Catching Up

Let's start our catching up with a recap of Max's first "vacation." We drove to the Indianapolis area to visit my parents. Max did well in the car. He slept most of the time, waking to eat twice. We stayed up a little late that night to play and wear him out a little before bed.

Max enjoyed spending time with his grandparents. They watched him one night so John and I could go on our first date since having Max home (Jack Johnson concert). While I knew I would miss my little boy, I had been more preoccupied with helping Max relearn how to take a bottle. Of course that's how he received the majority of his meals in the hospital, but once home Max decided nursing was his preference. Such mixed emotions for me! I had been concerned at the hospital he may never learn to nurse and then in July I was concerned he'd never learn (again) to take a bottle! After trying 3 types of bottles, given by anyone other than mom, Max was able to take a decent meal from a Born Free bottle. Whew! Playing with Grandpa and Elmo

Maxwell also enjoyed quality time with family members he doesn't get to see often: his Great Grandma Rosie and his Aunt Allyson. Aunt Allyson is pregnant with Max's cousin Charlotte. We are anxious to meet her in late September/ early October. Max told her how hard it is to arrive early so she plans on staying put for awhile!
Aunt Allyson, Cousin Charlotte, Max, and Momma

Four generations

That same weekend, Maxwell was baptized. Pastor Doug, of Bethel Lutheran Church, married John and I in 2007. Though we cannot go to church there weekly, it still feels like home to me. Pastor Doug had also baptized my father and myself. I was also confirmed in that church and I know the congregation prayed for Max upon his early arrival into this world. It was a lovely service and Max behaved like a gentleman. We were so blessed to have lots of family present. Uncle Cole, Max's godfather, even drove all the way from Nashville to be there! A yummy brunch at my parents' house followed.
Okay, I know, those group pictures just don't do justice to that cute baby boy. Here's one more to tide you over until I post Max's 6 month update!

Five Fabulous Months

I know all parents say it, but it's so true: time flies. Max may still be the size of a two month old, but he's so big to us! We suspect Max weighs a little over 11 pounds. Grandma Kim said he now feels like a whole sack of potatoes :)When looking at Max's milestones, we use his due date of May 11 as a guide. Of course, he had a head start with things like picking up his head. He did that in his first month in his little isolette, thoroughly surprising me. But he has improved that skill, among others:
-His head control is looking less like a bobblehead and more like a boy now. When on his belly, he picks his head up a full 90 degrees, much to his chagrin!
-He has rolled over from belly to back two times now, but is not consistently showing off this skill.
-Max is a real charmer now with lots of smiles and coos. My favorite time of day is the morning when I change his diaper and clothe him. He is often extra smiley then and eager to talk to me. I think he misses me overnight! He usually sleeps about 5 hours, eats
, then sleeps about 3 more hours.
-Max wears size 1 diapers and 0-3 clothing. When we had our first ultrasound I insisted we buy the baby a present. We bought a girl outfit and a boy outfit (both 0-3 size) at Macy's to cover our bases. Here's Max in the first outfit purchased for him :)
-Max is really learning the power of his voice. I'll be talking to him and walk away for a second only to hear a sharp yell. When I immediately return, he'll give me a big grin. The stinker! :)His cries are really starting to sound different, depending upon his needs.
-I've started carrying Max in a baby carrier for short periods of time. We both really enjoy the closeness. Of course, the hands-free aspect is nice too.
The next month will surely bring us even more smiles, challenges, and stories to tell. We are planning a trip to see my family in a couple weeks. It will be Max's longest car trip yet (close to 5 hours pre-baby) We'll keep you updated! Thanks for reading about the little man!

Max's First Fourth of July

Accidental family outfit coordination: We are all wearing whales. Max's overalls say "I'm adorable" and the onesie underneath says "Mommy's little squirt" (I'm a sucker for baby clothes that address how much I adore my child).

Kisses for the little man!

Max's great grandma, Mimi, held Max for the first time. Notice she has whales on her shirt too! Nothing says "Happy Birthday, America!" like whales!

No fireworks or cookouts for our family this holiday weekend. We traveled to Nashville to spend time with John's family during a difficult time. Max's great grandpa (Pop), Howard, fought leukemia for 3 months. He entered hospice care Thursday and passed away on Sunday. We will miss him, but are grateful he is no longer suffering. Max's last picture with Pop was taken on Father's Day (above). Pictured: Grandpa John, Max, Uncle Cole, Dad, Pop


Thank you for your continued thoughts as our family has had many struggles this year. Max has always been an inspiration, but is continuing to be a ray of sunshine for our family at this time. How could that eyebrow-raised-grin not make you smile?

A Couple of Giggles...

Max is slowing starting to give his parents a little "social" smile and giggle!!

Max's Photo Shoot

We had a local photographer take these pictures of Max along with some other great ones. I will post a couple more of these pictures in the coming days.

Max just had his 4 month check-up and he passed with flying colors. He even toughed out all the shots he was given. Max is now up to 9 pounds even! So on the 4 month growth chart we are still in the single digits, but with his adjusted age of 1 month he is right on schedule.

Maxwell Franklin is 4 months old!

Happy 4 month birthday baby Max!
Max got a play mat for his 4 month birthday. It has collapsible walls so it can "grow" as Max grows. He was enthralled with the colorful walls as soon as I put him on the mat. Max's little legs were kicking and his arms were reaching for the pretty pictures! Adorable! We haven't even put the toys and mirror on the play mat yet. Next round: tummy time!

The Notorious B.I.G.

Max is getting so BIG. He weighed in Wednesday at 8 pounds, 6 ounces. We were really watching his weight carefully since his milk is no longer fortified with formula (he needed extra calories due to his prematurity). Way to grow, Maxwell! He is on the verge of changing diaper and clothing sizes. His newborn pants still fit well, but the onesies are just a little tight going over his big noggin ;)
Other notables from the last few weeks:
-Max is really starting to pick up his head. When I burp him on my shoulder now, he often pushes off me to look around. His control is not always great which makes him look like a baby bobblehead!
-Max is starting to really notice and focus on things in his environment. Today Josie walked by and he watched her approach and pass him ! He also spent some time staring at a baseball print on our wall the other night. Daddy's boy!
-Max smiles, though it is not considered a "social smile" yet. We still love those grins though!
-He still eats about every 3 hours but sometimes will go 4 hours at night. He really loves the ocean waves he hears from his sound soother. They put him right to sleep!
-Max enjoys bathtime. He is usually very quiet and alert during his baths. He only really screams when he is taken out of the tub!

I'm sure there's so much more to write. I just wanted to post something to let you know that we are all doing really well at home. We love our little boy so much and are grateful for his health every second of every day. I can't believe he has been in this world almost 4 months! I'm amazed by Max and his wonderful spirit and personality. We are so blessed! Keep up the good work, little man!(I promise Josie is being a good big sister. She is NOT trying to eat the baby here!)