A Growing Boy, Balloon Release, And Promotion...

What a week! I'm just now sitting down to go through bills, photos, blogs, etc. To say that it has been a very busy week is an understatement -- but I wouldn't have it any other way. There is so much to say about this growing boy that we have, but before I get to that, I must mention a very memorable event that we attended this past Tuesday...

After attending a balloon release for sweet little Harper last Saturday, we attended another one on Tuesday for a sweet angel named Cale. How sad is it that in less than a week's span, we honor two angels that should be here with us, but instead are dancing in the clouds with the countless other little angels that are dearly missed. I hate that there are so many little babies that have been taken way too soon, but none of them will ever go forgotten -- Harper and Cale included.

Cale's balloon and butterfly release was absolutely beautiful. It showed the amazing amount of love his parents, family, and friends have for that little man. I'm thankful that we were able to take part in remembering him on his special day. In the midst of those that attended, Cale's little brother, Finley, was there -- a newborn rainbow that, like Samuel, has brought hope. I wish that I had pictures of this event, but Cale's mom, Caroline, had a photographer there so I cannot WAIT to see how they all turned out! It was most definitely a day to remember...

The rest of the week was spent adjusting to life as a stay at home mom with a dad at work. I'm no stranger to being at home, but being alone with our little man is a bit of a change -- a great one, though! With James going back to work on Monday, we agreed that James needed as much sleep as he could get to function during his long days at work. So Sam and I went at it alone at night. Definitely no complaints on this end, but it was definitely a bit of an adjustment. Samuel's new interest in food has resulted in long nights. While that has left me with very little sleep, I'm so glad that he is eating more! We used to have to wake him to eat and now he's demanding it in 2-3 hour intervals without question. Part of me wishes we had another ped. appointment soon so I could see his progress in the weight department -- considering that he's beginning to scarf down his meals now. Yay for a growing boy!

Aside from how hungry our little man has become, he has also continued to show us how active he's going to be. I think I already mentioned how he figured out how to roll over...well...now he can do it both ways -- from his back to his stomach and from his stomach to his back. Did I mention that I'm not ready for him to be this active? He's only 3 1/2 weeks old!!! Before we know it, he'll be chasing Oba around the house! I'm loving it, but it just reminds me how fast all of this is going to go and that we need to soak up every second...as he won't be this size for long. I mean, I already knew that, but he's continually reminding me of that on a daily (or hourly) basis. Heck, I had better charge that camcorder so that James doesn't miss out on some of Samuel's adventures while he's at work...

Speaking of work...this week was a big one for James -- he got promoted to Captain! We have been looking forward to this for awhile and the day has finally come. On Thursday, I was able to take part in his promotion ceremony, which was great! Due to all of his past promotions occurring downrange (either in Iraq or Afghanistan), this was the first time that has happened, so I was thankful for that. The whole thing was very last minute, so there was no time to shop for an outfit that actually fit with this wonderful postpartum belly. Luckily, I found something that (somewhat) worked in the closet. So next to James stood Sam and I while his Lieutenant Colonel spoke about James, his past experiences, and what his future holds. The speech was so sweet and made James look like a rock star -- gotta love when that happens. It definitely made his little family proud.

Below is the last week in pictures...

With Sam showing interest in rolling around and using his neck muscles, we broke out the tummy time mat -- thank you, Aunt Jen!

While he did push up and check it out for a little while, it wasn't long before he passed out...

On Monday, we foolishly introduced the pacifier. I had read that some recommend that you introduce it between weeks 2 and 4, so I figured week 3 was a good bet. Yeah...he's hooked. I've created a monster! The minute it falls out, he flips out. Not cool...Luckily, he has already figured out how to use his hand to keep it in!

This is what happens when it falls out...

Ahhh...all is good in the world again...

An annoyed, but patient, big brother...

A closeup of Samuel's 3 week picture on the chair...

I finally took the time to switch out the lens so that I could get a picture of the whole chair...

This is what happens when Dad's not home to help keep him sitting upright...

Love that sweet face...

The little man is already outgrowing his going home outfit...

I know these might possibly look like abuse, but I promise they're not. Awhile back, I saw a super cute professional photograph of a newborn hanging out in his dad's ACU pocket so we thought we would see if Sam even fit. The idea was to just test it out and then later do a real shot of it if we knew it would work. In the meantime, Sam told us what he thought of this insane idea, so it's not going to happen. Oh well, it was a cute idea!

Someone fought to get out...

Then found a comfortable position...

Then on to the promotion ceremony...It took place after one of the many AIT graduations (James is the XO for an AIT company so he is in attendance at all of these)...

While shaking the hands of the new graduates, I caught him giving me a goofy look...

Waiting in the conference room for the LTC to arrive...

Slightly bummed that the guy that we asked to take our pictures didn't get any of me pinning the new rank on James, he did catch the LTC as he was telling James congrats and to give the old 1LT patch to a 2LT that he really likes...

A kiss and thank you...

Just as James was starting to thank everyone, Samuel decided that he was DONE with it all and became very vocal...

I didn't really understand James' facial expression here until he told me that the Chaplain said, "Boiler Up!" For anyone that knows the rivalry between IU (our alumni) and Purdue, they would understand such crazy talk would get a reaction, ha...

Super blurry, but it makes me smile. The 1SG and James going in for a big hug...

While James isn't a fan of working in TRADOC, I will miss this company. The CO was AWESOME about letting James off for any and ALL doctor appointments throughout my pregnancy, and the top three (James, the CO, and the 1SG) all got along really well...

Our Company Commander -- such a sweet guy!

And finally...a family picture...

Well...off to go feed the boy and head to bed...