Mason Lee is 7 Months

What a fun time of year!  All of a sudden, it dawned on Daddy and I that we have to get serious on traditions now!  We can't just keep living a willy nilly, no Christmas tree life:)  We want to have traditions that you will remember for the rest of your life and, hopefully, celebrate with your family one day...in a hundred years!  One tradition you can be sure of is being surrounded by family!  We have been so blessed to have the revolving door of visitors in this house for the holidays!  MorMor and Aunt Julia were able to come for Thanksgiving and Granddad and T-Ma will be here for Christmas...plus, Aunt Manny and Evan will make an overnight appearance for Christmas too!!

If I had to describe you without
words...this picture says it all!!

The last few weeks have been SO busy.  We have celebrated holidays, met knew friends, and continued to watch you grow. You amaze us daily.  I won't lie though little one, you need to sleep!  We spend so many nights just laying on the floor in front of the fireplace while I, literally, pray for you to go to sleep.  The amount of exhaustion I am feeling is something I have never felt before.  But, as I have always said, somehow, each morning, when I see your precious face...I am rejuvenated and ready to start the day.  So, one day, when you have the most adorable little one that will NEVER sleep, please just know that your Mama has been there.  

Christmas is so important to our family.  We get to celebrate the miracle of Jesus' birth.  We have been searching for the perfect church for this family to grow in while we are in Washington.  So, this special season it became even more important to Daddy and I to find a church for you to grow.  I will tell you, finding a church is one of the hardest parts of moving all the time.  But, while we are exploring a few churches, we love telling you and singing to you about how much Jesus loves you and we can't wait for you to accept Jesus in your heart!  

You are getting more and more difficult to photograph...you are now mobile and want none of my business when it comes to the camera...but, with a face like that...I can always sneak a good shot in!

One word...SKUNK!  You are officially a skunk!

Things you LOVE this month:

1.  Food....as long as it's not green beans!  You love love love new fruits and veggies, but if I sneak in any green beans, all bets are off!

2.  The fireplace, it is so mesmerizing and sometimes, just sometimes, manages to lull you back to sleep at 3 a.m..

3.  Car rides!  Sometimes, when worse comes to worse and I need a break in the middle of the day...a car ride solves the "no nap ninja" disease this family has!

4.  Being able to sit up, it has such great perks for you!

Things you DON'T LIKE this month:

1.  Repeat...GREEN BEANS!

2.  Sleep, apparently!

3.  Being put down...you love, love, love to be held!  Mostly while you sleep that is...which means, Mommy gets NOTHING done:)

You are my sunshine, Mason Lee!

Love,
Mommy

Mason Lee is 6 months

Look at that smile and those blue eyes...you are going to
break hearts one day, Mason Lee...but, Mama
won't hear anything of that!!

Another fun month in your little life, Little Bug.  We are finally getting settled in the great state of Washington.  This new weather is sure different than we were used to in Alabama.  Rain and a 6 month old are not a fun combination:)  But, it was a fun to celebrate fall with actual cool weather for once...

You are started to make the best faces...you definitely get that expressive
face from Mommy...maybe the only thing you got from Mommy! 

You are growing so much each day!  I can't believe it's your half birthday already (I promise we didn't celebrate...I don't want to be "that" mom:)).  But, the BIG NEWS for this month...you are finally sitting up.  You are sitting up mostly unassisted, but we still have a few topples here and there....but, you are learning!

I couldn't pass up this sweet face....you are beginning to sit up so well!

We have officially started the revolving door of visitors!  Aunt Jujubee and MorMor came to see us for Thanksgiving and then, Granddad and T-Ma are coming for Christmas!  YAY!

Things you LOVE this month:

1.  You are still loving big boy food this month!

2.  Your bouncer...it's the first thing you do in the morning and you laugh, giggle and scream to start Mommy and Daddy's morning...what a perfect start to our morning!

3.  Making new noises...we get to hear new noises everyday!  Mommy and Daddy are so proud when we hear the coo's you make!

4.  You are starting to really love toys and play with them!  You love the noisy ones, of course:)

I literally laughed out loud at your face here...
I can't wait until we hear what's going one in that brain of yours!

