Luke's speech has skyrocketed since starting daycare 6 months ago and I love to hear what he's going to say next.
We are in the midst of potty training and we sing songs while he sits on the potty to pass the time. Yesterday as I was starting to sing, he put his hand up and said 'Stop! Stop! Stop!' He then continued to sing the song by himself...without me.
When asked if he needs a new pull up, more juice, a snack, or anything really, he replies 'no tank you!' Even if he really does.
When we were driving to the beach last week, we went in Grandma and Grandpa's van and they so wonderfully bought Luke a DVD player for the car. When asked what movie he wanted to watch he said 'Hmmm' (then he put is finger to his mouth) 'let me think' I thought Chris and I were going to wet ourselves. It.was.hillarious.
Luke had learned the phrase 'Where we going?' so we heard it about a billion times on our trip to the beach. Finally I said 'Crazy'. He replied 'Crazy? No, we not go crazy. We go to beach'
I just love this stage!!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Letter to Baby
Dear Baby Owen,
You are 4 months old now, little Owen, and you're getting so big! We had your 4 month check yesterday and you weighed in at 14 pounds and 4 ounces and you were a little over 25" long. You're just getting too big for your britches...literally.
You are starting to wear a lot of 6-12 month onesies, but otherwise you're mostly in 3-6 month tops. And you're wearing 3-6 month bottoms. You are in a 9 month outfit that Luke used to wear, but it runs a little small. Your torso is so long, any outfit that snaps has to be bigger to accommodate your length!
We had your first vacation last week when we toted you and your brother to Gulf Shores, AL for the entire week. You did pretty great in the car for the first 5 hours, but after that you were not a happy camper. I ended up sitting in the back with you and would let you out of your car seat (shhhh!) to nurse you as we drove so we could get to the beach at a decent hour. As it was, it took us about 11 hours to get there. Your Aunt Emily and Uncle Jon, as well as Grandma and Grandpa were there, too. We all had an amazing time and you really did great just being toted around from place to place. We spent several afternoons on the beach and you even dipped your toes in the sand. You were pretty indifferent. We went shopping and we tried out our baby carrier that Luke hated, but turns out you love! Aunt Emily even had a turn carrying you around :)
We still try tummy time, but you do not care to be on your stomach. You tolerate it for a few minutes, but then get real upset until someone turns you over. You like to sit up and see all the action. And you're holding your head up really well, so I don't force it on you very much. I talked to your pediatrician and he said some babies are just that way, and as long as you're holding your head up well and sitting supported, not to worry about it too much.
You are putting your hands in your mouth every time I turn around. And if it's not your hand, your grasping at ours to suck on. We finally busted out Sophie the Giraffe for you last night and you were in heaven gnawing away on it. Your Grandma says your teething. I say absolutely not. You just like to have stuff in your mouth. You're too little to be teething so I refuse to believe it could happen.
You are cooing so much! And boy have you found your voice! It's so cute when you are on your play mat talking away at your reflection in the mirror. Or when your done nursing and you just start smiling and talking to me, like you're telling me all about your day. And you're starting to laugh! It's the sweetest little giggle. I really need to video it.
Well, that's all for now. But until next month, we love you little boy!
Mom and Dad
You are 4 months old now, little Owen, and you're getting so big! We had your 4 month check yesterday and you weighed in at 14 pounds and 4 ounces and you were a little over 25" long. You're just getting too big for your britches...literally.
You are starting to wear a lot of 6-12 month onesies, but otherwise you're mostly in 3-6 month tops. And you're wearing 3-6 month bottoms. You are in a 9 month outfit that Luke used to wear, but it runs a little small. Your torso is so long, any outfit that snaps has to be bigger to accommodate your length!
We had your first vacation last week when we toted you and your brother to Gulf Shores, AL for the entire week. You did pretty great in the car for the first 5 hours, but after that you were not a happy camper. I ended up sitting in the back with you and would let you out of your car seat (shhhh!) to nurse you as we drove so we could get to the beach at a decent hour. As it was, it took us about 11 hours to get there. Your Aunt Emily and Uncle Jon, as well as Grandma and Grandpa were there, too. We all had an amazing time and you really did great just being toted around from place to place. We spent several afternoons on the beach and you even dipped your toes in the sand. You were pretty indifferent. We went shopping and we tried out our baby carrier that Luke hated, but turns out you love! Aunt Emily even had a turn carrying you around :)
We still try tummy time, but you do not care to be on your stomach. You tolerate it for a few minutes, but then get real upset until someone turns you over. You like to sit up and see all the action. And you're holding your head up really well, so I don't force it on you very much. I talked to your pediatrician and he said some babies are just that way, and as long as you're holding your head up well and sitting supported, not to worry about it too much.
You are putting your hands in your mouth every time I turn around. And if it's not your hand, your grasping at ours to suck on. We finally busted out Sophie the Giraffe for you last night and you were in heaven gnawing away on it. Your Grandma says your teething. I say absolutely not. You just like to have stuff in your mouth. You're too little to be teething so I refuse to believe it could happen.
You are cooing so much! And boy have you found your voice! It's so cute when you are on your play mat talking away at your reflection in the mirror. Or when your done nursing and you just start smiling and talking to me, like you're telling me all about your day. And you're starting to laugh! It's the sweetest little giggle. I really need to video it.
Well, that's all for now. But until next month, we love you little boy!
Mom and Dad
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Letter to Baby
Dear Owen,
You are three months old (plus a few days) and just become more and more perfect as the days pass. I can't believe how much you've grown this past month! Your head seems to be catching up with that long body of yours and you're not looking like a newborn anymore.
You have this new trick where everyday around one o'clock, you start screaming. No one knows why and we've tried everything from giving you gas drops, to feeding you, swaddling you, etc., but it's like you have to exercise those little lungs and scream. It sounds painful, and it's painful to our ears, but we just hold you tight and rock you and within a few minutes you're done and either you're ready to play or you've screamed yourself to sleep. Hopefully this will be short lived.
You still hate being on your belly for tummy time and so that time is short lived as well. It doesn't stop me from getting you to try, but it just doesn't last long. And because you haven't been on your belly for too long, you haven't rolled over anymore. Such is life.
We had your first Halloween and you went as a parrot. Your dad and I worked hard on your costume and you were the cutest little parrot in all the world :) You got a lot of compliments. Luke went as a pirate, so your costume went with his. We're already dreaming up next years costume!
We're preparing for your first Thanksgiving and your first big road trip. We'll be going to visit your Aunt Emily and Uncle Jon as well as your Grandma and Grandpa after Thanksgiving and we'll be on the road for a few hours. I'm going to have to time feeding you just right so that we can stop half way and feed you again, or hope for the best and drive straight through.
You're holding up that head of yours so well and you love to sit up (assisted, of course). I tried sitting you in the Bumbo, but you're still just a little too small. Maybe next month. Also, you love your momma. Everyone says you light up when you spot me. If Pa, Peggy or Cheryl are trying to get you to sleep while I'm working and you hear me, you go crazy. I have to be very careful on keeping track of where you are so I can monitor where I talk in the office and how loud I talk. I love that gummy, open mouth smile of yours and how your eyes sparkle when we talk. Little one, we love you so very much.
There are differing opinions on who you look like. Pa swears you look just like his little brother, Doyle. Doyle passed away as a baby and Pa was only a little over a year old, but from pictures as a child he swears you're a spitting image of him. Others say you look a lot like your Pa...especially when you suck on your bottom lip (a trademark Pa trait) and then others say you're your daddy made over. Either way, you're perfect.
Till next month, little one. All our love.
Mom and Dad
You are three months old (plus a few days) and just become more and more perfect as the days pass. I can't believe how much you've grown this past month! Your head seems to be catching up with that long body of yours and you're not looking like a newborn anymore.
You have this new trick where everyday around one o'clock, you start screaming. No one knows why and we've tried everything from giving you gas drops, to feeding you, swaddling you, etc., but it's like you have to exercise those little lungs and scream. It sounds painful, and it's painful to our ears, but we just hold you tight and rock you and within a few minutes you're done and either you're ready to play or you've screamed yourself to sleep. Hopefully this will be short lived.
You still hate being on your belly for tummy time and so that time is short lived as well. It doesn't stop me from getting you to try, but it just doesn't last long. And because you haven't been on your belly for too long, you haven't rolled over anymore. Such is life.
