Hunter Update - Eating Cereal and More

Hey everyone. So another week has come and gone and Hunter has accomplished more milestones in his life. First, we went to the doctor on Tuesday, and he had gained 1.4 lbs in the last two weeks. Yay for Hunter!! Also, the doctor told me I did not have to continue the late night feeding, so yay for Mommy getting more sleep!! The doctor still wants to see him in another two weeks to make sure that his weight gain is a continuous thing. The doctor also said we were able to start Hunter on solids. So we have started him on rice cereal. We will give him that the next few weeks and then he will be able to start on vegetables. I was so excited for my baby.Although did you know there are 3 different types of cereal you can feed them. I had no idea. I thought there was only rice cereal. Boy did I feel silly when I said that to the doctor. The doctor said I definitely need to supplement my breast milk when feeding him (which is what I was doing) so I have pretty much given up on nursing. I am strictly pumping and supplementing with formula, which makes me a little sad. I miss our little time together, but I am so thankful and proud of the time I did have. I still am debating if I am going to give up breastfeeding altogether. I feel like I am giving up and I don't like that feeling. I am going to try and stick it out until he is 6 months old, but we will have to wait and see.

So back to the cereal. When we gave it to Hunter for the first time, I was cracking up. He really liked it but he wasn't sure what to do with it so he kept spitting it out. His face was covered. The last couple of days he has gotten better. We also put him in his high chair for the first time. We wanted him to feel like he was part of our family dinners, and now that he is almost sitting up, we thought it was the perfect time. He loved it!! We put some toys on the tray and he was just playing away. We are just so lucky we got such an easy going, happy baby.

Now a little update on Scott and me. Nothing really new just loving our new life. I am still trying to handle being a full-time working mother. I miss him every second I am away, but the ache has gotten a little better when I'm away. Scott is just working away and being a great daddy. We are planning a small trip to San Diego in December. We got some free tickets to the Wild Animal Park that have to be used by the end of the year. We are going to take Hunter. Although he is still a little young, I think he will like watching the animals. It will be our first family vacation and we can't wait. Also, we got new phones. We have a family plan with my parents and we were all eligible for an upgrade so we started shopping around at phone plans. We found that with Sprint we could just pay 50 dollars more a month than what we are paying now and we could all have smart phones (before Scott was the only one with a smart phone). It was a steal. Then if we got Iphone 4's they were free!! So we all got new Iphone 4's except Scott, who got a 4S. I love my new phone and if you thought I posted alot of pictures of Hunter on Facebook before just wait. Now that I have this I can post pictures whenever I want...YAY!!

Hunter likes:

• His new high chair...he can finally be at the same level as mommy and daddy.
• Cereal - Although hes not sure about how to eat it :)
• Sleeping in mommy and daddy's bed - When he wakes up really early in the morning, I will lay him in bed with us and he falls right back to sleep. I love snuggling with him.

Hunter does not like:

• When you take his bottle away - He throws a fit...He loves his food!!

This is probably one of my favorite pictures I have ever taken of him

Sleeping in Daddy's bean bag pillow...He loves it!!

Mommy feeding him cereal for the first time

I think he likes it :)

Going in the high chair for the first time

He looks so tiny in that big chair, haha

I think he likes his new chair

Daddy feeding Hunter for the first time

Bath Time

Space Shuttle Endeavor

Hey everyone. I forgot to put this in my last post. Hunter was a part of a real piece of history. While at my moms last week they were able to see the Endeavor fly over their house on its way to Disneyland. I wished I could of seen it myself but I am so happy that my little one was able to be a part of it (even if he won't remember it, haha).

