Cameron's first trip to Michigan

My parents were heading up to Grand Rapids for the 150th Anniversary of the CR Church on Sunday so the boys and I tagged along for the ride. My parents took Zach with them to the anniversary celebration as my brother-in-law and niece were in attendance from New Mexico. Zach had a great time playing with my sister's youngest, Kiera.

Cam and I opted to hang out with friends, Brad & Bradi and their two girls. The change of scenery was a nice change of pace and it gave me a chance to meet their 8 weeker, Sydney and introduce them to Cameron. This picture isn't really flattering of Cameron, but at 3 weeks how cooperative can I expect him to be. Even though they are only 5 weeks apart it I was amazed at the difference in their development and how much older Sydney seemed. I'm sure as the weeks go on Cameron will catch up and their differences will diminish.

A sad goodbye

Since we moved to Naperville 2 years ago Zach has had the pleasure of spending many days with his good friend, Grace. Zach & Grace are 4 weeks apart in age and we have watched them quickly grow up together. Grace's mom, Beth, is also my good friend that I have known since junior high school, which is too many years of friendship to count. Beth has been my saving grace over the last 2 years with her unconditional support, never ending phone calls, and willingness to have Zach at a moment's notice.

So today was a sad day for us as we said goodbye to the Sheridan's because they are moving to Seattle. Beth's husband, Chris, has taken an new job and they are on the move. We of course were devastated by this news, but happy for them and this new opportunity they are embracing. We only hope they come back to visit often and realize they will be deeply missed!! Can't wait to see the happenings in Seattle with your blog! :)

Finally, Mom took me for my 1st haircut!

Its only taken 3 plus years but finally Zach got his first professional haircut to tame his shaggy mop! For his first time I took him to a special kid 'salon' which features fun cars to sit in, they play a video during the cut, and provide a balloon at the end. He was excited to go but of course shed some tears before being forced to get into the fire engine. Overall he did much better then I thought he would, however the cut isn't the best job I have ever seen. Actually it looks like I just cut it! Which is usually pretty uneven and crooked... oh well, at least we got the first one over with. The looks on his face capture the joy he experienced during this event!

Need to boo hoo just a little

Despite the beautiful weather, the fact we are making money at our garage sale, its my 32nd birthday, and our little 2 weeker did a 4 1/2 hour stretch last night, I just need to boo hoo for just a minute....

This weekend I am missing my annual girls weekend away in Holland, Michigan with college girlfriends. Ever since we graduated from Calvin in 1997 we have been getting together for an annual weekend and up until this weekend, I had yet to miss one. I truly look forward to this weekend every year. We spend the weekend rehashing old memories and stories, drink a few margaritas, and for those of us with kids just enjoy the time off from mommy duties. I thought of the girls last night as I was up feeding Cameron at 1am wondered if some of the late nighters (I won't mention any names) were still up making the most of the night. Well, I hope you girls have a good time and drank a few for me!

I believe this picture is from our first reunion at South Haven, Mi, sorry its a little hard to see.

Wrapping up May

May has come and gone and June is right around the corner. We finished out the month with trying to get back into the social scene last weekend, enjoying some BBQ's with friends. Sunday we headed over to our friends Chad & Amanda, who also have a newborn. The older kids enjoyed the Jump N' Slide while we held the babies and compared stories and challenges of having #2. Its nice to receive moral support and to be reminded that I'm not the only one who's up most of the night!

Monday morning we headed downtown Naperville to the Memorial Day Parade, as Zachary loves the marching bands. My mom kindly watched Cameron so I too could enjoy the time with Zach.

We finished out the long weekend with a BBQ at our neighbors house, which was a great way to end the weekend. Zach loves playing with this friends in our cul-de-sac and in this picture is enjoying some ice cream with his little buddy, Joey.

Rainy Memorial Saturday

Yuck! What a dreary start to the long holiday weekend. Its pretty much been raining on and off all day, which is such a shame as its been beautiful all week.

Despite the unpleasant conditions outside, Mark's parents came down from Wisconsin to meet their 4th grandchild. They were supposed to take Zachary for a fun outdoor outing, but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. So instead we made the most of the time visiting and played inside. Thanks for coming to visit and of course all the gifts for the boys!


We also, FINALLY, gave Cameron his first bath at home. Funny how with the second child it takes a lot longer for such 'big' events take place. I think we did Zach's 1st bath within the first 2 days of being home. Well, at least we finally got around to it. Zach of course wanted to assist and put all of his bath animals in Cam's bath tub. Cam didn't seem to mind the animals, just didn't like the water and being washed.


By about 6.30 tonight all three boys were asleep on the couch watching a Wiggles video. Zach had wanted to cuddle up by his brother and within a few minutes was also snoozing... such a cute moment...

Adjusting to life at home

Hard to believe that Cameron will already be a week old tomorrow! My, life changes so quickly...

Here are a few pictures of first few days at home. The picture of the boys in the car is when we picked up Zach at my mom's on the way home from the hospital. Zach was so excited to be going home with his little brother riding next to him. So far he is extremely proud to be a big brother and continually wants to know what his brother is doing, what his noises mean, why he sleeps all the time, etc... Our first night home Zach had a hard time going to bed as he kept coming into our room wanting to know why Cam could be in the room with us and why he had to be in his own bed. Those types of questions are hard to answer and definitely pull on my heart strings. But so far he seems to be adjusting well and enjoying the new addition to our family.

Cameron's weight had dropped to 7'11' when we left the hospital on Monday, so we took him do the doctors yesterday for a weight check. He was back up to 8 pounds. He's still 5 ounces off from his birth weight but at least he's gaining back and it served as a good reminder for me that all this nursing is paying off.

We are making the most of the warm spring days and spending time outside. The sunshine has been good for Cam's mild jaundice and my sleep deprivation. Actually, I can't complain too much he's been going about 3 hours stretches each night and goes right back down after nursing, which so far feels like a success. I'm still slowly recovering from the surgery but each day feeling less pain and more mobile.