Look Alikes

When Avery was born, all I heard was how much she looked like her daddy.

Rarely did I hear she favored me, and still don't hear it often.  I didn't mind, because of course I knew she was mine, but when we found out another baby was on the way, I did hope a little that maybe he or she would resemble me a bit.  When Sam arrived, I heard again how much he looked like Ned, but I also heard he looked like me.  My mom usually says he looks like Ned, but when she found this picture of me, she changed her mind a bit.

While I wanted Sam to look like his own little self, I also hoped that he would look like Avery.  I saw resemblences in the 3D ultrasounds, resemblences when he was born, and continue to as he grows.  Avery and Sam are each 9-10 weeks old in these pictures.

Not sure if we're ready to find out who number 3 would look like...

Week in Review ~ May 26

My last week of maternity leave has come and gone.  It's hard to be too sad though because in three weeks (11 full days, 2 early release days, and one work day to be exact :)) I'll be home for the summer.  This week went by pretty quickly because we had several things going on.

On Sunday we went back to my hometown church with my parents.  It had totally gone over my head the week before when it was announced that my favorite past preacher would be preaching, probably because I was in "keep Sam happy" mode.  When my mom mentioned it the day before, I knew I wanted to come and figured Avery would be fine to go as well.  My parents mentioned going out to eat at the new restaurant in town, so Ned decided he would go and keep Sam at my parents', then we could all go eat.  It was so great to see Charlene and hear her message, especially since we hadn't seen her since she married Ned and I.  I was only four when she came to our church, but I always remember her hugs each Sunday in the vestibule.  I also remember the time she did her sermon on the Lord's Prayer and had her husband "answering."  He had gone to the back of the church without me noticing, and boy did my ears perk up when his voice boomed in.  I pray that at some point Avery and Sam will have those experiences in worship too.  We went back to my parents' for awhile after church then went to eat.  For a small town restaurant, we had a great meal, Avery stayed clean, and Sam stayed quiet, so that's success all around.  It was nap time when we got home, then Ned took Avery to his parents' for awhile.  Avery came home with a card and plant for Mother's Day that her Sunday school teacher had done and sent with Mimi since we had been in Newsoms the past 2 Sundays.

Not much went on Monday.  Avery went to Jennifer's, and Ned was able to go pick her up.  It was nice to not have to drag Sam out, and it was also nice not to rush in with both of them and fix dinner.  Ned had left earlier than normal to get her, so they were home early.  What a difference it makes at dinner time when he's home the whole time I'm preparing it, even if it's just heating up lasagna from my mom.  For quite some time I've been begging him to open the office from 8-4 instead of 9-5, or at least make those his hours.  Monday night I kept pointing out my joyful attitude, and he says he'll try to do it more during the summer.

Tuesday was another regular day, and I can't really remember what went on. Ned picked up Avery again because he was going to a dinner for the fire department and rescue squad in town for their response and hard work at a logging accident last year. This was the last week of school for my mom, and she started getting out early on Tuesday, so she came for a visit and arrived just before Avery. She visited for awhile and left a little bit after Ned did. Avery and I ate dinner, then we took a walk. Sam hung out while I got Avery to bed, then I held him for awhile before putting him to bed.

Ned got off at noon Wednesday and came home to keep Sam for me to get ready to go to school.  I wanted to talk to the lady who's been substituting for me to see what the students still need to work on for the science SOL Thursday and what to do with them the rest of the time.  Avery loves to go to my school, talk about school, and dream about going to school as a student, so I took her with me.  It was good to visit with all of my friends and get back in the school news loop a bit.  (I haven't missed the stress that loop sometimes causes, though.)  Avery had fun with things in my room and visiting everybody.  She never seemed to mind that I would tell her we were going and then find someone else to talk to.

Once we got home, she amused herself well, as she always does, taking care of Bitty with her many trinkets and treasures.  We played outside after dinner and are trying to enjoy our time before the mosquitoes carry us away.

