First Trip to Tennessee

Mason,

You enjoyed quite an exciting week after Christmas. We traveled to Tennessee to see your Grandmom and Grandad and to meet extended family. The trip began with your first plane ride. I was 7 before I took my first plane ride, and your Mommy was 20. So you've got quite the head start on us! Here we are getting ready to board and then sitting on the plane. We're so proud of how well you did coming and going. You were a little fussy, especially on the landing, but for the most part you were very cooperative.

You enjoyed your first trip to Knoxville. It was a quick trip, so we didn't have a chance to show you the sights. That's ok, you wouldn't remember them, anyway. On a future trip we'll give you a better tour and show you Daddy's old stomping grounds. But you enjoyed Christmas with Grandmom and Grandad. And we were so relieved that you adjusted so well to sleeping in a new place.

Then we were on the road again. We made a quick stop just over the border in Kentucky (another new state!) to meet some of the Easterwood family. You met your aunts Carolyn and Jean and your Uncle John. They really enjoyed meeting you!

Then it was off to Nashville and were you in for a shock! This was the annual Thomas family Christmas gathering at your great-aunt Gloria's. She was nice enough to let you take over her room. I think you were a little overwhelmed. Your Daddy certainly was! It doesn't seem that long ago when I was the little guy eagerly tearing through packages to see what fun gifts I had. Of course, you were pretty disinterested in all the hoopla this time around, but next time will be a different story. You were a little less cooperative at this stop. I think you were a little tired from our week of travel. That's ok. You're entitled!

 

We especially loved the following picture. This is MaKenzie. We did several minutes of research to try and decide exactly what her relation to you is. We decided she's your first cousin twice removed. But we might be wrong about that. Hopefully someone will comment and correct us if we are. But more importantly, MaKenzie was Mommy and Daddy's flower girl for our wedding. That will be 10 years ago this June! Perhaps next time you'll give her a smile.

So you survived your first big trip. And you did very well. But you were still so relieved to get home to your couch!

Love,
Daddy

first Christmas

Mason,

Merry Christmas! Today was an extra busy Christmas with it falling on a Sunday. We got up early, opened presents, went to church, called your grandparents, and then Auntie joined us for Christmas dinner. We were so proud of you--you managed to fit all these extra activities into your normal three-hour schedule--you napped and behaved like a champ! Merry Christmas to Mommy and Daddy!

We took your picture at the bottom of our steps before letting you peer around the corner to see the presents under the tree, a tradition we hope to continue in future years, Lord willing.  (Not that you showed any excitement this year, but we hope to capture the eager anticipation on your face in future years.)

Have I mentioned how much I love your cheeks?

We used the timer on our camera to capture a family picture.

Your stocking is as big as you!

Here you are, surrounded by your packages. 

And here's most of your loot!

You fizzled out after opening your presents, and Daddy had to put you down for a nap. While you were sleeping, Daddy and I opened our presents and cleaned up the mess.

Ellen came over later in the day, and you entertained her with your kicking, flapping, cooing, and smiling.

We finished the day with some family pictures. 

We're thankful that God gave you to us, sweet Mason. You're the best gift ever. Merry Christmas!

I love you!

Mommy

Christmas Eve

Mason,

You're so young that holidays are just like any other day to you, but they've become so much more special (and fun!) for Daddy and me now that you're here. We started several traditions that we hope to continue with you for many years to come, Lord willing.

We showed you your stocking.

And we let you open the card and gift inside of it.

You donned your gift, which was a set of Christmas pajamas.

You're a right grumpyjolly old elf! (Side note: Your pretty dark blue eyes, chubby cheeks, and little round face make your mama's heart melt.)

Daddy and I read aloud the notes we had written in your card, the Christmas story in the Bible, and Twas the Night Before Christmas.

That was about all that you could handle. You began fussing for night night, so we launched into our routine.

You are Daddy's and my favorite gift this year, Cupcake. Nothing else can compare to you!

Merry Christmas!

Mommy

fleeces

Mason,

To kick off the Christmas Eve celebration for our little family of three, we donned our weekend uniforms--warm fleeces--and frequented one of our favorite coffee shops, only a five-minute stroll away. Today, your fleece matched mine.

Daddy was jealous.

Next time, you can wear your black fleece to match your Daddy's.

I love Daddy's and my little fleece-wearing and coffee-shop-frequenting city baby!

XOXO,

Mommy

trees

Mason,

One of Daddy's and my favorite DC Christmas traditions involves visiting the national and capitol trees. Maybe someday you will enjoy this outing, too--not this year, though!

Even though we lucked out and snagged a nearby parking place, which meant a short walk to the National Tree, you were in a rage by the time we arrived. Daddy and I hemmed and hawed on whether to go in and see the tree or go home.

We decided that you needed to buck up and tough it out. We'd never get such a close parking spot again!

