Christmas Trains!

In the past, Rory and Dad have always gone to see the train display each year.  With Rory in school, we decided to take Andrew out to have some one on one parent time.  Rory and Dad have a date set to go back just the two of them soon.







Our train display, is set up at the library downtown.  I've never been and it was an amazing building--so beautiful! Andrew enjoyed the trains--and we ended up being there at just the right time for preschool story time.  We had lots of fun!  The trains were pretty amazing--a very detailed set up!

I think, as parents, we've enjoyed creating and maintaining these simple traditions for our children.  We want them to look back and think of the fun things we did as a family.  Memories are much more precious than things.

...and sometimes...on the car ride home, you just need to hold your mama's hand. :) Love this sweet boy!  (For the record, I was not driving!)

Veteran's Day

We've always taught Rory to be respectful, especially of our veterans.  It's because of their sacrifices that we have freedom today.  This year Rory was so excited to bring "his veteran" to school!  I didn't get to attend but it sounds like a nice breakfast and then a ceremony.

Happy Veteran's Day to all who have served!

Elliot

Elliot.  The sweet little baby we will never meet here but will be in our hearts forever.

We found out in July that our family was growing and that we would soon be a party of 5.  We were thrilled!!  It took us a little while to decide whether or not we we would have another baby so we were beyond excited!  My first ob appointment was scheduled for mid August.  

The first 8 weeks of pregnancy went relatively well comparing my pregnancies with Rory and Andrew. I confided in a few friends that I was a little worried because my symptoms weren't very strong.  I wasn't that tired and only slightly nauseous occasionally.  It surely meant that I was having a girl since the symptoms were different.  

Josh and I were liked two giddy kids in a toy store at our first appointment but our hopes were quickly dashed. As soon as the ultrasound picture flashed I knew something wasn't right.  At 8 weeks, our baby should have looked like a little gummy bear but he wasn't.  Our doctor was serious but hopefully because we could see a heartbeat.  Elliot was measuring a solid 2 weeks behind.  We had a 50/50 shot; either my dates were wrong or this baby would not grow.  I was scheduled to come back in a week to measure growth.  

It was the longest week of my life.

Our next appointment would be one of the worst days of my life.  Elliot had not grown at all and there was no longer a heartbeat.  It's likely he/she died not too long after we saw him.  I just felt broken.  I wept.  I had grown 2 babies before so what was different now.    My doctor and her entire office were so compassionate.  I wouldn't have made it through that moment without them.

After trying to let my body miscarry on it's own, trying medicine to start the process, I ultimately had a d&c.  It was such a weird day.  I was looking forward to the sleep the medicine would bring because it had been weeks since I had decent night sleep but also hating it would be the last day Elliot would be with me. 

I'm beyond grateful for my amazing doctor, family and friends that stepped into support our family.  There were days I was truly getting by on the prayers of other people said on my behalf. 

In order for me to heal, I felt a strong desire to give our baby a name.  I had recently taken Rory to see the movie Pete's Dragon and fell in love with the name Elliot.  I knew it was the name for our baby.  That was before I knew anything was wrong.   I had read the book Heaven is For Real, and the boy described children there who were still waiting for names from their parents.  I didn't want our baby waiting for a name and it brought me healing to have a name and say it aloud.   Josh and I planted a tree in our backyard as memorial.  We call it "Elliot's Tree."  It is a maple and has beautiful bright red leaves in the fall.  I foresee many family pictures in front of Elliot's Tree.  I enjoy looking out at our backyard, seeing the swing set the boys play on and Elliot's tree just a few feet away.  

 

 

Miscarriage is a silent tragedy and produces silent grief.  It's not an experience that people talk about but it very common.  I was beyond blessed that I literally had a team of people rally around me and support me.  Even though it's been two months to the day, those people haven't left me.  It's a hurt that stays in your heart and doesn't go away.  I'm thankful that the hope we have ensures that someday we will meet Elliot and see his sweet little face.  

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.