(Mid bite of food, but still too cute.)
King of the farm rats.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Farm Rats.
I affectionately refer to Buck and Fawn as my "farm rats" because they love the farm. They would rather be there than any other place on earth. I love that Buck is raising Fawn (and will raise Small Fry) to love the outdoors, and I'm so glad it's an interest they will always share. It's been an extra special blessing as we adjust to life with Small Fry because Buck and Fawn have spent some long Saturdays together at the farm where Fawn has been showered with much-needed extra love and attention. And me -- I love the farm too. I love the weekends I have quiet time (or now baby bonding time) because the boys are at the farm. And, I love going to the farm with my boys -- it's a great place to relax and pick up a book or some knitting needles. Here are my farm rats upon their return from a day trip to the farm:
Sunday, March 18, 2012
One Month Recap.
We started Small Fry's life with a bang -- a super-quick, chaotic, memorable delivery. Other than that entry into life, he's been a pretty laid back little fellow. He loves to snuggle -- as does his mommy -- so we make a good team. He is happy to accompany Fawn and me wherever we go; he doesn't mind the car seat, stroller, or any of my numerous baby slings. In his first month of life, he made multiple trips to the zoo and Overton Park as well as a trip to Triangle Park and even Chick-Fil-A. He really hasn't slowed us down. Yes, it takes longer to get out of the house in the morning (and into the car, out of the car, and into our destination...basically life just takes longer). And, yes there are the speed bumps along the way (outfit changes due to spit up, diaper changes, nursing sessions). But, my overwhelming fear that Fawn's life would drastically change in that we would be home bound was simply that -- a fear. It is definitely not our reality.
I do have the lovely early Spring weather to thank for that too. It's been gorgeous, hasn't it? And, another huge thank you to our "village" who support us and allow for mommy and Fawn dates. Small Fry is happy to hang out with one of his grandparents for a couple hours so I can take Fawn on his own special outings (library, Tot Lot, Mr. Eddie for a much-needed haircut). More on the "village people" as we like to call them in a later post...they truly have been life-saving (plus, they make life more fun!).
Small Fry started his life with jaundice. Not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things and we avoided the lights (yeah!). But, we spent multiple mornings at the pediatrician's office for heel pricks (poor baby!). And, I was instructed to nurse around the clock -- literally as much as Small Fry would take. We got great results in terms of the jaundice, but Small Fry now believes it is perfectly acceptable to eat for five minutes here and there...constantly. Any hopes of being on a feeding schedule are just going to have to wait for now. I know we'll get there.
Small Fry also has a sensitive little tummy. I'm just not used to it because Fawn had no tummy troubles to speak of. I can literally count the number of times Fawn spit up on one hand. Not my newest angel. It's definitely getting better, but it literally hurts my heart to see him grimace in pain. And it makes me feel guilty since I'm breastfeeding him...I worry is it something I'm eating or doing? I have cut out all caffeine, dairy and citrus from my diet which has also helped we think. I know our tummy troubles are minor compared to those experienced by some families and for that I'm so thankful. I also know that things will continue to improve as Small Fry grows.
Despite these minor bumps in the road, we've had a great month. Small Fry continues to impress us with his level of activity for a newborn. He has already rolled over from front to back and back to front. He's pretty good at holding his head up. And, the nurse who was responsible for the multiple heel pricks commented that he had the strongest legs of any baby she'd ever seen (I can second that they are strong -- he could kick me in utero and make me throw up!). He's got the cutest grin -- I think he's going to be a total ham. And he really is just such a love. He wants nothing more than to be snuggled up against me or wrapped in my arms. I'm taking all the snuggles now that I can get because I know these sweet days are fleeting.
Though the days (and especially nights) can seem long...the weeks are absolutely flying by. It breaks my heart to know I can't stop time or at least slow it down. We always said we wanted two kids -- and now our family feels complete. But there's something about knowing this is the last little one who will wake me up in the middle of the night or pee all over me when I change his diaper that hurts. All I can do is cherish this little boy, this precious gift...and remember these moments.
I do have the lovely early Spring weather to thank for that too. It's been gorgeous, hasn't it? And, another huge thank you to our "village" who support us and allow for mommy and Fawn dates. Small Fry is happy to hang out with one of his grandparents for a couple hours so I can take Fawn on his own special outings (library, Tot Lot, Mr. Eddie for a much-needed haircut). More on the "village people" as we like to call them in a later post...they truly have been life-saving (plus, they make life more fun!).