We had your first Halloween and you went as a parrot. Your dad and I worked hard on your costume and you were the cutest little parrot in all the world :) You got a lot of compliments. Luke went as a pirate, so your costume went with his. We're already dreaming up next years costume!
We're preparing for your first Thanksgiving and your first big road trip. We'll be going to visit your Aunt Emily and Uncle Jon as well as your Grandma and Grandpa after Thanksgiving and we'll be on the road for a few hours. I'm going to have to time feeding you just right so that we can stop half way and feed you again, or hope for the best and drive straight through.
You're holding up that head of yours so well and you love to sit up (assisted, of course). I tried sitting you in the Bumbo, but you're still just a little too small. Maybe next month. Also, you love your momma. Everyone says you light up when you spot me. If Pa, Peggy or Cheryl are trying to get you to sleep while I'm working and you hear me, you go crazy. I have to be very careful on keeping track of where you are so I can monitor where I talk in the office and how loud I talk. I love that gummy, open mouth smile of yours and how your eyes sparkle when we talk. Little one, we love you so very much.
There are differing opinions on who you look like. Pa swears you look just like his little brother, Doyle. Doyle passed away as a baby and Pa was only a little over a year old, but from pictures as a child he swears you're a spitting image of him. Others say you look a lot like your Pa...especially when you suck on your bottom lip (a trademark Pa trait) and then others say you're your daddy made over. Either way, you're perfect.
Till next month, little one. All our love.
Mom and Dad
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Funnies
Luke is talking more and more these days and some of the things he says is just too funny, so I thought I'd share.
We've been staying at my mom and dads house a couple nights a week to avoid having to drive so much to and from work/daycare. Last night my mom told Luke that she was going to take a shower and he could play with Pa (my dad). He looked at Pa and said 'Let's play a game!' We all loved his idea :)
When Luke is presented with a choice he puts his index finger to his mouth and says 'Hmm...let's see. How 'bout...' and then he makes his choice. He really seems to think it over thoroughly.
Luke is starting to ask questions. When I tell him he's not allowed to climb up the bookcase for example, he replies 'Why not?' I reply 'Because it could fall on top of you and really hurt you' and he replies 'Why not?'
He's also more inquisitive when we get in the car. As soon as we're all buckled in he asks 'Where we going?'
We were on our way home from Hot Springs the other day and we passed a school bus. Luke really wanted to talk about that school bus and I told him it was from Texarkana. He said 'Brock and Anna?' (who are two of his favorite people). He was disappointed to learn they weren't on the bus.
Overheard Luke talking to Chris:
Luke (in a whisper): iPad?
Chris: it's on the table
Luke (still in a whisper): i can't reach it.
We've been staying at my mom and dads house a couple nights a week to avoid having to drive so much to and from work/daycare. Last night my mom told Luke that she was going to take a shower and he could play with Pa (my dad). He looked at Pa and said 'Let's play a game!' We all loved his idea :)
When Luke is presented with a choice he puts his index finger to his mouth and says 'Hmm...let's see. How 'bout...' and then he makes his choice. He really seems to think it over thoroughly.
Luke is starting to ask questions. When I tell him he's not allowed to climb up the bookcase for example, he replies 'Why not?' I reply 'Because it could fall on top of you and really hurt you' and he replies 'Why not?'
He's also more inquisitive when we get in the car. As soon as we're all buckled in he asks 'Where we going?'
We were on our way home from Hot Springs the other day and we passed a school bus. Luke really wanted to talk about that school bus and I told him it was from Texarkana. He said 'Brock and Anna?' (who are two of his favorite people). He was disappointed to learn they weren't on the bus.
Overheard Luke talking to Chris:
Luke (in a whisper): iPad?
Chris: it's on the table
Luke (still in a whisper): i can't reach it.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Letter to Baby
Dear Baby Owen,
You are two months old now and I can't believe how fast time is going. You're too little to be two months old! I need time to slow down, but I think instead it passes faster with each day. That's why I write these letters, to preserve these moments, to pause time.
You and I have started back to work (yes, at two months old you 'work'). Actually, you get to join me at the office and have all the people who come in and out of our door fuss all over you, touch your sweet feet, admire your long toes and if they're lucky, hold you for a bit. You sure do know how to let them know to give you back - you can go from 0 to 60 in a blink of an eye. And you snort when you're mad, too. It's one of the things I love most about you.
We've been staying at M and Pa's house a couple nights a week so we don't have to be in the car all.the.time and you seem to do just fine. Luke absolutely loves all the attention M and Pa gives him, so you and I have some quiet time to bond. When we got home last week, daddy was trying to get you to calm down and you were just screaming and snorting like a mad little man. Finally daddy couldn't take it anymore and handed you to me, and you promptly took a deep breath and calmed down.
We have finally settled into a good routine and for the most part you stick to it, especially at night. During the day you're a little bit more of a 'feed on demand' kid. You demand it, I feed you. It doesn't matter if you were just fed an hour before...if you feel you need a little bit more, you'll let it be known. And it doesn't matter what time I try to eat my lunch because the minute you smell food, you're ready to eat.
You rolled over for the very first time! I was taking a picture of your cute little onesie you had on at the office, rolled you over to your tummy to take one of the backside, and you rolled over! And I didn't help, you actually rolled over...just ask Cheryl, she witnessed it! And I know it wasn't a fluke because when we got home you did it again!! You're going to be into Luke's toys and pulling Baxter's hair before I know it :)
You are cooing and smiling like a champ. I love that big gummy smile of yours. It's perfect and your eyes light up. You're just a happy little guy! You love when anyone talks to you, you smile and coo and grin and eat it up.
We love you to the moon and back,
Mom and Dad
You are two months old now and I can't believe how fast time is going. You're too little to be two months old! I need time to slow down, but I think instead it passes faster with each day. That's why I write these letters, to preserve these moments, to pause time.
You and I have started back to work (yes, at two months old you 'work'). Actually, you get to join me at the office and have all the people who come in and out of our door fuss all over you, touch your sweet feet, admire your long toes and if they're lucky, hold you for a bit. You sure do know how to let them know to give you back - you can go from 0 to 60 in a blink of an eye. And you snort when you're mad, too. It's one of the things I love most about you.
We've been staying at M and Pa's house a couple nights a week so we don't have to be in the car all.the.time and you seem to do just fine. Luke absolutely loves all the attention M and Pa gives him, so you and I have some quiet time to bond. When we got home last week, daddy was trying to get you to calm down and you were just screaming and snorting like a mad little man. Finally daddy couldn't take it anymore and handed you to me, and you promptly took a deep breath and calmed down.
We have finally settled into a good routine and for the most part you stick to it, especially at night. During the day you're a little bit more of a 'feed on demand' kid. You demand it, I feed you. It doesn't matter if you were just fed an hour before...if you feel you need a little bit more, you'll let it be known. And it doesn't matter what time I try to eat my lunch because the minute you smell food, you're ready to eat.
You rolled over for the very first time! I was taking a picture of your cute little onesie you had on at the office, rolled you over to your tummy to take one of the backside, and you rolled over! And I didn't help, you actually rolled over...just ask Cheryl, she witnessed it! And I know it wasn't a fluke because when we got home you did it again!! You're going to be into Luke's toys and pulling Baxter's hair before I know it :)
You are cooing and smiling like a champ. I love that big gummy smile of yours. It's perfect and your eyes light up. You're just a happy little guy! You love when anyone talks to you, you smile and coo and grin and eat it up.
We love you to the moon and back,
Mom and Dad
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Being a Toddler
Oh goodness, I think Luke has officially realized that he's two and therefore the terrible two's are among us. Here are a few examples:
Example 1:
Me: Luke, it's time for lunch, why don't you come sit down in your big boy chair and eat.
Luke: throws his hands to his side, rolls his eyes and yells 'no!' in the most defiant two year old voice ever.
Me: Fine, you'll eat when you're hungry - it's not worth the fight.
Example 2:
Me: Luke, Owen is sleeping, we need to try to be quiet and let him rest.
Luke: throws his hands to his side, rolls his eyes and yells 'no!' in the most defiant two year old voice ever.
Me: That's fine, I'll put the iPad in time out. (he responds to the iPad being in time out. he could care less if HE is put in time out)
Example 3:
Me: Luke, it's time for bed, let's go to your room and read our books and then I'll rub your back and we can sing a few songs.
Luke: throws his hands to his side, rolls his eyes, yells 'no!' in the most defiant two year old voice ever and flings himself on the floor.
I think this helps really drive the point home so that I know that in no uncertain terms is he going to go to bed willingly.
