Our other "baby"

Well, Scout is really in teenage doggie years but he is such a good dog. Clay and I love Scout like crazy and are so happy that he is sweet around Riley. He loves Riley and mostly stays away but at times he likes to sniff around and even sneak in a kiss or two. I do feel bad for him though on the days she is upset. Scout used to hate the backyard and never wanted to be back there alone. Now though when Riley cries, Scout races to the back door and sits there with a very sad face until I let him out. Poor thing can't take Riley's ear-piercing screams. Clay took this video on early Sunday morning...I thought it would be fun to share!

Another Dr visit

Early last week Riley started acting funny. Fussier and more grumpy than usual. Nothing I did would calm her down. (Clay and I know fussy really well and this was different, worse!) I kept thinking she had to be sick. I took her temperature over and over and Clay even went to get one of these really handy thermometers. Her temp was always normal. So then I thought it had to be her reflux...but she had hardly been spitting up at all and has been doing so well on her meds. So finally last Wednesday we went to see Dr Shuman. I was so excited for them to weigh Riley...I thought for sure she would be over 10 pounds now. So imagine my dissapointment when the scale said 9 lbs 3 oz. WHAT??? Oh no. Riley had only gained 4 oz in about 7 weeks. :(

So long story made short. We are now having to supplement Riley with formula. Not my first choice, as I have a hard time thinking that what is natural is not right. However, she really needs the added calories.

So basically from what we and the doctor can tell the poor girl was just really really hungry. She went from taking only 2oz bottles (the few times we actually gave her bottles) to now nursing + 3-4 oz "baby shake" at each feeding. The first several days she did so well and even took some 1-2 hour naps on her own while lying across her boppy (previously unheard of). And she already looks like she has gained weight. However, the last few days her stomach has been really bothering her again and she has been spitting up like a champ. Not sure what is going on. Possibly the type of formula? Possibly something I am eating? I seriously doubt this as there is not much I can remove from my already very restricted diet. We are thinking it is time to see a pedi Gastoenterologist. We pray each day for healing for Riley and would love if you would pray for her too!

Rileys new trick

Riley is getting so strong and LOVES to "stand" on her legs. I think she likes this so much because her little tummy is stretched out long. (She is pretty indifferent to sitting, and doesn't much like tummy time or well maybe its I who doesn't like tummy time. She spits up everywhere each day during tummy play.) She will stand for 2-3 minutes at a time. Usually I get tired of supporting her before she gets tired.

Oh and please excuse my high pitched baby voice! :)

Below is the first take...Scout was wanting some attention too!

Common sight

Riley and I are often found like this...

What can I say? We like to nap ALOT! (Well notice Riley is the only one who actually gets any rest.)

3 months old

As of yesterday, Riley is officially 3 months old. Some days it seems like we were just at the hospital and other days it seems as if she has always been here!

Riley's reflux seems to be getting better and she has started taking a few every short naps on her own. I am so happy if we get even one nap a day in, on her own that is...she will sleep all day long on me if I let her! She is still not sleeping on her own, but I know that day will come. (Especially when she grows out of the painful reflux.) She slept last night for 7 hours straight which is huge for her!!

"Oh silly Scout dog"

Here are some things we are noticing:
-Riley is starting to make more and more cooing and random noises.
-She will kind of gasp for air very excited-like if she gets really happy.
-She is smiling more and more and they are huge gummy smiles. (I melt each time I see one.)
-If propped up she will sit for a few seconds before toppling over or slouching down (I found this out from our little 3 months photo session yesterday.)
-Sometimes she seems to be reaching for things..foot, toy, etc. I'm not convinced that she knows she's doing that though. :)
-She LOVES silly faces and silly noises. Clay makes the best silly animal noises and Riley just loves it!
-Riley makes many silly faces herself.

(Previously mentioned silly face)

We love you Riley!

I love Sundays!

On our way out the door, headed to church!



Yesterday, Riley went to church for the first time! She did so good in the nursery and we felt completely comfortable leaving her with the wonderful ladies in her class. It was so good to be back in our Sunday school class and to hear Pastor Gregg in person (I have been listening to most of his sermons online...but it just isn't the same.)

Side note: It is way harder to get our family dressed and out the door now. It takes much more planning and effort. I think I need to start packing Riley's things the night before! :)

After church we all laid on the couch for a nice long nap and later we watched football.

Riley watching football with her daddy.

Don't worry Riley, NFL makes me sleepy too!

Wedding weekend

Last weekend we ventured to back to the DFW area, this time for a wedding. Riley did so good on the drive there and back, I even got to ride in the front for quite awhile :)!! She is quite the little road warrior. We left on Thursday evening and spent all day Friday relaxing with my parents. Clay and I got to kayak Friday afternoon, while Dad went fishing.

Nana gives great baths!Relaxing with Pawpaw

On Saturday, Clay and I drove to Sulphur Springs to see Chris Diamond get married. (Mom and Dad were so helpful and watched Riley for us. This was the first time away from Riley for many hours but she was in such good hands that I was completely relaxed.) It was a beautiful day and a beautiful afternoon wedding. Chris was so happy and we loved seeing many college friends. (Several of Clays friends now have babies of their own, it was fun to see them as dads.) Interesting side note: Phil and Emily Hammond had their baby Jack on May 6th, we had Riley on July 6th, and Brandon and Laney had their baby Bryce on August 6th. Not sure what it is about the 6th but I'm thinking it could be a FIJI thing. :)

After the wedding, we headed back to Ft Worth, we got to see George and Tina's new home (gorgeous) and then headed to Chimy's. We had such a good time back in Tech atmosphere (we don't get any of that in Houston.) We watched the game and just enjoyed ourselves (even though Tech lost)!

Tom, Clays friend from high school and his girlfriend

Justin PGeorge

The crew

Phil and Emily

Sunday, Clay and dad went kayaking again, and early Monday morning we ventured back home. We love quick weekend trips and getting to see friends!