Let's back up a week or so and that is when I realized the honeymoon is officially over. And by that, I mean we were thrown in, head first into what the life of the parents of two children is really like. Amelia, who had recently fought a virus--complete with fever, sore throat, and rash--immediately came down with a cold. Which Henry caught. Ugh.
Thankfully it wasn't THAT bad for him. But Amelia, on the other hand, sounded terrible. Nasty cough, seriously runny nose, and near the end, ridiculously enlarged tonsils.
You might be thinking that doesn't sound that bad. Sick kids? Trips to the doctor? Big deal, every parent has been there. But here's the kicker that pretty much did me in--on top of all the illness floating around our house, my sweet little lady seems to have caught a serious attitude along with her cold.
That's right, I seem to have jinxed myself. Amelia has probably spent more time in "time out" these past two weeks than she has in the time since she's turned three. Thankfully, her aggression is aimed towards me mostly and Jason at times, but never towards Henry. In fact, she can say a very rude, snotty sentence to me and then turn around in the next breath and talk sickingly sweet to little Henry (who she affectionately refers to as "Hen" or "Henny" now).
So Little Miss 'Tude and a house full of germs has made for a challenging two weeks. That, of course, combined with being stuck inside and the loss of sleep that has been adding up. And did I mention that I am again solely responsible for feeding our family again? My month long stretch of provided meals from my playgroup has sadly run out.
There is good news: Henry is still consistently sleeping in 4-5 hour stretches at night and he loves to take a 3-4 hour nap that overlaps with Amelia's naptime. Which means that we all manage naps (or at least down time) simultaneously. And, both kids also seem to be well on their way to recovering from their illnesses. And, this week has been SLIGHTLY better than last week now that Jason and I have tried to take a step back and really observe the situation with Amelia and attempt to change our interactions with her.
Amelia has assured me that my "sweet girl" is showing up tomorrow and the "mean girl" will stay home. Sigh. Good thing she is so darn cute or I'm pretty sure she would be on ebay by now.
Not too long ago, I heard someone say, "The days are long, but the years are short". Seeing Henry and Amelia next to each other each day only reinforces just how fast time goes. I am going to work on remembering that everyday--especially on these super challenging ones!
2.03.2010
2.02.2010
Charlotte and Harold
A few months ago, I thought I'd give a chapter book a try with Amelia. I chose one of my favorites, Charlotte's Web. Despite the few pictures in the book, Amelia did pretty good following the story and seemed to enjoy reading a chapter or two each day. So, imagine my excitement when I saw that the Florissant Civic Center was putting on Charlotte's Web as part of their Family Theatre Series.
That was the good news. The bad news was that given the mid-January date of the performance, I would unlikely be able to attend the play with her. Luckily she has a great daddy who took her for a special afternoon at the Civic Center to check it out. Incidentally, I remember seeing plays at the same Center as a child.
Not surprisingly, Amelia was engrossed with the play and even insisted on sticking around afterwards to get all of the cast members' autographs on her program.
After checking the Family Theatre Series schedule again, I was again delighted to see another well liked book-turned-play on the list. In February, they will be performing "Harold and the Purple Crayon".
Although I had never read this book to Amelia, it just so happened that I had a copy in the ever-growing toy/book/game area of my closet where I stockpile future birthday and Christmas presents. So out came the book and in a 24 hour period, she had requested it no fewer than 10 times. When request number 11 came, I no longer had it in me to reread the story right then, so I asked her if she'd like to draw it out on her new easel instead.
And if you know the story of Harold and the Purple Crayon, you can just about imagine how much fun we had recreating all of the scenes. If you don't know the story, I recommend giving it a look-see and THEN imagining how much fun we had recreating the scenes.
That was the good news. The bad news was that given the mid-January date of the performance, I would unlikely be able to attend the play with her. Luckily she has a great daddy who took her for a special afternoon at the Civic Center to check it out. Incidentally, I remember seeing plays at the same Center as a child.
Not surprisingly, Amelia was engrossed with the play and even insisted on sticking around afterwards to get all of the cast members' autographs on her program.
