Sophie First Trip and First Thanksgiving

Sophie’s First Trip and First Thanksgiving

What a wonderful and fun weekend we had with Brandi and Mark!! I was nervous about making the 6-7 hour car ride with the kids, but couldn’t be more proud of them than I am. They were so good!! Did someone steal my kids?! I mean seriously. I would never have expected this.

DEPARTING- WEDNESDAY

We started the trip Wednesday around 12. Of course we were aiming for 8-9am, but unexpected plans the night before and, of course, the normal delays in getting out the door kept us from leaving on time. Both kids feel asleep in the first hour, slept for a couple of hours. Then Jack woke up and I spent some time with him playing Old MacDonald (which animal is which?) on the iphone and watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We had one quick rest area stop and a stop at Wendys for a snack. Not too bad. We made it to Brandi’s around 7pm and had some pizza with them. We slept in twin beds, Jack with Tom and Sophie with Mom. We had a pack and play, but of course, the kids wake up and want to be with us. So into Tom’s bed Jack goes. I wake up in the middle of the night and Jack is on the floor crying. Great. He rolled off. How could tom possible let this happen?! I put him in bed with me, and Sophie Bear, and hang onto dear life in the 2 inches I have. Try to sleep. Next thing I know jack is not in bed. Crap. I hear him next to the bed. I reach under the bed and feel a leg. I pull him out and he is holding a hula hoop. Really?! Oh geez. Back into bed he comes. The next night we will push together the twins… J

Thanksgiving

The next day Brandi showed us around Staunton, which is a beautiful town. It was sunny and almost 60, so she took us to a great little park. Jack slid down the slides, Sophie swung and Jack fed the ducks and noticed every dog in the park. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner prepared by Brandi, Mark and Josh. We snacked a little and then dinner was at 6ish. This was Sophie’s first Thanksgiving! She was moving around in her walker and snacking on baby food sweet potatoes. I let her try some real sweet potatoes too! She loved them! The kids were very good, considering all Jack wanted to do was watch Mickey.

FRIDAY

On Friday, we got up and went to Monticello. We arrived around 11 and our tour was not until 110pm. So we walked up the trail (.8 miles upward 200 feet, nice suggestion Tom!) and it was very warm, 70 degrees. It was a beautiful day. No coats needed and sunshine. Absolutely perfect. Jack wandered around the vineyard and gardens and ran around wearing himself out. By the time the tour started, he was exhausted (and so was Sophie). Sophie nursed briefly and passed out in her sling (seriously, I love this sling) and Jack passed out in Tom’s arms. We did the whole hour tour with two sleeping babies in our arms. Good thing there were a couple of chairs to sit in. J Afterwards, we went to the café to have snacks and bought some souvenirs.  We got tshirts, a magnet (which I still have yet to see since we made it home…), a Thomas Jefferson book for Jack and a picture for the wall. Jack was not allowed to have the cute bunny puppet. Come on dad, it was ONLY 22 dollars. J For the record, I said he could have it. Jack wasn’t eating much by now and seemed chilled. I knew he was starting to get a fever. We drove through Charlottesville and the University of VA. Tom would love for Jack to go there and it was a beautiful campus. When we got home Tom went out and bought a thermometer. Jack had a fever of 103.6!! Yikes! Guess dinner plans are off, leftovers it is. Good thing they were delish leftovers! J I called the pediatrician since we had never had a fever this high! Just fluids and monitor… and it started to come down.

 

SATURDAY

On Saturday, Jack didn’t want to do the trolley tour (which was awesome!) and didn’t want to eat at the lunch café. Such a shame because it was the most beautiful and cute little town. He wasn’t feeling well and had a fever. Totally fair. The meds were helping, but I know he didn’t feel good. It was a nice day and some fresh air is always good for him, but he still was sick. I could have explored it all afternoon and shopped in the little shops. The kids were too young… and impossible with two. Next time. There are a million cute little restaurants that I am dying to try. Again, fun for another time. Just couldn’t do with the kids.  We left around 530pm and we were home around 1130. Jack watched about 5 hours of Mickey Mouse on the iphone and Sophie Bear slept the whole time. It was actually a breeze. I can’t believe Jack stayed up the whole trip! When we got home, jack had a fever of 103 under the arm. Yikes again. Meds. Bath. Bed. He was in bed by 1am. Agh. But the fever went down… then it was in the 100s by Sunday and gone by Monday. His appetite was down Monday/Tues but came back yesterday. His schedule returned yesterday. I was so proud of the kids. I would never have thought this trip was possible. And they were so good. Makes me want to plan another one… I am getting brave and considering Orlando. J

Sophie- 5 months

Sophie is growing out of her 6 months clothes and her legs seem long. She suddenly seems big. Somehow I need to make it one more month in these 6 month clothes so that she can get 9 month clothes for xmas.. She laughs when we tickle her. She eats all kinds of baby foods and loves it! She would eat more if we would let her. Her little bird mouth opens whenever she sees food. She really wants whatever Tom and I are eating. She was trying to eat pasta and a slurpie recently. She smiles all the time. We hit a huge milestone this weekend at Grandma Reda’s 75^th birthday at Red Lobster. Sophie was passed around at dinner and (gasp!!!) let other people hold her!!!!!!! Yes. Other people – like my mom, Gigi and Aunt Lisa were all allowed to hold her. Yippee Soph! Your getting so big. No teeth, but lots of drooling.

Jack – 19.5 months

Jack is growing fast too. He has a few new words. Poop, which he will happily point out to us. Wow. Which the first time he said he repeated after Tom. I was changing Jack’s diaper and it was so stinky that Tom said, WOW. And then Jack repeated. It was hilarious. He also says Ooo Weee. And Go Away. Go Away is so clear and funny. He said it to Santa’s helper last night. He gave Santa a high five and waved bye bye. Jack was very interested in the trucks and bridges on the trip. He loves xmas lights and always points them out to us with a “hee hee!!!”. He also was pretty impressed with Papa’s music CD and seemed to recognize Papa. When it was on he was happy, between songs, he was mad. Try explaining tracks to a 1 year old. He is pretty caught up on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse right now. That is the next habit to break.

No more bottle, no more binky!

Jack (19th mths)

On 10/31/11, we went for Jack’s 18 month visit and Sophie’s 4 month visit. The doctor suggested that by Jack’s next appointment, we get rid of the bottle and the binky. I thought to myself, yah right. Impossible. This isn’t going to happen. But I thought ok, that’s 6 months. Plenty of time. Tom and I decided to start with the bottle. He was taking 3-4 a day. One in the morning, one at naptime, and one at bedtime.… and then usually one more random one in there. We also used the bottle to calm him down in a pinch. We often carried a bottle with us, just in case. A tailgate, the restaurant… you never know when you might need something to pacify him quick. So we deleted the morning bottle. Not so bad. He didn’t even notice and we just fed him immediately and there was no change. Then we deleted any extra bottles. Soon, he was falling asleep in the car for a nap without the bottle. Tom stopped giving him the bottle at naptime. The first day he cried for 20 minutes… then 10, then 5. A normal fuss before nap/bed time is less than 5 minutes. It’s working! Then we would distract at night. We would watch movies and have popcorn, thus forgetting about the bottle. Within a week, he was bottle free. Really? It was that easy?!

