About time for an update...

Well, Iverly is here!

After a ROUGH couple months of sleeping for Iverly, both babies sleep! They go down around 6/6:30 and wake up about 8/8:30! It feels SO good to sleep again :)

We are still waiting for Caelum to fill our house with all of the ideas in his head. He babbles constantly but only says: hi, bye, mama, dada, uh-oh, and yea. He signs all done, food/water, milk and sleepy (sometimes). And he knows a cow says "moo" and will tell us that. He does repeat what we say sometimes, but we are patiently (sort of) waiting for this "language" explosion we hear about.  He is SUCH a joy in our house! He laughs and plays and hugs and kisses and is just such a sweet boy. He climbs and falls and just keeps on going- it seems like he is constantly going. He is so sweet to his little sister- he will bring her toys and pat her head and say "Hi" to her. He calls her "Iey," so we will see if that evolves into her actual name at some point. He is 26 lb and 33 inches tall, so he is long and lean.  He helps me clean up (sometimes he will even pour his milk on the floor so he can grab a towel and wipe it up...) and get himself dressed  (he can put his arms through his shirt) and LOVES new toys and games. His favorite toys are balls (especially his basketball), cars, a play purse, books and his digger truck. His favorite foods are waffles with peanut butter, yogurt, cheerios, chicken nuggets and ketchup/mustard, and eggs with salsa.  He is just such a little boy, and I cannot believe how fast him feeling like a baby went by.

It seems like Iverly just got here and that she has been here forever. She seemed to just slip into our family. She is such a pleasant baby- she likes to play with her toys, laugh and giggle, when we read her book and to sit up and watch her brother. She LOVES to be held and LOVES when Caelum talks to her- she laughs so hard she can hardly breathe!  Her favorite toy is the laugh and learn table, the zany zoo, her magical wand and rattles. She likes "tummy time" but doesn't move at all yet. Her favorite foods are: broccoli, pears and peas (all mixed together)- it sounds gross, but she LOVES it. She also enjoyed eating a banana and a piece of peach.  She is 18lb and 24 inches tall. She's over 100% for both as these were her 4 month stats :)

They are both in big kid carseats:

Eric is finishing up his last week at the Red Elephant restaurant and will start working for our family propane business in early September :) We are very excited about this- he will have more normal hours and will be a huge contribution to the company.

We have had a great summer- we were able to go to the beach for the 4th of July, a wine festival/tour for Father's day, watch the ducks at the Peabody for Mother's Day and just enjoy our time as a family of 4!

Here's to being in the moment, because it all seems to be going too fast...

He's going to be 1!

I really can't believe Caelum is going to be 1 in a week. I also can't believe how many emotions this stirs up.

This time last year we were 9 days from his "due date." We were living in Winter Haven and relocated to my parents' house in Orlando, "just in case." We were waiting, quite impatiently. We were absolutely giddy- the excitement of first time parents who have no idea what is about to happen. We were going about twice a week to the dr. and we couldn't wait to meet our little boy- so when he offered an induction a week later, we went for it.

And I was not prepared.

I was not prepared for how our lives were about to change- for all the love, for all the lack of sleep, for the vast array of emotions that would happen in the next couple of weeks (and, I'm sure, years).

To say those first few weeks were hard for me would be an und

erstatement. I wrote out Caelum's birth story and about the first couple of weeks home with him- and then I put it away. I couldn't go back there, not yet. Now that he is going to be one, I have gone back there. I have read it again. And I am, once again, utterly shocked. Post Partum depression is so hard to revisit, because it is not a general feeling- it is happening because of a momentous, wonderful life change- and that doesn't seem to make sense. It is so consuming, I felt like I was drowning. Someone asked me recently what helped me during that time- and it was Eric. We had so much support, so much love and help from those around us- but, he held me above the water for as long as he needed to. He had patience and love in such abundance that it actually hurts to think about- it was that great.

I love these two pictures:

The first one, my sister took of us when Caelum was about a week old. I know I probably just look exhausted, but this picture represents so much of how intensely I felt for my son and yet how hard it was. It brings back so much of those first few weeks- sometimes I forget, both the good and the bad (but mostly the good), of bringing him home- and this was a moment of both. Of cuddles and contentment and quiet panic.

