change, every day there's something new to consider. That's parenthood, I'm learning!

Here are a few more snapshots from our week, since I can't pick and choose very well!

This one looks almost exactly like my baby pictures! Once again he's off the mat. It's normal these days. Thanks for the football, Carla! He loves it.

This mama was thrilled to learn of the "Bag Sale" at Once Upon a Child. I got to peruse racks of clothing, stuff a bag full, and only pay $10!!!! I had just been telling Jim that I'd need to go shopping for Ian, since we don't have many of the next size up. And voila! My friend (Thanks Nicky!) told me of the sale. My favorite item of all was this cute bear sweater from Baby Gap. The elbows even have corduroy elbow pads!!! I mean c'mon... too cute.


Ian's chariot while Mama played fetch with Leif. What a content little boy.

A snuggle session for boys only. Ian is totally fascinated by Leif. At the moment Leif could care less, but one day they'll be best buds. Ian gets a huge smile when he sees Leif. In this picture he looks like he's caught red-handed. Haha! (Look closely and you'll see the elbow pad!)

He's started grabbing his feet A LOT. His feet are rarely out of socks or booties, but it doesn't seem to matter.

He does spend time off of this blanket and mat, I promise. It's just such a nice central location in the house and therefore it's often where I remember to take his picture!

This is a common sight. Ian is surrounded by toys and moving and looking to observe everything!



He's devouring every book he can! This one's a particularly good choice. This book actually got me my first teaching job in Louisiana. Thanks, Mom, for a great, classic collection of little board books. We read them often, when we aren't eating them.

You can see that his hand coordination is getting better. He's grasping and holding everything he can.

He looks like such a little boy in this picture! I swear he's only four months old. Goodness!

This "Little Explorer" vest was another GREAT find! It won't be long until he's exploring the woods and hiking with us!

Here's a picture of Kristy, our current upstairs neighbor for a few months. Ian and I are getting a fair amount of time with her, which is really nice. We often joke that he could be her child, since they have matching strawberry-blonde hair. We'll be spending lots of time upstairs watching the Olympics! Don't worry, I'll be the one watching and trying to keep Ian facing away from the tube!

Jim surprised me by planning an early Valentine's Day date to Chateau Morrisette, a winery on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Floyd. We had a wine tasting and then a luxurious dinner at their restaurant.  With a clutch last-minute change, our friends (Thanks Mike & Lindsay!!!) took Ian for five hours. We were very grateful. It was a nice chance to be together and then we were ready to return to our little boy.

Happy 20 weeks, Ian!!!

Oh, Ian Forrester... you're growing up so fast! I cannot believe my little 4.75 month old is starting to wear 12 month clothes! If you're like your papa, you'll be wearing 2T by the time you're one.

We love you so much.

___________________________________________

P.S. Today is Match Day! Today's the day we learn where we'll be living for Jim to complete residency during the next three years! It's amazing that four years or medical school is coming to a close. Another new beginning's on it's way.

Frigid Snowy Days

This winter has certainly been a cold one! With temperatures in the negatives and barely climbing out of the single digits and teens, we've had lots of time indoors. We've also had lots of our activities cancelled, keeping us home. And we've had some snow.  Living on the farm means that it is absolutely beautiful to look out the windows and to walk outside. And sometimes you just have to savor the cozy warmth of home and made a delicious soup, as I did yesterday.

Fortunately, Ian is an awesome cold-weather baby! He must take after his papa, who lived in Minnesota for a few years. He never whines about being outside in this cold weather. We do try to bundle him up as much as we can and he normally stays quite toasty. Inevitably, he falls asleep in the carrier or the stroller by the end of the walk. There's nothing like the lulling of movement to put him to sleep.

Ian likes to be rocked on my shoulder and sung or hummed to sleep, or close to it, before being put down to sleep. It always makes me feel somewhat accomplished when I can get him down without a tear shed. The first two naps today were two such accomplishments. He's an active boy and doesn't really like to slow down for nap times.