So 11/12- 2 weeks later… I thought, ok, I can do the binky. My motivator was his lack of talking. I want this kid to start communicating. Tom and I agreed that we could go down to nap and bedtime. The first day was Saturday. There was a fit when we took it away, but we quickly redirected. Tom would take Jack up to his room and “have a talk”. They would talk about “big boys”, they would talk about the day, they would talk about the trees outside, they would talk about the leaves… they would talk about everything. Eventually he would forget and life would resume. A couple of times, he would remember and go to the countertop where we keep the binkys and point to the countertop with his caveman grunt. “Unnhhh! Unhhh!” and we would just say no and redirect. The tantrums were short lived (less than 5 minutes) and he often moved on to something else really quick. “Do you want to play baseball? Do you want to go for a walk?” We were giving the binky at nap and bedtime, but this seemed to make it harder. He remembered the binky and didn’t want to give up the binky when he woke up. So Tom didn’t give him at naptime.. and again, within 2 days he was over it. We can even say the word without any trouble. Are you kidding me? This kid was attached to this binky and had it in his mouth 90% of the day. I can’t believe it was that easy. I am confused by myself to admit that I think I miss it. I don’t understand myself. I can’t believe my little boy is growing up. He seems older now. He jabbers more. We have 2 new words… Ball and Poop. Yep. Poop. And that was an exciting one because it has new sounds. J We have ah, and eee, and now oooop. I never would have thought I would be THAT excited for the word “poop”.

Jack also is working on “going to class”. I signed him up for jumpbunch classes and he didn’t seem to like it at first. He wanted to play in the gym and pointed to the door. For the third class, I went with him and we left Daddy and Sophie at home. I was able to show him the gym area and that it was for “big people”, not little people. And there were no toys set up. Then I asked him if he wanted to go to class, and he took my hand and we walked to class. He didn’t cry at all! He played with his silly snake, and popped bubbles and smiled when he got his stamp. He threw the ball at the bullseye and shared with out kids. I was so proud of my little man! What a big boy. We are working on story time at the library… he just has too much energy to sit still.

Sophie (5 mths)

Sophie now stands in her walker and enjoys a new view of the house. She can see so much more and enjoys watching her big brother. She laughs at him and watches his EVERY move. I love her deep little laugh. I tickle her thighs and she cackles. She also has begun squealing. She must be happy to hear her voice, because she is CONSTANTLY squealing and screaming.

She has begun eating solids… she has tried carrots, peas, peaches and pears. We mix some rice cereal into the food and let her pig out. She didn’t like it at all at first, but has quickly caught up. I think having a full belly helps her sleep better. She is settling into 3 naps a day, and Tom is working on her routine. Jack naps firmly at 1 and is in bed firmly at 9/930 pm. We are working on 10am, 2pm and maybe a 5ish nap for her. She goes to bed easily at 8 or 9 pm and sleeps… oh, I don’t know how long. Since she always comes into my bed to nurse, the time varies. Sometimes I feel like she nurses all night. I am constantly lifting up my shirt, and flipping her from side to side to alternate sides. Sometimes I think she just stays on for hours while we sleep. How I love cuddling with her in bed. I love her nuzzled up against me in a little ball in my stomach. I love when she falls asleep nursing and I just want to hold her forever in the evening. I never want to put her down. Sometimes we both just fall asleep and end up together all night. Other nights, I lay her down drowsy to get her used to her bed. She seems to like it. She too will cry for less than 5 minutes and fall asleep. That seems to be our rule. We put them in bed and give them 5-10 minutes. I can’t think of the last time that we gave in and had to go get them… it always works.

I am still the only person that can hold Sophie, with the exception of Tom. Every now and then, someone can hold her for 5 minutes, but then she realizes I am missing and begins to fuss, which quickly turns into an all out protest. If I am holding her, she is content and watches the world going on around her. I love holding her and I secretly don’t mind that she prefers me. I love being the one to hold her and know that she is perfectly content and feels safe with Mama. It won’t be long and then she will be up and running around like her brother. I am cherishing these moments of her sitting calmly in my lap soaking up the world. I melt when she tilts her head 180 degrees to look up at me and smiles, knowing that Mommy is right there. I melt when I come home from work and she sees me for the first time. A huge toothless gummy smile spreads over her face and takes over her whole body when she realizes its me. It’s the best feeling in the whole world. I wish I could “come home” 100 times a day.

Also, just for a point of reference, our 2001 Moms and Preggos page has BLOWN UP and become a full fledged addiction. Katie Hills and I created a group/forum for mothers and pregnant moms to share info and ask questions. It has become so much fun, and I hate to say that I am addicted. So much that I had to get an iphone to keep up……. J

What to write about? Jack 18.5 mths, Sophie 4.5 mths

I usually like to take one day or one event, and write about that. I have been home for 2 weeks now, between jobs, and with the whole family (since Tom is staying at home right now). I can't believe I can't come up with a single funny event to turn into a story or one that I want to spend the whole blog on.  But I feel like I have to blog because Sophie is changing so much. She is laughing now and she just tried cereal. Also, we have been so busy and on the go, and things are changing so fast.  Since I've been home (I start Nationwide on Monday) I have really enjoyed the time with the kids. The weather has been gorgeous- 60s every day. We did our family pictures, we've done a nature walk at Big Darby Creek where we saw the bison, a snake and a catapillar. We have been to numerous playgrounds and to the mall. We've been out for pizza with Nana and buddy, and we've built a playroom and fixed up the office. We went trick or treating with Molly and Mac and lounged around the house. We've watched several disney movies in bed and I've watched Jack eat (read: spill) popcorn in the bed while we watched the movies. We have been to Gigi and Papa's for the buckeyes game and papas birthday. We let Jack stay at Gigi and Papas, and we went out to breakfast with just Sophie (who slept the whole time). We visited Gma Mary and Jack took to her and cuddled with her. We've been to the zoo and the pumpkin festival. We rode the merry go round at the pumpkin festival and the zoo. It was Sophie's first zoo trip and first Merry Go Round. We've carved pumpkins. We learned that Jack has been overtired, and we have enforced a naptime. He now naps at 12 or 1 very strictly and goes to bed around 9- hoping this makes him less grouchy. There is a possibility that he is teething... and we know that Sophie is teething. We are working on decreasing the bottle for Jack (just nap and bedtime) and introducing baby cereal to Sophie. Last night was the first time and she hated it. She cringed and shivered with each bite. Today I mixed with BMilk and she seemed to take better to it. She isn't as "hungry" as Jack. Jack was reaching for the spoon and pulling it into his mouth. She has her lips sealed. She could do without. Sophie still clings to me and perfers that I hold her. If she is with me, she is in a good mood. Hand her over and she cries. Hand her back, and she stops. Shes the little girl I ALWAYS wanted, and can never get rid of. ;) We got her walker back from Cousin Maliya (who is now walking) and Sophie seems to like the new view from her walker and exersaucer. She can see everything going on around her. She likes to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse- just like her brother. And she likes to watch him run around and around. He totally entertains her. One night, he was running in circles around and around her, and she was laughing and laughing. This deep little belly laugh, huh huh huh! its the cutest and sweetest sound I have ever heard. She first laughed on a swing at the playground near Mimi and Pappys house. She was laughing everytime she came close to me. Then she laughed and repeated after me. The third laugh was for Jack. And sometimes she laughs at her toys. Jack is starting to develop some words... we think he says Jack (ahck), Daddy (daaa dee), Doggie (dawg gee), Grass (graaa), Car, Uh huh, Toe Toe (but we don't know exactly what that is- might be Papa).  Mommy is close... I say Ma Ma Ma and he says Ba Ba Ba. Ok- I'll take it. :) I am excited to start my new job and new journey with a new company. The kids seem happy and are growing faster than I can imagine. I love our new playroom, because I thought I wouldn't have to look at toys 24/7. As I say that, our closet was just emptied and there are about 30 pairs of shoes on the floor, all of the tupperware is out in the kitchen, and the entire "living room" toy box has been scattered on the floor. I wonder what winter will bring us with no ability to go outside. And I am beginning to plan for our annual Friends Thanksgiving dinner. Life is good.

