Beau is 1 Month Old

This is has been one wild and crazy month. Things seem so normal now, and it seems like forever has passed since the day Beau was taken to the NICU. I'm so thankful for the staff that took care of Beau . . . if only they could see him now! Here's what up with Beau at one month.

Weight: 10 lbs! Yes, that's right. He is quite the healthy eater, and I'm happy to oblige! That's a big gain from the 7lbs 4 oz he started at.

Attire: Those newborn onesies are so yesterday!!! We've squeezed into our last newborn outfit and are moving to 0-3 months immediately! Also, Beau is really filling out the size 1 diapers.

Sleeping: We're on a great 3 hour schedule during the days and napping is going well. I guess you haven't hit your brother's old "30 minute nap routine" yet. The last feeding is at 9:30 pm and I usually get to sleep until 3:30 or 4:00 before the wakeup call. I'm very appreciative of the extra hours!

Fun times: Beau is definitely not as interested in the play mat/gym like Lincoln was. We do lots of tummy time, and it usually goes well. He's content on his belly! There's one weird place that Beau loves - the bathroom! He loves to lay on the mat while Lincoln takes his bath. I don't know if it's the lighting, the sound of Lincoln splashing, or our bathtime singing that keeps him happy, but he's totally happy there.

Sometimes a kid just has to crash! All in all, Beau is a very sweet and cuddly one month old. He seems pretty sleepy still to me, but I know that's changing fast. He's learned to wake up precisely at 6:00 pm the last two nights to interrupt our dinnertime. I think he likes when I read to him, so I do that before each nap. He's pretty alert and aware during our nightly strolls, though Lincoln's constant loudness may be a factor in that. I love my little family of four, and Lincoln couldn't have a better little brother. Happy One Month!

Easter Eggs!

Since we're so into crafty things these days, I decided it was time for Lincoln to learn about dyeing Easter Eggs. I LOVE Easter Eggs . . . dyeing them, decorating them, hiding them, hunting them, and anything else you can do with them. As a kid (I was the only kid in my family for 13 years-even no cousins), all of the grown ups hunted eggs with me for hours each Easter. Seriously, I loved it! Anyway, today I introduced the process to Lincoln. He helped me choose the colors, waited (semi)patiently while the dye worked, wanted to stir the eggs in the cups, and loaded them with stickers when they dried.

Here's the masterpiece! I have a Mickey Mouse egg kit for another day. I hope he actually enjoys this so I don't have to dye them by myself every year. I have lots of fun stuff for his Easter basket too, so he'll really get into it. The school is having a hunt on Friday, so he'll get more practice!

Lots of Activities

I learned at Lincoln's school that this is Child Appreciation Week . . . isn't that every day? I mean Moms and Dads get a special day once per year, but I think kids get it year round! Anyway, there are lots of fun activities planned for the week. They had a modeling clay station set up for parents and kids to do together. Since I had Beau with us, they gave us a few packages to take home. Linc and I used cookie cutters to make Easter eggs, butterflies and flowers. I know, I know - not the most manly items, but we were talking about spring stuff. (I guess I'll need to go find some construction or tools cookie cutters to add to my collection.)

Lincoln really enjoyed the using the cookie cutters.

The finished product!

When Beau got up from his nap, we pulled out the Mickey shirts. Lincoln was so excited that Beau had one too! He kept pointing and telling me over and over! I made the mistake of telling him we could go outside after I took their picture. He yelled, "Done!" and scooted off the couch right away. Oh, well!

We bubble-mowed the whole street, visited with the neighbors, checked out the construction next door, and had lots of fun. Linc also got a haircut after school, and he was such a big boy! No tears and only a little fussing about the clippers. I'm glad he's not so scraggly-looking anymore!

Gaming and Milking

We went to our favorite dinner place tonight - Snookies! They have the best food, and it's low-key enough to take two kiddos. After we ate, Lincoln got to try his hand at Centipede and Golden Tee! He loved pressing the buttons and looked like such a big kid!

I was a sucker and deposited quarters for real game play, but Daddy only pretended to put in money. I don't think Lincoln knew the difference! He was happy either way. We spend a lot of time nursing on the Boppy pillow, and Lincoln always wants to be involved. Today he put the Boppy pillow around his waist and said he wanted to give Beau the baby milk. I put Beau on his lap and he said, "Come on, Beau. OK, Beau." Apparently I say that a lot when we're getting latched! Lincoln says it every single time he pretends with the Boppy, and he says it in the sweetest little voice. Occasionally he pulls up his shirt too . . . I guess to get access to that imaginary baby milk he's about to give Beau. It's so cute!!!!

First Dentist Visit!

Lincoln had a BIG "first" today . . . the dentist!!! He loves his toothbrush (Elmo and Abby, of course) and brushes lots. Well, actually he chews on the toothbrush then Mommy "helps" brush all of the teeth. We learned today from the hygienist that the brush chewing is actually good for his teeth and gums. Yay us! I hadn't planned on a two year old dentist visit, but he still has two baby teeth right in front that haven't emerged. We've been wondering if he has baby teeth there at all or if he'll even have permanent teeth there eventually. So off for an x-ray we went. Linc and I met Dr. Morgan and we loved him. We sat for an x-ray, which was a super unpleasant event for the entire office. Linc was screaming like a madman and three of us were holding him down - yikes! After the x-ray came a cleaning, which was equally traumatic for all of three minutes! The verdict: He's got very healthy and clean teeth, and the two teeth in question are just hiding in his gums along with permanent teeth for later. Dr. Morgan said it's weird they haven't come up yet, but we'll keep an eye on it. I'm so glad the teeth are there because I was imagining all sorts of painful fixes! Lincoln was awarded a sticker, two toothbrushes and a ball for his good behavior while there. So proud!!!

Since Nana was keeping Beau for the morning, we headed to the playground for some fun. It was a blast, and Lincoln really enjoyed climbing up the slides. We had the whole park to ourselves, so Mommy did lots climbing and sliding too.

We also took a few turns on the see saw, which was really fun. Mr. Noodle (on Sesame Street) plays on the see saw too, so we talked about that for a while. We discussed up and down ALOT as we see sawed.

On the way home, Lincoln told me he saw an Elmo Octagon. I thought for a bit then realized he was talking about a stop sign. So smart!!!! He totally associates colors of things with the colors of his favorite characters. The apple he ate the other day was an Abby Apple because it was kind of pink. The ball he just got is a Monster Ball because it is blue like Cookie Monster. I think this is incredibly smart - and a little crazy that he thinks about Sesame Street ALL THE TIME!!! Either way, I'm glad he knows what an Octagon is!

Double Strollin'

Lincoln accompanied Beau on his first walk . . . in our new super cool double stroller! Look how excited he is! You can't see Beau, but he was pretty excited too. (And by that I mean awake and not crying.) This stroller is awesome and has the car seat attachment up top for now, but it also has another regular stroller seat for when Beau is bigger. (By the way, I didn't realize how ratty the car seat shade had gotten when Linc used it. We still love the Peg Perego car seat, though.) After riding a bit, Linc decided to walk along with us. He would stop at each crack in the sidewalk and jump. Too funny!

It was a nice evening for a stroll down the street, then Linc and I hula hooped while Beau watched. I hope none of the neighbors happened to be looking outside - it was kind of pathetic!

Monday Happenings

Just to keep reminding myself, I'm posting another sweet picture of Linc and Beau sharing a "brother moment." I know one day I'll look at these pictures in disbelief as they are trying to punch each other out! Lincoln is really sweet with Beau and still wants to be involved in everything we do. He pats him, hugs him, lays ON him unfortunately, smothers him with blankets, and is constantly talking to him. He really tries to do the same things that we do, so at least he's paying attention.

We began the dreaded Tummy Time this week, though Lincoln thinks it's pretty fun. Perhaps it's not so bad for Beau when Linc is right next to him on his tummy too. He doesn't like it all the time, but he handles it pretty well. Beau is very strong already and has good control, though he bobbles around after too long.

Our sweet friend Nancy gave Linc the best present ever . . . a life size Elmo that sings and talks!!!! So far Elmo has sat at the dinner table with us, sat on the potty in the bathroom, participated in Tummy Time, watched a video on my lap (with Lincoln and Beau, my lap was pretty full!), and most other things we've done in the last day. Thanks Nancy!!

We're having lots of fun and staying busy, and Beau is more alert all the time. Also, I think he's going through a growth spurt right now because he's eating so much all the time! I'll have to weigh him tonight to see how much he's gained. His little newborn shirts are getting snug around the belly!!! Fun story: This morning Lincoln looked at my stomach and said, "Mommy, belly all gone!" Not quite, sweetie, but Mommy's working on it!

Lincoln's 2nd Birthday Party

To celebrate Lincoln's birthday, we invited our friends and family to enjoy a few train rides on the Stanley the Steam Engine. We've actually ridden this train before with Lincoln, and he loved it. I knew he would have a great time, and we began talking and reading about trains a few weeks ago. As soon as Conductor Tim announced it was time for the first ride, however, someone clammed up completely! Pops and Mommy climbed in (with a crying Lincoln) to help ease the panic. Seriously, we got this train for your birthday, and you don't want to ride it!!!!! Not happening!

After a few trips up and down the street, I think Lincoln began to enjoy himself. He waved to the other riders and the crowd gathered at our house as we passed.

Daddy and Minnie also got to ride with Linc and his buddy, Patrick. I'm glad that ended well! Isn't it the cutest? The kids played with the sandbox, the slide, bubbles, a pinata, the Jeep and car, and the tricycle while not riding the train. I think everyone had lots of fun. The weather was perfect, and I think everyone had taken good naps that day! 10 kids and barely any tears - successful party in my opinion!

Of course, we took a break to sing Happy Birthday and eat cake. Stein's did not disappoint - the cake was delish! (I might be enjoying a piece as I post this!)

Happy Birthday, Lincoln! It was a fun party with lots of good friends and family who love you very much.

Lincoln is Two Years Old!!!!

First off, let me say I can't believe I'm grown up enough to have a two year old!!! That makes me feel pretty old . . . older than just having a two week old! We've all grown up so much in the last two years, including Lincoln! He has taught me so many things about patience, wisdom and most of all love. Linc is a fits the classic oldest child model - bossy, type A, incredibly smart and determined. So here are the facts about Lincoln at two years old.

Weight - 26 lbs. I'll probably stop posting his weight soon - I'd hate if someone was posting mine! Many of our eating struggles have eased, but he's still a little picky. His faves are green beans (eats them like candy!), turkey or ham, ChickfilA nuggets, bananas and strawberries, pretzels and chocolate. Hates ice cream and Popsicles, spaghetti, and anything like a casserole.

Height: 34 in. - He has a very long torso, but not long legs. Most shorts look like manpris on him!

Fun Stuff: Lincoln definitely loves his Mommy, but he and Daddy got along really well while Mommy was in the hospital. Each night he asks "Mommy do it?" when it's time to read a bedtime story, but he really enjoys Daddy to do it too. I like listening to them on the monitor. He recently picked a new book for bedtime about a train. It's really, really long with lots of words, so I just made up a story to go with the pictures. Last night he "read" me the story word for word like I tell it. I guess I'll be in trouble when he learns to read! I'm always telling him how much I love him, and he recently started saying it purposefully too. (That's a big difference from just repeating it!) I love hearing him say I love you Mommy (or Daddy or Beau) - melts my heart!

Smarts: Linc is totally the smartest kid I know! He can say all of his ABCs and even recognize some of the letters. He can count to 13, and sometimes higher. He knows all of the colors and shapes, of course. We play "find the . . ." very often, and he has to locate whatever I've just named. He's extremely good a finding all the items (or pictures in a book) that I can think of. Reading is still lots of fun, especially now that he's got such a great vocabulary and recognition of things. He can pretty much tell the story of any book. His teacher told us that she was asking the kids questions after reading a book to the class. Her first question was about the color of the dog in the story. Lincoln stood up and recapped the entire book for the other kids instead of just answering the question. Overachiever!!!

Brother Stuff: Lincoln is a really great big brother to Beau, and he has handled this addition to our family quite well. He's always asking what Beau's doing, or if he can play, or telling him "Mone, Beau." He is helpful with Beau's diaper changes (turns on the lamp for us), Beau's laundry (carries the basket to and from the laundry room), and Beau's pacifier (tries to cram it in his mouth!). I'm not always sure Beau likes how close Linc gets, but one day I know they'll be inseparable. The only time we have an issue is when I'm nursing. He says, "No more drink the baby milk, Beau!" or occasionally "Lincoln drink the baby milk on the other side?" (Definitely not!!!) He usually gets bored and goes back to playing, but he's always ready for us to join him. He's gotten into hugging Beau lately, and I bet Beau thinks he's being attacked!

I'm sure I have the best two year old ever, and I'm definitely the luckiest mom around. I know Lincoln will continue to amaze me and teach me even more.

Beau is 2 weeks old!

Beau is really thriving at two weeks! He's such a chill kiddo. He's gained a pound since birth, and weighs in at 8lbs 4 oz. I nurse every three hours in the daytime and about every four hours at night. He's sleeping well in his crib, and of course we're loving the swaddle blanket! He is very tolerant of Lincoln's loudness and doesn't seem to mind all that we have going on around here. He accompanies me to the doctor, Target and the grocery store, and to Lincoln's school each day without a complaint. I'm really enjoying his portableness right now because I know one day he'll have an opinion about tagging along! I took a few fun pictures, but he likes to frown when I turn on the flash. I may have to invest in one of those fancy flash attachments that our friend Dale was telling me about. She's always got fun camera tips for me! Happy Two Weeks to Beau . . . it wasn't the two weeks I had imagined, but all is working out well.