He's also started to snuggle purposefully with loveys. I've been including one in our nursing routine right before he goes down to sleep for the last month or so, and only recently has he seemed to notice that they are there and cuddle them. Now, when I put him down in the crib, I make sure that one of them is in reaching distance and he snuggles with it when he's first waking up. It seems to prolong the time he's willing to spend in his crib before he wants me to come get him. I can see that because we are currently borrowing Diana's video monitor while she's in Africa, to see if we'd like to purchase one. So far, I'm sold.

Before he heads to bed each night, we have a family reading time. Recently, he's really been reaching for and grabbing the books as Jim reads. He's fast! Good thing Aunt Christine got him a book that's indestructible for Christmas!

Lately, he's started sucking his bottom lip and making a humming/moaning sound. Funny!

He's also started flinging his toys across the room, especially his green and red balls with lots of holes in them. They barely last a minute on the mat before they are gone.

In my notes for this blog I wrote "Nothing's safe." Jim had a good laugh about that! Haha. What I meant was that we're entering the phase when if it's in his reach, then it's in his hands and then his mouth. At a restaurant or at home we have to make sure that all of the items on the table are moved far away from him, if he's in our laps. The same for if he's in our laps while reading, eating, or drinking a glass of water. I got doused with water one day this week.

Last Friday we went out to dinner and Ian fell asleep while nursing, much earlier than I thought he would. Fortunately, we were in the corner table and so there was plenty of room to lay out my coat and lay him on the floor. Parents of the Year Award goes to us!

Ian has started to observe us as we eat. His eyes follow the food from our plate to our mouths with intent fascination. It won't be long before this boy's ready to eat, too! I cannot believe it's time to think about feeding him solids already. Time is flying.

He's only content to be put down if I'm right nearby, he's in the jumper in the kitchen near me, or if he's in this giant thing! Check out the action. He's bouncing like crazy these days! He often dons this elated smile and loud, exuberant squeals ring throughout the apartment.

A boy & his dog.

Leif has become a bit of a celebrity around here. When Ian sees him walk by he turns to look at him and then smiles. Sometimes Leif rushes by him while in the jumper and Ian closes his eyes in surprise and then smiles and turns to watch Leif go. Leif likes to check in with Ian every once in a while, as you can see in this picture.

Ian smiles each time Leif returns while playing fetch in the yard. It's pretty sweet to see him enjoy having a dog at such a young age.

Just recently Ian has started to try to flip the "pages" on the contraption. He will try for a while and get frustrated, knowing that he's not flipping them. But sometimes he turns them on his own, as seen in this picture!

Last week we had his four month appointment! Another round of shots, which he handled much better this time, though still heart-wrenching. He cried for less than a minute and then started smiling and giggling again. He weighed 18.5 lbs, putting him in the 94.17%. His head circumference was 17 inches, which puts him in the 89.09%. And he was 27.5 inches long, which puts him in the 99.73%!!!! He's a thriving guy and we're grateful. :)

Jim noticed that Ian has started crossing his ankles when he's lying on his back. He seems to love going barefoot, although it's difficult in this cold weather and he normally has socks or booties covering his feet. He also likes to be as naked as possible, but that can't happen often either. When it's warmer, I'm sure he'll only be running around in his cloth diaper a lot of time time. Why not? You can only get away with that when you're a baby, so he might as well enjoy it! ;)

Jim's message one morning.

This week has been a rough one for reasons other than Ian, but also for sleep. Ian has been getting up many times a night. I'm talking sometimes five or six times, then sometimes three or four. I've heard that this happens. Just when you think one or two nights will become the norm, then a change happens again. I've switched back to co-sleeping because it is so much easier when we're getting up often throughout the night. And it's the only real time he cuddles, since he's such a busy, go-get-'em baby.

It's all worth it. Every day we learn just a little more about him and he learns more about the world around him. It's fascinating nurturing and watching a baby as he grows.

