Month #3

It's hard to believe that Reid Bennett is three months old! Although I have loved every stage of his life thus far, month three has been my favorite. He is slowly developing his little personality. He smiles all the time and "talks" all the time. Just this morning I was laying in bed and could hear him in his room just "oohhing and ahhing" at his mobile (probably). I wanted to go in there, but didn't want to disturb his conversation! He is really holding his head up and loves to look around at everything. You can just look at him and tell he's taking in something new. His eyes get so big and he just stares and even smiles when he's seeing something he likes. He definitely knows who is who. He recognizes my parents now and of course me and Jes.

He plays independently now which has been super handy for me when I need to shower and get ready to go out. He loves his playmat and the songs it plays. He laughs at coos at the toys that hang down. His swing is still his favorite, but he's becoming more open to other things now. It won't be long and he'll be sitting up! I don't want to rush it, but I can't WAIT for him to sit up!

He has his first diaper rash and I am devistated for him. It looks horrible, though doesn't seem to really bother him. I am doing everything everyone has suggested to do and praying it goes away this week.

With month three brings the day I have been dreading. I go back to work this Friday. I can't believe the day is here. Where has the time gone? I am so blessed that he doesn't have to go to daycare and that he can be at a home with no other kids besides the ones that live there. My mom will keep him on Wednesdays and Jes will do Fridays when he's in town. It's the best possible situation and I am so thankful for that. But my heart hurts and I'm praying that Friday morning when I drop him off that God will just cover me in peace. I'm going to need his favor and grace. I know it'll be ok. God has laid this out for us so perfectly.

I never imagined I'd have this much time with him. Even if he'd been "on time" I would have only had 6 weeks. Three months has been a huge blessing and gift from God. I will always be grateful for this time. It has been filled with the most precious moments.

Jes and I celebrated two years of marriage this week. We went to Altanta for a quick trip (with Reid) and then last night we just went out for dinner. We sat and reflected on our 2nd year of being married and told each other what our favorite part was...amazing that we both said the same thing. We both agreed that the month that Reid was in the hospital was the best part of our 2nd year of marriage. Of course, because he was born, but not just that. We will forever cherish what God did in our marriage and lives in general. We grew closer to each other and to Him. We learned the value of teamwork and of truly trusting God when things were out of our hands. That month was the scariest, hardest time of both our lives and yet God, who's plan is perfect, took that and made it into a time we look back on with thankfulness and love. All the glory goes to Him. Jesse Hanks, you are a gift and a blessing. I cannot wait to be married to you on year #20 and #50!!!! I know God will still be doing amazing things in our lives.

Just To See You Smile....

...we'd do ANYTHING! Literally, anything. Our sweet Reid Bennett started smiling on September 10! He looked at me and smiled, but I wasn't sure if it was a "real" social smile or just gas :). But then, the next morning he was all smiles. My parents were at our house early because we were going to the Farmer's Market in Nashville and he was smiling at everyone. It was amazing! It still makes me tear up any time he does it. I say we'd do anything because we all but stand on our heads to try to get a smile out of him now and when he does, it is well worth the embarrassment!

SO many changes lately. Reid is REALLY holding his head up now. His favorite position to be held in is up on your should because he can hold that head up and look around. Its amazing to how much they change from one day to the next. I know I say that a lot, but its true. One day he can just hold his head for a second. The next day he's got it held up looking all around. So miraculous.

Other changes: He doesn't cry when he's getting his diaper changed anymore (well, sometimes, but rarely.) He also doesn't cry in the bathtub. In fact, he LIKES his bath now! If he's crying and you set him in there and start pouring water over him...ahhhh! He just starts looking around and relaxing. We love giving him his baths now. The witching hour is still here, but its getting better and not lasting as long now. Maybe we are just getting better at handling it? Probably.

We've been getting out with him a lot more which he likes! The kid adores being strolled. So we've been getting him out at least once a day in the stroller and in the fresh air. It seems to help him sleep better, too!

Our boy is growing like crazy and its wonderful and sad all at once. I already miss my sweet tiny buddy. Now he's just a sweet semi-tiny buddy. It's crazy to think that someday he'll tower over me! Blessings are abundant in the Hanks' Household. God is so good to us. We are so undeserving of his grace, but he showers it on us day by day, hour by hour. This lyric has been in my head all week and I hope to live it in my life....

"And when I'm doing well help me to NEVER seek a crown, for my reward is bringing glory to you."

Family Fun Day!

Today was the first day the three of us have really gotten out of the house together for an outing that wasn't church, grandparents house or the grocery store! We decided to take advantage of the PERFECT Tennessee weather today and go to the farmers market, dog park and the Greenway! Reid did great! I think he really loved being outside in the fresh air! Dylan had a blast of course and wore himself out. Then we came home, took naps and went to Target to stock the pantry. Today, I've really been reflecting on how blessed we are. I mean, I think about it every day, but just standing back and watching my little family...there are no words. Life is good. Every day is new and different and its so fun to watch Reid change and discover and grow. Love him.

Hello September

I can't believe it's already September! Where is the time going? We have been super busy here at the Hanks household. Reid has been having some tummy issues...which led to a doctors visit, which led to tests at Vanderbilt (*freak out*), which led to an ER visit, which led to acid reflux. Whew! We finally got it figured out and now R is on a new formula and is on some medicine for his reflux. All seems to be going well. I am so relieved that he seems to be feeling better. Talk about feeling helpless! :(

Apparently the "witching hour" has crept its way into our house. Like clockwork every night from 7-9ish Reid is fussy. He's not inconsolable, but we don't dare try to put him down. He's fine as long as one of us is cuddling him. It's hilarious. Then as soon as he has his 9:00 bottle, he's back in his bed passed out. It's so odd! But it could be worse. At least it's not in the middle of the night.

Reid is doing much better with his nights. He usually eats around 7, then we do a dream feed around 9 and he sleeps until 2am. Then Jes usually gets up to feed him and he sleeps until 5 or 6. Not too bad! There's light at the end of the tunnel!

He's really working on holding his head up. He loves to sit on his boppy and look around and get on his tummy on his boppy and try to move his head around. When I put him up on my shoulder he really holds his head up and it's like the cutest thing I've ever seen! Oh, how that child has us wrapped already! He's 10 weeks old this week, adjusted age 2 weeks. Still waiting on the first smile. It's all I want out of life right now :).