Things you DON'T LIKE this month:

1.  Green beans...we introduced these at THanksgiving with MorMor and Aunt JuJuBee....you are NOT A FAN!  But, it was so funny, we couldn't stop laughing!

You are my sunshine, Mason Lee!

Love, 

Mommy

30 Days of Thanksgiving

So, first, you need to know I am not one to jump on many bandwagons, but this one really struck me as an important one.  I think, in general, we (as people and, of course, my household) are thankful for lots of things in our lives, but I also believe we don't often take the time to realize all that we have and should be thankful for each and everyday.  And, beyond that, we definitely don't take the time to vocalize and express these things we are so grateful for, thus, I am jumping on this bandwagon!

November 1:  Employment

I am so thankful that both Adam and I are employed.  Don't get me wrong, it's a little difficult to be thankful for this job as I walk out the door leaving Mason Lee behind and, I'm sure, each day that Adam has to leave the house at 4:30 a.m., he might struggle to remember to be thankful.  But, I am thankful for our employment while so many other struggle to find jobs.

For those of you who don't know, Adam is an Apache pilot in the U.S. ARMY and is able to provide for us because of this employment.  I am currently employed by Aptitude Habilitation Services as a Behavioral Therapist for children diagnosed with Autism, thus, allowing us the extra income to do the fun things we desire and, of course, travel cross country to see our fabulous families!

So, while there are a lot of days we might forget to be thankful for something that has become a part of our daily routine, I am thankful that we have these jobs in order to provide, above and beyond, for our precious family of three.

November 2:  Ms. Abby

Sometime between Adam leaving with Mason this morning and sitting at work, I am beyond thankful for my new friend, Abby for a multitude of reasons.

First and foremost, Abby watches Mason Lee is the mornings while I am at work.  She will never know the weight that was lifted from my shoulders the day we met. And, now I am thankful for her even more each day when she gets so excited to see the most important little man in my life.  I could never pay her enough the hours she has him and allows me to work, worry free, knowing that she is loving him and engaging him while I am away!  And, somehow, she gets him to nap...for that, I am also grateful!

Secondly, I am thankful for our quickly formed friendship that started with a walk pushing our joggers. I've quickly learned in the ARMY friendships form quickly and deeply.  As ARMY wives, we don't get to take months forming friendships or we would be alone for a majority of our lives.  Instead, we form friendships quickly to get through the craziness that the ARMY brings us.  For me, a PCS which landed me across the country from every family member and friend that I have.  For Abby, a husband that is gone for training several hours away.

November 3:  Family Time

It's Saturday, so it reminds me that even with all of the hustle and bustle of a busy week, we have time for each other.  I am thankful that despite a first week of work for Adam, a congested little bug, and football on every other station...there is time for family.

I am so thankful for these moments because I know before I know it, our family of three will become a family of two for weeks and months at a time.  So, for the minutes we have together NOW...I am thankful.

November 4:  God's Intervention

I'm thankful that just when I need it, God intervenes.  Remember that busy week I talked about, well, it didn't slow down for me.  I was supposed to work today, thus, preventing us from continuing our search for a church home.

Back story:  Adam and I committed to each other and God that we would not spend months searching for a church.  We both feel convicted that months spent "church shopping" will prevent our own spiritual growth, so attended a few highly recommended churches is key to avoid this!  Last night as Adam started to talk about where to try today (this is week 2 of "church shopping"), I softly reminded him that I had to work this morning.  He was so disappointed.

Here comes God's intervention...a 8 am text this morning informed me that I would not be working today, thus, to 9 am church we could go.  Of course, thinking it was too late because Mason hadn't eaten, neither of us were showered and a 20 minute drive in front of us...we did the best we could!  It's amazing how God can slow minutes to allow us to fit everything in to make it to church:)

Little did we know, the church we walked into at 9:01 this morning would allow us to get in the car after church and give each other the look and, "Well?" followed with smiles.  We were so encouraged this morning by the worship, message, and nursery (Mason didn't go, but I scoped it for next week).  And, side note, I love being in the Pacific NW where people are totally okay with cloth diapering:)

So, tonight I am thrilled because we were able to find a place to grow spiritually, develop friendship, and fellowship with other Christians.  But, it all couldn't have happened without a little, much needed, intervention!

