Pictures from our Week

This week I finally made a conscious effort to take lots of random pictures. My goal is to have just as many (or at least close) pictures in an album for Austin as I do for Garrison. I have vowed to do just as much with photo albums and the baby book for Austin as I did with Garrison. We'll see if I can stick with it!

My littlest man asleep on Monday morning while Garrison and I had breakfast

After Austin's 1 month pic with the lion, Garrison wanted to hold him and have his picture made. Love much how my big boy loves his brother!

Waiting on mama to get ready one morning


Breakfast time for my oldest little man

Austin in his usual spot when we're eating

Garrison playing in his new Fall sensory box while Austin napped. He is loving this new "activity" and so am I!

Garrison played soccer outside with daddy for the first time this week (this was also the day I felt the worst.... hence the pajamas and flip flops. Poor child.)

Talking to and loving on Austin. He is a great big brother.

My growing baby who seems to get bigger everyday!

This week has had it's ups and downs with me being sick but I'm glad I took the time to make some pictures of my babies. Now we're looking forward to our first trip to Barnesville this weekend and celebrating my birthday with family.

1 Month Old

Austin turned 1 month old on Monday the 3rd! I know all moms say this, but this first month went by really fast! I think part of it is due to the fact that the first week of his life is kind of a blur. We were in the hospital for 3 days then came home and had 4 different doctors appointments to go to, so things were pretty crazy. After that we just tried to settle in and get adjusted and before we knew it a whole month had gone by!

Unfortunately I'm just getting around to doing this post because I've been sick. Yuck. Thankfully it hasn't been too, too bad it's just hard taking care of myself and my babies when I'm not 100%.

Anyway, we did a picture of Garrison each month on his birthday beside a stuffed animal giraffe that I was given at one of my showers. It really showed his growth each month and now we have all the pictures in a huge frame (something we're going to do with Austin's pictures too).
Austin's 1 month pictures are being taken beside a stuffed animal lion that my sister bought in New York City this summer. Thanks AnAn!

Austin's first month pictures were interesting. The first time we tried he was sound asleep and would not wake up. He is such a sleepyhead!

Then we tried again when he woke up before his evening feeding, but I guess he was too hungry to have his picture made! Sooo... we can either choose the picture of him asleep or crying for his 1 month photo to be framed! Oh well. Even though the picture didn't turn out exactly like we'd planned, at least we'll always have the memories because we captured it on camera. =)

Here's Garrison on his 1 month birthday. Austin still favors Garrison but I think his looks are changing more and more.


1 Month Stats and Happenings:

*You weigh 10 pounds .05 ounces and are approximately 21 inches long. We can't believe how fast you're growing!
*You are wearing size 1 diapers and size 0-3 months clothes (although you do have a couple of newborn sleepers you can still wear)
*You eat every 2.5-3 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours at night.
*You were just diagnosed with reflux. So I've become the queen of laundry! Thankfully the reflux hasn't had much of an effect on you. You're still gaining weight like a champ and a very content baby.
*You love to sleep! Most of the time your naps during the day are really long and I end up having to wake you up because I want you to sleep at night some too. Those long naps have also made things interesting trying to get you on a consistent routine... especially when you refuse to wake up!
*You've already rolled over from your stomach to your back! We were shocked!
*You've started giving us hints of a smile. =)
*You like your paci and usually sit in your bouncy seat with your paci every night while we eat supper
*Garrison loves you and always tells us when your paci falls out or when you have the hiccups or when you're upset or when you wake up.... he usually keeps close tabs on you. He likes holding you and giving you kisses and likes to tell you goodnight before bed every night.
*We all adore you and feel so blessed to have you as part of our family! Happy 1 month birthday Austin!

Highlights of Week 1

While my first week on my own was exhausting and at times a little crazy, everyone was fed, bathed, taken care of, and remained in one piece. So we'll call it a success.

Monday was overwhelming and even had moments of being chaotic, but the rest of the week went really good. I guess I just had to get my bearings and come up with a better system/plan for multi-tasking and juggling two. Thankfully Garrison was very cooperative and laid back about everything. We did have to work on him staying quiet and out of the room while I got Austin down for his naps and we did have to tweak Garrison's naptime a couple of days because of Austin being awake and fussy, but I got some great advice from a good friend and I think we're going to be just fine. (And can I just say I never realized how loud Garrison was until having another baby. He pretty much has two volume settings: sort of loud and really loud.)