On Thursday, Jen-Jen's group was going to a local park for Adin's birthday.  Avery, Sam, and I just met them there.  They played awhile, ate lunch, then played some more.  Sam had a complete meltdown when we got there because he was hungry.  He got so worked up that it took him forever to realize that I was trying to give him a bottle.  He was fine after he ate and was happy to sit in his seat so that I could eat and help Avery.  I took him out for a little while when the kids started playing again, but when he started fussing again I knew it was time to go.  I put him back in his seat and started pushing the stroller and he was out in about 2 seconds.  Avery stayed awake in the car with the help of some crackers and her music.  She took a good nap once we got home.  Sam was napping when she woke up, so we painted her toes after first giving her toes a bath in the big tub.  She liked her pretty toes but had some difficulty waiting for them to dry.  Next time we'll paint in front of Barney.  We had dinner together then Ned went to drill.

I took Avery to the doctor Friday morning because she'd had an off and on runny nose and cough for about a week.  Ned played golf in Richmond Friday but was home while we got ready and out the door.  Sam started fussing as soon as we got to the doctor's office, so I took him out to bounce him up and down.  The fussing continued in the exam room, so I decided I would feed him a bit early.  I pulled out the first bottle and found that it had no nipple, and much to my dismay, the spare bottle I'd so carefully packed didn't either.  We have more bottles than we do cereal nipples, so sometimes Ned will make the bottles while the nipples dry.  He forgot to go back and put them on and I never noticed.  There wasn't much to do then but to try to keep Sam as happy as possible.  Avery's left ear was infected again and she had fluid on the right, so it's another round of antibiotics and a trip back to the ENT.  We also discussed more things to try with Sam's reflux since his congestion is worse and his little cough is back.  By the time we left it was past time for him to eat and he was done.  We quickly went to Walgreens where I had to buy a bottle just to get a nipple.  Sam didn't seem to mind that the nipple hadn't been boiled or that he was eating in the car.  After a stop for gas, we were off to Jen-Jen's.  Avery was spending the night with my parents, so she needed to be there so that my mom could pick her up.  Sam slept there and all the way home, even while I got lunch.  He woke up when I sat him down in the kitchen, but I stuck my phone in his seat with the white noise app on, and he slept for an hour. 

He woke for a bottle and some playing then took another good nap.  Ned was after 6 p.m. getting home and brought King's Barbecue for dinner.  We took Sam outside for a little while after we ate.  Ned had a fire while he was feeding Sam his bedtime bottle, so I went and took him so Ned could leave.  I washed the bottles and cleaned up then fell asleep on the couch before Ned got home.

Saturday was a day away for me.  I think a trip to Raleigh before Christmas was the last time I had time away.  I went to Short Pump Town Center in Richmond and did some shopping for me and got Sam and Avery's outfits for 4th of July.  I had lunch at Panera and finally tried the strawberry poppyseed chicken salad my mom always gets.  It was delicious as was the turkey avocado BLT I paired it with.  I took our rings and my earrings to Helzberg to be cleaned and inspected then went back in the mall to look for an iPad case.  The one Apple sells just does not seem to offer enough protection, so I'm still searching.  I stopped at one of my favorite Targets on the way home to get underwear for Avery and to look at pictures frames.  I strolled out over $100 later and realized I had completely forgotten picture frames.  I did luck up and fine metal buckets in the dollar bins perfect for favors for Avery's birthday party.  The dollar bins also had the perfect items to make a cleaning kit for Avery, which she is in love with.  My first maxi dress and some sandals called my name as well.  I was tired when I got home, so I just held Sam while he napped and I rested.  My parents were bringing Avery home and we were going out with them.  My dad called just before they arrived and said that Avery had an accident (a big one) and someone needed to meet them outside.  I was pretty glad to be feeding Sam at that point.  I think her stomach was upset and she was upset that she had an accident.  She was much happier after a bath and was ready to go eat.  It seemed to take awhile at Cracker Barrel even though they weren't busy, and I was afraid Sam wouldn't make it.  He finally drifted off with the help of the white noise app.  For awhile I was holding his pacifier with my right hand and eating with my left.  I'm not left-handed but I was impressed with my ability.  It was past Avery's bedtime when we got home, so she went right to bed.  Shortly after that it was time for Sam to get a bottle and go to bed as well.