I hear there's a possibility that this could last into the three's. Pray for me.
Example 1:
Me: Luke, it's time for lunch, why don't you come sit down in your big boy chair and eat.
Luke: throws his hands to his side, rolls his eyes and yells 'no!' in the most defiant two year old voice ever.
Me: Fine, you'll eat when you're hungry - it's not worth the fight.
Example 2:
Me: Luke, Owen is sleeping, we need to try to be quiet and let him rest.
Luke: throws his hands to his side, rolls his eyes and yells 'no!' in the most defiant two year old voice ever.
Me: That's fine, I'll put the iPad in time out. (he responds to the iPad being in time out. he could care less if HE is put in time out)
Example 3:
Me: Luke, it's time for bed, let's go to your room and read our books and then I'll rub your back and we can sing a few songs.
Luke: throws his hands to his side, rolls his eyes, yells 'no!' in the most defiant two year old voice ever and flings himself on the floor.
I think this helps really drive the point home so that I know that in no uncertain terms is he going to go to bed willingly.
I hear there's a possibility that this could last into the three's. Pray for me.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Letter to Baby
Dear Owen,
Well, you're 4 weeks old now! I cannot believe how fast the time is going. I just want the time to slow down - I love holding you and you fit so perfectly in my arms. I know that when you're able, you'll be too busy to let me hold you like that.
I like to call you my little piggy - you love to eat! I'm hoping that in the next month or two we can start getting a little bit longer period of sleep at night, but as it is right now, you eat every 2 to 3 hours. And sometimes you like to snack in between that. With all this eating, you sure are growing and having longer periods of being awake. That's all fine and grand, but if I could just get you, your brother, and me to go down for a nap all at the same time, then I think I could do just about anything. But for now, as soon as you two are down, and I finally get to lay down, one of you wakes up. It's not very nice.
You are not afraid to use your voice and declare that you're wet, hungry or just generally unhappy about something. You have the absolute most pitiful cry and if you're not tended to right away, that pitiful cry turns into something that sounds like you're being beaten. I'm sure the neighbors wander what exactly we're doing to you. I wander how this will progress when you start talking.
Your big brother absolutely adores you and is constantly coming over and giving you kisses, touching your hands or feet, rubbing your hair or saying 'Check on Owen?' I hope you two become the best of friends.
You've already had a trip to mommy's office where all of my patients were so excited to see you. You were really great, but you did blow out a diaper...twice. Once on Pa. You were wonderful in the car and so I hope you're a good car rider like your brother - that will make my life so much easier!!
Little one, I just can't believe you're 4 weeks old. Can't wait to see what the next month brings - just slow it down a little, okay? Okay.
Love you so much.
Mom and Dad
Well, you're 4 weeks old now! I cannot believe how fast the time is going. I just want the time to slow down - I love holding you and you fit so perfectly in my arms. I know that when you're able, you'll be too busy to let me hold you like that.
I like to call you my little piggy - you love to eat! I'm hoping that in the next month or two we can start getting a little bit longer period of sleep at night, but as it is right now, you eat every 2 to 3 hours. And sometimes you like to snack in between that. With all this eating, you sure are growing and having longer periods of being awake. That's all fine and grand, but if I could just get you, your brother, and me to go down for a nap all at the same time, then I think I could do just about anything. But for now, as soon as you two are down, and I finally get to lay down, one of you wakes up. It's not very nice.
You are not afraid to use your voice and declare that you're wet, hungry or just generally unhappy about something. You have the absolute most pitiful cry and if you're not tended to right away, that pitiful cry turns into something that sounds like you're being beaten. I'm sure the neighbors wander what exactly we're doing to you. I wander how this will progress when you start talking.
Your big brother absolutely adores you and is constantly coming over and giving you kisses, touching your hands or feet, rubbing your hair or saying 'Check on Owen?' I hope you two become the best of friends.
You've already had a trip to mommy's office where all of my patients were so excited to see you. You were really great, but you did blow out a diaper...twice. Once on Pa. You were wonderful in the car and so I hope you're a good car rider like your brother - that will make my life so much easier!!
Little one, I just can't believe you're 4 weeks old. Can't wait to see what the next month brings - just slow it down a little, okay? Okay.
Love you so much.
Mom and Dad
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Birth Day
On Friday, August 3, 2012, Chris and I loaded our bags into the car and headed to the hospital for a scheduled c-section. We got to the hospital a little before 7 and were let into the labor and delivery unit for registration. We gave them our names and explained why we were there, and as they checked their schedules, they got eerily quiet. After a few seconds, they told us that we were not on their schedule and they were going to check into it. We waited patiently and knew we were not leaving that hospital without having our baby. After reading through some of our notes, they realized that we have some connections in the hospital and informed us they were going to work us in.
We were sent to the waiting room while they prepared a room for us. I called my parents, who were on their way to the hospital, and explained what our situation was. They could only laugh. We were still in the waiting room when they arrived. We also called Chris' parents to fill them in because they were at our house taking care of Luke. While waiting, our physician walked by and asked what was going on, we explained what had happened. She turned right around to make sure we were going to be taken care of. At about 8:30 a.m., they led us to our room. The nurse instructed me to strip down and put on the oh so lovely hospital gown. I did as I was instructed and then crawled into the hospital bed. Our nurses name was Shelle, and she was so kind! When the anesthesiologist came in and asked if I was Mrs. Bishop, she said no and told him to go check the board to learn my name.
We knew we were being worked in, and our doctor performing the surgery came in to tell us she was trying to get us in by 11 that morning, but there was a high risk patient on the floor as well and we may be later than that. Sure enough, the high risk patient was taken back first and it pushed us back quite a few hours. Around 3:00 that afternoon, Shelle came back in and started prepping me for surgery. I was rolled back into the operating room shortly after and the anesthesiologists started prepping me for the spinal. I had such a terrible experience with the spinal when I had Luke, I was so nervous about this. I grabbed the nurses hand and she talked very calmly to me while the anesthesiologist explained everything he was going to do. This wasn't the same guy that was instructed to go learn my name, but the resident. He was spectacular. And while getting a spinal done is not something I would want to do often, he made it much better than my previous experience.
When anesthesia was done, they called Chris in and they started surgery! It took 22 minutes from start to finish to deliver our healthy 7 lb 11 oz, 21" long baby boy at 3:55 p.m. Once Owen was out and suctioned, he cried and cried and cried! He cried from the moment he came out until he made it to the warming table in recovery, and even then it never let up for very long. Chris was able to cut the umbilical cord and take a bunch of pictures while he was still in the O.R. The pediatric resident was a little over zealous and tried to take him out before letting me see him, but the main pediatrician promptly instructed her to give him to Chris so I could check him out. Chris brought him over and I was able to reach out and touch him before he was taken to recovery where Chris, Owen and my parents were waiting for me.
Daddy and Owen's first picture together
As soon as I got settled in recovery, they asked if I wanted to nurse Owen, and of course I said yes! I didn't get that opportunity with Luke, so it was so special to have that with Owen. He latched right on and immediately calmed down. It was awesome! Chris' parents brought Luke up to the hospital and Luke climbed right into the bed with me, where we gave him his big brother gift that Owen brought. He was thrilled to get a surprise! He leaned over and gave Owen a kiss and I knew that they are going to be best buds. My Aunt Susan and Uncle Robert and older brother, Jon, came to the recovery room to meet baby Owen for the first time. After a couple hours in recovery, it was time to be transported to the postpartum floor. Chris and his mom carried our stuff to the room while Luke stayed in bed with me while transport moved us up to our room and Chris' dad rolled baby Owen with us.
We got settled in our room, and it was time for Luke to go home and get to bed. He didn't want to leave, but I reassured him that he would see me the next day. He accepted that and Chris walked down with him and his parents to say goodnight. We had a pretty great night (the morphine helped) and spent the next 2 days in the hospital before being released on Sunday. My mom came and stayed with me while Chris met Luke for lunch and went home to shower on Saturday. Chris' parents brought Luke to see us a few times - but after a while you know when it's time to go home, hospital rooms are a little confining to a 2 year old. Our dear friends Kristin and Otto came to visit as well as Owen's Uncle Jon and Aunt Emily. It was wonderful to have so many people come by and see us!
We are settling into life as a family of four. We look at our boys and realize how incredibly blessed we are. Owen is such an amazing addition to our family and we just adore every precious moment with him.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The things you say
I realized I hadn't documented some of the funny things Luke says lately, so humor me, ok? OK.