Lindsey's 29th Bday Weekend, Jack 18 mths, Sophie 3.5 Mths

What a wonderful weekend followed by a wonderful birthday….

Friday

Friday evening we spent lounging around the house chit chatting with Maggie. We were trying to make it to the Coffman/Darby HS football game, but never did get out of the house. After Daddy cutting his hair and Mayas, then pizza, then a glass of wine… then packing up the diaper bag and dressing the kids warm, it was suddenly 830. Didn’t seem worth it anymore, so we just decided to stay home.

Saturday

The next morning we went to Leeds Pumpkin Farm. We had so much fun as a family! We got up early to go to breakfast before. We went to Panera. Jack didn’t like the bagel or the egg or the ham that we offered him… but he did want to eat Daddy’s chips. Chips for breakfast. Whatever. So we head out to the farm. It was such a gorgeous day. Started out about 65 and sunny and kept get warmer throughout the day. We ended up rolling up our jeans later. Sophie rode happily in the bjorn the whole time, and I nursed her here and there throughout the day. Jack loved the banana bus train ride. The first time, Daddy tried to ride it with Jack, but Daddy wouldn’t fit in. So I passed Sophie off to Daddy, and hopped in. It just makes a little loop around the farm, and goes down by the pond. The second time, we let Jack ride the ride himself. He did great! He totally got that he had to stay seated and buckled in, and he just held the wheel the whole time. Boy!!! Did he love that ride! Again, and again and again. But there was always a line. He didn’t quite understand that he had to wait in line. But he was always pleased when it was his turn again. We also played on the haystacks and went down the slide. I don’t think Jack liked getting his little hands covered in hay! We had snacks and cookies and an Elmo cupcake. We fed the goats.. sort of. Jack liked the black goat for some reason. Haha! Maybe because it was different or looked like his dogs?! I don’t know! Then Daddy and Jack rode the peddle carts. Hard work for Daddy. Then Mommy took Jack down the tube slide with the potato sack. Someone should have warned me that they waxed the tube… because we went flying down! We slide right over the landing mat and then almost onto my face! Jack wanted to do this several times too! We looked at pumpkins, but they were pretty expensive, so we passed this year. Jack fell asleep on the way home in the car and so did Soph. Mom stopped at Giant Eagle and Dad stayed in the car with the kids.  Soph was awake most of the pumpkin farm, so she took a HUGE nap in the afternoon. She slept from about 230 to 530. Jack woke up when we tried to transition him into the house, so he only slept about an hour. Dad made his “steak and shake” chili and mom made some buffalo dip. Our family arrived around 630 and we started to eat! Tom set up a TV out back and some people watched the game inside. We watched the buckeyes lose… and celebrated my birthday as a family. Jack pushed and pushed to stay up as long as he could… he went to bed around 1030. Sophie went to bed easily at 9:00.

Sunday

Got up early again to go to the Italian festival. We were hoping to make it right as it opened so that we could come home for a Jack nap, but ended up staying all day! We had so much fun. Another gorgeous fall day. Upper 70’s and partly cloudy. Got up around 7 or 730 and were trying to meet Nana and Buddy at 10. Met Nana and Buddy at Panera at 1030…. (we are taking a break from McD’s… gross!) Jack took a tiny nap in the car…. Then off to the Italian festival and some more kiddie rides. Jack rode the swing and the train. He really liked the train ride and the swing. We tried a bouncy house but he was a little too little for it. He didn’t quite get it. We went and saw the worlds largest meatball. Then we sat around for a bit and all had a glass of wine. And then another. J The high school bands played and Jack danced. Sophie watched the cheerleaders. There were other babies there and everyone commented on how precious and how cute Sophie was. I must agree. She was looking cute that day!! We had some Italian food and left around 530pm. Went home and saw all the neighbor kids. Jack napped a tiny bit in the car again, but we knew he was tired. I decided to do the kids baths and lay in bed with them. Baths were done around 7 or 730 and Jack and I laid together. I popped some popcorn and we watch Tangled (Disney’s Repunzel). My last memory of the weekend is Jack laying there with a popcorn bowl in his lap, and his sippy cup to his side. He was fixated on the movie, and just kept popping that popcorn in his mouth with his tiny little hand. It was so wonderful to all be laying together. Sophie on one side and Jack on the other. And then we all fell asleep….

My Birthday

My birthday was funny this year. Seemed like everyone knew it was my birthday and I felt so special. IT started with a 630am text from Maggie, and I almost forgot my birthday. Boy, was I wrong. Even Tom remembered right away… which is unusual. My 9 year old neighbor and her mom yelled Happy Birthday from the school bus stop on my way out. I asked, how did you know? It’s her mom’s birthday as well. J Then a co worker yelled Happy Birthday upon arriving. Then my boss said Happy Birthday- and we are not facebook friends. And then my co worker emailed happy birthday from maternity leave. We had a new person on board that day, so we all went out to lunch at my favorite restaurant downtown, Due Amici. Since it was the new guys first day, lunch was picked up. Awesome. Then the happy birthdays continued throughout the day. Hung out with the kids for a bit and went to Bonefish, another one of my favorites, for dinner. It was such a good day!

JACK

Jack just said Daddy- finally!!! He has not really gone up to Tom and said, “Daddy” but he does repeat it after us. It’s so cute. Daad dee! Daad dee! I say he can call me Daddy too if he wants to. He still does a lot of grunting and pointing, but we get the idea. He is always holding Sophie’s hand and he likes to be the “big brother”.