Family Update

So it has been a little over a week since my last post and so much has happened. We survived our first cold outbreak in the Hosmer household. Like I said previously Hunter was beginning to get his first cold. Well last Friday when he woke up he was much worse. He was not running a fever but he was very congested and his voice was so hoarse, he couldn't even make a sound. I felt so bad for him. So we decided to take him to the doctor to get him checked out and thankfully we did. The doctor said he had brochilitis (that is probably not spelled right) which is a very common thing in babies. The only bad thing is the mucus had drained into his lungs which is not good and can become something much worse. So to try and get some of the mucus to drain from his lungs we had to do breathing treatments every four hours. We also had to take him to urgent care on Saturday, and the doctors on the following Monday to ensure the sounds they heard in his lungs were getting better and not worse. Luckily when we went on Saturday the doctor said it was already much better and by Monday his lungs were clear. He is still battling having a little congestion in his nose but he is so much better than he was a week ago. Also, over the same weekend I ended up coming down with a very bad head cold (and could hardly breathe from the congestion) and Scott was fighting a stomach virus. It made for a very long and relaxing weekend, we literally did nothing but stay home. My mom was nice enough to come over on Saturday so Scott and I could take a nap to catch up on some of our sleep and on Sunday she brought dinner so we didn't have to worry about making anything. We hadn't been getting much sleep since we have to do breathing treatments every 4 hours and feeding every 3. Lets just say it made for some long nights, haha. Thanks MOM!! Both of us are feeling much better. We got so lucky with Hunter. He was such a good, sick baby. Although you could tell he didn't feel well, he was in constant smiles and it didn't stop him from playing any less. He is just the best little blessing our family could have gotten. We just all love him soooo much. 

Also, yesterday Daddy got to spend almost all day with baby while Mama went wedding dress shopping with Auntie Kelly. It was such a great girls day with my mom, Aunt Jan, Aunt Lisa and Kelly's friend Alex. Although I am not going to post a picture of her dress (I don't want James trying to get a sneak peek, haha), I can tell you it is gorgeous and she is going to be a beautiful bride. Although she would have been a beautiful bride in a trash bag, lol. We also picked out our bridesmaids dresses which was fun. They are really cute and I am super excited. So it was a very productive day, and I just can't wait for April 13th!! Let the bridal shower planning begin!!

We go to the doctor's on Tuesday (I feel like I live there recently) for a weight check and his vaccinations. Not sure what I am more nervous about :) I just hope the doctor is pleased with the weight he is gaining and maybe take him off the late night feeding. He feels heavier to me so we will just have to wait and see. Keep your fingers crossed he gained!!

Hunter likes:

• When Scott plays with him with his little dog toy and does the Mr. Poochie voice
• The new monkey toy Grandma Terry gave him
• To pull at Mama's earrings (I am learning I won't be wearing big earrings much anymore)
• Spending time in Great Grandpa's room with him watching TV and him playing on the computer

Hunter doesn't like:

• When mama and daddy try to play the ipad with him (he feels he can do it all by himself)
• When he is in his car seat for a longer period of time, unless he is asleep (I guess we are not ready for a road trip yet, haha)
• Taking Naps (He is much more of a cat napper now) 

Being sick is no fun

Breathing Treatment

So tired we fell asleep playing on the floor

Watching Daddy

He will literally put anything in his mouth

Baby's Big Belly

What you looking at Mama?? haha

CUTE BABY

Hunter with his new Mickey toy he got for being a good boy at the doctor's (He was so excited when he saw him)

This is our bridesmaid dress (it will be in a lighter green though) So Excited!!

Hunter's 4 Month Check Up and First Cold

Hey Everyone. It has been a crazy couple of days. As you all know, Hunter turned 4 months on the 6th. So because of this we had to go to his 4 month check-up yesterday to see how he was growing and his vaccines. It was a good and bad check-up. His head has grown an inch in two months which is really good for his small head (He was in the 5th percentile at 2 months and is now in the 20th percentile). He also grew 1 3/4 inches in length (still in the 75th percentile). The only bad news was he only gained 11 ounces in the last two months (he didn't even gain a whole pound). Although the doctor said we were not doing anything wrong, because he doesn't fuss or ever act like he is hungry, she was concerned that he was not gaining weight. By this time most babies are almost doubling their birth weight and Hunter is no where near this. Although the doctor said I wasn't doing anything wrong, I still blame myself and just keep hoping Hunter hasn't been going hungry all this time and I didn't know it. There are a couple things we need to work on to help gain the necessary weight. First, Mama is going on a higher fat diet so her milk could be richer for Hunter. Its been really hard for me to eat higher fat foods because I don't want to gain a lot of weight, but if this is for the betterment of Hunter I would gain 1000 pounds for him. We also have to feed Hunter every 3 hours except overnight. I have to get 7 feedings of 5 ounces in a day. I cannot pump that much milk so now I am also taking a vitamin called Fenugreek (which helps a woman produce more milk) and also supplementing his feedings with formula. I think eventually I will be giving up breastfeeding altogether (I also think this may happen sooner that later). I love breastfeeding Hunter because it really helps me feel connected to him, but it has just become a lot of work, especially since returning to work, to keep up with the demand. I am just so lucky I had so much stored before I returned or I would have already been supplementing with formula. Also, it just takes so much time to breastfeed. It literally takes 5 minutes or less to make a formula bottle. It takes me 40 minutes to nurse Hunter, and 20 minutes if I am just pumping. I am really surprised and proud that I have made it this long. I thought I would give up after a couple weeks (and it took me some convincing to try) and here I am 4 months later still doing it. Hunter goes back to the doctor on the 25th for a weight check. Hopefully he gains weight :) For now though he is just going to be our little string bean.

