Five Months

Hi Buddy!

At five months I feel like I've known you forever, and yet I still find myself catching my breath as I look at you and realize you're really ours, that we get to have you as part of our family every day and always.

You caught your first cold this month, and of course it happened just as we were flying out to Utah. I dreaded the day you got sick for the first time, and it was so hard to watch you struggle, but you were a trooper! I kept you in my room with me at Mimi and Papa's house, and even though I didn't get as much sleep I was so grateful I could snuggle you in the evenings since I was at work events all day.

Hanging out with Papa

Devin and Cousin Aria

You finally rolled over this month! You've only done it twice so far, but the first time I laid you on your tummy, and I knew the moment you laid down that you were going to roll over. And you did, just like it was no big deal! After those first couple of times you decided to wait on that... but you manage to move yourself backwards and in circles on tummy time now while you play.

A dear friend from work sent you a "lovey" around Christmas. It's a little bit of blankie on the bottom attached to the head and arms of a bunny. I waited to put it in bed with you thinking you were not quite ready to snuggle with something. Boy was I wrong! It's the best to watch you wrap your little arms around it and nuzzle it as you fall asleep.

Devin and his "Lovey"

You still love tubby time and I had to remove the insert from the tub because you kept pushing yourself up over the top. You're still using the little tub, but you now lay in it like a big kid. In fact, I put you in the big tub when we were in Utah and you LOVED it! I didn't even have to hold your head. You could have wiggled and kicked yourself up and down the length of the tub all day if I had let you.

Your sleeping has been all over the place this month. We've had a few nights of solid sleep, and then the last few weeks you decided that every 2 hours was a good time to wake up. I realized we've been pretty spoiled since you've been such a good sleeper, but now that you're feeling a bit better you're definitely sleeping better too. Phew!

We tried solid foods for the first time this month. Not too much, just a few things to get you thinking about it. You've tried banana, sweet potato, and a little avocado. So far it's taken a day to adjust to each but you're definitely willing to eat once you've had a chance to get used to new things.

You have also discovered your tongue! I stuck my tongue in and out one day at you, and you did it right back. After that, there was no going back. You constantly have your tongue out between your lips when you smile, or have found other variations of using your tongue in your expressions. It's adorable. And I love watching you mimic us.

Oh! And one more fun thing... you finally have enough hair to style. :) Dad doesn't love the baby mohawk look, but even he admitted that on you it's pretty darn cute!

Your new "do", that goes perfectly with that dimple!

Devin, you bring joy to everyone you meet. You are so generous with your infectious smile, and you never hesitate to share it with someone new. Someone asked me recently what surprised me the most about motherhood, and I told them I didn't expect to be so excited to "hang out" with my baby. I was excited to snuggle, hold, feed, and care for my baby, but I didn't expect that I would wake up on Saturday mornings so excited that we get to just be together all day, whatever the day brings. It's so amazing to be able to communicate with you even though we can't share words yet. You are more fun than I could ever imagine, and we are so blessed you are here with us!

xoxo,

Mom and Dad

The 5 month Walter comparison :)

Miriam's Disney birthday party

Your first tie

Four Months

Hi there sweet boy!
How has another month gone by already? I blinked and it was over. This month was full of ups and downs for me. I met a woman today (who fell instantly in love with you btw) who told me the worst part is over, and I said "I believe you!!" Although I miss my tiny infant, I love that you are growing into yourself. You have so much personality now, and Dad and I can really play with you in ways that we couldn't before. I understand so much more about what you need, and you are also better at communicating, in your own way.
You have really found your voice this month. You gave me the business the other night when you were ready to go home. Although there was a bit of crying mixed in, you mainly "yelled" at me with whatever types of noises you could come up with. I knew you were saying, "Mom! You have been chatting forever and I am tired and grumpy and ready for bed! Please take me home! And can I ride in the front seat so I don't have to sit in my dumb car seat??" (For the record, I definitely said no about the front seat).
You love Disneyworld already, and you nap better there than anywhere else. While Papa was in town this month, we spent a Saturday just wandering around the Magic Kingdom and you slept for hours amidst all sorts of noise and chaos. You would hang out and people watch, enjoy the attractions, and then drift back to sleep once you'd had your fill. You never complained once, and were out cold by 6:30pm. You didn't even flinch through the entire Star Wars fireworks show.

