Dear Grant,

Dear Grant,
First, I'm sorry...you are over six months already and I'm SO behind. So, a little catch up, at your three month doctor appointment you were 14.2 pounds and 24 3/4 inches long. Your six month appointment is next week, so I promise to post the new updates.

You're getting to be such a big boy. You're so happy and love to laugh, smile, do raspberries with your mouth, and watch your big sister. Your downfalls are naps and spitting up. I really hope the spitting up gets better soon, my couch, clothes, and carpet can't take much more.

You're almost sitting on your own, everything goes into your mouth, and you're now eating fruits and veggies. You love eating and show an interest in anything we're eating or drinking too. In fact, I can't hold you and try to drink coffee or diet coke anymore, you grab for it, and you're strong!

I love cuddling with you and remind myself everyday that you're my last little baby, and you're getting so big so fast. You look just like your dad and everywhere we go people say that.

Even though life is harder now with two kids, we wouldn't change it for the world!

Dear Jenna,

Dear Jenna,

You are now 4 years old! I cannot believe it, I often find myself looking at you in awe that you're my daughter. You're so smart, beautiful, funny, dramatic, creative, outgoing, and so much more. I'm so proud of you and the little person you are becoming. You make me laugh on a daily basis and say the funniest things. The things you come up with are so beyond your years at times.

You are the best big sister Grant could ever ask for. You love him so much, you are his protector, and biggest cheerleader. This is all true, unless he's spitting up on you, which he still does VERY often, then you say, "Grant, I am so frustrated by your spitting up all the time!"

I'm trying to bottle up all the love and cuddles you give your Dad and me. You're so emotional and loving. In fact, for your birthday wish you told us you wished that you family could stay together forever! How sweet honey!

You had your four year doctor appointment and are still in the 90th percentile for height and weight. It's only a matter of time before you will be taller than me. Your weight is 40.5 pounds, and your height is 41.5 inches.

In the past few months you've grown up so much! Here are some pictures of what you've been up to.



A flower girl in Uncle Brent and Aunt Christie's wedding!



You were so excited to wear your wedding dress and get your hair done.




You and the bride. You thought she was a princess and when they were married you asked if Uncle Brent was going to turn into a handsome prince.



Getting ready!




Halloween - my little Cinderella!



You and Grant at school before the Halloween parade. Grant was not loving his costume at all.




You, Bella, and Logan. There were a lot of princesses that day!



Our pumpkins, you had lots of fun carving and eating the seeds.



Your birthday party with your friends at Tumble Time.



Just a little dramatic while everyone was singing Happy Birthday!

Wow, it's been a while...

Time flies when you're having fun...or at least when you're really busy! I've had a nagging thought in the back of my mind for months now...I MUST update my blog. Not only to keep friends and family in the know of what's going on with the kids, but this also houses my documentation of stories, pictures, changes, and more, of the kids.

Every night we get the kids down, wash bottles, prep for the next morning, and then finally get a breather, which sometimes includes eating dinner at 8:00pm. At 9:00 the thoughts start going through my head, I should work out, I should blog, I should clean, do laundry, pay bills, etc... All I want to do is sit down, relax, and breath for a minute before crashing in bed.

I will do individual kid posts soon, complete with pictures. We are all doing well busy, had a great Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (yes, it's been that long since I've wrote). I'm getting ready to start grad classes again in January, so add one more thing to the list, and as of right now we're all healthy (knocking on wood.)

Stay tuned...

Dear Grant and Jenna,

Dear Grant and Jenna,

This is just a quick letter to let you know I do realize I owe you both letters, updates, and pictures on the blog. But, the truth is, I can't keep up with my life! I try to tell myself not to worry about my never ending to do list and to enjoy every moment I have with the two of you. I know I will get adjusted and things will get easier, but for now, I can't do it all.



My organization obsession is only lending me more stress right now. I have multiple lists on my memo pad on my phone. Long term to do's, regular to do's, to buy list, groceries, etc. Each night we get home from work and are busy nonstop. We make and feed bottles, make dinner, eat dinner, give you both baths, try to pick up in the inbetweens, play time, getting ready for bed, read books, put you to bed. Then we clean up, wash and prepare bottles for the next day, maybe finish laundry or go through paperwork for daycare, maybe sit on the couch for a few minutes of tv, then go to bed to do it all over again. I know this is nothing special, and every parent goes through it, but I still feel the need to explain it to you. The math just doesn't add up, going from one kid to two is more than double the work... What in the world did I do before I had two kids when I thought I was busy?!



