2 months (8-9wks). Grandmother Stones visit!

I have my 2 month pics downloading and will post those later. Apparently, I have run out of memory on my MAC book pro! So, I (Actually, Grant) had to transfer everything to an external hard disk drive. Now, I have to go through and delete pics, etc. I'm picture happy!

Anyhow, things have been super busy as usual! We said goodbye to Grandma Hodges, and then said hello to Grandmother Stone! Like I said in another post, they are visiting Asher at the same time they visited Jake for the first time. It's funny how different these little munchkins are! We think that Jake looks just like Grant, and that Asher is taking after the Spellman family. I got my mini me after all as well! ;)

Asher is growing and getting so big! I take him to his 2 month baby well appointment tomorrow... So, I will update on stats and post pics then (hopefully with my picky sticky 2 month pics).

He's a happy little guy! He's much more mellower than Jake was. He will actually let me put him down to make lunch, etc. Jake liked to be held if he wasn't on his floor gym. He sleeps better too!! I was worried at first... since I'm hyperlactating... his tummy has bothered him from time to time. It's finally getting better. I'm glad I stayed patient and kept nursing. I know it works itself out as his stomach matures. I'm still hyperlactating, and he's still gassy, but it is getting better. And guess what? He's sleeping more! yay!

Saturday night Grant and I went to Jewels of The Night at CSULB (fundraiser for the athletic department), when we got home the babysitter had Asher asleep in his bassinet. Grant and I went to bed, and in a sheer panic I woke up... I looked at the clock... 3am! I looked at Asher and he was fast asleep. I work up Grant and told him that Asher was last fed at 8pm, and had been asleep since 9pm. I shook him. Yes, I woke him up! WHY? I'm not sure. Something told me to. Most likely, because I'm not used to a newborn sleeping that long! haha. I changed his diaper, and fed him. He smiled at me and talked for about 30 minutes and went back to sleep until 630am!!!

Last night... same thing! Down at 9pm and up at 3:30am! Let's see if this is a new schedule or just a fluke! Hoping he's starting to sleep longer!



Here are some pictures from my cell phone I took over the week:

My little munchkins in the morning. They climb in bed with me, and we snuggle and watch TV. It's my favorite time of the day (It lasts about 30 minutes with Jake... then he's ready to get up and run).

Here are some pictures from over the weekend. I bought Jake a water table. He loves to play with water and this looked cool. The back yard is turning into a park for my kiddos. Jake loves to play outside. He has so many fun things to do out there! Next up... SAND BOX! 

Grandmother Stone and Jake

Then I bought chalk! Jake loves to color... ALL OVER THE HOUSE LATELY... So, I decided to buy chalk and let him go nuts outside... It was a great idea... and I can hose it all down! 

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Blog to book...Check!

I finally had time to purchase it!

And I'm so glad I kept up the blogging. The book journals from pregnancy with Jake to his first year (up to 15 months old). It's awesome. I have also started writing notes in it as well. Make it a little more personal, plus adding in more info I didn't write about.

I can't wait until I can give this to Jake's wife one day! It's something he can show his kids one day. :)

Here are some pics of the book:
 The first page is a little note to my little man:

 Inside the book... I have it opened up to where Asher is at this point in time. SO cool!

It does get easier.

Being a mom the second time around is much different. It's not easier, but there is a confidence about how you feel and the decisions you make. I know what the cries mean, and I know what to do to.

Every child is different. I know this. I'm lucky to have 2 healthy little boys. With that said... It clicks. You remember. Your worry is different! I will always worry. It's my nature.

With Jake, everything made me nervous. I wouldn't even let family hold him without a whooping cough shot (thank you to my dear friends that also got one as well). Some nights when he was up late at night crying I thought I might have to take him into the ER to be looked at. When he ate I was always wondering if I gave him enough... And when he slept I watched him like a hawk.

It doesn't mean that I don't do this for my second baby. I just know what to do, with less hesitation. When Ash cries I can decipher what kind of cry it is. Is he clean? Is he fed? Does he have gas? Is he tired? Or simply does he want to be held? I know how to handle the situation, and it doesn't make me think I'm doing something wrong. I know to do all the above... but, sometimes when he would continue to cry I would blame myself and get frustrated.

I remember one night with Jake I just rocked him crying. I thought, "what am I doing wrong?", but, I wasn't doing anything wrong. I prayed for strength and for answers. The next thing I knew is I striped him down to his diaper, and fed him. I held him close to my skin, and he instantly calmed down. Not sure he was all that hungry... but, the closeness worked. Skin on skin. When you are calm and in control, they are too.

Jake was an awesome baby. Wasn't much of a sleeper... but, we got through it. He has been sleeping through the night and in his own bed since he was 6 months old. It's wasn't an easy process... but, it is done. He is happy, and he is thriving.

