1st Trip Back to Louisiana

Well Drew is 12 weeks old now and we just returned from our first trip back to Louisiana since he was born! It was the first time that Dan's grandfather, Rouse, and his grandparents, Faye and Ronnie, met Drew. Everyone of course loved him and I don't think Dan or I held him too much this trip. It was such a nice treat to see everyone interact with him and to see Drew find a "new" voice. He was apparently very happy with this discovery as he blessed everyone with it (alot) on the flight home!

It is hard to believe that July 5th Drew will be 3 months old and that I start work again in 5 weeks. While I am going to hate leaving Drew everyday, I know that he will be in good hands at Riverside United Methodist Church Children's Center. I am just thankful that I have been able to stay home with Drew for 4 months!

10 Weeks!

It has been 10 weeks since we were blessed with Drew Daniel Chatelain. I can't believe how fast time has flown by! Drew is growing and changing so much...I can't wait to see what his little personality will be. So here is what I have learned about the first 10 weeks of motherhood....

1. Giving birth to a child is the most wonderful
experience you will ever have.
2. Nursing is a lot harder and stressful than you
think! Kuddos to all who do it for so long!
3. Never be afraid to supplement with formula.
4. I can tell you anything you want to know about reflux.
5. Sleep when the baby sleeps (atleast for the
first few weeks)---I know it's a cliche, but SO
TRUE!!
6. Take pictures each week to document all the
changes.
7. Get out of the house on a regular basis...it's for your own sanity and makes you a better
momma!
8. Read lots of books for knowledge, but be flexible in setting your child's schedule. Each child is
different and responds differently to various techniques!
9. Facebook is great and QUICK way to get questions answered by other moms.
10. Enjoy every moment, because time really does pass too quickly.

So I've learned lots and I'm sure there are things I left off, but the bottom line is to embrace motherhood and enjoy every minute with your little one. This stage of their lives is so brief and I want to enjoy every moment! Before I know it, Drew will be 18 and heading off to college....

First Beach Trip

Drew took his 1st trip to the beach--Perdido Key, Florida--this past week. To be honest, I think the beach agrees with him...he was more awake and even slept 7 hours a night while we were there! He was such an angel. In the morning we would get him ready for the trek down to the ocean. I would lather him with sunscreen--which he hated--and let me know by screaming! He stayed down at the beach ALL day with Dan and me with no trouble. He slept in his carrier in his UV protected Pea Pod tent with his own personal fan and sat with us under a big tent when he was awake! He had his made for sure! Dan dipped Drew's feet in the water and he smiled! We think he is going to love the beach just as much as his parents!

Drew also met his 3 uncles for the first time--I think he loved them just as much as they did! It was sweet to see them interact together! Drew will have a blast as he gets older playing with his uncles and I'm sure they will teach him many things I wish they wouldn't..haha!

It amazes me how time is flying by and how fast he is really growing! I'm truly trying to enjoy each day with him. He is cooing and smiling so much. He is much more interested in his surroundings and doesn't want to miss anything!! I love to see all the subtle changes and I feel so blessed that God chose me to be his mom!