Highway to the Baby Zone: St. Patrick's Day

Here we go again, late on another post...BUT, I have to talk about St. Patrick's Day for a moment. Not only was it my niece's birthday (Happy 7th Birthday, Holland!), but it also marked one year since we found out we were expecting our dear, sweet little boy! I will never forget how I felt last year when I looked down at that surprise positive pregnancy test. For one, I was completely and utterly shocked, but completely overjoyed. And every time I look at my precious baby, I remember and think back to that day, when he was no bigger than a poppy seed, and am continuously amazed at this little life we created. It's amazing how much can change in one short year.

Look at my cool onesie! Thanks, G-ma and G-pa Daffer!

We celebrated the day by spending some leisure time around the house in the morning, then we took Ronan to a local trail to walk and enjoy the beautiful weather. In the evening, Ronan's Mimi and Great Uncle Ben came over to watch him while Mommy and Daddy went to a restaurant down the road that we had been meaning to try for some time. We sat on the patio, enjoyed a wonderful dinner, and then finished out the evening with a drink at a local brewery. It was really great to go out on our little date, because life will be crazy once I start back to work in just over a week....and I don't think I'll be letting my little man go on the weekends for a while. :)

Ronan is, by far, the absolute best baby in the world!! Not that I am biased or anything! He's so curious, and is always becoming more aware and personable each day. He smiles all the time, and I think we are days away from a good laugh. I cannot wait to hear that wonderful sound. He "talks" all the time, blows bubbles, and has figured out how to make his first funny noise. He will put his top lip over his bottom lip and purse his lips together to make sort of a burp type noise. I'm not sure how else to describe it, but it sure is cute! He is more interested in toys now, and does a great job of gripping on to rings and rattles and putting them straight in his mouth! He also loves to "stand" and put weight on his feet.

We have a nice routine going now....he is napping and eating at almost the same time each day, and cluster feeds in the evening before bed. For about two hours straight, he does nothing but eat! I'm not sure how his little belly holds so much, but we like to think he is hibernating before bedtime! Then, Mommy and Daddy take him upstairs, change him into a fresh diaper, and then Daddy swaddles him up. This is R's favorite part of bedtime. He thinks is it so funny when Daddy rolls him over to tuck the blanket under him....he smiles every single time without fail. His daddy then rocks him for a minute, we put him down awake but drowsy, and he is out like a light in a matter of minutes.

Bubbles!!