We went out

This is a big deal since I didn't get away from Bobby for at least a year and half, so this time I am hoping it will be a little different - more balance, independence, etc.  Anyway, it was only for school orientation and less than 1.5 hours, but still.

Judy babysat and I left a bottle and everyone did great. Bobby was fed and bathed already.  I know she is more than capable, but it can be overwhelming and I don't want to sic my kids on anyone just in case.

She actually got Bobby to bed easily and Jack only took about 2 ounces of milk, but everyone was happy. And now, I think we should have grabbed some ice cream.  Bobby woke up this morning and asked where BG was sleeping.

So proud of his tower

I know this is a lot of post about nothing, but Bobby has really never stayed with anyone who wasn't family, or when we weren't really close by. It's not that I can't leave my children, or don't trust others, I just don't want to impose if they are difficult or cry. (so I guess that's sort of a lack of trust), Either way, progess!

Jack is great.  He is really happy and smiley and thats it.

Bobby continues to test us at times, but he's coming around to behaving. I think he has realized he has to share top dog billing.  Plus we're dealing with phasing out of the nap - not by choice believe me, it just doesn't work some days.

He took this himself with the webcam

I really thought I'd have more to say. guess not.

This guy

This guy

is great.  But all children should be second children.  He is so laid back. He just goes with the flow because he has to.  I know he's young and it's very early, but he's so easy.  And good thing, because he has no crib, has hand me down everything else, doesn't get special laundry detergent, doesn't get fancy bath soap and a long meticulous bath.  He gets poked and prodded all day long and is just fine with it all.

It was a bit difficult adjusting to how to make the beach work, but it did.  He took long naps in the warm air and we all pitched in watching him nap in the house too.  His horrible acne went away as quickly as it came up (not quick, but suddenly).  He is filling out daily and eating like a champ. I guess he has his brothers metabolism and genes so far, that, and I don't make fatty milk.  (maybe i'll try nursing longer) We go back to the doctors at 2 months.

I'm horrible, but sometimes, before we left, I would walk by him sleeping in the pack and play and see this

Doppelganger (plus facial hair)

which is okay, because first he was this.

Which is really just like our Nicky right?!

But, this other one is a whole chapter in himself right now. He did enjoy accidentally creating this cargo skirt.  He really cracked up.

He does have the legs for it

August Already

Time is flying by and will only get more hectic until we are actually on the plane next Wednesday.  The boys continue to be great.  Bobby is doing really well at camp and gives me and Jack some quiet time in the morning for naps and/or a walk.

Sweet Big Bro

 Bobby always asks to hold him and kiss him and see him, but then runs on his way.  He gets really upset if Jack cries too long.  He also tends to tell us "you have to be quiet" when Jack is sleeping.  Of course, he does it in his loudest possible voice.

Big melon is too heavy

Morning cuddles, sort of

My favorite thing might be when Jack stretches out and his arm is in the air, hand in a fist, Bobby swoops in for "baby knuckles" and gives him a tiny fist bump.  Very cute.

Rhinoceros hair

We are so spoiled by our friends and family.  Everyone sends stuff for both J and B. Colleen send Jack that stool (legs not on yet) and Judi Maher made that adorable cardigan.  Jack also got a full size Lousivlle slugger with his name on it, which made Bobby a good bit jealous.  But for now, it is hiding under the bed until we can hang it up way out of reach.  Bobby got an awesome hobby horse and runs around on it often.  And along with gifts from Kate, that was all just this week. And we got to see our friends from Virginia. We met them at the beach and they had great gifts too.  Remind me to be this generous in the future. Now I've got to get it all in the baby book!