We cannot mention going swimming or going to the pool without you yelling 'POOOOOL' and directing us to immediately getting your swim clothes on.
Whenever we try to put your sunscreen/lotion on, or attempt to brush your teeth/hair or do anything for that matter, you always say 'I try, I try!' You are becoming quite independent.
While at the pool yesterday, your daddy and I were tossing you back and forth saying 'My Luke!'. After a few times of that you said 'No! My Yuke!' We both cracked up :)
You love going down the slide and as soon as you hit the water you immediately say 'Again, Again!' You have energy flowing out your ears.
You've been saying things that we say lately, so we're being really careful and choosing our words wisely. One day you asked for a treat and I said 'hmmm...let's see'. You have repeated that over and over. When we ask you to clean up, you say 'hmmm...let's see'. Or if we ask if you want to watch Cars or Cars 2, you say 'hmmm...let's see'. Too funny :)
You love to say 'Jude did it!' 'Grant did it!' 'Daddy did it!' 'Mama did it!' and now you've started blaming your toys 'hewicopper did it!' 'monkey did it!' etc, etc.
One day your daddy came home from work and it had been especially hot and humid that day. He came in, put Baxter on the leash and took him for a walk. After he left, you looked at me and said 'Daddy need bath'. I laughed so hard! You are so observant :)
You are learning the art of 'mine' and constantly declare the iPad or phone or one of your baby brother's toys 'my iPad' 'my phone' 'my new book'. And even though it's quite cute, I still remind you that, no, that's mommy's iPad. Or no, that's baby's book. And typically you're fine with that. We'll see what happens when you actually have to start sharing. :)
And at night, when I'm putting you to bed, after stalling getting into bed as long as you can, you climb in, pull up your shirt and pat your belly. This means you want your belly rubbed before going to bed. You don't have to say a word, that gesture speaks for itself. And as you're drifting off, I kiss your foreheas and tell you I love you and sweet dreams. You always reply, 'seet deams'.
I love the things you say.
We cannot mention going swimming or going to the pool without you yelling 'POOOOOL' and directing us to immediately getting your swim clothes on.
Whenever we try to put your sunscreen/lotion on, or attempt to brush your teeth/hair or do anything for that matter, you always say 'I try, I try!' You are becoming quite independent.
While at the pool yesterday, your daddy and I were tossing you back and forth saying 'My Luke!'. After a few times of that you said 'No! My Yuke!' We both cracked up :)
You love going down the slide and as soon as you hit the water you immediately say 'Again, Again!' You have energy flowing out your ears.
You've been saying things that we say lately, so we're being really careful and choosing our words wisely. One day you asked for a treat and I said 'hmmm...let's see'. You have repeated that over and over. When we ask you to clean up, you say 'hmmm...let's see'. Or if we ask if you want to watch Cars or Cars 2, you say 'hmmm...let's see'. Too funny :)
You love to say 'Jude did it!' 'Grant did it!' 'Daddy did it!' 'Mama did it!' and now you've started blaming your toys 'hewicopper did it!' 'monkey did it!' etc, etc.
One day your daddy came home from work and it had been especially hot and humid that day. He came in, put Baxter on the leash and took him for a walk. After he left, you looked at me and said 'Daddy need bath'. I laughed so hard! You are so observant :)
You are learning the art of 'mine' and constantly declare the iPad or phone or one of your baby brother's toys 'my iPad' 'my phone' 'my new book'. And even though it's quite cute, I still remind you that, no, that's mommy's iPad. Or no, that's baby's book. And typically you're fine with that. We'll see what happens when you actually have to start sharing. :)
And at night, when I'm putting you to bed, after stalling getting into bed as long as you can, you climb in, pull up your shirt and pat your belly. This means you want your belly rubbed before going to bed. You don't have to say a word, that gesture speaks for itself. And as you're drifting off, I kiss your foreheas and tell you I love you and sweet dreams. You always reply, 'seet deams'.
I love the things you say.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Letter to Mister
Dear Luke,
I'm writing your 2 1/2 year letter a week and a half early because your baby brother is scheduled to come the same day you actually turn 2 1/2. You are going to be such a great big brother! Every time we see a baby, you say 'baby' and lean over to give them a kiss. I'm confident you're going to be such a big helper and great buddies with your brother.
We put you in a daycare/dayschool a couple of months ago and it's amazing how much you have flourished, especially with your language. I love how much you talk! Most of it is jibberish, but more and more is becoming so intelligible. You are constantly saying new things, and thank goodness you don't scream and yell at us until we figure it out.
And I do believe you have entered the 'terrible two' stage. If we ask you to help clean up your toys, you yell 'NO!' and then ask to put yourself in time out. When we say no to timeout, you roll your eyes up, slap your hands to your side, and throw yourself flat on the floor. Normally that's the extent of the fit, but M said you threw your typical fit but then kicked and screamed at her yesterday when it was time to leave the library. Apparently you weren't happy about leaving the Thomas trains behind.
We've been taking you to the neighborhood pool and you love going! At the beginning of the summer, you weren't to sure about floating without floaties, a pool noodle and hanging on for dear life onto me or your dad. Now you just kick those little feet and float with just your arm floaties all around the pool. And you love going down the slide with dad - but refuse to do it by yourself. I love that you're such a little water baby!
We love you so much, little mister.
Mom and Dad
I'm writing your 2 1/2 year letter a week and a half early because your baby brother is scheduled to come the same day you actually turn 2 1/2. You are going to be such a great big brother! Every time we see a baby, you say 'baby' and lean over to give them a kiss. I'm confident you're going to be such a big helper and great buddies with your brother.
We put you in a daycare/dayschool a couple of months ago and it's amazing how much you have flourished, especially with your language. I love how much you talk! Most of it is jibberish, but more and more is becoming so intelligible. You are constantly saying new things, and thank goodness you don't scream and yell at us until we figure it out.
And I do believe you have entered the 'terrible two' stage. If we ask you to help clean up your toys, you yell 'NO!' and then ask to put yourself in time out. When we say no to timeout, you roll your eyes up, slap your hands to your side, and throw yourself flat on the floor. Normally that's the extent of the fit, but M said you threw your typical fit but then kicked and screamed at her yesterday when it was time to leave the library. Apparently you weren't happy about leaving the Thomas trains behind.
We've been taking you to the neighborhood pool and you love going! At the beginning of the summer, you weren't to sure about floating without floaties, a pool noodle and hanging on for dear life onto me or your dad. Now you just kick those little feet and float with just your arm floaties all around the pool. And you love going down the slide with dad - but refuse to do it by yourself. I love that you're such a little water baby!
We love you so much, little mister.
Mom and Dad
little boy
I keep going through these pictures that Luke's aunt and uncle did for his 2 year old pictures, and I just can't believe how perfectly they captured his little personality. I just love them all!! I can't believe how 'little boy' he looks instead of a 'little baby'. They sure do grow fast!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Bell's Palsy
Monday my mom offered to keep Luke so that I could go to my doctors appointment the next morning and not have to worry about him. So Luke spent his first night away from home without his mom and dad on Monday night. I knew he would do great - he's so easy going - but it sure was strange not having him home.
Tuesday morning I had my 34 week appointment and we found out that my bp was a little too high and i had some protein in my urine - more than normal - so I was sent home with a jug and instructions to catch all my urine for the next 24 hours. When we left, I had a bit of a breakdown because this is exactly what happened when things spriraled out of control during my pregnance with Luke - except it happened 2 weeks prior.
When I arrived at work, things got even more stressful and it added to the morning and at lunch I just broke down into full out bawling my eyes out. I managed to make it through the day and when Luke and I got home, Chris was cooking dinner for us - he's so great! I recapped my day to him which brought more tears and more anxiety, we had dinner and settled in for the evening. When I went to brush my teeth, I noticed that the left side of my face wouldn't budge, which scared the crap out of me and I had Chris come to confirm. Sure enough, no movement no matter how hard I tried. Chris immediately dialed my older brother (thank God for M.D.'s in the family) and he said to come on over to confirm that it was Bell's Palsy. When we got there, my SIL was there and she noticed it before I even got inside the house and when Jon got home, he also knew. Because I'm pregnant, I can't take any steroids to treat it, so at this point it's just a wait and see. Jon called my OB/GYN (thank God for doctors who are friends) and she said Bell's Palsy is fairly common in the third trimester of pregnancy.