Baby Gear ~ Round 2

If baby gear/products posts aren't for you, locate that little X quickly that will close this page!

I love baby gear.  Before I was even pregnant with Avery, I had picked out most of what I wanted in terms of furniture and gear.  A few changes were made here and there, but mostly I stuck to my initial choices, especially since I had read almost every comment for each particular item on Babies R Us online.  Luckily, I was and continue to be very satisfied with everything we chose.  Nothing has fallen apart, been recalled, or gone out of style, and since we did mainly neutrals, we could use the items again with Sam.  Every new baby needs a few new things though, and I thought I'd share what we're using this time around since I love finding out what works and what doesn't work for others, even if the results might be different for us.

Our Baby Jogger City Mini Double is my absolute favorite item this time around.  This was another one of those items that I researched long before I actually needed a double stroller, but when the time came, I knew what I wanted.  It's so easy to push, folds up nicely, has huge sunshades, and Sam can ride without a car seat.  I debated on the adapter for the seat, but he's doing just fine without.  I think it would have kind of crowded Avery, but as it is now, she seems very comfortable riding along.  I have yet to try it at the mall, but most reviews say it fits well through doors.  This stroller is the 4th stroller parked in our garage, and each set of grandparents has one, so I've had some experience.  This is most definitely my favorite and well-worth the investment.

Our monitor was also an investment that I debated about for quite some time.  I asked for advice and read those reviews.  We had done just fine with traditional monitors for Avery.  She's on her second, but that's because our cat chews wires.  I just couldn't decide if I "needed" a video monitor.  We purchased the Summer BabyTouch Video Monitor, and I must say I'm pleased with this purchase as well.  Sam is a noisy sleeper with lots of snorts due to reflux, and he's noisy as he puts himself to sleep.  I think I'd be up and down the stairs a lot without the monitor.  We have it mounted in the corner of his room and can pan to see most everything.  My minor complaints are that the picture is not as clear zoomed in, and the battery dies without any type of sound warning.  I plug it in each night by my bed and hope I'm not killing the battery.  We'll get a camera for Avery's room when she comes out of the crib, and one day we may put one in the playroom when Avery is old enough to play upstairs by herself.

When Sam started having trouble napping in the early weeks, I ordered the Fisher Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper after rave reviews from Jennifer.  I put it together easily and liked that it was higher off the floor and more reclined than a bouncer.  Because it reclines more and is deeper, I haven't yet felt the need to strap Sam in.  He got a few weeks of great naps out of that thing, so it was worth its cost.  Now that his naps are shorter, we mainly put him in the crib, but if he's just not having it, we put him in this.  It folds up well and is light, so it's been really easy to move around the house or take to my parents.  We also purchased the bouncer in the same line since Avery's bouncer was pink.  Sam would have embraced the pink just fine, but I wanted some type of seat on each floor of our house, so he rocks the pink in the playroom.  We used the bouncer for SO long with Avery and are hoping to do the same with Sam.

We swaddled Avery to sleep for the first 3 months or so and knew we would do the same with Sam.  For Avery, we used Luna Lullaby blankets and then SwaddleMe blankets when she started busting out of our swaddles.  I really like the light-weight Luna Lullaby blankets for a warm summer day when the baby needs something over him also.  This time I tried a Swaddle Design blanket because I knew it would be cooler in March.  I love the blankets and the colors but we just couldn't keep Sam in it with me feeling safe at the same time.  I don't do blankets in the crib at all, so when he could loosen it and it started moving toward his face, I knew we needed something different.  The Miracle Blanket was our answer.  It has arm flaps separate from the swaddling pieces, so those arms shouldn't be going anywhere.  I also like that it has no Velcro, since Velcro always sticks to something in the wash that I didn't want it stuck on.  We have one SwaddleMe that we'll use in the swing or if we're holding him, because he really needs to be swaddled to calm down and sleep, but after a short while those hands are out.  Avery had some pink gingham ones that kept her contained and I need to pull those out for back-up.  The Miracle Blanket is a little more expensive but worth it.

