I don't think life has ever changed so radically in such a short time as it has over the past month. Things are crazy different, but you make them so good! We're so glad you're here with us and that we get to spend all our days with you and watch as you explore and learn and grow each day. Our prayer is that you see Jesus in all of us (me, Daddy, Eli, and Landon), even from a young age. But also as you grow, that you would know you're a sinner in need of a Savior.
Firsts: First time eating fruits and veggies (bananas and green beans you love. Carrots you literally gag on.), sitting up by yourself. First time living life in quarantine (for all of us). You've also recently discovered a buddy in the mirror and like to "talk" to the baby.
News headlines: The biggest news headline (and seems like the ONLY headline) is anything and everything related to COVID-19, or "the 'rona" as we like to call it around here. It has hit the U.S. hard. Schools (including your daycare, and all across Alabama and the US) are closed and are doing e-learning/tele-school. In fact, we won't be going back at all this school year. Alabama (along with many other states) are shelter-in-place right now. Gas is about $1.45ish/gallon (and ironically, no one is going anywhere right now). Many people are wearing masks while out in public (Daddy included). Mommy and you 3 boys haven't gone ANYWHERE these days. Daddy buys groceries for us, 2 weeks at a time. Stores limit the number of people inside. Many things like cleaning supplies and toilet paper are hard to find and are in high demand. It is currently illegal to gather with more than 10 people. MANY businesses are closed, restaurants are only offering curbside/to-go orders, ll sports (rec/youth, collegiate, professional) are cancelled, and church is meeting together online only. All of this is so crazy to type!
Milestones: You are eating some foods, and seem to enjoy getting to eat something extra! Mommy is still feeding you too (though allergy season is hitting you hard and you're spitting up a lot ... the mucus is getting to you). You just started sitting up on your own and have gotten pretty good at it. You improve and gain strength each day. Daddy and I talk about you can't really tell you were a preemie anymore by your size, but we notice it in your milestones. You are doing great, but are behind where your brothers were at your age. But that's ok! You are a healthy and happy boy! We bought you a jumper and had it delivered to the house while we're living in quarantine. You enjoy "standing" in that and playing with the toys. You've discovered your hands recently and LOVE to grab your feet. You yank Mommy's hair and pull on Daddy's hoodie strings when we hold you. You've gotten pretty good at tummy time, and of course can still roll front to back. You've also discovered your voice recently. You love to "stand" on the island or table while Mommy or Daddy hold your arms.
Measurements: 16-17ish lbs (you go to the dr next week for your well visit), size 2 diaper, size 6 mths clothes (can still squeeze in a few 3-6 months, but it's a tight squeeze).
Like Mommy: Allergies and sensitive tummies. : )
Like Daddy: (and all the boys) You LOVE to be outside!
Like Eli: Love to play with Mommy's hair.
Like Landon: You like it when Mommy rubs your feet. : )
Challenges: The past week you've been spitting up. Actually, I wouldn't even call it spit up. It's probably 6+ oz at a time. You can legit empty the contents of your stomach. The baby dosage of Claritin you're on though does seem to be helping.
Our Days: I won't even tell folks how late you stay up. But you wake up once around 6-7 and eat, then go back to sleep until after 9. Since we're not at daycare anymore, you rarely take a bottle. Mommy feeds you. Occasionally we do one bottle per day (and then you take 6 oz). You eat a snack in the morning in between when you get up and "lunch". Sometimes you take a cat nap in the morning, and sometimes you take a 1-2 hour nap. About mid-afternoon you'll take a 2-3, sometimes 4, hour nap. We go for an evening walk every night after dinner, and the big boys ride bikes or scooters. Sometimes you nap in your stroller while we walk. You LOVE when Daddy gives you a bath at night. You play, play play in the water!
Funny/Favorite Moments: Daddy's favorite moment - getting to spend all day, every day with you. Daddy's paternity leave was SHORT, so this is the longest amount of time y'all have gotten to spend together! Mommy's favorite moment - watching your personality develop over the past month. Seeing your interests, what makes you smile, watching your brothers talk to you, etc. Basically, like Daddy, this time has definitely had it's challenges, but it's given us so many sweet family moments that we don't take lightly and will forever be cherished.
Nicknames: JuJu, JuJu on that beat, Jude Dude, JD, JET, Bubby
Upcoming Events: Easter, 6 month portraits, hopefully the end of quarentine
See how much you've grown! 2, 4, and 6 months!
Look at your brothers at 6 months!
