Nine months in, nine months out!

 Is that insane to anyone else? Time is going by too fast.

It's been another big month for Mason Man. He started crawling a few weeks ago and has been on the move since then. He will not sit still! And he's into everything... Laundry, bookshelves, etc. Last week he started pulling himself up to stand against the couch and his crib and the entertainment center. It makes me SUPER nervous, but I know he needs to learn, so I look away and Riley makes sure he doesn't fall.

Mase is big in to clapping and waving these days. He waves every time we leave or enter a room! It's the best. He is also very proud of himself. Every time he gets a Cheerio or puff into his mouth, he smiles and claps. He's pretty much a genius.

We had a well-child visit with our new pediatrician this month as well. I was pretty impressed with the clinic. Everyone was super nice and they give the kids a new book at every visit! How cool is that? Mase loves reading so we were stoked! He did great with his shots too. Shot day is the worst. I hate it! This was the first appointment Riley was able to come to since Masons two month visit, so it was really nice to have some backup with our squirmy boy! The first thing the doctor said when she walked in and saw our nakey boy is "Well, he's certainly not malnourished!" Are you sure, Lady? His measurements came in as follows:

Head: 91 percentile (Thank you, Riley!)

Weight: 90 percentile, 23 pounds 8 oz

Height: 54 percentile (My bad!)

We just started laughing. He's such a chubby little guy, our little butterball!

At nine months Mason doesn't like:

Baby food. He's over it.

Loud noises

Footie jammies

Sitting still

But he loves:

-Straws

-Singing "Do Your Ears Hang Low" and "Home on the Range" with Daddy, he goes right to sleep

- Playing with Tupperware. And wooden spoons. And keys.

- Tub time

- Bronx

- Climbing on everything

- Opening and closing the blinds

The Stewarts Do Seattle

Last week Mason and I made a trip to Utah for my dear friend Lexi's wedding. Since the closest airport is in Seattle, and Seattle is three hours away, we decided to make a trip of it! Riley had the weekend off, so we headed out Friday morning and stayed a couple of nights until Mase and I flew out Sunday afternoon.
It was SO fun! Seattle is definitely in the running for my favorite city. And it's so close!
Friday we got to our hotel around 5 and went to Target to get some snacks and baby stuff before heading out to the Mariners game. It was the first Major League Baseball game for all of us and it was so fun to experience it together. The weather was PERFECT. We enjoyed some hotdogs, and kettle corn, and even scored some free beard beanies! It was a blast.
Saturday morning we slept in (until 9!!) then went out for some sight seeing. We went to Pikes Market. That's where they throw the fish. It has all sorts of fun shops and tons of fruit and flower stands for super cheap. In a weird way it reminded me of China, so of course I loved it! Riley got some new Nikes and Mason got a good nap. Perfect morning!
After a delicious lunch at our favorite spot, Chipotle, we headed to the Seattle Aquarium. It was a little more expensive than we would have liked, but worth it because Mason loooooved watching all the fish. It was so cute watching him try to follow them with his eyes, and put his face up again the (germ covered... Sick) tank, and smack the glass. Plus, they had a great seal, sea lion, and otter exhibit. We had a good time despite the price!
I didnt take as many pictures as i should have! We will definitely be making another trip to the city soon.
Xoxo

Happy Eight Months Mason Baby!!

Seriously? Where does the time go? I can't believe it has been eight months since Mase joined our little family. It's like I blinked and he is a little boy, not a baby!
It has been a big month for my Mason Boy. Yesterday he cut his eighth tooth! I'm hoping that means we can actually start getting some real sleep for the first time in four months. It seems like as soon as one tooth came in, the next one started. Poor guy!
This Month we also started putting Mason in his crib. I know, I know. It's about time. But between moving twice and trips to Utah, it just didnt happen. Anyway, he is doing fairly well. He sleeps about two hours at a time in there, but I'm hopeful that with teething done for now, he will be much more comfortable and able to rest.
He is SO CLOSE to crawling. So close! I'm sure in the next week or so he will be off and going. For now, he is an expert army crawler.
Mason is the biggest blessing in our lives. He keeps us constantly laughing. Being a mom is the best thing in the world!

This month Mason Riley hates:
His binky. Sad.
Bananas
Stuffed animals. Terrified.
The doorbell
Drinking from a bottle or sippie
The lawn mower. Hates it!
Holding still for a diaper change

He loves:
Graham crackers
His blankie
Clapping. Mostly when Riley comes into the room or we say "YAYYYYY!!"
The car. Finally!
Going for walks
Looking out the window
Bath time
His daddy
Apple juice
Watermelon
Reading books with mommy
Singing
Being nakey!

