He Plays Now, Too!

A certain little someone is fussing now, so just the photos will have to do for now.  He loves "playtime" these days.  The mobile is almost a pain in the crib because he gets so excited to see it that he forgets he's tired.  (Until we leave the room, of course!)  

There a few really sweet Michael stories to share, but they're going to be kinda long so hang in there for more!

In the Blink of an Eye.

Nine weeks seems like an eternity when you're pregnant. Nine weeks goes by in the blink of an eye when you are the mother of an infant. The time is just going too quickly. The holidays and Josh's basketball season are adding to the craziness around our house, but we're really happy.

Someone is ready to eat, and someone's mother still hasn't had time for lunch herself yet... Gotta go! Stay tuned. Now that the pictures are finally uploaded, there are lots of stories to tell and pictures to share.

Lovin' the Library...

Guess who had the best day ever?

Our First Day!

Today was my first day of flying solo with Mr. Michael and Mr. Nicholas.  And, even though we still have  a few hours before Josh rolls in the door, I would venture to say that the day was a success.  I haven't gotten much done; other than feeding the boys, putting the boys to sleep, cleaning up the breakfast dishes,  and showering.  I guess that's the way that things are going to go for the next few weeks, actually, maybe months! : )

Today was also our first day of joining the local Mom's Club!  We had a blast.  Today's activity was a bustling Halloween party.  Michael brought his costume, but refused to wear it.  We had lunch with the other mothers and their children. Michael did a craft, decorated a cookie, and even jumped on a moon bounce.  Unfortunately it is FREEZING cold today, so he didn't last too long outside.  It was really interesting to watch Michael in this setting, we literally knew three people at this outing: two mothers and one little boy.  You would never know that Michael had never been around this group before.  He jumped right into all of the activities and was incredibly sociable.  I have a feeling that he was comfortable because it was similar to daycare: noise, toys, chaos, lots of kiddies!  Of course, Nicholas slept right through the

 party. All three of us had a blast, and I'm looking forward to next week's activity already.  The best part of the party was getting to know other families who live in our neighborhood.  

I would certainly say that our day together was a smashing success!  I am totally exhausted, though... Thankfully, Mary Jane made us a delicious dinner for this evening.

Melts my heart...

This morning, while preparing breakfast, I peeked into the playroom to check on Michael and Nicholas.  The baby was strapped in the bouncy seat, trying to sleep.   And, Michael was playing with his cars, or so I thought.  When I stuck my head in the room, there was Michael sitting beside the bouncy seat, reading Nicholas the book "I'll Always Love You".  I quickly tried to find the camera, and couldn't find it quickly enough.  Nicholas started to cry.  And, I heard Michael say something like, "Well, if you're gonna cry, then I'm not going to read to you, Baby." Even though the moment was over,  I laughed to myself and continued to look for the camera.  When I finally walked in, there was Michael B.  trying to console his brother with a little kiss on the forehead.  We then played together, the three of us, by introducing Mr. Nicholas to tummy time and letting him stretch out on the floor .  

These pictures are not from this morning. Once the camera battery is charged, I will be sure to post them!  We're also going to a party on the mountain this afternoon, so I'm very hopeful that we will have a few family photos to share from the celebration!

WA-HOOOOO!!!!

Have I mentioned that I love, love, love my doctor?  He has delivered both of our sons, and I'm just so incredibly grateful for the care that he has given to our family.  

Went in for my two week c-section check up today, with Mr. Nicholas.  He slept the entire time and made my doctor grin from ear to ear.  (I think he enjoys seeing the babies that he has delivered.) The doctor needed to re-check my incision one last time before the six week appointment.  The incision is looking great, basically the scar is pretty dark and the incision line is numb.  However, the scabs are completely gone and it is healing quickly.  It looks like a happy face when I'm sitting on the couch.  

Before the doctor even had a chance to check the incision, I bombarded him with a question. I asked him as I was laying back onto the table, "SO...What are my restrictions now that I'm past the two week mark???"  He gave me the usual "no strenuous lifting", "no major abdominal exercises", etc, etc.  I noticed that he made no mention of running, so I just threw it out there, fully expecting to hear a six week restriction.  And, MUCH to my surprise, he said to take things easy for just one more week!!!!!!  I almost jumped off the table with joy.  He, of course, made sure to elaborate on his answer by adding that I need to take it easy, stop if anything hurts, etc, etc.  I nodded happily and promised to take things easy.  I fully intend to take running easy in the weeks to come, but just to be given the clearance and to know that I'm one step closer to running with my girlfriends again; makes me SO incredibly happy.  

