Better Than the Daydream

Happy Easter, friends!

We have had a wonderful day. After waking up to our first morning in our new house, we filled our day with Easter baskets, church, an impromptu hotdog lunch, and hosting our first family dinner.

During those cold winter days on bed rest, Easter was what I looked forward to: post-baby, post-move, springtime, a day with family. While today I might have been a little more tired, a little more unsettled, and at times a little more frazzled than I imagined, it was better than the dream. It was real.

Once my computer makes the move and we have Internet, I'll fill in the Easter gaps, update on the move, and share Sam's one-month post.

One Month

Dear Sam,

You are one month old!  We can't believe a month has gone by since you joined our family.  You've had a big job adjusting to the world and our crazy life, and we think you've done a fantastic job.

At your one-month check you were 8 pounds 1 ounce and 21 1/4 inches long.  Your weight had dropped in percentage, and that could be Mama's fault.  Because of your reflux symptoms, I was trying to be careful not to over-feed you, as you definitely would have eaten all day like some reflux babies.  Based on your weight though, you could have been eating a little more.  Too much makes you spit up, so it is a fine line to walk!  We're hoping a week or two with the extra ounces will help you put on some weight.

Speaking of reflux, we had been watching signs since you were born and in the hospital.  You seemed happier than your sister through it all but had more symptoms.  At home we keep you upright after feedings and have elevated the pack-n-play.  I could still tell you were gulping down something rising in your throat and you also had a little cough.  Dr. Applewhite did feel it would be good to start you on Zantac before things got bad.  You don't spit up much, so that isn't contributing to your slow weight gain.  Hopefully the medicine was the right choice since you can't tell us if those symptoms are bothering you.  We just don't want the pain building up over time.

You are still mostly eating and sleeping.  You can stay awake for long periods of time, but it's not a good idea and tends to result in crying that takes awhile to soothe.  You can easily go back to sleep within an hour of waking, although it takes awhile sometimes to get you to sleep after we swaddle you.  Your eyes will close then pop right back open like you're afraid to miss something!  You sleep best swaddled unless someone is holding you.  The Miracle Blanket is best for containing your arms, and we need to order another one.  At night you sleep in your pack-n-play in our room.  In the last 2 weeks you've started consistently sleeping until at least your next bottle, and sometimes you'll go 4+ hours.  You nap in the Rock and Play and will nap for hours at a time.  Your naps were very short in the pack-n-play and you would wake up upset.  You'll move to your crib soon at night and then we'll work on naps.  We're just thrilled you nap.  You typically eat 2.5 ounces every three hours, and we usually try to stick to that during the day.  At night I'm happy for you to go as long as you'd like.  I think you'd sleep longer and stretch your feedings if you were elevated in the Rock and Play, but since you will sleep in your bed, I haven't tried it. 

You're starting to have some likes and dislikes.  You like to be held, and sometimes only Mama will do.  You like your pacifier unless you are hoping for a bottle.  You like to hold your head up and move it all around when we hold you on our shoulder.  Sometimes you are too strong for your own good.  You usually don't like diaper changes, baths, the swing for long periods, and the car seat.  You are not a big fan of tummy time, but we're usually doing it before you eat.  I need to do it more often, but you're neck is still very strong.  You rolled from front to back at about 2 weeks, but since it hasn't happened again I'm thinking it was a fluke.  I was a little nervous about your skills so early!  You don't have set fussy times, and I really think your fussing/crying usually relates to being tired or maybe some reflux/stomach discomfort.  Like your sister, you aren't a fan of being put down between dinnertime and bedtime.  You will sleep as long as someone is holding you, but you do get upset if we put you down.  Sometimes it takes a little while for you to calm down after we do that, but I think it's more of an overtired issue.

Your little life has been busy so far.  We moved to our new house the day you turned one month old.  You now have your very own room and will be using it soon.  You've been shopping with Mama, been to church twice, eaten at Lolli and Poppa's, celebrated Easter, and visited at Jen-Jen's.