November 5:  Monday

I never thought I would be one to appreciate Monday's, but the more Monday's I encounter, the more I am grateful for them.

Monday means a fresh start and this particular Monday, I got lots of "fresh starts".

First, I fit into a pair of pre-pregnancy jeans...the first pair I have been able to fit into since the little bug came along:)

I am also thankful for the ability to finally start a fitness/running routine.  Now that we are all settled in Washington, it only seems appropriate for me to get my routines back in place and this Monday of fresh starts provided just that!

And, of course, this Monday brought a BRIGHT sunny fresh start to the week, which if you have every lived or visited the Pacific NW in October, you know that is something to be thankful for each time it happens!

November 6:

November 7:

November 8:

November 9:

November 10:

November 11:  Veterans...Past, Present, and Future

Today I am thankful for those who have served, do serve and will serve our country in the Armed Forces.  There was a time that the military was an elusive, distant part of my life, however, in the last few years, it has become a very prominent part of my life.  Thus, Veteran's Day has taken on a whole new meaning in my life.

Obviously, I am married to the most amazing ARMY pilot!  And, if you would have told me five years ago on our first date, an Indiana teacher and an Indiana state employee, that we'd be living in our 4th home in 3 years and Adam would be that ARMY pilot I speak of, I never would have believed you.  And, despite the fact that he has yet deploy, I know the sacrifice he makes daily.  Whether it is a missed meal, weeks away from home for training, or being unable to attend a lengthy list of important events, Adam continues to sacrifice greatly and I have no doubt this list of sacrifices will grow.

Beyond the fabulous soldier I am married to, the number of servicemen who have impacted my life continues to grow.  Would you believe that more than half of my bridal party ended up marrying military men?  This may not seem strange to some, but we live in communities with little or no military influence and yet, we all started our married lives with someone who is or has served our country.  It's amazing that just 3.5 years ago none of us, with the exception of MaryAnne, knew that we'd be married to men serving our country.  To say the least, it has strengthened our friendships in ways that no one could possible understand.  We've taken girl trip because our guys are gone, we cried because of the distance, and we "get it" when no one else does.

from left to right

Amanda (Fulton) Ballinger:  Proud Navy Wife

Lindsey Weber

MaryAnne (Sacha) Burrows:  Proud Air Force Wife

Julia Smith (soon-to-be Cramer):  Proud Marine Soon-to-Be Wife

Erin (Smith) Fackler:  Proud Army Wife

Nicole Skovgard

Rozzie (McHenry) Berisha:  Proud Air Force Wife

Julie Cudney

To all of these men that impact my life so greatly because of the impact you have on my best friends, I pray for you daily.  I pray for your mission, for the sacrifices you have and will make, your families, and, mostly, for your safe return home when you are away.  

My list of friends, family, and acquaintances who have served grows daily, to each of these individuals, thank you.

So today, mostly, I am thankful for everyone who have served, will serve, and are currently serving our great nation.  The impact and influence they have in my life, freedoms they preserve, and sacrifices they make never go unnoticed.

November 12:

November 13:

November 14:

November 15:

November 16:  Spirit Airlines

What a silly thing to be thankful for you say, but no.  After finding out that the chances of heading home for Christmas were slim to none, Mom and Julia began playing around with the idea of coming here for Thanksgiving.  We all thought it was a long shot and that they would NEVER get ticket, but, alas, two tickets for the mere price of $175...it was a sign they were meant to be and they will be here tonight!!

November 17:

November 18:

November 19:  Wedding Dresses and a Bride-to-be

It has been so much fun having Julia and Mom here to visit.  Today, I was so thankful to be a part of Julia trying on dresses.  While we know the dress she is wearing for the ceremony, but she is still hunting for that special reception dress.  Julia, of course, looked fabulous and I would love to post a few sneak peeks, but I would hate for Mr. Cramer to catch a glimpse of here in white!!

November 20:  A healthy Little Bug

Yesterday was Little Bug's 6 month well baby check up (6 month post to come) and he is happy and healthy!  All of his stats will be in his 6 month post, but this one is easy...I am thankful Mason Lee is healthy!