Two tub kind of day.

Being parents, poop is just something we have learned to live with. Babies "go" constantly. It's a universal truth. And normally, it really isn't a big deal. Normally. However, we recently started Mason on solids (mostly graham crackers and mashed up bananas) and things are getting a little out of hand.
Now, the following stories are not for those with weak tummies or those who are offended by potty talk. You've been warned.
I feel like I have had my fair share of blow outs. Clarification after writing that sentence: MASON has had his fair share of blow outs. I don't have blow outs. I deal with his. Now, as I was saying, Mason has had some record breaking poops. I always, ALWAYS have a change of clothes for Mase in our bag. And have needed to use them on several occasions. This morning was a whole different animal.
Mason has been sleeping in our bed since our first round of teething. Judge all you want, but when I have the choice between all of us getting a mediocre night's rest, or none at all, I will take what I can get. Mason had been, a-hem, tooting all night, I'm sure his little body is just learning to deal with the new foods we have been trying. Just when Riley left for work and gave us our goodbye smooches, Mason let out an especially productive gas. I assumed the Pampers Cruisers could do what they were advertised to do, and Mason and I settled in to watch an episode of Handy Manny and wake up a bit. But OHHH no. No sir. Those Pampers Cruisers let me down in a big way! Mason reached for something, and the problem was made known.
Another lesson I have learned as a parent is there are some poops you can wipe, and some require a rinse. And some clothes you can save, and some you gotta toss. This poop was a rinse-n-toss!
So off to the bathroom Mason and I went. I stripped him down and threw his jammies away, then turned on the faucet and stepped into the tub. My plan was to hold Mason under his armpits, and rise what I could before sitting him down for a bath. That was my plan.
Mason's plan was to soak us both.
As soon as I started the rinse, he reached forward and pulled up the lever to start the shower! I couldn't just toss the babe to the side to save myself. So there we stood, Mason and I. Both getting completely soaked and watching the poop slip down the drain.
That was our morning.
This afternoon Mason was in his saucer playing while I "folded some laundry" (which means drink a Diet Coke and watch E News) and Riley started dinner. Again, the sound I have come to dread. My sister, Halle, calls it the "tuba butt". I should have known the disaster ahead considering the fact that Mase was in his saucer. Straddling the fabric in the seat can't be the most poop friendly situation. As soon as I lifted him from the leg holes, I realized this one required back-up. A rinse-n-save. Back to the tub we go.
Riley jumped into action. He ran to start the bath while I stripped Mason. I held Mason's flailing hands while Riley wiped what he could, then took the nakey babe and rinsed. A poop partner makes all the difference. We just laughed. If only Riley had been there this morning! Perhaps it wouldn't have been such a disaster if my poop partner had been there to offer some assistance.
And now I sit with a squeaky clean and freshly lotioned baby and I just have to laugh. Life with Mason and Riley is never dull, they're a real GAS!!
Xoxo

Washington and a Coastie Update

So, we did it. We made the big move to Washington. I swear I have heard countless horror stories of how terrible government moves are, but we have moved three times, two of those being from one coast to the other, and have not had a single problem. I think the key is flexibility. You have to understand that it's not in your hands. It is in the government's, and things will get done at their pace, which is painfully slow and inefficient 99.9% of the time. Roll with the punches.
Anyway, we arrived here in Neah Bay on Sunday afternoon after attending church at our new ward in Forks. The house far exceeded our expectations! It is spotless, and has a great fenced in yard. And while it is a bit smaller than our place in Jersey, it is "fully loaded" with a beautiful kitchen, hardwood floors, and two big bedrooms. I am beyond thrilled.
We camped out with our suitcases and air mattress until our stuff arrived on Thursday and have been unpacking since. I have to say, putting your things in storage for five months is genius! All the things I hated before suddenly seem brand new! I had quite a bit of motivation to unpack in the days following the moving trucks arrival, but since I have totally lost steam. My fun new kitchen, our bed, and the TV are all set up, so I'm happy just baking and playing with Mason. Hopefully soon we can get rid of the boxes...
Anyway, Neah Bay is probably the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The town itself is a little sketchy. There isn't a single traffic light. Basically it consists of a small grocery store, two restaurants, a gas station, and the post office. A lot of the houses are run down and poorly kept. But the people are truly some of the nicest people I have ever met. The Coast Guard tries to be involved in the community and the locals really do appreciate the work to Coasties do here. It's really cool.
On Saturday we went for a hike to try and get to know our new area a little bit. We hiked to Cape Flattery, which is the most north western point in the US. It was only a mile, maybe just over, and it was the prettiest place I have ever seen. The hike was great because the trailhead is only 5 minutes away from our house, and most of it has this super cute little wooden walkway since all the rain here makes for tons of mud. Everything was so green and beautiful.
As far as a Coastie Update, Riley now works as a BM3, or Petty Officer 3rd class. Here, like in Jersey, he will be working from a station that is home to three boats. However, now he will be in charge of operating the boat, as well as supervising the entire crew. He will lead them in search and rescue cases, boardings to inspect for proper safety and illegal drugs or weapons, and other things of that nature. You know, Coast Guard stuff or whatever. :)
When we first got our orders, I was terrified. Neah Bay is extremely isolated. The closest real grocery store is just over an hour an a half away. Our ward is an hour. We are faaarrrr away from everything. But the people we are stationed here with are the nicest ever. They have gone out of there way to include us, and help us feel welcome and get to know the area. It's a little family out here in Neah Bay and we LOVE it.
Xoxo

