7 QTs : Leo Edition

At last, my momentous return to the 7 Quick Takes! How empty your Fridays must have been in my absence.....

Today's edition of 7QTs is focused on a special little guy who made his grand entrance into this world just over 10 weeks ago and changed our lives forever.

1. Leo's first pictures

Leo Gregory
2/26/13
2:39 AM
9 lbs 9 oz

Sleepy baby

I will save the lengthy birth story for another post. Suffice it to say that there were issues aplenty (e.g. cord around the neck) and I am grateful to God that we had the OB and nurses that we did!

2. Leo with his daddy

Complete natural

The loves of my life

This is the first photo that we grabbed of Ben holding Leo. As you can see he is one proud daddy! I could not have hoped for a better father for my son and I realize how true that is more and more every day. He is a complete natural and I can't wait to see their relationship continue to grow and develop. That being said, I think weapons training may need to wait awhile.....

"I put the 'scream' in Escrima sticks!"

3. Nana Visits

Matchy-matchy

My mom visited for a week to help us as we faced new parenthood and all of the ups and downs that came with it. The help was invaluable and came in the form of sleep (both during the day and night), food, doctor's appointments, moral support, etc. I may or may not have cried when she left...

4. Baptism

Leo's Mimi and Great-Papa, Papa and Nana, and Grandma and Grandpa

We had Leo baptized when he was just a few weeks old. We were very blessed by several family members who made it to the baptism, including my dad who opted for an insane red-eye flight from Washington state so that he wouldn't miss it. I had approached the day with extreme dread and trepidation but Leo did beautifully and it was a joy to show him off to friends and family. His baptismal gown was made by his Nana and I want to slap myself for not taking a close-up of him wearing it because he was quite the looker!

5. Weight Loss

Leo diets

The first three weeks of Leo's life were very hard. Due to several different factors Leo's weight continued to drop after we left the hospital and we were required to bring him to several different weight checks at his doctor's office, each appointment more discouraging than the last. Our poor little guy seemed to have two settings - sleeping and screaming. Eventually I cut dairy out of my diet and while that helped reduce the screaming a little it did not solve the weight issue. The pediatrician informed me that I simply did not produce enough milk and would need to start supplementing with formula. She gave me a few days to try and boost my supply and get his weight up but after a few days the only change was that I was MUCH more sleep deprived and emotional. I went to a lactation consultant for advice and to my surprise she agreed with the pediatrician. There were many tears and much guilt but in the end we introduced the formula and after the very first feeding Leo was happy. Three weeks of thinking we had a fussy, colicky baby and BOOM! We felt like we finally met our son.

6. "Skeptichill"

Leo channels the Godfather

"I will end you, lion!"

Blue Steel

"A walk you say?"

OK this one he's actually ticked

Now, our son smiles a LOT! He is a happy baby and loves to smile, grin, and coo. Hooooowever, his natural expression tends more towards the serious.... most-likely due to his eyebrows. Anyway, we think it's hilarious (especially now that he does smile so we know he isn't just perpetually grumpy). Because it is his typical expression Ben coined the term "skepti-chill" by way of a description. He looks skeptical/suspicious but overall chill (i.e. skeptichill).

7. Our Happy Little Guy

First smile captured on camera

Waiting for the doctor to ruin happy time

Lovin' the floor gym

Happy hands

Best smile ever <3

Leo and his Grandma :)

Look out world - Here comes Leo Gregory!

Don't forget to check out Jen and the other fab Quick Takers