November 21:  A day of REST

While I have already expressed my thankfulness for employment, I will be the first to admit my thankfulness for a phone call canceling a session.  I love that feeling of already being showered, dressed, and Little Bug ready to walk out the door and getting the call telling me not to come.  It means a day of productiveness since we are already ready to head out the door, but mostly a day of cuddles and hanging out with Little Bug!  And, today was even more special because it meant a day to hang out with Mom, Jewels and Little Bug!

November 22:  Holidays

Today is the day that inspires the entire month of thanksgiving and for today, I am thankful.  I am thankful for holidays that bring friends and family together.  And, in this crazy life, I am thankful for friends that become family.  As Mom told Jody and Dustin, "Now, that we have shared a Thanksgiving, you are family."  Well played, Mom, well played!

November 23:

November 24:

November 25: The little things

Sometimes, it's just the little things.  I am grateful that a lunch at Jimmy Johns makes us happy.  I am thankful that sometimes we can sit back and not need extravagance, but just something so simple can make it a good day...oh, and an IKEA 45 minutes away really helps too:)

Happy 1st Halloween, Mason Lee!

Grandma and Grandpa Fackler thought you would make the perfect l
little bumblebee! And, you are one chunky bee for sure!

Halloween definitely snuck up on us this year with just moving into the house on the 15th, it seems crazy that we are so quickly running into fall!  But, we are already making lots of new friends and we couldn't resist celebrating this holiday with you!  And, apparently, all of the grandparents just couldn't resist sending you a new costume!  

I don't know why I think this is so funny, but I just can't
help but to laugh at some of the faces you
make when I get the camera out:)

Alright, I gave you a smiley one too!  TMa and Aunt Julia
picked this costume out just for you!

You are definitely Mommy and Daddy's little monster....
Mommy is working really hard at getting in front of the camera!

We tried to sneak in all of your pictures before the main event, so you were a little upset by the third costume.  But you are such a ham behind the camera...Mommy LOVES taking your picture!

You weren't old enough to trick or treat this year, but since we walked around with Ms. Amelia, some people even gave you candy!  Mommy and Daddy definitely won't complain!  

Ms. Amelia's mommy, Abby, loves Cinderella, so it makes
sense that Amelia was Cinderella for Halloween!

Happy 1st Halloween!

You are my sunshine, Mason Lee!

Love, 

Mommy

Mason Lee is 5 months

All I can say to you this month, little guy...is we are finally out of the car.  I feel like you literally have spent the last month of your little life in the car.  But, we finally made it to Olympia, WA and will call this rainy place home!

Look how big you are getting, I can't believe it...
sometimes it literally brings tears to my eyes:)

This month was such a big month for our family!  Daddy graduated flight school, we left our first ARMY home, we left the home where we brought you home, and said good-bye to lots of fabulous friends and family.  To say the least, many tears have been cried this month, both happy and sad.

How could anyone not smile when they see this face?

The biggest news this month is that you have officially started eating food on the day you turned 5 months, so we will see how that goes.  But, upon first glance, you LOVE it!

I'm learning to include myself in more pictures,
even if I would rather be behind the lens...
I hope you appreciate this one day!

Things you LOVE this month:

1.  SLEEP...I think you finally figured out sleeping was the best thing for you to do while we drove.  It passed the time.

2.  Getting out of the car seat.  You literally would smile and coo after you got to get out of the car seat.

3.  Anything you can put in your mouth...you will chew on toys, hands (your hands or other's hands), or ice if Mommy will hold it.

Things you DON'T LIKE this month:

1.  Not being able to sit up in the car seat.
2.  Despite being the best car riding, road tripping baby...you have been ready to get out of the car and your seat more than once or twice:)

You are my sunshine, Mason Lee.

Love, 

Mommy

Mason Lee is 4 months

It's been another crazy month in our house little guy!  And, to say that the next few months are going to slow down would be a HUGE lie.  Daddy's official orders came, we traveled to Seattle to house hunt, and we went to Arizona to visit Granddad, TMa, and Aunt Jujubee.

We always tell you how big you are..."so big, so big" and we aren't kidding!
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT:  26.75 inches & 16 lbs 8.5 oz

Daddy picked your fabric background this month...
he loves some neon:)

This month you have made so many big developments.  I can't even believe it!  Every time you do something new, it nears brings me to tears for so many reasons.  One, it is the reality that you will never be as little tomorrow as you were yesterday.  Two, you are smart and growing into the little person I prayed for each and everyday!  Three, I feel so blessed to have such a healthy guy!

