4 months!

• At your 4 month check up you were 17 lbs. 6 oz and 27 1/2 inches long. You're still super tall, but not off the charts for weight anymore.
• You are such a happy baby and love to smile and laugh. Your siblings get you laughing by playing peek a boo or being silly.
• You love attention and give big smiles to anyone who will make eye contact and talk to you, and you often treat them with some happy squeals as you talk back.
• You enjoy playing on your play mat even more, and spend a little more alone time there. You like to reach and hit the toys and talk to them or yourself in the mirror. Bonus when you can get a toy into your mouth. I love when you use your feet to help get it to your mouth.
• You are liking toys more, as long as you can eat them.
• You love chewing on mom's teething necklaces and cry if you let it go and it falls out of your mouth.
• You like to eat your hands, or anyone else's hands.
• You can now reach your feet to play with them.
• You're sleeping in your own room now in the pack n play, but still not sleeping great. You've had nights where you only wake up at 4 am, and other nights where you're up every 1-2 hours. I'm so tired. Sometimes you end up back in our room, but you're getting too long for your bed in there.
• You still like to be swaddled and use a binky to fall asleep.
• You don't like to be held or sleep on us on your belly to our chest anymore. Haven't for a few months, I guess. You prefer to be swaddled up and cradled, with your face nuzzled in my arm and your belly to me. Then I pat your back.
• You won't take a bottle. Totally my fault for not offering it enough, but it isn't really a big deal. I forgot, or was too lazy, to pump and do bottles, then when I tried, you were pretty mad about that idea.
• You are super loved by your siblings and when I put you down, they will pick you up or come chat and play with you and love on you.
• You're always reaching for my food and watching my mouth when I eat.
• You're wearing 3-6 month clothes and size 2 diapers still.
• You still love baths and kicking and splashing.
• You like to blow spit bubbles and soak your shirts in spit and drool.
• You're interested in whatever is happening and are very alert and watching all the noises, mostly your brothers. You can't nurse if it's noisy and constantly whip around to see what's happening.
• You rolled from your tummy to your back! It kinda seemed like an accident at first, but then you kept doing it!
• You're just the best and we love you to pieces!

3 months

• You sweet sweet boy! You love to coo and talk and smile and are starting to laugh. You're just the cutest and sweetest thing. You also like to wave your arms and kick your legs more as you talk to us or your toys.
• You like people and will give a big smile to almost anyone who looks at you and talks to you. Your siblings especially love talking to you.
• You're starting to like playing under your activity gym and reaching for the toys. You especially love reaching and grabbing the octopus toy, or checking yourself out in the mirror.
• You've discovered that you can shove your hands in your mouth and love chewing on them. I love how you stare at them slowly as you move them to your mouth. You also love to grab and suck on mom's fingers, and growl as you chow down.
• You like the bath and kick and splash.
• You're wearing 3-6 month clothes and size 2 diapers.
• You've enjoyed going for rides in your stroller and usually fall right to sleep. 
• You still like to be held in the moby wrap too.
• You've totally regressed on your sleep and I'm so tired! You stopped that long stretch you used to give me and wake up often in the night again. Daylight savings threw you off too, and you don't want to fall back asleep after 5 am. And sometimes in the night you take forever to fall back to sleep. I put you down asleep, and you wake right up. I lay by you with my hand on your chest and sometimes that helps you fall back to sleep. Sometimes you end up snuggled by me. You turn your head right into me and fall right to sleep. I love the sweet snuggles, but don't sleep great because I'm worried about your breathing with your face there.
• You are a pretty decent napper. Some days I feel like you want to be held the whole time and pop up as soon as I lay you down. Others, you'll go down and sleep for a few hours, then nurse when you wake up.
• You got your first cold. Luckily, it wasn't bad. Just a little cough and stuffy nose we'd have to suction sometimes, mostly in the morning. It may have contributed to your sleep regression.
• I love snuggling you to sleep, you turn your head right into my arm or chest so your face is against me. You suck on your binky until you fall asleep, then you pop it out of your mouth.
• You love to sit up. You will do little crunches to try to lean yourself forward, or get to me to nurse. You're super happy when we sit you up. You like to be on our laps where you can see the face of who's holding you and you reward us with a big smile.
• You like to be held holding up too, so you can look all around. Your neck is strong to hold your head up great.
• You're still on an eat play nap schedule. I haven't counted how many naps you take in a day, but you get fussy when you're tired, then eat when you wake up, then have your awake time. Sometimes you nap for an hour or more in your bed in my room. Other days you'll sleep in my arms, and wake up anytime I put you down. Some days, if I have the time, I'll hold you as long as I can to just enjoy you.
• Your goopy eye is gone! That's the best thing ever! You hated me wiping it all the time, and I hated seeing you wake up with your eye glued shut. I'm not even sure when it happened, but one day, I just realized it'd been about a week since I'd had to wipe it.
• You're already growing too fast and I wish I could freeze time to keep you my little snuggly baby forever.

