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Leon and I are sure we want this baby. We're considering the reality of it and the unknown. ( Genetics) Our 3 biggest worries: sickle cell, ducheme muscular dystrophy, and hemophila.
Sickle Cell: Can block blood flow
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: causes muscle weakness
Hemophilia: Can cause excessive bleeding.

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We are most concerned about these genetic disorders because we want a physically active kid, just like we  are. So I'll be bummed especially if we have to worry about Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sickle Cell anemia means we could reproduce a carrier. Hemophillia causes swollen joints and pain which wouldn't help our childs activeness.

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Resulting in these worries, we would get genetic screenings done. After, or even before the sceenings (if possible,) we would get genetic counseling, maybe study various disorders, and pick up on resources and have them in mind just in case.

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So after genetic testing, we felt even more comfortable with our decision to have a baby! We went through with it, so far we have not many concerns these days, healthy baby according to ultrasound, we've been seeing the doctor on a regular, and appointments are now every 2weeks. Meaning BIRTH PLAN TIME!

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Honestly we haven't had to think too hard on the birthing route we're taking. It'll be straight to the hospital for us! It's the traditional way and how every other woman in my family have done it.

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A doula would be nice for the extra support, but that's a no for us. As far as C-sections, I don't think women actually plan those. I hear the recovery is smoother for those who give birth naturally, vaginally. Also if there are any complications at home for a home or water birth I wouldn't have to deal with that since we'd already be at the hospital. We are #TEAMHOSPITALBIRTH

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Ah! I finally have my perfect little family with no worries. Baby boy  Lamar perfectly completes our family. I have been working PRN working since birth, so I've had lots of time to devote to baby Lamar. He sees my face most of the time but he also goes to daycare PRN and he has since 6 weeks so he gets to see other faces. I believe since he has been able to see all these faces and learn other people, he's began experience dependent learning, being able to see the different qualities and characteristics of other people.
In our time at home, I get all the time to nurture him. I sing and read to him to hear my voice. We are pretty much on a schedule. So we have a set time of the day where it's cuddle time and I hold him just because. He needs this nurturing because we read that it could reduce stress hormone levels and anxiety. Leon and I have a schedule and set times because we want him to have an easier time at daycare , not being held. This is also because we want to give him time to move around and learn new things independently. Not only do we put in the time to give him nurturing, we also try to give him excitement. We play music, sing, have light up toys, take walks, and more.  When going to sleep we sometimes give him soothing music to listen to such as Jazz or lullabys. We don't do it all the time because we like when it's nice and quiet to fall asleep so we give that same courtesy to our son. We have read and we believe that music stimulates the mind, brain development. All these things we have read that will help in the development of the body and brain, which the plasticity is lifelong.

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Scream crying and smiles were as far as communication went between baby Lamar and his mommy and daddy. Now i'm hearing all the words from my precious boy! Although he hasn't always been able to SAY what he feels and what he wants, he's surely made sure we figure it out. It was his way of telling us something without actually "telling" us. I was just looking back at memories of the videos of him at about 3 months smiling and cooing, it was just so cute! From pointing to what he wants with little not understanding sounds to saying, "please" for what he wants. It's just amazing. When he was 10 months he was at the age where he got to try new foods and snacks, so often he'd go to the pantry and point and raise his arms for me to pick him up that's how I knew he wanted a snack. By 12 months he was pretty much able to say "eat." 18 months, it's, "snack, cup, please, up, Paw Paw," and much more. Any situations we are in, I'll talk to Lamar and so he can hear and recognize things.
Books are Lamar's favorite right now. I've always read him books even when he was just a newborn. He listens. Leon and I have always been good about talking to Lamar , even when he couldn't quite understand everything we we're saying or why.  Lamar goes to daycare where they encourage sign language at the infant stage. Still using our voices a lot, talking to him, we started to go along with the sign language in the earlier stages for simple things.
Lamar is taught a lot by my husband and I, but we can't take all the credit, his teachers do a lot. Really repeatedly talking, reading singing from 12m- 2yrs has really made an impact on his language development. As we read in a book, "Repetition strengthens associations." Lamar is highly verbal I believe because he listens and hear our voices he's learned that he has a voice of his own to use.

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Sad to say, but my ability to express emotions is lacking. I feel that it's affecting baby Lamar. Of course, when I'm happy and expressing that he can read me and he's able to do that same thing. He feeds off of my joy and unfortunately he feeds off my lack of joy. Even though he's so young he still feels when I show a lack of expression. Reading magazines, I learned babies need synchrony from their parents. It develops a social bond and it's a sort of learning experience. To show synchrony we start making time out of every day to devote to Lamar and we all go into his playroom and let him explore and get into all the fun things. At this time he has our undivided attention. Showing how interested we are in what he has and what he wants to show us. We make sure to show more expression to his reactions, we try to acknowledge the things that excite him. I think Lamar will be better at social and emotional skills in situations.

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Now that we are through the postpartum phase of life, we are able to focus more on our baby boy's journey of growth. Not only is he growing mentally and getting smarter by the day, he is also physically sprouting! Yes we've noticed the typical, "normal" capabilities such as walking and crawling, but those in between motor skills are growing. A little highlight of Lamar's journey (from what I recall).
2-3: Lamar was 3 months away from being 2 when he first started walking the steps. I can remember back when he was just crawling the steps and it's like it happened overnight.
3-4: I can remember the first time we tried a trampoline with him, all he could do was make himself stay in place on all fours. Well after a few birthday parties and trips to elevate he's now able to jump with both feet on the trampoline, still showing improved balance.
4-5: So of course, we're supposed to brush our teeth 3 times a day! Lamar and his fine motor skills at this point are through the roof! He is now able to brush his teeth performing correct circular motion. (With some of Mama's help!) He was dedicated to teeth brushing and even got offended when one of us wanted to help him. I also noticed his fine motor skills were getting better by all the projects that were sent home from pre-school, coloring entire pages, and cutting shapes out... I am still impressed by his growth.

5-6: Not only were his fine motor skills drastically changing.. his gross motor skills were expanding. Summer time is our favorite! We get to play ball, swim, and just enjoy the outdoors in general. We often practice baseball. I discovered he's a wonderful pitcher. He will throw the ball and it goes right where he intended, sometimes beyond! The ball goes over the fence sometimes, me letting him explore and try new things, I started letting him climb the fence to shag his balls. He successfully climbs the fence at this age I love it! He gets the freedom to explore and discover, we take every opportunity to make that happen when necessary. Both sides of the brain correlate with these motor skills.