After checking the Family Theatre Series schedule again, I was again delighted to see another well liked book-turned-play on the list. In February, they will be performing "Harold and the Purple Crayon".
Although I had never read this book to Amelia, it just so happened that I had a copy in the ever-growing toy/book/game area of my closet where I stockpile future birthday and Christmas presents. So out came the book and in a 24 hour period, she had requested it no fewer than 10 times. When request number 11 came, I no longer had it in me to reread the story right then, so I asked her if she'd like to draw it out on her new easel instead.
And if you know the story of Harold and the Purple Crayon, you can just about imagine how much fun we had recreating all of the scenes. If you don't know the story, I recommend giving it a look-see and THEN imagining how much fun we had recreating the scenes.
1.31.2010
Cut!
A few of the outtakes from the Month One pictures....
Wait! What month is it?
NOT happy about being One Month
Busted trying to tickle her little brother to get him to smile.
Cute, yes, but wrong kid.
My personal favorite. He actually knocked these blocks down on his own.
1.30.2010
1.18.2010
Three Weeks In
Well, its hard to believe, but its been 3 whole weeks since little Henry joined our family. In some ways, it seems like he's been here all along. In other ways, I can almost forget he's upstairs when he's napping and it still sounds weird to me when I tell the doctor's office the name of my SON!
These last couple of weeks have been great--or at least better than expected. It pays sometimes to be a pessimist. I had envisioned a colicky baby who had trouble nursing (and sleeping for that matter). I had pictured sleepless nights and long days filled with a screaming infant. I tend to prepare myself for the worst so that I am either 1. prepared for the worst or 2. pleasantly surprised. Fortunately, in this instance, I have been pleasantly surprised.
Eating: As I have previously mentioned, Henry is a great eater. He has even taken his first bottle and despite being disgusted by the whole experience, he finished it. As best we can tell (and this involves standing on the scale, weighing ourselves and then standing on again with Henry and doing some quick math), Henry is between 10-10.5 pounds.
Sleeping: His sleep continues to come along, as well. The longest he slept this week was 5 hours and 45 minutes. He is getting REALLY close to the 6 hour stretches Amelia was doing at this age. Unfortunately most nights he sleeps in 4-4.5 stretches, anything longer comes in rare instances. Its still VERY hard for me to get up in the middle of the night to feed the little man. But, I really cannot complain because he immediately falls asleep when he's finished eating, unlike his sister who required some "shushing" and some "rocking" before returning to sleep.
Notables from the past two weeks: Henry not only enjoyed his first bottle this past week, but he also enjoyed his first "real" bath since losing his umbilical cord. And by enjoyed, I actually mean that he really did enjoy it! Despite his daddy drawing a rather chilly bath, he took it all in stride and to my knowledge didn't even pee in the water once! I think he is also trying to go for some kind of record for the number of times a kid can have hiccups in a 24 hour period--poor guy! He also seems to notice and stare at the black and white drawings Amelia and I made for him before his arrival. Maybe those Parents As Teachers people know a thing or two after all!
Medical Update: I spent a good amount of time on the phone with the pediatrician over the weekend. Amelia began complaining of a sore throat on Friday and initially, the nurse told me she didn't need to come in. I called back on Saturday morning, fearing strep, after Amelia came down with a low grade fever. Jason took her in on Saturday and the dr. confirmed that she was fighting some type of virus and that we should keep her away from Henry as best as we could. Then, Henry started showing signs of what my google search described as a blocked tear duct, so I was back on the phone with the doctor to make sure it wasn't an infection of some sort. By Monday afternoon, Amelia had developed a rash and call number 4 to the doctor was made. I am glad to report that both of my kids seem to be on the mend--although the blocked duct comes and goes.
Visitor Update: We've had lots of people come say hi to Henry during the last two week, some I've remembered to photograph and some I didn't. Great grandma and Papa Ward, Great Grandma Sinovich, Ann, Janice, Uncle Dave, both sets of grandparents, Erin and Elise, Tiffany and Todd, Susie and Natalie, and Lauren and Sienna. We've also been blessed with many visits from playgroup friends who have come bearing meals and clothes--which have been an incredible help! I even got to get out BY MYSELF over the weekend to meet a friend for lunch.