So for now, if you see me out and about, I'm sorry I won't smile at you - it just looks too crazy. Hopefully my patients don't freak out :)
Tuesday morning I had my 34 week appointment and we found out that my bp was a little too high and i had some protein in my urine - more than normal - so I was sent home with a jug and instructions to catch all my urine for the next 24 hours. When we left, I had a bit of a breakdown because this is exactly what happened when things spriraled out of control during my pregnance with Luke - except it happened 2 weeks prior.
When I arrived at work, things got even more stressful and it added to the morning and at lunch I just broke down into full out bawling my eyes out. I managed to make it through the day and when Luke and I got home, Chris was cooking dinner for us - he's so great! I recapped my day to him which brought more tears and more anxiety, we had dinner and settled in for the evening. When I went to brush my teeth, I noticed that the left side of my face wouldn't budge, which scared the crap out of me and I had Chris come to confirm. Sure enough, no movement no matter how hard I tried. Chris immediately dialed my older brother (thank God for M.D.'s in the family) and he said to come on over to confirm that it was Bell's Palsy. When we got there, my SIL was there and she noticed it before I even got inside the house and when Jon got home, he also knew. Because I'm pregnant, I can't take any steroids to treat it, so at this point it's just a wait and see. Jon called my OB/GYN (thank God for doctors who are friends) and she said Bell's Palsy is fairly common in the third trimester of pregnancy.
So for now, if you see me out and about, I'm sorry I won't smile at you - it just looks too crazy. Hopefully my patients don't freak out :)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
32 weeks
We are in countdown mode around our house (well, maybe it's just me) and we just had our 32 week appointment. Try as I might, I just couldn't talk our doctor into putting me on bed rest. I don't think she thinks that the need to sit by the pool warrants bed rest. I guess I'll try again in two weeks.
I have only gained 8 pounds so far in this pregnancy. I am all belly.
My patience is thin and I think it's starting to show, hence the countdown.
This baby is a mover and a groover. He moves/flips/flexes/stretches/jabs all.the.time. I wonder if this will continue once he's born.
I'm nesting like crazy. I'm constantly going through things and then going through them again, just to be sure. I think it has to do that things aren't nearly as crazy this time around as they were with Luke. We aren't moving/buying a house/having a preemie all in one week. At least my plan is to keep it that way. I just didn't have the option to nest with Luke.
Here's to the next 7 weeks!
I have only gained 8 pounds so far in this pregnancy. I am all belly.
My patience is thin and I think it's starting to show, hence the countdown.
This baby is a mover and a groover. He moves/flips/flexes/stretches/jabs all.the.time. I wonder if this will continue once he's born.
I'm nesting like crazy. I'm constantly going through things and then going through them again, just to be sure. I think it has to do that things aren't nearly as crazy this time around as they were with Luke. We aren't moving/buying a house/having a preemie all in one week. At least my plan is to keep it that way. I just didn't have the option to nest with Luke.
Here's to the next 7 weeks!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Conversation
Walking into church yesterday morning:
Luke: Rocket!
Me: That's the steeple, Luke
He cracks me up!!
Luke: Rocket!
Me: That's the steeple, Luke
He cracks me up!!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
First Day
Luke had his very first day at daycare/preschool yesterday. While he held onto me pretty tight in the beginning, once he saw there were toys, he was just fine. He also took his monkey with him (that's his favorite stuffed animal and his security blanket of sorts) so he had a 'buddy' to help him through the day as well. I called to check in on him about halfway through the day and the director said he acted like he had been there forever, just never missing a beat! She commented on how happy he is and how well he was interacting with the staff and the other kids. I'm so proud of my big boy!!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Associations
Saturday I took Luke to my parents home for the day so Chris could paint the living room without a toddler 'helping'. We got to Hot Springs and met them both at McDonalds for breakfast. He was really excited about breakfast, but when he saw M and Pa (my mom and dad) he jumped up and down and pointed squealing with delight.
After breakfast we went on to M and Pa's house where Luke immediately took me to the garage to get his tub of toys - which consists only of trucks, cars and airplanes - and the playing commenced. I left Luke with my dad while mom and I went to a few garage sales and up to the school where she works. While we were gone I called to check in on Luke, but mainly my dad, and found out they went next door because the neighbor's grandkids were over. While they were there the kids were starting to swim in the lake and Luke wanted in on the action, so Mike (the neighbor) dipped Luke's feet in the water by the seawall. Apparantly that wasn't satisfactory to Luke, so Mike just let him stand up in the water (which is about waist deep when you're 2) and Luke loved it. My poor dad had just gotten back to the house when I called and he had stripped Luke from the waist down, and was searching for his diaper bag to find a new diaper. He got Luke changed and his shorts in the dryer and they both made some fun memories :)
When mom and I returned, it was about time to put Luke down for a nap. Once he woke up we packed up and drove over to my Grandma's home. When we pulled into the driveway Luke started asking 'Grandma?' 'Grandma?' 'Treat?' 'Treat?' I love that he puts those two together - it's amazing what he retains and remembers from past trips. When we went inside to Grandma's house, he ran right into her den and started bringing out mints and chocolate until Grandma offered him a sucker. That boy loves suckers.
We had a wonderful time visiting with family for the day and headed home. Chris had finished all the painting and we needed to get ready to keep our nephews for the night. Luke was thrilled when they got here and they had a blast playing together. After dinner at Chik-fil-a we came home, made the bed and the boys watched Toy Story 2. Luke absolutely adores his cousins - I hope that they grow up to be great friends!
We've had an awesome Memorial Day weekend! Now to get into the pool...
After breakfast we went on to M and Pa's house where Luke immediately took me to the garage to get his tub of toys - which consists only of trucks, cars and airplanes - and the playing commenced. I left Luke with my dad while mom and I went to a few garage sales and up to the school where she works. While we were gone I called to check in on Luke, but mainly my dad, and found out they went next door because the neighbor's grandkids were over. While they were there the kids were starting to swim in the lake and Luke wanted in on the action, so Mike (the neighbor) dipped Luke's feet in the water by the seawall. Apparantly that wasn't satisfactory to Luke, so Mike just let him stand up in the water (which is about waist deep when you're 2) and Luke loved it. My poor dad had just gotten back to the house when I called and he had stripped Luke from the waist down, and was searching for his diaper bag to find a new diaper. He got Luke changed and his shorts in the dryer and they both made some fun memories :)
When mom and I returned, it was about time to put Luke down for a nap. Once he woke up we packed up and drove over to my Grandma's home. When we pulled into the driveway Luke started asking 'Grandma?' 'Grandma?' 'Treat?' 'Treat?' I love that he puts those two together - it's amazing what he retains and remembers from past trips. When we went inside to Grandma's house, he ran right into her den and started bringing out mints and chocolate until Grandma offered him a sucker. That boy loves suckers.
We had a wonderful time visiting with family for the day and headed home. Chris had finished all the painting and we needed to get ready to keep our nephews for the night. Luke was thrilled when they got here and they had a blast playing together. After dinner at Chik-fil-a we came home, made the bed and the boys watched Toy Story 2. Luke absolutely adores his cousins - I hope that they grow up to be great friends!
We've had an awesome Memorial Day weekend! Now to get into the pool...
Friday, May 18, 2012
Letter to the Womb
Dear Baby,
Seriously! At any moment you could give the kicking/rolling/hiccups/moving a break. For an hour. That's all I'm asking!! You rarely take a break from what I can only assume is strength training for your arrival, and my insides are starting to hurt.
In other news, we've got your room arranged to some sort of functional layout. What was once a guest room is no more and eventually (when your dad's hand heals some more) we'll get some paint on the walls and all your things put in its' place. And then, when you're old enough, you'll take everything out of its place and put it wherever you like.
Tomorrow we will celebrate 28 weeks of this pregnancy which takes us into the THIRD trimester! I'm starting to nest and feel the need to get everything in order - from home to office - for your arrival in a few short months.
Love you little one!
Mom and Dad
Seriously! At any moment you could give the kicking/rolling/hiccups/moving a break. For an hour. That's all I'm asking!! You rarely take a break from what I can only assume is strength training for your arrival, and my insides are starting to hurt.
In other news, we've got your room arranged to some sort of functional layout. What was once a guest room is no more and eventually (when your dad's hand heals some more) we'll get some paint on the walls and all your things put in its' place. And then, when you're old enough, you'll take everything out of its place and put it wherever you like.
Tomorrow we will celebrate 28 weeks of this pregnancy which takes us into the THIRD trimester! I'm starting to nest and feel the need to get everything in order - from home to office - for your arrival in a few short months.
