Braylen gave me the best birthday gift this year, some extra sleep! He slept six straight hours! I only had to get up with him once at 3 am. Sleep is glorious. He has been averaging only 2-4 hour stretches at night so this is a huge improvement!
Thanks buddy!
(I waited until way later to post this for fear it would jinx it)
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Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Sledding
Frigid Arctic air filtered into our region this week, keeping temperatures below freezing for days. We had some snow on Friday afternoon that stuck around until this morning since it is so darn cold. I'd say we got a little over an inch, but enough to cover the grass and cause us to oil up the sled! In Grandmom/Me-Ma's cleaning spree, she gave us a sled she had at her house.
99% of the year I dislike our steep yard. It's a pain to mow (I wouldn't know first hand, but I heard...), we can't play corn hole, it's a workout to bring the trashcan up and down from the back deck, and it only gets sleeper and more dangerous after our property line. However, it was a perfect hill for Evie's first sledding experience!
Evie squealed with delight from the first ride to the last.
As with all sledding, it's fun to go down, but always a leg workout to get back up the hill. Kudos to Daddy for dragging her back up the hill at least 10 times.
Aren't you proud of me for adding videos??!! Get ready blog readers, I have caught up to the times. You will be able to hear Evie talk and my annoying voice. Gosh, do I really sound like that??
Some more pictures from our fun morning
99% of the year I dislike our steep yard. It's a pain to mow (I wouldn't know first hand, but I heard...), we can't play corn hole, it's a workout to bring the trashcan up and down from the back deck, and it only gets sleeper and more dangerous after our property line. However, it was a perfect hill for Evie's first sledding experience!
Evie squealed with delight from the first ride to the last.
As with all sledding, it's fun to go down, but always a leg workout to get back up the hill. Kudos to Daddy for dragging her back up the hill at least 10 times.
Aren't you proud of me for adding videos??!! Get ready blog readers, I have caught up to the times. You will be able to hear Evie talk and my annoying voice. Gosh, do I really sound like that??
Some more pictures from our fun morning
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| Sledding |
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Like Father Like Son
In case you haven't noticed, Jason's go-to-after-work-weekend-outfit is his sweats and Eagles sweatshirt. You may have seen him in it in multiple posts. Some days he mixes it up with a gray fleece. Jason's fashion sense is rubbing off on the way I dress the kids. Some days all of us look the same. It's kind of cute.
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| I swear he grew overnight. This onesie used to be big on him! He is officially out of newborn! |
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Zip Me Up
Yesterday I said good-bye to all my (and borrowed) maternity clothes. I packed mine in the attic and have bags ready to return to various friends. I have been so excited to get out of maternity clothes and return to my normal wardrobe. But as I unpacked my regular clothes, I discovered my wardrobe really isn't that great. What the heck did I wear last year?? And when was the last time I really bought clothes that were in style?
Probably 2010 when I had a job that brought in more than a few bucks a month.
So my wardrobe is outdated. I don't have "easy" babies. I had gestational diabetes twice and am most likely on my way to being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for life. I have no social life. I hardly do anything every day except change diapers and force my children to eat so I don't look like a failure as a mom. (I'm including this list of negative things about myself so I won't get too many haters for my next statement...)
BUT I could pull up, zipper, and button my SIZE TWO jeans yesterday.
According to my sister's scale, I am 4 pounds away from my pre pregnancy weight
Thank you breastfeeding for getting me back to my normal size, saving me money in all sorts of ways, and for giving me a morale boost!
Probably 2010 when I had a job that brought in more than a few bucks a month.
So my wardrobe is outdated. I don't have "easy" babies. I had gestational diabetes twice and am most likely on my way to being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for life. I have no social life. I hardly do anything every day except change diapers and force my children to eat so I don't look like a failure as a mom. (I'm including this list of negative things about myself so I won't get too many haters for my next statement...)
BUT I could pull up, zipper, and button my SIZE TWO jeans yesterday.
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| 5 weeks postpartum |
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| 36 Weeks. I gained about 25 pounds at 39 weeks |
According to my sister's scale, I am 4 pounds away from my pre pregnancy weight
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| Even a tiny bit of room to spare after 2 days of wear |
Thank you breastfeeding for getting me back to my normal size, saving me money in all sorts of ways, and for giving me a morale boost!
Monday, January 14, 2013
One Month Survived
Braylen is one month old! And that means we have survived 1 month with two under two. It is challenging, but I keep reminding myself that A LOT of people have multiple kids and they are all still functioning. I can do it! I am so thankful for the outpouring of help from our family and new church. I have fully prepared about two meals this month. I wish I could get meals forever : )
I couldn't get an appointment for Braylen the week of his one month birthday, so his stats might be a tad off since we are going a week late. As of January 21st-
Weight: 10 pounds (36%)
Height: 22.25 inches (65%)
Head Circumference: 38 cm (56%)
Since it is one of the earliest and worst flu seasons in a while, I stay close to home most days. Evie and I are going stir crazy, but Braylen seems happy to be in the comforts of his home. Around 3 weeks he started to be more alert and staying awake for longer periods. One of his most active times is during Evie's nap time. Why would I get a chance to rest? The play mat provides Braylen with a new view on life outside the swaddle, bouncer, and sling. Keeping the other two off the play mat is a battle most days, which is why I like having him awake while Evie sleeps to keep the "no, don't hit baby" s to a minimum.
How is he sleeping? Well, like a baby. Haha. He doesn't like to sleep flat on his back, so he rests in the swing, bouncer, or snuggled next to me in the sling. Not ideal, but it works... sort of. He hasn't slept longer than 3.5 hours yet. We had him sleeping in our room for most of the first month for convenience for nursing and out of fear our feet making the floor creak outside Evie's door would wake her. After many sleepless nights, we moved him to his room. We are getting more restful sleep (or maybe we are so darn tired we don't hear him even when he is crying...) and I feel more awake when I have to get out of bed to feed him. He is now sleeping in the bouncer, in his crib.
