Thursday, July 31, 2008

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Two Year Check Up

I had a feeling our 2 year check up would be difficult for Sam today but I really had no idea. It was a total of 35 minutes of screaming and kicking and trying to climb under the only small table in the room. He was petrified. He was trembling. He cried so hard his face turned bright red, he was sweating and I thought he was going to throw up all over me. Thankfully he didn't. It started with him crying when I laid him down on the table to undress him and then I knew what I was in for. It sounded like we were trying to tear off one of his limbs.

The nurse told me the 2 year old check up is the hardest and next year will be easier. It could not be any worse.

He is 30 lbs. 14 oz and 35 inches tall. That puts him in the 75th percentile for both weight and height. If you only knew how much energy those measurements took for us to get.

At the end of the appointment the doctor and I looked at each other, both covered in sweat, and laughed. I learned today he is a very strong little guy...and he hates going to the doctor.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Sunday, July 20, 2008

2 Years Today

I was in labor with you two years ago today. Labor that came on hard and fast once my water broke 3 days past your due date. At 3:05pm you were born, and in that moment my life was redefined. My first born son, Sam. You will always be the one who ushered me into this wonderful journey of motherhood. I was unprepared for the deep love I would feel for you. I had never felt anything close to it before.

You are kind and gentle and steady. You take every moment of every day in with such joy. You are so silly and your laugh is contagious. Your love for trucks and cars runs deep. You adore your baby sister and are protective and gentle with her always. You are all heart, and your feelings get hurt easily. You give kisses out generously. I am lucky to spend my days with you laughing and playing the hours away.

I have spent some time this morning looking at old pictures of you. I can't believe how big you are and how fast the time has gone. There is not a trace of any baby fat left- you are long and lean and such a big boy. It makes me feel sad and sentimental that you are so big and the time has gone by so quickly. I will enjoy every moment and remember it all.

Happy Birthday my boy. My love for you runs deep.


July 20, 2006

July 20,2007

July 20, 2008

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Birthday Boy!

We celebrated Sams' 2nd birthday today with Mum Mum and Pa Pa. I wasn't up for planning a big party with our new baby girl so we kept it small. We took Sam to the Kangaroom for some bouncing, and then back home for presents, pizza and cake. He had a great time and stayed up an hour later than usual!

I love my new clothes Aunt Janis and Uncle Rich!







Thursday, July 17, 2008

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Big Boy

Sam has recently taken an interest in using a regular cup instead of his sippy cup. He has been practicing which means a lot of juice down the front of him and on the floor. He has finally gotten the hang of it. When I was unloading the dishwasher he grabbed a mug, asked for juice and proceeded to watch Caillou on the couch with his mug. As you can see, he is a very proud boy!




Sunday, July 13, 2008

Hands and Thumb

That thumb is headed straight for her mouth!


Harper found her hands... hours of entertainment!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

A Daughter

I have been thinking about how mothering has felt so different to me this time around. I am not sure if it has more to do with having done it already or because I have a daughter. I know I feel a lot more competent and relaxed this time. Kids go through stages or bumps in the road with feedings, napping and everything else and it is always short lived and works itself out. I also don't have quite as much time to anlyze everything.single.little.thing. I am enjoying it so much this time around- less worry and more living in the moment and loving it.

Having two children has been so much easier than I was warned about and began to expect. Sure, it is more work but it doesn't feel overwhelming or like something I can't handle. Do I have more laundry? YES YES YES! Do I have any free time? Well... yes, but my free time is spent doing the laundry. I was thinking yesterday as I looked around I can't remember a time in my life when I have been happier.

Having a daughter feels very different. Not to compare or make less of mothering a son. They are both unique, wonderful and just different experiences. My response to her cries felt different than with Sam. If I did not respond fast enough she seemed really upset as if her feelings were hurt. She is very sensitive and I began to notice I was very aware of this. She is dainty and sweet and loves to cuddle. She perches herself on my chest like a little koala bear and will fall asleep like that in a second. I wasn't expecting a girl and I am so blessed it can overwhelm me at times. I think about her in 10,20,30 years and want us to have a great relationship like my mother and I have always had. I cannot wait to see the young girl and woman she becomes.

On a lighter note, I have to discuss the clothes. I guess I never really looked at the girl clothes but they have some adorable things. The dresses are beautiful. I have not been able to leave a store without getting her a cute outfit. I am enjoying it more than I ever thought I would.

One Year

Happy Birthday to my blog!

I started this blog one year ago today and here we are 134 posts later. When I started this I was getting ready for Sams' 1st birthday party and Harper was not even conceived yet :). What a wonderful way to journal my pregnancy and our children's lives.

Here's to another year of blogging...

Monday, July 7, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today Russ turns 40... wow that's old! When we met he was 30 and I was 23- and here we are ten years and two amazing children later. We celebrated this past Saturday with my parents. Russ has been talking about doing a "seafood boil" for years and his dream finally came true!

We love you- thank you for being a wonderful father and partner:)


Sunday, July 6, 2008

Thursday, July 3, 2008

8 Weeks Today

Harper,

Eight weeks ago today was our first day together. My little baby who was so active kicking and hiccuping during the day I finally got to meet. I miss your movement and will awaken in the night thinking I am still pregnant with you for a second. I really thought you were going to be a boy so you were a wonderful surprise...along with your full head of dark hair. I still can't believe I had a girl. After Sam I just assumed I would have another boy and began to picture myself as a mom of two boys.

The past two months have been amazing. You have changed so much already. You are smiling and "talking" to us all of the time. As long as you are fed and changed you are so content. You are sweet and calm and a lot more passive than your brother. You love your bouncy seat and smile constantly at the toys. You sleep on your side and put yourself to sleep so easily sucking on your thumb. You love to be held and you are so content snuggling with me. If you are crying you immediately stop as soon as you hear my vioce and I pick you up. You are so tolerant of your brother and always give him a huge smile. He loves to talk to you and he tries to play ball with you. He is waiting for his sister to grow up a bit so you guys can play together!

My favorite time with you is your last feeding when your brother and dad have gone to bed. I feed you in our glider and you are so happy- ready to give me one of your crooked smiles and have a conversation with me. Some nights you are not interested at all in eating and are ready to talk. We talk about all the fun times we will have together and all of the things I want to teach you and show you.

I am amazed how complete our family feels. I feel like I have known you forever and don't remember our family without you. I love you both so deeply... you are the heart and soul of my life.

Love,
Mom