You have also spent some fun times with friends and family this month. You and I cheered on Dad as he finished his first half marathon, we spent a fun day at Disney with Shelley and Camden while they were in town, and we celebrated Landon's birthday with the Krause family. You even got to spend an evening with Grandma ReRe. You love hanging out with people, and you're already becoming a bit of a performer.

You love your Daddy and you are nothing but smiles when he comes home. You also love to snuggle during weekend afternoon naps with Mommy. I love seeing a tiny little Devin sleeping in such a big bed. It's adorable.

Having Mom back at work is hard on both of us. You are starting to adjust, and your best days are definitely Dad's days off. You guys are best buddies. You had your first full day all alone together while I traveled to Rochester and back for work. Dad was up with you bright and early in the morning, and had you in bed for the last time before I was home that night. I missed you both terribly, but it was fun to watch you bond, and Dad always sends me pictures and we FaceTime when possible. The first time we got on FaceTime you smiled at me and then got a little frustrated because you could see me, but no matter how much you grabbed at the phone you couldn't get to me. It was adorable, and a little bit heartbreaking.

You are such a happy guy, and we are so grateful you are part of our family! You've only been with us 4 months and I already can't imagine life without you!
Love,
Mom and Dad

Three Months

Hey there Handsome!

You have really grown in this last month! It has been incredible getting to know you as you've started to become more expressive as the weeks have gone by. Dad and I are more and more in love with you everyday, and I'm always amazed at the way we can interact even though you can't talk to me.

You've started to control your arms and hands, and can reach out and grab things with a bit of concentration. Sometimes you hold your hands out in front of you and just observe them in action. You put your little arm around me when I pick you up, and squeeze my arm with your hand. At bedtime when I put your binky back in your mouth your tiny fingers wrap around my hand and hold it close like you never want me to let go. It melts my heart, and I can't help but hold on just a little longer.

You smile and laugh, and it's infectious. I love how you greet me with a great big smile and giggle when you are ready to get out of bed. In fact, sometimes when I'm trying to shush you back to sleep, your mischievous blue eyes stare up at me and the corners of your mouth appear beneath your binky. You giggle as if to say, "Sure Mom. You just keep trying if it will make you feel better." It's so adorable I don't even mind.

You took your first bath in a normal size tub and you were in heaven! You kick your legs and wiggle around like a fish. You are fascinated with having so much space and water to play in. I just have to hold your head so you don't turn it and get a face full of bath water. For now it's definitely easier to stick with the little tub!

You took your first trip just a couple of days after you turned 3 months. On New Year's Eve we flew out to Utah to see our family, and you handled it like a champ! You're definitely not used to falling asleep in Mama's arms so that was an adjustment, but overall no major fits or fussing. On the flight home we were lucky enough to get a full row to ourselves which made life better for both of us. While we were in Utah you met lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, great-grandparents, and friends. You even slept well so I could get some rest too, since we made the trip alone while Dad stayed in Florida to work.

Getting ready for take off on your first flight

Mimi picked us up at the airport. Your little cheeks in
that hat are just too much for me!!

Mama Chrislyn and Mama Rachel. So awesome our boys got to meet!

Corban was pretty fascinated by Devin. Devin is still
figuring out how to handle someone his own size.

Devin with Corban and Emma

Devin and Marci

Devin with Aunt ArVae

Great Grandma Randall

Devin and his Mimi

Auntie Emmy and Uncle Soren with Devin and Aria

Great Granny Buchner

Drea getting her baby fix

Cousins!

Mom started back to work at the 12 week mark, and it's been a bit stressful on both of us. My first full day away you didn't want to let Afton put you to bed. You knew I was missing. Even though it's nice to feel like no one can take my place, it broke my heart knowing you were missing me and I couldn't tell you that I would be home later and it was all okay. I am so grateful that I don't have to leave you every day, but wish I could help you understand, and that it was easier on my heart too. I feel so blessed that I had 12 full weeks to be home and focus on nothing but you because I needed that as much as you did!