It looks like the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is not ruled out at this time! Heck, I might even be able to participate in another little race in just a few weeks.  (You can choose the distance-two, four, or six miles.  I'm just going for the 2 miles, at this time.)

Had to share the happy news! And it's also time for some more cute pictures of our sweet baby boy...

Almost Normal...

My mom stayed with us today because Josh needed to get back to work. The morning started out a little rough. Michael threw two fits in the course of about two hours. One being as soon as he got out of bed, nothing like waking to a screaming three year old! ( At least the baby wasn't crying, too.) Naturally, I was a little worried about how the day would go. As it turned out, the day could not have been better. My mom and I took the boys to a local co-op farm, that is full of fun activities for kiddies. We went on a hay ride, picked out four pumpkins, watched a pig race, jumped on a gigantic pumpkin inflated with air, and we played on a toddler/little kids playground. Towards the end of our visit, we bought some hot apple cider and kettle corn. Nicholas cooperated quite well by sleeping throughout the entire outing. 

Today I was so grateful to no longer be pregnant, with a baby ramming my rib cage. I could breathe, I could climb on the gigantic pumpkin with my Michael (though I probably should not have..), and I was able to truly enjoy his laughter and curiosity again. It's been a long, long time since I have felt good enough to truly appreciate his magical age. And, sharing this wonderful day with my mom and Nicholas was quite a delight, as well. We can't wait to take Josh back to this farm, Michael wants to take him back TONIGHT. That's how much fun he had today, and I'm so glad for that. The new baby is kind of taking it's toll on Michael B right now, which is completely understandable and to be expected.  

I am looking forward to more days like this one...

Enjoying our company!

Obviously, things have been busy this week!  We're learning how to adjust to two babies now, how to deal with a sleep shortage, and how to get daily chores completed around the house while squeezing in naps.  Even though we have a lot to learn and a lot of adjusting to do; we couldn't be happier.  Michael loves his brother so much.  The crying seems to bother him a little bit, and he frequently tells the baby (in a sweet voice), "Too noisy, Baby! Too noisy!"  He does worry about the baby when he cries, though.  He's such a sweetheart....

Josh is an awesome father, and he loves to cuddle Nicholas. Josh will often take over the "shushing" duty after I nurse Nicholas.  

Cousin Amanda came over to meet Nicholas with Mango the other day.  She did a fantastic job holding Nicholas!  And, Michael was SO HAPPY with the paper, crayons, and coloring book that she gave him.  Michael worked on his writing ALL day yesterday with that paper!  : ) 

And, now some pictures of some very, very special visitors!  Grandma and Pap-Pap!!

Grandma and Pap-Pap also came over this week to meet their newest Great Grandson.  I think both of them fell in love instantly.  Pap- Pap said that he is a "fine baby boy."  And, Grandma was actually speechless for a moment or two.  I am so incredibly thankful that our  children know three of my four grandparents.  

What a tremendous blessing it was, to be able to introduce our baby to his Great Grandparents on such a beautiful fall day!

A happy, healthy family of four...

We're having a wonderful day. I'm amazed at how much more relaxed Josh and I are in comparison to the first few days after Michael's birth. Josh and I are certainly still exhausted, and I'm definitely in pain at different points during the day; but somehow these days have felt so much easier. Nursing is going really well! And, I am soaking up each comfy, cozy moment after each nursing session. There's nothing like snuggling a content, and well fed, teeny tiny baby!

Tomorrow we get to go home! Michael can't wait for me to get out of bed! (It's really troubling to him to see me in the bed every time he comes to visit.) Meanwhile, I am soaking up every minute of this "mini vacation." I love being served drinks all day, and having a call button.

Stay tuned for going home photos tomorrow!

Our Newest Blessing:

Proudly introducing....

Nicholas Clay 

(with a possible nickname of "Cole!")

6lbs 13 0z

 20 inches

of preciousness!!

We're all doing very well. We're so thankful for this beautiful, beautiful little boy.  

Side Note:  He's very mellow.  Where'd he get that from?  : ) 

One Michael story...

He was walking back from the nursery last evening with Josh, and he began to jabber about the name Nicholas.  He said, "I didn't use to like the name Nicholas, Dad.  But now I do, Dad.  I like the name Nicholas."  If we suggest calling the baby something else, like Cole, Michael corrects us about his name.  "It's Nicholas," he says.  

Michael wanted to hold Nicholas right away last evening, I think Josh just let him put his hand on his back.  This made Michael feel like such a big boy.  He is wonderful big brother and is having a blast with his grandparents this weekend.  

Back to napping....