Month 2 recap

We have had a great month!! May is always crazy - and June was filled with lots of fun also!  I have really loved and cherished my time at home with my littles - and I know I will always look back on these 3 months with very fond memories that I will treasure for always.  It fills my heart to know how blessed we are, how good God is, and how much joy just having time for friends and family brings.  I just feel very at peace and happy now, and am going to enjoy the last week and a half we have together.

Ellie's 2 month checkup (besides having to wait 2 hours at the doctors office, trust me, was NOT happy, and was HUNGRY!) - the good news is that Ellie looks great, she is growing and was at 12 lbs (50%)  The doctor mentioned that we try to put her to sleep while she is a little awake to get her used to it.  Up until then, we were swaddling her (Miracle Blanket - was a recommendation from a friend) and that was helping her sleep pretty good in between feedings in bed with us. She would also start out and do pretty well in the swing for several hours, But, I knew I wanted to get her out of our bed as soon as we could (whenever we set her down in Pack and Play, she wakes right up) - so I had heard lots of good things about the Rock and Play - cradle/bassinet like thing to put her in, and the reviews were all raving, so we bought that hoping she would like it.  And we just tried it last week - and it's been GREAT!! She has slept through the night for the last 3 nights!!!! AMAZING!! So happy for all of us to be getting more sleep, and she wakes up and just has the HUGEST smile on her face.  So, everyone is feeling more rested.  She is doing a bit better with being put down and likes her swing in small doses and her playmat a little bit more. 

Some recent highlights:
Thomas the Train in Baldwin City, KS w/ Amy, Cody and kids:

Trip to Florida: Last week, we took a family trip down to Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  It was SO great!! I knew Ellie would be great, but was more concerned with how Will would do on the flights (we had 2 legs of the flights to get to Pensecola, FL and then an hour drive to Fort Walton)  The trip started with a 6am flight, and I assumed that it would be a pretty quiet time at the airport - WRONG!! What was I thinking?? That's when everyone needs to fly out for their week - UGH.  I have never seen the line so long to ticketing for Southwest.  OMG - we looked at each other - there was absolutely no way we would make it through that line.  So, we went outside to the Skycap and even that line was super long, but we hoped that we could possibly make that one.  We checked bags 40 minutes before flight, and luckily nothing else went wrong.  Our bags made it to Pensacola, Will did great on the flight, and we got upgraded to an SUV rental.  Ellie did blow out her diaper, but just when we got to the car, so we put on the back-up outfit and no big deal.  We went to a store there to pick up supplies for the week and were good to go. 

Monday - once we arrived, we were all exhausted from being up since 4am, so we all took a nap in the condo, and then we all got changed and went out to the beach.  Will did great!! He got his feet a little wet and even jumped in the water!!  He played in the sand, and we were thinking he did so much better than last year at the ocean.  After about an hour or so, it was time for dinner, and we went to Rick's crabhouse and had an awesome dinner of fresh seafood.  I had Redfish, Amberjack, and Ahi Tuna, and Patrick had a big seafood platter.  It was really fun.  Once Will went to bed, P, Ellie, and I sat outside on the patio and played some Gin and had a few drinks.  Love listening to the ocean waves and feeling the ocean breeze.  Ahhhh....

Tuesday - even though Will slept awesome, he still woke up and HATED the beach that morning.  He did not like the sand all over him, he was getting sand in his eyes, and even Ellie was being pretty fussy - and everytime I reached through the sunshade to give her a binky - it was getting sand all over her.  So, we all didn't last too long out there, but thought we would try the condo pool since we were all dressed.  Will actually played quite a while there and enjoyed throwing the ball around and let Patrick walk him in the water.  We went back up to make sandwiches and then went to the Air Force Museum they have there - which was AWESOME!! I had no idea how impressive it would be to see all those fighter planes, jets and helicopters.  It was a very nice set-up and Will also loved all the airplanes.  Then was time for Will's nap, and during that Patrick and I took turns spending time on the beach.  While it would have been nice to all be down there together, was still nice to be there, relax, and just soak up the sun!  That night we went to a place that was called Stewy's shandy- just a sit on picnic tables for dinner, but they had GREAT, fresh seafood as well.  After that we went to the Pier/boardwalk - and it was super fun!  There were people fishing from the pier, and we saw a few great catches of some BIG fish - and also saw lots of dolphins jumping out of the water!  So fun, and was great to just let Will run around a bit!