Love you little one!
Mom and Dad
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Letter to Womb
Dear Baby,
You are growing so big and strong within my tummy and I love feeling your hiccups, punches and kicks. I just wish I felt them more during the day than all night. A mommy's got to sleep, ya hear? Right now you are 24 weeks along and about the size of a grapefruit.
I'm pretty sure we've decided on a name, but as you will soon find out, things are always subject to change. I think Luke likes the name because he can say it. He thinks it's funny when I ask him where you are, but he points to my belly and gives you a kiss. I hope that you two are best buddies!
We had our echocardiogram done last week and the cardiologist and her team were amazing. They really were great about putting us at ease, and they were sweet even when you decided you were done and rolled over to make them really work for their images. After an hour of ultrasound scanning, it was determined that you were definitely ornry, but perfect in every way. They could not find any sign of a hole, no sign of a defect anywhere. It was an answer to our prayers!
We love you already, little one.
Mom and Dad
You are growing so big and strong within my tummy and I love feeling your hiccups, punches and kicks. I just wish I felt them more during the day than all night. A mommy's got to sleep, ya hear? Right now you are 24 weeks along and about the size of a grapefruit.
I'm pretty sure we've decided on a name, but as you will soon find out, things are always subject to change. I think Luke likes the name because he can say it. He thinks it's funny when I ask him where you are, but he points to my belly and gives you a kiss. I hope that you two are best buddies!
We had our echocardiogram done last week and the cardiologist and her team were amazing. They really were great about putting us at ease, and they were sweet even when you decided you were done and rolled over to make them really work for their images. After an hour of ultrasound scanning, it was determined that you were definitely ornry, but perfect in every way. They could not find any sign of a hole, no sign of a defect anywhere. It was an answer to our prayers!
We love you already, little one.
Mom and Dad
Monday, April 23, 2012
two year old moments
I find that as Luke gets deeper and deeper into being two, his emotions come out more and more. And those emotions, whether happy, sad, mad, etc...come out in full force. It's not a little giggle, it's running around laughing at the top of his lungs. If he's mad, it's stomping his feet, wailing his hands at you and screaming 'no!' at the top of his lungs.
I love my mister, but some of these two year old moments are testing not only him, but me as well.
Off to start another week - hopefully with a minimum of two year old moments...
I love my mister, but some of these two year old moments are testing not only him, but me as well.
Off to start another week - hopefully with a minimum of two year old moments...
Friday, April 20, 2012
In with the new
Remember when I bought this bedding on clearance at Target?
It's just perfect and I can't wait to bring my new little guy home to his awesome room!
Well, turns out the more I look at it, the more I hate it. So yesterday I started a new search for baby bedding and apparantly Target recently added some new collections. I.fell.in.love. And I knew I had to return that bed set and buy this new one. I showed Chris and basically told him that I was ordering it, whether he approved or not. Lucky for him, he approved :) So here is the NEW baby bedding! I ordered it this morning!!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Letter to Toddler
Dear Big Boy Luke,
You are becoming quite the little personality! You're a whopping 26 months old now! I love hearing you respond 'ohhhh-kaaaay' when you respond to what your daddy or I say. The way you draw it out is just so cute! We don't know if you're really aware of what you're responding to, but at least you're acknowledging that we are actually talking to you.
You've started doing this little shuffle through your toys and it's so funny! You dump all your toys out, make a big pile and then shuffle your feet through them while wiggling your little toosh back and forth. It cracks us up and I wish I could catch it on video! And when you're done doing your little shuffle, sometimes we can talk you into cleaning the toys up, but sometimes we can't. But what's fun if you can't make a mess, right?
You've inherited this little car from your cousins and you love it. You open the door, get out, check the gas cap, get back in, get back out, get your trucks, put your trucks in the car, get back in, shut the door and start on your way. You especially love for us to walk around the cul de sac with you. And if we aren't pushing you around in it, you either start in the garage and walk it to the edge where the garage meets the driveway, pick your little feet up and let the slant down give you a little thrill ride. Otherwise you're pushing it all around the yard. You did have your first accident, you killed the pot we've had since we lived in Texas. Oh well!
It's getting harder to take you to work. We only have a pack and play for you and you're fast outgrowing that, plus you're so used to your big boy bed, that you don't really sleep well there. You love opening and closing all the cabinents and taking all the labels out of the file cabinents. Also, you just can't get enough of turning the knobs on the audiometer or pushing all the buttons on the copier. You're favorite part of going to work with mommy is getting to go down the hall to play on all the cars. We don't put quarters in them yet because when they start talking on their own, it freaks you out a bit, so we just let you climb around on them. You also love playing games on the computer or iPad and that keeps you entertained for the most part.
And we have found that if you can reach it, it's yours. There's nothing that mommy or daddy has that you can't have if you can reach it. I recently found this out when I left the room for a few seconds and came back and you were happily gulping down my sweet tea. It's a good thing you're cute, little Luke, otherwise I just may have cried that my sweet tea was all gone :)
And you're more interested in getting dressed and wanting to help. You still have mornings (although they are very few) where you're okay putting your shorts or pants on, but you refuse to change shirts. On these mornings I just go ahead and send you to Mrs. Kristin's in your sleep shirt and pack your t-shirt for the day with you. On this particular day, once you got to Mrs. Kristin's you decided you wanted to change. And you decided you wanted to do it all on your own. And it was going great until you got stuck. And then you got pitiful, and well, who could pass up a classic picture taking opportunity, even if it did mean that you were going to have to be miserable for a few extra seconds?
You are just the most awesome little guy, and you're getting so big! And independent! Please just need your mom for a few more years! Please!!
We love you, we adore you, and we think you're perfect in every way.
Mom and Dad
You are becoming quite the little personality! You're a whopping 26 months old now! I love hearing you respond 'ohhhh-kaaaay' when you respond to what your daddy or I say. The way you draw it out is just so cute! We don't know if you're really aware of what you're responding to, but at least you're acknowledging that we are actually talking to you.
You've started doing this little shuffle through your toys and it's so funny! You dump all your toys out, make a big pile and then shuffle your feet through them while wiggling your little toosh back and forth. It cracks us up and I wish I could catch it on video! And when you're done doing your little shuffle, sometimes we can talk you into cleaning the toys up, but sometimes we can't. But what's fun if you can't make a mess, right?
You've inherited this little car from your cousins and you love it. You open the door, get out, check the gas cap, get back in, get back out, get your trucks, put your trucks in the car, get back in, shut the door and start on your way. You especially love for us to walk around the cul de sac with you. And if we aren't pushing you around in it, you either start in the garage and walk it to the edge where the garage meets the driveway, pick your little feet up and let the slant down give you a little thrill ride. Otherwise you're pushing it all around the yard. You did have your first accident, you killed the pot we've had since we lived in Texas. Oh well!
It's getting harder to take you to work. We only have a pack and play for you and you're fast outgrowing that, plus you're so used to your big boy bed, that you don't really sleep well there. You love opening and closing all the cabinents and taking all the labels out of the file cabinents. Also, you just can't get enough of turning the knobs on the audiometer or pushing all the buttons on the copier. You're favorite part of going to work with mommy is getting to go down the hall to play on all the cars. We don't put quarters in them yet because when they start talking on their own, it freaks you out a bit, so we just let you climb around on them. You also love playing games on the computer or iPad and that keeps you entertained for the most part.
And we have found that if you can reach it, it's yours. There's nothing that mommy or daddy has that you can't have if you can reach it. I recently found this out when I left the room for a few seconds and came back and you were happily gulping down my sweet tea. It's a good thing you're cute, little Luke, otherwise I just may have cried that my sweet tea was all gone :)
And you're more interested in getting dressed and wanting to help. You still have mornings (although they are very few) where you're okay putting your shorts or pants on, but you refuse to change shirts. On these mornings I just go ahead and send you to Mrs. Kristin's in your sleep shirt and pack your t-shirt for the day with you. On this particular day, once you got to Mrs. Kristin's you decided you wanted to change. And you decided you wanted to do it all on your own. And it was going great until you got stuck. And then you got pitiful, and well, who could pass up a classic picture taking opportunity, even if it did mean that you were going to have to be miserable for a few extra seconds?
You are just the most awesome little guy, and you're getting so big! And independent! Please just need your mom for a few more years! Please!!
We love you, we adore you, and we think you're perfect in every way.