Also, yesterday before we went to the doctor he had coughed up some flem and had a runny nose. The doctor said she thought he was starting to develop a cold but not to worry. Last night and this morning our little love was running his first fever. You could see he didn't feel good. He was a lot more fussy and wanted to be held a lot more (especially by mama). Because he wasn't feeling well and we are going back in two weeks they decided to postpone his vaccinations until the next appointment. As of this evening his fever is gone, which is great and I can tell he is feeling better. He is still a bit fussy and congested but not as bad as this morning. We bought a humidifier and hope that it helps overnight. Its just so hard to see him not be his normal self. It just has shown me once again just how much I love him. He has completely changed our lives for the better. Although it is the toughest job either Scott or I have had, we wouldn't change or give it up for the world.

Sleepy Baby

Always a Happy Baby - even when going to the doctor

Waiting for the Doctor

Even when he is sick he still loves his bottle

So sick he doesn't even want to play :(

Get Well Soon Hunter!!

Four Month Picture

So Scott and I had seen some friends on Facebook that took a picture of their new baby every month for the first year against a huge stuff animal, so you could see their growth and progression over time. We really loved this idea and decided to do it with Hunter as well. On September 6th, 2012, Hunter James Hosmer was officially 4 months old and we took yet another picture. You may have noticed the other ones in previous posts. I cannot believe just how much he has grown. Although, he is not very big weight wise (he is our little string bean) he has grown so much length wise. I cannot wait to go to the doctor on Wednesday for his 4 month check up to see just how much he has grown. The only thing I am not looking forward to is another round of shots. He did so good last time, but it still makes me sad to see him in pain even if its for a second :( 

He is still sleeping in our room but he is out of the bassinet bed and in his pack in play. I think this coming week I am going to start him in his crib. I think I am finally ready to let him be on his own in there. I'm sure it will still be difficult but I've got to do it. He is still moving constantly and rolling has become his new past time. He is cooing so much more and it is the most beautiful sound. There is no better sound than his laughter. No matter what mood I am in, you cannot help but smile when you hear him. It is just amazing how much he has grown and changed these last four months and I am sure the next four will go just as fast. I just keep telling myself to take in every second because it only lasts so long. 

We Love You Hunter James Hosmer!!

Hunter Likes:

• Grabbing Mama's dinner plate when she is eating.
• Playtime on the floor with Mama and Daddy
• Taking naps in Daddy's Bean Bag Pillow in the mornings.

Hunter Does Not Like:

• When Mama and Daddy are eating and he is on the floor (whines every time)
• Waking up at 500 am to eat (ok maybe that is more my dislike, haha)

Four Months :)

Hunter's new best friend

A Day at the Park

Hello Everyone. So on Labor Day, Scott and I decided to take Hunter to the park. I had read online that a good thing to do with young babies is take them for a picnic in the park because even though they really can't play they enjoy just looking at the scenery and the fresh air. So we found a park near our house that had a duck pond (Scott wanted to take Hunter to feed the ducks) and decided that we would start with a walk and work ourselves to a picnic. He really enjoyed himself. I was so nervous the whole time because of all the ducks (if you know me, you know I have a huge phobia of birds) and I was so nervous they were going to come up to me and Hunter. Although he is still to young to really do anything I think he really enjoyed being outside, watching the trees, and watching the ducks that were in front of us. We ended up only spending about 40 minutes there but it was fun just being together as a little family. We just cannot wait until we are able to take him to the park and him really enjoy himself with playing on all the toys and things. Our future is full of so many new experiences. We are soooo excited!!