Happy Seven Months!

My baby will be seven months old in a few days! I honestly can't believe it.
It's been a huge month for us! Aside from the move, Mase learns something new everyday.
He is getting his top left tooth and right fang so the cruel cycle of teething is beginning again! Ugh.
Mason is also beginning to get a little bit of separation anxiety. At first I loved it! It was so fun knowing Mase loved Riley and I enough to notice if we weren't right next to him. Now however, I am trying to unpack our house and Mase just wants to snuggle. I'm sure it's partially because of the discomfort of his new teeth, so I'm happy to watch Baby Songs and tickle his chubby legs. We have three years to unpack!
I love him so much and I'm so thankful to be his Mama!

He hates:
The vacuum
When mom or dad are not in sight
The car. Still.
Getting dressed

But he loves:
Talking... " Bababababa" "Mamamama"
Dinosaur Train
Riding in the stroller
Bronx
Watching Baby Songs
Taking a bath
Spitting
Touching faces

Mother's Intuition

Recently, a very dear friend of mine shared the fantastic news with me and she and her sweet husband are expecting their first little baby. She mentioned that she would be needing advice, and I thought back to that Sunday morning when Riley and I found out Mason would be joining our family, and the months leading up to his birth. And the 7 months since, really. It occurred to me that I have absolutely no advice to give. None.
The truth of it is, I have no idea what I am doing.
Now, I don't mean that to sound like a "poor me" statement. I am confident that when Mason cries, I can calm him. I can tell when he is in pain from teething, or fussing because he is hungry. I know when he has a tummy ache. I know peaches give him that tummy ache. I can tell if he is stirring and about to wake up, or just shifting for more comfort. I am a good mom. I just haven't the slightest idea what I am doing.
I find myself constantly asking other mothers, especially my own, for tips or input on parenting. Should he eat this? What is this rash? Does he feel warm to you? What detergent do you use? It's never ending.
Most recently my inquiry was about whether or not it is safe to put pillows in Mason's crib with him. I loved one of the responses I got. "Go with your gut, AKA: The Spirit."
Why has that thought never occurred to me? We hear phrases all the time about "a mother's intuition" but I never put that and the Holy Ghost together. Yet it makes perfect sense. Of course Heavenly Father would send His Spirit to guide us as mothers, or fathers for that matter. We are his sons and daughters, raising His precious little ones. Regardless of religion, or education, or whatever situation we are in, I believe parents are blessed to hear the promptings. He knew that in such a sacred calling, we would need to be close by.
My friend mentioned the peace she felt already as a brand spanking (not literally, im sure she would never spank her child) new mom. And she hit the nail right on the head. I feel like my brain (and my house...) is in constant chaos. Yet I still feel such a peace. Riley and I just do the best we can as parents. Sometimes we are right. Sometimes we are wrong. Like squeezing Mason into size three diapers? Probably wrong. Washing his poop covered clothes with our bedding? Wrong. For sure. But I am peaceful knowing Mason knows his mom and dad love him. I am confident that he is aware that we can meet his needs. And that peace comes because of the Spirit.
Just something to think about...
PS: We moved to Washington. There is a loooooong post coming soon.
Xoxo