Wednesday - we woke up and it was very overcast and rainy.  We had decided that we would go out for brunch in Destin, so we drove the 10 minutes or so into Destin.  Destin is way more the resort type of area, very nice, (Fort Walton is definitely more quiet) - we really liked Another Broken Egg Cafe - and then drove around Destin for awhile.  I will say - at this point - Will was being SUPER crazy, fussy/whiney, and we were all sort of losing our patience.  We couldn't wait to get back to the condo and have him take a nap!  He was pretty much a stinker until finally the sun came out around 4pm, so we thought not to try the beach again for him, and just went ot the pool - and we actually had a really nice time there.  Then, we really wanted to try a restaurant called Boshamps for dinner in Destin, and it was AMAZING!! We sat outside (even though pretty breezy and possible chance that it was going to rain again) - and it was really nice view, we had a great server - had a fun strawberry, lemonade drink - and one of the best meals!! I had a seared grouper with spinach on top of a feta souflle with a tomato jam on top.  It was just the BEST flavors.  Even Will's fish sticks were really, really good!  Then, we finished up an awesome evening walking down the boardwalk area there, and it was really fun.  Lots of people and shops around - people rock wall climbing, balloon makers, face painters, zip lining, bungee jumping, etc.  We each grabbed a beer, walked around and enjoyed the live music too!  It was one of the best nights!

Thursday - our flights back were a little later.  Unfortunately, I was having really bad stomachache, and was in the bathroom prior to our flight and was praying I was going to make it on the plane.  Ugh.  Luckily that flight was uneventful and thank goodness for iPads and Will's love for Cars, he basically just watched that during all the flights.  We had a 2 hour layover in Nashville, so we lucked out and there was a kid's play area right by our gate, so he played there and we had lunch.  I made a Mama mistake and didn't pack enough diapers for Will in the carry-on, and turns out right before we are boarding our last flight, Ellie started getting really fussy (really her only big crying moment on the trip) so I am trying to calm her down, and P took Will to the bathroom, changed him and had to put on one of Ellie's diapers on him!!! Haha!  Poor kid - we knew it could hold a #1 - but if he went #2 again, it would be a BIG mess!  Thank goodness we all made it back, he was only tugging at the side of his diaper a little bit :)

I think the most afraid Will was the whole time was on the shuttle bus back to our car!  It was a pretty jerky ride, and after one particularly quick brake, Will says' Whoa, what's going on in here?' :)  We laughed pretty hard!  Another funny thing, Will would always get pretty nervous on elevators, but since our condo was on the 4th floor, we had to take it a lot.  He started looking forward to it, and then got excited to go on what he called the 'alligator' :)  So, he got over a few fears at least on the trip!  Both kids were troopers, and we have some sweet memories.

Visit from Great-Grandpa and Grandma Alternhofen -whom Ellie shares a name with! :)

Pool Day:

Lastly - we all had a great Father's Day as well.  We visited my Dad Saturday in Atchison, and then celebrated Patrick and Bill on Sunday.  I am so blessed to have such a great dad for my kids and they both absolutely adore him (ok, me too :)) 

Will has also graduated into a toddler bed (I know, finally) and so far has been doing pretty good job of staying in bed and telling us when he is awake so we can come get him.  We did however put up a gate outside his room so he can't 'wander' during the night!

Locked out

A story from my maternity leave that I know will be re-told over the years:

It was a Thursday, June 5th to be exact, and we were getting ready to visit my friend Lauren and their new baby boy, Blaise.  I knew that I had a Bearcat onsie downstairs in our baby clothes bins, and thought I would see if I could find it for Blaise, since he has Bearcat parents.  Anyway, I told Will I would be right back, and I close the door to go downstairs and open the bins quickly.  After just a few short minutes, I walk up the stairs, and turn the knob and the door....is....locked.  OMG!!!!!!  My heart started racing, and I started hitting the door and telling Will he needed to unlock the door.  I said, as calmly as I could, Will please come unlock the door, just like you locked it, please turn the lock on the door and unlock it.  His response was NO!!  NO!!! NO!!  I could tell he wasn't standing close to the door, but I was starting to panic.  My baby girl is up there, she is crying loudly already - and all I can think is 'I can't get to my baby!!'.  I tried to keep talking to Will to get him to try to unlock the door, but that wasn't working.  So, I figured, I was going to have to break down the door.  So, I heave with all my body weight and shoulder against the door, and see it barely budge (dang, I guess we have a good lock)  but I can tell that he didn't do the deadbolt (would have been too tall for him really) but must have just turned the darn lock on the door. 