Looking cool in his sunglasses

Scott feeding the ducks

Mama loves her baby...Even though his is not looking to happy in this picture :)

Daddy and Hunter in front of the duck pond

Hunter loves his hands :)

Family Time - we are still trying to figure out how to take a self portrait of a whole family :)

Hunter's 4 month Birthday

Can you believe it, Hunter is exactly 4 months today. It is crazy to think he has already been in our lives for 4 months. Sometimes it seems like forever and other days it seems like he just got here yesterday. He has been such a joy and blessing in our lives. He is growing up so fast. He is the little mover in our house and I am getting nervous when he can really start getting around, because I think we will be in trouble, haha :) Well I am at work so I will write a better post later complete with pictures and all. Just wanted to wish my little boy a Happy 4 month Birthday...Mama and Daddy love you very much!!

Also, wanted to mention the Gerber Contest we entered Hunter into on Facebook. Voting began on Sept 4th and goes all the way to Sept 24th (19 days and counting) to vote. I will add the link below or look on either my or Scott's Facebook. All you do is click on the link and click VOTE :) Its very easy and simple. If you want to help even more you can share the link on your Facebook Wall as well and get the word out to all your friends and family. You can vote once a day everyday until the 24th so help us out :) Your votes are much appreciated!! ROCK THE VOTE!!

https://apps.facebook.com/gerberps/detail.do?entry_id=318821

Hunter Update - Almost 4 months (17 weeks)

So much happens in a week. Hunter is just growing and learning to do new things like crazy...haha. I am trying to take advantage of every moment I have with him but I still feel as if this time is just passing us by. He is just one of the happiest babies I have ever known (I know you might think I am biased but it is true). He has his moments of fussiness and he does cry, but for the most part he has a smile on his face and just wants to be doing something. We got stopped 3 times at Target the other day by random people telling us how cute he was and how happy he was. I hope that it is a reflection on how we feel about him and that he is just so happy with the family he was put with. He is just such a blessing in our life and we cannot wait for all the new adventures to come.

He is still rolling onto his belly with much ease. He still doesn't go from belly to back as easy, but I think he knows that if he whines a bit we go over and flip him over, and that is much easier, haha. He is also starting to giggle a lot more. He busted out in laughter over a toy we were playing with at Target the other night, so of course  we had to buy it, haha :) He already has us wrapped around his fingers. His newest thing he does, is gets up onto his knees and pulls himself forward, while on his belly. I think he will be crawling before we know it, which makes me so nervous, because once he is on the move, I don't think we will ever be able to stop him.

Scott and I are doing great, just enjoying our family time together. We thoroughly enjoy the simple things in life now...a good nap, family dinners, bath time, and playtime with the baby. How life has changed. It was almost exactly a year ago tomorrow that we found out we were pregnant. I will never forget that day and the unexpected surprise we got. I had taken a pregnancy test just days before that doctors appointment and it said Negative. When the doctor said "you are pregnant" I didn't believe him. That day changed our lives, but Scott and I have both said that beginning to expand our family was the best decision we ever made. Can't wait until we decide to expand the brood a little more :)

Hunter Likes:

• Tummy Time - He is actually beginning to like being on his tummy.
• Play time on his play mat. He just loves his toys and grabbing for them (another new thing he can do)
• Napping with Mommy

Hunter Does Not Like:

• Having a gas bubble in his belly (this happened the other day and it broke my heart to see him cry like that :( )

• Waiting to eat when he is hungry (The little man knows what he wants and when he wants it)

Happy Hunter :)

Grabbing for his toy

"Focused" Face

Been on his tummy too long :)

Distracted by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Here's a cute video of him laughing at Scott during Bath Time, he loves his Daddy: