Our Weekend

We have had a good weekend. Austin had to work so it was me and the kiddos but I have truly enjoyed it and really feel like I'm getting a handle at 2! I will never say its easy b/c it truly is hard but I think we are all adjusting. I'm getting used to the less rest and being more busy but I know it won't be like this forever so I'm trying to soak up all the time I have with my 2 babies!
Saturdays are always nice b/c we don't have to rush out the door. I would love to stay home on Saturday but I know my busy boy needs to get out the house. We went over to my parent's house and stayed a couple hours. He was missing them b/c he went a few days without seeing them all! He's spent so much time with them over the last couple of months he's quite used to going over to their house on a regular occassion now! We had fun over there. Colby always has my parents running all over the place its quite humerous. He also doesn't want my mom spending time with Lindsay he wants his Grammy all to himself! He and my dad spent some time outside also which was nice while Lindsay napped. Its nice to go over there with both kids and not be stressed out like I would be if we were out in public. The rest of the day we hung out at home...both kids took great naps which was wonderful then we all watched the Saints game. I couldn't believe they lost and football season is officially over for us!
Today (Sunday) I braved church again. I'm so glad I did too! I feel much better then last week! Even though I was glad I went last week I felt very overwhelmed and tired! It wasn't nearly as bad this week. My parents once again took Colby early though. This really helps b/c we are able to get ready in stages. I get Colby out the door then I can focus on myself then on Lindsay. It will be interesting when I try to leave with BOTH at the same time! Lindsay and I were doing great on time we left the house by 9:20 so I thought I would treat myself with some Starbucks! Bad idea! When I went to put my cup in the cup hold the lid came off and coffee went everywhere! All over me and all over the van! I was glad I was only a couple of blocks from home. I had to pull back into the driveway run inside and grab towels and napkins to clean the mess up! I was first discouraged and ready to just call it quits and stay home. But then it hit me that that is exactly what Satan would want me to do! I decided to go ahead and go! I was so glad we did too! Lindsay did wonderful in church service. This week I kept her in the carrier which was actually a lot easier. She slept the whole time but we left a few minutes early again so I could get her changed before heading to eat! Things just went smoother today...I left church and went to McAlister's and started feeding her before my parents and Colby showed up. Also a better idea! both kids again did wonderfully at lunch. Now we are back at home and I'm waiting on naptime to start. I put both down but Lindsay is still crying...she doesn't do well mornings she spends a lot of time in her carseat so I might end up having to lay her on my chest on the couch. I hope Colby takes a nap though! Now we will just look forward to Austin coming home and spending the evening with him!

