Loving Lacey

Oliver is loving Lacey and adjusting very well to being away from mommy (probably adjusting way better than mommy is).

Lacey and I worked together at a childcare center in Emporia when I was in college. She and I were good friends, but we lost touch after I graduated and left Emporia. Thanks to Facebook, I learned that she was a stay-at-home-mom in the Manhattan area and was looking for a couple kiddos to watch. We had already had childcare figured out elsewhere, but it fell through which turned out to be a blessing in disguise and Lacey entered the picture. 

I'm not thrilled about being away from Ollie all day, but it's a lot easier when he is with somebody that I know and trust.  Lacey also helped to make the first week tolerable by sending multiple pictures everyday!

Here are the pictures from the week:

Snug as a bug!

Lacey's daughter Allie is a big helper.

When Lacey sent me this photo the caption read:

Tummy time fail!

Score:

Tummy time = 0

Milk coma = 1

Oliver & Lacey's son A.J.

Happy Boy

For some odd reason, our little guy would scream and cry at the top of his little lungs yesterday whenever Riley held him. We never figured out what the deal was, but Riley snapped this photo of a much happier baby today. 

Oliver Goes to Daycare

Today was Oliver's first day at daycare and my first day back to work. Oliver had a great day with Lacey.  

Riley has the task of dropping off and picking up baby everyday, which made going to work a little easier on me. I missed him like crazy and the day seemed to drag on forever. However, 22 little preschool kiddos who haven't seen me in 6 weeks, made the transition much easier.  I received lots of hugs, "I love you"s, and "I missed you"s.  One little girl melted my heart as she gave me a hug more times than I can count and told me, "Teachers can be mommies too!"

I missed this little face and couldn't wait to see him. 

Sock Monkey Baby Nursery

One of the most exciting things about getting ready for our baby as been preparing the nursery.  When we purchased our home in August of 2013 we left the bedroom closest to ours pretty untouched as we planned for it to be a baby room at some point in time.  For the past year, it has served as an office, but we really don't have the need for one so we were both very excited to give the room a real use.

About 10 minutes after telling Riley that I was pregnant, he was already in the room talking about how we could paint it.  As I've mentioned previously, Riley came up with a sock monkey theme so we went with it.

There were lots of hands that went into preparing the room for baby!

Riley, my mom, and I painted.

Riley and his dad hung the chair-rail and laid the new carpet.

Riley put the furniture together with my expert supervision and assistance.
Riley's mom and grandma Eva Nelle also helped in assembling the dresser and crib.

My dad built a shelf out of an old wagon.

My mom made the curtains and crib skirt.

Oliver's room has been ready weeks before his arrival, but we waited until after he was born to put up the letters above his crib.  I'm finally getting pictures posted as his room is clean and all put together :)

I absolutely love how his room turned out and it's even more special to think how many hands went into putting it all together.

Oliver's First St. Patrick's Day

Grandma and Grandpa Richling gave Oliver this cute onesie for St. Patrick's Day. I think he looks pretty dapper. 

Growing Boy

This little guy had his bath tonight and wouldn't fit into his newborn jammies.  Our boy is growing and had to move up to size 0-3 months.  Although he now has lots more clothing options in his closet, it made me sad.  Time is going way to fast!

Out on the Town

Today we went to Manhattan to go to church. Afterwards we went to dinner which consisted of Riley and I taking turns between holding baby and eating. I may or may not have dropped food on his head at some point during dinner, oops!

We concluded dinner with Oliver peeing through his diaper and soaking his clothes. The poor kid's amateur parents didn't pack any extra clothes, so a nakie baby proceeded to Target. Needless to say, Riley and I still have lots to learn!

My Boys

My tired boys had a busy week :)

One Month Well-Check

Yesterday, Oliver had his one month well-check.  He is still measuring 21 inches long, but has gained some weight.  Oliver now weighs 8 lbs, 3 oz.

He had to have a shot at his appointment which he was not very pleased with.  The shot resulted in a cranky baby that evening with a fever.

Luckily, today we had a much happier baby with lots of silly faces.

Proud Grandparents & Cute Cousins

The weekend after Oliver was born, he got to meet his two cousins on Riley's side, Tyson and Carter. 

T

Tyson and Oliver even share a birthday!

This past weekend was our first trip to Horton.  Oliver met his other two cousins on my side, Kaylee and Hudson.

Hudson was quite intrigued with his new baby cousin.

Kisses were a must.

One Month Old Already!

We can hardly believe it, but Oliver is one month old today.

Oliver hanging out with all of his sock monkeys.  (Courtesy of Aunt Jaime, as I think she bought every sock monkey available on the market.)