Busy Big Brother

May has flown by in our house! Selfishly, I drank up every ounce of help to adjust to life with two kids. We were blessed with over a month of meals from our Sunday School, special friends bringing by lunch and extra help from Miss Karen and my mom to keep Miller occupied in the mornings. I survived...and day by day life with two became manageable.

Here are a few of the activities and happenings that have kept our Miller busy over the last month! We haven't let a newborn slow this little man down.

Auntie T stopped by to deliver lunch and meet the little miss priss. We enjoyed her company and Miller throught she came into town just for him! He loves when company comes to visit. Miller stares at Logan and Will's picture on our fridge, so he now refers to Auntie T as Logan and Will's mommy.

Miller enjoyed attending some of his special buddies' birthday parties during the month of May. I wish we could have captured a picture of Brooks' jumpy third birthday bash. Miller had a jumping good time.

What a fun way to celebrate Grant's Sid the Science Guy party! It was a buggy event at BridgeMill Park. Miller enjoyed his spider cupcake and blowing off some steam with some of his buds from the neighborhood. He came home with a bug collection kit that he's completely fascinated with. Lucky for this momma his bugs are plastic and he hasn't ventured outside to collect the creepy crawly variety yet.

We rang in the big three with Allie's princess themed party at Catch Air indoor playground in Cumming. They had a toddler dance floor that lit up as the kids danced. Miller was a ladies man as evidenced by the picture. He was working that dance floor shaking his little "pull up" clad booty! Miller keeps talking about Allie's pretty tutu and flower.

We conquered the pool with daddy's help. Every time we drive in the neighborhood Miller asks, "Do you think we can go swimmin' today, mom?" Finally, Miller's wish was granted when Landon got home early one afternoon from work. Our weekends have been too full lately to make the special trip, so we were happy to squeeze in some pool time! Miller is just as active as last year, taking a running leap right into the water!

This is what little sister did while Miller was hamming it up in the pool. She had it made in the shade missing out on all the fun Miller was having with his new Super Soaker. Eliza Kate misses out on so much while she's napping all day.Surprisingly, I got to lay out right along side Eliza Kate. It was a leisurely first trip for this momma of two. I don't see our future trips being this relaxed.

Our neighbors across the street hosted a block party on Memorial Day for some families on our block. It's such a blessing to have buddies around Miller's age to play with spontaneously throughout the week. We didn't let a little rain ruin our holiday plans! Everyone enjoyed Nate's famous smoked BBQ. We let the kids enjoy their patriotic cupcakes on the deck ,so we could hose off the frosting mess outside! Little Leah enjoyed holding Eliza Kate like she was her baby doll. She didn't want to let go...it was precious to watch. Leah has three older siblings, so this was a treat to be the big girl for a change.


We love the flexibility of summer and being able to meet friends for playdates around town. I make it a mission to get out of the house at least once a day to keep my sanity. Miller enjoyed a playdate with Allie and Michael at Southern Prep gymnastics for their open play hours.
What a cool little indoor playground. Between jumping on the trampoline, diving in the foam pit, and enjoying the roller coaster Miller was in heaven. I think Miller enjoyed the full body swing the best. Allie showed Miller some of her gymnastics routines that she learned throughout the year. It was a fun morning out!


We're looking forward to more busy big brother activities in the upcoming weeks as we look forward to our third annual summer music classes and swimming lessons with a few other mommy and toddlers.

One Month

Miss Eliza Kate turned one month old today! It's fun to be living month to month again instead of reporting my child's age in the number of years and half years. Here's a little narrative about what's going on in her four week old life. Every 3 months, I plan on jotting down some notes on the blog for her baby book. Eliza Kate's newborn brandnewness is fading with her increased awareness and pretzel like feet slowly stretching out. We've cherished this stage with our girl.




She's giving me a stretch of 4 hours at a time each night. I usually put her down around 10:00 p.m. and she wakes around 2:00 a.m. (yawn). The hardest feeding for me is the 6:00 a.m. feeding because I know I only have a little sleep time before our morning gets started with Miller around 7:15. During the night she soothes herself to sleep no problem. We're working on the self-soothing during naptimes. I'm learning that her bed is the safest, quietest place for these naptimes as big brother is loud and startles the little miss.