2 months

• My favorite thing about you is how you "talk to" and coo to me. It's the sweetest thing. It's when you're happy, usually after a nap and feeding, that you stare at me. You'll make eye contact and smile your biggest smile, then stick your neck up and say "ooh" and talk to me. Your smile is so cute, then add in your sweet cooing, and your cute little tongue will stick out, and it's the highlight of my day. I love when you smile and talk to me.
• You became my favorite baby when you slept great too! I've been going to sleep earlier while dad and you snuggle in the living room until your first feeding, about 11 or 12. Well, that feeding started getting later and later, sometimes 1 am! Then we got the rock n play and you apparently love that, because one night you slept there until 4:30 am! You had a 6 hour stretch of sleep! It was glorious and I couldn't fall asleep right after because I wasn't used to that much sleep. So by about 6-7 weeks, you were pretty consistently waking up around 4am to eat, then up for the morning around 6ish. Even in your bassinet in my room, not just in the rock n play.
• You went to the doctor and are 14 lbs 4 oz and 25 1/2 inches long. 90th percentile for weight, and off the charts for height.
• You had your first shots and screamed, but calmed down quickly and had no other symptoms. Your brothers got their flu shots at your appointment and were absolutely hysterical. You did much better than they did!
• You like baths now, and like stretching in the water.
• You're wearing 0-3 month clothes, but are too tall for the pajamas and had to start wearing 3-6 month.
• You're in size 2 diapers.
• You are constantly loved on and smothered with kisses and hugs and being snuggled.
• You were blessed! 
• You met many new relatives and cousins at your blessing, then later in the month at Grandma Hancock's 90th birthday party. You were passed around meeting all your great aunts and some cousins.
• You also went on your first vacation, to Capital Reef and Grand Staircase/Escalante. You were great in the car, and great in the Ergo carrier as we hiked. You also slept well in the hotel in your rock n play.

Blessed

You got to share a special day today! McKynlee was getting baptized and we decided to combine your special days so the family could all come on that one day.
It was a Saturday evening. You were blessed after her baptism and confirmation by your dad. In the circle were your Grandpa Nielsen, Uncle Todd Nielsen, Uncle Taylor Salisbury, Uncle Jason Ashby, and Uncle Ken Scott.
With your siblings, I was totally on top of things and took notes during the blessing so I could remember what was said. I failed with yours and was so sad! It was a crazy time, with a small baby and getting ready for McKynlee's baptism too. I totally forgot to have something to write on. Then the day was hectic and crazy and as soon as the blessing began, I realized that. I did my best to remember what was said, but know I don't remember it all. You were blessed to be a kind and loving presence in our family. To follow the example of your siblings and be an example. And to someday serve a mission and marry in the temple if you choose.
Oh Colby, I'm so sad I can't remember it all! It was a wonderful blessing. I love you so much and can't imagine our family without you. I loved showing you off to everyone who hadn't met you yet. You met the Ashbys and sat with them for McKynlee's baptism portion. And you met Aunt Melisa and cousin Savannah too. And the Nielsen family, Todd and Haylee's boys. Also there were the Salisburys, Garcias, Scotts, and both your grandparents. Plus our sweet neighbor, Phyllis Ball, and some other ward members.
We went out to dinner after with the Nielsen family to China Platter. You were smothered in kisses by your cousin Grace the whole time. She couldn't keep her face out of your car seat! You nursed and slept most of the time, so not everyone got a chance to hold you who wanted to, but at least they all got to see you!

1 Month old

This month flew by! Here's a few things to remember about you.

• Your first weeks, you rarely cried. You grunted a bit when hungry, but didn't cry. You'd mostly just turn your head and open your mouth to search for food. The times you did cry was when you were getting your diaper changed or getting a bath. You do not like to be naked or wiped down!
• You love to be snuggled and held.
• You eat every 2-3 hours all day and night. You're a great nurser.
• You've slept in your co-sleeper by my bed, but not often. I either fall asleep with you on my chest when I burp you, or I swaddle you and lay you next to me. You sleep so much longer, a full 2-3 hours, if you're being held. You only sleep an hour or less in your bed.
• You don't like the swing.
• You smiled! Right about at the 1 month mark. There were times leading up to it that you started to curl your lips and I thought it was coming. The first time I can remember a full blown smile was when you were exactly 1 month. We were at McKynlee's tumbling and you had just finished eating. You were on my lap looking up at me and we made eye contact. Your mouth spread into the biggest smile and my heart exploded! Now everyone loves trying to make eye contact with you to get you to smile. It's the cutest thing.
• You like to be swaddled and use the binky to fall asleep.
• You are loved and spoiled and constantly being held, and then smothered by sibling kisses. They fight over you and kiss your hair and get you sticky.
• You're a big boy. At your 2 week check up, you were 10 lbs. 3 oz., almost 1 pound over your birth weight. You've continued to grow and grow since then. You're in size 3 month clothes, and size 1 diapers.