We encountered Santa's twin.

And then we went to find your home state tree: The District of Columbia. How many people can say that they were born and raised in the nation's capital?

Far superior to the disappointing, chintzy National Tree is the Capitol Tree. Parking is easy, the tree is deserted and not at all touristy, and what can beat this view?

You still screamed your head off. Seriously, sweetheart, do you know how many people would love to have this attraction in their back yard?

As soon as we arrived home, your grumpiness dissipated. You kicked and flailed and cooed and smiled. Trees schmees. You have your own tree at your favorite place: home.

We'll try again next year!

Love you,

Mommy

holiday party

Mason,

Santa's not your only seasonal fun this year. I took you to a holiday party with my book club, and there were more children there than members! You were one of eight boys and there were two girls in the group. You and Caroline were the youngest in attendance.

The party, and I'm fearing social gatherings in general, wasn't your scene, though. You cried if anyone but me held you. And you had a complete meltdown when we took pictures of the kids together.

You weren't sure about those other kids, or their mamas. You only wanted your own mama.

It was a rough outing for you, but wouldn't you know it, as soon as we got home, you found your happy place again. You cooed and smiled and laughed and flailed and kicked, all while you babbled to Daddy in your special language. It was like you were telling him all about the party, and what a great time you had. I knew better! Every party has a pooper and you earned the honors this time. That's the little grouch I know and love!

Social skills training begins in earnest immediately.

XOXO,

Mommy

month 3: reflections

Mason,

You're a quarter of a year old!

Tummy time has taken center stage this month, and you've hated every minute of it. The back of your head is getting flat, so we've had no choice but to force you to spend more time on your belly or upright. The positive side to all of this tummy time is that you rolled from belly to back for the first time on December 11th, when you were 12 weeks and one day old.

Being on your tummy makes you furious, and your relief at pushing yourself over always brings a smile to your face.

Of course, our clapping and cheering each time you roll over helps. We've also heard the beginnings of belly laughter--we can't wait to hear how your laugh develops over the coming months!

To stay off your back a little more each day, you sometimes nap in the Ergo.

You love to be carried around the house--not like a baby, of course, but up on our shoulder so you can look around. You've never liked being held, at least in a snuggly/cuddly sort of way, or cradled like a baby. You also don't sit peacefully and relax on our laps. Moments like this are rare.

You'd rather lie on the couch or floor and wave your arms and kick your feet--you are the most energetic baby we know. And you've developed an amazing set of abs--you're not nearly as chubby in the middle as you used to be. Your energy, combined with your temper, makes us think that we'll be making several visits to the principal's office one day. We'll see.

We're convinced that you know, and love, your home. No matter how fussy you get when we've been away for too long, as soon as we get home and put you on the couch, your screams turn to coos and smiles. Your relief is palpable. There's no place like home for you. 

Strangers and large groups make you nervous. You make more eye contact with us when around new people or in unfamiliar places than you do when we're all at home together. You're not one of those babies who beams at or even makes much eye contact with strangers--at least, not yet. Pretty much the only time you sit peacefully in our arms is when we're surrounded by other people. You must feel safe there. And although you're plenty vocal and even loud at home, when you're around other kids, you're quiet and shy, taking it all in.

You're much more aware of our presence now. If we leave you lying on the play mat or in the crib, and leave the room for a few minutes, it's not long before you start fussing for us to come back. And when we do return, all we have to do is talk to you and you settle down, smile, coo, and start playing again. Sometimes, it's clear that you do want us to hold you--only in your preferred way, of course--and that does our hearts good.

You've always shown an interest in our meals, and recently, you've been acting like a little doggie, begging for scraps.

Sometimes we'll sit on the couch and eat dinner with you lying in between us. You watch every bite that Mommy takes while you lick and smack your lips. Do you know how unsettling it feels to have someone watching your every bite? Seriously, Cupcake, you're only three months old! How are you going to hold out another three months before we give you solids? You're going to be a fun dining partner, though. You truly enjoy your meals!

We got out of the house two evenings this past month without you. We still haven't attempted dining out at night with you yet. Other restaurant patrons wouldn't appreciate your grumbling, and bedtime starts shortly after 7 PM, so there's really not time. We've had one picture taken of the two of us alone since you've been born--someone's been hogging our camera.

Happy three months, Mason! Life with you is an adventure and each month gets more fun as you develop and grow. We're excited for what you have in store for us next month! We love you more each day.

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy and Daddy

three month sticker

Mason,

You're three months old!

The two pictures of you smiling both came out blurry, but they're still cute.

I have no idea how much you weigh or how tall you are because you didn't visit the pediatrician this month.

I know that you're heavy, and lugging you, and your stuff, around is keeping me in shape.

Today's photo shoot was special because Daddy was home. You loved it!

Thanks for being such a good sport, Sweetie!

Love,

Mommy