it's a stool

we need this on the coast

• We are still doing very well.  Bobby is very sweet to Jack.  He always says "he's so cute" and asks where Jack is when he wakes up for the day. He likes to get diapers and wipes to help me out.  I try very hard to let Bobby be a normal (noisy, wild) toddler and not get bothered that he's driving cars on the wall or doing somersaults too close to us etc.  It's hard though, but we have to live with it.
• Bobby has started his little summer camp.  It's every day from 9-12 at his preschool.  I think he's even in his classroom, so the fall should be smoother.  Drop off was emotional for both of us, but at least he didn't cry.  He seems to have fun and comes home exhausted, but I'm not too confident that they totally have their act together over there.  It is a nice mix of ages and activities, so it's something to do and lets me spoil Jack and go to the grocery store. 
• As much as I wanted my kids close together, and still get jealous when I see a big belly on a mom of a 1 year old, there is something to be said for having a 37 month age difference.  It is really nice that Bobby can climb into his car seat alone or walk across a parking lot with me and pee and eat and all that without total toddler supervision like is required of an 18 month old e.g.

Two weeks

13 days old

Weight: 8 pounds, 13 ounces  60th percentile (about half a pound gain in a week)
Height: 21.25 75th %
Head: 14.5 50th %

We are going to check his hips, but I think they are just tight. or loose.  they pop a little but she thinks it's just a tendon.  His appointment was in the middle of his morning nap, so I thought he would disrupted, but instead he just slept from 9:30am to 2pm with one tiny feeding at noon.  If only he would sleep like that at night.  He wakes around 2am and takes a while to settle down again.  Oh well. Even in that picture, I took him out of his carseat after we were at the playground, thinking he badly needed a diaper change, but instead, he just curled up and kept sleeping.

Nothing big planned this weekend.  Lots I want to do, but newborns are sort of a drag to do fun toddler stuff with!

One week check up

One week was last Friday. Everything was great.  Really, just a weight and jaundice check.  I really like our pediatrician and the office so far. He was 8 pounds, 4.5 ounces, so -  within the margin of error of different scales - back up to birth weight.  And he should be, he eats all the time.  Not a lot, but pretty darn frequent. But I also don't keep track, so it could be normal.  He does take some huge naps (when not interrupted by big brother) so he's has to eat often after that.  Each night gets better too.  He would tend to be up at 10pm when I wanted to sleep but we are getting through that and having a later feeding then something around 5 or 6am and then more sleep.  Who knows.  He doesn't really like the bassinet much though and seems to prefer the softer big mattress, or I guess it could be sleeping closer to me.  I am looking forward to getting on our own, even if i am screwing myself by then having to juggle Bobbys needs too, but either Rick or I need to get in the guest room so we can have some decent sleep!

JT - Day Three, and four

A lot of this going on

Baby Jack is doing well at home, as am I. It is way easier this time, a combination of knowing what I'm going, not having to worry about jaundice and being a good bit less sore.  He sleeps pretty much all day and most of the night.  His nights aren't great, but it's not a problem for now.  My milk has come in and he's still adjusting to having to drink that much that fast I think, but he is pooping a ton and holy hell, engorgement.  Forgot about that.

I'm ready to go shopping and walk a bit; I think we are all feeling a bit of cabin fever.  Especially Bobby. Adjusting to having them both and keeping Bobby busy (and not bouncing off the wall) will be challenge #1.

Bobby is being very sweet still.  He makes sure Jack is covered up and has diapers at the ready for me. He still does somersaults a little too close to him, but always asks about him and to hold him.  He also asks a lot about breastfeeding and if Jack can use his boobies too.

Bobby only calls him Joey about half the time.  I only catch him and correct him about half those times.

24 hours

Almost one full day in and everyone is doing very well. This time was much easier o. Me. Either I know what to expect, or at least my body does. Rick is a lot more relaxed too. I sort of slept holding the baby last night when he was brand new and all day today he has slept. He's really good so far and has latched on well. I got showered and have been eating well. My bleeding is way better this time and I'm only a little sore while the cramps come and go.

 He really doesn't have a name yet.

