The Boys!

Oh, being a mom to these 2 boys has brought me so much joy, laughter, loss of sleep and worry!  I love them more than life itself and can't imagine what life was like before them.  I think I got more sleep--and I remember worrying about how I would love another child the same way I loved Rory and it's pretty magical how that all works out.  :)

Lots of things have happened in the last month.  Andrew is now 3 months old and weighs in at 12 pounds 9 ounces.  He is possibly the happiest baby I've ever met--and I'm not just saying that because I'm his mom and may be partial.  All you have to do is look at him and he smiles.  

Andrew LOVES:

To eat.

His brother; He can zero in on Rory and will watch him like a hawk.  It's free entertainment!

To talk; he is currently taking 4, 7 ounces bottles every day.  Although, last night he was super hungry and took 9 ounces.  I'm not entirely sure where he stores it all. :)

To bounce; we've already packed away the swing because this boy wants to M.O.V.E!  He's learning how to maneuver the bouncer and the exer-saucer.

To be happy;  He is just so happy all.the.time.  He smiles, laughs and a dear friend at church got him to belly laugh for the first time yesterday.  He's just happy. :)  Smiles, coughing, sneezing, lights, Rory, Jessie and windows are just a few things that make him laugh.  

Andrew DISLIKES:

His reflux medicine--I can't say I blame him.  It has helped tremendously with the spit-up, gagging and coughing.  He was hands-down the happiest baby with reflux.  

Losing his pacifier in the car.  Again, I can't blame him there.  If it wasn't for the fussiness in the car I'm not sure I would know what his cry sounded like.  

In other, yet equally exciting new, our oldest turned 5!!  Seriously, how did this happen?  I know people say it goes by fast but it really does.  "The days are long but the years are short," could not be more accurate.  He's been taking music lessons since we moved 4 years ago and graduated!  Now, he's onto piano lessons.  Crazy.  Rory loved music class, dancing and singing.  I won't be surprised if he grows up and ends up on stage in some form or another.  Comedian, maybe. 

It's odd to put these "preschool" things to rest and move on.  I think I will miss music lessons just as much as he did.  I enjoyed talking to the other moms during class, sitting on the front porch swing until he was finished.  

Rory is 42 inches tall and weighs 38 pounds.

Rory LOVES:

All things superhero and he isn't partial to one.  We equally love Spiderman, Batman, and Superman.

Legos.  

Eating cereal.  Between Rory and Josh we can be down a whole box in 2 days--I know that's only going to get worse.

Telling stories.  He can be quite dramatic and animated in his adventures.

Being outside with his Dad.  Those two can putter around in the backyard for hours.  I think it's their man time. :)

Rory DISLIKES: 

I had to ask him this because I couldn't really pick one thing but he reassured me that he does NOT like spinach.  Ha!  

This weekend, we celebrated Rory's birthday.  It was a small affair--I figure I better take advantage of the family party while I can.  Once school starts I'll have to do something bigger, I suppose.  It was as beautiful day. 

There were Chick-Fil-A nuggets (Rory's request), cake, presents, water balloons and wagon rides!  A perfect afternoon to be 5!

Between, you and me, I'm lucky there was cake that day.  I baked the cake the night before--and forgetting that the dog can now reach the counters set one layer too close to the edge. Before I knew it, half of it was gone.  (Thankfully, she is fine.  The pure cocoa wasn't enough to keep her down.)  Then, Rory kept taking chunks off of the other layer.  I improvised as best I could--and don't worry I cut off all the parts the dog touched. :)

I can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans these two are going to get into someday!  I'm sure Andrew will be right behind them!

I can't believe my oldest is 5 and the youngest is 3 months.  If time could just slow down a little and I could keep my kids little for just a big longer...Rory starts kindergarten in the fall and I know so much will change after that.  For now, I'll enjoy these moments when they are little and loving life!  I love that Rory watches out for Andrew and I hope and pray they will be best friends.

Andrew-2 Months

To the Batcave!

It's hard to believe 2 months has already gone by--and by the time I write this it's closer to 3 than 2.  Time is going fast and parents who have gone before were right--things with the second baby seem to go much faster.  

We love this little guy so much and are beyond thrilled that he is in our family!

Andrew weighs in at (a not-so-whopping) 11 pounds and 3 ounces and is 22.5 inches long.  He is in the 10th percentile for both height and weight.  I don't quite get this, though, because he can chug 24 ounces in a day like it's nothing.  He must be stashing it in a secret hiding place.  

Andrew likes:

Talking.  For the most part, he loves to have deep conversations with the ocean animals on his playmat, his Mommy, Daddy or big brother.  For most everyone else he turns stone faced and is super serious.

Being Naked.  Well, he is a boy.  He has more smiles and coos when he is wearing nothing and lounging.  He doesn't get to do it too often because you just never know what may happen!

Kicking and Punching.  His little movements are starting to look more coordinated and less herky-jerky.  He reaches for my face when I sing to him (my heart melts!), bats at his toys and is starting to reach for toys in front of him.

Andrew dislikes:

The carseat.  I haven't figured this one out yet.  He isn't hungry or tired but if we are in the car more than 15 minutes he screams and cries something awful.  Not even a pacifier works.  I'm hoping this is a phase and he will get used to it.

Other babies crying.  I have a feeling that Andrew is going to more of the sensitive type.  He rarely cries, except in the car seat (see above), BUT if he hears another baby cry his little face scrunches up, turns red and the cries start coming.  I don't know if it's an internal baby alarm or instincts but he can't take it when another baby cries. 

Andrew's milestones:

Tracking.  He can follow toys with his eyes and will watch me almost all the time.  

He is noticing artwork on the walls, ceiling fans, hanging lights.  This is great entertainment.

First giggle!!  He woke up at some point in the middle of the night because he peed through his jammies.  While I was changing him he starting talking and giggled at me.  I haven't gotten another giggle out yet but it's just right there under the surface.

Head holding abilities are almost perfected.  That little noggin can get heavy but he can hold his head up on his own most of the time.  Towards the end of the day or right before a nap he still needs some help but it won't be long and he won't need any help.

He sleeps through the night--yup, 12 hours with no feeding.  He aims to please, that one.  Don't get me wrong though--I'm still up a few times because he needs his pacifier or just wants to be held for a few minutes before conking back out.

I'm fairly certain he has auburn hair--in the sun it looks as red as Josh's but inside brown.  If I lay him on a light colored blanket or the changing table it is red...I just need it to grow a little longer to really be able to tell. :)

In no time at all he will be 3 months, and before you know it I'll be sending him off to college.  So, if time could just slow a bit that would be great.

This makes us "real" parents...

We are entering a new era of our parenthood--we officially have a swingset in our backyard!  That, among having a mini-van, has really confirmed that we are a family with littles.  Not having a swingset with one child was easy because we could just zip to the park on our bikes.  Having a baby changed that--and we found that having our own little piece of the park in our backyard advantageous.

This is how it started....looks rather daunting.

Rory was SO happy to help and be able to use tools.  I hope he remembers these memories with his Dad and Grandpa.

Rory was a tad disappointed when he realized that the swingset was going to take longer than an hour or so to complete.  He did jump right in and help out and by the end of the weekend he was swing ready!  He loves it and I love being able to walk right out the backdoor so he can play!

It's beginning to look a lot like spring!

We have been anxiously awaiting warmer weather and finally it seems "warmish" temperatures are here to stay.  In the wise words of Rory, "woot woot!"

As a Mom, I needed warmer weather for multiple reasons.  #1. Less germs which means less sickness.  We just had a flu scare at our house and Andrew was only 5 weeks.  I had the car packed in a matter of minutes and hightailed it to Cincinnati....far, far away from Josh and his flu.  Sorry sweets.  #2.  Boys need to be outside to play.  I think it may even be part of their genetic makeup.  Rory could spend hours playing in our garden, digging holes, picking up rocks, moving rocks from one pile to another.  It's his happy place.  #3.  My feet need flip flops.