Bottles were something else I asked a lot of opinions about.  With Avery, we used the Playtex Drop-Ins and had no problems.  We just hated that each bottle had to be measured out since the liner measurements tended to vary.  I finally settled on Avent for Sam and had no problems.  I followed the directions and never had leak.  However, their variable flow nipple did not work with cereal in the bottle for reflux, and it produced too many bubbles in the bottle.  So, we went back to the Playtex since we already had perfected the nipples with Avery.  I've decided that bottles are a pain regardless; some are easy to clean and some are easy to make.  The Playtex ones are easy to clean, and that's were I lose out since Ned is the bottle washer.  We're using Avent bottles to measure this time though and that does seem to make it much easier.  Hopefully we'll get the cereal out of the bottles when he starts solids around 6 months, and we'll decide then which bottles we'll use.  I did Dr. Browns for a day with Sam and really liked those as well.

I spotted the Bestever Baby Mat at my friend Lexi's and knew it was just something Sam would need.  It's big and soft and cushy, which is perfect on hardwood floors with no rugs, and there are lots of fun designs.  It's also easier to lay babies down on than the play mat since you're not getting caught up in the toy bars.  I purchased this from a store here in town but they're  available many places online.  I'm waiting for Avery to want one as well.

And while they're not really gear, I have to include stretchies from The Children's Place.  I love that they fit tightly, I love the elastic around the top of the foot since both of my children tend to get tangled in jammie legs, I love the cute patterns, and I love the price.  I still love Hannas when they're older and keeping socks on better because they hold up in the wash so well, but you can't beat these for the price while babies are growing so quickly.

Those are the new things that we've tried with baby #2.  Sam is enjoying Avery's Fisher Price swing and the play mat that she used.  Before we know it, it will be time for the Bumbo, excersaucer, and sleep sack.  I'm sure Sam will get a few more new things along the way.  As active as he is, I think he may enjoy some type of jumping seat, so I guess it's time to start reading reviews on those.

Week in Review ~ 5/19

Here is a quick list of the highlights of our week.

Sam was baptized in my hometown church on Sunday, and it was a wonderful Mother's Day.

After being so good all day Sunday, Sam seemed to fall apart, basically the rest of the week.  Between Sunday and Friday, his naps were never over 30 minutes unless someone was holding him, and even those naps are pretty fitful.  Sometimes I can get him back to sleep and sometimes I can't.  If I get him up, he's happy for a short while then falls apart when he's tired again.  The Prevacid has yet to make any improvements that I can see, other than he doesn't eat so fast anymore.  He cries after some of his bottles and is still very congested.  It's kind of tough right now, especially as sleep is the issue that drives me right over the edge as a parent.  We dealt with this with Avery, and she improved around 11 weeks, so I'm hoping the same will happen for Sam.  Whether it's reflux, poor napping habits, or a combination of both, Sam and I both need him to nap.  I'm praying that this will be resolved or better before we're all home this summer so that Avery isn't playing by herself all day long.  If not, Sam is going to be signing up for some sleep training.

It's a good thing he's cute!

I have been having crazy ankle issues since we moved.  It started with pain and swelling in my right ankle the weekend we moved.  I attributed it to doing lots of walking in flip flops that hadn't been worn for an extended time since the summer.  It eventually got better but then returned in my left ankle a few weeks ago.  This one is taking a little longer to go away, and I'm walking around with a limp.  I'm wondering if it's from being off my feet for two months and now being on the go again in flip flops.  I need to go to the doctor but just don't feel like hearing a diagnosis right now.

Avery started with another runny nose and cough this week.  I feel it's ENT time again as she was done with all this by this time last year.  Other than maybe a quick stomach bug in the fall, she's been healthy all fall/winter/spring except for her ears.  We missed a play date Saturday morning so we wouldn't share germs with anyone, so she and I headed off to Walmart to run a few other errands instead.  We picked up some "cakes" that she was happy to sample.