Our Week

So far we have had a great week! Monday ofcourse was Lindsay's doc appointment. That evening we watched the LSU/Alabama game.
Tuesday we were supossed to have our house cleaned that day so my parents were keeping Colby for the day. It seems like they have watched him so much lately but its near impossible to have Colby here when the house is being cleaned especially now that I have to look after a baby too! It ended up being a rainy day and the maid cancelled. Colby was already promised a morning with Grammy and Granddaddy though so I couldn't cancel those plans. He went ahead and went to McDonalds and the mall with them. Lindsay and I got out and went to Target. Its amazing how easy errands are with 1 child. She basically slept the whole time. Colby came home around lunchtime. Naptimes haven't been so great around here lately...usually 1 of the 2 doesn't sleep. Every now and then I am lucky and they both take great 3 hour naps but its becoming rare. Wednesday we were so happy to have Austin home! He worked 7 days straight which made for a long tiring week for mommy! Since Colby had school I volunteered to bring him then go by the grocery store while Austin stayed home with Lindsay. It was good to have that 1 on 1 time with Colby. I actually brought his friend Max too. I haven't been picking him up since Lindsay was born its just hard to think about unloading 3 kids right now! Maybe by the spring I can conquer that! Again it was amazing how easy it was just to deal with the 2 three year olds. I loved listening to their little conversations and talking to them about what they are learning in school! Afterwards I really enjoyed my shopping trip ALONE! I didn't have to rush and I felt like I could truly concentrate on shopping! It was soo nice! When I got home we were able to relax for a little bit then Austin left with Colby to pick him up from school. That afternoon was wonderful b/c they both took great naps! I think I napped 2 hours as well! I am just so sleepy these days with waking up in the middle of the night! We have also been taking afternoon walks almost every day which I think has helped everyone feel good. We used to do this when Colby was a baby and we just got out of practice when I got pregnant so its been nice to get back to it! Colby loves walks! He always has since he was a tiny baby! I hope to start this now with Lindsay so she will enjoy it also. Its also good family time! Thursday Austin was off again which was great! I made an appointment for pictures at the mall. I have been wanting to get this done now since Lindsay was born. I really wanted someone to come to our house to do newborn pictures but it just never worked out! I hope we can do more natural family pictures by April. I am not too fond of "studio" pictures but they are the easiest with a baby. They both did pretty well but had enough after a few good shots. It was very tiring trying to get 2 of them posed and in good moods. I remember it was somewhat tiring with Colby as a baby but this time it was extra tiring. She was melting down b/c she was tired and in need of a nap and he was melting down b/c he was bored and ready to move on haha. He was not amused at all by being couped up in the studio he just wanted to go run around. We promised him time to ride on the rides though. He got to play a little but the pictures took so long and we wanted to eat lunch before Lindsay woke up and was ready to eat. Its just easier to come home and feed her then feed her in a place like the mall...she usually poops when she eats and I'm not crazy about changing my 1 month old in a public restroom! This afternoon we came home and everyone took pretty good naps...not sure Colby slept a lot but atleast he stays in his room and is quiet and lets everyone else nap! I can't make him sleep so as long as he rests and doesn't disturb the house that is all I can really ask! That afternoon we took another walk and just hung out at home. We have cooked the last 2 nights so that's been nice eating a family meal together!
Today (Friday) Colby had school. My friend Honey and her son Max offered to bring him today which I was really thankful for. Ofcourse I know I could get my parents to bring him any time but I hate to rely on them so much and also get him used to being around them every day. I figured carpooling with a friend would be great. I wasn't looking forward to getting both kids out in the freezing cold anyway. It also gives me more time around the house to be productive. School mornings seem to be so crazy by the time we leave at 8:30 and don't get home until almost 9:30 then have to leave again at 11:30. I will go pick him up and then I am really hoping both kids will take a nap!

1 Month Doc Visit

Lindsay had her 1 month doctor's appointment yesterday. I was able to take her by myself since Colby was in school. We took him with us to her 2 week visit and he was very antsy by the time we were done so I was thankful to not have to bring both kids! Its funny though I was never brave enough to bring Colby alone until he was like 9 months old! Funny how things change! Anyway everything went great...she was very well behaved. She just looked around and kicked when they put her up on the table. She didn't fuss at all while the doctor checked her out! I was shocked b/c Colby always screamed! It wasn't until he turned 2 that he started not crying at the doctor. The doctor said she looked great and was very alert and doing well. She weighed 8 lbs 8 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. I laugh b/c this is close to Colby's birth stats! I also find it amusing that she is in the 10-25% whereas Colby was always like 50-75% with everything! She got 1 shot at the visit it was the 2nd half of one she received in the hospital. It didn't seem to make her fussy or anything that I could tell.

I am so thankful for healthy doctor's visits. I feel so blessed to have 2 healthy children. I thank God everyday for that! We will look forward to going back next month for her 2 month and seeing how much she has grown!