It's a Jolly Holiday with Devin

When Mickey is your boss, taking Christmas off is generally not an option, so Christmas 2015 was anything but traditional at the Cottle house. On top of the timing and company being atypical, it was also above 80 degrees and the kids were outside having a water balloon fight. Don't get me wrong, I love warm winters. But Christmas is the one day it seems like there should be snow.

I definitely missed Utah, Christmas Eve nativity reenactments, my family, Christmas jam sessions, and the snow (seriously, that part was unexpected). But as long as we're in Florida I hope this Christmas was the beginning of a few new traditions.

Brad was scheduled for afternoon shifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, so we made the most of our time together. On Wednesday evening we made one last trip to the Magic Kingdom to get some pictures with Devin in front of the castle. I just wanted to soak in the magic of the Christmas lights one more time. We had a hard time finding a window of time when the castle was lit to get pictures, so we didn't get a great one of all three of us, but we were there. That's what matters. And Brad captured a few pictures with Devin and I that made my heart melt.

We opened presents Christmas Eve morning (luckily Devin didn't know the difference) with just the three of us. It was ridiculous how many presents had piled up for one little boy, although many were from loving aunts, uncles, and grandparents (I also wrapped up a few clothes I bought for him individually to add to the pile. I just like how pretty it looks to have presents under the tree). After a nice morning together Brad went off to work and Devin and I spent the rest of the day relaxing and buying a few essentials for Christmas dinner.

Christmas morning we had reservations at 1900 Park Fare, a restaurant at the Grand Floridian, a beautiful Victorian style resort on Disney property. We decided this was a fun way to celebrate together, and we could make it happen around Brad's schedule each year. Rita, our Florida mom/grandma came with us, and we had a lovely visit from Mary Poppins, Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, Alice, and the Mad Hatter. Devin had a pretty great time, and even had a kiss from Mary Poppins to show for it!

We left breakfast and headed north to have Christmas dinner with the Krause family. They are definitely family we've adopted (they've taken us in on holidays so maybe it's the other way around). We love them so much and it was awesome being able to enjoy some time with them! 

Before dinner started Brad and I logged into Google hangout so we could celebrate with the Randalls from coast to coast, and even in Ireland. I love that my family still finds a way to connect, even when we are states and oceans apart. 

While all the family, friends, food, and celebrating was wonderful, we are most grateful this Christmas that we have a Savior. It is because he was born into this world that we truly have a reason to celebrate. It is through his sacrifice that our little family will be together for eternity. And it is because of him that our hearts and lives have been forever changed, and that we find the joy and peace of Christmas each and every day. 

Two Months

Hey Buddy!

Some days I am still amazed that you are part of our forever family, even though it's been nearly 3 months since you were born. Since I'm almost a month behind I figured it's time to update you on your 2nd month of life.

At your 2 month check up you had gained over 4 pounds! 11 lbs 12 oz, and 100% healthy! You are such a joy to us. At about 6 weeks you started smiling, and your smiles make even the hardest of days so worth it!  

You love to listen to Daddy and I sing to you. You especially love it when Daddy sings with me. You stare at him in amazement, smile and "sing" along. You sure love him, and you laugh when he does his bird sounds. It's adorable!

You have also discovered your hand and you love to suck on it.

You have an incredibly sweet disposition, and only get upset when you need food, sleep, or a diaper change... oh and also when I make you do tummy time. Not only do you hate tummy time, but you make sure the whiny cries go on long enough to ensure you've got the point across that you hate it! I have to admit I think it's kind of cute. In fact, I think everything you do is cute. It has to be love when even your cries are cute.

On your two month birthday we did a little photo shoot to make sure we got your measurements with Walter, and to capture all your cuteness at each stage of this first year. I had a hard time getting smiles, but your pictures make my heart melt anyway.

Love,

Mom