Naptime for both boys turned out to be my biggest challenge everyday... other than Thursday when I needed to take Garrison to school but it was also time for Austin to be fed. There was just no getting around it. Based on his "early morning" feeding I could either try stretching out the next feeding to be over 3 hours, or be a little late getting Garrison to school. Austin decided for me, and we were late to school. It was crazy getting out the door and I think I got a workout, but we made it.

Somehow I also worked it out to go outside almost every afternoon with Garrison. A couple of days Austin went out with us too. We even tried to go for a walk one afternoon. I pushed Austin in the stroller while Garrison pushed his lawnmower. We only made it 2 houses down. You win some, you lose some. At least Garrison got to cut the grass and play in the backyard while Austin got to take a nap in the stroller.

He also discovered sticks this week while we were outside. They were a big hit.

A couple of "firsts" occurred too...

This little man took his first nap in his crib.

So far he is still sleeping in the pack n play in our room at night and for most of his naps during the day. But we are getting ready to move him to his own room so I thought it was time to try out a nap in his crib. He did great, the only problem is that we moved our glider to our room (something that's made things way easier on us during the night this time around) so we don't have a place to sit and hold/rock him in his nursery. Therefore it's really hard to get him sleepy and settled for a nap in his room. But like I said, we'll be moving him soon and the time will come for me to accept the long walks to his room during the middle of the night.

Another first for Austin came last night and absolutely shocked me. My not even 1 month old baby rolled over from his stomach to his back 2 times yesterday! We put him on his playmat for "tummy time" and after about 20 seconds he got frustrated and mad, pushed himself up on his arms, leaned over on his side, and then rolled all the way onto his back. I couldn't believe it! And after we moved him back on his stomach, he did it again! I kept asking Terrell "Does this count? Did he really just roll over? Was that his first time rolling over??" I don't know if it's normal or not, all I know is that he definitely rolled over twice without any assistance and it really makes me wonder if he'll do other stuff way early. Maybe it was just a "2 time" thing until he's 4-5 months old like most babies. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I have to write about one last thing from this week that I just don't want to forget. On Friday the boys and I made a couple of outings just to get out of the house and kill some time. I didn't have to get them out of the car once so it was nice and easy on mama. We picked up dry cleaning that morning and then rode around looking at bulldozers, dump trucks, diggers, etc. from all the road work going on around here. Garrison loved that. Then late Friday afternoon we went to Chick-Fil-A to pick up supper. On the way home, Garrison was talking in the backseat about his teeth. I honestly don't remember what he was talking about because I was only half-listening. Terrible I know. He just talks all. the. time. these days and loves asking questions. His favorite, "But why?" I hear that all day long. No matter what my response is to his question, he always follows it up with another "but why?". Anyway, he started asking questions about teeth. He asked if I had teeth and if daddy had teeth. Then he asked if Austin had teeth. When I told him no, not yet (something I'm pretty sure we've talked about before) he said, "Oh... "(insert pause for him to think a second) "We haf a buy him some?". I started laughing as soon as he said it. It was so funny because he was so sincere. When I told him no, he started asking why... and eventually, after 2 more "whys" he was satisfied that Austin would one day have teeth that grow in all by themselves because that's how God made us. =)

On My Own (1st Day Adventures)

Well this is my first week completely on my own with both boys. I prayed about this week (especially yesterday) all weekend and the Lord blessed me with patience, energy, and the ability to keep it together during some kind of crazy moments.

I had full intentions of making lots of pictures yesterday so I would have documentation and records of everything we did during my first day alone as a stay at home mom of 2.... but that didn't happen. Oh well. At least I managed to find the time to jot down a lot of what we did on paper.

Here's a peek into our day...

Our morning was crazy. I felt SO busy that I hardly had a minute to just sit down and catch my breath. Apparently Austin got accustomed to having mama all to himself. It's not that he wanted to be held constantly yesterday morning, he just couldn't go to sleep with the commotion of Garrison running around playing and being loud. (Which is really crazy considering we've had a hard time keeping him awake on most days.) So with Austin being awake off and on all morning things were crazy trying to make breakfast, feed Austin, hold Austin, clean up breakfast (and Garrison), change Austin, dress Garrison, take Garrison to potty while Austin fussed in his bouncy seat, play with Garrison, feed Austin again, etc. etc. Just craziness. But I have to say, Garrison Cade did great. I was very proud of how he played independently when I needed him to and how he became my little helper when I needed him to. (He loves helping so I already had a plan of things he could do to "help" while I fed Austin, and it worked out perfect.)