Small Fry started his life with jaundice. Not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things and we avoided the lights (yeah!). But, we spent multiple mornings at the pediatrician's office for heel pricks (poor baby!). And, I was instructed to nurse around the clock -- literally as much as Small Fry would take. We got great results in terms of the jaundice, but Small Fry now believes it is perfectly acceptable to eat for five minutes here and there...constantly. Any hopes of being on a feeding schedule are just going to have to wait for now. I know we'll get there.
Small Fry also has a sensitive little tummy. I'm just not used to it because Fawn had no tummy troubles to speak of. I can literally count the number of times Fawn spit up on one hand. Not my newest angel. It's definitely getting better, but it literally hurts my heart to see him grimace in pain. And it makes me feel guilty since I'm breastfeeding him...I worry is it something I'm eating or doing? I have cut out all caffeine, dairy and citrus from my diet which has also helped we think. I know our tummy troubles are minor compared to those experienced by some families and for that I'm so thankful. I also know that things will continue to improve as Small Fry grows.
Despite these minor bumps in the road, we've had a great month. Small Fry continues to impress us with his level of activity for a newborn. He has already rolled over from front to back and back to front. He's pretty good at holding his head up. And, the nurse who was responsible for the multiple heel pricks commented that he had the strongest legs of any baby she'd ever seen (I can second that they are strong -- he could kick me in utero and make me throw up!). He's got the cutest grin -- I think he's going to be a total ham. And he really is just such a love. He wants nothing more than to be snuggled up against me or wrapped in my arms. I'm taking all the snuggles now that I can get because I know these sweet days are fleeting.
Though the days (and especially nights) can seem long...the weeks are absolutely flying by. It breaks my heart to know I can't stop time or at least slow it down. We always said we wanted two kids -- and now our family feels complete. But there's something about knowing this is the last little one who will wake me up in the middle of the night or pee all over me when I change his diaper that hurts. All I can do is cherish this little boy, this precious gift...and remember these moments.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Can You Believe It?
Small Fry turned one month old last week. My how time flies! As I told Buck, pretty soon we'll be planning his first birthday party. But, as not to get away from myself, enjoy some pictures of my boys on Small Fry's 1/12th birthday. 
Look at my precious (and quite hefty) one month old! He weighed in at 8 pounds 12 ounces at his two week check-up and 11 pounds 8 ounces at a doctor's appointment today. Growing boy!
What is crazy big brother doing? He had to join in on the fun.
This was the best I could muster for a shot of the brothers. Better luck next time!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Scattered Thoughts from a Sleep-Deprived Momma.
1. I have not worn make-up (not one shred) since February 6. Nor have I used my hairdryer since then. While some thirty year old women may fear, dread, hate a month like this, I have relished in it. It's been awesome. Though I promise I will spend some time on me very soon. (Notice that you've not seen a picture of me post-hospital.)
2. With Fawn I never breastfed in public. Never. The thought terrified me. Once he was six months old or so I was comfortable feeding him in my car, but why I bought a nursing cover for baby number one I have no idea. With Small Fry, there's no option -- Fawn is used to activities, play dates, the outdoors. So we go, we do, we live. Frankly, it's a much more enjoyable way for me to spend the early days with a newborn. While I love a few hours -- and some days -- at home, nesting with my new love, it's also really nice to return to normal, to a routine, to real life. So, the nursing cover has been used this time around -- and it's no big deal. (Insert sigh of relief.)
3. The great weigh in was a tie. Down to the tenth of a pound. I kid you not. I know you've all been sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for the official results. Buck and I weighed in the day before I went into labor and though the number will remain a secret (only 3.8 pounds more than I gained with Fawn!) it was exactly identical. Now, to just start shedding those pounds...which is so hard for me in the early days of breastfeeding because I'm always starving.
4. I have taken pictures of Small Fry -- not a ton, but some sweet ones. I hope to post them within the week -- and document his first month. Yes, a month. I can't believe it. Time is flying even faster with this little one. I want it to stop, in fact I want to turn back the clock to Fawn's first weeks and month of life and experience it all over again. And, then 4 am comes or the fussies set in or both boys are crying at the same time and I'm thankful that infancy is only a stage, only a season. While certainly a precious one, I wouldn't have the stamina to parent like this forever. So I'm trying to cherish, enjoy, live, and laugh (even when I feel like crying) -- but most of all love on and nurture both sweet souls that God has blessed us with.