Big Sister Update: Amelia really has become the model big sister. I am so incredibly proud of my little lady who honestly could not be more head over heels in love with her little brother. Even with all of the visitors that have been coming around she makes sure everyone's hands have been sanitized and helps open all of Henry's presents. She is always willing to help with whatever we need (although it IS possible to be TOO helpful) and she can often be heard mumbling, "I love that Henry so much!' and "Isn't Henry so cute mom?".
One of the nice things about having a winter baby is having a great excuse (or many actually) not to go out---too cold/windy/wet, too many germs, roads are bad, etc. Its been a great opportunity to hang out and get to know Henry. And to my surprise it really hasn't been bad being "stuck" inside. It helps that Amelia has a whole load of new toys to play with. Its also nice that she gets to go to school two days a week to get a change of scenery.
So, that's our life in a nutshell. Nothing too exciting or flashy, but good nonetheless!
1.14.2010
Bringing the Outside In
Poor Amelia! We watched the snow come down last Wednesday night into Thursday morning, but her mean ol' mom wouldn't let her go out and play in it. Part of the problem was the newborn that NEEDS to stay inside and part of the problem were the dangerously cold wind chills in the area.
So, I remembered seeing this idea last year on my friend, Ana's, blog. While Jason was shoveling the driveway after work, I talked him into filling a rubbermaid container of the white stuff for us to play in.
With the help of some mittens and a few sand toys, this kept Amelia busy for some time. We even added some colored water with a turkey baster for added fun.
Funny that given all of the things I gave her to use to play in the snow, her favorite thing of all was to eat it!
We even made a tiny, alien-like snowman. We didn't have much to decorate him with, so we tried to use some candy to do the trick. As you can see, we were only moderately successful.
And don't feel too sorry for the little one. Once it warmed up over the weekend, Jason took Amelia sledding at the elementary school down the street. It was her first time sledding and she was quite the dare devil from what I understand. She will tell you, "I went down on my back" meaning she went down backwards a few times. Hopefully we aren't quite done with the snow and there will be more playing in the white stuff to come!
So, I remembered seeing this idea last year on my friend, Ana's, blog. While Jason was shoveling the driveway after work, I talked him into filling a rubbermaid container of the white stuff for us to play in.
With the help of some mittens and a few sand toys, this kept Amelia busy for some time. We even added some colored water with a turkey baster for added fun.
Funny that given all of the things I gave her to use to play in the snow, her favorite thing of all was to eat it!
We even made a tiny, alien-like snowman. We didn't have much to decorate him with, so we tried to use some candy to do the trick. As you can see, we were only moderately successful.
And don't feel too sorry for the little one. Once it warmed up over the weekend, Jason took Amelia sledding at the elementary school down the street. It was her first time sledding and she was quite the dare devil from what I understand. She will tell you, "I went down on my back" meaning she went down backwards a few times. Hopefully we aren't quite done with the snow and there will be more playing in the white stuff to come!
1.13.2010
The Learning Curve
Some interesting conversations have been taking place around here:
Early on, when Amelia spotted me nursing for one of the first times:
"Mom, the baby is drinking your boob!".
The other morning she came in our room and got in bed with us. She brought her "Baby (doll) Henry" and I was feeding the real Henry. She decided to unzip her footed jammies and feed her doll too. Very quietly, she said:
"I have tiny boobs and my Baby Henry has a tiny mouth!".
Amelia's teacher stopped me during pick up the other day to say that Amelia is so excited about her new baby brother. Apparently, when Amelia came into the classroom, she said, "My baby brother brought me to school today! And he's picking me up too!".
The other day at dinner time:
"I love baby Henry so much! I get so sad when he isn't here" (He's never NOT "been here").
Early on, when Amelia spotted me nursing for one of the first times:
"Mom, the baby is drinking your boob!".