SOPHIE

Sophie has changed so much! She has great head control and can stand in our laps. She loves to look around. She is happy in the outward facing bjorn. She was happy at both outings this weekend. As long as I had my hooter hider I can nurse her anytime she needs. The hooter hider is only to make other people less uncomfortable, I am comfortable nursing anywhere and any time. I don’t care who sees! And you can’t see anything anyways. She can go about 2-3 hours now between nurses and it doesn’t seem to be the center of the world. She is such a smiley and happy baby these days. I just melt on that huge toothless gummy smile! And it comes so often. She smiles at Tom and me. She smiled for Grandma Donna and Lucy all weekend. I think a laugh is close. Sometimes a little sound will escape when she smiles huge. She is also SOOO drooly. Could teeth be in her future? It seems so early, I don’t know. Jack was closer to 6 mths for his first tooth, but she is approaching 4 mths. FOUR MONTHS! I can’t even believe its been that long. She will be eating cereal here shortly… oh the changes! I am excited for Halloween and trick or treat this year. And I am also excited about Christmas. Ooh, one thing at a time, Linds.

4th Wedding Anniversary- Jack 17 mths, Sophie 3 mths

Background:
9.21.11
Wendesday, the day before our anniversary, we are bickering in the morning. I do more than you, no you don’t, why don’t you do this, your not helping… you know, the usual. I leave work mad. Daddy texts later in the day, “Start over?”. “Yes” and we are forgiven. Daddy spends all day working on the lawn and getting it ready- since of course- it died this summer. Why are we cursed with the crappiest lawn in the neighborhood? I don’t know… maybe because we have 2 babies in barely 2 years that we are trying to take care of. Sorry- the lawn falls down the priority totem pole. Anyways- we are trying to fix it so Tom has called the lawn care people to help. Of course he has 3 days of work to do in 1 day. So we call Gigi and Papa to come help with the kids. They stay all day. I arrive home barely at 6, and we are expecting guests. I pick up a pizza on the way home and have a good time with Dani and Matt, our friends that just got married. Jack screams most of the night- he’s tired. Sophie is good and doesn’t eat a whole ton. She is her happy self, as long as I am holding or touching or talking to her in some way. Don’t leave my sight Mommy.

9:29 Put Jack in his bed, he’s crying.

9:31 Jack stops crying and is asleep.

9:45 Sophie falls asleep and I hold her on my chest.

9: 50 Watch Teen Mom (haha, I know, I am a sucker!) and laugh about the kids talking. Bentley says, “Smart boy!!” mocking his mom and we crack up. Seriously- is Jack ever going to start talking?!

 Thursday, 9.22.11

12:00 Tom says “Happy anniversary” and we pass out. (Yes…)

5:14 Sophie awakes. Mommy feeds.

5:45 Jack awakes. Daddy shushes back to sleep.

5:55 Jack awakes. Daddy shushes back to sleep.

6:00 Mommy places Sophie back in her bed… just a little more sleep kids… plleeeasse.

6:05 Jack awakes. Daddy shushes back to sleep. Mommy gets up to get a bottle. I am going to sleep just a little more… please? Give’s Jack his bottle, he drifts back to sleep.

7:00 Sophie awakes. Nurses.

7:15 Mommy showers and gets ready really fast.

7:51 The lawn care people arrive- early. They are supposed to be here at 8, and Tom has things to do before they start. Awesome. Tom heads out to do some last minute things on the lawn. Hands over naked Jack to me and leaves Sophie on the bed. Good thing I am basically ready.

8:00 Gigi arrives. Mommy picks out clothes, brings down Sophie. Jack is at the top of the stairs, in jean shorts and no shirt, screaming with clenched fists. He doesn’t want to walk down the stairs. Carry me Mama!!!

8:06  Mom is picking up a tad (compulsive! I can’t help it!!), changing Sophie’s diaper, packing lunch, packing pump bottles, showing Gigi where the food is for the day. Jack is looking out every window in the house- he wants to go outside and mow with daddy. Alright, I am officially late.

8:10 Jack is screaming and pointing out the windows. He really REALLY wants to go outside with Daddy. Seriously Mommy, I just want to mow the lawn. I can’t help you honey, I am late.

8:14 Jack brings his shoes and shirt to Mommy. His face begs, please can I go outside with Daddy?

8:15 Mommy is basically ready and takes Jack out for a minute to see Daddy and the “tractors” in our yard doing the lawn work. Daddy is mowing and finishing up (nothing like the last minute huh? So daddy…) Jack points to his mower and then to the sidewalk (by squatting and bending over and actually touching it). Put the mower here Mommy. Jack is pretend mowing the sidewalk and happy as a clam. I know I am late, but have accepted.

8:20 Mommy goes in to get her cell phone, Daddy is basically done. Someone needs to watch Jack. Check in on Sophie- out the door. I am late.

8:25 Mommy is trying to leave, trying to get into the car. Where’s Daddy? He’s in the house, grabbing the doggies collars. Need to make sure the electric fence is working. He can’t walk around though, grass clipping’s everywhere. Gigi comes to the rescue. Jack is outside still mowing… I am late.

8:27 Daddy is back, Mommy gets in car. Jack SCREAMS. He wants to drive the car. He doesn’t want Mommy to leave! He’s behind the car, with his mower, screaming. His fists are clenched, straight down at his sides, and his binky wobbling in his mouth. Daddy is talking to lawn care people. Someone needs to get this kid out of the way. I walk over and pick him up. I love you baby. … I am late.

8:28 Mommy hugs Jack, hands Jack to Daddy. Daddy kisses Mommy real quick. Daddy, “Happy Anniversary Mama, see you tonight”. Me: *Smile*. “See you tonight”. *Sigh*.  I drive away with Gigi and Sophie in the window, waving. Oh man, I am late.

9:11  Mommy arrives seriously late to work.

9-5:20 ish – Long and busy day at work.

5:55 Arrive home from work. Daddy, Jack and Sophie are waiting on the porch.

7:30 Arrive at the restaurant. Jack is passed from Gigi, to Papa, to Pappy. Sophie is asleep.

8:00 Glass of wine for Mommy. J Daddy’s turn with Jack. Jack wants to walk around, wants to go to the car. Sophie is sleeping.

8:30 Papa is done eating, Papa’s turn with Jack. Can Jack drive the car? Daddy eats. Sophie is still sleeping. Glass two for Mommy. :)

9:00 Dinner is done, head home. Sophie is awake and happy. Jack is tired and grumpy. Mommy and Daddy are happy. Fun anniversary with the whole (and I mean WHOLE family!).

After two weeks of Mommy going back to work, and right around the 3 mth mark... Sophie has changed so much. She is holding up her head really well and likes to look around at things. She is entertained by the TV and Jack. She now faces out in the bjorn. She can go 2-3 hours without nursing and actually being a happy baby. She still seriously favors Tom and I, and will not let many other people hold her... especially if we are in the room. Its like a movie- I hand her over to my mom, Lucy or Gma and she cries. I take her back, and she stops. She is still playing favorites. She also smiles all the time and coos. It is absolutely the sweetest sound i have ever heard. Oooh, oooh, ooooooh she says. She works so hard to form her lips into a little "o". Every now and then a little laugh or squeal escapes when she smiles (eeh!) and it is so adorable. I love this sound. I need to video tape it...

