Wordless Wednesday

Doctor Well Checks

This morning I took both boys to the doctor for their 1 month and 18 month appointments.  Me, alone with my double wide awesome new stroller, which came in very handy.  When it was Evan's turn for weight check, I strapped Jack into the stroller with just a diaper on.  It was a cute site and my only option, since I wasn't about to have him crawl around on the floor or take a dive off the exam table.  He looked so cute there with only a diaper and not a care in the world.  Sorry I don't have a picture.  Then of course when it was Jack's turn, Evan whaled the whole time.  I kept having to lean in close to the doc, just so I could hear what he was saying.  It turns out though, I am not crazy and Evan DOES have colic.  It's nice to have an explanation, even though there is no cure besides time.  Evan should be much happier and less stressed/cranky in 12 -15 weeks they say.  God only hopes!  Five down, ten to go. 

Here are the stats for the day.  Both boys are growing like weeds!

Jack: 30 3/4" tall, 23lbs (he's on the typical growth charts - go Jack!)

Evan: 21 7/8" tall, 10lbs

I looked back at Jack's weight and he wasn't 10lbs until 3 months old (wowwa!), but they were the same height at 1 month old.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

Weekend Photos

This weekend it turned HOT and I had to go into the closet for the summer clothes, finally!  I found this adorable overall hand-me-down outfit.  Jack looked absolutely kiss-ably cute!  Enjoy our personal photo shoot.

Here is Jack showing us his new "squinty face" on command.  Love him!

 

 

This is Jack giving Evan a kiss.

U2 Fan - Starting Them Young

My husband is a crazy die-hard U2 fan. Evan has already been to a U2 concert, in utero of course! Check out this onesie we received from those that know us well. =)

And here's one just for grins. He is so peaceful when sleeping. Not so much when he's crying! I hope the "crying to fall asleep" phase ends soon.

My Sister's Knit Blog

My sister has started to blog about her knits that will be for sale shortly on Etsy. Once her shop is open, you must check her out. Obviously we like her goods. As you will see in the photos.


Here are the mittens, booties and patch-work blanket she knit.
Please note, models aren't for sale.

Mother's Day - late I know

So things are a little busier these days with TWO boys to take care of. And I know it is almost two weeks past the day, but I wanted to show off my sweet Mother's Day cake from my boys, a few photos and my wonderful gift.


This is the tasty cake that only took two people two days to eat. You could say we have some chocoholics in the house and that might be an understatement.



My first born cutie.


My second born thinker.


And this is the gift I received from Lisa Leonard Designs.
I absolutely love love love love it!

Thank you, Husbo, for making my day perfect. And I even got a nap! Love you!

Team Jack

It's that time of year again, when TEAM JACK raises money for GiGi's Playhouse to keep their programs free to families. We love the Crawlers Group and the Open Play every Thursday.

The GiGi's 5K Fun Run/1 Mile Walk will be taking place
Sunday, June 13, 2010.

Click HERE to donate or walk with us!

Click HERE to learn about GiGi's Playhouse.
Locations coming soon to New York and Atlanta!

Here are some photos from last year's walk.

Wonderful Wordless Wednesday

Happy Mother's Day to Moms of Special Children

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of disabled children. Did you ever wonder how these women were chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his instruments for propagation, with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint...Cecilia."

"Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a child with a disability."

The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."

"Exactly. Could I give a child with a disability a mother who doesn't know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But does she have patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience or she'll drown in a sea of self pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today, she has that sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."

"But Lord, I don't think she believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angel gasps. "Selfishness, is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes she is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet but she is to be envied."

"She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says 'Mommy' for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it. When she describes a tree or sunset to her child, she will see it as few people see my creations."

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice... and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is there by my side."

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised mid air.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

~Author Erma Bombeck

Aqua Therapy

I had been meaning to get Aqua Therapy pictures for awhile now. Thanks Mom and John for taking the photos. Jack loves the water!


You can see out through a glass window to the busy corridor. Jack likes to say hello to everyone passing in the halls. This is his version of "hello." One arm up showing a fist and the head cocked to the side. So cute! His newest addition to the "hi" is first he points at the person and then he waves "hi." Kinda like he's saying "hey you...yes you...I am saying hi to you, now tell me hi back."

Jack just started the foam bar bell raises a few weeks back. He is now coordinated enough to use both arms simultaneously. Go Jack!



This is Jack working his shoulders and trunk while staying balanced on the mat with the bubbles flowing. He doesn't mind getting wet!

Like Father Like Son

Dad's baby photo

Evan's baby photo

Don't you think they look alike?