My mom picked Avery up Friday afternoon and brought her home.  Ned rushed in the door after work as she was leaving, and I rushed out as well.  I went to a baby shower for our friend Brittany.  For most of the day I was unsure if I would be able to get a shower and go, but I've just accepted that that's life right now.  It was good to get out for a bit and even better to stop by Sonic on the way home.

I can't wait to see these two interact more and be able to play together.  If giggles from one is fantastic, giggles from two will be spectacular.

We wanted to go out to eat Saturday night, and the deciding process turned out to be lengthy.  I wanted to go but didn't want to deal with all that goes into taking a baby out to eat.  We went out every weekend with Avery because restaurants were one of the few places she would sleep in the early weeks.  Sam usually doesn't want to miss anything.  We went back and forth for awhile, making me very grumpy, until we decided to just get Mexican in town.  We get served there very quickly, which is greatly appreciated, and Sam just checked everything out from his seat.  Avery had been asking all day to ride in her wagon, so Ned pulled her when we got home and I pushed Sam in the stroller.  Avery is excited that Sam will soon be able to sit in the Bumbo and ride with her.  Sam fell asleep, so we hung out in the backyard, trying to decide where Avery's birthday play set will go and also a future patio.

Saturday night was the night Sam was going back in the crib for good.  After a report on the Today Show, I made Ned take the bumper out of his crib.  Avery used one, and still does, but they are really pushing for stores to stop selling them now.  He moves a lot and really likes to bury his face in my arm when rocking, so I didn't want to take any chances.  We'll do a breathable bumper when we stop swaddling and may put the bumper back in once he's much older.  He surprised us both by sleeping from 9 p.m. until almost 6 a.m.  The crib elevation gave him some trouble though, and even a small blanket under his bottom could not keep him in place.  The blanket came out as he started to go perpendicular in the crib, and by morning his head was at the other end.  We've since lowered the crib a bit so he's not rolling all around.

Those are the main happenings from our week.  My last week of maternity leave is somewhat busy, and we're looking forward to Memorial Day weekend at home.

A Mother's Day Baptism

Mother's Day was such a special day for our family.  We baptized Sam at my hometown church, had a delicious lunch with our family, and I had lots of time with my sweet babies.  When I opened my eyes yesterday morning, I did wonder why I had planned so much on a day where I could try my hardest to get some relaxing in.  Now I wouldn't have chosen to spend it any differently.

We got Avery up and I started working on her breakfast.  Then her tiny voice started saying "Happy Mother's Day" and "Surprise!"  She had cards from Ned and from her and Sam which she gladly helped me open.  I opened what was in the gift bag and had a huge shock when I pulled out an iPad.  This is way out of our normal gift-giving range, so I had to fuss a little bit, but I was excited.  There was no time to play, though, since everyone had to get ready.  Sam helped us all out by sleeping until 8 a.m.  Our goal was to be out the door at 8:50 and we squeaked out by 9.

We arrived at church as my parents did, and Rob was already there.  We got settled and Mimi and Vincent arrived.  There is no nursery at my church anymore, which makes me nervous, but we all needed to be in the service anyway.  Sam was tired and could really have benefited being swaddled in his gown.  Since that wasn't an option, I just fed him a little even though it wasn't time to eat.  That settled him enough to go to sleep.  I was so thankful when the sermon was over and it was time for us.  Avery decided she wanted to go up with us, and I think she was quite sure she was the star of some type of theatrical production.  I guess it won't be the only time she steals a bit of Sam's show.  I only had to nudge her with my foot a few times to keep things in order.  Sam slept until I handed him to the preacher, and he never made a peep as the water was poured over his head.  The preacher walked him around to see all the people, and he just took it all in.

We sang "Jesus Loves Me" and the end of the service, and Avery just sang her heart out.  I think there is nothing sweeter.  After the service we got some family pictures together.  We needed some with the grandparents, but there just never seems to be enough time.