 Bobby was adorable when he visitors and very sweet. He asked to hold him a few times and made sure we used a blanket to cover him up. He called him Joey the whole time and said she was a very cute baby. He also said my tummy wasn't big.

 Home midday tomorrow. I can see wanting to get out of here a bit earlier as this room is stuffy, but I'm not totally ready to have him home just yet. This place is pretty different than Georgetown. A lot more hands off I'd say.

 Can't post pics from the iPad right now, so check out flickr

Without fail

Bobby hasn't wet the bed in months, but sure enough, I changed his sheets yesterday.  So he did.  This time, he woke up saying he was sweaty though. It was a full on drencher though.  Who knows.

I asked him what the pelicans beak does. He answered, holds his glasses.

He is such a mimic. Some of the gems we hear:

• Check out the blah...
• That sounds like a plan
• You can do it, honey - to me!
• Holy Moly, there's a ... 
• And our least favorite, "oh, shoot"

He also gave me his baby to hold and told me this "don't drop him, don't hit him"

One more week or so, or less, I hope.

Checking In

You will be happy to know I did actually buy some diapers, so we are not totally unprepared. Rick keeps saying he's going to pack his bag, but hasn't exactly gotten there yet. Car seat is still dusty in the rafters, but I really think there's no rush.  I think a little freaking out would probably do me good.  I'm a little too laid back on all this, but I was the first time too. While it feels imminent and we all want him to come, there's still well over two weeks until my due date.  And the poor chap hasn't a name yet, so why rush.

Pajama golf is fun, but

Underwear golf is our favorite

Bobby is into golf a little bit, but combined with his baseball background, it's best to take cover when he swings.  Perhaps field hockey or polo is a better sport for him.

Showing off his Tball class completion cert

Yes I did go to another baseball game 8 months pregnant, but nothing is happening.  We travelled to San Diego for Giants away game as well; and now they aren't coming close to us for a while, so lightning won't strike twice.  Maybe we'll watch the All Star game in the hospital though one night.

This face.  He's such a ham. 

Update, 36+ weeks

*

6 pounds, 7 ounces, head down, fluids are good. 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced.  So, basically a whole lotta nothing happening. Which is good b/c I want a big fat 8 pounder this time (remind me of this when I'm in the hospital).

Looks like he'll probably still be a July baby.  Which is good b/c poor thing has no crib, no toys that aren't dusty in the garage, no diapers, no stable changing table. just some clean clothes and dirty blankets.  But if he doesn't quit making me so tired, nothing is going to get done.

*don't ask me what that picture is of.  seriously, i can understand not seeing anything at 8 weeks, but this is past 8 months, what the hell am I looking at? A chinless baby with a foot on its chest?

The Nesting has begun

Ok, not really, but we got this out of the garage rafters today, so that's a start. It is a little rackety, but for over 60 years old and 8 babies, it's not in bad shape.  Kirin had her baby Thursday and she was only due 10 days before me, so I could go soon in theory, but I doubt it.  More like fourth of July.  We'll know more this week I hope.

8 Months Down

I owe you a birthday blog, and I have no excuse for it since Grandma was here all week and I have been persona non grata around here sitting on my bum, but no suck luck. Maybe later.  Even without a proper party because of the funeral, he had a fantastic two days and was majorly spoiled.

Deal

"I will stop growing up after my birthday is done" I have been telling him to stoop getting so big and stop growing up, but he says all the time "I have to grow up" but tonight was the first time he seemed to imply why - he has to make it to his birthday. " I have to be three" I think he wants candles and present opening.

A failed nap

We had a very active long playdate this morning, came home and went to bed easily.  He was in his room well over two hours, but I definitely heard him muttering a lot. I finally went in there a bit after 4 I think because I wanted to see what was up. I found him sitting up against the wall.  He said he was trying on underwear and wanted to see how they feel. (like we try things on to see how they fit) "They feel nice"was the verdict.  He had on SEVEN pairs of the new 10 pack that I left on the foot of his bed.