Your birth story

It's hard to tell your birth story without adding in a bit of Miles' at first, because his made me so worried about yours. His was so fast, and he was so big, I was convinced you'd come just as fast, or faster. So that changed how we approached things. I wasn't too worried about your size, since I delivered your brother with no complications. But I still hoped you weren't as big, and according to 36 week ultrasounds, you weren't going to be too big. I think you were around 6 lbs on the ultrasound, so we were guessing about 8lbs.
I was seeing the same midwife who delivered Miles, Laura Zaugg. She's amazing. She had advised I not travel too far the last couple weeks before your due date, which was August 19, because of how fast my previous delivery had been. She also gave me her cell phone number so that I could call her when I was on my way to the hospital, so that she'd make it in time. At 36 weeks, I was dilated to a 2. At 38 weeks, I was dilated to a 3 and 80% effaced, but was hoping you'd stay in a bit longer because McKynlee had just gotten strep throat that day. The next week, at 39 weeks, I was still at a 3. Laura stripped my membranes (which hadn't worked with Brady-it was too early, but had worked with Miles). I had some contractions that night, but nothing big and I could tell it wasn't going to work, so I went to bed not too helpful. That was a Thursday, and I went all weekend with nothing. I asked about induction, and Laura was willing to do one Saturday if I hadn't gone into labor, but she knew I didn't want to and she didn't push it. Then I passed my Sunday due date and was pretty frustrated, since I'd never gone over before. I had an appointment Tuesday. I was dilated to a 4 and 80-90% effaced. She was surprised you hadn't come yet! We debated the membrane sweep because school was starting the next day and I wanted to either be able to take the kids, or have dad free to take them, not be in labor. Laura's kids were starting that day too. I asked about the odds of you coming that night with a membrane sweep and she thought it would work so we tried it. We also scheduled an induction for Saturday if you hadn't come by then, but we were pretty sure you would come on your own. It didn't work! Come Wednesday morning, I walked the kids up the hill to school for their first day. On Thursday, I was panicking that I would need the induction, and I really didn't want to be induced! I wanted you to come on your own when you were ready. I was also hating everyone at this point, because of all the texts and comments about why I hadn't had you yet, and how anxious everyone else was. I was obviously also anxious and excited for you to come! And tired of being pregnant! I called Laura to cancel the induction, but I still needed to go in Sunday for a non-stress test since I'd be 41 weeks.
Luckily, my water broke at 3:00 in the morning on Friday! I woke up dad and jumped out of bed to the bathroom. I didn't even care it was the middle of the night, I was so dang happy! I was just excited you were coming, and on your own timing, I couldn't stop smiling. Dad called Grandma B to come over, and then Laura to let her know we were on our way. That's when I realized my contractions weren't really painful at all yet. We hurried over anyway. I wasn't hungry at all, so I just ate a quick granola bar is all. We were checked in and settled before 4:00. I hadn't wanted monitoring because it was so painful to lie down with Miles' labor, but I wasn't in any pain and was happy to be monitored and hear your heartbeat. It was great to just lie there and listen to that rythym and know you were good in there. My contractions were 5 minutes apart and not at all painful and I was still dilated to a 4. Laura came a bit later and noticed I wasn't going nearly as fast this time, so she headed home to sleep. After they'd monitored me long enough, we started walking. Lakeview Hospital only has the one hallway in Labor and Delivery, so it was super boring pacing that same thing over and over again. And my contractions didn't intensify at all, although I was still gushing water. I came back after awhile for more monitoring and nothing was really changing. They switched me to a wireless monitor that was great and I sat and bounced on the birthing ball for awhile, but that didn't get anything going either. I gave up around 8:00 am because I was so tired and laid down to rest. Dad and I were amazed that it was progressing so slowly because we expected it to be more like Miles' birth. Between 9 and 9:30 the contractions were a bit more painful so I called the nurses like they'd asked me to. She said that Laura had suggested I take half a cytotec to get things going. I asked if it'd be anything like pitocin, because if so, I didn't want it. I didn't want anything that was going to put me into too much unnecessary pain because I didn't want the epidural. She said it wouldn't make contractions harder, but would hopefully make things pick up. I decided to take it. The contractions were already a bit more painful and I was bouncing on the birthing ball while your dad rubbed my back and did counter pressure during contractions. By 9:45, I asked to get into the tub to ease the pain and did. I loved it! I had wanted to do this with all my previous births, but never did. It felt so good to be in the hot water. Laura came around this time. Your dad had been sitting by me and holding my hand, then Laura came and sat by me for awhile. I was so proud of myself during this part because the contractions got painful, but I was getting through them really well. I was able