Someone's getting a little goofy with all of these snow/cold days inside!

Papa's winter workout. Quite resourceful, eh?

Happy 19 weeks, sweet Ian!

Busy Boy!

This week Ian has been perfecting the roll. He's getting faster, his arm stronger with the final lift, and his abs thrusting him all of the way over. Then, once he's rolled, he likes to start moving his trunk from side to side. One time he rolled over and his feet were facing me. Before I knew it he had scooted himself with his hands so he could look at me. He has also started to kick his legs way up in the air and bring his arms up, too. My parents used to refer to this as the airplane when I was his age, so I've adopted the term. He does the "airplane" often!

All too often he's rolled all of the way off of his mat. He's on the move, I tell you! And by the mischievous look of his face in the picture below, he may be up to no good. My brother joked that Leif and Ian will soon be allying against me. Leif will open the door (because he can... crazy, I know) and Ian will be out the door before I know it.

This week I finally got pictures printed and put into a little play photo album that my cousin Julie handed down to us. Now he can look at pictures of his grandparents and aunts and uncles any time. Each one is a picture of them with him. One day, I'm sure he'll enjoy pointing to each of them and telling us who they are. For now, it's an extra thing to suck on and manipulate with his hands, but it's nice to have them "around."

Thank you to my host parents, Meg & Mark, in Germany
for the adorable Adidas gear!! Check out that cute tiger!

Ian has his four month appointment tomorrow and I am looking forward to learning just how much he weighs these days! I definitely get my arm workouts day in and day out. Best workout ever.

It continues to be blast bantering back and forth with him. The more I read the more I hear that it's important to imitate his sounds. Supposedly it gives him confidence to continue trying to verbalize and enjoy making different sounds. If I ever repeat what you say, it's just turning into a habit to regurgitate what I hear. Haha... just kidding.

At the moment, the toy in the picture above seems to be his favorite. He enjoys chewing on it with his gums and grabbing it. The stuffed cotton hands, feet, and head, must feel really nice. Thank you, Julie!

He has just started to really hit and grab the hanging toys in his play-yard consistently.

The nights have been pretty long this week. Sometimes he gets up three, four, or five times. He seems to really like to get up at 4, then in the 5 o'clock hour, and then again in the 6 o'clock hour before getting up to start his day, or to go back down until seven or eight. This means I've been exhausted!

This boy is always busy, only cuddling when he's very tired, nursing, or has just gotten up from a nap.

Ian playing in his rocker while Leif and I play fetch.

Jim's been working with an otolaryngologist (ENT) and has had some long hours. One day he texted me around 6 o'clock and asked if we could swing by the hospital between surgeries, so he could get some time with Ian that day. Ian & I hopped in the car and had about 45 minutes with Papa. Here's the sweet picture of the men in blue...

He seems to be finding his thumb a lot these days. We'll see if it sticks!

Happy 18 weeks, Ian Forrester!!!

Quatro!!

It's amazing to think that just four months ago you weren't in our arms.

We had no idea what you'd look like, how cute you'd be.
Or even if you were a girl or a boy...

 Or if you'd have all of your toes.

We definitely didn't know that you'd have darling red hair!

  Or that you'd have big, beautiful blue eyes.

 Or how adorable your squeals and coos would be.

 And you surprised us with your strength from the very beginning.

And make us daily fall in love again as we learn about your active and on-the-go personality,

As well as your playful and observant sides, too.

 But we knew we'd love you...

...we just didn't know how much love and joy could come in such a small, amazing bundle.

We sure do love you, little one!

Happy four months, Ian Forrester!!!!

You love grabbing things and bringing them to your mouth, bouncing in your jumpers, rolling over, watching Leif, observing everything!, laughing when we laugh, listening to music, & squealing to your little heart's content!

How I Roll

Let me show you how I roll...

Did you see that?

Yea, I did it!

So proud.