Sam wore Ned's christening gown, which Avery wore as well.  I changed him out of that since we would be going out the eat.  They had already started closing up the church, so yes, I am in the sanctuary.  This is the only picture of Avery and Sam in their matching outfits.  We'll get a good one one day.  I'm trying hard to balance the picture taking with being present in the moment.  I actually have no idea who had my camera at this point.

Sam also used a blanket that Mimi's mother had made.  I was nervous to use it and wanted Ned to make sure I could, but Mimi was happy to see it.  With special family things I get nervous, then they end up like Kevin's skates in Home Alone, unused.

We left church and travelled about 20 minutes to a restaurant to eat lunch.  Avery had gotten so excited in church when Poppa told her we were going to a restaurant.  They have a big buffet, and they were packed, almost too packed.  Lunch went well though.  Avery ate and behaved, and Sam surprised us all by taking things in from his seat then falling alseep, even though it was time to eat.  We gave Lolli her cards and told her about her present, and then it was time to go.  Sam's nap didn't last in the car, and he was hungry, so we stopped on the way home to feed him.  Avery fell right asleep and Sam must have too, because we had a nice, quiet ride.

Everyone went down for naps when we got home.  I thought Avery would at least rest some more, but she went from singing to jumping to yelling.  Ned got her up and took her to the store and to deliver Mimi's cards and gift.  Sam slept and slept, so I rested in the quiet and then took out my iPad.  I went to the grocery store when Ned and Avery returned, and even that was ok on Mother's Day.  Avery and I snuggled for a bit when I got home, then I put her to bed.  Ned and I fixed baked potatoes, and I ate mine holding Sam.  He went to bed early, and Ned and I watched the Survivor finale.

I apologized to my mom for making the day more about us than her, but she said that was silly.  I didn't get a ton of rest, but I got to celebrate Mother's Day because I'm a mother, and rest doesn't always come with the job.  It was a special day for me and a special day for our family.

*Edited to add: Yes, same dress to both baptisms! I'm down to just a few church dresses that fit nicely!

Week in Review ~ 5/12

Avery and Ned went to church Sunday morning, and I stayed home with Sam.  We got burgers for lunch once they got home, then it was nap time.  After naps, we went for a long walk, and walked past our very first house.  I had ridden Avery by it the week before, but she didn't recognize it.  The family has put in new windows and a new garage door.  It's still odd to see that they have made it their own.

Sam had his 2-month appointment Monday morning, and I took Avery so she could have her ears checked.  Sam got a good report as far as his weight and was in good health overall.  We decided to go back to Similac Sensitive since the Allimentum didn't reduce his stomach noise.  Anrae fed Sam a bottle so she could hear it, and while she couldn't explain it, she said it shouldn't be a problem since there are no other {known} stomach issues.  I do think he's suffering from some terrible gas.  She switched his medicine to Prevacid to see if it would help with his daytime sleep.  Avery's ears were clear, so no ENT for the time being.  She was excited to give Dr. Applewhite the card she had made for her in Sunday School the day before.  That lesson came at just the right time.  Sam got 2 shots and one oral immunization before leaving.  He only cried for a bit, and saving a little bottle to finish really helped.  It seems to be a tradition for us to go to Dairy Queen after we visit the pediatrician.  Then it was time go go home for naps.  Ned tried to pick up Sam's prescription that night, but the doctor's office had only called to see if it could be filled instead of actually calling in the prescription.

Avery went to Jennifer's Tuesday and Sam and I stayed home.  He was tired from his shots and napped fairly well.  We found out that our CVS would not mix Sam's prescription, so we had it called in to the Farm Fresh in Franklin.  Only one pharmicist there will do a compounding prescription, and luckily he was working.  Sam and I arrived to pick it up, and again, a nurse had called to see if it could be filled but hadn't sent in the prescription.  I was told I could wait 30 minutes, so we did, only to find out that the prescription has to sit with the top off for a few hours because it produces a gas.  It would even be too late for my dad to pick it up, so we still didn't have his medicine.  Sam and I picked up Avery and headed home.  I'm not sure what we did during the evening, but I know my eyes could not stay open through The Voice.

