Randy+Brooklyn: December 2016

December 2016 Update

What a wonderful month! The weeks have gone by in a blur--full of learning and laundry! Who knew such a small baby could be the culprit of so many dirty clothes (his and ours), bedding (ours--NOT his), blankets, and burping cloths! Not to mention lots of diapers--thank you everyone again for these essential items and also the wipes! We laid low in the house for most of the time just hanging with Ezra. Towards the end of the month we started building up our courage to take him out and about.

What I have observed within a month of having a baby at home:

. Kids are really so much more durable than I would have thought! I was apprehensive at the beginning to even put a onesie on him because I felt like I was squishing his head. Now at the end of the month it doesn't even cross my mind.

. Nursing DOES get better! It seemed so awkward at the start and painful. We also had issues because he was tongue and lip-tied. I had already seen a couple of friends struggle with this and so we were quick to recognize the signs and get it taken care of. Immediately after the procedure his improvements with nursing were a night and day difference! We have continued to progress and I am so grateful for the Boppy my friend gave me!

. Bathtime can be peaceful. In the beginning bathing Ezra made me nervous. I wasn't sure how to do it and was afraid of how slippery he felt. " What if I drop him?!" I thought to myself. However the baby bath holder thingamajig changed that (thanks Lezlie)! He even zens out and watches us pour water over him with big wide eyes. I like to think it also helps him calm down for the night.

. Yay for body functions! I have never become so excited for someone to pee or poop! I was concerned about Ezra's food intake initially but the proof was in the pudding (although it looks nothing like pudding--don't be fooled). He has already pooped and peed on me a few times but with how cute he is I don't really mind. Thank goodness they don't smell yet!

. Randy had this baby thing down ages ago like a boss (he has quite a few nieces and nephews)! For all of my reading, being the oldest of 5 kids, and loving babies you would think I would be a little more comfortable with taking care of this sweet angel baby but man I was not! I googled a million things (i.e.; how to bathe a baby, what does breastfed poop look like, how to swaddle a baby, etc.)! Randy was much more confident in his abilities and I would literally watch him do the simple tasks with Ezra so I could learn. I am so very grateful he was able to stay home and help me transition into this new role.

First Pediatrician Appointment

We took Ezra to see Namea Sells in Kahuku and we loved her! The staff loved Ezra and kept commenting on how good he was. He didn't cry when they weighed and measured him and was very alert. At the very end he got a little fussy so I fed him. When Dr. Sells checked his circumcision she commented on how nice it looked and Randy gave me a big grin of papa-bear pride. We were told he looked very healthy and to come back in a month.

Best Christmas Ever

With our sweet, angel baby we kept to ourselves for the most part. On Christmas Eve we walked down to Backyards and took a few photos together. On Christmas day we went to the Nichol's house to socialize while everyone took turns holding and checking out Ezra.

Christmas Family Photos

Look at those cute little fingers!

Lots of Love

Right after I gave birth so many wonderful friends reached out to us out with meals and visits! I couldn't help but feel so grateful for the people around us--especially our friends who provided us with meals. Our neighbor Tiffany had this AMAZING taco soup ready to go for us the day we got home! Makes you really see what the reason for the season is--people emulating Christ's example :)

The Tamitas caroling

The Lees dropping off goodies

Aunty Wendy holding Ezra for the first time :)

Celebrations

As our confidence increased with taking Ezra out of the house we were able to go to Randy's fire station party at Lei Leis. I was so nervous to take Ezra but he slept for most of the party and when he did wake up everyone wanted to hold him (especially Uncle Russ and Bill). We even did a white elephant gift exchange--Randy won Russ's wonderful apron (see picture below). For New Year's Eve we got to visit with our friends Leslie and Justin. They were back in town (they currently live in Utah) so it fun to see them and their kids.