Jack is a busy busy boy. He seriously can wear out 5 adults. Dinners are difficult because he wants to get down and walk all around. He really really doesnt want to sit any where for any length of time. He also LOVEs the car. He always wants to drive it. Wherever we are- he knows his way back to the car. At the tailgates, he starts heading in the direction of the car. At polaris mall, we were hanging out in the play area and he ran all the way back to california pizza kitchen and right back to our exact table. How in the world did he know that?! Well he did... Words seem closer than ever now. He is trying to form his lips to say words. He asks us what EVERYTHING is. He uses his grunts and points to boss us around. Still no real words that I can understand... everything still sounds like caaaa to me. But he knows what just about everything is. I am just waiting for this kid to say "mama". Come on!!! Mama!!! I know it is just going to start flooding out his mouth soon...

Things are good. We are back into the swing of mom back to work. Making dinner at night.. and starting to get used to it being dark early. Ugh. Not sure how we are going to survive this winter... Jack LOVES the outdoors. He has melt downs when he cant go out. Poor thing. This weekend we are going to the pumpkin patch, weather permitting. Thats all for now!

To go please?!?! Sophie 11 weeks, Jack 16.5 mths

Last friday we went out to dinner as a family. It was the first time we totally bailed on our situation. Tom came home and was looking nice. He had a new outfit on- his birthday outfit. A new WHITE shirt, cute tie and new pants. He was looking and feeling good so we decided to try to go out to dinner. Jack had taken a late nap and I grabbed my hooter hider to get Sophie through the dinner. Tom decides not to change and to keep his nice outfit on since he is lookin' good. Sophie is a little fussy in the car, but we've been here before. I can make it with the hooter hider. We did call ahead seating so just a few minutes. Jack is running around like a mad man... but again, we've made it past this before. Especially if he's hungry, he will settle down when the food comes. In less than 5 minutes our buzzer goes off- nice. As any parent knows you don't have precious time to wait on a table. We sit down in the back of the restaurant. We call it the "kiddie section" because every time we go to texas roadhouse with the kids we end up in this section with other families. That helps so we can all annoy each other. Plus, our kids can look at each other, and you get sympathetic looks instead of glares when your child is screaming. Then the problems start. Its about 90 degrees in the restaurant. Tom is BOILING in his pants and long sleeves. Jack is starving and in a bad mood. Oh... and then Sophie decides shes hungry. We are in a small, tight booth, but I get her out and put her on my lap. Using my hooter hider, I begin to nurse her. My hands are tied now with her. Then Jack starts. Peanuts, rolls, ketchup, menus, salt. He is grabbing peanuts and eating them whole. Then he wants ketchup. KETCHUP!!!! I mean NOW. Ketchup. OK. So we give him ketchup. He wants to dip EVERYTHING in the ketchup. Rolls, peanuts, his hands. Wait? Why does he need to dip? He can just eat it straight up. Salt shaker? Oooh, this is fun. Shake, shake, shake. All over. Menus, thrown at me, at dad. He wants down. Grabbing daddy, with ketchup hands on Tom's new white shirt. Dad is sweating, boiling. Patience is lower when you are SOOOO hot. We get our salads. Ok, food is here, he should calm down. WRONG. He wants to walk, he wants to get up. He doesn't want to look at the little girl next to us. I sit Sophie down. Want to sit with Mommy? Ok. He lays his head on my shoulder. Maybe hes tired. Sophie starts crying. Jack is done cuddling after three minutes. Disaster. We can't eat. We are fighting both kids. I need to hold Sophie again. Dad is avoiding Jack's ketchup hands like the plague. Jack is impatient. He wants down. He's not hungry. He's busy, busy. Finally we fold. "To go please?!" we both say in unison when the waitress comes back. Dad chugs his 8 dollar drink and we bail. In the car, the kids are sort of calm. Oh well. We get home and set the food up at the table. We are still going to eat and if the kids want to cry and run around at home, we can handle it for 10 minutes. Jack points to his high chair. Ha. NOW he wants to sit in it and eat. Of course. And sophie relaxes in her swing while we eat. The food is still sort of warm and Jack pigs out. I guess they just didn't want to eat out. I'd say for the many other times we have made it out to dinner and to clippers game, this one fail isn't so bad in the whole scheme of things. Kids 1 point. Parents still ahead. :)

These days Sophie is awake more and more and entertained by things going on around us. She likes looking at faces and smiles all the time at us. She can go about 2 to 3 hours without nursing. She enjoys her swing and bouncy seat. Sometimes the swing can be used for about an hour or more of time alone for her. The bouncy seat vibrations work and she likes to sit in front of the tv or in the bathroom while i shower. I think she likes the colors on tv and she likes the sound of the water in the bathroom. The car usually works to calm her. She seems to quiet when we put her in her chair, like she knows she is about to get in the car. Her cries are less piercing, and start out slower. Its like she trusts us to figure her out. They start out slow and give us time to change her diaper, feed her, hold her... see whats the matter. They don't go into melt down mode immediately. She still likes her sling. I took her to the ox roast and nursed her most of the time. My sister and Tom didn't even know I was nursing until I said something. She fell asleep and was content being in my arms. She is also a good sleeper. She sleeps every night from about 9 or 10 to 5am. We had a few nights where she slept til 7am. I think its because she is not a very good napper during the day.

Jack is the busiest kid. He is either on or off. Running, running, running. He can wear out 4 adults in an evening. He is learning so much. He knows so many words but doesn't say anything. We were looking through his book of first 100 words, and he knows so much these days. Duck, ball, shoes, clock, tv, couch, house, monkies, kitty, doggie, bike, airplane... but only pointing. We also look at magazines for new words and he likes learning new words. He still only says car. I say, "Mama" he says "Car". I laugh, he laughs. I say, "Mama" he says "Car". I laugh, he laughs. I say, "Mama" he says "Car". I laugh, he laughs. And round and round we go. It will come... he knows exactly what we are saying. He understands commands. I can tell him to put things away, give the doggies a treat (and he knows which is ellie and which is maya), to turn on the light, to push a button, to let the dogs out, to bring me my phone, to bring me my remote. He is a little helper. He is also obsessed with holding "Cry's" hand. He loves his sister so much. He always holds her hand. We can all be laying in bed and I see him reach over and hold her hand as they are both falling asleep. It's priceless. Jack is sleeping with us more and more. We are losing that battle. He keeps waking up in the middle of the night, even in our bed, and crying. I am wondering if he is having bad dreams? Jack is also obsessed with playing baseball. He plays baseball with daddy every night. He loves to pitch it to dad and then dad hits it. We are working on catching. I hold his hands and daddy throws to us, and then he catches.

