Bummer!

My mother in law, Jo, offered to take the big kids tonight for a sleepover!!! I then asked my mom if she would watch Olivia and Brady long enough so Thad and I could go to a late matinee movie. She also offered to have Olivia over night. Are you serious??? Where are these people when we need to go out?? I am kidding...
But factor in around seven inches of snow, blowing winds, a three year old who has been frequenting the bathroom today along with several accidents, and it's not to be. Thad will come home, get gas for the snowblower, snowblow, and be pooped. No pun intended on the previous sentence, but I will be dealing with more of that.
So, no movie, no date, lots of laundry, cleaning, and snuggling with my kiddies!

For people who live in the same town as their family, we NEVER go out. Ask anyone, they will verify this. I think that's why we have been going to Vegas for the last couple of years. It forces us to be together...alone...uninterrupted.

In all honesty, I am not really bothered. This is the story of our lives. Such is life. I am off to clean :)

Rockband

Merry Christmas from us

e



Merry Christmas from the Staffords. We hope you had a holiday filled with food, fun, smiles, and good memories. We decided that since my sister was with her in laws during Christmas Eve that we would be alone this year. I was a little sad to not have my parents around, but it just gets too hectic. I wanted to be alone, just us, with our family of (gasp!) SIX. I am so glad we did it. The kids and I got some good food for our Christmas Eve dinner: Salmon, shrimp scampi, bbq meatball, and of course, cake. We ate, opened just the right amount of gifts, and enjoyed one another. NO ONE whined which is why I sound so blissful as I write this.
Christmas morning brought the arrival of Santa's gifts: Ryan: Rockband, Kate: Baby Alive learns to potty (the most obnoxious toy in the world), Olivia: a Leapster just for her, and Brady: a little toy. Then we went to church which was a little disastrous, but too bad, because that's what Christmas is about--Jesus!
Finally last evening we went to my parents' house to celebrate the holiday AND my sister and nephew's birthday. It was chaotic, loud, the food was awesome, and just plain wonderful.

**My brother in law was a little down as one of his students was killed in the tragic I-94 accident that claimed three people. Please keep all people alone, grieving, and ill during this holiday season.

Another laughable moment

I really really have a lot to post from the past week: Ryan & Thad's Gopher game, Kate's dance recital, Thad's--ahem--procedure from Friday, but I just don't have the time yet. I will leave you with this moment from Friday night....

Me: "Olivia shhh Brady's trying to sleep."
Olivia: "Mommy be quiet, my penis is sleeping."

Instead of ranting....

...about how horrible my kids have seemed lately, I will just post something funny.

(Ryan in tub): "Mom, what's acne?"
Me (not realize he is looking at some face wash): "Acne would be the same as pimples or zits."
Ryan: "Well I am going to put this stuff on my butt, because sometimes I get pimples there and they hurt."


Olivia (the run on sentence is her speaking): "Mom when I was a little girl and I had a baby, I didn't have big boobs so I couldn't feed her."
Me: "Really? That's too bad."

Clarification

I should probably add that some of my previous post stems from fear. Let' s be real: Kids in activities most days of every day of the week but one, a new baby, being back and work, AND getting everything done?
Uh...I am nervous. If I was within the confines of my home, I could keep up with the household duties. At work....uh not so much. Sorry to be so blubbery today. I promise it will get better.

Sad today

I write this with tears falling down my face. It could be because I haven't been feeling well either so maybe I am extra emotional, or that Ryan got sick in the cities this weekend so I worried, or that I am crazy.
Mainly though, I am sad that in two weeks from Friday, I go back to work. I have always been ready to return to work. I am lucky in that I love my job, the students, my colleagues, and everything related to it. I just don't want to leave my baby.
I'm not worried about his care when I go back. My mom will have him for two months. It doesn't get better than that. But, he is my baby, and I want to be with him.
There are no answers or suggestions for this. I just have to 'buck up.' And, I will. I just had to wimper to my blog friends a little....

