phoenix

Phoenix... I love it, love it, love it!

We had perfect weather and made the most of our days. We packed a lot of activities in with the boys, thanks to my parents willing & more then capable hands for taking care of Lindsey, who has also been named as "fusspot." More on her in my blog dedicated to an update on her.

We did many trips to different parks & the Phoenix Zoo, where Mark enjoyed a ride on a camel with the boys. We had daily hours at the pool, including a local park district pool where they had a lazy river.

We took some walks, played some tennis & soccer with Grandpa in the grass by their house. We also roasted marshmallows by the bonfire one of the nights. Mark & I were also able to enjoy an evening out without the kids.

All in all, we had a great vacation and are so thankful to my parents for hosting us and all of their childcare, or more specifically 'Lindsey care.' Thanks Mom & Dad!

Eyes open

I finally have been able to capture a picture of Lindsey with her eyes open & one where she isn't crying.

She is definitely having longer alert & awake periods now that she's 5 weeks and even giving us a few smiles here and there. Its so nice once they begin to respond to you & your voice. She has also started on some reflux medicine, which seems to be making her a bit more content. Which of course I am thankful for!

1 month

Lindsey is 1 month today!

I am glad we have survived the 1st month. Lindsey is doing pretty good, a bit fussy at times, but to be expected at only 4 weeks old. She is doing longer stretches at night, but of course I can't help but wish for even longer stretches. I am working on being patient for those days to come.

She is also getting lots of loving or smothering, depending on your point of view, from her two older brothers. Cameron especially loves to kiss & cuddle her and repeatedly goes around saying, "I love my sister." Which of course is sweet & endearing.

We also have been blessed with numerous gifts and visits from friends & family from near & far, lots of adorable pink outfits, which I of course ooh & ahhh over, but Zach thinks they are "gross." A new expression he seems to have picked up in kindergarten.

We also are thankful for the many yummy meals we have received, it has made that unbearable supper time a little more bearable. Thanks for all the support during this past month! Especially my parents who have even had Lindsey for a few overnights to allow me to catch up on some sleep. Thanks M & D your help, it has been greatly appreciated!

Zachary

With the busyness of miss Lindsey in the house, Zachary's 6th birthday came & went on February 25, without receiving much fan fare. So I need to catch up with posting some pictures. We opted to celebrate with several small 'celebrations,' as I was not up to the task of having a pinata smashed in my family room this year with 15 or more kiddos grabbing for candy. Here is how we celebrated instead.


The first celebration was with Mark's Mom & Dad, who safely returned Cameron from Wisconsin after spending a week with them(thanks again!!), and my parents. Seen here with Zach showing off his new Packer gear!


Then on the actual day of his birthday, I took Zach & Cam to Chuck E Cheese with Zach's buddy, Max. They enjoyed all the rides & playing the games.


Followed by my sister coming down on the weekend with her kids to celebrate both with Zach & meet their newest niece/cousin. Although we were/still are in the midst of the newborn fog & haze, I think Zach still managed to enjoy turning 6. I know we all say this about our kids as they get older, but I can't believe he is six already.
He seems to be growing up so quickly these days....

One week-er

Lindsey is one week old!
I am glad our first week is behind us, as we are getting the hang of having a baby back in the house.
I don't want to jinx it and I do think that it is related to the narcotics that I am still taking for my c-section, but she is doing some longer stretches at night so I don't quite feel totally sleep deprived, not yet anyway.

We had a smooth homecoming on Tuesday (I ended up staying in the hospital for an extra night), as my parents were there to greet us & allow Mark to get back into the throws of work.
My in-laws had kindly taken Cameron up to Wisconsin on Sunday, which allowed me to fully rest without a busy 2 year old running around and attempting to rule the roost. With him being gone and Zach at school all day, it really allowed me to rest & relax and just focus on Lindsey.

Here are some of the pictures of her 'firsts'.... first pink outfit, first ride in the car, first bedtime story hour with Zach & Dad, first bath.

Lindsey Elizabeth

I still can't believe she is a baby girl! I truly was/still am shocked & slowly getting accustomed to the fact of saying "her" and "she." I honestly thought I was carrying a boy for all these months.

After the doctor announced it was a girl I did say (although I don't really remember saying it) "are you sure? " followed by, "are you sure you didn't overlook a part?" I true testament to my utter surprise.

Anyhow, here are a few of the pictures we have captured so far. We are both doing well & I am slowly recovering from my c-section.

family of 4

Our family of 4 is, all being well, becoming a family of 5 pretty soon! Hard to believe the end is in actually in sight. We are very excited to meet this new little person and ready to see who he/she is.

This picture is of Mark & Zach when Cam was born, weird to think Cameron birth-day wasn't that long ago.
On a more recent note, Camers got his cast off yesterday. Thankfully, his arm seems much better and a new x-ray showed that the damage that was done has healed itself. I am very relieved that our first injury in the family is behind us and he doesn't need further physical therapy to correct it. Phew... one less thing off my list of things to do!

Signing off for now as a mother of two, check back in the next few days for an update. We will try to post as soon as we can! Thanks for all your support and prayers for tomorrow!