Legs Part 2

Remember these legs?

Back then I was so wondering if these were legs of a ballerina, basketball player, painter, cheerleader, nurse, chef or mailman.  I still don't know what hobby or career they will help this boy with-but right now they look like this

Hugh was gifted 2 pairs of boy leg warmers and he WILL be sportin' them.  I think they are adorable and although this pair is sporty for Green Bay fans, the other pair will go with almost any onesie this summer. 
Thanks Aunt Sarah! 

Family Zoo

The family ventured to the zoo today.

My mom was facing a fear by going to the zoo...not because of the animals but because of the fear of chaos and losing kiddos

It was glorious-because I love the zoo-the animals and all the excited kiddos. 

(Eli heard the train and continued to be obsessed with the train from the moment we entered the zoo)

It was chaotic, because although we had enough adults for each child, it just wasn't as easy to keep track of everyone as I imagined.  But we didn't lose anyone and I don't think any tears were shed except from Hugh who just wanted to eat.

Syd was there twirling her toes

My mom requested a shot with her 5 grandkids. Here is the classic shot followed by the best one that my camera captured. 

Then she gathered up her BIG kids and requested another shot.

During the chaos I noticed:

-Uncle Greg shaking his head at Eli's poor listening skills
-Grandpa Bob taking the time to read some of the informational blurbs next to the exhibits-hard to do when there are kids involved
-Aunt Sarah remained quiet and calm
-Syd was placed right on the ground/pavement when there was a camera/picture moment!  And she was ok with it.
-Adrenaline was rushing through Grandma Barb
-Liz was really helpful with the kiddos
-Andy was silent except for attempting to get Eli's attention
-I was so proud and happy we were all together
-Charley, Henry and Hugh were on their BEST behavior
-The weather was perfect and the trip was inexpensive
-oh and Eli was Obsessed (yes with a capital O) with the train and LOVED the ride

A few of my favorite moments:
-The turtle-wonder if he ever got unstuck
-Nursing Hugh in one of the train station "huts"
-Grandma Barb loudly commenting on the gorillas big butt
-When the train went by and Grandpa had all the big boys by hand-sorry for the blurry-it happened so fast

-I got to sit with the boys on the train.  Charley wondered if the train could take us all the way back to MN!  Henry thought we were turning often.  Eli was just in his glory.

 Charley even took a picture with my camera:

-Eli looked like this for most of the train ride:

And my last favorite moment was that when Eli took my hand near the end, he had a tiny little pine cone stuffed in his palm (you can kind of see it in the last shot).

We didn't end up seeing every single animal at the zoo, but we saw a lot.  We didn't buy any snacks, have any breakdowns or argue at all.  It was the family AT the zoo-not the family zoo.
When are we going back Grandma Barb?

Money

I would pay money to have shots of me as a baby in my mom's lap like this one.

I would pay money to  read my mom's daily thoughts, opinions, struggles and moments of pride from when I was a baby, toddler or child (I could skip those teenage years)...
That is why I blog.  For no other reason-except that it MAY be important to someone some day. I hope.

1 month

Hugh is 1 month old. OH MY GOSH.   (Don't tell...shhhhh but sometimes I still can't believe I'm not pregnant anymore and that I have 2 boys AND that I have A HUGH!)

I can't even start to get emotional about it because then I start to think about how much has already happend and how I can't think about not doing this all again (maybe?).

My favorite things about Hughie:

-He is always serious---but now he has started smiling.  It's so funny to me how he looks so mad about everything.
-He likes his nuk but has a hard time keeping it in his mouth
-He still hates diaper changes (until he is dry and warm) and grunts a lot when he's falling asleep
-Houghie Lou is rocking a mean baby rash on his face-I hate it
-He is bigger than Eli was at 2 months old (his last weight was over 9 lbs!)
-He stops nursing and just stares off when he needs to poop
-His favorite time of bath is having his hair washed
-Everyone says he is a spitting image of his bigger brother Eli-and I think he is too-a chunkier version.  His main physical difference besides his size is his hair is a shade lighter
-He doesn't seem to love the swaddle and I think that is where a lot of the grunting and groaning comes in-but it helps him sleep

More to come. More and more and more as he grows older.  I can't imagine life without him now.  Time for us to continue "moving on" and I can't wait to share it. 

Eeeeeeee!

If you know me----you know that the title of this post is the "sound" that I make when I'm most excited.  I can't help it.  It's my noise.  I even type it when I'm excited and not with someone in person.  So there it is.  And it came out tonight!