You are so curious these days and this picture just
captured it perfectly.  Curious about your toes and what that
 crazy thing is next to you...

This month you learned how to:

*Roll over.  I knew it wouldn't be long.  And, it was literally the day after you turned three months.  You despise tummy time so much you just roll over to avoid it!  I can't even make you do it anymore unless I put you in the Boppy to keep you there.  Your first rolls were from your belly to back, but you have even done a few back to belly which is great!

Look at that head support!!  And, you are about to roll over....

*Smile in response to smiles, chats, and funny stuff!  It is so fun to smile at you and see you give me that big gummy smile in return, especially in the quiet moments when no words are needed.

There is that smile I wait for every morning:)

*Use those little hands to grab things.  You grab Zulu's ears, which she is learning to avoid.  You love to rip your binky out of your month to avoid sleep.  Basically, you just love to grab anything you can in case it might soothe those little gums of yours.

You weren't grabbing her ears, but she hates to see you fuss....
I have every bit of confidence that I could probably leave you in
her care and you would be more than taken care of:)

*Laugh!  I love making you laugh!  Daddy teases me everyday because I do these super silly dances and songs in front of you.  The first time you laughed MorMor was here to hear it.  I was singing the "wiggle, wiggle, wiggle" song that makes you smile each time I sing it, even when you are MAD!  MorMor and I frequently make up stories about your future life....this one included you as the main character with a sibling.  In the future I foresee doing these silly dances for a little brother or sister and you calling all the neighborhood kids to peek through the window and watch your "nerdy" Mom.  You'll be convinced that I never did things like that to you, but behold...here is the evidence!  I love you, that's why I do it!

*Find those toes and you are super intrigued by them.  Whenever you wear footed pajamas, you love to slowly move your feet to figure out what those little things are.  And, when Mommy lets those toes breathe (which is always), you constantly try to grab and hold them like someone might steal them.

We know a few things will be coming down the pipe based on this month though.  One, we know teeth have to be coming soon based on your moods, your gums and the excessive drool:)  Two, sitting on your own.  You are constantly trying to sit up and get so upset when you can't.  Everyone is also telling us you might be an early walker too because you love to be standing whenever possible and you can stand for a LONG time.

Look at those chunky, standing legs!

Things you love:

1.  Gas drops.  Mommy found these all natural gas drops that are ginger based and you love them.  Plus, I know they make your tummy feel better.  But, literally, the minute I get them out, you are ready!

2.  Your hands.  You simply can't get enough of your little hands.

3.  Mommy singing and dancing for you.  

4.  Your black and white books.  You can't get enough of them.  And, do you even yell at those little animals in the books:)

5.  Being naked.  Enough said...

Things you hate this month:

1.  Teething.  You are a little fussy with what everyone is guessing is the beginning of teething.  You are a monster drooler and you have a little nub on those gums of yours.  But, on a positive note, you love the ice cubes we rub on your gums.

2.  Being put down, see "things you hate this month" #1.

3.  Not being able to sit up.  Whenever we prop you in your Boppy or on the couch.  You try so hard to sit up.  You are constantly working that little core and I know it won't be long until you are sitting all on your own.

You are my sunshine, Mason Lee!

Love,
Mommy

Mason Lee is 3 months

SO BIG...another common mantra you hear daily from me..."So big, so big!"

Where on earth is our time going?  Each day I can't believe that you are a day older, week older, and mostly, a month older!  Three months was a hard month for Mommy to chew.  This is the first time I have had to start telling people how old you are in months because it is no longer appropriate to account for your age in weeks.  It just seems silly to go on saying 14 weeks, 15 weeks, etc.  So, three months you are.

There are those hands I'm talking about...

This month you have officially become our "little lug".  I love seeing you grow and "grow" rolls each and everyday.  Our biggest prayer was for you to be healthy and, healthy you are.  I'm not 100% sure how much you weighed this month, but with our very scientific way of weighing you, we are guessing about 15 lbs.  Holly smokes, you are our "Mr. Chunky Man".

You are so handsome, I can't even stand it!

