Officially Out-Numbered

Today is my first day of mothering two children- ON MY OWN.  Patton went back to work today after a truly amazing THREE WEEKS home.  It was incredible having him here.  Not only did he whip this place into shape, but he was stay-at-home-dad-extrodinaire!  I was sad to see him go this morning but a little excited to get back to life as usual (+1) -or- to see how I'd do without him.Well, I am happy to report that, so far, all is going exactly as I had hoped.  As a matter of fact, (I'm bragging here, so prepare yourselves...) Not only are both babies fed and napped, we are (ALL THREE) dressed and ready for the day.  In addition to all that-  I've even managed to sneak in a FULL-HOUR of down time, as both kiddo's napped -at the same time!  

It remains to be seen how the second half of the day goes- but, I'm encouraged.  And that goes a long way!  

Update on the Kids:

  Carter is, how to say this...., a VERY GOOD EATER.  His is gaining weight at an alarming rate and seems much more a hearty baby than a fragile newborn.  At his two week check up (last week) he was well up over his birth weight and looking good!  For the last few days his has adopted a perfect little 3 hour routine and is both sleeping well and happy when awake. amazing.

  And Sofie. She is my personal hero-  Never-mind that we totally pulled the rug out from under her- what with the arrival of her little brother, the holidays and Dada being home for 3 weeks. Never-mind that, we think, her molars are coming in.  She is just as happy and content as ever. Flawless in her routine- Sleeping great, playing independently and eating like a champ- She is simply awesome.    

So, Here.  Pictures.  Of  awesome babies.

Happy New Year 2009!

My Resolutions for this coming year:

• Show my husband and children love, patience and respect even when it's hard.
  
• Keep on top of the household chores (clean as you go?  what??)
  
• Grow as a person, and stuff.
  
• Call family members on the phone instead of assuming they've read the blog and or checked Picasa.
  
• Get over the Thing with the phone.
  
• Read at least one book that does not contain the words "Baby" or "Whisperer" or any combination of "baby" & "whisperer" in the title.
  
• Write more "Thank-You" notes
  
• Go an entire year without peeing on a pregnancy test or even THINKING about peeing on a pregnancy test.
  

And the New Year's List:

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?

• Became the mother of TWO beautiful children
  

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

• I don't even remember New Year's of last year- I believe I was in the same sleep deprived, new-baby black-hole that I'm in this year.  BUT, I'm gonna assume that I made some lofty resolution to love my husband, my new baby and myself and to write more "thank-you" notes; so SURE.  I KEPT 'EM.   
  
• Yes, I'll make more for next year. and by next year this time I'll probably say something like "I don't even remember New Year's of last year- I believe I was in some sleep deprived, new-baby black-hole.  BUT, I'm gonna assume that I made some lofty resolution to love my husband, my new baby and myself and to write more "thank-you" notes; so SURE.  I KEPT 'EM."
  

 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

• A number of friends had babies this year; Simone, Susan, Suzanne and Kelly all had beautiful babies and are all looking radiant themselves.
  

4. Did anyone close to you die?

• No. Thank goodness.
  

5. What countries did you visit?

• Hmmm.... can we spell-check that into "counties" I think I made it to at least two of those....Because not so much with the exotic travel in 2008.
  

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

• Honestly, the first thing to come to mind is a really great bottle of red wine- I think I'd love to have enough to drink to warrant a hangover :)  Oh, and world peace.
  

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

• The obvious, of course... December 16th-the day Carter was born.  And November 4, the day Obama was elected.
  

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

• Other than the whole beautiful baby boy thing?  Um...I don't know if I'm allowed to claim credit for this one, but I'm listing Sophia- She's had an amazing year.
  

9. What was your biggest failure?

• I don't know about failures... maybe more regrets- but not many or any thing worth listing.
  

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

• no.
  

11. What was the best thing you bought?

• Probably our Nikon D-60.  I freaking love this thing.  Best thing "WE" bough was far and away our i-Mac!
  

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

• Let's go presidential with this one: Barack Obama
  

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

• In keeping with the theme- George W. Bush
  

14. Where did most of your money go?

• Probably Costco, the grocery store, and Baby clothes
  

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

• The impending arrival of our second child and Sophia's First Birthday
  

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

• Probably John Mayer's "Daughters" because of the soundtrack to the DVD Patton made this year.
  

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?  Happier (though I was pretty Happy this time last year)
b) thinner or fatter?  Probably a few pounds heavier (but I'm blaming baby weight)
c) richer or poorer? Infinitely richer (but the bank account looks about the same)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

• I wish I'd taken Sofie on more outings- done more of the cultural stuff that we have at our disposal.  I also wish I'd done a bit more healthful eating and excersise (but don't tell Patton I said that!) 
  

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

• TV watching- it's an addiction, people!
  

20. How did you spend Christmas?

• In the most perfect way.  With my newly expanded family.
  

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

• Over and Over and Over again with my husband, my daughter and my brand-new son.
  

22. What was your favorite TV program?

• Oh. So. Many. Favorite. Programs.  But I really like the Mentalist, House and Criminal Minds.
  

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

• I don't think I hate anyone... save for maybe the douchbag from answer 13 above.
  

24. What was the best book you read?

• The Baby Whisperer-  It's probably the only book I read this year, But I credit it with my sanity and Sophia's good temperment.
  

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

• As if I had the time or energy to go fourth and uncover some cute little indie band... no discovery.  nothing.
  

26. What did you want and get?

• A perfect, healthy, beautiful baby boy.
  

27. What did you want and not get?

• Nothing major comes to mind- a testament to just how lucky I truly am.
  

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

• As lame as it may sound, Sex and the City totally did it for me.  
  

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

• I turned 29 this year and spent the evening with my family.
  

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

• Nothing. Really. Save for maybe a stay-at-home-wife of my very own! 
  

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

• Mama-frump; or What-ever-doesn't-smell-like-milk; or Maternity-meet-post-baby-body.  In summation: Yikes.
  

32. What kept you sane?

• My husband.  And my mom and her weekly "grams play-dates."
  

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

• Always and forever Jon Stewart.
  

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

• The terrifying combination of ignorance and aggression that is Sarah Palin.
  

35. Who did you miss?

• Only my hubby on those nights that kept him working late
  

36. Who was the best new person you met?

• My new baby boy, Carter.
  

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

• Johnson & Johnson was right: Having a baby really does change everything.  Having children is the best thing that could ever happen to a couple.
  

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

• "If ever there was a doubt; My love, she leans in to me. 'This most assuredly counts,' She says, most assuredly." -The Frey
  

A really great day....

All kinds of excitement today... all baby related, of course! The quick update goes a little something like this.

Sofie has decided that using a fork to feed herself is quite possibly the AWESOMEST thing EVER!
She spent most of dinner tonight giggling at her new found skill and showing off for daddy!

Carter had his very first bath today- and much to my surprise- actually seemed okay with the whole thing. I was convinced (based on his complete disdane for diaper changes and clothes changes and changes of any kind) that he would, hmmmm... what's the expression.... FREAK OUT! But, No. Quite the opposite. He was a very happy relaxed little guy. and adorable, did I mention adorable?

And here's the big one: BOTH of my babies were simultaneously, and at the same time, in the mood to snuggle- without protest! And because you certainly wouldn't believe me otherwise, here's the proof.

OH, happy day!

kinda makes me wanna do a little jig....

... I'm pretty sure that I'm on some kind of post-partum. hormone-induced, emotional-lovey-lovey- baby-high.  That said, I'm willing to divulge the following confidential information:  toilet paper commercials featuring either puppies or bare baby bottoms (& heaven forbid, BOTH) in addition to any small act of kindness or expression of love, is, at this time, enough to turn me into a mushy puddle of tear-filled mess.  

And, as if xerox advertisements and tiny little baby socks aren't enough to sabotage my good intentions to get up and actually rinse the dishes- there's this

It would be ridiculous to assume that anyone who is more than 2 weeks post-baby would tear up quite like I did- But I do hope you appreciate the "we're all one people" message.  And also- can you please pass the tissues... *sniff :)

Our Christmas Story

What a wonderful day. What a busy, busy, wonderful day.

I may have mentioned that I'm on a super post-baby high- but in case I didn't: I'm on a super, post-baby high! Add to that a huge helping of family and a dash of the good-old-fashioned Christmas spirit and what do you have?... One seriously happy, greatful, and slightly weepy mommy full of love and warm fuzzies.

We had such a perfect Christmas- we had the opportunity to spend a little time participating in holiday traditions from both sides and (most importantly) to spend time together as a family of four!

The day actually started (for me) the night before... We dressed our babies in their new Christmas Jammies and Pat read the 'Night Before Christmas' before putting our big girl down for the night. Carter was very cooperative as well, and sans the normal "IT'S TWO AM, WAKE-UP AND FEED ME" moment, it was a peaceful and almost silent night :)

We woke in morning to find that Santa had stopped by to fill stockings and took the opportunity to peek inside. Sofie found a few little treats that she actually enjoyed more than the stocking itself and spent a fair amount of time pursuing the new books and playing with a new puppet. Before their first naps, the kids (OMG- the "KIDS") opened a few presents and what a sight that was. I knew not to expect much in the way of excitement or any actual tearing into of gifts- but boy was it cute to see Sof's get all caught up in ribbon and little bits of paper, all the while completely ignoring the totally awesome music set I was giddy to see her play with. *UPDATE: she's gotten over the ribbon and has engaged with the music set- thank you very much.

After nap #1, We bundled up and headed over the river and through the woods to Grams' house, where Santa apparently made an extra long stop! We had a wonderful time with Grams, Gramps and Uncle Lucas and, boy, did we score some serious loot! We also spent some time with the Greatgrands having the traditional McConnell family Christmas breakfast. yum.

After nap #2, we re-bundled up and headed over to Aunt Denise's for the Demers Family Christmas. It was a lovely evening. Denise, Diane, Karen and her kids as well as Angela, Abby, Mark and his kids were all present.

Dinner w as delicious and it was wonderful to spend the evening with the family.

The most poignant part of the day for me was in the details and in the emergence of our f amily's little traditions. Again, as a lady all hopped up on baby-lovey-dovey hormones, it was easily the most beautiful of all holidays to date. Joy to the world, and all that jazz.

Week One... Check.

Well, we've made it a whole week with two (count 'em, T-W-O) children and have maintained at least most of our sanity. Don't quote me, (I have PLENTY of time to change my position on this one...) But, I think this whole family of four thing might just work out :)
Carter is endlessly amazing. For a little thing that mostly just eats, poops and sleeps- it's remarkable how awesome he is. He's adapting quite nicely to life outside the womb and is even finding himself in a comfortable 2 hour routine. Patton and I are both getting a reasonable amount of sleep and spirits are registering high.
Sophia is (as always) the most incredible child in all of world. She's being an angel, maintaining her fabulous schedule and is quickly showing what a fantastic big sister she is and will continue to be! She's completely concerned about her little brother and gets excited each time he makes a little gurgle or squeak. Sofie even doles out kisses before naps and when Carter starts to cry.
If I'm being completely honest, I spent the last few months preparing myself for the worst. I was truly worried that having our babies so close together would be, on some level, just too hard. Again, I reserve the right to rescind the following statement at anytime, but, Not only does the current situation seem manageable, I really kinda dig it!
happy mommy. check.

Carter's Birth Story (AKA- The Longest Post EVER)

We started the day as a family of three...

Tuesday morning we got up at the normal time to begin the day- Sofie decided to sleep in just a bit, so Patton and I finished up some last minute tasks before showering and getting ready to leave for the hospital. Diane and Denise were on hand to watch Sophia, so by 10:00 we were off to start the process.

We arrived at the hospital at 10:30 and checked in. We were directed upstairs to the Labor and Delivery triage, where we had the exact same bed as we did with Sofie! The nurses were great and the process of monitoring and pumping me full of IV fluids was smooth. All the participating parties stopped by for an introduction (the LDR nurses, the anesthesiologist and Dr Rhymers, of course) and by 12:10p I was making my way through the halls down to the operating room. The nurses and doctors quickly prepped me and I was given the spinal that would block all feeling for the operation. Just a few moments later, everyone was poised and ready- They let Patton in from the hallway and as soon as Dr Rhymers arrived the c-section began.

Much like the last time- I could feel nothing but a very surreal pressure as they cut and pushed and began to extract our little guy.

Unlike the last time- the anesthesia seemed very strong and made me both nauseous and feel as though my lungs were swimming in fluid.

In what seemed like a fraction of a second, and also an eternity, all at the same time (really it was 12 minutes)- I heard the first little gurgle of our newborn baby boy. What an incredible moment. It would be impossible to explain how fantastic that first little sound is- but I'm pretty sure it was in that moment that I grew another heart, all for loving this little baby.

Carter came out looking just like his sister did 14 months ago- perfect little head with button nose and the most beautiful lips ever. His cheeks, while noteworthy, could not possibly rival hers, but their expressions seem identical.

He scored high on the APGAR and all weights and measurements were in the very healthy range. Carter and Dad stayed in the OR for a few photos and then left for the recovery area. I had a few more moments of nausea (and either passed out or fell asleep) during the remainder of the surgery and then met up with my boys.

The recovery process was very quick this time around- Feeling returned to my legs and feet much faster than with Sofie and we were soon able to snuggle and stare and make all the necessary comparisons :)

It was while we were in recovery that the nurses noticed that Carter had a bit of a heart murmur and so quite a commotion was created over whether or not he should be admitted to the NICU- thankfully he was not. However- it was at this point that all the additional poking and prodding of our little guy began.

We were taken to our room by 2:30. It happened to be exactly the same room we were in last October with Sofie! It was oddly comforting to have the same room (and may of the same nurses) throughout our stay. My family was waiting to greet us and to meet Carter. [Insert 'oooohh'-ing & 'aaahhh'-ing here *] It was lovely.

Carter began making some pretty unusual noises, of the grunting variety, which was cause for some concern by our nurse. She ordered a battery of tests and had us all on pins and needles for most of the evening. After the results of the blood-test, the echo cardiogram and the chest x-ray were evaluated by the NICU doctor- Carter was give a clean bill of health- with the simple explanation that he had some residual fluid in his lungs left over from the c-section and that the heart murmur previously noted was likely an un-closed PDA (similar to what Sophia had until about 6 months). Healthy baby. Check.

We had plenty of visitors (the grandparents, aunts and uncles, Great-Grands and most notably one very big sister). I was very excited to see Sofie and to introduce her to her new baby- she however was not so impressed and, shall we say... less than excited. All told- it was a pretty uneventful introduction (*though I should say, she's coming around nicely :)

We stayed in the hospital until Thursday afternoon (a full day less than last go-round) but were home and fully immersed in the REAL WORLD (of having two babies, at home, by ourselves, holy crap!) by dinnertime.

I am happy to report that every bit of this process has been smooth so far... here's hoping we stay this lucky.