Kids are doing well. I go back to work in just a few days. Worried about it, but know they will be fine and so will I. I have enjoyed the days home with them and each moment is precious. They are growing so fast already, and I just try to freeze each memory in my mind.

Going to bed... Sophie 10 weeks

Ahh, getting to bed. Such a challenge every night. Things seem to go well throughout the day, one child is napping while the other is awake. Or usually only one is upset or crying and just because they fell, or their hungry, or they want mommy. Easy fixes. But then comes the evening. Somehow the evening from about 530 to 9 is just a rush against the clock. Everyone gets crabbier and grouchier by evening time. Sophie becomes a little more demanding and is awake more. She likes to tank up before bed, so her nursing increases. Jack is tired from the day, so he begins to get a little more grouchy. Hes the busiest child I think EVER, so he is constantly into things. Mom and Dad are exhausted from chasing children and working, and our patience seems to wear. Jack is getting into the tupperware for the umptienth time, and I am putting it back for the million and one time. I am struggling to make dinner. Sophie is on and off crying. I am making green beans and boiling potatoes... and then stop to nurse Soph. Daddy chases Jack and they play baseball. And then they play basketball. And then the ball goes under the couch. When Jack can't get it with his bat- Daddy! Daddy! Get the ball. But of course he just points under the couch and says, "uh huh!" since there are no words really yet. Back to the stove for Mommy. Stop Jack from eating dog food for the millionth time. Jack bites Daddy. Time out. 1 minute on the clock. He gets up. No- you need to sit. He gets up. No- you need to sit. I check the potatoes and the green beans, make hamburger patties, nurse Sophie. Jack you can get up. He smirks, and leans in for the hug that he knows is coming. I think thats the only part he knows. We carry everything out and have dinner outside. Peace and quiet for about 10 minutes. Success. Jack is back in a good mood. Then we walk. Walking can go good or bad as you read in my previous post. But either way, tension continues to rise. Jack never walks the way we want, making the walk take longer. Sometimes he throws a tantrum, wearing the patience even lower. Then the bugs start to bite- agh! so annoying. Hurry, hurry home! Tonight, I am slinging Sophie and Daddy is carrying Jack and the train. The dogs are annoying and won't walk straight. Ellie is being OCD and wants to walk a different way than the family. We finally make it home. Make the bottles, grab the diapers, grab the pjs, grab the towels and get the kids in the tub. Jack splashes the whole bathroom and pours water on Soph. No Jack!! We get the kids out, they shiver. Hurry, hurry to dry them off and get diapers on them before they pee on the bed. Seems like we can't get it done quick enough. Always a race against the clock to get them to bed by ... ah... say 9ish. Then the lights are out and the fan is on... time for some spongebob and relaxing. OH, but not yet. I nurse Sophie on the bed as Jack rolls around, kicks me in the back, hits Sophie on the stomach stating "Cry" over and over. (That's what he calls her) Yes Jack, that's Cry. Kick, hit, scratch my back. Ugh. Isn't this kid tired after walking a mile?! Seriously. Patience is lower, and lower. Please go to bed Jack. Rolls around more and pesters the dogs. Hits them and they growl. Then they jump down and run away. Have to get the dogs... they aren't allow to sleep alone or more problems will ensue. And then......... silence. All that craziness, I can't believe we make it. And then beauty. A sleeping toddler curled up in my arms, and a beautiful baby girl suckling on my breast. Such a wonderful and beautiful family all laying in bed together. So peaceful. And I relax...... and love the moment. Ah, how I love going to bed. :)

Every night we walk... Sophie 8 weeks

Every evening we walk together. I want to remember this summer and memory forever. Its me, Tom, Sophie in a sling, Jack pulling his alligator or pushing his mower, and Tom walking the two yorkies. I wonder what we look like to the neighbors? Ha, the whole family out walking. Sometimes Soph nurses in the sling 75% of the time, which means a boob hanging out. Sometimes Jack has a screaming melt down, and we are standing on the other end of the neighborhood with a screaming toddler. Sometimes they are both crying. Sometimes Jack insists on pushing the stroller and pushing his baby sister. Sometimes, he can't control the stroller and its all over the grass and its so frustrating. Sometimes, Jack insists on walking Ellie and holds her leash and she pulls him down. Sometimes Jack walks too fast, and falls flat on his face... actually, more often than not he is falling down. Sometimes Jack has his own agenda and goes into the yards, or up the driveways. Sometimes Jack takes his mower and mows EVERY neighbors yard. Sometimes Jack spots a plane and points up, stating "Car". Sometimes we stop and chat with the neighbors or meet a new neighbor. Sometimes its so hot and Jack's little face is sweating. Sometimes Jack can walk the whole mile. Sometimes, Jack gives up and Daddy has to carry him the rest of the way. Sometimes the neighbors see us coming and shout, "Jackie Boy!!!" And sometimes, its perfect. There is just this perfect moment. Sophie is sleeping peacefully in the sling. Jack is walking beside his daddy, learning about the trees, and the houses, and the cars (his favorite word!). Our family is all together, all relaxed, all enjoying each other's company. Even if we look like a huge freak show walking down the sidewalk. I want to remember these walks for forever. :)

Sophie is doing better. We have had very little crying and I just continue to hold her more and more. Its amazing what you can do in the "fourth trimester". Ha, feels like that because she is still attached to my stomach and cuddled up against my chest in the sling. It's nice though. I love holding her and she is definitely a mommys girl right now. Today, she seemed to cry for no reason. But i just slapped on the sling and set her in it. I sang a little, and bounced and rocked a little and just walked around the house... and off to sleep she went. Its such an amazing feeling to have her figured out and to be able to rock her to sleep in my arms. I love this baby girl. :)

Jack's weekly updates state that his next milestone is "meeting friends". haha! Off to the park we went this morning. He has absolutely NO interest in making friends. He does notice the children and watches them... but I don't think he has any interest in making friends. Its sort of hard to make friends when you can't talk either. It's an interesting conversation when all you can say is "car". :)

Kids are sleeping well. Soph still sleeping from 9 to 4am with one or so nurses. She comes into my bed at 4am so I am not exactly sure how much she nurses after that. She generally sleeps until 7 or 8am which is working for me. She also appears much more alert suddenly. She seems to get bored, and demands a little more entertainment. This means the nursing is slowly slightly, and I think we can make it 2 hours here and there. She also has started enjoying her swing and bouncy chair and can sit for short perio.ds alone. This affords me some time to spend with Jack, or pick up a little around the house.

Seems like things are going well. We have a busy social week this week- visiting Gigi and Papa, Big Nonna and Grandpa Paul and the nanny is visiting. Hopefully we can squeeze in a pool visit. We also had a busy weekend, visiting Court and Troy and seeing Kristin and Joe's new baby. Evan was soooo tiny at just 8 lbs. I am pretty sure that Sophie is about 11 or 12 lbs. She fills out her 3 mth clothes well.

Having ribs and green beans for dinner, need to hop off and finish up. Then we will go on our nightly walk again... wonder what tonight will bring. :)

Sophie 7 weeks- Irish Festival

Sophie turned 7 weeks yesterday, and it seems as though we are turning a corner with her, and I am really starting to figure her out. Friday, I mastered the sling. I bought it awhile ago, expecting to walk around and nurse handsfree. It didn't work like that, so I didn't try again. Then I was reading up on Dr Sears and the high needs baby- and I decided to try it again. I thought if all these moms can do it, so can I. So I watched some youtube videos on how to wear it and tried it again, and its AWESOME. I "wore" sophie to the Irish festival and nursed her about 75% of the time we were there. Looks like she just needs to be held tight and close to me- and always have the boob ready. With the introduction of the sling, we are able to go on evening walks now and I went to the mall with my mom (Mimi) and my grandma (Gigi). I am less stressed, because I am not constantly worried she is going to cry. I am much more relaxed, because I know that I can whip out my secret weapon any time she needs it. We have had significantly less crying if I just hold her. I think she is just a "high needs" baby and not colicky. It appears that holding or nursing her usually soothes her. Her sleep patterns have also continued well. She is sleeping until 4 or 5 am, after we put her down at 8 or 9 pm. Last night, we put her down at 10pm and she slept until 6am. Go soph! I cant decide if she is just getting older and more aware (she is looking around some on the walks, then nurses, and then falls alseep... all on one walk) or if I really have figured her out. It was nice to be able to do a few things with the kids and not be so worried about her being upset.

Jack is almost 16 mths. He still calls Sophie "Cry". He is so sweet and gentle with her- its precious. Only occasionally does he throw things at her. ;) I swear he said "bye" this week, and Papa said that he said grass, while holding grass, and handed it to him and said "here". We bought a potty seat about a month a go, but absolutely no interest in that. He doesn't appear to know that he is going to the bathroom, making potty training seem very far away. He continues to eat well and eat everything. He loves meat (steak! ribs! chicken!) and prefers that over anything else. He likes Gigi's green beans and loves his tomatoes. He still refuses eggs, sweet potatoes and unknown foods. Unless... I am eating it and hes not supposed to have it. For example... I was eating a green onion straight and he really wanted to try it. So I let him and he ate a whole green onion! Ever smelled a 16 mth old's breath that smells like onion!? HAHA! He recently learned how to turn the tv on and off, which makes watching tv really fun- when your show is constantly interrupted. He also likes to hit the button on the garage, to open and close the garage door. He also can communicate well with uh huh and shaking his head no... he goes to the fridge to request food, juice or a bottle, and knows which one he is asking for. He loves to swim and jump in the water, and its even more fun when he has a cup!

I feel like I am starting to get the hang of things. I made it to a la leche meeting today with the two kids and no help. Granted sophie slept the whole time and jack was very well behaved- but hell, i did it. We were also proud of ourselves for making it to the Irish Festival. Even though Tom chased Jack the whole time, we spent 60 dollars for overpriced food and for Jack to play on a playground that is normally free, and I was so distracted by nursing Sophie it was difficult to engage in conversation with my friend Courtney, we still did it. We were out and about with two kids- and we were out until 10:00. Parental accomplishment. Seems so small- but so big. :)

Sophie 6 weeks

So Sophie turned 6 weeks on Tuesday. Seems like the crying has peaked - or we have her figured out. Seems like she was crying every evening and we had/have to do everything we can to keep her from crying. Pick her up, lay her down, carry her, bounce her, rock her, swing her, exercise her legs, feed her, change her... etc. The dr said colic. We feel its mild. Also, the bfeed baby should be less likely to be colic-y, so i did some research. Some worry about cows protein in the moms diet, so I am eliminating dairy from my diet. Not easy to do- no milk, no butter, no ice cream, no cheese... but if it works, totally worth it. I also am cutting out the wine (boo, no one glass in the evening!) and carbonated/caffeinated beverages to see if that helps too. So far, she seems a little better. But I am also better at predicting her and reading her. I am ready for the 5:00 melt downs and ready to hold her and nurse her all evening if she wants. We have had some good evenings lately. I have been holding her and feeding her a lot, and she seems to cry less in the evenings, or at least we can figure her out. We know she doesnt like a wet diaper. We know that she insists on being carried. We know she likes to eat every hour in the morning (from about 8-11) and then nap all afternoon, and then eat every hour from about 5-8ish. Then we do the evening bath and put her down. Shes been sleeping till about 4am every night and we put both kids down at 9pm. That is REALLY good I feel like! And then she can make it till 7am.

We have been putting Jack down drowsy, and hes been sleeping in his own bed. Like I said earlier, Sophie is sleeping in her own bed... so we feel bedtime is going pretty well for us.

Last week, we went out to dinner for the FIRST time with all 4 of us. It was a success! Sophie slept the whole time. Jack scarfed down ribeye. We ordered one big one and shared it between the 3 of us... and we couldn't feed jack fast enough! UUUHHH! He would hollar- more more more! He loves his steak and he loves meat! YUMMY! Big eater. Mommy got to have 2 margaritas... fun fun! The first in over a year! And Sophie took her pre pumped bottles nicely. It was a fun night.

Last night, Daddy and Mommy went out for the first time since Sophie was born. It was GREAT! We went to bonefish and the kids went to nanas and buddys for the night. THey did good and we got away for 2 hours! Came home and did baths and everyone in bed by 10:00. I feel refreshed after getting away for the evening and ready for a new day.

Who knows what we will get in to this weekend? Wish it wasnt so HOT HOT HOT all the time. It makes it hard to even go outside. BUT... the Irish fesitval is this weekend... maybe we can check it out if it isn't too miserable. Sunday is Dani's wedding shower 1 hour north. That will be interesting to take both kids too... but fun. I am looking forward to the challenge of getting out and hanging out with some people. Plus parties always wear out Jack, so I am really looking forward to that part. :) Also, I hired my cousin to come help with some lawn work today. He pulled weeds, sprayed and mowed for me. SOOOO thankful for his help. This gives Daddy and I more time to spend together this weekend.

Jack is still sleeping! Woo hoo!

The aftermath of Hurricane Jack.

The story that started the blog... Chef's House

The Chef's house experience... because it was this story that I was telling Gma about that made me decide to start the blog. She said... you really need a way to publish this! and thus the blog was born. We decided one sunday that Mommy needed to get out of the house. I'd say about a week ago. Sophie had just started taking bottles- the playtex bottles. If you've used these, you know that they can sometimes be a pain because if you push too hard, the drop in's explode. Well... we finally get sophie to sleep and shes asleep on the way over. Walk into the restaurant/diner and Jack starts whining. Not a good start as the whole restaurant turns to look at us. We are on our way to the table and I bump Sophies chair, so she wakes and begins crying. Thankfully, there is another newborn in the restaurant. I can tell by the tell tale newborn cry. Couldn't see the baby though. The parents exchange us a knowing look. Daddy readies Sophies bottle, and it explodes on the table. Bmilk everywhere. Hot sticky mess. He is able to salvage just enough in the nipple to let her have a few sips, and back to bed she goes. Do you want to leave? Nope, just order he says. I glance at the menu and order the first thing I see, no time to think. Jack is starving. We find some stale cheerios in my diaper bag to hold him off. And breakfast comes and Jack devours. We scarf to get the hell out of there before either kid cries. Jack has made a serious mess on the floor. We stress that Sophie will wake. But .... We made it. Our first "sit down" meal with two kids. And thus... the dilemas of everyday life that seem so interesting and challenging to us. Hope you find our little every day challenges as entertaining as we do.

