sawyer: month two

We’ve seen many a smile around these parts and jam to music like nobody’s business too. He’s strong like his big bro, holding up his neck and head like a champ. I’m finally feeling like I’m able to manage the two boys by myself and not feel like I’m going batty. So we’ve settled into our new normal (just in time too!!) as I returned to work last week. I’m able to go and leave school two days a week to nurse so getting extra smooches and snuggles in makes those days pretty awesome.

This month I’m amazed at Sawyer’s growing awareness at the world around him, tracking mama around the room. It’s a whole new way to connect with this little man like he’s starting to be his own real person. Mamas you know what I mean.

Although there has been a whole lot of goodness around here lately, it’s been coupled with a traveling cold that brought down Londyn the week Jake was out of town, early wake up calls for work and lots (!!!) of laundry. The transition this has been better than expected since month one was such a doozy (said would much love of coarse).

Time seems slower this time around. Perhaps it’s knowing that my favorite Dino Jammies will be worn for the last time by one of my boys or that it’s our second time around. I think everyone should be a parent of at least times 2, it’s pretty awesome 😉

Pumpkin

This kid L.O.V.E.s pumpkins like I’ve never seen. He can spot any pumpkin while we are out, high and low. I usually have to give myself an extra ten minutes so we can check out the pumpkin displays. Dare I even say that this obsession rivals that of Thomas the tank and choo choos ?!?!

^^all of the pumpkins in the house joined in on breakfast this morning.

We’re battling a cough (L) and little sleep in these parts (everyone) so were going to keep it simple with a walk later, pedialite Popsicles coupled with some pumpkin painting (this one is still up for debate but a mama has to have something up her sleeve just in case) and reruns of Sesame Street (I might just go batty with this one).

Pumpkin Patch 2013

After a long night with big brother coughing and a trip to the minute clinic to get a diagnosis, we made it over the a pumpkin patch for some pictures with both boys. I’m assuming the net few years with photos will look something like this…(as I keep my fingers crossed that this afternoons Xmas card photo session goes well).

And when I look at these photos I hope I always hear his little voice yelling, “punpkiiiiin” over and over again. These are the parenting moments you live for folks.

Can’t wait to dress the boys for Halloween, although jake will be out of town traveling for work for the week. I think I’m most excited about Sawyer’s costume and Londyn running around the streets. Last year Londyn was barely walking (and falling all over the place) so it will be fun to see him run (literally!!) this year. Of coarse pictures will be posted. Hopefully we’ll get some cute ones…

Sawyer: Month One

It seems like only yesterday we were welcome this new little human into the world. And while there are loads of things that are easier this time- nursing, using the 5 S’s, sleep (I say that as I hold me breath!); there a still a lot of things I have no memory how we dealt with them when Londyn was born. So I have often had to remind myself that they boys are two different people and therefore will inevitably like different things. Case in point:
Londyn loved being swaddled, easily took a pacifier and enjoyed long naps in the swing.
Sawyer on the other hand could give a crap about the pacifier, only likes the swing in small doses and prefers a sleep sack over his swaddle.

I’d forgotten how all consuming having a newborn is (although it is nice to go out to eat and not feel like I have to rush!). We had no idea what we were doing after Londyn was born and trusted our instincts and advice from other moms and dads over parenting books and stuff on the internet. In the over exhausted haze of caring for a newborn we’ve just gone with the flow of things this time, managing our plus one as best as we feel we can. There have been quite a few toddler tantrums, which were bound to happen either way, and far less “breaks” than when we just had Londyn.

We are somewhat settling into some sort of groove which means I can enjoy those daily snuggles on my chest that Londyn no longer has the patience for, watching Londyn gently (and sometimes not so gently) kiss and love on his brother or the quiet time (that doesn’t exist with an almost two year old) that belongs only to Sawyer and I.

From the looks of things Sawyer is going to be strong like his brother, but perhaps a bit more sensitive and needy. Londyn was okay with long naps in his swing or hanging out on a blanket with his black and white book. Sawyer likes to be held more and enjoys being in on the action, even if that just means hanging out on daddy’s shoulder while we are cooking in the kitchen. He loves resting on mama’s chest and prefers snuggling in bed over his bassinet in the bedroom.

We’ll be attempting some new sleep arrangements this coming month as mom preps to head back to work, visit the pumpkin patch for an annual photo op and pumpkin picking, trick or treat with a piece of sushi (S) and a train conductor (L) and partake in many things fall.

happy one month baby Sawyer!

No Words

I’m way over due in documenting Sawyer’s birth story but this picture left me quite breathless.

The jump from one to two kids has been quite the experience. A whole new kind of chaos I’m trying to embrace and go with the flow. While that mantra isn’t always easy, it’s precious moments like these that get me by .