He wanted to show them to you...

And yes, he sleeps with no pants on after he pees before his nap because he tends to overheat.

Bobby is really funny. I think he's smart, but it could just be that normal growing into a human thing.

• I gave him a small kids Chobani this morning and he gave it back saying he wanted a big one. I thought it was amusing.
• He was "combing" my hair, and I was saying ow, ow with the knots, he said "don't worry about it"  I guess he has learned the suck it up philosophy we have when you're hurt.
• He calls me and Rick "guys" when he addresses us both.  It's a little informal.
• He calls the baby Joey. I don't know where he got this, I am pretty sure we don't know any Joes. He says good morning to him, tells me Joe is sleeping in there, or stretching and rolling around.  He covers up my belly button and my mouth simulataneously and says he's not letting him out.  He says he'll share his toys with Joe and teach him how to play baseball.  Bobby also calls him her and sister often too though.  I hope it's not too much of a shock when he comes out all useless for 6-8 months.

I feel like we missed the terrible twos.  He had a period of being a brat, but generally it was a good year.  He is far from perfect and I'm sure three will be his period for terribleness, especially as he can have an attitude every now and then.  Very stubborn too and set in his ways too. We'll just say he knows what he likes and doesn't.

Birfday

My birthday was good.  Nothing too special (or you can decide), but at this age, I really don't expect or want anything.  Rick let me sleep in (or try to), we went to the farmers market and ran my errands, then we went out to lunch.

Then at lunch, Bobby promptly chugged his milk, said his tummy ache, was sitting next to me, then he puked on me.  Luckily he really hadn't eaten anything, and most of it landed on my napkin, but still, vomit. on me.  Went home, cleaned up, Bobby and I took naps, then we went out again to buy my present. Rick got me a tv for the kitchen.  It's still in the box because I don't know if I want to go there, but I'm sure we will.  Then we got Chick Fil A for dinner. Seriously. Then Rick got me an ice cream cake.  I actually think he got it more for him though.

Next day, we had a play date with a set of twin boys that are a month older than Bobby, then Judy came over and Rick and I went to a movie.  And either because we're boring or it was a weird time of day, we couldn't think of anything else to do and went home. (I did suggest Lowes though)  So we went home, to find Bobby had never fallen asleep for his nap because he needed to poop.  And somehow, although he always lets himself out of his room when he's done sleeping, if something is up, he'll just sit in bed and cry.  That combined with not-me going in to get him, he never made it to the potty and pooped in his pants. There's a first time for everything. (I think that was his first puke too) So, it really sucks that Judy had to clean it up, but she was way apologetic when really we should have been...

So, lots of bodily functions and rambling in this post.  And here's a picture with his two new friends...

He actually was super cute with them and introduced them to each other and role played. Poor things.

Catching Up

 We had a good week here. Started Monday at the DMV to register the car and get a new license :( Somehow I always manage to get photo IDs taken when I have the fattest face ever.  I got my Marine Corps ID on 6/1/09.  Then hit up a playground on the way home since Bobby was so good at the DMV.  Tuesday, Bobby went to soccer class!  I don't know why it had to be inside, it doesn't help with the idea of dribbling the ball.  He was really good of course.

Stretching: Flexible like his parents

Ready position

Shooting the ball

 He did listen fairly well.  He got caught up in playing a bit, but he's 2, come on.  he goes a little wild around other kids, so he had a lot of fun. Every time the coach would say "dribble," Bobby would pick up the ball and try to dribble it, before starting to dribble it with his feet.  And as you can see above, same thing with "shooting" the ball.  He was really trying to get it up to the 10 feet baskets.