It is also funny to see all of the silly faces you make.  People are constantly telling Daddy and I that you are one of the most expressive babies they have met.  You can go from shocked to pondering to smiling to "mean mugging" in minutes. 

Your "shocked" face is by far one of my favorites.  

This month we are loving to see you smile.  And, the smiles are intentional which has been so much fun to see.  They are not all of the time yet, but we know when you are happy and I just love it.  My other favorite habit you are developing is the ability to charm the ladies.  Every time you get oogled by a lady passerby, you smile and hide your face.  You little flirt!

Everyday I remind you of one very important thing...you are AMAZING.

And, tummy time is getting a little better (very little).  But, we do a little each day and soon you will be rolling over to avoid it I am sure.

Less than impressed, but much happier than last month....
loving those little smirks you always make.

Things you love this month:

1.  Fans.  No, you don't stare at them, but you love for Mommy to stand in front of one when you are trying to go to sleep.  Maybe it is because we live in south Alabama and the cool breeze is so nice when the heat is unbearable!

2.  Your hands.  You have finally found you hands and it is hard to take your attention off of them!!

3.  Telling everyone stories...you have become such a chatterbox and I just love it!  I also find it funny that no one ever believes your stories...the first thing everyone says as you babble is, "that's not the truth"!

This was my first attempt at the timer on the camera,
but I had to get one with you, MorMor, and I!

Things you hate this month:

1.  Being hungry...this is your biggest beef.  No tears for wet diapers, just hunger. 

2.  Naps...seeing a trend.  I was not blessed with a napper, but most days you will snooze long enough just for Mommy to brush her teeth or take a shower...note the "or"!

3.  Saying good-bye to MorMor.  We were so blessed to have MorMor with us this summer, but she had to go home so she could start work:(

MorMor loves you so much.  It wasn't until Mommy had you
that I could even begin to understand how much MorMor loves me.
And, I tell her everyday that if she loves me even half as much as I love you...
she could move mountains...

You are my sunshine, Mason Lee.

Love, 

Mommy

It took some coaxing, but I captured a smile.

Your monthly tongue photo....I wonder if I will be
able to catch one of these every month?

Family Love

I learn a little more everyday how blessed we are to have family all over the country, with all different life experiences, and all sorts of love for our little family!

I got this fabulous mini package from my cousin on Mor Mor's side, Cousin Diane Krail!  The little package contained two of the cutest boutique finds!  So, not only is family fabulous for the above listed reasons, but they also find any reason to buy you a little goodie...and, they always find something perfect for you!

Isn't he just too cute...

That being said, before I saw the cute goodies, I read the most inspiring card!  It brought tears to this new Mommy's eyes.  Cousin Diane wrote this:

"Dear Erin, 

Savor each moment.  Now is the very best time of your life.  Treasure each smile, each time his eyes light up when he sees your face.  Watch how he looks for you in a room full of people.  There is nothing better in this lifetime.

Love, Cousin Diane"

I was literally in tears by the end of this card because this week more than ever, I wake up each morning loving you more than the day before and wondering how I could possibly love you anymore than I do.  And, then I wake up the next morning and see how....

Love, 

Mommy

Not much longer until FOOD and we will definitely be needing these:)

And, thank you Ms. Diane for the fabulous goodies....I'll make sure to get pictures with Mr. Mason and them soon!!

Mason Lee is 2 Months

Another month has flown by, everyday Daddy and I fall more in love with you.  I wake up each morning and just think that God couldn't have given me a more perfect baby!  Just this morning, I was telling MorMor that I couldn't love you anymore than I do and I am just amazed at how easy it is to love everything about you!

"Mom, that's enough...I am sleepy!"

Everywhere we go people are always telling me how pretty you are!  But, don't worry, I promise when you get a little older I will not let people call you pretty, you will be HANDSOME!  Everyone is also amazed at how big you are, but I think they are just shocked at how long you are...at your 2 month appointment you were 24 inches long and you were my "Mr. ChunkyButt" at a healthy 13lbs. 14 oz.    

Beautiful...

My favorite moments with you are in the morning before everyone else is awake.  You are such a happy guy in the morning.  We have gotten to use this time to read stories, "talk", and pray for the amazing Godly young man you will become.  It is so much fun to listen to you chat and coo each morning.  You are also beginning to see a little bit better and track with those pretty blue eyes of yours!

