Our New Stroller

When Robert was born we opted NOT to register for a travel system. We both just couldn't imagine having to lug around those huge, heavy strollers, not to mention they would literally take up my entire car trunk. We decided instead to get one of those Snap-and-Go frames to use with his carseat until we could better figure out what kind of stroller would meet our needs. The time to figure that out though has been quickly approaching as Robert is growing so quickly that he'll soon outgrow his carseat. We decided we wanted a lightweight stroller with wheels that would at least work on our horrible roads/sidewalks, and a huge canopy to protect our little one from the burning sun. It also needed to have a compact fold and a snack tray for when he gets older. I found a stroller I liked to fit these requirements, but being a stay-at-home Mommy really limits the budget, so we watched Craigslist instead. And though it's not the one I originally found, here it is folks---our 2008 Peg Perego Pliko P3 stroller. Robert is already enjoying it, and so are we!

Mardi Gras 2012

This year is Robert's first Mardi Gras. Now really, Mardi Gras isn't such a big deal for Trey & I, but we actually announced we were expecting last year on Mardi Gras (it was much later in the year---in March instead of the middle of Feb). So it seemed only fitting that we make sure to take the little one to a Mardi Gras parade. We steered very, very far clear of anything actually in New Orleans, and went across the lake to a family friendly parade instead. Of course, very quickly into it this is what we had:

 Yup, he simply curled up on Mama and passed out. Now most parents use their little ones to help garner more attention from the floats and get lots of beads and stuffed animals and such. That was kind of hard to do in this case, although one nice lady still threw us a cute little stuffed dog in Mardi Gras colors (purple, green & yellow for those of you who don't know). He did eventually wake up, but even as he caught the rest of the parade he apparently wasn't too impressed:

Oh well, at least Mommy and Daddy enjoyed his first Mardi Gras Parade.

3 Months...

Dear Robert,

Today you are 3 months old. It is absolutely INSANE to us that you have been a part of our lives for 3 months now. And my how you have changed! This month, you:

• Wear size 2 diapers. But not for long---you'll be moving up to size 3 tomorrow!
• Drink 5 bottles a day---a 5oz one in the morning and 4oz ones the rest of the day. We add rice cereal to them too because you were diagnosed with Reflux this month. Because of this, you also take Zantac now.
• Generally sleep 9.5hrs at night.
• Discovered your hands. You shove them in your mouth all the time, & it's adorable how you use the palm of your hand (with your fingers curling over your nose) to hold your paci in as you go to sleep.
• You figured out that you could REALLY put up a fuss if you're unhappy. Fortunately, you only do so if you're hungry or tired, and you usually turn a little fussy first as warning that it's coming.
• You also figured out that you can squeal when you're mad. Not that we don't care you're upset, but your Dad and I find it hilarious. :-)
• You can sit up in a Bumpo seat. 
• You do NOT like naps. During the day you fight sleep like it's a monster trying to get you. You refuse to be calmed and accept your paci and go peacefully; instead you continually eject the paci (because you know it makes you go to sleep) and cry, sometimes almost screaming. The only thing to do is hold you & love you until you finally pass out. Then, as long as you're being held, you might sleep for a little while.
• You smile all the time and talk nonstop. 
• You follow us now with your eyes if we leave the room or walk behind you. You observe EVERYTHING.
• You JUST snuck it in under the wire, but you laughed this month---a real, cackling, grown-up laugh. It's the most amazing thing I've ever heard!!!

I think this month has brought the most changes in you so far. You've really blossomed into your own little person with definite thoughts, feelings, and opinions. You remind me very much of your father. He constantly needs to be moving or doing something. At this stage for you, that means someone needs to be entertaining you and you don't generally like any one activity for more than 5 minutes at a time. You also still constantly have your feet and arms going. Like him you are quick to smile and generally get along well with everyone. You crack me up every day and make my heart so happy sometimes it feels like it will explode. You are amazing and I [we] cannot wait to keep getting to know you over the next month!