5. Watching an older child adjust to not being the center of the universe just about ripped my heart out. As in many more tears for Belle than for Fawn. As in lost sleep over worry for his sweet self and his adjustment. I'm happy to report that he's doing well. He did regress in terms of potty training, but we're back on track. He's learning that brother share mommy's time -- and take turns. He's learning that we take care of Small Fry with the same attention and love that we took care of him when he was a baby. And most of the time, he's his happy, energetic, funny self. But there are still moments that break my heart -- when I see a look in his eyes that says "I want my mommy. To myself." And sometimes I want Fawn to myself. And sometimes I want Small Fry to myself. But, I know I'm so lucky to have and love both.
6. Yesterday, I heard the ice cream truck coming down our street. Fawn had just gone to the potty post nap and was clothed in his pajama shirt (size 18 month -- big toddler in a little shirt -- he will not let me get rid of it) and underwear. Only. Small Fry was eating and I had a blanket thrown over my shoulder as a nursing cover. But, I knew that if we missed the ice cream man it would be all over for the afternoon. So out we went -- what a sight to behold. And Fawn got his Bomb Pop. Which is proceeded to drip all over my floor.
Oven timer's beeping (don't be impressed...just some potato wedges for Fawn's lunch), dryer's finished with yet another load of spit-up covered clothes (more on that later), so ta ta for now.
2. With Fawn I never breastfed in public. Never. The thought terrified me. Once he was six months old or so I was comfortable feeding him in my car, but why I bought a nursing cover for baby number one I have no idea. With Small Fry, there's no option -- Fawn is used to activities, play dates, the outdoors. So we go, we do, we live. Frankly, it's a much more enjoyable way for me to spend the early days with a newborn. While I love a few hours -- and some days -- at home, nesting with my new love, it's also really nice to return to normal, to a routine, to real life. So, the nursing cover has been used this time around -- and it's no big deal. (Insert sigh of relief.)
3. The great weigh in was a tie. Down to the tenth of a pound. I kid you not. I know you've all been sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for the official results. Buck and I weighed in the day before I went into labor and though the number will remain a secret (only 3.8 pounds more than I gained with Fawn!) it was exactly identical. Now, to just start shedding those pounds...which is so hard for me in the early days of breastfeeding because I'm always starving.
4. I have taken pictures of Small Fry -- not a ton, but some sweet ones. I hope to post them within the week -- and document his first month. Yes, a month. I can't believe it. Time is flying even faster with this little one. I want it to stop, in fact I want to turn back the clock to Fawn's first weeks and month of life and experience it all over again. And, then 4 am comes or the fussies set in or both boys are crying at the same time and I'm thankful that infancy is only a stage, only a season. While certainly a precious one, I wouldn't have the stamina to parent like this forever. So I'm trying to cherish, enjoy, live, and laugh (even when I feel like crying) -- but most of all love on and nurture both sweet souls that God has blessed us with.
5. Watching an older child adjust to not being the center of the universe just about ripped my heart out. As in many more tears for Belle than for Fawn. As in lost sleep over worry for his sweet self and his adjustment. I'm happy to report that he's doing well. He did regress in terms of potty training, but we're back on track. He's learning that brother share mommy's time -- and take turns. He's learning that we take care of Small Fry with the same attention and love that we took care of him when he was a baby. And most of the time, he's his happy, energetic, funny self. But there are still moments that break my heart -- when I see a look in his eyes that says "I want my mommy. To myself." And sometimes I want Fawn to myself. And sometimes I want Small Fry to myself. But, I know I'm so lucky to have and love both.
6. Yesterday, I heard the ice cream truck coming down our street. Fawn had just gone to the potty post nap and was clothed in his pajama shirt (size 18 month -- big toddler in a little shirt -- he will not let me get rid of it) and underwear. Only. Small Fry was eating and I had a blanket thrown over my shoulder as a nursing cover. But, I knew that if we missed the ice cream man it would be all over for the afternoon. So out we went -- what a sight to behold. And Fawn got his Bomb Pop. Which is proceeded to drip all over my floor.
Oven timer's beeping (don't be impressed...just some potato wedges for Fawn's lunch), dryer's finished with yet another load of spit-up covered clothes (more on that later), so ta ta for now.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Somebody Turned 31!
And it wasn't me...not for a month and a half anyway. I prepared for Buck's birthday in January -- card, check, present, check, reminder set on calendar, check (I was seriously worried I would totally forget that February 12th is a special day in our house with a very, very new baby occupying my days, nights, every moment). But, I didn't forget! Yeah! While it wasn't a big celebration -- or really any celebration, we carved out some precious minutes for our sweet husband and the best dad ever. Buck's mom brought over an awesome dinner for us to enjoy at home, which was wonderful! Happy Birthday Buck -- we love you old man!
Thirty-one years, and two little boys later...Buck is still as precious as the day I met him (when we were twelve!).
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