Our daytime routine starts around 7:30-8:00 with the first feeding, followed by awake activities. Eliza Kate only stays awake for about 45 mins to 1 hour including her feeding before she wants to snooze. She feeds every 2 1/2 to 3 hours following the same general routine of feed, wake, sleep. We haven't perfected it like clockwork yet, but we're getting there.
I don't stress if this pattern gets interrupted during our day to day life routine. We're trying to follow Babywise, but I use it loosely so we're not so confined!


Miss sleepy head is a challenge to keep awake during her feedings. I change her diaper mid way through, stroke her cheek, play with her feet...anything to get her to stay awake. Eliza Kate drinks anywhere from 3-4 ounces at each feeding. She's more of a passive eater than her brother and sometime snoozes and doesn't get enough. This can be somewhat frustrating.


One Month Memories:

The little miss and I enjoyed our first shopping trip to the Avenue.
Eliza Kate loved her first swing adventure.
Our first family outing was at Kidstock Park.
Eliza Kate's first trip back to church was on Mother's Day.
She is enjoying her evening baths sitting in her hammock.
We took our first family trip to the neighborhood pool.

Other tidbits:

• Miller asked, "Who is Eliza Kate's mommy?" and "Did you buy her at the hospital?"
• Miller rushes in to kiss his baby sister in the morning. He says, " Wake up baby girl!" "Time to get up." " Good Morning"
• When EK cries, Miller says "What's wrong baby girl?" "Don't cry" "Somebody's not happy!"
• My favorite Miller quote, "Eliza Kate had a little rumble in her diaper.
• Big brother reaches out to hold his baby sister's hand in her carseat.
• The vent fan on the microwave soothes this fussy baby in the late evenings. I think it reminds her of the womb.
  

In Training

There is a lot of training going on around here. First off, Big news around our house...I'm most likely going to be a stay at home momma next year as part time jobs have been cut in Cobb. This maternity leave is a refresher from last time about what it means to be home....ALL day long! It's a little bit of a transition as I'm learning our new routine.... I'm a SAHM in training.
I must say, I have a lot to learn about navigating the world with two kiddos in tow. I know with time it will be as easy as pie, but I sure am happy that I have the weekends to practice getting out and about with an extra set of hands.

Because I'll have my mornings around here every day, I feel it is my duty to take on the chore of our weekly grocery shopping. We'll see if Landon will relinquish this pleasure to me each week. He likes his little system, and I might mess things up!
Landon trained me this weekend on his routine, and we got to test drive this wonderful new cart (bus is more like it). This two seater invention will allow we to tote both kiddos without storing the little miss inside the cart. Miller wanted me to be his buddy and ride around the store with him. It was nice to be pushed around the store picking out groceries with the little man sitting in a front row seat. We sure did get some looks! Pretty soon, this momma will be the one steering the bus.


The little miss is in training too! She's learning how to stay awake after each feeding. She has done beautifully distinguishing from days and nights, and now she's becoming more alert during the day. Eliza Kate still does sleep a lot which allows me to get things accomplished around here.



And finally, we've also had more success in the potty training department. Miller is able to stay drier for longer periods and even is going number 2 more often on the potty. If only, I could just get him to tell me when he has to go instead of taking him every hour. I'm waiting for him to make the connection and get it to click in his brain. We've been bribing with jelly beans and stickers and even the promise of a riding toy when he goes ALL the time. Fortunately, we have this summer to be a potty master before the fall kick-off of three day preschool where he has to be 100% trained. No pressure for this busy momma at all!

Won't Miller love this picture later in life? We're thinking we'll leave it out of his rehearsal dinner video montage. Oh the indecency. Lots of transitions and changes around our house!

New Normal

Tomorrow, marks Eliza Kate's 3 week old birthday. A lot has changed around here is just three short weeks. Here are a few highlights to our "new normal" as a family of four around here.

• Eliza Kate is a dream baby SO FAR..I always include this clause because it could all change once her sleepy newborn state fades. No reflux or spitting up or hours of screaming. Praise the Lord! I'm so much more confident and relaxed this go around.


• She's so content most of the day, but gets a little fussy in the evenings. Eliza Kate likes to cluster feed in the late evenings. I swear it's because she's bulking up for the big night ahead.


• In the last few weeks we've adjusted to some predictability to her schedule. She wants to eat every 2 1/2- 3 hours in the daytime. From week one, she's given us between 4-6 hour stretches at night. I was a little concerned since her big bro awakened me every 2 hours at night. Dr. Gold assured me that she's fine and not to wake her up for nighttime feedings.


• After a little refresher in the schoolings of Babywise, I'm trying to get this sleepyhead to stay awake after each feeding. I just start her on the PDF plan each day when she wakes up. After awhile, we'll have more predictability. I try not to rush a schedule with a newbie.
• We love her dark hair, and think that maybe she'll be our brunette babe. She has a full head of black hair and even a touch on her upper arms and back. Landon jokes that we need to get her waxed before bathing suit season.
• EK is a spitting image of Miller as a newborn. We'll see as she grows if they continue to look alike.


• Eliza Kate loves to be swaddled in her swaddle me blanket each night. She likes it loose around her hands.


• She's gained all of her birth weight back, plus some. She now weighs 8 pounds 4 ounces. Let the comparing begin...Big brother Miller was a whooping 9 pounds 2 ounces at this stage.


• Big Brother Miller continues to love on his baby sister. He sings LaLa's song.."I love you, I love you, I love you...Baby Girl" to her and loves to kiss her on the forehead and head. Sometimes, he doesn't realize the brunt force of his head on hers.


• Miller always asks, "What's Lizzy Kat doing?" He laughs at her when she burps oh so sweetly. He loves to help me burp her on her back.


• Miller told me that he wanted to get Eliza Kate a fancy pacifier for Christmas:) I thought it was cute that he was considering what she would really like.


• I have to wrestle with the little man not to sit in EK's pack and play or swing. It's a challenge for him to realize that all the toys aren't for him anymore.


• How did I think was a challenge getting out with one baby? Eliza Kate and I have enjoyed outings together to run errands and doctor's appointments in the first few weeks. Miller has really loved getting out and playing at Miss Karen's. The real world with two kiddos starts in June. I've already started planning on how I'll make this work. Wish me luck!


• Our first family outing was to the park, and we all made it to church on Sunday morning. It was an EARLY morning for momma.
  

That's a little peek into our world at home. More to come from the homefront soon. We've enjoyed our days as homebodies soaking in all the excitement of our newborn. I think we're going to have a laid back summer around here.

Daddy Duo

Miller and mommy have really enjoyed Landon's time off from work this past week. What a huge help he's been entertaining Miller and helping me get back into the swing of things. Between McDonald's lunch dates, trips to the hardware store, playing on the caboose in downtown Woodstock, and putting together Miller's new scooter, this daddy duo pair have been busy. Landon's also been helping me out in the potty training dept. It's hard enough to keep track of the sleeping, feeding schedule for a newborn much less think about potty times for our little guy.

Sadly, we'll watch Landon drive off to work again in the morning:( Our first week with two has been successful, partly because Eliza Kate sleeps most of the day and because we've each had one to keep up with. It's been an artificial new reality. I know it will only get more challenging.

Landon's been my chauffeur for the past week driving us to various doctor's appointments. We had Miller's 3 year check up, EK's 5 day old check up, and a follow up with my OB. It was nice to have him there to juggle both kiddos. They tell c-section mommies not to drive for six weeks, but I think I'm up for it tomorrow. I ignored that rule last time around too. My mom's going to be my passenger in the car tomorrow just to make sure I can do it on my own.

I'm off of pain meds now, and feeling great going up and down the stairs. Landon was my planting assistant yesterday handing me flowers to spruce up the front door planters. I'm still really careful not to lift Miller or to bend down to low to the ground. It feels good not to have that cumbersome 9 months preggo stomach in my way. Freedom!

Fortunately, Miller will still enjoy going to Miss Karen's for 3 more weeks in the mornings. He keeps asking about all his friends. When he wakes up he asks, "What are we doing today mommy?" I think he has cabin fever.

Thank you Landon for holding down the fort this week. Miller's so lucky to have a whole week just with daddy!

Hospital Highlights

Pictures say it best. Here's a quick recap of our first few days and nights at Kennestone.

I'm glad I can look back on this photo and laugh at my fake smile. Luckily Landon snapped this in between the very painful 5 minute apart contractions. This go around, I had to experience these intense contractions without an epidural as I awaited my spinal before surgery. An emergency c-section bumped us back 1 whole hour. I intently stared at the clock every five minutes until 8:00 pm wondering if I really could make it! SO much for strolling in pain free for my scheduled section.

Moments after Elizabeth Katherine made her screaming entrance into the world. This time, I was totally aware and felt undrugged to soak in every moment. At first glance at Eliza Kate, I immediately knew she was ours as she closely resembles Miller at birth. I was relieved to know that it really was a GIRL!! All of pink decorations were not in vain.

Eliza Kate did not like getting cleaned off. We anxiously awaited her stats. Landon asked the doctor 5 and 5? He was really wondering if she had five fingers on each hand and 5 toes on each foot. I misunderstood and thought this was her birth weight. I knew this girl had to be at least 7 pounds. At 7 pounds 6 ounces, she weighed 1 more ounce than her big bro at birth.

C-section moms can relate to the flurry of activity in the OR. There is a whole army full of people there working on you, and waiting on the baby. They let Landon film the entire event over the curtain! Landon's whole get-up cracks me up with the mask. He looked just like his dad in scrubs.

One of the most special parts about Eliza Kate's birthday, is that both sets of grandparents made it just in time to the hospital. We gave Landon's parents a four hour notice to drive down from Knoxville and we managed to find a neighbor to babysit Miller as he slept. Right as they wheeled me out of the OR with our new pink and blue swaddled babe on my chest, we spotted Landon's parents waiting on us at the end of the hallway. Then my parents arrived just as we got to our room. Perfect timing! The whole family stood around watching Eliza Kate's first bath as I looked on from the bed.

Landon is so happy to finally have his girl. This is the first of many father, daugher shots. Eliza Kate has him wrapped around her little finger already.

On Thursday, Big brother Miller came to the hospital to greet his new baby sis. He was bursting with excitement to hug and kiss the baby. He crawled right up onto the bed and said, "Hi, Eliza Kate". We were quickly reassured that he'll do just fine sharing the attention with our newest member. Miller even got to hold the little miss with assistance. He loves her so much, I'm afraid he might squish her. Can you spot her tiny head above his grasp? This photo warms my heart. He's in love already.

I was so proud of big brother's adaptability at the hospital...coming and going with Omi and Papa without a fuss. He would kiss me before he left each time and say, "Bye mom, see you later." Who knew my heart could love my two babies just the same?

After 3 long nights, in the hospital without much sleep at all, it was time to go home. No one can sleep in the hospital when they're constantly checking your blood pressure, temperature and checking in on the baby. It's an open door policy for nurses and the techs 24/7 with little regard to your sleep. Exhaustion hit me by day 2. Between welcoming family and visitors and healing from surgery, this momma wanted her own bed. We were more than ready to take Eliza Kate home.

Here's our little girl all dressed up in her going home smocked dress and much too big bonnet all ready for the big trek home. She woke up just in time to take in the sights and sounds outside of our room.

I forgot how little a newbie looks in the car seat. It swallowed her whole. EK looked so tiny all squished up in there. I love how her legs criss cross right underneath her with her feet crossed. She sits in the same cramped position as she was in the womb.

One last picture, before leaving the hospital. We have an almost identical picture of this with Miller. We're so thankful for our girl! Thank you Tracy for making and delivering our cutey sign.

Soon after, an assistant came with a wheel chair to wheel me out to the car. She was a little annoyed that I was standing by the door. I guess she thought I should still be in bed? If she could have only seen me climbing stairs slowly the next day.

Hope you enjoyed our little hospital tour. I wanted to record all the little details for posterity sake.

Our Girl is Here!

Our family is ecstatic to announce the birth of sweet Miss Elizabeth Katherine Fokens on Tuesday, April 21st 2010 at 8:34 p.m. Eliza Kate weighed in at 7 pounds 6 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. We're praising God who knew Elizabeth Katherine even before she was born for a healthy, beautiful baby girl!

Miss EK has a mind of her own and decided to pick her own birthday two weeks from her due date. She likes to be early just like her mommy.

Ten LONG fingers and ten LONG toes. We love everything from your jet black hair, heart shaped lips, facial expressions and even your furrowed brow like you're in deep thought. Mommy and daddy study you when you're sleeping ALL day long. You're precious to our family.

More details and hospital highlights to follow once we adjust to our new life as a family of four.