Eating? I guess fine if he is growing. I am nursing again, liking it a tad better than last time. It helps that he has taken a bottle every night from Jason for the last two weeks. I like the break and also know he is getting at least 3.5 ounces a day.
With each passing day we move closer to that magical 4 month mark. I'm not trying to wish my life away, just being honest that the newborn days are not my favorite. Evie and I are ready to get out of the house!
More pictures from Braylen's short life so far-
I couldn't get an appointment for Braylen the week of his one month birthday, so his stats might be a tad off since we are going a week late. As of January 21st-
Weight: 10 pounds (36%)
Height: 22.25 inches (65%)
Head Circumference: 38 cm (56%)
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| Let's watch him grow in comparison to the giraffe. Already I messed up by not putting a 1 month sign with him... oh well. Next time |
Since it is one of the earliest and worst flu seasons in a while, I stay close to home most days. Evie and I are going stir crazy, but Braylen seems happy to be in the comforts of his home. Around 3 weeks he started to be more alert and staying awake for longer periods. One of his most active times is during Evie's nap time. Why would I get a chance to rest? The play mat provides Braylen with a new view on life outside the swaddle, bouncer, and sling. Keeping the other two off the play mat is a battle most days, which is why I like having him awake while Evie sleeps to keep the "no, don't hit baby" s to a minimum.
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| The people that made these play mats do not have dogs. Putting a squeaker inside the sun is dangerous. Parker can sniff that out from the kitchen |
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| So sweet of Evie to "read" to her baby brother. I wish she didn't need to sit as close to him as possible (i.e. on his leg) and touch him all the time |
How is he sleeping? Well, like a baby. Haha. He doesn't like to sleep flat on his back, so he rests in the swing, bouncer, or snuggled next to me in the sling. Not ideal, but it works... sort of. He hasn't slept longer than 3.5 hours yet. We had him sleeping in our room for most of the first month for convenience for nursing and out of fear our feet making the floor creak outside Evie's door would wake her. After many sleepless nights, we moved him to his room. We are getting more restful sleep (or maybe we are so darn tired we don't hear him even when he is crying...) and I feel more awake when I have to get out of bed to feed him. He is now sleeping in the bouncer, in his crib.
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| If Braylen had a say, he would choose sleeping with us all the time. I guess his crying is his say... |
Eating? I guess fine if he is growing. I am nursing again, liking it a tad better than last time. It helps that he has taken a bottle every night from Jason for the last two weeks. I like the break and also know he is getting at least 3.5 ounces a day.
With each passing day we move closer to that magical 4 month mark. I'm not trying to wish my life away, just being honest that the newborn days are not my favorite. Evie and I are ready to get out of the house!
More pictures from Braylen's short life so far-
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| Braylen 1 Month |
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
In The Doghouse
Parker's status in this house drops with each new addition. We still feed him and get him out three times a day, but he definitely lacks attention and being exercised. He deals with Evie pulling his ears, screaming at him for taking her play food, and with me constantly telling him "no". When I've had enough of Parker licking Braylen, sniffing the dirty diaper on the floor, following Evie while she eats goldfish from her snack trap, barking at who knows what, or just being in my way, I put him in his crate.
It feels like the only thing I can control right now is to put Parker in his crate and get a break for how ever long I need.
Until today.
After returning home from our big outing to the dry cleanings, bank, and Bible Study today, Evie walked right over to Parker's crate and let him out. She has let him out before when I only lock the top lock. I locked both this time. There was no stopping her. Parker out....
..... And Evie in
I might not have a place to contain Parker, but I have a new play house for Evie!
It feels like the only thing I can control right now is to put Parker in his crate and get a break for how ever long I need.
Until today.
After returning home from our big outing to the dry cleanings, bank, and Bible Study today, Evie walked right over to Parker's crate and let him out. She has let him out before when I only lock the top lock. I locked both this time. There was no stopping her. Parker out....
..... And Evie in
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| She crawled right on in and shut the door behind her |
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| Parker is thinking "WTF?! I have officially lost my final stronghold in this place" |
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| After nap, Evie introduced baby to her new home |
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| Now I listen to Evie slamming open the door. Our poor walls... |
I might not have a place to contain Parker, but I have a new play house for Evie!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
More Family, More Gifts
The last installment of immediate family visited this weekend. Aunt Jen, Uncle Matt, and Luke made the trek from NC to meet Braylen, exchange Christmas gifts, celebrate Luke's first birthday, and hang out for the weekend.
The last time we saw Luke was in September. He is now walking which I think makes a difference in how he interacts with Evie. He is more of a playmate now than her baby cousin. The two of themdestroyed played well together except for the few times Evie pushed Luke. Evie mostly played with Luke's new toys and Luke walked around the main floor keeping everyone on alert as he stumbled up and down the two steps from the living to dining room.
On Saturday, we had a mini belated birthday party for Luke with his grandparents. It was a zoo around this joint! We definitely need a bigger house (....and to inherit millions to buy one...). There are very few quiet moments now. Just two years ago we were kid free playing cards while it snowed in Tennessee. What a difference!
The last time we saw Luke was in September. He is now walking which I think makes a difference in how he interacts with Evie. He is more of a playmate now than her baby cousin. The two of them
On Saturday, we had a mini belated birthday party for Luke with his grandparents. It was a zoo around this joint! We definitely need a bigger house (....and to inherit millions to buy one...). There are very few quiet moments now. Just two years ago we were kid free playing cards while it snowed in Tennessee. What a difference!
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| Thomas Visit |
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