Sam and I were home again Wednesday, but the good naps did not continue.  Ned got off a noon, and he kept Sam while I went to get Sam's prescription.  I'm hoping to convince someone here locally to do it for us, but Farm Fresh is a much better option than a CHKD pharmacy in Norfolk.  I picked up Avery when I was done.  Ned's brother had been in town keeping the dogs while their parents were at the beach, so he came for dinner.  Avery was excited to see Rob and of course had to show him her room and playroom.  A few weeks ago, Avery and I saw a smaller tricycle in Walmart, and Ned got it for her Wednesday.  The old one she has here is just a bit too big to learn to pedal well, and it's a bit too hard for us to continue pushing.  After dinner, we showed her the bike and let her ride around in the garage since it was storming.  She is getting the hang of pedaling but still has some work to do.  Ned had moved Sam's pack-n-play to his room that afternoon, so we put him to bed in there.  Even though he is used to his room and pack-n-play, he didn't sleep as long between feedings.  We'll probably make the move to the crib next week.

I have no idea what went on Thursday!  I know Sam and I picked up Avery, and she was excited to give me my Mother's Day gift.  After dinner, Ned had drill.  We watched Grey's Anatomy after Sam went to bed, and I stayed up too late.

Sam and I were home Friday, and we finally had spotty Internet service.  We still have a temporary phone line run to the house, and we are not sure if our troubles are from that, our modem, or something else.  I will say that Verizon is one of the most incompetent companies I have ever seen, and they can be that way because we don't have a choice of phone provider here.  We had tons of trouble when we moved to our rental.  This time, they managed to fix the Internet at our rental, even though we are being billed for service here.  I made the most of the Internet while I could and did some shopping for the kids and uploaded pictures.  Ned brought me lunch because I had to sign more things from the bank.  Sam and I picked up Avery and came home and put Sam down for a short nap.  I ordered pizza, and Avery and I sat on the porch and waited for that.  I ate quickly once Ned got home, because I was going to a jewelry party at Lexi's.  It was so nice to get out for a bit and get a new necklace.  Mimi came while I was gone and brought Avery new pink Crocs.  She held Sam while Ned put Avery to bed and was giving Sam a bottle when I got home.  Ned and I watched some shows on the DVR before going to bed.

Ned got up with Sam to feed him early Saturday morning.  He had of course slept longer since Ned was getting up.  I got Avery up, then Ned and I traded.  He fixed Avery's breakfast while I tried to get Sam to sleep.  I had a hair appointment so I got out for a bit.  It was nice to enjoy a fountain drink and a beautiful day on the way home.  Ned took the kids for a walk while I was gone.  They were eating lunch when I got home and Sam was waking up.  I did naps for everyone and Ned left to run errands.  We went to our friends Jay and Connie's with lots of other friends.  They were cooking oysters and soft shelled crabs.  Avery had so much fun with all the boys there that she worked up a sweat jumping in the cool evening air.  Sam hung out in his car seat for awhile, had a bottle, then got held by some pretty ladies.  I brought them home around 8 p.m.  Sam was not so happy in his swing while I got Avery in bed.  Luckily, I got him calmed down quickly, because the cat started throwing up everywhere.  Never a dull moment!  I bathed Sam and got him to bed before doing a few things to get ready for our big day Sunday.  We're celebrating Mother's Day by baptizing Sam and going out to eat.  I doubt it will be restful, but it will be special.  Last year on Mother's Day weekend, we moved into our Battery Avenue house.  We had house plans on paper and baby dreams in our heart.  What a year it's been!

Arriving in Your Mailbox

I wanted to share Sam's birth announcement with all of our blog friends, even though I'm about a month behind.  We combined his birth announcement with our moving announcement, so Sam was a month old before they actually went out in the mail.  Once again, Conway Photo Shop did a great job!  I'm borrowing their Facebook image and have blurred our address.