This weekend we did some visiting in our former stomping grounds.  It was a lot of fun!

Andrew had his first playdate with his new cousin.  Joanna younger by just a week.  It's been fun to share pregnancy notes with her Mom and now baby notes!  We couldn't get either baby to grasp the seriousness of their first photo shoot together.  Ha!  Joanna wasn't happy and Andrew seemed confused!

After that, we headed to see Josh's grandparents.  It was great to visit--and show Andrew off.  Andrew and Rory are one of many great grandchildren on this side.  

It was beautiful and sunny out--so Great Grandpa, or as Rory refers to him as "Great Shaw" offered a gator ride.  Rory doesn't need to be offered that twice!  So, the boys (less Andrew), took the gator out for a ride.

The next day, we went to Kings Island.  We spent most of the day like this....

Somehow, we managed to get in everyone's favorite ride except one.  Rory is such a daring one...He loves roller coasters and he doesn't get that from me!  If he was tall enough to ride, he got on.  He loved it--just giggled the whole way and after the ride would dance and jiggle around with excitement.  It was as if he physically could not keep his excitement in!

My job at Kings Island is to be the keeper of wallets, sunglasses, hats and other apparel that might fall off.  It's ok--I really enjoy watching other people have fun.  I'm not a roller coaster type of person!  Andrew and I are in the below picture--believe it or not, he is there!  I would not have considered myself the baby "wearing" type but I'm a believer now!  He was warm and dry in his pouch and it was so much easier than getting him in and out of the stroller, and worrying about keeping him warm on a chilly, damp day.

At the end of the day, we had ice cream and then headed home to warm up and dry out.

Andrew-1 month

It's hard to believe that our new little guy has been with us for a month!  Where has the time gone?  Slow down...sheesh!

Andrew is quite the sweetie weighing in at 9 pounds and 9 ounces and 21 inches long.  He's in the 23% percentile for size--except for his nogin which comes in at the 78% percentile.  Rory had a big head too.  It must be genetics.

Big accomplisments:-He is tracking toys or people with his eyes.
-Can hold his head up moderately well.  The doctor was impressed since his head is big. :)
-Longest stretch at night: 4 glorious hours!


What he likes:
-Cuddling, who can blame him?
-Skin-to-Skin.  I think skin-to-skin is like crack for babies.  They LOVE it.  When I hold Andrew on my chest he will kick his little feet until he has firmly face planted in my neck.  He's happy there.
-Watching Rory bee-bop around the house.
-Wall colors and anything hanging from the ceiling.
-His pacifier.


What he doesn't like:
-Not sure yet--he eats, sleeps and poops just like a newborn should.

Andrew James

I wanted to get this out of my head before I forget it altogether.  Andrew's arrival was only somewhat eventful because he came a little earlier than expected!

Rory was born at 39 weeks and 4 days, Andrew decided to up the ante and was born at 38 weeks and 4 days.  I had a repeat c-section scheduled for March 2nd but it wasn't going to happen.

The past month or so I had been dealing with the typical pregnancy insomnia.  I'd wake up around 2:30am every morning and lay there for a few hours before drifting back to sleep.  I had decided no more of that--I was just going to get up and do some laundry, read, or waddle around the house getting something done.

I'm certain Andrew's arrival starts on February 26th, which is my birthday.  I was hoping for a little birthday buddy...little did I know how close it would actually come.  We spent Thursday night with our Life Group from church--an amazing group of people we wouldn't trade for the world.  That night had been particularly funny and we all laughed until we cried.  I remember sitting there thinking, "It would be so funny if my water broke here at the kitchen table!"  After a solid hour of laughing, we left our group to go home...and I remember feeling a ton of pressure.

At 2:30 that morning I woke up, nothing new there.  I decided to grab a snack and catch up on a few shows I had dvr'd.  Josh had bought me chocolate chip bagels with cream cheese from Panera (my fav!!) for my birthday the day before.  Rory didn't eat all his so it seemed appropriate to polish off the rest.  Who would know? Ha!

At 3:30 I thought I should lay back down and as I was walking to put my dishes in the sink, I felt that rush...my water had broken.  My first thought was, "Shoot--I just ate a bagel!"  Rory came via c section and Andrew was scheduled to come that way, which means no eating or drinking at least 8 hours before hand.  I had no idea how this would influence the rest of my day!

We arrived at the hospital around 5:30 where the nurses confirmed my water had broken.  I explained that I had eaten a bagel before my water had broken--it went in my chart and every nurse thereafter, during shift changes explained to the next nurse, I had, indeed, eaten a bagel.  How embarrassing!  I felt the need to explain that I had eaten before my water had broke.

Huge thank you to Aunt Sue for coming to stay with Rory that morning and huge thanks to my parents who came up early to help out and watch Rory.

Due to the bagel...I had to wait 8 hours from the time I ate it so I wasn't scheduled to go to surgery until 10:00.  We had hours to kill...literally.  We watched the Today show in triage...and then we were moved to recovery because triage was getting full.  It was kind of a bummer because there are no TVs there.  Josh had packed the iPad so we pulled up Netflix and watched Ragamuffin.  (A great movie if you are a Rich Mullins fan.)

9:00am...The time was getting close, so Josh double checked the camera to make sure it was working--and it was until he checked it.  Our camera was great but it was old so during Josh's check one of the tiny little metal pins that attached to the flash card broke.  Ah!  We had an hour to go and if I thought Josh had time, I would have sent him to buy a camera.  We were so bummed--I say this only so you understand why our pictures are kind of stinky the first day.

Just a few minutes after 10:00am I was being wheeled into the OR.  It's such a weird feeling being so awake and alert, hearing all the noise and chatter, smelling disinfectant and cleanliness.  I was super nervous about the spinal--I didn't like the feeling (I can't imagine who would) but overall it went great and I can't complain.  At 10:43, Andrew James was born!  He weighed in at 7 pounds 6 ounces and 20.5 inches long.  (He actually didn't have a name until we were in recovery awhile!)  When I first saw him, I couldn't help but think he looked just like Rory.  It's amazing to have 2 little boys!

Yes, sadly, this is the best picture we have.

I think Rory was pretty in awe of all the goings and happenings at the hospital.  This was not long after we were settled in our room.  I actually, don't remember this at all.  I'm fairly certain I was given some pretty hefty painkillers, so the rest of the afternoon is quite a blur.

Enjoying a round or two of Go Fish while the babe sleeps.   

This is one of my favorite pictures--Andrew looks like a little Cabbage Patch doll to me.  So sweet.

Thus far, being a mom of 2 is about as challenging as I expected it to be.  I know once we get a good rhythm down and everyone starts sleeping more things will be smooth sailing.  Rory seems to enjoy Andrew...always makes sure he has a blanket or a pacifier and wants to help out by feeding or holding him.  By no means do I want to wish time away, but I am curious to see how the relationship between these two blossom.

Welcome to the family Andrew James!

When We Become 4...

So, I'd be dishonest if I said I'm not nervous about bringing baby #2 into this world.  I was really pulling for today because I thought it would be fun to have a little birthday buddy, especially if this baby is a girl.  Can you imagine the birthday mani/pedi's for years to come?

Anyway, I'm nervous.  People do this all the time and it's totally normal.  It's just that our family doesn't do this all the time.  We've been a family of 3 almost as long as a family of 2.

Rory was born just 5 days shy of our 5th wedding anniversary.  (Oh gracious, look how young we look!)

Rory will be 3 months shy of 5 when his little brother or sister comes.

We have a good system going here and we've had 5 years to perfect it.  I've jokingly told people this little one is going to rock Rory's world but I think it's going to rock ours just as much!  (In a grand and wonderful way!)

Rory is nearly independent with most basic things.  He can go to the bathroom by himself.  I've strategically placed healthy snacks and drinks where he can get to them on his own.  With Josh's work schedule we are quite independent.  If we want to go do something the two of us load up in the car and go.  We are done with sippy cups, diapers, formula, etc and now we are starting back at square one.  Our original intention was not to space our children so far apart but then life happens and you have to go with it.  I've heard from LOTS of mothers that the 5 year age gap is wonderful, though.  I'll keep you posted. :)

Please don't mistake me--we are beyond thrilled about this new arrival and would not have it any other way.  I'm just nervous about the logistics.  How does 1 mom get 2 kids in the car?  How does 1 mom take a shower with 2 kids to keep an eye on?  How does 1 mom go grocery shopping with 2 kids in the cart?  How does....my list could really go on and on.  It must be possible because parents do it with 2 and then go on to have 3 or 4.

Just in pregnancy alone quite a bit has changed in 5 years.  I've been doing "kick counts" which is essentially making sure the baby moves at least 10 times in a one hour period twice a day.  It's fun--I've really gotten to know the movements of this little one and I may have another soccer player on my hands!  I don't remember doing that before though.  The vitamins are different.  Recommended vaccines are different.  Lunch meat has now been added to the list of things you aren't "supposed" to eat.  (**Do you know how bad I want a turkey sandwich?**)  BUT, babies are still the same, right?!?!

For now, I think it's one of those things that you can't know until you experience it.  As first time moms, of course, we hear all the advice from moms who have "been there done that."  While we, the first time moms, take it to heart it's not really something you can fully understand until that baby is in your arms.   With Rory I was afraid he wouldn't like us or his living accommodations.  I was afraid he would be bored and not have any fun with me and Josh.  Irrational fears, yes, but, hey, first time moms think of these things.  In the end, he loves us, loves his room, his family and appears to be having a grand time at life!   It must be the same way with baby #2.

Moms keep saying--you never think you can love the second baby like your first but then when the baby gets here, you just do.  It's something right now I can't begin to wrap my brain around but in the days ahead I will.  Our family will be growing by one but our love is going to multiply!  Oh, what an adventure this will be!  So, Josh and I are trying are best to push the nerves and anxious energy aside and get ready for this new chapter in life.

Back on the Grid!

Well, well, well....a lot has happened in the last 6 months so I kind of fell off the blogging/journaling grid.  I'm back now--all is well.  Not that anything bad happened just busy with lots of life and things kept breaking around our house.

So, since June...let me see.  The biggest and most exciting news is we found out that we are expecting baby #2!  We are thrilled to say the least.  I found out in early July after a week of church camp.  I was SO tired all week and figured I was recovering from strep throat.  Turns out bambino was already on board!  At this point, baby could and may be here any day.  My official due date is March 9th but I am oh, so ready!  We chose not to find out if we are having a boy or girl so the excitement of not knowing is what is keeping me going this last little bit.  38 weeks and counting....  I never think I look tired until I see myself in a picture.  Haha!

We went to Disney with my family in September--it was awesome!  It was beyond thrilling to see Rory so excited at the rides and characters.  He loved the nighttime parade--actually, he loved everything and so did we.  It was a blast and we will go back in 4 years or so when baby is old enough to enjoy it.  Rory said his favorite ride was Splash Mountain--he wasn't afraid at all!

In other news, I had been working 2 part time jobs and am now just working 1.  I (meaning Josh and I both) panicked about it at first but I really think it was the best thing.  God knows what He is doing and I'm thankful for that!  I love spending my mornings with Rory, dropping him off and picking him up from preschool....I've been able to sign up to help with parties and field trips in his classroom.  So much fun and something I thought I would never be able to do.  He still thinks it's cool for me to be around so I need to take advantage of this while I can.

So, the real reason I haven't blogged in oh, 6 months?  Our computer broke!  Ah!!  Yes, it took us 6 months+ to replace it but now with phones and iPads you can do almost anything.  BUT, I do all of our record keeping in Excel so I was getting desperate for an adequate replacement.  Our dryer broke and cars kept needing fixing so we had to divert computer funds elsewhere.  We bit the bullet and invested the funds.  Hopefully, this computer will last another 9 years like our old one did! : )

Hope all is well with you and yours--and I'm glad to be back to blogging!