Here's a quick list of some of the crazy happenings of our morning:

*Austin tinkled all over his changing pad cover and the carpet in the middle of one of his diaper changes. You have got to be fast with boys! In the meantime, Garrison had been "grilling" us up a picnic to have in his room that just kept getting put off.

*Austin was fussy so he had to join us for the picnic... which was interesting, but worked out fine. (My date and master griller for the picnic is in the picture below. I can't even remember how I managed to have my camera with me.)

*Austin spit up in the pack-n-play, so after changing his onesie I put him in the swing to go clean it up. When I walked out, Garrison was pushing him away in the swing... a little faster than mama was comfortable with. I told him he had to do it nice and slow, but instead he decided he'd rather "work on" the swing. (Picture below) So he managed to take out some of the batteries. Wow. Lesson learned in leaving the two of them together alone. And I'm sure it will only get worse as they get older.

*At one point while I was trying to get Austin settled for a nap, Garrison came in the room with his bulldozer, pushing buttons and all. So much for a peaceful naptime for Austin.

*Austin didn't want to be put down for long once Garrison's naptime rolled around. Sooo I had to take Austin with me to put Garrison to bed and do the whole routine. I felt terrible because I could tell Garrison was sort of disappointed. In his words, "Why Ausin have to come in here wif us?". Broke my heart. I told Terrell (through tears) that I've got to figure out a better system for naptime.





Thankfully Terrell had to take a late lunch and got Austin settled so I could take a little nap myself. It made a huge difference! The afternoon went great. I got Garrison up and situated with his snack while I fed Austin. Then after Garrison went to the potty I got Austin settled so Garrison and I could go outside. Once we came back in we had some inside play time together before daddy got home. Yay for a good afternoon and for me surviving my first day on my own!

*Today has been really good. Garrison went to school and Austin followed his usual routine (the one he was getting the hang of when we had Granna or Nana here). I was able to rest, do laundry, get Garrison ready for his nap without Austin, and write this post off and on. Tomorrow is another full day with both boys so we'll see what adventures come with it!

1st Bath!

Yesterday we gave Austin his first bath, and we had a very special helper on hand! For the most part he was just a curious observer, but he did help fill up a cup of water once and he also asked where the raisin went that used to be on Austin's belly button. =)

Austin did great and seemed to enjoy his bath. Yay for no screaming the whole time like his big brother did for his first bath! It also wore him out. We had a hard time keeping him awake for the rest of the day. I think from this point forward, bath time will be in the evenings (maybe at the same time as Garrison's) and we'll hope for an extra calm, sleepy baby the rest of the night.

Getting started

Doing great (but wondering what's going on)

All done!

Me and my boys

The bath not only made him tired, it gave him wild and crazy hair...

All clean and ready for a nap

2 Special Ladies

Terrell and I have both said more than once that this time around just seems easier. We're still busy and sleep-deprived, but overall things have been way more laid back and smooth sailing the second time around. I'm sure some of it has to do with the fact that we've done it all before and have some experience under our belts. I'm also positive that my way faster, way easier recovery has something to do with it. Plus Terrell being able to take off a whole week after we got home from the hospital made a huge difference for us. We felt like we really had a chance to settle in and catch our breath.

But I believe 2 extra special ladies have had just as much a part in our easy transition as all the things mentioned above. They are known around here as Granna and Nana. (My mom and Terrell's mom). I'm pretty sure their names over the past couple of weeks could be translated: Personal Assistants/Helpers/My Right Hand. =) They have been amazing and we have been spoiled. Not only did they prepare meals for us and do our laundry and other chores around the house, they also gave me the opportunity to rest, recover, take naps, and work out all my breastfeeding issues with Austin.

In addition to all these things, they kept my oldest little man happy, busy, entertained, and loved on. I'm grateful for all the ways they helped us out and all the many things they did for us, but most of all I'm grateful that Garrison had them here and could ease into the transition after Terrell went back to work. The little man has had lots of special play time and attention with them here and I think it's been great for him. He's been one happy little boy over the past week and a half, which makes his mama and daddy really happy too.

Thanks SO MUCH Granna and Nana!! We appreciate all of your help more than you know!

Granna holding Austin right after he was born

Nana holding Austin right after he was born

I think they both look amazing in these pictures after being up all. night. long. waiting on the little man to arrive!

***Next week I'll be venturing out on my own with 2 babies to take care of (3 if you count Bailey... who also has to be fed and taken to "potty" haha). While I am kind of nervous and a little intimidated, I'm also looking forward to it. I feel so blessed that I'm able to stay home and I want to try my best to enjoy every moment because I know it will go by so fast. I'm just praying that I do a good job of multi-tasking and handling being out-numbered, and that I view each day as an adventure. (Which I got a taste of this afternoon when Garrison woke up from his nap crying, Austin got semi-fussy from being tired and ready for his nap, and Bailey was scratching on the door and barking at me because she needed to go out. Let the fun begin!) Look for an update next week on how things are going... and pray for me too. =)

Our Love/Hate Relationship with the Paci

Pacifiers. They have the potential to be your best friend and your worst enemy. Sometimes they are great and serve their purpose so well, other times they let you down and disappoint you and you're left wondering why you decided to give them a chance in the first place.

Ahhh, we have most certainly developed a love/hate relationship with the paci. I'll start with the positive and explain why we love the paci and believe in it's potential.

First of all, Garrison was a paci baby and the absolute best baby we could ask for in public. He did great at restaurants, great at the grocery store, great at the mall, etc. But don't misunderstand, we were never those parents who just left the paci in his mouth 24-7. We used it on an as needed basis and it made for a really happy, content baby. It was great. As he got older, we gradually used it less and less and even had a good experience with taking it away. So ultimately we are believers in the paci (or pie pie as Garrison called it).

We also think the paci is great for "holding off" on a feeding. If Garrison (or now Austin) was fussy and wanting to eat sooner than 2 or 3 hours, or just needing to satisfy the sucking reflex, the paci was great for holding him off and keeping him happy until it was time to eat. It was also really helpful when it was time for Garrison to drop a middle of the night feeding. The paci satisfied him and helped him learn to sleep through that feeding. Once Garrison was past the newborn stage it was also great in the car and helped him go to sleep at bedtime and naptime. And a baby who goes to sleep easily makes for a happy mama.

Now for the downside. The paci for a newborn is a big, heavy, foreign "object" in their teeny tiny mouths. Sooo, it falls out quite easily and frequently. Whenever Austin dozes off with it in his mouth and really relaxes and stops working so hard to keep it in, out it comes, and awake he does. Anytime he gets the hiccups or burps with it in his mouth, out it comes. Whenever he lets out a little cry or whimper from having gas, you guessed it, the paci falls out of his mouth.

The paci can also complicate and have a negative effect on breastfeeding. I haven't had any issues with it effecting his latch, so we're safe in that department.

Thankfully we don't use the paci that often and we try really really hard not to use it during the night. But whenever we're desperate for just a little more sleep or we're attempting to eat a meal together as a family, we will use it. This can often lead to us being quite disappointed in the paci and left to deal with a vicious cycle of a happy baby, until it falls out of his mouth, then a happy baby after we give it back to him, and so on. Ugh. Not fun. The good news is that we went through the same thing with Garrison and it didn't last forever. Like I said before, the paci was great for Garrison and made us believers. As for starting over with a newborn who has a hard time keeping it in his mouth for an extended period of time... the love/hate relationship continues.

An example from this afternoon:

Peaceful sleeping baby Austin....



Austin wakes up early from his nap and becomes a little agitated so mama gives in and gives him the paci. It's not time for him eat like he thinks so the paci seems to be the perfect solution...

Until it falls out and it's laying under his cheek...

Which is really frustrating for the little man...

Until he just can't take it anymore....

Which means I eventually give him the paci... and the vicious cycle continues. This time the cycle didn't last for long because the time was approaching for him to eat.

Oh how we love and hate the paci right now. Even though it's frustrating for this mama, I'm trying to remember just how quickly this newborn stage will go by. Before I know it he'll be much bigger and older and these paci issues will be a thing of the past. For now, I'll try to savor all the special and even frustrating moments of having a newborn.