With all that said, I love you both more than anything! I try to play with you, remember these times and enjoy the moments when we are all together. My ultra organized self may have to take a back seat to crumbs and dirty burp clothes on the floor, screaming filled car rides, birthday cards getting sent late or not at all, and a crazy life where I'm never able to catch up.


But, I wouldn't change a thing. In the words of Jenna, after realizing she and Grant both slept all night long the other night, "We sure are great kids."

Yes honey, you sure are!

Jenna's Cheer

Enjoy! This is her new cheer!

THE SHOES

These are the shoes that my fashion forward Jenna HAD. TO. HAVE.

Jenna: Mom, I want Skechers like Meghan and Olivia!

Me: We will see, you do need new shoes.

Jenna: Can we get them tonight?

Me: We'll see...

Jenna: (in her most dramatic whine) Meghan....Where did you get your Skechers???

We found the Twinkle Toe's Skechers at Kohls and Jenna was so excited. How does she even know the brand name? I am in big trouble if she's requesting brand names at 3 years old.

I'm sleeping...just kidding, I'm awake!

Getting ready to leave for his firsy day at daycare!

Well, yesterday I started back to work part time. I will do two weeks of part time (only two days a week) and then start full time on September 13.

I will elaborate more in a different post, but Grant is just not a sleeper. We were spoiled with Jenna, who was practically sleeping through the night by the time I went back to work.

So, yesterday was his first day in the infant room at daycare. I tried to warn the teachers, without scaring them, that Grant isnt' a big sleeper, he spits up a ton, and is fussy. I bet they were excited right?! They said, "Don't worry, he'll be fine." I said back, "I'm not worried about him, I'm worried about you!"

So, I called a couple times during the day and they would find something positive to say to me, like, "He's eating good." They even texted me a picture of him, which was so appreciated. When I got there to pick him up this is what his sheet says about his sleep times:

9:10 - 9:15

10:25 - 10:35

11:00 - 11:10

12:55 - 1:15

1:40 - 1:50

I just started laughing, he had to be EXHAUSTED and overstimulated. Less than an hour of sleep the WHOLE day! The kid does not sleep good at all unless he is held, and they just can't hold him all day. They also have to follow all the State rules, so no tummy sleeping, no blankets, not even a sleep positioner. So, I fear it will take quite a long time for Grant to sleep better at daycare and at home.

Dear Grant - 2 months

Dear Grant,

You are now two months old. Overall it's gone really fast, but there have been times and days where it's gone quite slow.

You are growing like a week and getting cuter every day. Your eyes are still blue and you still have your hair. I wonder what the next few months will bring? You are smiling at times now, but you make us work for it still. I can't wait to hear your little laugh.




Your sister still loves you so much. She is so great with you and you like to look at her when she talks to you. You're the one she misses and always wants to say goodbye to when she leaves for preschool.

While your Dad and I love you so much, you are a difficult baby. We are pretty sure you have colic and refulx and look forward to the next month or two when those issues tend to get better. You spit-up like I've never seen. I'm hopeful since I've heard that many fussy colicy newborns turn into very happy babies!



There are lots of changes we see in you since you've been born. You like to watch things now, TV, toys that make noise, you also spend time just looking at us, which I love. I love just cuddling with you with your head nestled into my neck. I want to remember that feeling forever.

Your Stats:

11 lbs. 13 oz.

22 inches

Size 1-2 Pampers Swaddlers

Size 0-3 and 3 month clothes

Date of first smile - 08/09/10 - a great day to remember!

We love you always and forever!

Your Mom

A Summer of "Firsts"

When Jenna is not busy being a great big sister she is doing a lot of "firsts". Here are just a few examples.

Her 1st time feeding a baby!



Her first time golfing! She and Daddy had a great time!



Her first time splashing in a huge rain puddle!


Luckily it was bath night!




Her first day of Preschool! My big girl!


Jenna, we love you so much! I can't believe you are 3.5 and started preschool. Of course you love it and put excitement and life into everything you do!

Good Thing He's Cute!

It's a good thing Grant is so cute! The poor guy has been dealing with some stomach discomfort and a lot of spitting up! I feel so bad for him but at the same time it's so frustrating for me too. These issues can lead to lots and lots of crying, fussiness, and both of us having to change shirts a lot. We are working on different formulas and meds, hopefully we will see a change soon.

Dear Grant

Dear Grant,

Wow, I'm already getting behind. You are almost six weeks old and I'm just now doing your one month post. These first few weeks have been great with you. Although we've had some long nights and evenings and some adjusting to us being a family of four. But I couldn't be happier and I truly feel content and complete with our family of four.



Jenna loves you so much, she is so good with you. She's been a great helper and just an amazing big sister. Yesterday in the car you were screaming and Jenna asked me how she could calm you down. When you kept crying she finally sighed and said, "This is TERRIBLE!" It was so funny.

You are much more alert now and make the cutest big eyed faces when you are looking around or when we make funny noises. You usually like car rides, sometimes like stroller rides, and always like to be held. You're doing pretty good at night, with stretches of sleep anywhere from 3 - 6 hours, we prefer the six hour stretches in case you were wondering.



You are chugging your bottles, sometimes we joke (hopefully) that you have a tape worm, you're eating more than the doctor said most babies your age eat. We just assume you are growing!

STATS

At your one month appt. you weighed 9 lbs. 3 oz. and were 21.5 inches long.
You are now wearing size 1 pampers diapers.
You are eating anywhere from 4-6 oz. at a time.

You are a joy and we are so happy to welcome you to our family!

Love always,

Your Mommy

"Someday"

"Someday, he'll be a big-time movie star or a fifth-grade English teacher.

Someday, he'll marry, have a few kids. Maybe he won't.

Someday, he'll change the world as we know it.

Or maybe he'll travel, send postcards from China, phone you from Paris.

Someday, he's going to be a big, strong man able to carry you in his arms.

One day, he'll have his own hopes and dreams, not knowing that once upon a quiet time, you closed your eyes and made a wish to one day have him in your life."

*a poem on a card we received when Grant was born

CUTE PICTURES

I'm going to share some proofs from the photo session we just had. I think they are great. I may be biased, but my kids are pretty cute! Now how will I ever decide which ones to order??? Here are a few from the day.

My Birth Story

I wanted to get this down in writing before I start to forget some of the details and pain!

We went in on Saturday, June 19 at about 8:30 am. We went in for a scheduled induction due to low amniotic fluid. By the time we got all the paperwork and questions answered, and got hooked up to the monitors, got the IV in (My hand and then arm weren't cooperating for that), it was about 10:15 am before they actually started the pitocin. At that point I was about 60% effaced and 1.5-2 centimeters dilated.

It was a slow start, the Dr. didn't want to break my water right away due to the low fluid, we didn't want to cause any stress to the baby. So, from about 10:30 to 3:00 it was fairly slow. Not a ton of change and progress. I was having regular contractions about 2-3 minutes apart but they were fairly easy to get through, just uncomfortable. They kept increasing my pitocin every half an hour.

At 3:30 to doctor came in to break my water, I was about 3-4 cm at this time. I also ended up getting my epidural at this time. I was in pain, and the anesthesiologist was already there for another lady so I didn't want him to have to be called back in. I'm not sure what happened, but the epidural didn't quite work right. We didn't' know this right away at the time though. It did make my whole left leg really numb and not as much my belly or the pain. The pain was still bearable so I didn't let it bother me, but I knew right away it felt different than I felt going through this with Jenna.

The meds in the epidural caused my blood pressure to go really really low. The nurses were worried and they had the cuff checking my blood pressure every 5 minutes. They said if I were to get out of bed I would most likely just pass out. It was low, like 79/39 low. It wasn't getting better despite trying different positions, pumping a TON of fluid into me, and giving me meds to raise it. Luckily the baby was looking great through all of this and didn't react to my body being stressed.

So, eventually my blood pressure started going up and my pain was going up. I called the nurse in and told her I was feeling way more pain than I knew I should be feeling with the epidural. She checked me and I was 6 cm. She said she thought I would go really fast now and since the meds made my blood pressure so low they couldn't do more or change anything, so pretty much, deal with it. I literally had tears running down my face, and I felt like I was never going to get to 10!

The nurse called the doctor and told her it would be soon and started to get my room ready for delivery. The doctor came in and was prepping to deliver the lady in the room next to us. Of course, two of us start going into active labor at the same time. I was in so much pain and felt so bad that it actually made me throw up. I gave Erik just enough notice to throw a pan under my mouth. The nurse was happy saying it was a good sign of transition into pushing.

Meanwhile, Erik was trying to do anything he could to help, which wasn't much. He got me ice chips, chapstick, and letting me break his hand while I held it during contractions. At this point the nurse was right, things were going fast (thank God) and I was at an 8 and the baby was really low. I was crying, couldn't talk, felt like I was going to pass out from the pain. I KNOW I was not supposed to be feeling like this but it was too late to do anything now. It was the point of no return. Erik said it was the first time he heard me say that I couldn't do something. How dumb, I remember saying, "I can't do this." Yeah, like I had a choice!

The nurse came in and said, "You're at a 10, you're complete." She tried to get the doctor in and the doctor was still delivering the other lady's baby. The nurse then said to us, "don't worry, I've delivered babies before." This made me cry even more, our doctor is our friend and I really wanted her to deliver this baby. The nurse said the baby was right there and at that moment the doctor came running in, got ready and told me to push. I was in so much pain and felt like I couldn't do it, and she told me what I needed to hear. She said he was so low and so right there that she thought I could do it in one good push. She was right, I did!!!! Grant came out after one long push. It hurt so bad and the pressure in unbelievable, it's also the weirdest feeling, a baby coming out of you. I didn't feel all that with Jenna due to the epidural, I felt pain with her but NOTHING like this.

I remember Erik and the doctor yelling at me to open my eyes and then Grant was laying on my chest! I was so relieved he was okay and he was out of me! It's the most pain I've ever been in but he was worth it!

After he came out, I'll spare you the details, but we had the same problems that we did with Jenna with my placenta. So, after that ordeal was over, all was good!

I started pitocin at 10:15 am
They broke my water at 3:30 pm (this is when they technically say labor starts)
Grant was born at 10:21 pm.

It truly is an unbelievable experience and looking back at it now, I'm kinda glad I felt the pain, it makes me feel so strong and amazed at what our bodies can do. Okay, now I'm getting all teary eyed. I want to remember this feeling since it's most likely our last baby.

I know forever have the memories and experience of laboring and birthing my two kids. I have the flabby belly and stretch marks to prove it and I couldn't be happier with my family!

Introducing Baby Boy...

Introducing Baby Boy Grant Byron! Grant was born on Saturday, June 19, at 10:21 pm. He weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 18.5 inches long. My labor was much worse than with Jenna but luckily he is so cute and cuddly, I got over it once he came out in one push!


Before we left for the hospital, our last picture as a family of three!



Baby Grant!



So cute and cuddly!




A proud big sister and her little baby brother! I am SO lucky and blessed.

Stay tuned for more stories and pictures to come! It's a little busy around here lately with not too much sleep happening.

Apparently...

Apparently a couple nights ago Jenna decided we needed a reminder of what it will be like to have a newborn in the house. Now, it really wasn't' her fault, she had a cough so I gave her some medicine. It stopped the cough, which was great, but kept her up from midnight to 3 am! I don't mean up on and off and tired and whiny, I mean HAPPY. WIDE. AWAKE.

She kept coming in our room and just talking, asking questions. Here is one of our conversations at 2am!
Jenna - Mom, I wanna go outside and look for Robins.
Me - Robins?
Jenna - Yeah, you know, the kind of bird!
Me - Honey, it's the middle of the night, the Robins are sleeping.
Jenna - yeah, but where do they live?
Me - they lives in nests.
Jenna - do they make them?
Me - yes
Jenna - Where are they?
Me - honey, it's time for bed...

At one point I opened my eyes and she was standing next to me and started laughing saying "I sneaked up on you!"

She is for sure a funny girl, but we were quite tired the next day. Which will be totally normal here pretty soon! We are 37 weeks pregnant, and it looks like he will be here early! I'll keep you posted!

My Big Belly

Okay, some of you have asked for a belly shot! I'm reluctantly sharing this with you. I am 33 weeks today, so really he could be here anywhere from 3-7 weeks now! It's not too much longer! I forgot to take a picture at home this morning, so this is in the bathroom at work. Thank God no one walked in!


33 weeks exactly

Dear Jenna

Dear Jenna,

You are 3 years old, almost 41 months old. Sometimes I can't believe you are already 3 and then at other times I forget you are only 3. You truly make our lives interesting, fun, special, and busy. The things you do and say make me laugh and leave me in awe of where you get this stuff from.

You are still a major drama queen and girly girl. If you can wear a dress in the morning we are good. If you put on your jewelery or play dress up, you are always a princess and I'm the queen. And you are always going to the ball. I hope all your fairy tales come true for you.

You are the social butterfly of your daycare class and are always looking for ways to get together with your friends. You like going out to eat and most of the time are pretty well behaved. It's so fun to watch you and a friend have a conversation, like two little adults. You're best friends until one of you wants something the other one has, then it's on!

Sometimes you can be so sweet, it almost makes me want to cry. Since Mothers Day you've been saying Happy Mothers Day to me every morning. It's so sweet, even when I tell you it's over. You always want to cuddle with me on the couch and I love that, I know it won't last forever. As you say, you're our "little love bug."

But there is not too much of a good thing, you have the attitude of a tween! You huff and sigh and throw yourself to the floor. You will go running to your room in tears and slam the door. You will yell, "NO FAIR" and "I TOLD YOU (fill in the blank!" You want to do everything "ALL. BY. MY. SELF!" If I'm in the right mood, it's really quite comedic, but can also be very frustrating. Which is also funny, because you use that word a lot, things "irritate you", "frustrate you", leave you "angry." Last night you said to me, "I've told you plenty of times!" I guess I must say that to you. You can be quite bossy when you want to be too.

But, it's all you, and you're so smart, confident, and sure of what you want. I hope these characteristics stay with you through life. I am so proud and happy to be your Mom! Love you THIS much, always and forever!

Your Mommy

If you see my child...

If you see my child wearing outfits like this...


Please don't be alarmed. She has a STRONG desire to dress herself and wear dresses everyday, even when we literally have frost on the ground like this morning. I've simply learned it's just not worth the battle in the already hectic morning routine. She thinks she looks beautiful, even if she looks like she's flashing back to the '80s!

When I used to see kids out and about in princess dresses, weird outfits, dress up shoes, whatever there poison was, I would think, what are those parents thinking?! I'm sorry! I totally and completely understand now! It's funny the things you learn through motherhood.

P.S - I don't know what type of face and smile she's making. Please disregard! You all know how cute she is, she is also in this fake smile stage for pictures. Oh, and if you notice something a little different, you're right! She has new glasses!

The Good, the bad, and the ugly!

With my due date fast approcahing, only 63 days away, I thought I'd do a pregnancy post. Please understand that I'm so grateful to be pregnant, after one year of trying and a miscarriage, but it doesn't mean things are easy.

This pregnancy is SO different than my one with Jenna. I am trying to enjoy it, and am fully aware this could be my last pregnancy, but sometimes it's so hard.

The Good
In 63 days or less I will be holding my little baby boy!

I can't wait to see Jenna be a big sister, I know she will do great (or at least I hope!)

I don't have to suck in my stomach while pregnant

Feeling life inside of me! Even though sometimes he hurts me, I love feeling him move all around

Erik and I are so excited to add to our family!

Having a valid reason to get regular pedicures, I can't reach my toes and Erik doesn't want to paint them...so, salon - here I come!

The Bad

Um...aching and hurting hips and pelvic bones, seriously, I can feel them spreading and moving!

Heartburn and reflux so bad it leaves me throwing up at night.

Rolling out of bed and trying to get off the couch like I'm a hippo, nothing is easy.

Colds and headaches and not being able to take anything stronger than a sweetart (tylenol does nothing for me.)

Back aches

Bending over literally takes my breath away, I can hardly put on socks or shoes

This symptom doesn't bother me, but I snore at night now and keep Erik awake. (Hey - it that's the sacrifice he has to make while I'm making a person, he can deal with it!)

Awful morning (yeah right, I wish) sickness my first three months.

Getting up 3-6 times a night to go to the bathroom, seriously, how is it possible to really have to pee every 15 minutes?

The Ugly

Swollen ankles and fingers

Leaking boobs - love it!

Stretch marks - need I say more?