Bad mom

Today was the day that I got to help out in Kate's classroom. It was really fun. I got to see my old buddies from the Halloween party, help kids make gingerbread houses, take pictures, and visit.
Kate didn't really want my decorating advice, but I have no artistic skills so I left her be.
The kids finished by 2pm. I thought it would last until school got out. They got to take an extended recess, but when Kate asked if I would come outside I passed. I wasn't prepared to be outside for awhile. I did say 'maybe' to appease her. That was a big mistake.
After about 10 minutes of visiting, I decided to go. Brady was due to eat, I was starving and getting shaky from it, and I honestly didn't think Kate cared whether I was there or not. So I went home, fed Brady, had a snack, and visited with Olivia and my mom.
Then Kate's teacher called and told me that Kate was really upset. She was sobbing that I left her without saying goodbye. She expected me to come outside. She went back to get me and I was gone. Her little heart was broken. I explained to Kate why I left and apologized many times. After that I sort of blew it off.
It wasn't until later when another parent/friend and then the teacher called to see how she was doing. Kate was quite a wreck I guess. It dawned on me then that this was her special time with me. I left her for Brady. She felt abandoned. I told her that I didn't think she cared that I was there, but she said, "But mommy you said you would stay, and you didn't. I wouldn't have asked you to come if I didn't want you there."
I learned my lesson. If this scenario should present itself to you, just stick around.

I am a little nervous

Here is why:
1. Olivia got the stomach flu last night. For those of you who know me (AJ!), I do not do well with the barf thing..like...at all. I called Thad home from his league hockey, because I was nursing a baby, etc, and couldn't do it all. The amazing man that he is, he stepped right in and took over.
I just hope and pray that no one else gets it.
2. I am supposed to go to Kate's class tomorrow to help with gingerbread houses. I am a total germ phobe (see why above). I also don't want anyone getting sick so I miss it.
3. Thad and Ryan leave Saturday morning for their Gopher game. See above why I am nervous that someone will get sick without Thad around. Yes I am that much of a phobic. It is a god awful honest to goodness horrid phobia.
4. It is supposed to potentially blizzard this weekend. I will worry for my two boys while I will be with the other three kids.
So here is praying for good health, good weather, good old sanity this weekend, and good times for all.
*Note: I have honestly debated getting hypnosis or something to deal with this phobia. I will share with you all (the the world) that since I started taking Paxil for anxiety (shoudn't come as a surprise) years ago, it's a little better. I still feel like the world's worst parent when it happens though.
Okay..enough nervous rambling...seriously!

Finally!

At age six and a half, Kate has finally lost her first tooth!

Thumb sucker in the making?

Typical me...

Ryan had a pretty darn nice birthday weekend. We had our family over on Friday evening. He got his coveted Gopher jersey, the Harry Potter collection, the Pat Benetar CD he has been begging for (no lie), a hand made hockey mobile made by cousin Grant, the game LIFE, a sweatshirt, and a PS2 game.

The pink thing is Kate. Just like her mother did as a child, she pouted because she didn't get presents. Every picture from my sister's birthdays had little Bonnie scowling, crying, or sticking my tongue out. I had to put this in!
I created a scavenger hunt for him to get his big present from us. I was so proud. I had it all in place. There were clues planted all over the house. My sister was pretty impressed with me, and I have to admit, I was secretly impressed with myself as well...
Typical Bonnie, however, just never quite gets things right. I ended up putting all the clues in the wrong place. Instead of putting the clues for where Ryan should go next, I skipped one and put all the clues in the spot where he should have looked. Thad totally kept making comments about horrible it was of me. He was kidding, but finally I told him that at least I do stuff like this. It honestly started to tick me off! Erin and I were totally laughing, because it was a total disaster.
I finally straightened it out, and Ryan got his big present: tickets to go to the cities next weekend to see the Gophers play at Mariucci with his dad. He really wasn't too impressed. Thad reminded me that he will be very excited next weekend when they actually go. Once again, next weekend it will be all the young kids and me. That is the story of my life it seems, but I will vent about that in another post.
Yesterday was his friend party. We had about 15 kids at a hotel pool. It was very fun. Some friends helped us out with extra eyes and hands which was so nice. All the boys were wonderful!
The theme was Sioux vs. Gophers.
Today we skipped church--oops! I had a headache, Ryan had a game, Kate had a party, and Ryan and Thad were going to a Fargo Force game, so stuff had to get done. I think I have done about 9 loads of laundry. If I do a few loads a day, I can stay on top of it. Skipping even one or two loads a day backs us up. This is one of the many issues I am concerned about once I return to work...but I won't talk about that either or I might cry.