Mom and Dad
Thursday, March 29, 2012
twenty weeks + five days
We had our 20 week ultrasound today and found a little anomaly in our precious little boy. Apparantly he has a little (tiny really) hole in his heart where his ventricles haven't closed off completely. Not something a mommy wants to hear. However, they were unable to find any other abnormalities to indicate a chromosomal disorder (Down's Syndrome) or any other sort of syndrome. This little hole is an isolated event, so that gives us great comfort. According to our physician, more than likely, the hole will heal on its own while baby is in utero. On the off chance that it doesn't, the baby will be given medicine after delivery (basically IB Profen) to close it off. It is something we'll monitor, and I'll go in for an echocardiogram on baby's heart in 4 weeks. This does mean that we need baby to stay in utero as long as we can make it so he can be good and big and strong.
Otherwise, baby is right on track to be a little awesome boy. His brain and spine measured perfectly and he is currently weighing in at 13 ounces! I'll keep you updated on whatever we find out in the coming weeks, and if you want to say a little prayer that all turns out fine and dandy, we sure would appreciate it.
And by the way, this baby looks just like Luke...
Otherwise, baby is right on track to be a little awesome boy. His brain and spine measured perfectly and he is currently weighing in at 13 ounces! I'll keep you updated on whatever we find out in the coming weeks, and if you want to say a little prayer that all turns out fine and dandy, we sure would appreciate it.
And by the way, this baby looks just like Luke...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
baby bedding
This is the new baby's bedding. Like I said, I found it on clearance at Target. It didn't come with a bumper, but it doesn't come with it online either. Actually, the bumper is an extra $50, and that's almost as much as I paid for the 10 piece set. I'm trying to think of some fun ideas for baby's room, especially something neat on the wall. I've been looking at wall decals online, so maybe we'll end up doing something like that. Also, I've found some super cute art on Etsy.com, so I might have to order something through that as well. Surely by the time this baby comes, it will all be put together!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
potty training
So Luke is back in diapers. After the morning of Day 1, Luke decided to cut his two year old molars and proceeded to have some bowel movements that underwear just couldn't take care of. So when he's feeling better and his body decides to cooperate, we'll try again. The good news is is that now when he potties, he tells me. The bad news is is that he potties on the floor while he's telling me - but hey, progress is progress, right?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
19 weeks and counting
A couple of weekends ago, we packed Luke up and drove to Dallas to spend a little family weekend shopping and playing. We were so lucky to be able to take my parents car and Luke was such a good car rider because of it! It has a DVD player in the back and he just chilled in the back and watched TV. I think we watched Toy Story 3 times! We had a great time and spent some time at IKEA getting some things for the house, but we also made sure we did things Luke would love, too.
We went to the Dallas World Aquarium and it.was.packed. Apparantly it was Spring Break and there was a really long line to get in, and then you were shoulder to shoulder with people once you did get in. While we were packed in like sardines, somebody mentioned that the Exit stairs would lead downstairs to the aquarium, and you could bypass the rainforest part of the exhibit, so we bolted. We knew Luke would much rather look at fish then have to fight to see anything else.
We went to the Dallas World Aquarium and it.was.packed. Apparantly it was Spring Break and there was a really long line to get in, and then you were shoulder to shoulder with people once you did get in. While we were packed in like sardines, somebody mentioned that the Exit stairs would lead downstairs to the aquarium, and you could bypass the rainforest part of the exhibit, so we bolted. We knew Luke would much rather look at fish then have to fight to see anything else.
Luke was thrilled with seeing all the fish!
Ohhh! Look!
And we saw a sloth! It started at the bottom and took several minutes to climb to the top.
It definitely needed a manicure :)
And on another note, we are 19 weeks along in incubating this little boy. We have our 20 week ultrasound next week and I can't wait to hear his heart beat and see his little body. thebump.com says he's the size of a mango this week! He still doesn't have a name, but we have a couple we like, just nothing set in stone. I asked Luke this morning what we should name the baby, and today's response was 'ackorn' (popcorn). It's been train, elmo and ernie, so I guess he can't make a decision about it either :) We started working on the baby's room and Chris installed new shelving and drawers in his closet so we could maximize the space in it - it turned out great! I bought the crib bedding on clearance at Target and we've picked out paint colors. Now I just need to get rid of some furniture to get the room painted and the room put together.
Other than that, not much has been going on. I'm starting potty training with Luke tomorrow, so I'm excited and nervous about that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well and I have lots of fun things planned with Luke as prizes for 'going' in the potty.
Wish us luck!
Friday, March 2, 2012
finding out
Yesterday afternoon, I had my 16 week OB/GYN appointment. Chris came home a little early from work and we had decided to take Luke with us. We want him to be involved so that he has a better understanding of how is world is changing. In talking with our physician, she informed us that she's pregnant, too! My heart stopped for a brief moment but she reassured me that the chances of me delivering first are far greater than her. And if you know Luke's birth story, you'd understand why that made me twitch a little bit.
Anyway, while we were talking about labs and screens and how we were both feeling, I told her I was really anxious to find out the sex of this baby. Usually you don't find out until about 20 weeks, but she asked if we wanted to go see if we could sneak a peek and of course we said yes! As she was warming up the ultrasound machine, she warned us that she wasn't going to tell us what she thought unless she was 100% sure. We told her we knew it was a boy (come on, 7 generations of NO girls?? of course it's a boy!), but were holding out a little hope that it was a girl. As she's scanning baby (who is all stretched out and comfy) she spots something and decides to step out of the room to see if she can find her sonographer. Luckily, the sonographer was still there (she usually wouldn't be) and so she took over. As she's scanning a picture comes on the screen and I immediately say, "It's a boy!"
And sure enough, it's a BOY! And let me tell you, this baby is not shy about showing off. He was spread eagle and happy. Luke was a totally different story. When we went to find out the sex of our Luke, he had one hand covering his face and the other hand covering his 'turtle'.
We are so thrilled, and everything so far looks good. We'll have our 20 week ultrasound at the end of the month to measure baby and all that jazz. We don't have any names picked out, but we know he's going to be an amazing addition to our family!
Anyway, while we were talking about labs and screens and how we were both feeling, I told her I was really anxious to find out the sex of this baby. Usually you don't find out until about 20 weeks, but she asked if we wanted to go see if we could sneak a peek and of course we said yes! As she was warming up the ultrasound machine, she warned us that she wasn't going to tell us what she thought unless she was 100% sure. We told her we knew it was a boy (come on, 7 generations of NO girls?? of course it's a boy!), but were holding out a little hope that it was a girl. As she's scanning baby (who is all stretched out and comfy) she spots something and decides to step out of the room to see if she can find her sonographer. Luckily, the sonographer was still there (she usually wouldn't be) and so she took over. As she's scanning a picture comes on the screen and I immediately say, "It's a boy!"
And sure enough, it's a BOY! And let me tell you, this baby is not shy about showing off. He was spread eagle and happy. Luke was a totally different story. When we went to find out the sex of our Luke, he had one hand covering his face and the other hand covering his 'turtle'.
We are so thrilled, and everything so far looks good. We'll have our 20 week ultrasound at the end of the month to measure baby and all that jazz. We don't have any names picked out, but we know he's going to be an amazing addition to our family!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
this child
this child makes me so happy.
this child makes me feel love like i never knew existed.
this child fills my heart with joy.
this child can make me crazy.
this child is amazing.
this child is mine.
i adore this child.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Letter to a Big Boy
Dear Son,
Your second birthday has come and gone, and my oh my, what a whirlwind it was! You turned two on Friday and even though mom and dad had to work, you had a wonderful day playing with your Mrs. Kristin. Friday evening when you woke up from a nap (I hear you were plum tuckered out), your daddy and I had put your birthday presents in the living room. When you saw them, your eyes lit up and you immediately started ripping open packages. You got a T-Ball/Golf set, a Buzz Lightyear hooded towel, a Tubby Tater (Mr. Potato Head made for the tub), a Camelback water bottle that's just your size, and a Cars night light. I think you had a wonderful birthday.
Saturday we celebrated your birthday with dear friends and family with a Mickey Mouse themed party. Your mom and dad made your cupcakes and all the treats that included marshmallow pops, homemade pretzel bites, Hot Diggity Dogs (pigs in a blanket), and rice krispie treats in the shape of mickey mouse. I think you were just thrilled to have everyone you love at your house at one time, the presents were just a bonus :). You are one lucky little 2 year old and received a basketball goal that's just the right size for you, toys galore, TOMS shoes, a choo-choo train, a super hero cape, puzzles and a Mickey Mouse toy and DVD.
You have been such a good kiddo the past few days and I joked with your dad that you've been better since turning 2 than before. Hopefully that doesn't come back to haunt me :) Your little 2 year old self is awesome. You still get complimented on how cute you are whenever we run our errands. The women at Kroger definitely know you and your daddy (since y'all are the ones that always do the grocery shopping) and you love riding in the shopping cart that has the car. You're figuring out how to buckle/unbuckle the straps so that keeps you entertained while your dad gets all our goods.
You're adding more words to ever expanding vocabulary. Some of the new ones include 'mas' for Thomas the train, 'bird', 'helicop' for helicopter and 'bed'. When you say 'bed', that's our cue that you want to climb on top of mommy and daddy's bed and watch cartoons. Typically you do this after dinner and enjoy relaxing on the big bed while mommy and daddy finish dinner and get the kitchen cleaned. We are starting to work on learning colors now and so I expect everything will be named via their color very shortly.
You are so dang active and rarely have a moment where you're completely still. When you're on the move, you're typically jumping from point a to point b. I've never seen a kid jump that much! And with all that jumping comes a big appetite. Your favorite snack right now includes marshmallows or gummies. And forget about taking one bite at a time, it's more fun to shove it all in at once because you can continue to jump from spot to spot.
And with turning two, we learned you are going to be a big brother! We have started to talk to you about what's in store for you and what it means to be a big brother, but you have no interest in all that and would rather continue to jump. I'll show you my belly and tell you that there's a baby in mommy's tummy and you'll say 'hi baby' and just laugh! You think it's so funny! I just know you're going to be an incredible big brother.
I can't begin to tell you how much we absolutely adore you. You have been such a blessing in our lives.
We love you, son.
Mommy and Daddy
Your second birthday has come and gone, and my oh my, what a whirlwind it was! You turned two on Friday and even though mom and dad had to work, you had a wonderful day playing with your Mrs. Kristin. Friday evening when you woke up from a nap (I hear you were plum tuckered out), your daddy and I had put your birthday presents in the living room. When you saw them, your eyes lit up and you immediately started ripping open packages. You got a T-Ball/Golf set, a Buzz Lightyear hooded towel, a Tubby Tater (Mr. Potato Head made for the tub), a Camelback water bottle that's just your size, and a Cars night light. I think you had a wonderful birthday.
Saturday we celebrated your birthday with dear friends and family with a Mickey Mouse themed party. Your mom and dad made your cupcakes and all the treats that included marshmallow pops, homemade pretzel bites, Hot Diggity Dogs (pigs in a blanket), and rice krispie treats in the shape of mickey mouse. I think you were just thrilled to have everyone you love at your house at one time, the presents were just a bonus :). You are one lucky little 2 year old and received a basketball goal that's just the right size for you, toys galore, TOMS shoes, a choo-choo train, a super hero cape, puzzles and a Mickey Mouse toy and DVD.
You have been such a good kiddo the past few days and I joked with your dad that you've been better since turning 2 than before. Hopefully that doesn't come back to haunt me :) Your little 2 year old self is awesome. You still get complimented on how cute you are whenever we run our errands. The women at Kroger definitely know you and your daddy (since y'all are the ones that always do the grocery shopping) and you love riding in the shopping cart that has the car. You're figuring out how to buckle/unbuckle the straps so that keeps you entertained while your dad gets all our goods.
You're adding more words to ever expanding vocabulary. Some of the new ones include 'mas' for Thomas the train, 'bird', 'helicop' for helicopter and 'bed'. When you say 'bed', that's our cue that you want to climb on top of mommy and daddy's bed and watch cartoons. Typically you do this after dinner and enjoy relaxing on the big bed while mommy and daddy finish dinner and get the kitchen cleaned. We are starting to work on learning colors now and so I expect everything will be named via their color very shortly.
You are so dang active and rarely have a moment where you're completely still. When you're on the move, you're typically jumping from point a to point b. I've never seen a kid jump that much! And with all that jumping comes a big appetite. Your favorite snack right now includes marshmallows or gummies. And forget about taking one bite at a time, it's more fun to shove it all in at once because you can continue to jump from spot to spot.
And with turning two, we learned you are going to be a big brother! We have started to talk to you about what's in store for you and what it means to be a big brother, but you have no interest in all that and would rather continue to jump. I'll show you my belly and tell you that there's a baby in mommy's tummy and you'll say 'hi baby' and just laugh! You think it's so funny! I just know you're going to be an incredible big brother.
I can't begin to tell you how much we absolutely adore you. You have been such a blessing in our lives.
We love you, son.
Mommy and Daddy
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Letter to Luke
Luke,
You are a whopping 23 months old! As I write this you are taking a nap. This morning we went to church and Mr. Roger brought you some marshmallows - which you quickly devoured. Then you ate most of your fruit loops, drank your juice and then ate a bag of gummies. I thought you would be full, but then you ate all your snacks plus more during nursery. I think you either are going through a growth spurt or we need to have you examined for a hollow leg.
This past month we celebrated Christmas and I think your favorite part was tearing open the paper. When you saw what was inside you would say 'cool' and move to the next gift. You were great taking gifts to their rightful owner. If you couldn't lift it, you'd rip the paper just enough to pull it. And you really enjoyed checking out everyone else's gifts. A few times I had to have you return Jude's gifts back to him. You might be a little grinch in the making - you know, stealing everyone's gifts :)
We've decided that eating out with you has reached a halting point. Unless the restaurant is classy enough to have a play place. Or child care. Or duct tape. Once you've decided you're done eating, it might as well be over for us, too. There's no point in fighting a losing battle, so we just elect to stay home. Maybe someday we can enjoy the public again, but for now, they're better off without your tantrums.
You are loving trains and one of your favorite things to do is line up a bunch of toys and push them around saying 'choo-choo' until they break apart and you have to line them up all over again. Your dad even took you to see some train exhibits at the library. You were in choo-choo heaven!
Your personality is really getting stronger each day. You definitely aren't afraid to let us know you are unhappy or that you don't want to comply with a request. And when you have no other choice but to do as we wish, like to change your diaper, you try to kick us. That's gonna be nipped in the bud real soon. And with that sense of independence, you love to be 'on your own'. At night, after dinner and bath, you like to curl up on mommy and daddy's bed and wath the goodnight show on Sprout. It may be the cutesy thing ever to see you with your arms propped up chilling on the bed like a big boy.
Well, you're waking up so I'll keep this short and just let you know how much we love you.
To the moon and back,
Mom and Dad
You are a whopping 23 months old! As I write this you are taking a nap. This morning we went to church and Mr. Roger brought you some marshmallows - which you quickly devoured. Then you ate most of your fruit loops, drank your juice and then ate a bag of gummies. I thought you would be full, but then you ate all your snacks plus more during nursery. I think you either are going through a growth spurt or we need to have you examined for a hollow leg.
This past month we celebrated Christmas and I think your favorite part was tearing open the paper. When you saw what was inside you would say 'cool' and move to the next gift. You were great taking gifts to their rightful owner. If you couldn't lift it, you'd rip the paper just enough to pull it. And you really enjoyed checking out everyone else's gifts. A few times I had to have you return Jude's gifts back to him. You might be a little grinch in the making - you know, stealing everyone's gifts :)
We've decided that eating out with you has reached a halting point. Unless the restaurant is classy enough to have a play place. Or child care. Or duct tape. Once you've decided you're done eating, it might as well be over for us, too. There's no point in fighting a losing battle, so we just elect to stay home. Maybe someday we can enjoy the public again, but for now, they're better off without your tantrums.
You are loving trains and one of your favorite things to do is line up a bunch of toys and push them around saying 'choo-choo' until they break apart and you have to line them up all over again. Your dad even took you to see some train exhibits at the library. You were in choo-choo heaven!
Your personality is really getting stronger each day. You definitely aren't afraid to let us know you are unhappy or that you don't want to comply with a request. And when you have no other choice but to do as we wish, like to change your diaper, you try to kick us. That's gonna be nipped in the bud real soon. And with that sense of independence, you love to be 'on your own'. At night, after dinner and bath, you like to curl up on mommy and daddy's bed and wath the goodnight show on Sprout. It may be the cutesy thing ever to see you with your arms propped up chilling on the bed like a big boy.
Well, you're waking up so I'll keep this short and just let you know how much we love you.
To the moon and back,
Mom and Dad
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