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.

One big difference

The difference between a two week old and a two year old . . .

The frequency of diaper changes is vast. Beau gets changed before and after each feeding, so about 14 times each day. Lincoln is pretty good about letting me know when he needs to be changed, or if he wants to teetee in the potty, and this is definitely less than 14 times each day. Either way, I change a lot of diapers!!!!

Another Great Day

Just looking cute today . . . we had a lazy day. Everyone took great naps, we got lots of shopping and cleaning done, and there was plenty of playing.

(I kind of think this is Beau's George W Bush look, don't you agree?!?!)

Silly Saturday

Lincoln is a very silly boy these days. He loves to be silly and make us all laugh. Sometimes we catch him being silly (when he doesn't want us to see him), and he gets all embarrassed. He's at such a fun age, especially when the "terrible two tantrums" aren't around. He had lots of fun at Clare's birthday party. After warming up a bit, and after Mommy and Daddy got in the bounce house, he really enjoyed it! (I'm quite sure my doctor wouldn't approve of me jumping in a bounce house just a few days after surgery, but it was fun!) Jane was showing Lincoln her seat-drops, and he was imitating her.

Beau makes plenty of silly faces while he's drifting off to sleep. I love the smiles!
Bubbles got lots help with his video camera this weekend. Lincoln LOVED to view people through the screen. He would wave endlessly at the person the camera was pointed at. What a fun game . . . and only one a grandparent would allow! I'm keeping our video camera far away from those grimy, clumsy fingers!!!

Brother Playtime

Big Brother Linc is loving this Baby Beau thing . . . he gets lots of new stuff to enjoy, too! He thoroughly examined the gym while Beau looked on. I guess it passed inspection because they played under there for quite a while. It was so cute watching them together. I'll enjoy every minute of this because it won't last forever. Before I know it, one will be in a headlock and the other will be tattling!!!

Getting in the Groove

After a delayed start, we're getting in a good groove. Beau is eating and sleeping on a normal schedule - usually eating every three hours and sleeping very well. Since we couldn't nurse for the first week, we've had some catching up to do in that department. He's gotten so much better in the last two days, so we're pretty much off the bottles. He seemed especially happy after one particular meal . . . wonder what I ate that he enjoyed so much . . .

The boys got to spend some brother time this evening, and it was so cute. Linc brought his books in to be near Beau, I guess. He occasionally offered him the pacifier or stopped reading to yell something in Beau's ear. You know when you're trying to talk to someone who doesn't speak English, and you yell? That's how Linc talks to Beau!!! Anyway, I'm glad they got to hang out a little.

Beau had his first "regular" pediatrician visit today. Since Dr. K hadn't even gotten to meet him in the hospital, we went to get checked out at his office. Beau got a clean bill of health, and Mommy was assured that he's a perfectly normal kid. We also picked up Linc from school today, so we needed to wash off any potential germs picked up from the busy day. (Seriously, where are there more germs than a pediatrician's office and a preschool?!?!) Beau did great during his first bath and shampoo. I told Linc that Beau was going to get a bath after we finished his. He thought for a moment and then told me that Beau could use his Abby Cadabby toothbrush. What a great brother!!!!! I told him Beau would like that very much!

Home Sweet Home

I nervously made my way to Medical City early this morning, in hopes that Beau had successfully taken all feeds by bottle overnight. Of course - awesome little eater that he is - he took them all like a champ! We waited (im)patiently all day and were finally able to bring Beau home early in the afternoon. After a long nap, it was time to meet Big Brother Lincoln. Here is Lincoln checking him out for the first time. (Beau was still sleeping in his crib.) A smile is a good sign!

Lincoln politely introduced Beau to his friends, Ernie and Elmo. Linc didn't want to get too close at this point, but it had only been a few minutes into their introduction. No need to rush! Lincoln directed us all into the playroom, so I brought Beau and sat down on the floor. Almost immediately, Linc came over and said, "Hold the Baby Beau." I think he likes him!

Someone is loving this!

He didn't hold Beau long, but came back after just a few minutes and said, "Linc one more time hold Beau." This cycle was repeated several times, each time with Lincoln enjoying it more and more.

Cutest. Picture. Ever. Nana and Pops came over to visit, and Linc needed to show them he could hold Beau too. He was so sweet. Well, I'm glad day one went well. I can't imagine what day two will bring, but I'll find out soon! Linc is going to school most days to keep his normal routine in place. I don't want him to miss out on playing with his friends and doing fun activities, and Beau and I will get some special bonding time. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers . . . I've got proof they worked sleeping in the next room!

Another Day Closer

What a marvelous day Sunday turned out to be . . . Beau has made such great strides that the doctors are discussing kicking him out! I went for the first feeding of the morning and was met with the good news by our favorite NICU nurse. If we could just get him eating without the feeding tube, we'd be home free! I nursed him at nine and noon, successfully but slowly, and with the help of a bottle to top him off. Nursing is a little slow and tedious right now, but he can sure gulp the bottle down. I've supplied enough breast milk for the entire NICU in Beau's little fridge, though he's not leaving much to share! So here's the deal:

Sunday: ate without the feeding tube at 9, noon, 3, and 6. (He needs to take the next four by bottle as well.) Received Hep B shot.

Monday: scheduled circ from Dr. M. He'll need to teetee after that. Will need last hearing screen.

If all of these go well, we'll be bringing home our little man. All the prayers are working, and I'm so excited that he'll be home soon. The staff is telling me Tuesday at the latest . . . stay tuned!!!

Apparently he isn't a fan of the overhead light while he's sleeping - check out his reaction!

Lincoln had a super day of playing, even though I missed most of it due to my endless trips back and forth to Medical City. Daddy has taken over meal times for Linc, and they're getting used to dining as a couple. Daddy is also in charge of wardrobe - always a surprise! I did manage to enjoy a bit of outside time with him, and he was showing off his new Jeep. Nana and Pops surprised him with the new wheels, and he's quite the driver already. Notice he takes his friends Elmo and Ernie along for the ride . . . every time!!!

I'm not quite sure this is the correct way to use the Jeep, but he really thought it was cool to stand in the back.
It's been the longest week ever . . . last Monday seems like an eternity ago. I'm so hopeful that tomorrow goes well, and we'll soon introduce Linc and Beau. There will be lots of pics, don't worry!

Busy Times

Life is a complete whirlwind right now . . . I'm trying to keep track of the millions of events and emotions going on. I'll start with a Lincoln update this time. He's doing great without having to rely on Mommy all the time. He and Daddy do fun stuff like go to Home Depot and eat pretzels with cheese. I'm glad they are having fun, so I don't feel so guilty about running back and forth to the hospital all day. Gymnastics is always a favorite, and Linc had an especially good time today. He and his buddy, Patrick, jumped like crazy! I'm not my normal crawl-around self, but I can make it up and down from the floor just fine. Lincoln is very excited to have my full lap back . . . no more giant belly in the way when he wants to sit down. We've looked at lots of books since I've been home.

On to the Beau updates - Kevin was able to hold him for the first time Saturday morning, and it was wonderful for everyone! I think he forgot how little babies can be, and he was kind of nervous about all of the wires and tubes. He tried to give him back after just a few minutes, but the NICU nurse wouldn't take him back. She assured Kevin that they were doing fine!

On Friday night, Beau got moved to a big boy crib! He didn't need the warmer or other gadgets on the other little bed, so he graduated! He's got a bit of diaper rash right now, I think because he messes his diaper a lot. I told the nurse today that my boys go before, during and after a feeding, so she should be prepared!

In fact, he's doing so well that his oxygen tube has been removed!!!! Free to breathe all on his own, and he's doing great! His respiratory rate has been consistent, and we're so proud! The nurse moved his feeding tube from his mouth to his nose, so we can get a better look at just how cute he is! I think he's looking a lot like Lincoln these days. (Not the best picture - he flinches at the flash on my phone!)
Not having a feeding tube in his mouth makes our other adventure much easier . . . I began nursing him on Saturday morning! It was a pretty good first effort, though I'm not sure he got anything from me. They were giving his feeding through the tube at the same time, so he didn't go hungry. The second time was much better. He seemed to really get it! I can try three times on Sunday, so I'm sure he'll be a pro soon. We are so blessed that he's getting stronger so quickly. All of the millions of prayers for Beau are being answered, and we're so grateful. We're a few steps closer to being home as a family of four, and we can't wait! Lincoln is especially getting ready . . . this morning he got the broom and dust pan from the laundry room and walked straight to Beau's room. Kev asked what he was doing, and he answered, "Sweep Baby Beau's room, Daddy." OK!!!