Happy Halloween!

I know, I'm a couple weeks late, but it's the best I can do considering that our precious little guy only naps for 30 minutes at a time. He's doing great otherwise. He has his moment's of fussiness, but we get through them.

October 30th marked my last day at work, and I'm officially a stay at home mom now! It really is challenging to be at home all day with him- I'm constantly fighting with him to get him to sleep. I'll rock him, bounce him, swing him, etc. for 45 minutes just to get him to sleep for 30. It makes for a long day. I'm actually looking forward to sleep training. I know it's going to kill me to "let him cry" but I know he needs to do it to get on a regular sleep schedule.

Halloween was celebrated on Sunday, November 2nd because Mike and I were at his cousin's wedding in New Jersey. We had a great night out while Mamie, Aunt Linda, Jocelyn and Grammy watched Daniel. Mamie and Aunt Linda both got up with him during the night for his feedings.

Daniel goes for his 4 month check-up the Monday before Thanksgiving. He's getting so big. He was weighed on 11/3 and is up to 14 lbs, 12 ozs. He's already growing out of his 3-6 month clothes!

We're looking forward to Thanksgiving at Mamie's house this year even though we're really going to miss the annual bash at Denise and Curt's.

Below are some pictures of our little pumpkin as well as a few odds and ends.

The Many Faces of Daniel

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated the blog. Life gets crazier every day. We've had our hands full with Daniel. Right around the time he turned 6 weeks old, he started getting very fussy. He got hysterical at night, taking us (sometimes) 3 hours to get him to go to sleep. I've cut dairy out of my diet, which the doctor says can be a factor in his crying. I'm not sure it's made much of a difference though.

Now that he's 2 months old, he's been getting better. I think the root of his crying stems from him not getting enough sleep. He doesn't like to nap during the day. Most days I can only get him to take a couple 30 minute naps throughout the whole day. Recently, he's been sleeping better at night- the last two nights he's slept for almost 7 hours straight!! I've also been able to get him to nap a little longer. He's going on 2 hours right now which is why I'm finally able to update the blog ;-).

Mamie had to watch Daniel along with the twins yesterday when I started back to work. Unfortunately, he didn't nap very well for her, but she managed quite well. I had a very hard time leaving him, even though I knew he was in GREAT hands. I can't imagine what I would have done if I had to leave him at daycare.

We went for his two month check up last week, and he's doing great. He's 12 lbs, 9 ozs and 23 inches. He had to get a ton of vaccines at this check-up. He ended up getting 4 injections, two in each thigh. He did very well. He settled down after I fed him, and he slept the whole way home.

Mike and I are enjoying every second with Daniel, even when he's crying. He's really starting to be aware of his surroundings and is cooing and laughing all the time. Here are some updated pictures of his most recent expressions along with a couple other cute shots.

Growing Like a Weed

Daniel went for his one month check up today and he's growing like a weed. He weighed in at 10lbs 9 1/2oz and measured 22 1/4 inches long. He was such a big boy at the doctor's office. He didn't cry at all when the doctor was doing the exam. He only cried when he got his vaccination, and that was very brief. He stopped crying once Mommy held him. The picture below was taken once we got home from his visit. He was sound asleep. Aslo included are a couple more recent photos.

Three Weeks Old!

Daniel turned three weeks old this past Friday. He celebrated by spitting up all over himself and his Mommy. I can't believe how big he's gotten since we first brought him home from the hospital. I've noticed so many changes already. He's much more alert now. He's holding his head up and looking all around. He's starting to notice that his hands can grab and pull things now...like Mommy's hair. He rarely cries- only when he's hungry or has a bubble or gas. We've been so blessed with a beautiful, healthy baby boy.

Daniel has had a lot of visitors since we've been home. Here are a couple of pictures of him with some of his new family.

"Aunt" Jocelyn and Nick

Cousins Allison (left) and Mika (right)

Cousins Lexie and Kaleigh

Here's some updated photo's of Daniel

Our Bundle of Joy has Arrived

Daniel Has Arrived!

Daniel Parker Gallagher was born this past Friday, July 25, 2008 at 7:50pm. He weighed in at 8lb 1oz and measured 20 inches long.

After 13 hours of labor, I was taken in for a cesarean section. I'm doing great and so is Daniel. The doctors say he's a very healthy baby. We came home from the hospital Monday morning and have been enjoying every minute. Dad is doing great. He has been wonderful with his new son.

We're still trying to get into a routine. We've had a few sleepless nights, but that is to be expected. In all, we are doing great and we are both absolutely smitten with our new son.

Well, enough about us....here's what you really want- PICTURES!!!

Proud Mommy and Daddy

Daniel meets his Mamie and Mom-mom for the first time

Daniel and Pop-pop

Daniel with Uncle Jason and Aunt Kaylee
Mamie, Grammy Flo and Aunt Linda enjoying every second with Daniel
After a sleepless night at the hospital...
Daniel's car ride home
Home at last

No Baby Yet

I had my weekly check up yesterday. This baby is not ready to come out! I have another check up scheduled this coming Wednesday and, more than likely, will end up being induced shortly thereafter if he still hasn't come yet.

I'm done with work for now, so I'm glad to have the time at home to prepare. I've also been able to spend some time visiting with the twins this week. I just melt everytime I hear them say "Auntie Beth."

We're almost there!!

Well, there's only 11 more days until Daniel is due, but realistically, he could come any minute. We're so excited for his arrival. Mike's been working really hard around the house getting all kinds of projects done, and I've been running around trying to keep the place clean. I've definitely come into my "nesting" phase.

The nursery is all ready for Daniel's arrival. I've included some pictures, but to get the full effect, you'll just have to come by and see it for yourself.

We're so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family who have been supporting us and helping us prepare. I'm sure you're all as eager as we are to meet Daniel.

I know a lot of people have been asking for "belly" pictures...as soon as I find one I like, I'll put it up here- hopefully before I deliver.

Here's a little preview of Daniel...it's an enhanced photo from my last ultrasound. Many thanks to my big brother Jason whose talent is immeasurable.

NOTE: Jason drew all of the pictures that are haging in the nursery.

Under Construction

Hello all,

We wanted to send out our informal blog to our family and friends. Please keep checking for updates as our family will soon be growing.

Love,
Beth and Mike