B is for Banana

Yup, that’s a plastic germ filled banana touching my son’s lips. Oh but the joy that filled that boys heart as he gathered his plastic fruit and places it into his plastic basket! Now take thatgerms. We took an empty Hump Day and drove north towards Oxnard to check out the children’s museum. Despite some negative Yelp reviews we weren’t deterred and ended up with a fun morning exploring the museum. I mean what little boy wouldn’t love a place he could run around, explore and touch everything?!. L’s favs were a submarine he could climb in, watch a toy choo choo set go round and round and going shopping/cooking at the play kitchen.

And what trip along the 101 is complete without a stop at In and Out? Boy helped me polish off some French fries, chocolate shake (I can still picture the bright eyes full of delight!) and grilled cheese. We watched more choo choos (or trucks) race along the freeway before slipping back into our car seat and crashing before we even made it up the Camarillo grade.

And besides a mama’s heart being filled with joy for a simple day out with her boy, a good time was had by all. Evidence? Cue a three and half hour nap. That like NEVER happens! Anyone who is a mama will know that a good loooonnnnng nap means (capital) f.u.n.

This Boy

This boy has a gentle soul, loves morning smoothies as of late and jabbers on a mile a minute explaining, well I’m not quite versed in toddler so j don’t know. He’ll rarely repeat words on command and will gladly tell you no when he’s not done. This boy melts my heart when he gives me kisses and hugs “just because” or flies down the way just to greet dada.

Soon this boy will be a big brother (!!!). He’ll show his little brother how to all of the things you’re not supposed to do, yet I know he’ll be sweet and helpful because he’s curious and loves to take charge.

I want this boy to know that his mama will always be there for him, is grateful for his amazing little soul that flipped my world inside out in the most fantastical (this word only feels appropriate) ways and that I feel pure joy and contentment just watching him “be”, always looking back for his mama with the same half smirk he dad gives me too.

To extra dirt, playing chase right before bedtime and finally being ok that dada just might be his favorite. I love this boy so very much.

Coconut and Tigers Blood

^^^sno cones {part two}.

Sometimes u just gotta bend the rules and eat sno cones two times in one week. Little dude knows a good sno cone when he tries one and tried to take over mamas creation of coconut and tigers blood (a berry flavor oddly named don’t you think?). So we finagled dad out of taking an afternoon nap by playing “choo choo” and making the fun kinda noise one just can’t say no to, and made our way to Sno Beach.

I like days like these where dad is home early and we get all sorts of spontaneous (parents know this is quite the luxury!). It makes for quite the memory, as simple as it may seem, for our family of 3 will be a family plus one more this fall. Our lives will be turned upside down with the snuggles, coos and tired eyes that newborns bring. And for now this emotional preggo can’t quite go there. For the next few months L might get a bit spoiled, get enjoy a few extra sno cones (that miiiigghhhtt be Bubba talking), bird and squirrel watching, bellies full of giggles, blow up pools, impromptu swim adventures, and moments we get to steal away from routines and such.

Maybe you should take that something extra today too? Just ’cause. 😉

All Things Summer

My official start of summer only started a few days ago (can I get an amen from all the teachers out there?!) and we haven’t missed a beat.

Pool
Sno Cones
Blow up pool in the back yard
Trip to the zoo

It’s all been packed in nicely over the last few weeks and I can’t say that it hasn’t been even more fun with my little wild thing running around (minus the ear infection and 6 teeth comin in at the same time. apparently he doesn’t know how to do anything in a small way).

We have the rest of the month the continue to beat the Texas heat and bugs before we make our way over to California for the month of July. Jake will be joining us for a week too! He and I will sneak away a few days for a Babymoon to Carmel and Big Sur while our family watches little man. The rest of our time back home will be spent at the pool/beach, catching up with old friends, a maternity/family photo session and whatever else you can throw into the mix.

Happy summer days!

Week 24

Well folks, 6 months and this belly is in no way, shape or form slowing this chick down. Today we went to Krause Springs (about a 45 minutes drive away) to take a swim and lounge on this long holiday weekend. The little boy inside has been much more active this week. I’m getting tons more nudges and kicks. Silly that they make me smile and get excited every time?

I’ve officially retired my non maternity pants as my fancy rubber band system wasn’t doing the trick anymore and made my way into dresses and maternity shorts. Thankfully summer keeps dressing light and easy so I think I’ll be able to manage with what I’ve picked up the past few weeks.

Besides the new dressings, nothing else new good/bad to report. I’ve been feeling great. We obviously keep busy with Londyn but walks around the neighborhood and weekly bike rides with the fam are keeping me feeling pretty good I’d say. We have a busy summer visiting family back in Ca, tending to a few projects and a baby moon in Carmel before wrapping up the summer.

All is good.