After a couple tries of trying to break open the door, at this point, Will is screaming 'Mommy, Mommy- where are you??' and he is starting to panic.  So, I wiggled my fingers through the bottom of the door hoping he would see where I was.  I could tell he was climbing the stairs upstairs, perhaps thinking that's where he was hearing my voice come from.  So, I'm trying to talk him into coming down the stairs, and I had the thought to ask him if he could give Ellie her binky - just so she wouldn't feel completely abandoned, and then I thought NO- he is HER biggest threat right now.  If he tried to help, who knows if he would have picked her up, or something.  So, I am completely panicked at this point - I felt so trapped, like I couldn't get to my babies no matter how hard I tried. 

I grabbed a carseat he have in the basement and was trying to shove that against the door too, but still nothing budging.  Finally, I thought, I wonder if I can make it through the window in our basement.  It's pretty small, but I was determined at this point.  So, I took a kitchen chair and heaved it through the window and broke the glass (thankfully, it was plexiglass) and it broke easily.  So then I stood up on the chair, and all I had to do was make it through the window.  I wiggled my way through, and then crawled through our front bushes, and then put in our garage code to get in the house!! OMG!!!!  I have never been so relieved to hug my babies.  In the process, I didn't even feel it, but I was bleeding from the cut glass, on my hands, arms, legs, etc.  So, I was trying to clean myself up while calmly Ellie, and reassuring Will, but also having a very stern talk to him about not locking doors! AHH!  So, anyway, we all made it - I was down there for about 15-20 minutes - and since then I have to tell myself several times not to think about what would have happened if I couuldn't make it through the window! 

I had some nice cuts/bruises on my body for a good week after to show my battle wounds!  Ah--- what a crazy story --- I can't wait to tell Will's future wife and his kids some day about this one!!

One month - My Favorite Things (and what I've learned thus far...)

Well, after a month of having this sweet girl in our lives - while feeding her once, I jotted down in my phone some things that I had forgotten about having a newborn - here are some thoughts that I wanted to remember, just in case we don't experience it again:

• Don't get too attached to what I'm wearing that day - I will likely get spit up on at some point, leaky milk at another point, and then after changing twice, may get pooped on too!  Bring on the laundry!
• How so very sweet those angel smiles are - AND the real smile!!  Ellie smiled at me for the first time last week (May 6th to be exact - she was just over a month)
• How much they sleep early on (about a month of almost all-day sleeping) - and how easy it is to go out and do things when they are sleeping so much!
• How they somehow like to be awake though from 2-5 am ;)
• How they start getting gas pains and grunting in the evenings - the bewitching hours
• How much they want to be held early on - really can't get too much done, but that's ok - I'm enjoying it too -but can be so frustrating when they are sleeping SO well in your arms and the minute you put them down, always seem to wake right up, until you do the cycle all over again!
• How fast the early days/months go - and how much they change so early on.  It's so fun watching her grow and change in to the person she will be - and how much I treasure each moment and savor these sweet days
• That arguably one of the best feelings in the world is holding my snuggly, sleeping baby all curled up on my chest ** (other best feelings: seeing that huge heart-melting smile, hearing a loud belly-laugh from your baby, when they start toddling around "drunken sailor walks", having them crawl/walk so fast to you when picking them after work, hearing your sweet baby say "I love you Mommy", and feeling them wrap their arms around your neck and giving you a big hug**)
• How when I'm really tired, a hot shower works wonders to make me feel 'normal' again
• How frequently they poop  - how loud it sounds and then seeing there is only a bit in there and thankful it's just that nice, breastmilk smelling poop! (vs. toddler poopy diapers - ugh!)
• How sweet your baby smells right after a bath --mmmmmm
• Their perfect little featurs - their fingers, their little toes, ears, all so miraculously perfect
• The feeling when they grab on to your finger so tightly - like they never want you to let go

Ok - now what I've learned and loved seeing so far:

• Will can unlock/lock the door by himself! (One day, I wanted to get one little thing done, so I went and took the trash out to the trash can right by our garage, well, Will I think was trying to get out too, but ended up locking the door!  OMG! I was locked out of our house, with my 2 babies in there!  I had no phone on me, no other keys, etc.  Luckily, I tried my best not to panic and I asked him to unlock the door, as I continously jiggled the handle - and he got it back open - PHEW) Lesson learned.
• It's fun to ask now how the 'kids' are vs. just asking how Will's day was, how is Will, etc.  - such a minor noun change, but can make you feel so complete
• Speaking of - now the next question everyone asks " Are you done having kids now?" - too soon people! and the answer is, we don't know yet!
• How much it fills my heart with so much happy just watching Will interact with Ellie - he likes to give her her binky, gives her nice kisses, likes to hold her, and just be around her
• Getting the hang of the stay at home mom thing - going to be SO hard to go back!  We like to plan at least one thing to get out of the house.  If the weather is nice, it's easy.  If not, we go somewhere - and it's such an accopmlishment to get out of the house with everyone fed, changed, happy, and have all the supplies needed in diaper bag :)  Makes me feel like such a Super Mom when we get in the car finally!!

Lastly - some other funny things from Will:

• He brought out a lamb blanket he has had for a long time - and I asked what the lamb's name was and Will responds with "Jesus Christ".  So sweet - and I guess he is learning!  Very profound my child. (other times he will say we need to go to church to pray to Jesus the Christ) :)
• When I'm pumping, he says all seriously to me " You pomping Mommy?" - "Oh, good job Mommy"
• Loves singing loudly!! - Frozen "Let it Go", You are my Sunshine, I love you WIlliam (our two songs we sing everynight - and I love when he joins in with us to sing along)
• He knows just how to get my iPad, log into his games/shows, and loves watching anything on the "Hi-Pad" as he calls it

• 

Our first 2 weeks as a family of 4

 Well - I have to say - I am just in Mommy heaven these last couple weeks.  I have just really tried to sit back and count my blessings and realize how lucky I am to have such a beautiful, healthy,  happy family.  We have gotten so lucky to have some gorgeous weather - and we started enjoying it all together pretty much from the start!

Saturday - our first day home all together!! We were giddy driving home - with our sweet family ,and it was a gorgeous day outside, we felt on top of the world! We picked up some Jimmy John's on the way home, and once both kids were down for naps - I got in my 'nesting' mode - I was putting away/cleaning/organizing the house like crazy.  I had so much energy and I guess sitting in a hospital bed for 2 1/2 days straight will make you want to get up and move around!  After naps - we actually walked up to the park and got some good play time - this first picture is Ellie all snug in her stroller (don't worry, I rested on the bench and let P chase Will around) 

Sunday - We were a tad tired on Sunday (we mostly were taking turns holding Ellie in the big chair in our room and dozing with her, as she doesn't really like to be put down :))  But, we had another great day - but we had some visitors coming - Lindsay and Chad Kobus came down from Lincoln to visit!! We were SO excited to see them and get to spend some time with them - and agian, enjoy a beautiful day and playing on the swingset in the backyard.  Uncle Cody also came by to meet Ellie - and both were so generous to bring dinner for us. 

Monday - Monday morning was Ellie's first doctor's appointment - and I took her to that, while Patrick took Will up to the park.  She had a great report - weighing in at 7 lbs 15 oz, stable from when we left hospital and that is great!) Then, we picked up a prescription for Will at CVS (and I got asked for the 2nd time already when I was due with my baby....ugh, excuse me people, do you not see me carrying/holding the baby i JUST had?!  I mean, I realize i still look pregnant people, but really, it's probably best to just not say anything!) 

First doctor's appointment



Silly brother riding his bike



Tuesday -  we enjoyed a nice trip up to the firestation to visit Uncle brett and see some firetrucks.  Will was a little apprehensive at first, and then started to warm up to it all, but still didn't want to sit in the firetruck :)  He was holding on to Patrick for dear life!  But, it was fun and appreciate Brett taking the time to show us around and put on all his gear for us!



Looking so pretty to go see the firetrucks




Playing at the park with Daddy

 Wednesday - Will went to St. Luke's and had a great time playing with his friends - and Mommy and Daddy got to love all over Ellie all day!  We were both able to 'get some things done' and be productive - at least mommy felt like it!  Just doing the laundry, and emptying dishwasher can be huge accomplishments these days!

Thursday - we enjoyed an awesome day at Deanna Rose farm!  This is an awesome place for kids to visit!  They have animals, you can feed the goats, see cows, ride bikes, play in the playground - just all sorts of fun things for kids.  Another gorgeous day - and I had my first real hormonal/emotional moment - where I felt this overwhelming feeling of happiness and love for my sweet family.  There are lots of stay at home Mom's there also, and I was so wishing that I could do this with all my family, all the time.  I know we still have time to do that on the weekends, and I could tell I was being very emotional, it was just a great moment and I felt just incredibly happy and had such a full heart.  (big fat tears were streaming down my face there - whoops)

Friday - we went up to see Mimi and Grandpa - and play with Emma.  We had a nice lunch and then took Will to get his haircut. 

Sweet Emma and Will enjoying some play time together

Saturday - we started off by doing our usual Eggtc for breakfast!  It was so fun to see our normal waiters and people at Eggtc - (we definitely started going every Saturday morning!)  So, Will got his French Toast - I got a hug from our normal waitress, and we had several compliments on our sweet girl (who slept through it all - you really forget how much they sleep so early on.....and how much they poop!!)

Then, Amy, Daniel and Gwyn came over to play!  We had a great time playing at the park, getting a Starbucks drink and playing in the backyard.  Amy and I even got a little time in the sun while all the kids were sleeping..... or supposed to be.  * Funny story - Daniel was in the pack and play upstairs in our room, well, we have Will's monitor on up by our bed, and instead of sleeping, Will was singing some songs in his crib - Patrick, who was inside, hears Daniel yell down " STOP SINGING BUBS" :)  HAHA!! So funny!  Those kids are so funny together - glad they get along so well, but neither of them slept, so they didn't stay too long, as that's never a good combo.

Caught her with her eyes open! So pretty!

It's SO tough being a sweet baby!

Love these silly, fun, sweet, onery boys!! BFF's

Sunday - we got to enjoy celebrating Elaina's 5th birthday!  It seems so crazy that she is already 5!  Will loved spending the time playing with his cousins and singing to Elaina - and of course, enjoying some birthday cake :) 

Monday - I was somewhat anxious for this day to come - with Patrick going back to work (we had such a FUN stay-cation as we called it - doing something fun everyday - as you can read)  So, knowing also that it was supposed to SNOW on Monday, and it would likely be too cold to go out and play - I was a little nervous as to how the day would go.  Well, we had our ups and downs - Will slept in pretty late, which was nice and woke up in a great mood.  (see pics below) and he spent some time loving on Ellie (he is ALL about her - and will always ask to see her.  If she is sitting in her bouncy chair - he will crouch down and say ' Hi Ellie in this funny little voice - almost kind of nasally and whining, something that Patrick and I laugh about and imitate how he says it!)  But, he is definitely smitten with her and just loves being around her. Couldn't have asked for better reaction from him!

Anyway, I should have just recognized that Will didn't nap at all on Saturday or Sunday = not a happy, rested todder = him pushing my buttons all day and trying to see what he could get away with = a very bossy, demanding, temper-tantrums type of day = made for a long day = we do better when we get outside = me having my 2nd hormonal night, when after Patrick got home - he is playing with Will and they are having fun and I felt like all I really did all day was nag at him or make him try to listen.  I was all sad that I was going to be the not fun parent, all the while realizing I was having a hormonal moment and that was silly.  Let's just say - with her needing to be held almost all the time, unless in a really good sleep - and him being super needy - it was a little challenging, but we made it!

Be still my heart - my sweet babies

Love

Only way I could get Will to get his diaper changed - if he could lay next to Ellie

Watching a movie on this cold day - stuck inside

Tuesday - today we had Ellie's newborn pictures.  Again, I was a little nervous with getting both kids out, ready, clean and out to pictures (it's a 45 min. drive) all by myself.  But, it's AMAZING what a good night's sleep does for Will - and he woke up today and was just the normal sweet boy that I know.  He listened well all day - we had fun playing in the morning and we giggled together a lot.  He is so funny right now, and I was so glad to remember that he's usually like that (not the bi-polar boy he was the day before)  Anyway, he did great on the drive out - and thankfully, she slept the whole time too - and was a GREAT model for the photo shoot.  I'm so excited to see how they turn out!

Well - that's about it for now..... I just wanted to make sure I documented how much fun we have been having - we have been out and about and living like we usually would.  It's crazy how much more you do when you have another kid to entertain/look after.  I know we would have never gotten out so much when Will was that newborn, but with her, we are just kind of staying active and busy - which is how we like to be!  We had a wonderful time together - the week that Patrick took off - and made some very sweet and special memories that I never want to forget. 

Will is going to St. Luke's still on Wednesday's, so I'm excited tomorrow to just snuggle up with my sweet girl and focus 100% just on her :)

We are very blessed.  Thank you God for all that you have given us.

Elizabeth 'Ellie' Grace has arrived!!

Well our sweet girl has finally made her debut into the world - on Thursday, April 3rd to be exact.  The funny thing is, I was scheduled to be induced on her due date (Friday, April 4th) and had finally realized that I was ok with knowing that we would be induced and we were making plans for that. 

I actually wasn't feeling very well on the Wednesday before - started having a bad head cold, and stayed home from work that day to try to rest and get better - knowing she would be here soon.  SO glad I did that - b/c it seemed to work!  Anyway, late in the night that night, or early Thursday morning - at about 2:30am I started having contractions (I had had some the week prior, that didn't turn into anything) so, I waited until several had come and gone until I started tracking the contractions on my app I had loaded on my phone.  Well - those puppies were coming pretty hard, and at about 4-5 minutes apart.  In between these, I went to the bathroom, and lost my mucus plug (sorry if it's TMI, but hey - it's my birth/labor story and I'll tell it like it is :))  So, anyway, at that point, I got a little excited thinking maybe this was really going to happen.  I went back and laid in bed, after waking Patrick up - and was already feeling like I needed to breathe through the contractions.  I waited an hour, and then called the Dr. on call that night (which just happened to be Dr. Wittek!) and she said - alright, I'll call the hospital and tell them you are coming in!  Oh my gosh!!!!  Here we go!!!!!!  So, Patrick called Bill - who got up and came down at 3:30am to stay with Will (thanks again Bill!)  I proceeded to take a shower, wash my hair, dry it and straighten it (for those of you who know me, this takes quite a bit, but knew I would feel better going in with clean hair that wasn't all frizzy and gross looking)  Anyway, so we left for the hosptial at about 4:30 and went right to triage. I have an old co-worker who is now working nights at Shawnee Mission - so I sent her a message saying we were coming in and while I wanted to catch up with her, I didn't really want her doing my 'exams' :)  So, I got checked and was at a 2-3cm - so they basically make you wait in that room for an hour to make sure you really are in labor.  Ugh - what?? Last time I walked in and was able to get epidural right away.  So, I'm thinking, ok, I can do this - but really, I didn't remember the contractions hurting as bad when I had Will.  After some major "ow ow ow ow ow's" and "I just feel like i have to poop!" comments through contractions - they said, ok you seem to really be in labor, we'll get the IV started and get you into a room (Thank you Jesus -- please get that epidural in my ASAP!)

We got settled into room around 6am - and I got the epidural around 7am - the anticipation of that huge needle (not like i look or have ever seen that needle - I can't even think about it!) is worse than the actual stick.  Now it does burn for a bit, but I was very ready for the burn and the contraction pain to be done, I didn't care at all.  Luckily that kicked in pretty quick and by 7:30 was sitting pretty comfortable and we even tried to close our eyes for a bit.  Dr. Wittek came in and broke my water around 8am, where I was a 5-6cm  when she checked, and said that since I was at that point when the nurse last checked, that I may need some pitocin in a bit.  So, I figured we were going to be there for a bit, and Patrick and I turned on a movie and the nurses were joking that it's funny you have to go into labor to have a little date night/alone time together! ha!  Well, next time I got checked, I was at a 9cm!  Whoa- what happend to 7-8?!! Guess breaking my water made things happen fast.  They called Dr. Wittek to tell her to come back and told me that I would start pushing soon.  Once they go through instructions again on how to push, and told me I was ready, I still laugh to myself b/c when they said we are ready to push, Patrick takes off his NorthFace jacket and puts it on the couch, like he was all ready to do this!! :)  Haha--still have that visual in my head and found it so funny.  Anyway, after pushing once, I had that feeling again that her head was basically out - and when I asked if it was, they all said, yes it was.  One more push and she would be out!  It really is such a surreal experience and thought, that I would push one more time and this little human being would be in our lives forever.  Well, that was all it took - and out come our Ellie!  This time I was more aware of how she would look coming out - and they cleaned her off quickly and then had us do skin to skin for awhile.  I just kept staring at her, but couldn't figure out who she looked like, and was just trying to soak her all in.  Then, they let me try nursing her - and as the nurse took her stats, she noticed that she was shaking and they checked her blood sugars, which ended up being pretty low.  So, they had us do more skin to skin time, and really once all said and done, it was about 1 1/2 hours that I was holding her, and I realized Patrick hadn't even gotten to yet!  We were almost ready to be moved to our new room - and luckily he got to hold her for a bit before Bill, Marilee and Will all came in to visit. 

Will was a VERY tired boy - as he woke up at 4:30am when Grandpa Bill came down - so he didn't know what to make of everything . He is pretty apprehensive of new situations/places anyway, and he was very clingy to Patrick.  He liked looking at his sister - and luckily went to me right away and I got some snuggle time with him too.  They didn't stay long - as he was very tired - and had a great time staying with Mimi and Grandpa - although Patrick and I both said that it just didn't feel 'right' in the hosptial without having Will there with us.   We had lots of visitors including: Grandma Bobbie and Grandpa Don, Aunt Amy, Brett & Angie, Brady and Emma, Uncle Joe, Grandpa D, Breane Lucas, Michael, Debra, and Ben.  Thanks for all the sweet thoughts and wishes. 

During our short stay Ellies blood sugars were going a little up and down- which they say is pretty normal the first day or so and then should start regulating.  Anyway -they had to poke her lirrle, tiny foot every time before AND after feedings to check her count and had to have three in a row over 45.  After having two in a row, she would dip again and we would start over.  By about 6pm on Friday we were finally done with that and she passed that test!

The other little challenge was that she wasnt latching on as easily as it was with Will (guess thats more rare and I shouldn't have taken for granted how easy it was for us to get started.  Well, after two days of very sore, blistered nipples (she has a VERY strong, tight-lipped suck), and workign with the nurses and lactation consultant on some suggestions - our new pediatrician that we started seeing said she could possibly need her tongue clipped.  What?!  I had never heard of that - Dr. Slaymaker said that basically it's kind of a lost art, and they don't really even teach it anymore, - so it's not a procedure that he does, but another doctor that would be in that morning could look to see if it's something she would recommend for Ellie.  Basically, they reassured that's a very painless process, there are no nerve endings in that lower tissue of your tongue - and they could do it that morning if we wanted.  Well, after consulting with this next doctor, we thought we should go ahead and see if it would help - and they took her to nursery (we didn't really want to watch/see it )  - although we were told she did great and hardly cried at all.  Phew. So, they brought her right back in to nurse and it was AMAZING!! It made a huge difference and so glad we did that. Turns out being tongue-tied is very herditary and come to find out - Grandpa Bill also is tongue tied. 

So, we got to go home then after that procedure, at around 10am on Saturday morning (after taking some adorable pictures of Will (in a good mood this time) checking out his new sister :)

FINALLY.....Spring has arrived!

We are so excited that Spring has finally arrived in Kansas City - and we can get out of the house, play outside, it's lighter out later, and we welcomed losing an hour of sleep this past weekend for more light at night and the fresh air :)

Will loves: riding his bike up and down the street
Will does NOT love: having to turn around and go back towards home, or having to go inside

I'm so thrilled that Patrick is going to get our swing set up this weekend!! I am really hoping Baby girl likes being in a sling (I have about three different baby carriers, so hopefully one will be comfortable for her) and we can spend a lot of time outside while I'm on maternity leave.

Speaking of..... I'm at 23 days and counting until due date.  I am getting SO excited to meet her, to see what she looks like, etc.  I am now on weekly appointments with my doctor, she is measuring right on track, and they were guessing she's probably about 6 lbs. 9 oz or so :)  (I have NO idea how they even guess this, but I'll believe it!)  She is definitely a little mover, and I'll always be amazed at how funny it looks/feels when pieces of her are sticking out oddly from my belly.  I can tell  her little booty is sticking out, or right where her kicks/jabs are coming from - it's so funny to be, but also it puts so much pressure on my bladder when she's in different positions.  Poor girl is just running out of room at this point!  At my last appointment though, we got to do a quick sonogram, and found out she was no longer breech!! (good girl!!) and saw a very brief look at her profile (then she turned of course :))  but her little lips were moving, and was so sweet!! We have'nt had very good luck getting good sonogram pictures of her, but that's ok.  Just come out so we can meet you (in about another week or so!)  If she comes as early as Will did, it would be next Wednesday (less than a week)  So, we will see, and likely my next post will be after she comes!!

I do have to say - I have always wondered how it can be possible to love another child as much as you love your first.  I have no doubt I am capable of it, just hope I am able to give both kids the attention they both need and deserve.  So, I have been extra lovey on Will - but he is growing more and more independent, and sometimes tells me that Mommy hugging too hard :) Haha--oopsie!  He really says the funniest things - I just love hearing him jabber away, or sing in the car (that kid will sing at the top of his lungs, but always gets camera shy when I get it out to record him!)  Favorites to sing lately are:

- ABC's
-Twinkle, Twinkle
-Old McDonald
-Frosty the Snowman (all year round :))


Other favorites for Will:
-playing cars
-playing Animal game on the iPad
-watching anything on the iPad (usually Mickey or Cars movie)
- playing with his trains/train set
-wrestling with Daddy (LOVE watching them together)
-getting tickled (and I just LOVE tickling him and hearing him giggle uncontrollably)
-playing with his cousins: Emma, Brady, Elaina, Daniel and Gwynnie - he loves them all!!
-school!! (lately when we pick Will up from Daycare, he doesn't even care that we are there, and just wants to keep playing!  Shoot - I basically got ignored when I walked in the other day, and Patrick said he is like that all the time!  Darn it, and so it begins :))

Happy March, and March Madness soon to all (one of my favorite times of the year) and hopefully soon I will post about Baby Girl's arrival :)

Silly boys!! 



Playing with Emma at Mimi's



My sweet sleeping boy

Coloring at our favorite breakfast spot - Eggtc!

Cheesin'

Watching some Jayhawk basketball with Daddy

Watching some Cars or Mickey in the morning while Mom/Dad get ready

Big boy!!

Tired feet

Funny thing - whenever Will gets tired or hasn't napped well that day, he always complains of his feet hurting.  It took us awhile to realize thiat he's not hurting and just tired, and we have heard it from both Marilee and daycare as well.  For some reason it's so funny to me!! Why he thinks his feet hurt - i have no clue! It's not like we say that when we are tired or anything.  At first, we would be all concerned and take his shoes and socks off, and inspect his feet really well to see what was wrong, now we just roll our eyes and laugh a little, because we know he's just tired :)

Just one of the funny things that I want to remember to tell him when he gets older and tease him about. 


So far, Will has still seemed excited about his baby sister coming.  The more we are getting her room ready, and getting stuff set up - we say Baby Sister coming soon.  And he really wants her to be here RIGHT NOW (me too buddy, but we have to be patient)  I'm excited to see how he will react - will he be really loving to her, will he act out, will he be indifferent?!! It'll be fun to see. 

I'm pretty ready to meet her too!!  For some reason, while I realize the awesome miracle of being pregnant and life growing inside me, and what a blessing it is to experience, I'm not quite enjoying pregnancy as much as I did the first time around.  As i have mentioned, it's mostly night time, when I'm resting/relaxing that I feel almost clausterphobic in my own body.  Let's just say, I'm ready to feel 'normal' again, start getting in a better eating/workout habits (although I know that won't really happen for awhile afterwards, but even a little bit is better than I've been lately)  I feel like I have been really eating whatever I want this pregnancy, which may come back to bite me (pun intended) when I'm trying to get the baby weight off, so I need to stay patient with that, but I'm hoping I can get back into my old clothes eventually :)

Well, we are at 43 days and counting - I'm almost 34 weeks pregnant and deifnitely getting some looks/stares :)  It's sweet all the nice smiles from other Mom's, blissfully reliving being pregnant, as they have likely forgotten the non-fun parts - I like the kind of bond you have with other expectant Mom's/friends of mine.  It's fun to talk baby and whine together :)  I think I scared Jack Kirby this weekend, (he's almost 5) and when he noticed my big belly - he just looked at me with wide eyes and says' WHOA'.  It was pretty funny!! So, yes, no hiding it these days - large and in charge, and cooking up a baby.

Hope all is well!