Sam, we are so thrilled that you are part of our family.  We are all working hard to learn what you like and don't like, and we're adjusting as a family of four.  We promise that life will soon start to settle down, but you've fallen in with the craziness very well.  Your big sister loves you bunches and shows that by squealing "Baby Sammy" and shaking your arms and legs.  We're working on the shaking part.  We are beyond thankful that you're here safely and that we were chosen to be your parents.  Our love for you grows each day, and we can't wait to see the little person inside of you.

Love,
Mama and Daddy

Week in Review ~ 4/7

Sam was up a lot Saturday night/early Sunday morning, and Ned did the whole night shift.  I let him sleep Sunday morning since Sam finally settled down awhile in his rocker.  I got Avery up and we had breakfast then started getting ready for church.  Avery and I went to Sunday school, then Ned and Sam joined us for church.  Avery was a little unsure about me leaving her for the 2nd time before preaching, but she wanted to be able to go in big church with her palm.  She was so sweet walking in with one of the nursery helpers, but the tears started to flow when she spotted me and realized we wouldn't be reuniting.  We were together again soon enough as Sam started making squawking noises about 20 minutes into the service.  I quickly took him out since I don't like to be a disruption and spent the rest of the time in the nursery.  Church was late getting out and Sam was beyond ready for lunch, but we still cooked the hot dogs we had promised.  Avery took a great nap but Sam had to finish his in the chair with me.  We went to the house after Avery woke up so that Ned could put the shelves in our cabinets.  Avery could not understand why we couldn't watch Barney, but she did enjoy the soft carpet upstairs.  We even did a little rolling around on it in the playroom.  Sam couldn't get into a good sleep, and I was starting to get itchy looking at all the cleaning that needed to be done, so we came home.  I fixed tacos for dinner, and by the time we finished that it was almost bed time for Avery.  Sam still couldn't fall into a deep sleep and just seemed so overtired from his night up and busy day.  We gave him his first tub bath, which he didn't enjoy much, and then it was time for bed.

Sam and I stayed home Monday to get some things done.  He napped well so I was able to do some laundry and pre-packing things.  Ned brought lunch home and then packed to leave for the Masters.  Of all years for him to be chosen in the lottery for tickets, but I wanted him to be able to go after all he did during bed rest.  That did not mean I was excited for him to be gone; actually I was dreading it.  Sam and I picked up Avery then came home to start our time by ourselves.  I managed to get dinner done, the dishwasher unloaded, and bottles washed all before it was time to eat and with no one falling apart.  After dinner I tried my hardest to get Sam to go to sleep because he had been up for awhile, but he wasn't having it.  He has a short awake time, and it's tough if you miss the mark of when he needs to go to sleep, especially in the early evening.  Avery's eye was red and watery when I picked her up and wasn't much better at home.  She hadn't had a good nap and was really tired.  Mimi came to help while I put her to bed, and she held an unhappy Sam.  Avery was also falling to pieces because she was tired.  I got her to bed before 7 p.m.  I held Sam off and on so that he could sleep, which kept me from catching a nap on the couch before bed.  I fed him at 11 p.m. and he went right to sleep, a nice change since he'd been keeping Ned up until after midnight the last few nights.

Avery stayed home Tuesday because she had her first haircut.  We thankfully had a good night, and Sam even slept long enough for me to get Avery up and get her breakfast.  Avery's eye was still red and seemed a little puffy, but it wasn't goopy like pink eye.  I gave her more Claritin hoping it was just allergies.  We got out of the house on time, and Avery was so quiet in the car that I was afraid she was sick. She did great for her trim though, and it took less than a minute since we just trimmed the back.  I probably could have done it, not to save the money but to save the 40 minutes each way of our trip.  She was proud of herself, and I was proud to have both kids out.  My technique of getting everyone in and out of the car is still a work in progress though.  It was time for Sam to eat when we got home, and he took forever to fall asleep so that I could fix lunch for Avery and myself.  I got Avery down and Sam was waking up.  I still haven't figured out what to do with Avery while I get him down, and it seems to take a little longer when she's home.  I so look forward to moving, having a space for everyone, and getting our routines set.  I held Sam so that we could both rest, then he slept for awhile in the bouncer.  Avery got up and I got Sam down for a short nap.  Dinner was quick and simple and then we did FaceTime with Ned.  We were missing him!  Sam was fussy so I swaddled him and tried the swing again, and he stayed long enough for Avery and I to read and for me to get her to bed, put away laundry, and do some other things.