Asher is a much better sleeper. He naps throughout the day, and will sleep pretty well at night. His night feedings, put him right back to sleep... so, he isn't confused with day and night anymore. He still has mild gas, but even that is getting better... thank goodness!!! I knew that I was hyperlactating right away. I knew the way my milk was coming in, and I knew that Asher was getting full very fast. Since I experienced this with Jake, I again could devise a plan for it.

I know that generally babies of this age range have a "fussy" time. His time is around 7/8pm, just like Jake's was. Knowing this, I can prepare myself for the cry that means nothing. He's not hungry, he's clean, he's not tired, etc. He's just crying. And I'm OK with it. I rock him until he falls asleep... and it works. :)

I have lots of peace knowing that every week we have more of a routine with Asher. Meaning that things are falling into place with 2 kiddos only 17 months apart. Jake has been amazing. I know I say that all the time... But, he is so helpful. Even at 19 months old. On his way to bed he runs over to Asher and I and gives us kisses, and then chases Grant into his room, for stories, milk, and bed. He is so loving. This doesn't mean that he can't get wild during the day... it just means... when I'm at my most tired of the day, he knows how to pick me up. He reminds me how lucky I am to have my boys.

Yesterday, when Asher was crying... I laid him down on his floor gym, and he still fussed... Jake ran over from the other room, laid down next to Asher, hugged, and began talking to him... Asher stopped crying. I'M NOT KIDDING. I was shocked. It brought tears of joy to my eyes. Brotherly love. :)

It's a little fuzzy... I tired to snap a picture of them.

After his brother played them him. Totally happy and kicking!

I've read blogs (Huffington Post for example) about women saying your not real if your talking about how good your kids are or how happy you are and I don't agree. I do agree that some women feel this way... but, I don't. Even at my wits end with 2 kiddos crying... I still remind myself that this is temporary... and one day they will have their own lives. OMGosh... I'm getting emotional again. I soak in EVERY moment. Life is short, and unexpected. I stay thankful and humbled. I do my best.  My blogs are REAL. From a real woman, wife, mom, sister, and friend. We all have opinions... and this one is mine.



Enjoy your Friday!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Happy 3rd Anniversary Grant!

In three years we have accomplished a lot as a couple. We have been through a lot and have become best of friends. We have two children, and have made a house a home.

I know that with you supporting me I can do anything I set my mind to. I thank you for supporting me as a stay at home mommy raising our children, while you are striving and achieving so much with your career. I am so proud of the businessman/husband/father you have become. I know that you have my best interest at all times, and that you will always be a loving husband, and father.

Without getting too mushy (guess I'm too late, right?)... I just want you to know that I love you. I appreciate you. I look forward to many more years together. Thank you for being my partner and my love.

I'm excited for our anniversary dinner at home tonight... and our up coming date night out!
- Wonder if we'll have the bottle of 1992 Silver Oak or the Stag's Leap? Let me know and I'll decant! ;)

Cheers to a trip down memory lane...
We got engaged at one of our favorite wineries (Leonesse Cellars) on May 24, 2008:

An engagement photo (Santa Barbara, CA):

Married in Boise, Idaho on April 18, 2009.

Became parents to Jake Bowman Stone on September 1, 2010:

And then again to handsome Asher John Stone on February 24, 2012:

I couldn't be happier. This is everything I have ALWAYS wanted. :)

XO

7 weeks - Great Grandmother Hodges

My grandma came out and met Jake when he was 7 weeks old... and it just worked out the same with Asher. In fact, my mother in law is coming into town next week when Jake is 8/9 weeks old... and that is the exact time she came out to meet Jake as well. :)

Grandma and I had a blast! We went to dinners, breakfast, and went and played outside with the boys. I was able to run errands and leave the boys home with her as well. The last 5 days flew by, and she's back home. I can't wait until my family is back!

Great Grandma Hodges

My grandma was so much help! She's still got it. In fact, I think she just gets better with babies/children every year. Asher is a little less fussy than Jake was (at least for now), so there are more stretches of sleep here. Every week gets better. It's still hard waking up 2 - 3 times a night... but, it is what it is. Right now, Asher's fussiest time is around 7pm/8pm. I usually bathe him right after dinner, and get him ready for bed... during this time. I bring him into bed around 9pm, and he sleeps until about 11pm. I feed him, and he's been usually waking up around 3am/4am for a feeding. Then I put him back to bed, and he wakes up around 6am/7am. Jake wakes up around 6:30am/7am, so its all kind of working out. 

I'm still trying to figure out how much he's eating. I'm thinking he's somewhere in the 4oz range? I try and keep the feedings every 3 hours if I can... but, he's anywhere between 2-3 hours. I try not to keep them so close together if he's been gassy. Knowing I'm hyperlacting means he's getting a lot in one feeding... and that brings on the gas. I like to give his belly a little break. I know the lactation specialist has said a bottle every 4-5 days... but, with how busy we are it's looking like a bottle every few days... It doesn't seem to make him all that fussier?

Here is our little Ash... He started to smile in the last week (6 weeks). I haven't been quick enough with the camera to catch them. He's such a happy little rascal! 

 His sleeping schedule continues to improve. He has been rejecting (waking up when I lay him down in it) the bassinet next to the bed... and I like to keep the munchkins close to grab for late night feedings. So, my grandma saw the bassinet that goes to the stroller and told me to try that. She said... if he likes to be in the bed... just put it in between Grant and you. Well, she was right! That is what he likes to sleep in. We have a big bed... so we all fit and there is no chance of rolling on him! 

The latest and greatest with Jake, is that he loves to color/paint. I was changing Asher and left Jake to color by himself... When I came back into the room, I found the following:

All works of art, right? Hmm. It's a good thing Crayola is washable... They came right off with a baby wipe. I should put that on Pinterest, huh? ha!

Jake loves soccer. He loves basketball and football, but I mainly find him kicking the balls around. Here is my little man running and kicking the ball in the backyard!

Easter 2012

The majority of holidays we're traveling to visit family... But, I have to admit... It's nice to just be home. Of course we miss our families... but, there is something to NOT traveling. It's relaxing.

On Saturday morning, we went to The Krusics home and had a nice brunch. We ate, the kids played outside, had an Easter egg hunt, and then we went to their park were the kids met the Easter bunny. And yes folks... he was scary! Jake was a little frightened of him... but, he held it together for a picture! He wouldn't let go of me though... Do you blame him? An oversized bunny trying to hold you? ha! We had so much fun! Jake was so tired after, that he passed out in the car on the way home. Asher was fast asleep the majority of the time and I didn't want to wake him for a picture... and now I'm having photography withdrawals. Not kidding. boo!

The hunt begins... Jake gathered a few... mainly put them in Victoria's basket. He was more interested in opening and closing them... or just playing with other things in the backyard! ha!

Isn't she the cutest? 

I love them! Best Friends since they were 2 months old!

Dads playing with the kids

I bent down with him quickly... we at least got one! 

Victoria wasn't having it at all! 

My little muffin sleeping on his tummy... His favorite position! 

Sunday, I got up, and made breakfast. Jake opened up his gift from the Easter bunny, and we relaxed. Then after all of our naps I made a picnic in our backyard. Grant and Jake played, and I held Asher. It was a beautiful day yesterday. Then after a few hours we came back inside and relaxed some more! Grant and I made a delish dinner... filet's, fresh veggies, and au gratin potatoes. First Easter as a family of 4. 

I'm thankful for more every year. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank God for where I am. I hope everyone had a great day as well!

Oh! And I started walking/jogging! I have decided to make this my morning routine. I put the kids in the stroller early this morning. Jake was still in PJ's, and eating his breakfast on the go! ;) Today was my second day... I jog and then walk, over and over. Good interval training. Let's see how this goes. I'm not much of a runner. But, until I can spin... this will be my new exercise. 

He has risen!

I posted this song last year... And it remains one of my favorite songs... since I was a kid.

Jesus conquered the grave! Amen!
Happy Easter friends, and family!

Jake: 19 months

19 months... over the 1 1/2 mark... next stop... 2!! He's just getting so big. I love watching him play and figure things out. He's a smart little cookie, and he keeps me on my toes!

He LOVES LOVES LOVES puzzles. I mean... ask anyone that comes to our house. He can't get enough of them. He organizes his toys and puts things away as well. And if he goes to someones house to play the first thing he'll pick up is a puzzle if there's one there. He likes to play basketball and soccer in our backyard, and swing on the swing set. He's a pretty happy little man.

I have noticed then Asher has been around that Jake will sometimes act like a little monkey until you sit down and play with him only. So, when Asher is napping, this is when I have my alone time with Jake. When Grant is home we each take a kiddo and play... and we switch it up. Our routine has been going so well.

I'm enrolling Jake into swimming classes for the spring, and I'm looking into a hip hop toddler class... ever heard of one? He loves dancing, so I thought that would be cool! :)

Jake doesn't go back for a baby well appointment until he's 2, so I don't know any new stats. He's growing and healthy... that's all that matters, right?! He has really big feet. He has a size 7 - 7 1/2 shoe and an 8 in pedipeds, he's wearing size 3T for tops, and 2T for pants.

The only thing I need to change is the bottle. I haven't made the total transition to sippy cups for milk. He loves his cups, and straws... but, I need to say bye bye to the bottle completely. He never got into pacifiers, or his thumb, so I consider myself pretty lucky! He's been eating with a spoon and fork for a few months now. In fact, that's how he prefers to eat! ;)

He's still trying new foods. I always give him a bite of what I'm eating... right now, he loves turkey lasagna! He loves bananas, and strawberries. He isn't a huge fan of veggies unless they are in his squeezy tubes. But, Cine (Larry's wife), said her little ones loved frozen peas... so, I'm going to try that tonight! You never know. :)

Jake with his pops

 Cool CA boy with his car and shades.

He's a big deal! 

Asher: 5-6 weeks

Asher is 6 weeks today. And since I'm making this his baby book, I want to make sure I'm keeping this as updated as Jake's was. Jake's baby book (my blog to book) came in the mail last week. It's great! I can't wait to give it to his wife one day... :)

I have already used Jake's as reference to see where he was at Asher's age. So helpful! I'm so glad I took the time to blog all of this! 

So, what's been going on the last few weeks...

1. He lifts his head VERY high. He's lifted his head up since I gave birth... just like Jake, but I have to tell people to be careful or he might bang is head against yours, etc.

2. He's about 12 lbs or more (he gets weighed next week). At 4.5 weeks he was 11 lbs, 2oz. 

3. He's still in size 1 diapers. However, I'm looking into 1-2 or 2.

4. He's wearing size 3-6 month clothes.

5. He's sleeping 3 - 4 hour stretches at night. Mainly 3 so he can eat though! 

6. He eats every 2-3 hours during the day.

7. I'm starting to give him more bottles since he's hit the 1 month mark. I always gave him bottles here and there... but, as busy as we are over here... I have no choice. I don't think it has made him more gassy.

8. He's still ONLY breastfed.

9. He's one gassy little dude. I notice his gas and fussiness is a little worse at night (lucky us). he he

10. I'm still hyperlactating... hoping that gets better soon. I'm assuming it will... just like with Jake. It started getting better around week 8. I can do it! ;)

11. He's very alert when he's awake. Less sleeping during the day over here. I've figured new ways of keeping him awake. Swing, tummy time on his play mat, laying on his tummy (on a blanket while I'm in the room), etc. 

12. He sleeps in his bassinet next to us at night.

That's all I can recall as of now. He's starting to like the bath... he's isn't the biggest fan of diaper changes, and sometimes spits up during them. I make sure to change him before or an hour after feeding. I wish I would have had this particular layout for Jake's book. That way I could have skimmed it rather than re-read the entire blog looking for info. :)

Here are some pics from weeks 5-6:
Pops and Cine came into town last Saturday and left on Wednesday. It was nice having them here. Cine gave Asher's his baths and loved on him. She even grabbed him one night when he was REALLY fussy! It was nice to sleep while she held him. Grant and I both got a few more hours of sleep! Thank you for all of our help and the kiddos presents! Come back soon! :)

Ash relaxing while Jake and the big kids play outside. Mommy play dates are the best! Love having this group of women to talk to... and for our kids to play together!

6 week doctor check up.

This doctor check up was mine this time...

I went in for my 6 week postpartum appointment. Looks like all is well. I have healed nicely. Since I went into labor before my doctor could get to the hospital, another doctor in her practice delivered Asher. Everything went so fast that evening, that I was left with some questions. I really didn't know why they used the vacuum extraction to delivery Ash. That was one of the questions I wanted an answer for.

Turns out Asher's heart rate dropped while I was pushing so they decided to use the vacuum rather than jump to a c section... especially since I was a VBAC. Asher was NOT in danger, but they didn't want his heart rate to drop any further. He was face up (occiput posterior) which was a little more challenging for a quick delivery. If he would have been face down, he probably would have come out a lot quicker, and they wouldn't have had to use the vacuum. Funny to say he would have come quicker when I had him within 4 hours of getting admitted! ha! They only allow 3 "pop offs" as well. That means that the vacuum pops off of the babies head while pushing. I was on my 3rd pop off and then they were going to look into the c section. I wasn't going to go through all of that to end in a c section! He came right in time! :)

Anyhow, I'm glad I asked the questions that were on my mind. I still believe a vaginal birth is the way to go if you can help it. I also encourage any woman that wants a VBAC to talk to their doctor to see if they are a candidate, and if they are... try!

I'm excited to start exercising! I am going to be entering two 5k's to support two of my closest friends. Looks like I better start picking up the running bug! I LOVE to spin... but, need to start running... any advice?

I will post blogs on the boys this week. Jake is 19 months now (April 1), and Asher is 6 weeks tomorrow!