Happy Birthday Ryan Wayne

My baby is nine years old today. I love you Ry-guy!

The girl...

...called Ryan again tonight. Imagine picking up your phone as you are picking up your house, getting kids ready for bed, etc, and hearing a soft voice ask to speak to you son.

Heaven on earth

Brady was baptized today. It was a beautiful day with just a dusting of snow. Once again the gown was worn that my grandma made for Erin. She and I, along with our children have worn it. The scene in our house was pure chaos: Ross and Olivia running and playing, the boys playing hide and go seek, the girls running around, the adults trying to talk over the sounds of happy children, a few tears, and of course all while eating a delicious meal mostly prepared by my mother. My niece Hope slept through much of it, and after awhile, Brady crashed too. The day was perfect, and it was all because of our precious baby.




I can't believe how much Brady resembles Ryan as a baby. I have been looking at Ryan's scrapbooks (I had time to complete his), and it's incredible how similar they are. Ryan turns nine in five days. It is very bittersweet looking at my original baby and seeing his reflection in Brady. I am blessed beyond words.

hmmm

I just wrote a long post, but then I hit delete. Do you ever have so much to write, but it doesn't come out right? That was me.

Today our old Priest came to see Brady. He is one of the neatest people I know. He is so funny, kind, and has more wisdom than anyone I know. Words do not do this man justice. Over the years I have had a few qualms about the Catholic church. Each time he explains something to me that I might question or disagree with, I feel better. He isn't pushy or even 'preachy.' I can't explain it, but I can not say enough good things about him.

It has been a week since my friend Elli lost her baby girl. Each time I look at Brady I feel so much sadness for her and another mother I know who recently lost her baby boy. I hear Brady make little sounds, look at me, kick his chubby legs, smile, or just smell him, and my heart feels so much sadness for people who have lost their babies. It's not fair. I don't understand it at all.......

Tomorrow is Brady's baptism. This will be a happy celebration that I look forward too. Hopefully the kids will behave. You never know what you are going to get out of them.

I will leave you with this picture of Olivia from today...you can gather that I influence her a bit!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We will be heading to church in the morning and then working at our church serving a turkey dinner to people who are either homeless or are alone. My mom signed us up to work, and the kids are really excited for it.
We plan to put up our tree tomorrow night. Well, I plan to have Thad put up our tree that is. Sunday is Brady's baptism as well. There is so much going on!
I must say that being homebound this year has really made me feel like Christmas isn't coming. I live in my own little world I guess. We did get pictures taken for our Christmas card. I could relate a little too much to AJ's posted regarding pictures. There was yelling, bribes, and even a time out before we got the dang thing taken.
Next week is Ryan's ninth birthday. Where does the time go. Stay tuned to hear about my birthday gift to him. I am so excited....but since he has been known to read this, I am not writing anything.
I will leave you with a picture of Brady. He is eight weeks old today. My dear friend Melissa sent this hat to him....I know, I know, he looks JUST like his daddy!

Please say a prayer

Yesterday my dear friend Elli lost her baby girl. She was having an emergency c-section when they found that her placenta had ruptured. Sophia Susan was an otherwise perfect baby girl weighing 6 lbs 14 oz.
I can not imagine what she and her family are going through. The shock, sadness, and most of all, emptiness she must be feeling is heartbreaking.
Many of you know Elli. She is one of the most kind, friendly, and positive people I know. She told me something today that I found to be touching. She said that maybe God chose them because they have strong faith. At no time has she felt betrayed by that either. Elli and Tim are grateful because they donated their baby's heart valves. Already, some other baby is living because of her. That was a small source of comfort.
Please say a prayer for Elli. She needs them right now.
PS: They do plan to have a service here in Moorhead in a couple of weeks. She has to heal from her surgery before she can travel, so I am not certain on dates. I will post it, since some of you have known Elli as long as I have.

oh boy

I guess I just didn't think this day would come so soon.......

Ryan briefly went to a birthday party after school yesterday before hockey. It was a classmate--a girl! Anyway he came home, went to hockey, and told me about the party afterward. We chatted about the food, cake, games, etc. He said they played truth or dare. My radar went up, but then I told myself that these are third graders, not seventh graders.
Moving on to approximately 8:55pm.......the phone rang. Thad answered it, told Ryan it was for him, and then came into our room where I was feeding Brady. I assumed it was my dad, because he calls occasionally to say hi or good night to the kids. Boy was I shocked when Thad said that it was the girls from the party!!! The girls??? I just didn't expect girls to call, but he is in 3rd grade. But, then I remembered calling the 3rd & 4th grade boy of my dreams--Ryan Gwaltney. (remember our skateland fight over him AJ?)
Being the nosy Bonnie I am, I scurried downstairs to listen. Of course Ryan was being cocky and acting like, "Oh my god, you girls are so lame." Then he hung up, the same way my Ryan hung up on me years ago. The phone rang again....and again later.
I asked Ryan if he likes any of these girls. He says no, but I know that one of the girls there was a girl he had a huge crush on last year. Anyway then he said, "Well one likes me." I asked how he knew, and he said, "Well during truth or dare, I asked if she liked anyone. She brought me in her room, locked the door, and told me."
As you can imagine, a few red flags went up for me, but I let it go. I am not ready for girls and phone calls. It is interesting watching the boy perspective of this though....

Now what?

My very bright and curious son Ryan now knows how to get to my blog! He told me this morning that he read Kate's 'two ovals' comment. I asked how he figured it out. "I went to dad's favorites, and it's tagged." Great. I know he also knows that it's TBRKO, because he has asked if I plan to add another letter for Brady.
This is my outlet, venting space, and also where I was going to share my birthday surprise for him. I really don't know what to do. Change my blog? Scrap it? Hope he stops looking?

oh...my.......goodness

The Stafford kids truly know how to keep us on our toes. I didn't want to post too quickly after Thad's special birthday post, but I couldn't hold this one in. Here is the latest discussion with our lovely girls...

Olivia (try to read it if you know her cute way of speech): "Brady (Bwady) is a boy, and I am a girl"
Me: "Do you know what the difference is between boys and girls?"
Olivia: "Brady has a boy private, and I have a girl private"
Kate: "Brady has a penis"
Olivia: "Yeah, Brady had a peanut"
Me: "Brady has a peanut?"
Oliva: "Yeah, peanut. And I have girl privates"
Kate: "Yeah we have...I don't know what they are called. Well, we have two ovals. Here let me show you."
Me: "That's okay Kate. Thanks though"

Please let me know that your kids are as open in discussing whatever with you.........PLEASE!

Happy Birthday Thad!

Thad turned the big 3-5 yesterday, much to his dismay. We celebrated on Friday night after hockey practice with a little food and, of course, cake. The weekend was busy mostly with Ryan's hockey games (three). You really can't fit much else in when they are spaced out over the course of a day.
Although we didn't get too terribly much time to celebrate yesterday, I want to take a moment to let you all know what a wonderful guy my hubby is. He is a very involved father. He works a job that wears him down mentally, yet as soon as he gets home, he is ready to help me, coach one of many sports, clean up, or play with the kids. I take him for granted way too much....so Thad, here is to you and all you do!

Oh and just for fun, here is a new picture of my little peanut...isn't he cute?

Olivia's special friend

Last winter, a new family moved into our cul-de-sac. It wasn't until springtime that we finally got to meet them. They have a daughter in sixth grade who has been a wonderful babysitter, a seven year old who has become another of Kate's closest friends, and then there is Tyler. She pronounces his name Tylo.
Tyler is six months older than Olivia. They are 'bestest' friends. I can't say how wonderful this little boy is. He has a smile on his face at all times, never whines or is crabby (yes it's true), and is as adorable as you could guess.
They began playing constantly this summer. My favorite images of them is riding her Barbie jeep together or riding their bikes together. They both light up around each other. They even decided this summer that he would be our new baby's special big brother.
Sunday was Tyler's fourth birthday. He invited her (and only her) for a special birthday lunch. When she woke up, the very first thing she said morning was, "Today is Tyler's birthday!" She spent the afternoon with him, and came home with a cute treat box.
She is lucky to have this sweet boy who puts up with her!!!!!!

Not liking this day

I need a moment to vent:

I have no real reason to vent, but I will feel better after I do it. Thad was paged out this morning as I was (unsuccessfully) trying to go back to sleep after Brady's second feeding. Apparently when someone is stabbed and Thad has to be awake, he can talk as loudly as he wants. So the girls were awakened early after staying up late. Ryan, who was at his first birthday party sleepover came home around 9:30 by informing me that he was up until 3:30am. Lovely! This means he will be a beast today!

By 10:30, Ryan is in his room as he made a pretty mean comment to Kate. I am trying to feed Brady prior to figure skating so I don't have to breastfeed in the freezing cold. Did I mention cold? It is freezing, very windy, and extremely slippery outside. That was fun driving and walking in once we got to skating. Of course the cars next to me on either side were very close, so I looked like a freak trying to get Brady out of the car. Only Olivia wiped out once on the way in thankfully!

As we are trying to leave skating, Olivia has to go potty, Kate is bleeding, and I see my gas light is on in my car. Alas, we made it home. Ryan is passed out in his room (hooray!), Brady is still dozing, and unfortunately I can't relax because I have to get Ryan ready for a second birthday party today.

I would love to curl up under the covers, but it's not going to happen. Maybe I should eat some junkfood. That is usually soothing....

Go Wayne

Barack Obama wasn't only winner this Tuesday. My dad, Wayne, was elected Clay County Commissioner for District 1. For those of you who don't know how my dad works, he doesn't go into things "half assed" as he would say. He has been going door to door since July handing out pamphlets and talking with people. I am proud of his hard work, positive message, and dedication to his goal.

He had a little par-tay on Tuesday night. It was cool because the Democrats and Republicans were in the same hotel too. I got to speak with our U.S. Rep Collin Peterson, met some other candidates, and saw the news people up close....no comment on that. Oh, and I also was a rebel and stole about four HUGE olives from the Republican food spread. Actually I asked the first time, but I did take the next three.

We brought Ryan along. Wow was he excited. He is almost nine and really took an interest in the election. I am seeing Ryan/Bonnie tendencies too. We both get little obsessive following the news coverage and just taking a huge interest in it all. I am glad he was a part of history being made.

Congrats dad! I love you!

Give me a break

A few things I heard yesterday from Ryan: (I will leave out names)

~Mom, such and such that he is taking his flag down if Obama wins.

~Mom, my bus driver told me Obama might get assassinated.

~Mom, such and such said that if Obama wins, we will have to go to school on Saturdays.

~Mom, such and such said that if Obama wins, he is going to take guns out of people's homes.

I can't believe think that a) one person alone can wreak havoc on the United States. Hello does anyone remember our government's system called checks and balances!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!? b) why would people suddenly hate their own country over what our founding fathers set in place? An election to let the voters decide.

On another note, I hope you all caught John McCain's speech last night. It was so, so, so amazing. I was just so impressed. He is a good guy. Heck, aren't they all?

A few things...

First of all, I hope you all get out and vote. Regardless of your positions on politics, this is too historical to describe. Just last year I was still telling my students I didn't think I would ever see a man of color or a woman in the White House. I am thrilled to be wrong regardless of the results!

Secondly, thank you Ria for posting my little pumpkin Brady on your blogsite. If you aren't familiar with her photography (I am certain you are!), go to: www.rialeephotography.com and click her blog. Ria you are amazing, and I am so grateful that you captured my beautiful baby as a five day old.....

Thirdly, remember how I have been complaining of Kate and Olivia's horrid behavior at supper lately? Well as I was entering school on Friday to help in Katie's classroom, the school counselor stopped me and told me I had to see what Kate made. Their class made a book on feelings. Try and figure this out:

I wasn't sure what "yacey" was, but Maret told me she wrote "I feel yucky." She then asked Kate was was in her mouth. My guess was vomit or boogers, but my dear Kate said, "Peas!" I guess she really does hate that stuff, not that I blame her!

Halloween

It's funny how sometimes I have nothing of interest to post. Now, I can think of several blog ideas for this week, so I may be updating daily!

First off: Happy Birthday AJ! For those of you who are newer readers, AJ and I met when we were in 3rd grade. My family had just moved back from Perham, and she was my first friend here. I learned quickly that AJ has the best laugh, and I was pretty good at getting her to do it. Someday I will dedicate a post to some funny memories I have with AJ.....

On Friday, I was a helper in Kate's classroom for her Halloween party. Let me tell you that I confirmed why I don't teach this age: I would be way too attached. All weekend I have been obsessing over whether or not some of these kids have good families, friends, a safe home, etc. It's ridiculous how much my heart is affected by this type of stuff. Anyway I had a blast. Some classmates scolded me because I called my daughter Katie. "It's Kate" I was told! I helped the kids make bead bracelets. I can't tell you how many beads spilled all over the floor while I tried to tie them.
I have to also say that Katie has the best teacher. She is kind, patient, and so warm and caring. Kate thinks she walks on water, and I don't blame her!

Halloween was fun too. It was a very nice evening, and because it was Friday, we were able to enjoy the festivities that much more. I ended up taking the three kids out while Thad hung back with Brady. They made a haul! I have been trying to use a little restraint, but dang I love sweets. I want to drop a couple more lbs before I go in for my six week check up. The way I have been 'snacking' is making me think it won't happen.

And finally, I actually had a picture taken with Brady. This is the first since a day or two after his birth!!!!! Pardon the messy kitchen, how I look, and the fact that he is crying....

Coming soon on the blog: Olivia & behavior, Kate's funny art picture, goofy memories with AJ, and who knows what else!

Four weeks already

Here is a picture of Thad and Brady from today. He is already four weeks old. Where does the time go? I realized today that I have no pictures of the two of us, so I will have to ask Thad to do that for me.
Physically I am feeling really well. I have begun working out again. It feels so good. Appearance-wise I have a long ways to go. I am not one to bounce back quickly after a baby. It will take some serious discipline on my part to get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes....which means giving up my addictions to sweets. That just might not happen for awhile!

Can you tell...

...that Ryan is our oldest child? I left him home alone while I took Kate and her friend to dance. We are talking 30 minutes tops. Mr. Overachiever's 'job' was to do his homework. As I was entering the house through the garage, this was taped to the door:

Talk about funny! The homework was complete, and he ran today too. I reminded him that if mom leaves for even a few minutes, he is to stay inside.

In other Stafford news, Kate had dance camp this weekend. She and her friend Kailee attended it. It was put on by the MHS dance team. When I dropped them off they were excited (and surprised) to see another friend, Kelsey, there. Kate had a blast! Typical Kate was upset at the end of camp, because two awards were handed out, and she didn't get one. We are working on improving her attitude.

No major news with Olivia and Brady. They will get more attention when I post next!

Oh My...

Kate this morning: "Mommy, Jordan C. told me not to vote for Obama because he lets moms kill their babies."
Whoa! How do you explain that to a six year old. Thanks 1st grade friend!

Thanks girls!

Thank you so much for updating your blogs girls! I realized just why I have been stalking all your blogs lately: my life is rather boring. Yes I am busier than ever, have a beautiful baby boy, and three other children occupying my time, but I am not working. Thus, my adult conversation is pretty lacking these days. As a result, I am feeding off you all for updates, humor, insight, and anything else you want to share about your lives. Hey, it's what I do when I breastfeed.
I will try and share more too. The problem with my updates is that they are pretty much limited to kid stories. I am not doing any traveling, seeing friends I haven't seen in a long time, or anything other than breastfeeding, bringing Olivia to preschool, washing 100 loads of laundry, etc.
I do have a few things that might make you crack a smile:
1. (This is borderline inappropriate) Two days after Brady was born, and the first day home from the hospital, I was holding him and crying. Kate asked why I was crying. I told her that he was just such a miracle. Kate said in her soft voice in all seriousness, "It's such a miracle that your privates stretched wide enough to get him out." WTF???????????? You should have seen my tear streaked face mixed with an expression of pure shock.
2. Yesterday at Olivia's ENT appointment, the doctor asked if we got the baby from Target. She replied, "No, he fell out of my mom's tummy."
3. As I write this, Olivia is walking around saying, "My butt reeks." She has been putting her hands down her pants (both front and back) obsessively lately. Obviously we have said more than to stop doing it!
4. The girls had yet another bad suppertime. In a nutshell, they refuse to eat--ever. Vegetables are the big issue. We have used dessert, no other food, saving dinner until bedtime, heck you name it to get them to eat. Thad was so frustrated with Kate our ultra-whiner that he sent her to her room for an undetermined amount of time. All of the sudden she comes out and says, "Daddy I am getting bored." Thad said, "I don't care if you're bored." Her reply? "Well you should." How stupid to say that?
Why are our kids so freakish?????????? They are alive, healthy, and I am being extreme, so please don't accuse me of being a bad parent. Honestly though, what the heck is up with our kids?

Okay ladies...

We have all commented on how blogging is therapeutic, fun, and another way of us girls to connect. The problem is, we have all been slacking lately (myself included). We are all busy with babies, work, older kids and activities, houses, spouses, etc, but how about we all try to blog a little more? I still check several times a day from updates from you all, but lately there is nothing much new to read--except for you Vicky.
So, here is my vow to try and post more. Believe me, I have wacky stories to share! Don't hate me for posting this. It's actually a compliment to you all and how attached I have become to you and your posts!

My little helper

My special helper these days is Olivia. Every time I have to change Brady's diaper I hear a little, "I will go get his diaper!" She runs to his room to grab a diaper and the wipes if I need them. She loves to give her baby brother his pacifier--too often. If he makes the slightest noise she says, "He's crying mommy, I better give him his pacifier." I have had to scold her a few times because she is always in his face. Three year olds don't understand personal space at all.

Overall, though, she has been such a helpful little girl. Having a new baby has reminded me that they grow too quickly. I have been making a special effort to play more with Olivia. We have been playing Memory (or as she calls it 'the remember game') and Candyland--a lot!

In other news, Thad and I went to parent-teacher conferences yesterday for Ryan and Kate. Both are doing very well, and we couldn't be more proud. Poor Ryan has strep throat, so he has been home bound these first two days of vacation. We go to Olivia's conferences tomorrow. That will be interesting! Brady had his two week check up today. He is 8lbs 3oz, so he is thriving!

Here is a little video of Olivia singing some bizarre lyrics to Brady...

A little update

Brady is nine days old today. The first week is over. It is always the most difficult. When I brought him in to see the lactation consultant for one week weigh in, etc, he weighed 7 lbs 10 oz. I told her how the previous night--Monday--was a little rough for a few hours. I wasn't sure about my milk levels, he was so fussy, maybe it was a tummy ache, and Thad was getting upset because he couldn't 'fix' the problem. Anyway she said two things that resonated with me that I wish I had for perspective prior to the appointment.
1. Babies are mammals. We are the only mammal that sets our babies down to get other things done. She also said that mother animals constantly have their babies sucking their milk. They don't fuss because that is all the mother does and they are up close to her. Even in more primitive societies, the woman wears a contraption keeping the baby on her breast at all times. All they want is to be held, fed, and be warm.
2. Women seem to get amnesia regarding the first week post delivery. It's such a tough adjustment on our bodies, minds, and life in general. We tend to forget after it's over how difficult it really was. Thank god for that!
Anyway things have really improved since our rough Monday night. Brady is such a sweetheart, but then again, what baby isn't? I am in love all over again. The sounds, smells (well most), and all else outweighs the difficult moments.
He is a pretty good eater and sleeper. Of course, he ends up in our bed, but the lady also said there is no scientific proof of a connection with nursing babies in a home where the mother isn't drinking or smoking or using drugs and SIDS. So we get cozy as morning draws near. Lately what is waking him during the night is a wet onesie. I forgot how many outfits boys go through. They leak through everything!
The kids are adjusting well too. Ryan and Kate haven't been affected much. They are busy with school, activities, and friends. Olivia is my little helper. We are having fun together at home. I would say she has become more emotional, but I have had to scold her more often as she hovers over Brady, wants to give him a pacifier every ten seconds, and just gets too close.
I have to also thank some of Thad's colleagues. They called on Monday and informed us they would be bringing us dinner meals for the rest of the week. That has been a very kind gift!! A cooked meal each night has taken the pressure off of me to make something. We are humbled by their kindness.
That's it for now....I normally am on my computer while feeding Brady so I can never type more than a sentence or two. I guess I overdid it this time!

A few photos

Here are some pictures of my new baby boy....




I am not ready to say much else: too tired, too hormonal, and too weepy. You mothers (especially those who have nursed and dealt with all that stuff) get it.

I do have to say that Ryan called the hospital on Thursday night proudly telling me that he scored a touchdown for his new baby brother. It was very touching. He also sent me this email:

Brady likes to sleep in my arms realy comfterble!! He is very Cute!!!