On Wednesday morning I got everyone up and out, dropped Avery off at Jennifer's, then went to my parents' to pick up newspaper for packing.  Ned got home around lunchtime, but my tiredness had set in by that point along with a headache, and I was on the sofa.  He had to take care of some house things then went to pick up Avery.  I did get a few things packed but not as much as we needed.  It was so good to have Ned home.  In addition to missing the help, I miss the company as well.

I got busy packing Thursday morning, and Sam took nice long naps to help me out.  I worked mainly in the kitchen, which always seems like the biggest job.  I worked and worked but still didn't finish everything before it was time to leave for Avery's egg hunt at Jennifer's.  It was cold and Sam wasn't thrilled, but Avery had lots of fun.  I don't think she had much candy or snacks, but she was pretty wild/cranky that night.  Her nose was still running and a cough was starting.  Her last ear infection had the same symptoms, including the crankiness.

On Friday I dropped Avery off at Jennifer's on the way to Sam's one-month appointment.  My mom came once we got back home to watch Sam while I moved some things to the house.  I had high hopes of getting a lot done but realized that my cabinets all needed a good cleaning before anything could go in.  I think I underestimated what it meant for the house to be cleaned before the inspection.  I was only able to work for a little while, because my mom had to leave a pick up Avery to spend the night at their house.  Sam luckily napped well, but I was feeling pretty overwhelmed at all we needed to do.  I ordered pizza for dinner, then Brandon and Brittany stopped by to see Sam and go see the house with Ned.  Mimi came and held Sam after they left so that I could continue packing.

Ned and his friends started moving early Saturday morning.  Sam and I got up around 7 a.m. or so and made our way to the house after he had his bottle.  He had been awake a little too long and couldn't stay asleep when I would put him down.  I had his Rock and Play and sound machine in our bathroom because it was the only room I knew no one had to move anything into.  I finally sat and held him until his next bottle, then I was able to get him down.  Ned and his friends and brother made 3 trips over the course of the morning and early afternoon using 2 trailers to get all of our big furniture. 

My dad came and put Avery's new crib together so that I could get her room straight.  A DIRECTV man was here most of the afternoon and seemed very flustered trying to get us hooked up.  I worked mainly in the kitchen and also left at one point to get the things I knew we needed from the house for the night and for Easter.  I was able to get Avery's crib and big girl bed ready before she arrived home with my mom.  She was excited to see the house and especially her pink room.  Everyone went home, and Ned went and picked up dinner for us. 

Ned gave Avery a bath and then we read stories on her big girl bed.  The glider is now in Sam's room and she and I are both missing rocking.  She was ready to get in her crib but got a little teary when she thought I was leaving.  I sat on the floor for awhile, but she wouldn't go to sleep.  I told her I was leaving and surprisingly she didn't cry.  Ned made another trip to get more stuff and the cat, but it still left a ton to get.  The Easter Bunny filled the baskets and then we turned in.

Week in Review ~ 3/31

We had another good week with a few things that got us out of the house.  This week was probably the calm before the storm, since next week we should be preparing to move and have a some other things going on as well.

On Sunday, Ned and Avery went to church.  My parents got here for lunch to celebrate my dad's birthday just as Ned and Avery were getting home.  Avery entertained them with all her "tricks" as she calls them.  Tricks are always more fun when you have a captive audience that thinks you're precious.  Sam wasn't in the mood for napping in his bed but wasn't going to sleep while being held either.  Avery went down for her nap pretty late, so she was late getting up.  I had promised to take her to the store for me, so I waited for her.  It was so nice to be out with her and give her undivided attention (in Walmart).

