Growing and changing

So this month we bought another baby-hauling device that we never knew we needed - but really since we live in Boulder directly across from a hiking trail up Mt. Sanitas, if WE don't use something like this - WHO WOULD!!??

Jerex likes it, even though he is slightly too little for it still. Won't be long though!

The past few weeks have been very busy getting back in the swing of things at work for me, and even though we aren't on a rigid "schedule" we are starting to see patterns emerge and trying to stick to routines that work. And then right when we think we have this little turkey all figured out, he completely changes it up - keeps us on our toes that is for sure!  Jerex has been growing and changing by the day. He's now:

laughing a lot more!
grabbing toys with ease
playing in his Johnny Jump up
putting weight on his legs when held up
enjoying books!
STILL not sleeping through the night!

He's a SUPER BABY!!

We weighed him today and he was tipping the scales at around 17 pounds - will get the official weight at the doctor's office May 7th. But wow - almost doubled his birth weight already! He never misses a meal.

The token bath photo:

Just look at that belly!

MMMMM My hands are TASTY!!!

Q1 2012 - a profitable quarter!

Everyone told me after I had a baby that "those first 3 months are the hardest!!" "You just gotta get through those first 3 months!" "Those first 3 months are a doozy!" Well - the 3 months have came and went and I can hardly believe it, and now I have a happy, energetic, smiling 3 month old little boy.  And all the advice-givers were right - it was a rough time but - WE made it and survived! The hardest part is over! Hurrah! Here is Jerex in his new REI sun hat:

Jerex is a growing boy. When he's hungry, he acts like a little spastic wolverine. Today at one point he consumed 7 ounces in a single feeding, which is not quite double what he normally eats, but wow, I can hardly keep up with that!

Last week was my first week back at work. It was difficult but I made it through and was even somewhat productive, and this week is already much easier. My brain in fact does work still, thankfully. It is a matter of getting in a new routine and we'll get the hang of it soon. Since I work from home, it is great to be able to take breaks and walk into the living room and see this smiling and drooly face:

Jerex has been rolling over both ways, grabbing toys, cooing/talking/giggling regularly, and being generally awesome at being a baby! Every day I feel so incredibly blessed!

This year, the Easter Bunny found us, and he wears blue pajamas:

Enjoying Springtime in Colorado, hoping that the 80 degree days stay away for a little while at least!

4 Generations!

Over St. Patty's day weekend, Jerex and I made a trip back to Missouri to visit family & friends. While there, we took some great photos showing 4 generations of Millers and Smiths with Jerex and cousin Brock:

Great Grandma Betty, Grandma Brenda, Renae/Jerex and April/Brock

Great Grandma Alice, Grandpa Burton, Renae/Jerex and April/Brock

Pretty cool! Jerex got a LOT of attention to say the least while we were back, and I don't think that he was set down once. (When we came back to Boulder, he acted pretty spoiled and didn't let me set him down then either!) Here are some pics of Jerex with the family (and I am not posting them all b/c there are simply too many - if I get complaints then I will know who reads this blog and who doesn't and will post more pictures accordingly! hah)

Cousins!

Aunty April, Brock & Jerex

Great Uncle Marshall & Great Aunt Joy

Great Aunt Sherry

Uncle Chris

Great Great Aunt Dean

Also - while in KC I was lucky enough to get to meet up with some friends for dinner:

Ashley, Liz (Baby S.), Jerex & me

Dana & Morley & Jerex (OK, yes we need a real pic of Morley & Jerex!)

All in all, Jerex was a great traveler, did wonderful on the airplane and it was a great trip and we are looking forward to coming back again this summer!

Smile Series

Sometimes I think that the happiest thing on Earth is seeing a baby smile. Or even smirk. Especially if that baby is Jerex! That is why these past 10 weeks every time Jerex starts to grin, I grab my iPhone and start clicking pictures. If you are ever feeling down in the dumps, I personally guarantee that the following pics will make you smile:

 

 Well, are you smiling yet???!!!! Have a great day!

Rolling in the Deep

My pediatrician visit for Jerex's 2 month checkup started off with the following exchange:

(Pediatrician walks into the room)
Doctor: "HOLY COW - THAT'S A GIANT BABY! Hi Giant Baby!"

She thought he was pretty big. He was!
Stats:
Weight: 13 pounds, 7.5 ounces (90%)
Height: 24.5 inches (98%)
Head Circumference: 16 (95%)

And then, she flipped him on his stomach to do his exam, he happened to be facing a mirror and said she thought he was going to roll over. I told her that he sort of had once already, but I didn't really "count" it b/c I thought it was accidental. Then, Jerex proceeded to show off and roll over 2 times in a row in front of the doctor! I was a proud momma.

A few days later, I caught the act on video - you'll have to watch him lean and teeter on his elbow for a while before the Big Roll finally happens:

I actually call this The Pancake Flip, since he sort of just ends up on his side. 

Ironically, I just read the book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" about how Chinese parenting is supposedly superior to "Western" parenting... and one of the points that Amy Chua likes to make is that American parents constantly celebrate and brag about truly unimpressive feats that their children do... I couldn't help but think of that as I cheered Jerex on for his roll-over, texted all my family immediately, and then posted it on my blog. Yep, I'm the American parent through and through!

Miller Family Photos

I finally unloaded my camera preparing for my trip back to MO to get MORE pictures of various Millers holding baby Jerex, and so here is the first round of Millers holding Jerex! More to come!

Great-Granny Alice

Aunt April

Cousin Brock

Grandma Brenda

Grandpa Burton

Jerex TALKS!!

I thought this was quite amazing... He has lots to say!! We have quite a few conversations every day and I was lucky enough to catch this one on tape:

2 months - time warp?!

I realize I am doing terrible at posting in a timely fashion. These days my hours and minutes are consumed by being a mom, and I have to say I love it so much that I really don't miss being on a computer all the time! Jerex turned 2 months old this week, and to celebrate, I posted his 1 month photos to Facebook AND mailed out his birth announcements! Yes - that is how far behind I am!! It is hilariously pathetic and yet it's the best I can do! This maternity leave is going way too fast. I need it to slow down a bit please and thanks...

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Jerex's 1 month photo shoot - courtesy of Robin Cain Photography:

Mr. Deep Thoughts

Our little family

Happy baby in a basket

Serious Snuggling

Sleepy boy

Today was Jerex's 2 month doctor appointment and he got his first vaccinations, which were not his favorite thing. He was pretty fussy the rest of the day and so I'm glad today is almost over and he has calmed down a bit!

1 month stats

1 month stats, and look he is pointing to the information we are seeking! Thanks Jerex

He was 90% in weight and 98% in height! 

What a sweet little nugget of love!

Jones Family Photos

Here are some pictures of Jerex being held by the Jones family, he was very happy to meet them all!

Uncle Jensen

Grandma Cathy

Grandpa Jay

Cousin Drake

Uncle Jackson & Aunt Kelly