2 Months

Dear Sam,

It's hard to believe that you've been here two whole months!  This month you seem to have lost more and more of your newborn look and are starting to look like an infant.  Some of that is due to the fact that you've grown.  At your appointment today, you weighed 10 pounds 3 ounces (17th percentile) and were 22 3/4 inches long (44th percentile).  Your head is in the 47th percentile I believe.  Your weight percentile increased while the others remained relatively stable.  I packed up your newborn sleepers, and your legs no longer get tangled in 3 month ones.  Newborn onesies are getting a little snug, especially in length, and 3 month ones are only slighly blousy.  Pants are a bit of a problem, because newborn size are starting to look like capris, but most 3 month are too big in the waist.  That's been Mommy's problem forever, so I do sympathize.  You are still in newborn diapers, but I tried size 1 yesterday because newborns seem snug.  Size one didn't seem too big but you managed to pee right out of it, covering you and me.

Your schedule seems to be becoming more regular.  You eat 3 ounces with 3 tsp. oatmeal every 3 hours during the day, but if you do happen to be asleep, I let you continue.  At night, you range between 5-8 hours after your bedtime bottle then another 3-4 hours until morning.  You have your last bottle between 9-10:30 p.m., and you start the day between 6 and 7:30 a.m.  I am thinking of starting the Moms on Call pattern of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. bottles to have a firm bedtime.  We usually have to wake you for your bath and last bottle, so I think it's time to move bedtime up a bit.  Naps have been all over the place this month.  You have days where you take multiple 2+ hour naps and days were naps last 30 minutes on the dot.  Even the Rock and Play is producing short naps now.  Since naps are usually short anyway, we've put you down for some in your crib.  You spent one night in your crib and did pretty well, but we put you back in the pack-n-play until we figure out your reflux and get you some more rest.  If you've slept well previously you can stay awake comfortably for about an hour, but it varies by how you napped before.  I'm looking forward to that being a little more consistant.  You must be swaddled to sleep, and the Miracle Blanket is still the only thing that can contain your arms well.  Swaddle Me sometimes work for naps and the swing.

You are becoming much more alert and are taking in the world around you.  You like for people to talk to you, and you try your hardest to talk back with your sweet little coos.  You started smiling at me around 6 weeks, and your smile becomes bigger every day.  You like to smile at your sister too.  I know she'll provide hours of entertainment for you in the near future.  You just started noticing the ceiling fan in the family room and like to check it out whether or not its moving.  Car rides are still hit and miss, but they have been a little better lately.  Your car rides are usually at least 30 minutes so I know that's tough.  You rarely sleep in the car these days and I'm wondering if it bothers your reflux.

Sam, you are a strong little boy already, and that concerns me a bit.  You started rolling from front to back pretty consistently before you were 6 weeks old.  You can lift your head completely up during tummy time and look all around.  You can hold your head up for quite some time.  If you are semi-sitting, you try to sit up further and can keep your head level while doing so.  You seem to like tummy time much more than your sister did.  You are liking the swing more and more and still like to watch things unfold from your bouncer.  Since you're noticing the ceiling fan, I've gotten the play mat out and washed it to see if you'd like to watch those toys swing around.  Strolling is fun for you too, and you are much happier out of the car seat and stretched out in the new stroller.  You don't sleep in the stroller either!

You are such a sweet boy and try so hard to be good.  We do have crying but that seems to relate to pain or tiredness, and we're working on that.  Usually you start off with little fusses and wimpers and poke out your bottom lip.  You often sound like a little baby goat or lamb.  You use white noise to sleep, but lately I've noticed the white noise app will really calm you down, especially if you are swaddled.  You like to snuggle, and sometimes only Mommy will do.  You get squirmy when you're tired or uncomfortable and try to fight me a little bit.  Diaper changes and dressing rarely involve tears anymore, but you still aren't so sure about the bath.  You take a pacifier when you're fussy, but many times you have no interest in keeping it in.  We usually give you one to help you fall asleep, but we either take it out or it falls out before we put you down.  Sometimes you use one for nap, but never at night.

Sam, our love for you grows and grows, and we can't wait to see what's in store for us this month.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy