Papa, William, Great G'pa Lang, Levi, G'pa Doug
Sleepy William
Lookin' Levi
William, G'pa Joseph, G'ma Deborah, Levi
G'ma Wanda holding William, G'ma Deborah holding Levi
Great G'ma Phyllis and William
G'ma Heidi and the sleepy boys.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Visitors!
As I said before we had some special guests. Grandma Deborah and Grandpa Joseph came from Washington. It was so nice seeing them with the boys. Grandpa Joseph is an avid cyclist. In fact he is doing a 75 mile trek today. Thank goodness he lives in a better climate than Michigan. While they were here we watched some of la Tour de France and he educated us on the strategy the cyclists use. I noticed there were a set of brothers riding. The Schleck brothers. Maybe someday my boys will want to be in la Tour. The Lang brothers!
We didn't go out much while they were visiting because the weather has been so horribly hot and humid. I am so thankful for the air conditioning right now. These 90 degree days have gone on too long. I did take Deborah out to the farm where I get my milk.
On the last evening they were here they took Doug and I out for dinner. We went to San Chez Tapas Bistro. That was my first time there and man-o-man I think this is my new favorite restaurant. I can't wait till the boys can eat solids and we can introduce all kinds of yumminess to them. This is definitely one place we will bring them to introduce new flavours to their palate. I hope one of the boys decides to be a chef. I should be so spoiled.
The same weekend that they visited we found out that Grandpa Doug and Grandma Heidi's house burned down. So tragic. Thankfully no one was home when it happened but nothing can replace the loss of a home. Prayers for them please.
So two weeks ago I was sitting in the recliner with Levi in one arm and my phone in the other hand. I was checking my e-mail when a little hand reached up and one lone finger pressed the delete button. There went the e-mail I was in the middle of reading. I guess Levi wanted to say that he thought he was a little more important than the e-mail. Guess I need to pay more attention to him.
They have both have been using their hands more and more. Each day seems like they have more dexterity than before. William is still using his legs more than ever. He loves to stretch out and make himself as long as possible. He is so strong. Levi loves to stay bunched up in a ball. I call him my brick-house because he is just so solid. They are both such wonderful little snugglers.
Last night we all got to sleep through the night. Levi got up at 6:30 and William got up at 7. Yay! I could get used to this. So far today Levi has peed on my bed and William has spit up on my bed. I just washed those sheets last night too.
So here is hoping for another full night of rest and a happy productive day tomorrow!
We didn't go out much while they were visiting because the weather has been so horribly hot and humid. I am so thankful for the air conditioning right now. These 90 degree days have gone on too long. I did take Deborah out to the farm where I get my milk.
On the last evening they were here they took Doug and I out for dinner. We went to San Chez Tapas Bistro. That was my first time there and man-o-man I think this is my new favorite restaurant. I can't wait till the boys can eat solids and we can introduce all kinds of yumminess to them. This is definitely one place we will bring them to introduce new flavours to their palate. I hope one of the boys decides to be a chef. I should be so spoiled.
The same weekend that they visited we found out that Grandpa Doug and Grandma Heidi's house burned down. So tragic. Thankfully no one was home when it happened but nothing can replace the loss of a home. Prayers for them please.
So two weeks ago I was sitting in the recliner with Levi in one arm and my phone in the other hand. I was checking my e-mail when a little hand reached up and one lone finger pressed the delete button. There went the e-mail I was in the middle of reading. I guess Levi wanted to say that he thought he was a little more important than the e-mail. Guess I need to pay more attention to him.
They have both have been using their hands more and more. Each day seems like they have more dexterity than before. William is still using his legs more than ever. He loves to stretch out and make himself as long as possible. He is so strong. Levi loves to stay bunched up in a ball. I call him my brick-house because he is just so solid. They are both such wonderful little snugglers.
Last night we all got to sleep through the night. Levi got up at 6:30 and William got up at 7. Yay! I could get used to this. So far today Levi has peed on my bed and William has spit up on my bed. I just washed those sheets last night too.
So here is hoping for another full night of rest and a happy productive day tomorrow!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
2 months and counting
We are having some fun this weekend because Grandma Deborah and Grandpa Joseph are in town visiting. The boys are getting and giving all kinds of loving. Today we went to the Fulton Street farmers market and picked up some amazing fruits and veggies. Yum yum yummy in my tum tum tummy.
Wednesday was their two month check at the doctors office. William weighed in at 10 lbs 4 oz. He is 22.5 inches long. Levi weighed in at 11 lbs and is 22 inches long. The doctor gave Mama and Papa an A+ on caring for these boys. They go back in two months.
They had to get some shots that day. I was leaning over William as he laid on the table and then the nurse walked in. She asked me if I was nervous. I said no but I can imagine there are a lot of parents who get anxious about the shots. I was thinking after all we went through with Arawynn this would be cake. I pinned their arms down while she gave the shots and Papa got to soothe them afterwards. I don't think I will forget the look on their faces when they got their first poke. Silence, surprise and then wailing. Poor babes.
Levi is becoming more aware of his hands. He grabs for the bottle and tries to pull it to his mouth. Today I put the pacifier in his hand and he pulled it to his mouth and almost got it in by himself. I was amazed by how well he is doing. His motor skills are farther along than William but William has him beat on strength. William can practically stand up by himself. He stands up on my lap and stiffens up real tight and I hold him loosely but enough that he doesn't tip over. I love these boys.
Wednesday was their two month check at the doctors office. William weighed in at 10 lbs 4 oz. He is 22.5 inches long. Levi weighed in at 11 lbs and is 22 inches long. The doctor gave Mama and Papa an A+ on caring for these boys. They go back in two months.
They had to get some shots that day. I was leaning over William as he laid on the table and then the nurse walked in. She asked me if I was nervous. I said no but I can imagine there are a lot of parents who get anxious about the shots. I was thinking after all we went through with Arawynn this would be cake. I pinned their arms down while she gave the shots and Papa got to soothe them afterwards. I don't think I will forget the look on their faces when they got their first poke. Silence, surprise and then wailing. Poor babes.
Levi is becoming more aware of his hands. He grabs for the bottle and tries to pull it to his mouth. Today I put the pacifier in his hand and he pulled it to his mouth and almost got it in by himself. I was amazed by how well he is doing. His motor skills are farther along than William but William has him beat on strength. William can practically stand up by himself. He stands up on my lap and stiffens up real tight and I hold him loosely but enough that he doesn't tip over. I love these boys.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Fountain of William
I'm standing over the crib waiting for the boys to fall asleep. The moment we put them in the crib their eyes popped open and decided it was their awake time. I'm tired and would like a decent rest but instead I'm watching them. They are both thoroughly entertained by the mobile and it brings many smiles and laughs from them. William is getting so excited he can't seem to stop squirming all over the place. Then he squirms a little to much and he urps up with such force that it shoots straight up and splats down on his face and chest. I'm laughing so hard that I'm about to pee my pants. As I wipe him off he is still giggles and smiles. Oh my silly little boy, I love it when you are so happy. I just wish it happened more during the day and you did a little more sleeping at night. Levi is starting to drift now. I hope William, you will not be very far behind him. I love you my sweet, sweet boys.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Independence Day!
What a busy weekend it's been. I'm glad tomorrow is back to "normal" but so thankful for the wonderful time we have had over the last few days.
Friday the boys and I went to visit the Lang family near Flint. It was about a two hour drive and I admit I was a little nervous about making that trek. Doug was on the last day of his trip and so we planned that he would fly into the Flint airport and I would pick him up there which then meant I was driving with the boys by myself. It is so hard to drive when you can't see your child and know whether they are awake or asleep. I get anxious that the car seat straps will cut their necks or hurt them in some way. I can't reach around to touch and reassure them if they start crying. I hate it that the seats have to be rear facing. But, you do what you have to and we made it all in one piece to our destination.
Grandma Heidi couldn't wait to get her hands on the boys when I drove up to the house. She even stayed up that night to watch the boys and I went to bed early and slept great. She can be the night shift anytime. :)
Saturday we took the boys over to their Great Grandparents and much of the aunts, uncles and cousins came to see the new addition to the family before heading back home. It was a wonderful time seeing everyone. They will be having a party in August and so the boys will be making another trip out there to see their family.
Sunday we took the boys to a pool party to visit with a bunch of our friends. I feel like it had been ages since I had seen all of them. It was really a great afternoon. And just in case you are wondering, no, I did not put the boys in the pool. We stayed in the shade for a little while and then spent most of the day in the house keeping cool.
And this afternoon we went to a park in the afternoon to meet some old friends that we haven't seen in several years. It was great to reconnect with them and meet their beautiful daughters. They were sweet girls and the oldest just adored the boys. She couldn't get enough of holding them. And a side note here, the boys are two months old today! Gosh, they grow so fast.
So, after such a busy weekend we are ready for some rest time. We have to get rested because this coming weekend will be filled with more excitement since Grandma Deborah is coming out to see the boys. She will be blown away by how much they are growing.
Our boys have been so celebrated by family and friends. It makes everything feel right when I see the happiness on everyones faces when they see the boys. I love all of you for your love and encouragement you have shown to us.
Friday the boys and I went to visit the Lang family near Flint. It was about a two hour drive and I admit I was a little nervous about making that trek. Doug was on the last day of his trip and so we planned that he would fly into the Flint airport and I would pick him up there which then meant I was driving with the boys by myself. It is so hard to drive when you can't see your child and know whether they are awake or asleep. I get anxious that the car seat straps will cut their necks or hurt them in some way. I can't reach around to touch and reassure them if they start crying. I hate it that the seats have to be rear facing. But, you do what you have to and we made it all in one piece to our destination.
Grandma Heidi couldn't wait to get her hands on the boys when I drove up to the house. She even stayed up that night to watch the boys and I went to bed early and slept great. She can be the night shift anytime. :)
Saturday we took the boys over to their Great Grandparents and much of the aunts, uncles and cousins came to see the new addition to the family before heading back home. It was a wonderful time seeing everyone. They will be having a party in August and so the boys will be making another trip out there to see their family.
Sunday we took the boys to a pool party to visit with a bunch of our friends. I feel like it had been ages since I had seen all of them. It was really a great afternoon. And just in case you are wondering, no, I did not put the boys in the pool. We stayed in the shade for a little while and then spent most of the day in the house keeping cool.
And this afternoon we went to a park in the afternoon to meet some old friends that we haven't seen in several years. It was great to reconnect with them and meet their beautiful daughters. They were sweet girls and the oldest just adored the boys. She couldn't get enough of holding them. And a side note here, the boys are two months old today! Gosh, they grow so fast.
So, after such a busy weekend we are ready for some rest time. We have to get rested because this coming weekend will be filled with more excitement since Grandma Deborah is coming out to see the boys. She will be blown away by how much they are growing.
Our boys have been so celebrated by family and friends. It makes everything feel right when I see the happiness on everyones faces when they see the boys. I love all of you for your love and encouragement you have shown to us.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Another week in paradise.
A couple of days ago Doug was holding William so that he was sitting up. My brother walked up to them from the side and said, "there's my little nephew," as he touched Williams arm. William turned his head to the side and looked up at his uncle James. He then smiled the biggest best smile I have seen him give yet. It was so amazing to me to see how deliberate and intentional his motions were. It wasn't accidental or coincidental in any way.
I love how when he smiles his eyes smile too. His eyelids curve almost as much as his mouth does. And those eyes are so blue. Sigh, I melt when I look at either one of them.
Levi has been cooing for the last couple weeks but yesterday William finally started to find his voice. There were a few instances were he had a short little coo escape from his cute little body. So sweet. I look forward to hearing it more frequently. He has been smiling a bit more too. He is also becoming somewhat aware of his hands.
They have been growing like weeds. I don't know how much they weigh or what there length is but I bet they are close to 9 pounds. They've already outgrown some clothes. William is starting to have longer stretches of sleep on some nights. I can't wait for that to be a regular occurrence :) Levi needs to catch up on that idea.
Since we have been staying at my Mom's house I have been getting another set of hands to help out. My Dad has been coming over nearly every day to hold one of the boys. Usually he is holding William. William has been somewhat of a fussy boy and my Dad has enjoyed the challenge of getting him calm and sleepy. It's nice to have the extra help so I can get some normal things done like laundry and eating. It is especially helpful on the days when both Doug and my Mom are working. I get a little panicky when I have two screaming boys and only one set of hands.
Monday night I introduced the boys to the people in my Mom's courtyard. Each month the residents in her courtyard of the condo association get together for dinner. They do potlucks in the summer. It's a nice way for everyone to stay in touch. The boys were the hit of the evening. There were so many grandmas out there wanting a chance to hold them so I got to enjoy a break from holding them while I had dinner. We were outside for a little more than an hour and I could tell the heat was starting to get to them. Once we got back inside I fed them but it was not a happy evening. They were crying and not feeling well from the heat. They eventually got baths in and I think it helped them to get tired out a bit. I feel so bad when they get overheated. We have been keeping the air conditioning on every day even when it seems like a "nice" day outside. Even though it may feel nice to us at 75 degrees I know it is too much for them. The humidity can be way to much for them. So I sit in the house with my sweater and socks on and I'm okay with that as long as they are comfortable.
I love how when he smiles his eyes smile too. His eyelids curve almost as much as his mouth does. And those eyes are so blue. Sigh, I melt when I look at either one of them.
Levi has been cooing for the last couple weeks but yesterday William finally started to find his voice. There were a few instances were he had a short little coo escape from his cute little body. So sweet. I look forward to hearing it more frequently. He has been smiling a bit more too. He is also becoming somewhat aware of his hands.
They have been growing like weeds. I don't know how much they weigh or what there length is but I bet they are close to 9 pounds. They've already outgrown some clothes. William is starting to have longer stretches of sleep on some nights. I can't wait for that to be a regular occurrence :) Levi needs to catch up on that idea.
Since we have been staying at my Mom's house I have been getting another set of hands to help out. My Dad has been coming over nearly every day to hold one of the boys. Usually he is holding William. William has been somewhat of a fussy boy and my Dad has enjoyed the challenge of getting him calm and sleepy. It's nice to have the extra help so I can get some normal things done like laundry and eating. It is especially helpful on the days when both Doug and my Mom are working. I get a little panicky when I have two screaming boys and only one set of hands.
Monday night I introduced the boys to the people in my Mom's courtyard. Each month the residents in her courtyard of the condo association get together for dinner. They do potlucks in the summer. It's a nice way for everyone to stay in touch. The boys were the hit of the evening. There were so many grandmas out there wanting a chance to hold them so I got to enjoy a break from holding them while I had dinner. We were outside for a little more than an hour and I could tell the heat was starting to get to them. Once we got back inside I fed them but it was not a happy evening. They were crying and not feeling well from the heat. They eventually got baths in and I think it helped them to get tired out a bit. I feel so bad when they get overheated. We have been keeping the air conditioning on every day even when it seems like a "nice" day outside. Even though it may feel nice to us at 75 degrees I know it is too much for them. The humidity can be way to much for them. So I sit in the house with my sweater and socks on and I'm okay with that as long as they are comfortable.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Has it been 6 weeks?
Time for another update and a few stories.
The first time we took the boys out was on Mothers Day. We went to my Mom's church to show them off to everyone there that had been praying for us. It was nice to see everyone. I think the only reason I was able to make this trip was that I had not yet run out of energy. The boys got passed around a bit and it tired them out so they slept most of the afternoon for us.
Shortly after the boys were born I had to bring them into the WIC office to update our information. They needed to take measurements and what not of the boys. While I was stripping Levi down I noticed a bruise on his forearm. I of course started talking to him and asking him where he got it from and the woman assisting us looked at it too. I'm sure she has written something in the chart to watch for bruising and signs of abuse. I was clueless as to where it came from. My mom had stepped out of the room but when she returned I asked her if she knew anything about it. At first she couldn't think of anything but then she did mention he had been sucking on his arm the night before when she was getting a bottle ready for him. That made sense. He did that a lot when he was getting hungry. However this was the first time that he actually gave himself a hickey. My mom was a little nervous that they were going to have CPS stop by or something; which they didn't.
A couple of weeks ago I was giving Levi a bath. You know I love naked babies and I had to take a picture of course. I was amazed at how Levi would stretch out and want to have his feet planted on something. So I handed him to Grandma to hold him as he stood on the table and I took a picture. Well just as I was snapping the photo he decided to pee. It was his first stand up pee. And then I heard a loud fart and a splat of poo showed up on the towel. I was dying from laughter. Thank goodness he didn't do that in the bath water.
The first time we took the boys out was on Mothers Day. We went to my Mom's church to show them off to everyone there that had been praying for us. It was nice to see everyone. I think the only reason I was able to make this trip was that I had not yet run out of energy. The boys got passed around a bit and it tired them out so they slept most of the afternoon for us.
Shortly after the boys were born I had to bring them into the WIC office to update our information. They needed to take measurements and what not of the boys. While I was stripping Levi down I noticed a bruise on his forearm. I of course started talking to him and asking him where he got it from and the woman assisting us looked at it too. I'm sure she has written something in the chart to watch for bruising and signs of abuse. I was clueless as to where it came from. My mom had stepped out of the room but when she returned I asked her if she knew anything about it. At first she couldn't think of anything but then she did mention he had been sucking on his arm the night before when she was getting a bottle ready for him. That made sense. He did that a lot when he was getting hungry. However this was the first time that he actually gave himself a hickey. My mom was a little nervous that they were going to have CPS stop by or something; which they didn't.
A couple of weeks ago I was giving Levi a bath. You know I love naked babies and I had to take a picture of course. I was amazed at how Levi would stretch out and want to have his feet planted on something. So I handed him to Grandma to hold him as he stood on the table and I took a picture. Well just as I was snapping the photo he decided to pee. It was his first stand up pee. And then I heard a loud fart and a splat of poo showed up on the towel. I was dying from laughter. Thank goodness he didn't do that in the bath water.
Levi made my morning by just being so happy. He was all smiles for me. I ate it all up. And in typical boy fashion Levi has already discovered the humour in pooping and farting. This morning he was letting out some significant explosions in his pants and after each one he would look at me and then give me the biggest smile. He was practically laughing. Which of course made me laugh too.
One more thing about Levi. He has been cooing for the last few days. It is the sweetest sound in the world. It makes me melt. William isn't quite there yet but he has these funny little outbursts that last about 1 second. Kind of a shout out to say "hey!" It's pretty stinkin' cute.
William had a few days where I don't think he was feeling all that well. He would burp up quite a bit of his food. But I think that was related to the heat we were having and he has gotten over that problem. But he has a problem of swallowing a lot of air when he eats. This makes his tummy hurt and he is not a happy baby. Today seemed better and there wasn't much crying when we had to burp him. I'm hoping he gets better with the feedings.
Last time I asked that you pray about the breast feeding problem. Well I did start getting another infection in the other breast so I decided to give it up. I cannot function as a good mom if I'm sick frequently. However I have still been fighting a fever and body aches. They come and go every couple of days and I don't know why. More prayers for this please.
On the up side, a friend of my mother has been pumping and freezing her milk for the last few months and praying for someone who could use it. So I'm the answer to her prayer and she is the answer to mine. I don't like the idea of the boys being completely on formula. They have been on her milk for the past week and it is going well. I'm so happy about it. However I have still been fighting a fever and body aches. They come and go every couple of days and I don't know why. More prayers for this please.
So the big news this past week is that we had to make an emergency exodus from our home. We knew the roof was leaking and a couple months ago found out how bad it was. It needs to be completely replaced. Well with all the rain we have been having the leaks have gotten much worse. And then the hot and humid days have created a serious mold problem. It was starting to make Doug itch and we were concerned about the boys health and my Mom's health. So a couple days later we moved into my Mom's condo. Everything is chaos right now and I'm overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. But I know we will survive somehow. The important thing is that the boys are safe. This is only a temporary solution while we figure out something more permanent.
So while we stay at my Mom's it puts us close to my Dad and he walks over nearly every day to see his grand babies. He likes to sit in the recliner and rock them to sleep. It is nice to have him here because I can occasionally take a nap w/out worrying about my Mom having to handle both babies.
Some days I don't think I'm going to make it through the challenge of taking care of infants but yet I know I will somehow. I will look back on it and say, "see, you did it." But for now, I'm whooped. Sometimes I want to just cry myself to sleep from exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed. I admit it is easier that those first three weeks but not by much. I wouldn't trade my little angels for anything in the world. When I start thinking I can't make it I just need to look at them and when they smile it just lights up my world.
If anyone is serious about wanting to babysit for me during the week please let me know. I would like to go to my house and pack up some things but I don't want to leave my mom alone with two babies. It is too much to ask any one person to do.
And some random pictures....
Levi napping
William napping with Papa
trying to catch a picture of William smiling
Does this pacifier make me look fat?
chillin' with the Mama
William. I R Cute!
from the photo session
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)