The other morning she came in our room and got in bed with us. She brought her "Baby (doll) Henry" and I was feeding the real Henry. She decided to unzip her footed jammies and feed her doll too. Very quietly, she said:
"I have tiny boobs and my Baby Henry has a tiny mouth!".
Amelia's teacher stopped me during pick up the other day to say that Amelia is so excited about her new baby brother. Apparently, when Amelia came into the classroom, she said, "My baby brother brought me to school today! And he's picking me up too!".
The other day at dinner time:
"I love baby Henry so much! I get so sad when he isn't here" (He's never NOT "been here").
1.12.2010
Behind Every Great Woman...
there is a great man. Well, I know that isn't quite how the saying goes, but close enough. I feel the need to give my wonderful husband some much deserved credit for making things extra special this year.
I realize I have yet to do a post on Christmas, but I would like to share with you one of my favorite Christmas presents this year. From none other than my husband himself. I can vouch for the fact that he put many (80ish?) hours into this book. And while I kind of knew what he was doing, I never expected it to be as great as it turned out in the end.
Jason took our blog from way back in May 2006 and made it into a book. At the time, I was using a Mac website to publish the blog and when our subscription ran out we decided not to renew it. So, all of the hard work I put into the blog for 2 years was no longer available for viewing. I knew I wanted it to become a book at some point, but it wasn't super high on my priority list knowing it was going to be a huge undertaking. As I outlined in my 101 things list, my plan eventually is to have all of my blog entries made into books.
These pictures don't really do it justice, but trust me when I say it is INCREDIBLE!
The cover:
The back cover:
A sample page inside:
Seriously, its the best!
Not only did Jason decide to make Christmas super special with the blog book, he also worked his magic for my birthday. Turns out Henry and my birthdays are exactly one week apart, so you can imagine that I wasn't up for much celebrating this year. The nursing factor kept me from being able to go out and enjoy a nice dinner and since it was Jason's last day home with the family before returning to work, I really wanted something low key.
Henry surprised me by starting the morning off with an uninterrupted 4.5 hours of sleep. Then, when Amelia woke up, she and Jason headed downstairs for a secret mission. Turns out they were decorating the place with signs and streamers.
Later in the day (given Amelia's built up energy), Jason decided to take her out to Monkey Joe's to try to wear her down a bit. This was gift #2! Amelia came home and actually took a nap (gift #3!).
After she woke up, she and Jason decorated my cake. Jason was brave enough to take the giant cupcake form I got for Christmas and give it a try.
Not too bad for a guy and a three year old! (Of course Jason felt the need to put all (gulp) 31 candles on the cake for me.
And if all that wasn't enough, Jason and Amelia presented me with a frame with pictures inside that spelled out "MOM". Much like the frame I did for Jason for father's day. I really don't think it gets much cuter than this, I mean really!
(Check out the socks in this last one).
And last, but not least, I picked out this necklace long before Henry was born and sent Jason the Etsy link. It arrived on my birthday, so you know he had to work fast to get that done!
Not to get all mushy on my blog, but I am so lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life. I'll leave it at that.
I realize I have yet to do a post on Christmas, but I would like to share with you one of my favorite Christmas presents this year. From none other than my husband himself. I can vouch for the fact that he put many (80ish?) hours into this book. And while I kind of knew what he was doing, I never expected it to be as great as it turned out in the end.
Jason took our blog from way back in May 2006 and made it into a book. At the time, I was using a Mac website to publish the blog and when our subscription ran out we decided not to renew it. So, all of the hard work I put into the blog for 2 years was no longer available for viewing. I knew I wanted it to become a book at some point, but it wasn't super high on my priority list knowing it was going to be a huge undertaking. As I outlined in my 101 things list, my plan eventually is to have all of my blog entries made into books.
These pictures don't really do it justice, but trust me when I say it is INCREDIBLE!
The cover:
The back cover:
A sample page inside:
Seriously, its the best!
Not only did Jason decide to make Christmas super special with the blog book, he also worked his magic for my birthday. Turns out Henry and my birthdays are exactly one week apart, so you can imagine that I wasn't up for much celebrating this year. The nursing factor kept me from being able to go out and enjoy a nice dinner and since it was Jason's last day home with the family before returning to work, I really wanted something low key.
Henry surprised me by starting the morning off with an uninterrupted 4.5 hours of sleep. Then, when Amelia woke up, she and Jason headed downstairs for a secret mission. Turns out they were decorating the place with signs and streamers.
Later in the day (given Amelia's built up energy), Jason decided to take her out to Monkey Joe's to try to wear her down a bit. This was gift #2! Amelia came home and actually took a nap (gift #3!).
After she woke up, she and Jason decorated my cake. Jason was brave enough to take the giant cupcake form I got for Christmas and give it a try.
Not too bad for a guy and a three year old! (Of course Jason felt the need to put all (gulp) 31 candles on the cake for me.
And if all that wasn't enough, Jason and Amelia presented me with a frame with pictures inside that spelled out "MOM". Much like the frame I did for Jason for father's day. I really don't think it gets much cuter than this, I mean really!
(Check out the socks in this last one).
And last, but not least, I picked out this necklace long before Henry was born and sent Jason the Etsy link. It arrived on my birthday, so you know he had to work fast to get that done!
Not to get all mushy on my blog, but I am so lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life. I'll leave it at that.
1.07.2010
5.5
Yes, that is the number of HOURS my little boy slept last night.
You have probably heard me say that "Amelia slept through the night the first night home from the hospital". Henry isn't quite so advanced in the sleep department (nor did we think for a second that we could get so lucky twice), but I'll take 5.5 hours! It seems like during the past week he has slept anywhere from 4.5-5.5 hours at night. He then wakes up to eat and afterward goes immediately back to sleep for 3-4 hours. Woo!
Although there is one downfall to such a long stretch of sleep at night. Since we misses out on a couple of feedings at night time, I have to feed him every 1.5-2 hours during the day to make sure he gets enough. But, seriously, I am NOT complaining!
You have probably heard me say that "Amelia slept through the night the first night home from the hospital". Henry isn't quite so advanced in the sleep department (nor did we think for a second that we could get so lucky twice), but I'll take 5.5 hours! It seems like during the past week he has slept anywhere from 4.5-5.5 hours at night. He then wakes up to eat and afterward goes immediately back to sleep for 3-4 hours. Woo!
Although there is one downfall to such a long stretch of sleep at night. Since we misses out on a couple of feedings at night time, I have to feed him every 1.5-2 hours during the day to make sure he gets enough. But, seriously, I am NOT complaining!
1.05.2010
Our First Week
...as a family of four!
Without jinxing myself, I have to say that things have been relatively smooth in the transition from one kid to two. Henry has proved himself to be a good sleeper and a great eater--both things I was worried about when thinking of going back to the newborn stage. We've been getting reacquainted with explosive newborn poop and have gotten a crash course in diapering little boys.
He had his first appointment on Tuesday with the doctor and she was pleased with what she saw. For one, he has already gained back the weight he lost prior to leaving the hospital--and then some. He currently weighs in at 8 lbs, 13.5 oz. (He was 8 lbs, 3 oz when we left the hospital). Technically that means that he has gained 10.5 oz in the 4 days we've been home. Jason doesn't think that's possible, but given the amount this child nurses, I think it is.
The rest of the appointment was pretty uneventful. All looks good and I need to start him on Vitamin D drops. She commented about his good disposition after he didn't even raise an eyebrow when we undressed him and the doctor checked him all over--cold stethoscope and all.
Interestingly, I specifically remember going into Amelia's first check-up with a list of at least 10 questions/concerns (two of which were: she never cries and she sleeps too much). I didn't even HAVE a list this time and didn't think twice about taking him in by myself so that Jason could pick up Amelia from school. (I didn't go to a doctor appointment by myself with Amelia until she was like 8 months old). I hope I am that much more laid back with ALL of the parenting this time around.
And, its funny how all of a sudden I think coming home with one baby (and no older child to care for already at home) would be SO EASY.
