Life Lately

I'm not going to lie..life lately has been tough.  Not a bad tough, just a time of learning new roles and routines.  I recently listened to a recording of convocation at Liberty where Jerry Jr was commenting on change and progress - everyone hates change but loves progress.  Change is inevitable, but we don't always handle it well.

I'll start by saying I have been blessed by two sweet little boys..three boys really..but two little ones.  Crew turned three months old a couple weeks ago and I'm beginning to fear that we'll be closing in on his first birthday before I know it!  This whole two kids thing seems to have sped up time.

 

To summarize the boys: Crew has found his hands; he likes to either hold them together or have them up near his face or mouth.  I find it adorable when I find him laying there with his arms making a big O shape as his hands are tightly clasped out in front of him.  He always seems so pleased with himself and entertained.  He is letting me in on his sleep patterns and we've come to a mutual understanding regarding those patterns.  If I'm allowed to say so, Crew seems rather smitten with me.  I often find him following me with his big puppy eyes.  He seems to be a bit more solemn than Levi ever was, but he does smile for us and is giggling more as well.  As long as he isn't tired, he also gives his big brother lots of smiles - which makes this mama's heart happy.

Levi's talking has taken off.  I love getting to hear what is going on inside his little head - often still regarding trucks or tractors.  Sometimes he counts things (sometimes accurately, sometimes not).  Sometimes his trucks move things.  Sometimes he's a firetruck (he has a signature siren sound).  Sometimes he's giving someone (like cousin Casen) a play by play of what he's doing: "Keiko, going down stairs!  Keiko, going up stairs!  Keiko, tractor worker!"  I don't know if it's because he is a little boy or because he is a toddler, but his energy level (and volume level) seem to be increasing.  I'm not sure how many more increases I can handle..ha!

Levi tried on Crew's hat..

Levi loves Crew and loves to help.  We still have to watch him as he gives snuggles to be sure he doesn't squish Crew.  Almost any time we lay Crew on his tummy, Levi likes to get down next to him on his own tummy, as close as possible, and giggle at Crew's face.  He alerts me whenever he hears Crew wake up after a nap.  Crew is also included now in his random singing: "Mommyyyyyyy, Daddyyyyyyyy, Crewwwww, Levi, Mommyyyyyyy, Daddyyyyyy, Crewww, Levi..."

Basically, both boys are doing well and seem to genuinely enjoy the other's company (for the most part).  I think I have found my groove with caring for 2 kids and although I very much prefer to have Clay around home to help, I know that I am capable.

Pink breakfast on Valentine's Day

Clay started his new job on January 12th.  I am so thankful that it didn't start any sooner (for my own sake of adjusting to life with Crew).  He is enjoying what he is doing and thinks that it will be a good fit.  However, as with starting just about any new job, it has been rather overwhelming.  Not only is he learning management skills, but he also has to get up to speed with knowing the company and its technology.  The poor guy has been in the car nonstop for training with people all over the state.  And if I may add, his poor wife has been left home in the middle of winter (90 inches so far, folks!).

As I stated earlier, its been tough.  The Lord has been so good in allowing me to find joy at home with the boys.  Don't get me wrong, I want to stay home with them, but I used to have my husband around more to talk with, and a job to give me involvement with a community of people who appreciated my contributions.  However, our family is my priority and I'm learning what that means as a wife and mom.  The travel will slow down with Clay's job and I will continue to find my groove at home.

Brothers on Valentine's Day

Thankfully, Levi brings me lots of laughter and just today was acting out an episode of Little Einsteins (its a Disney Junior show).  I guess that little brain of his is remembering a lot more than we realize..

Here's to hoping Spring comes soon..

crew james

Another sweet little  boy joined our family in November.

My pregnancy this time was very similar to the first..no complications and fairly comfortable.  I was sleeping well all the way up until the last couple days and only had some belly pain after my long walks.  I didn't have a (realistic) checklist of things I wanted to get done before the baby arrived.  We had already decided that the baby would stay in our room so that Levi could stay in the nursery until he (or we) was ready for a big bed.  So really my only pressing to-do item was a pedicure that I think can easily be justified prior to labor :).

Thankfully, I got together with some girlfriends on a random Wednesday evening, over a week before my due date, for an evening of Target, Panera, and pedicures.  I say it was a random evening, but it was the night before my birthday and although it wasn't a planned birthday celebration, its always fun to do something out of the ordinary around your birthday. 