The second one is such an answer to prayer. Watching him grow and change- seeing myself do the same. Laughing with my son, even in the freezing cold- we have a long long life of being a family ahead of us, but in this picture, I feel like I made it. I made it through the fog, I am a mother.

I remember the distinct feeling of love for him building, I remember being so proud of us, of myself- we can do this, we are going to make it.

And not only have we made it, we have fun- we laugh and we play and, even when it's frustrating, I know we are going to be just fine.

I know this is a bit more personal than alot of the posts on here. I might try to update soon (hopefully before Iverly gets here) about the day to day life here in our home- but, I needed to get this out. I needed to reflect and let you know that I appreciate your support and love. With a first birthday and a second baby approaching, it has been on my heart and mind lately, and I wanted to share.

"Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

Here's to recognizing our many blessings, even if we don't in the moment.

Since it's been a while...

I know it's been a while, so here is an update:

We are expecting a little girl next March! We are so excited that Caelum will have a little sister so close in age and, of course, I am so excited to be able to buy a bunch of pink :)

Eric has been working alot and I am home with Caelum. We spent alot of time at home for the first few months and now we do lots of things during the week. We:

Go to swimming lessons

Gymboree

Story time at the library

We also have playdates and

try to just get out of the house. I think it's good for Caelum to be able to

interact with other little babies and for me to not be stuck at home.

Caelum is almost 8 months old (I can't believe this!) and is about 20 lbs.

He grew out of his infant seat (based on comfort, not stats), so he now has a big boy carseat:

He is crawling and getting into everything, so we have an are of the living room set up as "Caelum Zone"- but, most of the time he is pretty much allowed to roam around.

Caelum really likes:

Playing with his toys, esp

ecially if they light

up or make noise

All sorts of things we have to take away (dog bowls, wii remotes, wires, cat and dog toys, shoes)

People's feet

Playing with Paper

Flying and Being "dropped" on the bed

Trying new foods

Crawling around

Pulling up on anything steady enough to let him

Playing with Fenway

Books and Blocks

His time with his daddy in the morning

Going to bed

Bath time/ Splashing in the water with his duck

Silly songs and noises

Being lifted in the air

Towels

Paper

Playing with balls

Looking under rugs

Straws

Caelum tolerates:

Falling over/down

Me cutting his nails

Getting into his carseat

Taking naps

Caelum doesn't like:

Waiting on his bottle

Being told "no"

Being woken up (I RARELY do this, but he is not happy when I do)

Loud or sudden noise- he has a really sensitive startle reflex

Pulling up to stand on something and then not knowing how to get down

Swim lessons

It's so crazy how fast things change- we have already packed up the swing,

playmat, and bouncy seat- when just 3 or 4 months ago they were some of h

is favorite things. He can choose which toys he wants out of his toy basket and roam around if he doesn't want to be in one place.

Some other fun things we have done lately:

his first 5k

Baby Dedication

Taken Caelum to meet a bunch of family

Spring!

Since Caelum is napping and I haven't updated in a while, I figured now is a good time.
Even though it's a rainy day today, I love that it is spring. Living in Winter Haven, when we go outside we are able to smell the orange blossoms and it is so nice.

Since New Year's...

Caelum was born! He arrived February 8 at 5:28 PM weighing 9 lb and 7 oz after an induction and subsequent emergency c-section (cord prolapse). I really wanted a natural birth, so having a C-section was a bit disappointing- especially since I missed his first cry (I was completely out since I hadn't had an epidural) and not meeting him until 5 hours after he was born. Eric was great in the hospital and bringing him home- helping to take care of him (and me) while we all adjusted. Writing his birth story and all that went along with it has been a huge help in processing everything.


He really is just perfect. After coming home and getting adjusted to life with a newborn, things have been really great.

He met Fenway. Everyone asks how she has been with the baby and, so far, she has been fairly uninterested. When Caelum is on the floor, she sometimes likes to go and try to kiss him- other than that, she leaves him alone.


Has been swimming

He has gone to the Strawberry festival- not a great idea with a newborn.

Taken his first trip to Disney- he didn't last long at Disney. I dressed him for much cooler weather than it was and he got pretty hot in his car seat, so my mom came to pick him after about an hour, but we did get his personalized Mickey ears and took a family picture in front of the castle.

and been dressed up for all the holidays!



He is now 10 weeks old and still sleeps alot- unless we are out and about, he pretty much sleeps and eats. In what little time he is awake, we look around the house, have tummy time, look at a mirror, play with toys (he isn't very interested in toys at all yet), etc. He is not rolling over and doesn't even seem interested in the idea. He does like to stand on his legs when someone is holding him and he will tolerate lifting his head during tummy time for very short periods. In the last two weeks he has started smiling at us- and loves to smile at his daddy when he gets home from work (if he awake). He is growing really fast- his newborn diapers were too small the very first night we brought him home and most of the newborn outfits are too small (including my favorite fuzzy sleeper).


He was on soy formula but due to a milk protein allergy has recently had to switch to Nutramigen. He seems to like it and I like it better because it smells more like poptarts and less like that disgusting formula smell (BUT, it is more expensive... good thing it has cleared up all the issues he was having so we can see that it is worth it). He is a really good sleeper- takes great naps and is sleeping ok at night- he still wakes up 2/3 times and thinks that morning starts at 6AM! I have tried, multiple times, to tell him that we prefer to sleep in until 10 or 11, but he doesn't agree yet. Thankfully, while I get up with him during the night, Eric is great at waking up with him then. We swaddle him, which seems to help him get to sleep and stay asleep, but sometimes, he escapes:
He is super noisy when he sleeps and after he eats and is falling alseep, he makes the cutest faces. I just love them and hold up the camera as he falls asleep to try to capture them all.

Eric turned 34 last week! We went to the beach to celebrate







and made Chicken Tikka Masala- that was excellent




and I made my first ever Rhubarb pie, which I think turned out pretty great



We had a great time and went to see 'Date Night' on the way back home- we both really liked it- very funny.

I should post more often, because now it seems like so much has been going on. Eric is still working long hours which seem even longer since we live 45min-an hour away, so it seems like we don't get to see him very much.

We are starting to look at apartments and house rentals in Orlando (!!!!) as our lease here is up at the end of July.

We have been busy and it looks like we will be for the next couple of weeks- I am going to the KY Derby with my family (Eric has to work...) and then we are going to Houston for my aunt's graduation and to see Eric's family. We have mother's day, a concert, baby showers, etc. all coming up- and I will try to update the blog more often.

Here's to a year that is already better than I imagined it could be...

And to flowers for no reason...

and to miracles...

Happy New Year

I can't believe it's been so long... We are about a month out from when our little guy should be making his appearance and we are so excited! All the baby gear is set up, the diaper and hospital bags are packed and we are finishing the nursery this week. He is happy in my tummy right now and I love him being there. I am getting a little sad that he won't be in there much longer :( I love feeling him kick and knowing he is safe and warm- I can't wait to see his face and hold him, but still.

Since it's the beginning of the year, I wanted to do this survey (I love them!) It's been a busy year for us- getting married in March and moving to Tampa, finding out I am pregnant in June and then moving to Winter Haven, some wonderful family celebrations, trips to Atlanta and NYC together, Eric opening two new stores, etc. Now we look ahead to the year that we get to meet our son :)

Where did you begin 2009? The Ritz Carlton- dinner and fireworks

What was your status at Valentine's day? Engaged

Were you in school? No

Did you have to go to the hospital? Yes- for dehydration early in the pregnancy and for a tour

Where did you go on vacation? Atlanta, Puerto Rico, Canada, NYC, TN/KY

What did you purchase that was over $500? Camera

Did you get married or Divorced? Married! March 7

Did you know anyone who got married? Yes

Did you know anyone who passed away? No

Did you move anywhere? Yes- Tampa and then Winter Haven

What sporting events did you attend? Magic playoff game

What concerts did you go to? I don't think I went to any...

Where do you live now? Winter Haven, FL

What did you do in 2009 that you thought you'd never do? Got married

What has been your favorite moment? The moment I found out I was pregnant

What's something you learned about yourself? I am learning alot about myself through being married...

Any new additions to your family? All of Eric's family!

What has been your best month? March

What music will you remember 2009 by? Probably the boom boom one by black eyed peas because they seemed to be performing everywhere and I love them!

Any regrets? I have said some things I wish I hadn't

What do you want to change in 2010? Stay more on top of housework- I doubt this is realistic though, as we are about to have a newborn

Overall, how do you rate this year? 9

Other than home, where did you spend most of your time? Prpb. my parents house

Did you change your hairstyle? Yes- I cut it short in June

Get a new job? No

Have a New Year's resolution? Not really

Do anything embarrassing? I'm sure I did...

What was your favorite purchase? new camera

Did you start a new hobby? I kept meaning to learn to knit... never happened

Go snowboarding? No

Are you happy to see 2009 go? I am happy to have a new year and all that it will bring!

Drink Starbucks in 2009? Yes

What are you wishing for in 2010? A healthy baby and a good transition to mommyhood.

Baby News

We found out June 3rd that we are expecting a baby next February! We are so excited about this and, even though it is so early, we are just so in love with our little dot and are hoping the next 8 months go well. I had a dr. appt. at 5 weeks- they did a pregnancy test and wanted me to come back in a week (yesterday) for an ultrasound, since I am leaving for a cruise on Saturday the dr. wanted to make sure the pregnancy wasn't ectopic. So we got to see our baby yesterday! Everything looks good, baby measured exactly 5 weeks 6 days. There was no heartbeat yet, so we go back for another ultrasound in two weeks.


I have been feeling a little sick lately, having trouble sleeping, etc. but nothing too bad. Hopefully it won't get worse on the cruise! I have been trying not to worry too much, but it seems nearly impossible. It was so reassuring to see him yesterday and I will be very glad when we hear the heartbeat.
In other news- we signed the lease on our new apartment in Winter Haven and will be moving in about a month. It is a two bedroom townhouse that is super cute- and has a patio which Fenway will LOVE. I am hoping to clear out some of the junk we have in the current apartment before we get to the new place. Then, in a few months, we will be able to start decorating baby's room. We also need to move our wedding gifts in (:
I went to Boston last Thursday and Friday for the Yankees/Red Sox game- Red Sox won! It was really exciting - just a little cold.
I had cousins from Kentucky and Tennesee come in on Saturday to visit. We got to see Amy at the wedding, but haven't seen Nicole and Kevin since last summer- and they had a little boy we got to meet! It was really nice to spend some time with them. And Fenway was SO good around their 9 1/2 month old, which was encouraging.
Traveling has been rough- anything moving (cars, planes, etc.) make me nauseaus- I will be glad when this passes.
We are so excited we are going to be parents and we appreciate all of your prayers and support.

Here's to a healthy baby...

Just an update.

I guess it's been about a month- doesn't seem that long since Easter.
We had a good Easter at my parents house- we went to church and then hung out with the family for lunch.
We haven't been going to Orlando quite so much, which has been nice.

I had a friend going to Puerto Rico for work, so she had a hotel room and I bought a plane ticket to go and hang out with her for a few days.They had an AMAZING taxi system- very organized, always knew how far you were going and how much it would be before you got into the cab- it was so nice. It was really beautiful- perfect weather and the resort had hammocks and beds on the beach, a beautiful infinity pool, a swim up bar- and a little tropical garden with peacocks. There were these enormous lizards that, luckily, didn't bother me at all. It was a nice couple of days, but weird to be away from Eric.

We went to an air show which was really cool- Eric and I really like going and it always seems like we don't know when they are, so it was nice to be able to plan on going and spending the day there.

I've been cooking- hopefully I'll be cooking better soon. I did make some curry that was really good, but other than that it's like I usually get something wrong. Live and Learn I suppose.

It's been quite an adjustment to be married- I am glad there are alot of laughs and good times with all the changes and getting situated.

We had two friends from Orlando come in over the past month, which was sooooooo wonderful! And my dad and Lou came over and we ate dinner at The Red Elephant.

Eric has been working alot, which isn't fun for me- but they have really appreciated all that he has done in Tampa. He's got so many talents and is so good at what he does- I am sure they will be sad when he has to go to Lakeland.

We are looking for a new place to live! I don't necessarily like this process, but it is nice to have a goal, ESPECIALLY when it means we will be back in Orlando soon!

Still waiting on the wedding video and the photo book- I took a while deciding on songs and specific pictures. Can't wait until they get in!