Sam and I stayed home Monday while Avery went to Jennifer's and Ned went to work.  He napped in various places including my arms, the bouncer, and the unmoving swing.  They all produced good naps, so I was pleased.  Ned had been having some pain in his knee so he finally went to the doctor.  He had known for awhile that his knee was kind of odd and seem to have an extra bone.  Well, his knee has a name, and it's called Osgood-Schlatter.  The doctor told Ned he was surprised he hadn't had trouble with it before.  He gave him an anti-inflammatory and told him he'd have to see a specialist if the pain continued.  I got some things done at home, including ordering our circus tickets for mid-April.  I enjoyed the circus when we were taking 2nd grade classes just as much as I did as a child, so I can't wait to take Avery.

Sam seemed to be up ALL night Monday night.  Ned usually is on duty until midnight or so, and then I try to do the rest.  I'm not sure what was going on with poor Sam, but he seemed uncomfortable and not interested in his bed.  He didn't want to nap much during the day Tuesday, so I finally ordered the Fisher Price Rock and Play and even paid for 2-night shipping.  I tried to get a little rest during the day and also made baked spaghetti that I pinned on Pinterest.  I went to the house after Avery went to bed, then I fell asleep pretty early on the couch.

Doing some cleaning after a full day at Jen-Jen's. 

Wednesday dawned with me much more rested, which was good because Avery stayed home.  While Sam napped in the morning, Avery and I baked some cookies.  Ned and I had been enjoying baking a few each night, so I knew Avery would think they were tasty.  She liked moving them around the tray, picking off the colored morsels, licking them, then returning them to the cookies, but only had a nibble of the finished product.  She turns down sweets frequently, which makes me happy and surprised.  The Rock and Play was delivered that morning after just one night, so I quickly got to work putting it together.  Ned came home at lunch and I got everyone down for naps.  Avery wanted burgers for dinner, so I told her that she and I would go pick them up.  She only asked 100 times if we were going to go get burgers in the car.  We passed the time with Play Doh and measuring her foot for new shoes before it was time to get dinner.  After we ate we enjoyed a walk around the block then visited with Mimi.

We sing "O Christmas Tree" and decorate the duck with ribbon and Bitty's bumper.  We do this a lot.

Sam and I stayed home Thursday thinking that I needed to go meet with people at the house.  Sam took great naps in the Rock and Play which is a big relief.  He definitely needs lots of rest and just isn't getting it in his bed during the day.  I packed up some of Avery's clothes from the winter and looked to see if anything fit from last summer.  Other than a few dresses, she needs a new wardrobe.

I got brave Friday and decided that Sam and I would go to Target and Old Navy about 40 minutes away.  He fussed some on the way but was quiet by the time we got to Target.  Poor thing, he just wanted to sleep and was having a hard time doing it in the store.  His carrier took up the whole cart, so I got a little carried away doing Easter Bunny duty, because I was having a hard time seeing what I had picked up.  He was a little unhappy by the time we got to the car, so I had decided against Old Navy.  He quieted down again so we went ahead.  I needed something for Easter and I wanted to pick up some shorts for Avery for the hot days we're having already.  I used the stroller but Sam still couldn't get into a good sleep.  Panera seemed like a good place to feed us both, so we headed there.  I saw a friend, and she was surprised that I was out by myself with Sam.  She and her husband had their little boy out and she said she was stressed with the two of them.  I quickly told her that Avery had been over a year old before I took her to eat by myself.  With two you learn to make hay while the sun shines, and if there's a chance to get out, you do.  It was a challenge to order and get my food and drink with a carrier on my arm, but we got it done.  Sam slept all the way home then slept while I held him once we got home.  I felt so bad about him being in his seat so much.  He and I picked up Avery, then Ned brought dinner home.  I didn't feel the best and hoped it was something I ate instead of a bug.