We've been pretty much laying low this first week. We've had some visitors come to the house, but have spent most of the time getting to know Henry. And we are pleased that he seems to like his sleep as much as we do. In fact, he is really only waking up to eat once a night. Granted, this is only the first week and I'm quite sure that things can and will change at a moment's notice. But for now, we cannot complain.
And, Jason has been off work since well before his birth as well. Having him around has been so nice. I'm sure when he goes back to work, things will be running very differently than they are right now. He has been cooking, keeping the laundry caught up, and taking care of Amelia's every need. He even had to make a 4 AM run to the 24 hour Walgreens located 15 minutes from our house.
And if you are wondering how the big sister is adjusting, well, the jury is still out on that one. She is, without question, thrilled with her baby brother. She loves to "hold" him, pet him, and sing to him. She is willing to help out in any way needed. In fact, she even disposes of dirty diapers laying around without being asked to do so. She loves to pick out his clothes, help with his bath, gather necessary supplies, and "help" him play with his toys.
With that being said, she is also still out of sorts. The first few days with Henry home she wasn't napping well and by the evening she was a crazy maniac. The last 2 days, however, have been glorious. She napped each of the last two days and was a completely different child. Thankfully she doesn't seem jealous towards Henry, but she is obviously still trying to figure out what all of this means and how it affects her.
So, as they say, life is good.
Without jinxing myself, I have to say that things have been relatively smooth in the transition from one kid to two. Henry has proved himself to be a good sleeper and a great eater--both things I was worried about when thinking of going back to the newborn stage. We've been getting reacquainted with explosive newborn poop and have gotten a crash course in diapering little boys.
He had his first appointment on Tuesday with the doctor and she was pleased with what she saw. For one, he has already gained back the weight he lost prior to leaving the hospital--and then some. He currently weighs in at 8 lbs, 13.5 oz. (He was 8 lbs, 3 oz when we left the hospital). Technically that means that he has gained 10.5 oz in the 4 days we've been home. Jason doesn't think that's possible, but given the amount this child nurses, I think it is.
The rest of the appointment was pretty uneventful. All looks good and I need to start him on Vitamin D drops. She commented about his good disposition after he didn't even raise an eyebrow when we undressed him and the doctor checked him all over--cold stethoscope and all.
Interestingly, I specifically remember going into Amelia's first check-up with a list of at least 10 questions/concerns (two of which were: she never cries and she sleeps too much). I didn't even HAVE a list this time and didn't think twice about taking him in by myself so that Jason could pick up Amelia from school. (I didn't go to a doctor appointment by myself with Amelia until she was like 8 months old). I hope I am that much more laid back with ALL of the parenting this time around.
And, its funny how all of a sudden I think coming home with one baby (and no older child to care for already at home) would be SO EASY.
We've been pretty much laying low this first week. We've had some visitors come to the house, but have spent most of the time getting to know Henry. And we are pleased that he seems to like his sleep as much as we do. In fact, he is really only waking up to eat once a night. Granted, this is only the first week and I'm quite sure that things can and will change at a moment's notice. But for now, we cannot complain.
And, Jason has been off work since well before his birth as well. Having him around has been so nice. I'm sure when he goes back to work, things will be running very differently than they are right now. He has been cooking, keeping the laundry caught up, and taking care of Amelia's every need. He even had to make a 4 AM run to the 24 hour Walgreens located 15 minutes from our house.
And if you are wondering how the big sister is adjusting, well, the jury is still out on that one. She is, without question, thrilled with her baby brother. She loves to "hold" him, pet him, and sing to him. She is willing to help out in any way needed. In fact, she even disposes of dirty diapers laying around without being asked to do so. She loves to pick out his clothes, help with his bath, gather necessary supplies, and "help" him play with his toys.
With that being said, she is also still out of sorts. The first few days with Henry home she wasn't napping well and by the evening she was a crazy maniac. The last 2 days, however, have been glorious. She napped each of the last two days and was a completely different child. Thankfully she doesn't seem jealous towards Henry, but she is obviously still trying to figure out what all of this means and how it affects her.
So, as they say, life is good.
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