Not only is Hugh meeting Aunt Sarah, Charley, Henry and Sydney (Uncle Ed is unable to make it).....Uncle Greg and Liz are in town too!!  They pulled a "roeder" and surprised us by visiting at my mom and dad's-so we will see them tomorrow.  It has me craving a glass of wine, a good board game, some competition, chatter and controversy, popcorn, penny poker, memories and more.  But we may not stay over night...we'll see. I'm sure some good posts and pictures to come.

Happy Weekending---I sure will be.

Sleep

Bed time is a hassle.  All the little games....urggggg.
Andy can't stand it. We still try to take turns but sometimes with nursing Hugh, Andy ends up doing it 2 nights in a row.  But I'm in charge of more nap times lately so I think it evens out.  Eli loves his books but that's where the love of bed time ends for him.

The cute part of bed time is that when we tell him it's time-he knows it and goes to brush his teeth. But first he says "It's time o'clock?".  He really thinks "time o'clock" is the actual time on the clock depicting bed time.

And he's totally in that age appropriate bracket of playing every game he can to avoid the inevitable.  He pulls out ALLLLL the stops.  Sometimes it's hard not to laugh. But after a while it's becomes very easy not to laugh and really hard not to cry in frustration. 

Some of course the classics:
 I'm thirsty
I can't find teddy, earl, pingu (his animals)
My feet are stuck
I'm not tired
I want another story

but what about:
I am sick
My heart is sick
There is a monster, witch, volcano
I want to put pennies in my bank

And there are more.

He sleeps pretty soundly when he does fall asleep.  But his nap is shorter and shorter.  There is NO way I'm giving up his nap for at least another year.  I will lock that little boys bottom in his bedroom and demand a nap.  Does that sound harsh?  The weather has been nicer-hotter. Although we have the ceiling fan going in his room-this is how he wakes up (do you think this could be why his naps are short?).

Either way...it's always a joy to be around him right after he has woken up.  He is just sweet as pie right after nap time or in the morning-which usually means that even if it was only 45 minutes or it was 2 hours, he is well rested and ready to get movin' on.

Whiney Wednesday

No no no no
I meant Wine-y Wednesday

Just for the record-that delish glass of vino was drank last Saturday night.  If you could see my whole body you'd see I was still (of course) wearing checkered pajama pants and you can obviously see my disheveled look I'm sporting where I make sure the hanger strap is poking out on my shoulder. 

Hughie has hit a new stage where he likes to be held, cuddled and swooned about or else he whines.  I can't get enough of that one on one time with him so it doesn't bother me!  (don't worry-no cuddling or holding after a glass of wine).

What I know now...

Things I've learned.....Things that are important to remember as a mom...


1.  Spend more/Spend Less:  Spend less time with electronics.  The kids know. They just do. Texting, calling, face timing, internet browsing, watching the news, checking the weather, perusing Facebook or reading blogs-they know.  And they act up.  They want the attention.  Spend less time in the candy aisle at the grocery store around holiday time (Valentines day and Easter candy is so yummy).  The festive candy will get you-every-single-time.  Spend more time on the floor.  Get involved with the toys that you want your child to play with and then slowly remove yourself.  Don't tell them to pull out the trains.  Pull them out yourself.  "Play" with them the best you can, remind them that you played and even some have recommended setting a timer to show them you spent 20 minutes playing with them.  Spend more time in the shower.  When you're a new mom, the silence, and quiet of a shower is bliss.  If you have an extra 5 minutes-take it.  Right there in the shower-take it and love it.  I do every time I can.

2.  Eliminate:  Take away choices for a 2.5 year old.  I find that if I offer Eli 3-5  different things for lunch it doesn't work.  If I give him 2 choices, I might (MIGHT) be successful.  But if I just make his lunch and sit him in front of it-I can't fail.  Also if I ask Eli if he wants to do something he'll almost always say no.  No matter what-he'll say no, and then he'll change his mind.  Eliminate that option. 

3.  Plan:   Plan ahead.  Plan activities if you are a do-it-with-your-child type of person.  Plan ahead if you are trying to get out the door at a certain time.  Plan your meals during the weekend and make your shopping list.  Make the meal ahead if you can.  But plan if you can.  Fly with it other times.

4.  Share and Accept:  Share what is going on with you and your "littles" with other moms.  Describe your situation.  Maybe just venting will help relieve your stress.  Accept the advice given to you by other mom's.  Even if it's something you've tried before-listen.  All good moms are striving to make things work and hearing what works for other moms can be frustrating when it's all things that you have tried-and may or may not have worked.  Oh-and try things again.  Don't swear off something because it didn't work the 1st or even 2nd time.

5.  Serve:  Serve fruits and vegetables.  Offer variety, different styles of preparation and frequently.  These foods are important to your child's health and can prevent diseases.   Don't let your children "run" the dinner table-serve what is healthy and they will eat when they are hungry. 

6. Dream:    Dream of a vacation in years to come.  I hope to spend a few days away in a few years with just Andy.  We will have to have someone we can trust come watch the kiddos and if you didn't see this-check it out.  I need to reserve my bro to come and hang out with the boys-he has a lot of ideas. 

7. Surrender:  Surrender to waking time.  This one is hard for me and I have to repeat it in my head for the first 15 minutes in the morning.  Something to remember-one can NOT control what time his/her child wakes.  You can play around with bed time and naps, but you cannot control what time your kiddos will wake up.  They wake-they do!  And usually it's when they want and not when you want.  I realized, it was sort of my ah-ha moment-you cannot spend the first 2 hours of your day being angry or mad or holding a grudge about wake up time.  Surrender to the time and start your day.  Do what you have to in order to move on from being angry that it is an hour before you planned (desired).

8.  Put on earrings and make up, or don't!  Everyone is different.  As a mom who is at home on maternity leave, when Andy comes home from work and I'm still in my pajamas with breast milk, spit up and baby poop dried all over me with no make up on...and then I ask him to take a picture of me so that I can be IN a picture-I just feel so unattractive.  Every picture is me smiling so fake/hard to look good but my hair is greasy and I'm wearing the same milk-stained shirt in every picture.  I feel better when I actually shower (see #1) and put myself together.  However, if it's 4 pm and I'm just finally getting my shower-then it's pointless to put on make up or earrings-instead I know to just put on a new, fresh pair of pajamas. 

9.  Celebrate and keep expectations low:  Celebrate all the little things of your little.s  Tonight Eli informed Andy and I that Hugh was crying in the other room.  Neither Andy or I heard him.  But Eli did.  I rewarded Eli with a sticker to put on his sticker chart for this.  Wow! He is becoming more and more big brother-ish every single day.  But my expectations for Eli to listen, behave, be or act a certain way is low (doesn't meant I am not still frustrated).  That way I don't get angry over something that is very, very, very minor in the whole scheme of life.  It is easy to get angry, explode or lose my cool over the little things.  I continue to remind myself that he is 2.5 years old and that is how he is acting.  He is not doing it to make me furious and he doesn't understand how irritated or upset I am.  No matter how I attempt to communicate my frustrations-he doesn't get it.  But! I will celebrate when he DOES listen the first time or remembers his manners. 

10.  Share: Just because you are the woman and you push that 5-10 lb baby out of you and then if (IF) you decide to take on the duty of breast feeding-does NOT mean that you are responsible for every fussy time or every waking hour at night.  I find that I feel guilty if Andy has to wake at night.  But there are things he can do on nights when the baby wakes more often, or is more fussy.  If you have a child who breast feeds or even bottle feeds very well-quick, efficient and goes back to sleep easily-then there may not be a reason to wake the dad.  But-if you have a baby who nurses or eats for a longer period of time, needs 1-2 diaper changes, needs to burp, needs to be swaddled, needs to be rocked-there may not be time for you to fall asleep and re-wake to do it all again.  The dad is a parent too-they can help.  They got away without gaining 20+ extra pounds, without giving up alcohol or restricting activity etc.  They didn't physically go through labor or deal with all the physical post-partum aspects.  They CAN help int he middle of the night without making you feel guilty. And I remind myself of this every time I ask Andy for any help. 
 

What have you learned? What are things you want ME to know?

Changes....

Hi
Happy Thursday.

Happy March Madness!

Happy life being a mom of 2!

Hard life being mom of 2....

I'm making some changes to my blog. A new springy color. A new header to show off my "Boys" (yes I LOVE that I can say "the Boys".  It only leaves out Bailee and myself!)

I am moving a few things around-things from the side moved to the bottom.  A few new songs-more to come.  New blogs that I am attracted to are now listed-and I took off the dates and title of most recent post.  It was just cluttering. 

We've been busy getting over being sick.  We've also been busy meeting many, many friends and family.  Here are a few pics-by request.  More blogging to come.

Looking down part 2

Super Dad---he needs a cape.  (PS I wasn't sitting with my feet up...I was cooking).

For reference in the future: Eli 2.5 yr old getting a bath.  Hughie 3 weeks old in the sleepy wrap. 

Looking down

My boys on my lap in the morning.

Sark

Today I read these words of wisdom...they are on the front of a greeting card I was once sent. The words are by Sark about " being a succulent woman". But I find that this applies to not only being a woman, but a mom, friend, co-worker, sister, daughter, wife and person.

I have quite a few over-loaded friends I'd like to shout this to.

You ARE enough.
You HAVE enough.
You DO enough.

Simple right? But how often do you confidently tell yourself this? A good reminder for myself on days that I am feeling overwelmed.

Hugh Fix

Hugh man is chugging right along...plumping up and doing all of the baby-things he's supposed to.

He had his 2 week appointment yesterday and we found out he is at the 50% for his weight and just over the 75% for his height.  He seems HUGE to me.  And it's such a relief.

 He is now the size that Eli (his little big brother) was at 2 months!  Hey sister-he may compete with Henry's 20 lb mark!  Although it is such a relief it is also scary.  I just don't want this boy to grow up.  I want him to be baby-ish for as long as possible.  He fits perfectly in newborn size clothes now and will be venturing into 0- 3 month clothes soon!

Hugh was born with this furrowed brow-these lines on his forehead.  It made me laugh.  They go away when he sleeps and when he tries out his other moods and expressions.  He makes lots of funny faces and everyone says they are seeing a lot of Eli in him.  I'll take it because I think Eli was darn cute!

I love your sscrunchy face

We've been asked about nicknames a lot.  Andy and Eli and I are open to having different nicknames for Hugh.  What pops out of my mouth is Hughie, Houghie Lou and Hugh Berry.  Andy calls him Hughie and Moose (he also calls Eli Moose).  We've heard a few others from some and it's cute when many little kiddos can't say Hugh and it comes out "Who".  I'm sure with time....nicknames will stick.

Eli is still getting accustomed to sharing the attention.  He does often ask where Baby Hughie is but doesn't want to hold him or talk to him much.  I know this will change as Hugh becomes more interactive.  Eli does talk about how he will be able to play this or that with his brother, yet he still tells people he has a baby sister.  Eli has been feeling a little under the weather with a cold and seems tired to me.  His behavior has tapered off-often times more naughty when Andy and I are both home and listening better when it's just me at home.  Last night Eli helped make dinner.  We had salad, a chicken and pea casserole and a banana.  He wanted to help make the salad.  Usually we give Eli cooked vegetables because in the past he has sort of coughed on lettuce-he always eats his fruits and veggies before his entree.  So I decided it was time to re-try.  So we made a small salad for him with lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli and green peppers.  MAN was that boy passionate about his salad.  He dug right in and wouldn't put that fork down for any other part of dinner.  Made this dietitian/mom beam. 

I can tell that these days I am all about baby and family and being a mom.  I just can't seem to blog about anything else or stay interested in anything that doesn't deal with those topics.  It's my life right now.  And I'm letting it take over.  It's only fair-because it's such an amazing life-to be a mom.

Today:
I already cleaned the kitchen and had a big breakfast
I already drank 24 oz water (watch out Sarah!)
Will rest with Hugh
Fold the laundry
Make dinner-chicken, sweet potatoes and another salad
Head to the library when the big boys get home
Think of Erika often-Happy Birthday sister in law!
Change lots of diapers and give many kisses (that's a given)

What's for dinner in YOUR house?

Purple crayon

Eli is not yet interested in potty training. He's making steps towards it, but is very resistant to the idea of sitting high up on the throne. He will now tell you when he is wet or when he needs to go number 2. (is that the blog-appropriate way to write that?).

Usually if we suggest sitting on the potty he will fuss and whine and even start to cry-so we always let it go. Last night Andy was giving him a bath and he noticed he was in position to do his duty. In the tub! Andy quick said "no not in the tub!". So he swiftly put him on the potty and not a minute later, dripping wet, all 26 lbs of I'll Eli man made a splash-in the potty! I came running in and saw the biggest smile on his face. Eli was sooooo proud. Proud like I've never seen before. "I went poopy" he said (direct quote-therefore not blog-appropriate terminology). I couldn't believe it. I let out my traditional "eeeeeeeeeeeee" but still was in disbelief. "are you sure?" I asked.

 But it's always a good idea to check it out...as we lifted him off the potty we noticed it was a beautiful, rich purple color. "awwwww Eli! What a great try! How did that happen?" At the bottom of the toilet was not what we expected. Instead we saw a purple bath/soap crayon that Eli uses to draw with had sunk to the bottom. The crayon must have been stuck between his 2 little cheekers and to him it felt like he had actually gone to the bathroom and instead the crayon just un-stuck itself and dropped in the toilet!

This was one of the highlights of my weekend. Yes, when you become a parent, the bathroom habits of your littles can become the highlight of your weekend.

Legs

Eli has string bean legs.  In person it is much more apparent.

Last night at open gym Eli got to try out the tricycle which he forbade himself from riding the correct, efficient way.  Watching him maneuver in his way worried me that it could become painful.  But he enjoyed himself, moved his legs quickly and swiftly, made good ground and never ran into anybody.

Andy and I giggled from the sidelines as we watched him flit across the gym.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

My boy songs

Do you remember this post?

Well now there is another little boy in my life and I want to share this song again.  Although it was an "Eeli" song and will always be an "Eli" song I will probably start to sing this to Hugh too.  It's a favorite of mine-and I think you can all see why (read the lyrics or listen to the words) especially if you've brought a boy into this world. 



I don't know how many people asked...do you want a boy or a girl? Andy and I once again had opted out of finding out the sex of the baby.  I know everyone always says "healthy" is what they want.  I'm sure many expect healthy, especially if they have not had any problems and have had good prenatal care.  But Andy and I had a different experience than what most expect when we had Eli.  So this time, when people asked if we preferred a boy or a girl, we truly meant it when we said "healthy".  I seriously did not have a preference.  Because we have not declared this will be our last-either one was going to be fine.  I would love to have a girl (some day) but it did not have to be this time around.  Both sides of our families have only 1 granddaughter, but multiple boys.  I'm sure everyone is waiting for more girls.  But not us...we are just as ecstatic to have another little baby boy.  A brother for Eli.  A little brother.  Not only do we have lots of boy stuff aruond the house, I adore the little hats, little boy shoes, the sporty and trendy boy clothes.  I know boys. I don't have to learn "hair" (yet) and I love to say "the boys" and it encompasses all of them (sorry Bailee). 

Hugh-here are a few things I want you to know about your arrival:
1.  Contractions started at 2:30 am and I didn't go to the hospital until 12:30 in the afternoon the next day.  You weren't born until almost 6 pm.
2. I drank a Shamrock Shake from McDonalds while counting contractions.  We also went for multiple walks outside.
3.  Grandma Barb came to stay with Big Brother Elijah
4. There was a medical student in the room for the birth (on a Sunday?).  I asked him (jokingly) if this was his first live birth.  He paused and then said "yes".  HA!  This was so funny to me because I know a doctor never forgets their first surgery, first screw up or first live birth.  The next day he came to my room (neon pumas and shaggy hair) with his little note pad to ask me questions.  I asked him if I had traumatized him.  He said no and continued with his assessment. 
5. My OB wasn't there to deliver you because it was a Sunday.  The female doc I had was really nice and labor went really fast once they broke my water.  I had some intense contractions in my back that spurred them to check me again and realized I was ready to deliver you.  As I pushed (only 20 minutes) it was real relaxed in our room.  There were 5-6 medical professionals in the room and Andy.  Between pushes I would look at each persons face and think "yes, this is it.  This is how it is happening.  These are the people that are going to deliver my 2nd child".  It's so surreal when you are actually going through it.
6. You were healthy. You came out screaming the cutest scream ever.  Andy announced that it was a boy and you looked big.  Our hospital stay was uneventful and we took you home right away.  Now you are 12 days old and thriving.




Another of my favorites for little boys--a song my brother in law would sing to his son. Not sure of the meaning...not sure if the lyrics are right for little boys or not...but another favorite.

Simple joy

Could someone be so happy just because they had time to prepare dinner? Instead of trudging through an 8 or 10 hour work day and then gritting my teeth and thinking about what to whip together with 3 needy boys a nd a dog at my heels, today I started dinner in the afternoon and making the second part right now. I wanted to smile through the whole thing. I love being in the kitchen. I love serving a meal (a good meal is aka love to me) to my family. The whole thing makes me feel good. I know this may not last but I am finding the simple joys in things such as this. Please remind me when I start to describe trudging through my day differently at home.

Tomorrow is day 2 on my own. We have a few things planned to keep us distracted and busy. Andy says he has a busy and full day and then he is going outwith a few friends for a co-workers charity benefit. I can't believe I agreed to let him go out when Hugh is not even 2 weeks old but it's all good for me and my confidence.

More to come...I've been dying to blog about Hugh's birth details and how he is "chugging along" as Eli would say in his train language.