Better Days

Look at my sweet boy and his Daddy:

Our weekends have been so fun lately.  Maybe having busier weeks with less time together is making our weekend time seem more precious.  And maybe we're over the hump with the toughest season with a new baby in the house.  We are sleeping a bit more.  I think we all look less tired, more relaxed, more joyful!

Even Ell is smiling!  We have almost caught it on camera.

Yesterday, as I was sitting through another rushed dinner with my family, I realized that I physically feel more relaxed and just better when my husband is home.  I know it's unrealistic that I could have him here all of the time, but I am sure missing him these days.  And our lives are so hectic!  And our kids are only still so small!  How is this happening to us?  I hope we can reassess and figure some things out. 

Still, our days are full of joy.  Elliott is 2 months old already. 

He is a FUSSY baby.  He hates being on his back, so it's hard to keep him happy when he is awake.  He sleeps a lot these days, which is a nice break from the crying.  And we sleep him on his tummy.  He's just so happy when he's on his tum.  I know we're breaking the rules.  I am bracing myself for a big lecture from my doctor on Monday, but until I know what's wrong with him, and why he hates his back so much, I'm going to try to just keep him happy.  Poor kiddo. 
He is sleeping much more at night now.  I'm only up twice and he eats and goes right back to sleep.  I do feel tired, but it's so much better than it was a week ago.  There is hope!

Gabe is awesome to be around these days.  Yesterday, we invented a new song, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Pig".  He laughs uncontrollably when we sing it.  And this morning, I handed him a wooden spoon to play with and he says "I go get fiddle" and he gets his guitar, but pretends to bow it with the spoon.  I don't know where he has seen this.  Pretty creative.
I am anxious to get outside with them after nap time and walk.  Maybe we'll go check out track practice and see what that handsome pole vault coach is up to!  Also, I get to get my hair cut this afternoon.  What a treat!

Turning Point...

Deep Breath...

Things have been going a certain way for awhile now, and it was a certainly reasonable way for them to go.  We are allowed a period of living on survival mode whenever a big change has occurred in our lives. 

But it's time for something different.

The weather changed, and it makes me want to follow suit.  I am hoping to open up the windows and air out all of the areas of my life.  Out with the old dusty, musty air, and breathe in the new, warm, fresh LIFE that is springing forth all around me. 

Hopefully something lovely will blossom.  Christlike characteristics in my heart, a potty trained 2 year old, a slimmer me, a baby that sleeps, a wife and mommy that loves unconditionally and speaks gently, and a home that is welcoming, tidy, and peaceful to enter.

Idealistic?  Definitely.  But it sure feels nice.

You Know You're a New Mommy When...

...halfway through brushing your teeth you realize you're using your 2-year-old's toothbrush.

...you have never been more thankful for your parents.

...doing your hair and getting dressed in something besides sweats warrants a special occasion.

...drinking a glass of milk brings about a new emotion toward dairy cows:  deep gratitude.

...an uninterrupted shower is your 10 minutes of sanity each day.

...sleep...I don't even know what to say...

...you can't post a blog without at least 14 spelling errors.

...normally you can change a diaper in about 10 seconds, but in the middle of the night, you can hardly see straight, so it takes a good 3 minutes.

...if you don't count nursing as something on your to-do list, you wouldn't have crossed off a thing on most days.

...you've logged about 5 miles in the last 3 weeks pacing the floor in your house trying to quiet those middle of the night cries.

...you genuinely wish you could spend a couple hours tidying up your house.

...you get excited when you think about what this new little one will be like in 2 months, 6 months, and a year.

...you wonder how your family will be different with this new personality in it.

...as soon as you see those first smiles, you feel awake, beautiful, and hopeful again.

(Mommies, feel free to add to this list!)

I don't know how I can capture all of the sweet moments we've had in the last week or so...but here goes: 
Top 5 memories surrounding Elliott's birth:

1.  The Labor:  I was expecting it to be easier than Gabe's but it was really the best it could have been.  I knew Tuesday night I'd be going in on Wednesday.  My contractions had picked up a bit in intensity.  All night that night I dreamed about having contractions.  At 4:30am my water broke.  Jacob called his folks and we got around to go to the hospital.  10 minutes later, Jake's dad called and said they got stuck in a snow drift.  We tried to find someone to come sit at the house until they could get Gabe, but my contractions were picking up fast, and we had to take Gabe with us.  Got to the hospital at about 5:15am, and Elliott arrive at 6:32am.  My body just did what it was supposed to do, and I pushed him out!  It was amazing!  I got to see him as soon as he was out, and my body had minimal damage from the process.  The recovery has been quick!  Jacob and I were ecstatic at how well it all went.

2.  Gabe and Elliot meet:  I just watched the video of this again, and I look at myself, and I have never looked so happy.  Jacob said I was "radient".  I love my boys!

3.  Nursing:  Elliott is a champ at this.  I was really looking forward to doing this again, since it was kind of a stressful experience with Gabe.  Nursing is like giving Ell a big hug that last half an hour, several times a day. 

4.  Gabe's behavior:  At first, Gabe was away from us for awhile.  He was with grandparents during out hospital stay for 2 whole days, and then home for a couple of days, then with gramie again.  But when he was home, he was a different kid than before.  We have been hearing "no" a LOT.  This is typical for 2 years old, I know, but I can see his frustration.  When he is told no, or gets frustrated that a toy won't do what he wants, he claps his hands and spits.  This is brand new!  We are hugging and cuddling him a lot, but also keeping the boundaries in place.  He's had lots of spanks, too.
However, his potty training has taken off since Elliott has been here.  Go figure...

5.  Sleeping:  Aside from the first 2 or 3 days, this is going so well!  Elliott pretty much sleeps all night, except when he's eating.  I guess that is true of the day, too, now that I think about it.  =)  I miss him when he sleeps.

Well, I waiting too long to create this blog and I have already forgotten a lot.  I am really glad Ell is here!  Today has been my first day with both boys alone and it has gone very well, I think.  But I'm glad it's the last day Jake is gone for an away game.  I would prefer to have him home.  =)