Am I normal-ish?

Reese is 8 months old!  Such a big, cuddly boy!

However, for the past 3 months, Reese has been attacking himself in his sleep.  He attacks his head, face and eyes like an angry bear.  He wakes up with bloody scratches  and raw spots.   I have put gloves and socks over his hands but he takes them off.  I trim his nails every 34 seconds.  We have to double swaddle him at night to keep his hands down.  He has severe eczema which I know is common in babies and I am sure this is the cause of his teenage self-cutting behavior.  His pediatrician is on my speed dial and we have tried EVERY product on the market... Eucerin, Aquaphor, Aveeno Baby Eczema Oatmeal bath, Rx lotion,  hypo-allergic/dye free/perfume free everything, Cetaphil, unicorn blood (thanks Potter).    My heart breaks for the poor guy because I know he has to be incredibly itchy.   His little head and face look like he has been mauled by our cats….they actually have nothing to do with him because they are huge snobs.   BUT, besides his self-mutilating actions, he is the HAPPIEST baby I have ever been around.  His laugh is contagious and his dimple is to die for.    I say all of this to give content to the real purpose of this blog……

I have become THAT mom.

This morning, I was at Starbucks (shocking) and saw a baby sitting in a carrier on his daddy’s chest.  Perfect combo.    I asked The Starbuck's Dad how old his son was…8 months.   Of course, I was like “OMG, seriously, so is MYYYY son.”….if you are a mom, you have totally done this.  After telling me about his son's massive crawling adventures, he asked if my son was crawling.  GASP!  No, he isn’t.  Is Reese behind?  Is he paralyzed?  Will he ever make it in the world?  Have I damaged him by strapping his arms down at night and now he has no arm muscle strength.  Is he normal?  Am I normal?  Is this real life?

We cant help comparing our kids….BUT, I take it to a whole new level…creeper style.   The little boy was adorable and I looked at his face and head and didn’t see a scratch.  I thought, “He must sleep so peacefully without itching”.   Instinct overtook me and I stroked his head and said, “Your head looks so good”.  What the hell does that even mean, Jami??  Geez!  Starbucks Dad just looked at me and smiled but secretly wanted to escape.   And if that tactless act wasn’t enough, I caught myself holding onto his tiny foot like I was one with him.    After realizing that I have become THAT person... the one that uninvitedly touches babies.  I left.  With my tea.  And my tail tucked between my legs.  I will now be more patience when rando’s come up and touch Reese…..they…we cant help it.

I give an ocular pat down to EVERY baby I see to ensure my son is normal and on the right developmental track.  Is that creepy?  

For you mommies that I have called crying, laughing and unreasonably questioning all baby milestones, THANK YOU for your patience.  And a big thank you to my dear friend, Valen for posting this blog My Top 5 Mom Tips

Starbuck's Dad:  If you ever come across this blog, I am sorry I was such a creeper.  Your baby is adorable and he really does have a nice head.  

October Love

Can I just say that I LOVE October?  I mean, really love.  And now that the Boo and I tied the knot, it escalated my admiration for this month.  

Why I love October:

Fall foliage

Oktoberfest - Nom Nom Nom

Pumpkin-favored everything

I can wear bright tights day and night

Creepiness

Sweater Weather!

AND most importantly, every October 6th, we get to celebrate legitimizing Reese!

Dear Reese

My Dearest Reese, 

WOW....what an amazing adventure we have had!  Daddy, Sis and I prayed for you to join our family and we are so thankful God has brought you to us.  On March 7, 2013 at 11:47am, you arrived weighing in at 6 pounds 6 ounces.  What a blessing!  We fall in love with you more and more each day.

During the first few months I wanted to capture your every moment.  I realize that my fancy camera does not automatically make me a photographer.   Thank you for your patience as I put you through several minutes hours of photo mayhem.   It has taken me some time to accept the fact that I do not possess awesome photography skills (as demonstrated in the photos below).  Therefore,  I had to bring in the professionals....Sam and Kate Photography.  As we wait for mommy to post their uber amazing photos, lets take a look at my attempt to make you a star....

I love this face

Feet shot failure

My intent was not for you to pose as a Greek statue...I promise

Greek statue Part II...with added fireplace ambiance??

I'm sorry I am ruining your eyesight

I LOVE you little hands

Trying to capture the roaring fireplace...and by roar, I mean flicker

Pinterest gave me the idea...no??

I'm sorry

Will you ever forgive me?

Success??

 I love you, 
Mommy

The Joy of Pregnancy....said no one ever.

In the 8th month and the baby is very ACTIVE!   I am really anxious to meet my lil man and introduce him to the world (and to finally put an end to heartburn, backaches, weird nightly noises coming from my nose -i think, and the inexplicable craving for cereal) There is some fluff to my physique and I definitely walk with a waddle  pregnancy swag.  Holy Hormones!  The other day, I cried because I did not know karate.  Apparently, in my mind, this is an extremely important skill to have while carrying a child.  Obviously.

The cankles are in full swing and I have found myself having a difficult time wearing anything but flip flops and slippers.  

One of the joys I have in life is creating a "Shock and Awe" moment for Juice.  She posted this "S&A moment" on YouTube.  I am pretty sure she is scarred for life. Mission accomplished.

Bump Timeline

Love, Jami Lynn

Boys just wanna have fun

Apparently The Boo is excited we are having a boy.  

I recognize that fact that it has been awhile since my last pregnancy and times have changed.  Trying to stay hip and swag, I am constantly researching tips and tricks online.  Such as......

Good to know.....

Oh baby

I am always excited when I can reuse a past craft idea.  I created this chalkboard piece from the  mantel picture I used at Christmas.  Now, I get to color and write messages about lil Peanut...woo hoo.

There is a hint of a baby bump trying to form....I swear it looks so much bigger in real life.  Although, this protrustion is probably a result of consuming mounds of cinnamon roll as opposed to a human being. 

I am 12 weeks and 5 days and definitely have a feeling its a boy :).  I really miss eating sushi and drinking wine.  Oh and ninja practices. 

Trifecta

Let me preface by stating Fifty Shades of Grey should come with a warning label.  This engrossed read could influence the next baby boom aka Greybies.  

This equation pretty much sums up my last few months:

A + B + C = D

Whereas, 
A = Vacationing in the Dominican Republic
B = Consuming Mama Juana
C = Reading Fifty Shades of Grey
D =

The Boo and I are going to have a lil Peanut!  

I'm feeling great now that the morning all-freakin-day sickness has subsided.  Oh and NASA discovered two new planets...on my chest.  Geez, I didnt realize boobs are capable of such growth.

We decided to have a combo photo sesh:  engagement/pregnancy announcement in Venice Beach.  

We are so excited to begin this journey.  Juice cannot stop smiling :).  I'm so blessed.