S is 5 weeks

Yesterday, Sophie turned 5 weeks. Daddy was sick and stayed home with us. It was nice to have Daddy home for the day... but a trying day for Mommy. Since Daddy was sick, he napped in the morning, so I cared for the two babies. We went for a walk.  A little hot for Jack, but he made it. Good nap time for both kids. Both kids cranky by the evening. We are giving Sophie a nightly bath, and letting her sit in a warm tub. She seems to be sleeping better after trying this. She fusses lots in the evenings, and constantly wants to be bounced, rocked and moved around the house. The bath seems to calm her down and relax her. The last two nights we have let her soak in the warm water, and she slept for 5 hours the first night (first stretch) and then 7 hours last night. This is a good pattern and we are going to definitely continue this.

Papa and Gma came home from vacation today, so of course, we had to go visit them. I asked Jack if he wanted to see Papa and Gma, and I got a "super yes" response. I also asked if he wanted to see Mimi and of course, another super yes. So I showered right after daddy left, and it only took us from about 1 hr 15 mins to get ready... not to bad. Jack showered with mommy (so i can watch him) and Sophie cried most of the shower. Quick nurse, and sophie back to sleep. Off to McD's breakfast with papa and gma. Other than Jack spilling coffee on papa, pretty uneventful. Went to Mimi and Pappys to hang out with Aunt Kelley before her surgery. Jack was a busy bee, running his dino rider around and around, and dancing to Mickey Mouse club house- hot dog song. Sophie has slept all day today.
Sophie is still sleeping and so is Jack. I forfeited my nap today to start this blog. Kids are about to wake up... be back soon. :)

Introduction

Hi All - friends and families and anyone who wants to follow a new mommy's blog... or a mommy of two babies. :)

I decided to start a blog to track Sophie and Jack's development, and stop posting one sentence updates to facebook all the time. I probably won't be able to completely rid myself of FB updates, but hopefully this will ease the updates. I also chat a lot and share a lot of Jack and Sophie with the family, so I thought this would be an easy way to share our lives with our family. I am obviously a first time blogger, but I feel like our days are SOOOO crazy, that I feel like  i have enough to talk about for hours. So ... here goes.

Yesterday, Sophie turned 5 weeks old and Jack is 15.5 mths. Daddy and I constantly strive to remember what Jack was like in these early days, so I thought maybe an online diary - or blog - would help us remember. We are always comparing her to him... and its only been 14 months. How do you forget so much so quickly?  Did he cry like this? Did he eat this often? Did we go anywhere with him? Did his eyes change colors? When? Did he hold his head up yet? When did he first sleep through the night? When did he start eating cereal? etc.

I feel like a remember the first 4-6  weeks being a little hazy, and things seem to fall into place here and there for us. But of course, we have a different x factor with Sophie than with Jack... and that x factor is named Jack. :) I think the second time is easier, there's just more going on. We worry less about Soph, and we have lots of options to try with her. We can remember living in 2 hour increments, which it feels like we are doing. Sophie eats every 1-2 hours, and tiny nurses. She eats for only about 10 minutes, and then drowses off to sleep. I love nursing her and i know its best for her. I love the bond we have created, but i cant help but feel "in demand" all the time. I try to remind myself that when she's 9 mths and walking around busy as bee like Jack, i will want this cuddle time back. She is slightly balding... which Jack did as well. She fusses a lot when awake and especially in the evenings. The evenings can be difficult with the two cranky kids. She loves to be held constantly- is that the girl in her? She just began sleeping more at night- within the last 2 days has swapped from 3-4 hours intervals to 6-8 hours for the first stretch. Then smaller increments (4 hours) the second half. Meaning she wakes about 1 time in the night to nurse. I think thats really good. She is sleeping in her own crib at night, so that mommy and daddy can get more sleeping without grunting noises. Sophie has been to McD's breakfast several times, and we even went to breakfast at Chef's House recently. An experience... but we made it.

Jack is walking around constantly exploring his world. He knows what is going on around him, understands lots of commands and words. He loves his family. He can pick up his toys, put things back, "help" put laundry away, say "uh huh" and shake his head no, get his shoes, understands go for a walk, knows "mimi" and "papa" and "pappy" and "grandma" and other family members. He often says what we call a "super yes" where he over enthusiastically says "MMM" with a smile on his face, meaning DEFINITELY YES. His favorite word is car, but we have also noticed other words like Cry (his nickname for Sophie), Hot, Shower, Doggie, Quit it (when talking to the dogs) and probably more that we cannot distinguish. Jack knows several words in his picture book, including car, truck, flower, airplane, duck, ball, shoes, potty, brush, bike. Jack falls asleep in our bed, around 830ish at night, and then we move him to his bed. Seems that lately he is able to sleep in his own bed through the night. About 50% of the time, he wakes mid-night, about 3 or 4 am and Daddy brings him into our room to finish the night. The last couple of nights he has slept from 830pm to 730 am.

Jack takes well to Sophie. He rarely seems jealous and is a helper most of the time. He brings her binky and blankie and clothes to us for her. He "cuddles" her by nuzzling his head against hers. He only seems jealous when his "favorites" - Mimi or Papa- hold Sophie and he is gradually doing better with that. He also did not like Mommy rocking Sophie in his rocking chair. I would say generally though... he does well.


Daddy and Mommy are adjusting to the two kids. Although its tough, its 100% worth it. Its a loving job. Daddy is a good helper- helping Mommy with household chores and diapers and even trying his best to comfort Soph. Even though it appears she prefers Mommy and mommy's milk as her 1st choice for comfort. Mommy is getting a decent amount of sleep with Sophies longer sleeps at night and trying to nap during the day. Mommy isn't a great sleeper anyways, so the mid night disruptions aren't too horrible for her and she can easily bounce back. Mommy is a busy person, so she keeps the kiddies busy too. We rarely stay home all day and do nothing... because Mommy would go crazy.

Daddy and Mommy are both accountants... although Mommy is a temporary stay at home mommy. I love being home with the kids, but I envy the people that can do this full time, all day, every day. The kids are hard work, and sometimes its nice to go to work and not be screamed at, pulled at, whined at, chasing after someone and demanding a nursing session. I have control there and I can just sit all day long if I want to. But that would be boring... right? :)

Hopefully that introduces you to the family... now the day to day fun begins. We can never stay ahead or on top of things, and there is always a challenge or a new mess or someone crying... so here goes it.