Dates are important to Ryan and I. They are normally simple, but the time we spend together is so important for our relationship. Well, it had been 5 weeks since we enjoyed more than 10 minutes of alone time. I don't regret that at all because we were focusing on Vann and parenthood. However, one thing that we have promised each other is we will remember that it's OUR LOVE + God's Miracle which brought Vann into the world, and he will know that his parents love one another.

Ryan looked at me one evening and asked, "when are we going on our first date night". So, I texted my parents and asked if they were available to hang out with Vann while we went out. Of course, they were super excited and immediately said yes. We were counting the days and then hours...is that bad? I assure you, it's not because we wanted to get away from our little man, but more that we wanted to focus on our relationship and keep it strong.

Red Lobster was Ryan's pick. I wasn't too keen on it, but he'd seen an ad for it and had been craving it for awhile. I agreed.
Mom and Dad arrived on Saturday evening. I went through what I could think of to tell Mom. I mean she raised me and did a great phenomenal job, so what could I even tell her. Dad was worried I was going to cry when I left him. I think I would have if it wasn't one of our parents or family members there. They've been around him since day one and know how we are with Vann, so I wasn't concerned at all. I left pumped milk in the fridge, directions on preparing the bottle, and texted Mom some things to try if he got fussy. I hugged everyone, told Vann we loved him, and got in the car.

It was so strange not having Vann with us. The base of his rattling carseat was a constant reminder that he was at home and we were on a real date. I popped in a CD that I had made back in 2004 when we started dating. It was an outrageously hysterical reminder of those carefree days.

We waited, waited, and did I mention waited to be seated. What in the world? Ryan brought to my attention there was some sort of special on all you can eat shrimp. Good grief. People had come out of the woodwork. We were finally seated and we ordered right away. Guess what our conversation was 80% about? Bet you'd never guess Vann! Good thing we got a cute picture and video text! Dinner was yummy, but I was looking forward to froyo at Menchies. We finished up at Red Lobster and headed over to the shopping center that the yogurt shop is in. Ryan agreed to walk through TJ Maxx Homegoods to make some room in our bellies. Menchies is one of the shops that allow you to fill up your own cup and put on your own toppings instead of telling someone what you want. I picked Cake Batter and Peanut Butter Cup. YUM! There was a table on the patio/sidewalk outside, so we picked a seat and enjoyed spending more time together.

When we walked through the door Mom was holding Vann and Dad was sitting on the couch. I hugged our sweet boy and thanked Mom and Dad. They enjoyed it and got to spend some uninterrupted time with their first grand baby.

I am so thankful for my family. Ryan is an amazing father and the best husband I could ever dream of. God has blessed us for sure and I can never repay Him with all He has given us. Our first date was a success. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Our little man has been here for one month! 

What Vann's Up To: This week we focused a bit more on play time. He is really enjoying his Baby Einstein play mat. At first all he would do was look in the mirror, but he has taken an interest with the hanging toys. I will lay him in his crib on his back when we are swaddling him and let him lay there awhile. He kicks his legs all around like a little frog. Vann loves his toy that has a jingling sound, crinkly-wrapper sound, and has different textures. Since Thursday we've concluded that we have a different child. He is so much more alert and has smiled a lot more. We know the smile is not made on purpose, but goodness it blesses our hearts!
Mama and Vann took a couple of independent trips this week. We definitely used the Baby Bjorn carrier this time. The carrier worked out awesome, and he slept when we went into Target this time! On Saturday, Dossinator was in charge. I pumped a bottle and ran some errands with my mama. I would text to check in and Ryan would respond, "it's all good, quit worrying".  He even sent me a picture to prove it. Not that I was worried about my boys at all, but it was great to know that they were bonding even more. It felt awesome and a bit freeing to get out of the house, but I also left a lot of my heart at home.
We went to take the rest of our pictures with Brittany at Nine Sixteen Photography. We squeezed some family ones in, but just like before... Vann was not having it. I really believe his tummy was just full and hurting him. One of my awesome purchases the next day was Gripe Water! Miracle stuff! I love that it's made of Ginger and Fennel and it doesn't take much to solve the hiccups and bubbles! We have used it sparingly and are so pleased.


Vann went to Callie's baby shower with Mom and me. He did so well and got to meet all of the sweet ladies at the shower! Callie got some great things including lots of UGA onesies and gear. Brody, we are so ready to meet you!





                                                            {Vann and Miss Shayla}



Health: Vann is growing and getting sweet chubby rolls on his arms and legs. His face is filling out. We have heard a couple of coos. Be still my heart. That is the sweetest sound. He is making his way into his first Wonder Week and starting to look all around. I have seen him watching the fan from the reflection in the mirror above his changing table. It's so neat to be able to watch him change and grow. Every day brings something new.


Nursing: I love it. It's going so much better than the first week home! I started nursing him in the reclining position when he wakes for his nightly feeding. He has been waking once during the night anywhere from 2 - 4:30 (wide range I know), and this position has been awesome! He is still nursing every three hours.
 
Baby Stuff We LOVE: Bathtub, Pampers diapers (they seem to be a bit more absorbent than the Huggies), Swaddles (tried the Breathable Baby for the first time this week and LOVE it), Avent Soothie pacis, Rock N Play Sleeper, Boppy, and Gripe Water.