We were all home together for awhile Saturday morning, then Ned had to go take care of some things for the house as they were trying to finish up for the appraisal.  When he came home, Avery and I went to the store.  I used to try my hardest to grocery shop alone, but now it's nice to have some time with Avery.  We got home in time for lunch and naps.  Sam took excellent naps in his rocker all day and had to be woken up from all of them.  Not sure if I should be doing that, but I don't want him sleeping all day, and I'd like him to eat plenty during the day so that he's not so hungry at night.  Ned got a hair cut and did something with the backyard at the house during nap time, and I didn't do too much productive.  Avery took a great nap then got a bath before Lolli and Poppa arrived.  Ned and I took turns getting ready because we were going out to celebrate our anniversary.  We stopped by the house on the way out of town, and other than some cleaning and putting the correct carpet down in our room, we're done.  I was not feeling the best again but really wanted to enjoy the night.  We had a great dinner at Lake Gaston, and since I was feeling better, I ate far too much.  Then, I wasn't feeling so good anymore and couldn't even take a bite of dessert.  We laughed that we were done with our meal as many older people were arriving just to start theirs.  We were happy to get home and hear that Avery and Sam had been great.  I fed Sam then he and I fell asleep.  We all woke up just before midnight, and I went to check on Avery.  She had had a very bad diaper, so I got her up to change her.  Now I'm thinking that we've had a little bug in the house, so I'm hoping it's on its way out.

In love with The Pioneer Woman.

This week is going to be crazy!  We are hoping to close on our house and get everything settled on Wednesday.  That will give us a few days and nights to get things moved before the big move happens on Saturday.  Our appraisal and inspection have to all be perfect, and the bank has to be ready for all that to take place.  Our contractor is keeping on top of the first two things, and our banker is our "landlord," whose wife is ready to move out of her in-laws and back into their house.  We haven't packed a thing and are going to have a crazy start to our week as well.  In addition to all that, I have my first outing with both kids this week, Avery has two Easter parties, and Sam has his one-month check.  Hopefully the next Week in Review will be finished posted from our new address and the Easter Bunny will be hopping through the door there!

4 Years

Ned and I celebrate 4 years of marriage today.

Last year, I posted about our early days: how we met, became engaged, and had an appendectomy before our wedding.

We've crammed a lot into four years, as I highlighted on Facebook this morning.  In that relatively short amount of time, we've had 2 babies, 3 pets, almost 2 moves and 3 houses, and 8 weeks of bed rest.  Of course, those are just the some of the large milestones; there was and is an awful lot of life squeezed in between and all around.

We don't live a fairy tale and never strive to give the impression that we do.  In each of our years of marriage, there has been good and there has been could be better.  I would certainly say that this last year has been our most defining thus far.  We've been through a lot of stress and tribulation, but ultimately, those struggles have turned into blessings.  Ned has even said that all husbands should have a wife on bed rest.  Of course, we wish that on no one, but those weeks did challenge and help us to appreciate each other more, practice patience, and find humor in the trials.  As we start a new year of marriage, we are proud of ourselves and our relationship and know that we can get through just about anything {not asking the universe to test that, though}.

Tonight it's leftovers, bath and bedtimes, and probably some late-night wake-ups, and that's just fine with us.  We know that it doesn't have to be shiny, fancy, or a little better than everyone else to make it really good.

Week in Review ~ 3/24

We had another pretty good week adjusting to our new normal.  Sam started doing somewhat better at night, but just as his sister did, that made daytime sleep in his bed go out the window.  I'm trying to be much less stressed about it this time around, since stressing did no good with Avery, and she ended up being a good sleeper.  I think he's also definitely battling reflux, so I'm trying to keep him as happy as possible until we see the pediatrician.

On Sunday, I took Avery to church which she seemed to enjoy.  Hopefully my attention span will return one day, as I heard none of the video we're watching in our class.  After Avery's nap, we strolled around the block with Ned and I each pushing a child.  I'm holding off on the double stroller until we're in the house and have a place to store it, but I'm ready to test it out.

Sam and I went to have his pictures done Monday morning.  He was not the happiest at first, and there was a lot of offering the pacifier then pulling it out for a few quick shots.  He finally settled down after an early bottle and actually went to sleep.  Before he drifted off I wondered if I was the only mother to have both children wide awake during newborn portraits.  I think Avery was even more alert than Sam.  Chik-Fil-A was on the menu for lunch and then it was nap time for everyone.

Avery continued to have bathroom problems, so I called the pediatrician on Tuesday.  She said we could pick up the items from her house to get a specimen and wouldn't need to bring Avery in unless she was running fever.  Avery was not complaining at Jennifer's but was not peeing frequently and had some accidents.  She didn't seem to feel the best Tuesday night but she wasn't running any fever.