There is that silly little tongue of yours:)

You have been quite the traveling soldier in your short life.  This month we got to head to Indiana the last week of June for Aunt Amanda's wedding.  It was a long drive, but so worth it because everyone got to meet you!  We got back right before the 4th of July to spend some time with Daddy and friends before everyone starts to PCS.  The 4th of July is also so important in our family because it it Uncle Jacob's birthday, so we gave him a shout out in your "First 4th" shirt on Facebook since is he gone right now!!

Just too sleepy...

Things you love this month:

1.  Being carried in your Ergo carrier, it puts you right to sleep

2.  To be patted and shaked to sleep...

3.  Hearing Mommy and MorMor sing to you, I even make up the silliest songs and dance around the house with you!  It's true what they say, Mommyhood strips a little bit of your cool factor:)

4.  BATH TUBS...you just love bath tub time!  You love having the water dumped over you, the sprayer spraying you, and the soapy suds.  The lotion rub down after tubby time...still up for debate!

Tubby time!!

Things you don't like this month:

1.  Being put down...you just love to be held!  Everyone is taking advantage of it because before long we know you will be running around and the last thing you will want is to be held.

2.  When people sit down!  Not only do you love to be held, but you insist that everyone stand to hold you!  I just haven't figured out how you can tell when we sit down:) 

3.  Taking naps!  But, you sleep almost all night, so I can't complain!!

4.  Tummy time...I'm getting better at making you go a little longer each day because it is so important...

Only 1/2 as miserable as you normally look during "tummy time".

You are my sunshine, Mason Lee.

Love, 

Mommy

Mason Lee is 1 Month

What a surreal month it has been!  I can’t believe you are all mine.  And, just last night, Mor Mor  asked if I could remember life without you.  And, I can’t, you are just too perfect and I love you so much!  From day one, everyone has thought you look just like Daddy, I must say I have to agree!  Those long eyelashes amaze everyone and remind Daddy that he is trying to convince me to trim his eyelashes for behind his monocle.  But, there will be no trimming of Fackler eyelashes!

Look at this face!!

Your eyelashes aren’t the only things that amaze Mommy, I love the way you look completely happy while you are “milk drunk”.  I love the way you smile when you sleep, especially when I touch you.  I love the way you are starting to hold your head up to explore.  I love your big blue eyes right when you wake up and see the world.  I love the way you peer out of the corner of your eyes and it looks like you have a BIG secret.  I love the way you hiss and growl when you hungry and Mommy isn’t moving fast enough!  I love that you are starting to coo and talk!  I love that you have a full head of hair that we comb over just like Uncle Jacob does!

Everyday you grow a little bigger and we realize you won’t be little forever.  When you picked your head up yesterday during tummy time and rolled it to the other side, it became so clear you are turning into Mommy and Daddy’s big guy!  We already have so many fun nicknames for you:  “Moo Moo Cow”, “Bubsy Bear”, “Mase Face”!

Look at those long, skinny legs...just like Daddy's!

Your big adventure this month was flying for the first time!  We went to Ms. Rozzie’s wedding in Springfield, IL.  Rozzie is one of Mommy’s Alpha Phi sisters and best friends, so we got to share in she and Met’s extra special day! 

Things you love this month:

1.  the wubbanub….which has caused a lot of crazy in our house.  Mommy has had to replace the paci part twice because we have a puppy who loves that part!  Mommy and Daddy called all over Alabama to find you a new one before discovering I could fix it!

2.  you love to dangle over shoulders and be patted for hours on end thanks to Ms. Amanda!

3.  white noise, especially “shhh, shhhh, shhhh”

4.  taking mini snuggle naps with Mommy and Daddy!

Mommy loves having you on her chest, especially on days that she really needs a nap and it is the only place you will sleep!

You are the first thing Daddy reaches for when he gets home from flying which results in lots of naps with Daddy!

Things you don’t like this month:

1.  Being hungry…you are Mommy’s little “Moo Moo Cow”

2.  Tummy time….you really aren’t a fan of tummy time for too long, but we trick you and give you tummy time while you sleepJ

Mommy loves that little tongue!

Love,
Mommy