Church

So today was my first day to bring Lindsay alone to church. Ofcourse it was only her second time there too. I still haven't braved bringing both kids alone and probably won't until February when she is 2 months old. Today my parents brought Colby to Sunday School. I am not bringing her to Sunday School until she is 2 months old. This is what we did with Colby so I figured we will repeat that with her. It helped to get them ready in stages this way it will be interesting to get all 3 of us out the door by 8:30! I had Colby ready by 8 then I was able to focus on myself and Lindsay and we were out the door by 9:30. I did go a little eary so I could help my mom with some nursery things. So she did get to venture to the nursery but my mom pretty much held her the whole time. When it was time to go in church I decided to take her without the carseat...I debated back and forth but I figured since I was alone it would be easier to leave with just her and the diaper bag then trying to juggle that big carseat down the aisles by myself! Plus I knew she would be in it a lot that day so I figured she needed a break anyways. The only problem is I feel like she's exposed to more and people want to hold her when she's not in it. She ended up doing really well through church she off and on slept she got a little wiggly towards the end so I waited until the invitation and got up and left with her. I like to leave a few minutes early anyway b/c its always time to feed/change her and that process seems to take forever. It was really hectic too trying to get her changed and fed. Plus in the process of changing her she peed everywhere! I was definitely missing Austin at this point...I also went to pick Colby up from his class so at one point I had him tugging on me and her screaming I guess that's part of the life with 2 now! I felt very tired and overwhelmed by the time all that was over. I felt rushed trying to get her fed b/c we were meeting friends at McAlister's and also everyone was leaving church and so they were turning off lights and shutting the place down. I ended up letting her eat wayy too quick which resulted in her spitting up like 2 or 3 times which made me feel even more stressed. Colby was also bent out of shape from waiting that long then he also said he didn't want to eat at McAlister's which he always wants to eat there but the last 2 weeks b/c of the holidays we didn't eat there. He said he wanted to eat at Grammy's house....so he pouted the whole way there. I ended up having a talk with him in the parking lot which resulted in him dashing off which resulted in me spanking him. So we got in McAlister's and I felt completely stressed...it was quite chaotic our first eating out experience with both kids! Again though I guess this is my new life! We were meeting our good friends the Picketts. It was so good to see them and get to visit. I had moments of doubt at church whether or not I wanted to go through with lunch but I'm so glad we did. Both kids ended up being angels too! It took Colby about 10 min to get out of his bad mood but once he did he was a total ham and Lindsday slept the whole time. We visited for almost 2 hours! It was great to catch up with them! It put me in a much better mood! I was still exausted though. My parents took Colby home which I am so thankful b/c as tired as I was I would have been a complete mess had I brought both kids home and tried to get them down for naps. Our reason for sending Colby over there was b/c we thought Austin might be working late which after a busy day I wasn't sure I would be up to bathing both kids and putting them to bed by myself! Doing it with one alone is exausting enough...not sure I will be up for that challenge until Lindsay is bathing in the big tub with Colby then it might be doable.
I was very thankful for the rest I did get although it wasn't much b/c Miss Lindsay was a fuss budget most of the afternoon. I tried putting her down for a nap and she wasn't having any of that. I finally just layed her on my chest and we both dozed but she was still a fussy mess that evening. It was still nice to have a slower paced evening with Austin once he did get home. I was completely worn out but I am glad I went to church....I am still debating this upcoming week if I will go alone again or not but we will see! It was nice to get to worship and to see people and feel part of this world again...having a baby is a little isolating for awhile since you have to stay home so much!

Lindsay 1 Month

Wow I can't believe a month has flown by that we have had our little girl here with us! Its been a crazy, busy month but we are getting into a routine now and life seems to be settling in as a family of 4! Lindsay has filled out and grown a lot over the last month. She goes to the doc Monday so I am anxious to know her weight/length then! At her 2 week visit she was 7 lbs 6 oz so I would guess that she is atleast 8 lbs by now. She is fitting in size 1 diapers now. She is also starting to be able to wear her 0-3 month clothing. She still fits in newborn too though. I have tried 3 month stuff on her and its entirely too big! By this time Colby was definitly wearing some 3 month stuff I think.
She's in a pretty good routine. She eats about every 3 hours during the day. She is eating 4-5 oz at each feeding. She goes through MANY diapers in a day! Kinda ready for that part to slow down haha. At night she is starting to only wake up once although she will still revert back to every 3 hours occassionally. We put her down around 9 and she usually sleeps until about 2 am. She eats then goes back to sleep until about 7. She takes several small naps during the day but is starting to stay awake for almost 3 hours at a time atleast once a day. While she is awake now you can really tell she is watching things and starting to recognize people. She takes one long nap in her bed in the afternoon. This coincides with Colby's naptime so that I can rest. It will be different on Colby's school days b/c her schedule gets shifted some but I guess second children have to learn to live with that!
We are definitely enjoying having her here with us! Life as a family of 4 is crazy busy though! We never realized how easy 1 child was until we brought her home! But she's a sweetie and its been fun this month watching her grow and change.

New Years

Man I can't believe another year has come and gone already! Its been a very fun and exciting year. We have really seen Colby grow up into a little boy. He really started talking at the first of the year. Its been very fun seeing his vocabulary expand. He also turned 3 which seems so old! He's not a baby anymore! He can do so much for himself now! We were able to take a couple fun trips this year. We took a trip to TN just the 3 of us! Looking back now I am so glad we did that! I never really thought about it being the last major trip we would take as a family of 3! We also took our yearly trip to Destin. Colby had a blast on the beach and in the pool! We also took many trips to Hattiesburg throughout the year! Colby loves playing with his cousins now and looks forward to any trip up there to see them! He also attended his first football game during the fall. He also began 3 year preschool. He now goes to school M,W,F. He loves his teacher and is doing really well! He has learned so much this year! He has developed little friendships which is adorable!
Ofcourse during this year we also welcomed the birth of our little girl. It was at the end so not much to report there. We look forward to what 2012 holds for her. Austin and I celebrated 7 years of marriage which is hard to believe! We also became a minivan family! We bought our van in October in preparation for 2 kids. And now I am soo happy we did!
Looking forward to 2012! I know it will hold many exciting adventures with 2 children! We hope to visit the beach again and also we are hoping to take Colby on a Disney Cruise! I am really excited about that! We also may take a smaller trip somewhere in the midst of all that just the 4 of us!
New Years was different this year for us for sure! We didn't even see the New Year in. Austin had to work both New Years and New Years Eve. New Years Eve was a long day for me! He didn't get home until 7:30. He did take Colby outside before bed to check out the "booms". I hated that we didn't get to buy our own fireworks but with Austin working and having a baby it just didn't work out. Next year we will definitely make a bigger deal out of it! We ended up going to bed before midnight too! I think Colby's first new years we missed it too! Its just too exausting to stay up that late when you know you will be up later with a baby!
New Years day was also different. Since it fell on a Sunday my parents brought Colby to church with them. Lindsay and I would have gone this week but since we were having New Years dinner I thought that was just too much coming and going for a baby. Colby spent the day with my parents though. It was kinda nice to have a quiet day with just her. Probably my last for a little while. I try to enjoy the times I only have 1 of them b/c its soo different with 2. I feel like I can't show either of them as much attention. Lindsay and I went over to my parent's house that afternoon. We all enjoyed New Years dinner. I am having to get used to these family functions again with a baby though. Its been nice the last year or so with Colby b/c he's so independent I can still visit and eat without much interruption. Lindsay stayed awake the whole time other then a couple minute catnaps and she would have nothing of staying in the pack n play while we ate. But she was still good and ofcourse everyone enjoyed holding her. I was glad Austin got to join us too...he was a little late but he still got there in plenty of time to visit and eat so that was nice!

City Park Playdate

Colby and I were able to have a special mommy/son day Friday. It was my goal to do something special with just him while he was out of school. My goal is really to do this atleast once a week. Colby has been my buddy for the last 3 1/2 years. And especially since he was 9 months old or so we have gone lots of places. He loves to be on the go and visit new and exciting things. I knew life would slow down with having a baby. We aren't slowing down so much though that we never get out we just can't do as much as we normally would. Its just not as logistically easy as it was with 1 child. Anyway my parents said they would keep Lindsay on Friday so that Colby and I could have some special time together. I decided to go to City Park. It had been since last December that he has been out there. I have been wanting to take him back for awhile but it just seems like life has gotton busy and we haven't been able to. I invited a couple of friends to come along thinking that would make it more fun for me and him. My friend Honey met us there with her son Max. Colby and Max go to school together and are pretty good friends. I also invited my friend Christina who recently moved into the neighborhood and her little boy who is 2. It was fun having other moms to visit with. I think this helped my spirits as well. Colby didn't play with Christiano too much but he and Max had fun. Although it was hard keeping up with 3 toddler boys. They all wanted to do different things it seemed!
Colby seemed to really have fun. It was good for him to just be able to run around outside and climb. He wouldn't do either slide though...I figured he wouldn't do the large dragon slide but he loved the Jack and Jill slide last time but he wouldn't even do that. I think the saying that 2 is fearless but at 3 they develop fears is so true. He wanted to so bad but never would. If I hadn't just had a baby 3 weeks prior I would have gone down with him. He kept telling me he would go next time with daddy. Usually Austin does all that kinda stuff with him. He said is favorite things where the boat, firetruck, and spaceship. After the park I took him to lunch at McAlister's. That was the first time me and him have eatin out a lone. We have gone with friends before but never just the 2 of us. It was really nice. I let him pick the place and he picked McAlister's. We got done pretty quickly then headed home to check on Lindsay and put both down for a nap! It was a great day and I'm looking forward to another mommy/son day soon!