Not-so-Wordless Wednesday

I love this photo! Amongst the chaos of picture taking with two kids and bra straps showing, Evan (at 1 day old) has a smile on his face! Hilarious!

First Week

Well, reinforcements finally went home (aka my Mom) and we are on our own. The day went smoothly and we are finally settling into a routine, of sorts. Both me and the two boys napped for over 2 hours today, while John did some yard work. It was heaven, I must say! I hope that nap trend continues, because Evan doesn't sleep much at night yet. He sleeps off and on, sometimes eating every 45 minutes and then I usually bring him in to bed next to me from 4am on. Then of course he sleeps until the morning. He likes the warmth and to snuggle, but I don't get sound sleep, always worrying about swashing him.

I have called in some help for this week, since I was told not to hold Jack for two weeks. I've already broken that rule today, but I need to try and take it easy. I feel so much better than after I had Jack. It's amazing the difference. Time to go relax as Jack is in bed and Evan is snoozing next to John's Mario Kart action.

Life is good!

Here are some photos from Evan's first week.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Evan James was born April 23rd at 5:45pm. He came into this world weighing 7lbs, 13oz and 21" long. He has a full head of dark hair, long fingers and looks just like Daddy's baby pictures. We are getting settled in at home and loving our new family of four!

I had been signing "baby" and pointing to my belly for the last few months. When Jack came into the delivery room he signed "baby" for the very first time, just for his new baby brother. It was very cool!

Life is good!

Happy Award for Happy Jack

Thank you Kelly over at My little Son-Shine for nominating Happy Jack for the Happy Award. That is so very kind of you!


Here are the rules for the award:

1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
2. Name the person who gave the award to you and link to their blog (or hyperlink).
3. List 10 things that make you happy.
4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blogs to let them know.

Ten Things That Make Me Happy (in no particular order):

1. My son Jack...period....anything and everything he does. I am happy just being with him.
2. Hearing my husband tell me I'm pretty the last few days. Which I find completely hilarious because I am about to burst with baby #2 inside and don't feel so great looking, but it sure is nice to hear. Thanks, Husbo!
3. Family walks around the neighborhood. Summer is just around the corner. I can feel it.
4. Rolling down the windows in the car to let the Spring air flow through.
5. Making "to do" lists and checking things off. Makes me feel productive.
6. Trips to Dairy Queen and oh how I miss those.
7. Going out for breakfast. I love love love this!
8. Mexican food, specifically Tapalpa, a local authentic restaurant.
9. Since I am on a food kick, add snickers bars to the list! Yummy!
10. Spending time with family just doing nothing. Love!

Now my nominations (and in no particular order) for the Happy Blog Award go to:

Christi over at Ni Modo Todo!
Jennifer over at The Kang Family
Melanie over at Baeten Family
Sara over at Extra Smiles Extra Giggles Extra Love
Erin over at Unforeseen Gifts

Be sure to check out these adorable kiddos at these blog links! So stinkin' cute!

I'm Down with You

This is a beautiful photographic display of kids and adults with Down syndrome. It's called I'm Down with You. The photographer that created I'm Down with You now has the book that is available for pre-purchase. Check it out! This may be a great addition to your local doctor's office or library or school.

My love of Etsy

It finally arrived....no, not baby #2, my big handmade bag I have been patiently waiting for. I got a gift certificate (thank you sister) for my birthday. I love all the homemade purses at Retrofied, so it took me forever to decide on a bag style, fabric and then add fun options like hidden pockets and inside key hooks. I love the finished product! I plan to use it as a toy bag to take to Grandparents' homes, weekend lake bag and possibly my delivery bag. =)

If you are into crafty things, you must check out Etsy. Such fun stuff on there!

Here are some other shout-outs on Etsy.
My blogger friend's site Lil' Sis Designs
Fun fabrics at Fabricworm

And coming soon on Etsy, my sister will be opening a handmade knit shop and my friends are also opening a handmade crafts shop. I will post the links when their sites are opened.

Thank you Retrofied for my awesome bag!

Added Note:
Rebecca at Retrofied liked how my bag turned out too, she took photos and listed it in her shop!

36 Weeks Along

Today I had my 36 week appointment with a doctor visit, NST and ultrasound. The baby weighs 6lbs and 7oz, which is 5oz bigger than Jack was. Not bad. I would have guessed a lot more, since I feel much bigger this time around. They want me to come in twice a week now for NST's and to check fluid levels. The plan is to induce April 30th (exactly 18 months between the boys) unless of course, baby boy decides to make his appearance early. I would post an ultrasound photo, but they are awful and look creepy showing the eye sockets. You will just have to wait to see the real thing. Just a few weeks left! These last few months have really gone by fast.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Easter