And because we didn't want to wait until late May (and do consecutive sports), we signed him up for TBall class too.  But only one other kid was in there, so it will be cancelled :(

Thursday, we had a day in and hung out with the neighborhood children. Friday we went strawberry picking.  I don't know if it was the place we picked, but the prices were about double what you could get in Wilmington.  It was so expensive - flat fee too, not even weighed. Last year, we would get buckets and buckets and flats for change. I'll have to check out the road side stands to see if that's any better.

Me and the little Orange are doing fine too.  My weight gain is ridiculously high, but I love a good challenge for after delivery.  

28 weeks

I seem to have developed an obsession with linens and fabrics and managed to put them all in a wish list.  Of course, I do not really expect a $50+ crib sheet, especially since I have a tubful somewhere, but it's so easy to click on a button and it all gets stored in one place.  Hopefully a nesting urge will kick in sometime and I'll organize my boxes and clothes and furniture, but with the guest room as it is, the baby Dragon (?) will stay with us anyway for a few months.

Here is my "registry" if anyone has hit the lottery and didn't tell me about it.

http://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/3DS9VJKRBKBKS 

Rescue Mission

Loaded up the cars

Had to follow the bandaid though

Taking him back to the dirt

Direct Quote

We were reading a book and there were people fishing.... "I love fishing" "maybe Pop will take us fishing"

What is he dreaming about?

2:30am  Can I please have a popsicle?
7am Cora pooped in her diaper. Elizabeth had to clean it up.

• A California driver I am not.  They go so fast.  And I know you all think I am an aggressive driver, but I'm really pretty lax. At least comparatively I am.  I mean, these people are in a rush.
• We should have kept the Range Rover to keep up with the Jones.  People here have money I guess.  But with premium gasoline at $4.50+ and that car getting 11mpg, we're doing just fine with one car (with 100K miles on it) Maybe that's what I'll get for my birthday.
• There are a lot of snails here.  Which means there are a lot of dead snails here. And i hate them,  and Bobby is fascinated with them. 

Good post nap bedhead. He's been sleeping like a champ

• And I'm just going to put this here, more for myself, although I don't think it applies to many items, I will be sharing my wishlist/registry/birthday list soon...Through April 12, get $10 off every $50 purchase of select in Amazon’s Baby department with coupon code baby2012

Just a reminder this kid has parents

23 Weeks

We went to Boston for a wedding for 2 nights and Bobby stayed with Grammy and was a good kid.  I personally think he can't handle too many adults at once and that's part of the reason he acts up.  (Sometimes it's just attitude) They shopped and went to church and the Science Center and played a lot.  We are very lucky to have a Grammy.  Bobby didn't miss us at all.

We are moving on Thursday! I think I have Bobby updated on the plan, I just don't think he knows it's a one way trip.  But he does like love planes, and he likes saying "California."

And in the "You get what you pay for department" file Ricks flights.  Raleigh to Boston to Las Vegas - $264.  But on American - and there was no plane leaving RDU so he missed his connection at JFK.  Then leaving Boston they cancelled his flight from JFK to LAS, so he got in a lot later and had another delay in LA. He is staying with Carolyn, then hopefully getting our beds and some toys out of the container before we get there later this week.

Bobby often says I love you too.  Without it being said to him first, so we say I love you three, I love you four and so on.  But today he said, "I love you number one."  Close enough.

Somebody woke up at 3am this morning and trotted into my room as if it were 7am.  After a pee break, downstairs of course, I got him back into my bed.  This is what it looked like by morning.

He has probably helped Grammy get ready once too many times                                    

His own idea and application

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Another ultrasound, more unclear pictures.  Baby was still on his stomach or something, so they couldn't see a ventricle, but I'm going to assume he has it.  One more check next week to make certain though.

When Bobby saw this picture, he, who did not go to the ultrasound, said "there's mommy's fat belly."  I do regret calling my belly fat or chubby, because he says that now.  He does like to rub it but doesn't get it at all.  He has said Cora is in there and that the babys name is Bobby.