to keep my body totally relaxed in the water. I was in no pain in between and could talk and such, but once they started, it was intense. I would either stare straight forward, or close my eyes, and just breathe through them as I focused on relaxing my whole body. I kept my arms and legs and every muscle just relaxed and I just focused on getting through the contraction. I remember telling your dad after one that I really hated it, but I was still doing ok. Laura turned off the lights and that helped too. I just had my eyes closed and kinda went into my own world for a bit. In between contractions, I kinda felt a floating sensation, it's hard to explain. But I was so proud of myself and how I was handling the pain. Laura left at one point to check on a postpartum patient, and dad came back by my side. The pain got bad enough I started to moan through each contraction. It was like what I'd read about in books about natural labor, where instinct takes over. It was just a low moan that helped me get through each contraction. After several of those, I told your dad to get a nurse in there or get Laura back because I was afraid I'd have a baby soon. Laura came in and the contractions were now close together and I was feeling a lot of pressure. She and my nurse, Mary Ann, were ready to get me out, but it took a few contractions since I'd stop moving to moan through it. As they were drying me off to get to the bed, a big contraction came and I kinda squatted into it and Laura applied counter pressure to my hips that felt so good! I walked to the bed and Laura said I could get into any position I wanted. I just chose my side because that's how I'd birthed Miles and it was fine. I remember asking Dad what time it was. I realize now it wasn't important, but I needed to know how long I'd been laboring I guess. It was 10:46. Laura told me to push whenever I felt the urge and I began to push the next contraction. This part was hard. The first push moved you down quite a bit, but now you were crowning and that hurt! I wasn't at all controlled anymore at this point. I was panicking now because it hurt so much and I couldn't do anything. I'd push, but didn't last long each push. Laura and Mary Ann kept telling me to hold my breath, but I felt like I was and didn't know how to fix it. I really wasn't, though, and would lose momentum in the middle of each push and freak out. Your dad was in front of me, holding my hands. Mary Ann was holding up my leg and pushing on my back for counter pressure. When they'd coach me to push, I just screamed at Laura to pull you out! She couldn't, but I didn't know that. I wasn't being rational. I remember thinking each push that your head would just pop out soon and I'd be relieved. It took several contractions which felt like forever. I didn't think you'd ever be born. Your head finally came, then I continued to push for your body. Then I saw this purple boy, with so many rolls! Laura exclaimed that I had another big baby, and Mary Ann was admiring your rolls. The other nurses came to wipe you off quick and suction you as they lifted my gown and placed you on me for immediate skin to skin. I was so glad to be done and overjoyed to have you here! You were born at 10:57, so all that panic and stress and pain of pushing only lasted 11 minutes! After several minutes, Dad cut your cord. They had to lift you off of me for a bit to do that. Then right back on my chest. I held you as Laura delivered the placenta, which came easily, but was a little painful again. You seemed to be searching for milk, so I asked if I could nurse you. Your nurses asked if they could just check you real quick and then I could. Part of me wishes I had said no. My favorite moments with Miles were the hours before I let anyone take him, but I also knew their checks would be fast. So I let you go to them and Dad got several pictures. They announced your measurements, 9 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long. Laura needed to give me a few stitches, but I asked her to wait until I had you in my arms again and she did. The checks probably took 5 minutes is all. I was excited to hold you again and got in a more comfortable position to nurse you. You latched on immediately and with a perfect latch! Your nursed from both sides for over an hour total and were perfectly happy and content. I loved holding you as your nursed and it was just so perfect. I was immediately in love with you and didn't want to share you with dad, but he didn't mind and let me have my time. He was texting family and friends to share the great news. When you finished nursing, we got some pics on our phones to text out. We had taken pics already, but just on the camera. Then I let Dad have a turn to hold you as I ate my lunch. A bit later, the nurses helped me get to the bathroom to get cleaned up. School was getting out soon, so Grandma and Grandpa were bringing your siblings to meet you. We have that all on video. I was holding you and they came to my bed and were so excited to see you! Then they took turns holding you. We told them we'd decided on Colby for sure. They knew that before you were born, but I wasn't convinced yet. I knew I needed to meet you before I for sure named you. Even then, I was only 99% sure, but it has stuck since then and I love your name now. They came to the hospital several times and fought over who got to hold you, so we had to set timers. You were so wanted and so loved in our family, we are just thrilled to have you here! 8 hours of labor and the 11 minutes of pushing were worth every second of pain to bring you here! We love you, Colby!