She still seemed slow Wednesday morning, but she had no fever and said she wanted to go to Jen-Jen's.  Jennifer called just before lunch and said she was running fever.  Our pediatrician was off, but I got an afternoon appointment with the other one in the practice.  I picked Avery up and took her to my parents' to nap before the appointment.  Luckily, I was able to get a specimen at their house, because I doubted she would go in the doctor's office and knew that would result in a catheter.  We had to wait a long time for the doctor, but at that point the nurse had already said she did have a UTI.  It was late when we left, and we still had to take her specimen to the hospital lab to do a culture.  Dropping off lab work involves going through admitting at the hospital, which I feel like I'm a pro at these days.  I was exhausted but Avery was so good.  We picked up dinner on the way home and her prescription.  Mimi was home with Sam, because Ned had gone with other officers in the fire department to see their new fire truck.  After that crazy afternoon, it was my first night getting Avery to bed with Sam.  I still haven't figured out how to work that exactly, but that night I just took Sam in the room in his bouncer since he was quiet.  It's all about making a new normal, which for someone who thrives on routine can be challenging!

In the midst of all that, Sammy the dog had developed stress-induced colitis, and needed diapers worse than Sam the baby.  Tuesday was really bad for him, so he was off to the vet on Wednesday.  He too returned home much better with medicine and special food.  I still think it would be much less stressful {for everyone} if he lived with my in-laws.

I kept Avery at home Thursday but she was back to her old self.  We managed our first day together fairly well, although Sam wasn't napping in his bed much.  We were happy to see Ned return and even happier to learn that he did not have drill that night.  We took a trip to the house to peek in the windows at the floors before bed.

Sam did not have the best night and then did not have a great day Friday.  I finally raised his bed some more and did get an afternoon nap in his bed after we picked Avery up.  All the kids at Jen-Jen's wanted to see him, but I declined due to germs and the fact that he was sleeping quietly in the car.  We ordered pizza for dinner and enjoyed that together.

Saturday morning we enjoyed some time together, then Kristin and Emerson came to meet baby Sam.  I left just before lunch to run and errand and then had a hair appointment.  I was way overdue since my last scheduled appointment was Valentine's Day and I couldn't go.  I went to Lowe's again for lights and then picked up fish from Farm Fresh for dinner.

I've gotten so slack on my pictures, but I've vowed to do better so that Sam won't feel like such a second child.

A happy birthday picture for Poppa Saturday morning.

Construction ~ Week 40

A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks, and with each visit, things look more like a house instead of a construction zone.

The electrician has been working getting all the lights hung and installed, while also wiring plugs and switches.  I had to order all my lights online without seeing anything (no easy feat), and I've only had to make a few changes as I've been able to see them.

The painters have been working away as well.  The upstairs is finished, and the downstairs needs a final coat on everything now that the floors are done.  The floors were sanded and stained this week, and I cringe with each footprint I find on them.  The floors were quite a challenge as I did not consider that different types of wood take stain differently.  I'm happy with how they finally turned out, but if you're considering building and have a particular look in mind, mention it at contract time.

The last bit of work was done on the cabinets and the hardware was installed.  Hardware was something else I had to order online.  I ordered a few that I liked the look of and luckily found something I loved on my first try.  And yes, somebody needs to dust.

The plumbers installed most of our faucets this week.  Our tile backsplash was completed while I was in the hospital 2 weeks ago.

Our storm door was installed, and it's one of my favorite things.  I love an open front door.

My vanity finally arrived after it first came in the wrong size.  Vanity tops have been installed along with faucets.  We're just waiting on the knobs to be installed.

More paint, lights, and floor.

Our sweet girl finally has her pink room.

Just need the globes installed on this one.  Ned is curious as to how he'll change bulbs.

The mantle is almost complete and just needs paint on the sides.

Other news that wasn't as picture worthy:

-gas lines were run to the house

-back step railings were installed

-garage doors were installed

-security completed installation

We missed our closing date of the 21st, but we're hoping to have our certificate of occupancy by Friday.  That will more than likely put us moving Easter weekend, but we should at least have the week in between to start moving things and setting up what we're not using in this house.  We're excited and ready!