I'm a Big Boy Now.

Jack is fast approaching 4 months old. I know I have said this a time or two already but where does the time go? He has become a very active boy, always wanting to stand. He hates to sit. He is holding his neck/head very well on his own now which has allowed him to advance from the play mat to his exersaucer. He loves it! He loves all toys! He can grab them, wave them around and puts them all in his mouth. He is now trying his best to hold his bottle. Feedings take a bit longer these days as his independence slows us down. He is also almost rolling over. I caught him today trying to roll over to grab a toy. I can't believe how fast he develops. I am sure he is right on track but like every mom out there I really want to believe he is so advanced :) This week he sat in his high chair for the first time and had his first taste of rice cereal. We also went on our first family trip last weekend and he was an excellent traveller. We only had to stop once on a 6 hour car trip. Blew both Pat and I away. What a little man we have already. We are so proud!

OK, I am done boasting now. Here are a few pics so you can see the growth for yourself.

My World.

My Family, My Life, My World! Just had some family photos taken by my sister. Jack is now 12 weeks old. Where does the time go? As hard as this life adjustment has been I wouldn't trade these 2 for the world!

My Mommy Baby List of Must Haves at 2.5 Months!

Things...although most are not a necessity when raising a child they sure do help! If I had a dollar for everytime someone has said "We didn't have those things when raising our kids" I would be rich already! So I had this idea to complete a list of items I have found very useful and/or fun that Jack and I would not be able to live without. For all of you new moms out there, I understand how hard it is to know exactly what you need/want when your new babe is on it's way. OR for those of you looking to buy a baby gift for someone here are some ideas. I hope this helps! Keep in mind this is only up to 2 1/2 months of age.

My List:

Bouncy Chair - I used this beginning the first day we came home and could not have made it through the first few weeks without it. A must have!

Swing - I did not start using the swing until Jack was ~ 1month. I have not stopped using it since. This is a necessity to get baby to sleep in the afternoon and get a few things done around the house when needed.

Infant Bath tub - Helps save your back during the first few months! I put it on the kitchen table.
Inflatable Duck Safety tub - This is great when your little one out grows the infant tub! Set it inside your real tub and baby can be more comfy in the bath tub. We love it. It is kind of large to store though. Monitors - I actually did not use this until Jack moved out of his bassinet and into his crib but now that I have started using them I love them. Let's you get outside for a few minutes during a nap without worry. Make sure you purchase a dual monitor set so you can leave one in your bedroom and the other in the kitchen or family room (much more convenient when you don't have to move them around the house all of the time). Also make sure you purchase one that plugs into the wall (so you are not using batts all the time-expensive) AND takes batts for when you want to go outside.

Mirror for Car - This hangs on the backseat infront of the rear facing carseat. This is the best gift you could give a new mom. I could not live without it! I actually just bought this exact product for a girlfriend a few weeks ago.

Dr. Browns Formula Mixer - Love this! I can make a batch of bottles and then store formula in this already prepared in the fridge until I am ready to make the next batch.

Playtex Bottles and Liners - So much easier then worrying about scrubing and cleaning regular bottles. I love these! The drop ins are more expensive but worth it the first few months. The bags are just as handy once you form and get used to your bottle making process.

Car Seat Cover - We bought the JJ Cole brand and used it a lot at first even though we had a late spring baby. It is nice to have so you don't have to worry about a baby blanket falling off the seat when you are carrying the seat to and from the car. Since the weather has turned to 30 degrees we have packed this item away for the next babe.

PAMPERS Diapers - I won't buy any other brand.

Portable High Chair - This will sit on one of your kitchen chairs so it takes up less space then a regular high chair. We have a small house so space saving really counts!

UV Bug Net - This is great for a summer baby. Allows you to get outside and not worry about burns or bugs.

Other items that you have probably already thought of: LOTS of recieving blankets, LOTS of baby face cloths, 'What to Expect the First Year' Book, Crib, Change Station (up and down stairs), Hooded Towels, Lots of Bibs, Dove Baby Wash, Vaseline, Change Pad and Change Pad Cover.

Jogging Stroller - I started out with a Safety 1st travel system which was helpful during the first month so I did not have to take Jack out of his seat to put him in his stroller but then I really started wishing I had a jogger stroller. Note you can always use a cart to put your car seat in when shopping so the travel system really is a luxery and really isn't needed. Below is the jogger I chose.
Jack's List:

Car Seat Toys - Although these are not needed for the first month they have become a very important part of our car trips now. Jack loves them.

Baby Gym - Jack has recently (~ 2 months) started loving his baby gym. This is where he has his play time. He loves the toys that hang over his head and has already started reaching for them. I am currently taking this every where we go as he loves it so much and it keeps him so content.

Mobile - Keeps him entertained when he wakes in the middle of the night.

Soother - Could NEVER live without! If you have a baby who loves to suck you know exactly what I mean.

Soft Blanky - Jack cuddles his blankey when eating and being rocked....also in his swing. It soothes him and helps him get to sleep.

Useless:

Crib set - Oddly enough this was one of the things I was most excited to buy. A huge expense for something that doesn't do much good. The comforter just hangs over the end of the crib. My advice would be to match a crib skirt and crib sheet and purchase seperately...will certainly save a lot of money.

Bumbo - These are expensive and really not a must have so far. I have used mine a few times when hanging clothes on the line. They are convenient but certainly not a must have. My advice would be to buy one second hand if you really think you would like one.

Car Bottle Warmer - This does not work with the Playtex Drop Ins. Waste of time and money. Takes 45 mins to heat a Playtex bottle. My advice...carry a large cup in the car. Stop at the nearest gas station and fill with hot water to heat. This will do the trick a lot faster than the warmer - believe it or not.

Diaper Gene - This is not really useless it is just a 'nice to have' item. They don't hold a lot so you have to empty them often. Really not a necessity. My advice - Spend your money on something else :)

New Blog Title!

Some of you may have noticed that I have changed the title of our blog.

It went like this: One day after Jack was born I was adjusting to sitting around the house alone with no adults to converse with. It is times like these that my mind wonders and I get 'deep' in thought. Somehow I started thinking about how our new family would sign our Christmas cards this year when it hit me...our initials combined spell PB&J (Pat Bran & Jack). You know - Peanut Butter and Jelly!!!! I can't begin to explain how much this excited me. Sad I know - but true. So from then on out I decided our family will be affectionately known as PB&J.

xoxo
Love,
PB&J

Ready to Start Blogging Again.

A few people have pointed out that I have been extrememly slack with Jack's Blog. Up until now I have felt like I have been running circles with no time to spare. We are finally starting to form a routine and I am finally starting to feel comfortable with being a mom (best job in the world by the way!). Life so far has been a lot of sleeping, feedings, diaper changes and cuddles. Jack has started showing his personality. He smiles all of the time and is beginning to laugh. He is such a happy fellow with what seems to be a very calm personality. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing that happy little boy smile back at me. I must be doing something right because he truely is the most content baby.

We have recently moved him to his crib as he began his life sleeping in a bassinet that was literally 5 cm from my face. It is different having him in a completely different room than us but we are all sleeping better now. He only gets up 2 times a night to eat and goes directly back to sleep after eating. I couldn't ask for more. Jack has also began 7-7:30 bedtime. I was terrified the first night I put him down as he was not quite asleep and I was thinking I would have to hear him cry. It turned out to be no problem as he fell asleep within 3 mins. Like he hears all of the time "Jack is the most perfect baby in the world".

It is hard to believe we are approaching the 3 month mark! I feel like he was just born yesterday. Time really does fly and I really am trying my best to enjoy every second of it. The positive side of those late night/early morning feedings you wonder???? -The cuddles I get afterwards make it all worth it. Now I really understand how much my mother loves us (her babies)...When you become a parent you finally completely understand the love your parents have for you.

Below I have posted a few of my favourite photos to date. Enjoy...there will be MANY more to come :)

Heather Wilkinson Photography.

Check out Jack's 9 day photo shoot on Heather's blog. She did a fantastic job. Thank-you Heather!

http://www.heatherwilkinson.ca/2010/05/21/jack-9-days-old/

Heather is an amazing photographer!! If you are considering a photo session for any reason you really should consider Heather. We were soooo happy with her professionalism and her quality of work. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.heatherwilkinson.ca/

Welcome Jack!

This digital greeting card customized with Smilebox

Still Waiting.

This look on Mattie's face says it all.
We are still waiting...

Impatient.

I am still waiting. Officially one day overdue I am beginning to realise that I did not prepare myself to have this baby any later than April 26th. Next time around I am going to tell everyone my due date is 1 week later than it is supposed to be so I get used to having that date in my head. It is really hard to be off work, all ready and waiting...waiting...waiting. My 'to do' list is almost empty for the first time in years! Pat's 'to do' list is growing as I have more time on my hands to sit around and think up ideas for him to do around the house. Auntie Dani is in NY city until the weekend. I am thinking he is just waiting for her to get back so she doesn't miss his entrance into the world - Dramatic like his Mom and Late like his Dad :)

Well please keep us in your thoughts and cross your fingers for me...Here's hoping I have him this week!

Showered with Love.

Thanks to everyone who came to my family shower and thank you to Uncle Terry and Aunt Laurie Ann for hosting. Once again Terry whipped up a beautiful lunch while Laurie Ann entertained all of us. I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. I now have absolutely everything I need to care for our little guy.