I got this snapped before he could cover his face.  We made pizza for dinner, but he wouldn't let me take a picture of it either,  but he was very proud of it and had about 8 bites.  Point was, his hair is very very short, especially at his bangs, but it's pretty cute and will grow back. He looks like a totally different kid. 

A little brag

Bobby is the best at going to sleep.  I can say this because we all know he was the WORST for the longest - and that's probably my fault (which is another post all in itself).  He was actually super good early last year, books, song, cuddle, dump him in his crib, lights out, done.  Then we went to the beach in August,  he slept in a big bed, we got home and he started climbing out of his crib. We got him a big bed, but then I had to lay down with him until he fell asleep.  Which meant I did too, especially in the first trimester.  This went on way too long and we never got better at it (sometimes 20', sometimes 90').  Then we'd had enough (by January!) and did a little sleep training.  It worked like a charm. Maybe a week or two of 5 minutes of crying or whimpering, and there was a lot of sad and pathetic "i don't want to sleep alone" "i want you to stay with me" but eventually, just lights out, see you in the morning.  Now though, he seems to be really into it. And it can be 7:30 or closer to 9 (oops) but now although he always asks for one more book, we say no, you've had them all, and he says, "go out that door" "bye" "love you too" and chipperly pulls up the covers.

Likes his warm gear that we have no use for

But not to hide our warts, he is otherwise a holy terror.  I don't know if it's the moving adjustments catching up, or Rick coming home after a month, or this cold/fever he's had on and off for a week, but we are ready to give him up for adoption.  Maybe he's just realized he's two and has free will and the power to use it.  He says no all the time, he is so difficult and pissy. He can't handle us all at once and really just picks one favorite adult and lets the others have it.  Grammy might be in for a treat when we go out of town next weekend. And if I dare get mad at him back, he puts on this fake super super nice act, trying to cheer me up and be cutesy.  No joke.  We are in trouble with this one.

Mean face. Oh yah, we chopped his hair off.

And he throws stuff a lot just for the sake of making a mess. And when he gets angry he likes to take a swing at you, which we unfortunately think is funny, but we're not messing around with that.  He is so short tempered and must have his way.  It's not easy to explain his quirky pissed off-ness, but boy when he was feeling bad from being sick, I was done with him.

"I want to beep my forehead"

When he was really sick for about 8 hours, it was really pathetic though.  But I do feel bad about that last paragraph.  Of course, he is really cute too, just not sure which moments are dominant right now. But we went to church today and he was great.  Very quiet and still.  We went up for communion and he asked "why did mommy get that?"  I said it was a long story, but he said he wanted a chip too.  And he puts his jazz hands up at the Our Father.

We are very tired

Thursday: 4am - "I need a tissue"
Friday: 5am - "I need to go wee wee"
Saturday: 1am - fell out of bed? once he was already up i think, going somewhere...
Sunday: 5am = "That man took my train"

Why?

I was putting Bobby to bed and told him Wiley and Archer were coming over tomorrow
Where are they?
They're probably in bed already
Why?
Because they're good boys
B: "Archer's not a good boy"
Me: Why not?
"Archer drew on Grammys wall and floor.  Archer didn't draw on paper"

Oh yah.  I told him he was cheeky but Archer is still a good boy.  I am consistently amazed at some of the things he pulls from his memory.  I really like watching him grow up. His vocab is impressive, but even more so is how he uses is, like a real adult "Look at those beautiful flowers."  He really does ask why to every single statement I make.  I give him about 5 answers in a row best I can, but it eventually comes down to "because" or I just change the subject.  Because he seriously never shuts up, especially in the car.  And sometimes is literally just, bah blah bah bah ba ba.

I don't know if we need more books or he's just good at telling the end, or just a bit conniving, but 2 or 3 pages before the end of every story, he asks for 'just one more' before the story is even over.  I love that he loves books, (even though I have to read to him about 4 times a day) I also love that he takes them out of my hands to look more closely at them.