Well, maybe it's true that those little leg massages they do at the salon can put you into labor.  As one of my friends put it, my toes couldn't have been any fresher..  I woke up the next morning around 6:30 with some all too familiar back pain.  I had mostly all back labor with Levi and apparently this baby was going to be the same.  I tried to wait a little bit to make sure this was the real deal (I mean, it was my birthday, and although the end result would be absolutely wonderful, who really wants to go through labor on their birthday?!).  However, I decided this was probably it when the back cramps weren't stopping.  I calmly told Clay that he should probably text or call his mom to give her a head's up to take her packed bag to work with her (our plan was for her to come up as soon as we knew it was baby time to stay with Levi).

Although the pain wasn't all too intense, it was consistent.  I really didn't want to call the doctor too early but I had been warned repeatedly not to wait too long.  I called the doctor shortly after 7..it was a very pleasant conversation where we talked about my contractions, our plan for Levi, how far from the hospital we were, and how my hospital bag wasn't fully packed.  I like my doctor a lot but he is a bit odd, and I felt the conversation was a bit chatty for someone in labor.  Anyway, we decided that I would eventually head to the hospital and I told him it would probably be about an hour or so.  During this time, Clay was making phone calls to 3, yes 3 different people, to take care of Levi.  None of them worked out that morning.  Ha.  So, we ended up taking Levi to our friends' house (one of the girls from the night before), even though she had her own toddler and baby to tend to (thanks Katie!).  

Sometime after 8, we all left to take Levi and then head on to the hospital.  Compared to my labor with Levi, this was a very calm ride..almost too calm to the point that I was wondering if we were heading in too early.  When we arrived at the hospital, Clay asked if he should drop me off or if I wanted to walk in from the parking lot.  Still feeling good, I told him I would walk in.  About the time we were circling the parking garage up to the very top, I decided that it was a good idea we were at the hospital after all.  As we parked, I got a phone call from my doctor asking where I was (I felt slightly guilty about him having to call me but also thought it was amusing).  He called at 8:39.

We went in (the correct entrance this time..), waited for the elevator that always seems to take so long at this hospital, got a room, and things moved quickly from there.  Thankfully, Mary came into my room shortly after we did.  Mary, who I had never met before, was the sweetest midwife on staff with the hospital.  She was soft spoken and gentle, and spoke in a heavy accent which was comforting for some reason.  I had no experience of working with a midwife and I sincerely believe that she had a huge impact on the way my labor and delivery went from here.  Mary let us know that I was 6 centimeters dilated, which made me wonder if we came too soon, but also told us the baby was right in position for birth.

Well, obviously we know how this story ends.. My doctor was there for much of my labor, but almost all of my interaction was with Mary; I had told her that she couldn't leave so the nurses had jokingly told my doctor that he had been replaced.  Mary was so helpful in giving me techniques to manage the pain.  We attempted to get through the rest of the check-in paperwork in between contractions but eventually that was put aside and would be finished later.  Clay was great at doing what he could; still not a lot of time for texts, tissues, or pictures, but I think he was more prepared for that this time.

At 9:37AM, Crew James made his appearance.  Unlike with Levi, I only remember pushing about 3 or 4 times and Crew was there.  I loved having his warm little body on my belly, and his sweet little head, covered with dark hair, smelled so good.  Those first few moments when the baby that was just inside of you minutes earlier, is now in your arms - unreal.  

I remember thinking how he seemed much smaller than when Levi was born and he would not. stop. screaming!  He had this high-pitched squeaky cry that was awful to listen to..immediately the mommy instincts kicked in, and I just wanted to make him happy and content.  

I hadn't put much thought into what these first moments would look like for our little family, but gosh the feelings of how-in-the-world-are-we-going-to-know-how-to-take-care-of-this-little-guy collided with feelings of overwhelming and abundant love.  Lord, give us wisdom and direction as we parent these two little boys..

Levi got to come in and meet Crew later that evening.  I loved that he got to come in the same day and meet Crew when he was brand new.  I know Levi won't remember it, but I will, and they were some sweet moments.  

  

All in all, it really was a great day and I couldn't have asked for a better labor and delivery.  I think it's safe to say that I won't ever have another birthday quite like this one.  I hope Crew is ok with sharing his birthday with his mom..  

     

We thank Jesus for the safe and healthy arrival of Crew..prayers are appreciated as we raise our boys!!

two.

My big boy turned 2 yesterday..

 I would have never referred to him as a big boy until a new little guy recently entered our family (more on that later)..but now I realize that Levi is in fact my big boy.

In some ways it feels like it was just a couple months ago that we brought him home from the hospital, but in other ways, two years feels about right. It's hard to only think about his first two years in relation to his growth - Levi has helped me grow so much that I think two years seems about right!









He is such a sweet little guy who is quite charming at times.  I love getting to hear little snippets of what is going on in his brain now that he is starting to talk more and more (which, if anyone is wondering, is generally along the topics of mommy, daddy, or tractors).  He is learning more and more things like colors, shapes, noises, and opinions.  He can follow simple directions and has recently learned cause and effect - "if you eat your chicken and carrots, then you may have cheese."  He has started playing more independently (bittersweet) and is also playing more pretend or imaginative play.  He is rather obsessed with his tractor, Noah (Little People Noah and the Ark set), and Motorcycle Man, or "meme" for short.  These seem to be the three toys that he consistently comes back to over and over.


He is so good at giving hugs and kisses and loves to tell not only people bye when he or they are leaving, but also tells various toys or objects bye when leaving them or going to bed.  I find it adorable and know that it is a phase. but one that I am enjoying; I find that it reminds me he is still little and not too big yet.  He knows how to say hi as well, but bye is definitely favored.








We had a very low-key celebration for his birthday - I struggled with feeling like we should have done more or at least had some Pinterest-inspired decorations, but our day(s) of celebrating fit where we're at right now as a family.  Earlier in the week, we took him to Billy Beez and I had so much fun watching him play and just experience simple joy in all the fun things offered.  On his birthday, we all had waffles together ("watkles" in Levi language) before heading to the photo booth at the mall.  While at the mall, we asked in Sears for a big box and Levi became the proud new owner of a fort.  We then took him to Toys R Us where we picked up some finger paints.

My dear sweet affectionate Levi - I love you so much.  You gave me the gift of being a mommy and for that I will always be thankful.  You bring me so much joy - and you bring others so much joy as well.  Don't ever stop loving people the way you do even at your very young age.  You are friendly and love making people talk with you..rarely do we see your shy side.  We pray that you will use these traits to be a voice for those who don't have a voice and that you will speak Truth even when its difficult.  You are kind and charming (just like Daddy) and we pray that you will use this to point people to Christ.  Know that we will never stop loving you and that we have had the best two years since you were born.

Summer Recap

I'm not sure how its already the end of October, but here is our summer recap in pictures..

So there's a baby on the way..here is about 20 weeks..

23 weeks..

and just like that..31 weeks!

38 weeks (Halloween)!

Levi and our allium..

Levi and Grandma walking their brooms on Grandma and Grandpa's visit.. 

He is turning into such a big boy!!  Sometimes I get excited for this and sometimes I just want to cry.  This was one of his first times using a big-kid swing instead of the baby swing.  He could often be found wearing his orange hat this summer to keep his sweet little blonde head covered..

Over Memorial Day weekend, we headed down to Delaware to visit Nana and PopPop.  One evening we went to Funland and although I was a bit nervous at first about Levi riding the rides, he had a blast.  He had a huge excited smile almost the whole time on every ride he rode.  This fire truck ride was his favorite..  

Mom and Levi riding the carousel..

Nana riding the hot air balloon ride with Levi and Cousin Addie..Levi is pointing at his favorite fire truck ride that he spotted..

My boys in their stripes..

Dad getting some birthday morning snuggles..

One of our few family pictures of the summer..just about to go out to eat for Clay's birthday while Levi stayed behind..  This picture was supposed to be just me and Clay but Levi backed right up to us and wanted to be in it too :)

How we would often find Levi's toy cars..he is rather particular about certain things concerning his toys. 

We went to the library one morning for a normal visit and found out upon entering that it was a craft day..this is Levi and his fish that we made.  The fish had a googly eye that was probably most entertaining to him.  I would find that eye all over the house until one day I decided the eye had lived long enough..

His old man pose..just hanging in his diaper, legs crossed, eating a snack..

One day I had to go into work for most of the day so Clay took Levi to Billy Beez..a big indoor kids playground.  Unfortunately, they were so eager to get there that they arrived before it opened..so Levi got a carousel ride while they waited..

When the button gets pushed, the balls that have been thrown into the pit get flung out the top..Clay told me that Levi and another little girl were playing with it and the girl wanted to nicely collect all the balls and put them in the pit but Levi wanted to keep pushing the button..

On a side note, check out those curls..  I know they're too long but I miss them when they're gone.  He got a haircut shortly after these pictures were taken..

My big boy!

Levi and Grandpa discussing whatever farmers talk about on their tractors..

We flew to Illinois for a week in August and got to attend a tractor show where Grandpa takes some of his tractors.  Levi loved getting the chance to actually ride the tractors rather than just point at them like usual..

Sweet boy..

Inside the barn at the tractor show..Levi was very intent on holding Case's hand, but Case only tolerated it for so long..

..similar to Addie only tolerating Levi's hugs for so long.

We have a very affectionate little boy :)

 

I did just a little bit of sewing by making all new pillow covers for our throw pillows.  I tend to gain confidence in these little projects so we'll see what's next.

How many warm summer days were spent..Dad and Levi playing in the water!  So thankful Levi has a dad who plays with him and loves on him..

What a great summer we had with just one little one..our final months of being a family of three!