Keeping Your Flowers Fresh
9 years ago
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas
What a Christmas! Santa was very good to Ava – as was everyone else for that matter. We’re trying to figure out what we’re going to do with all these toys!
Thankfully, Ava doesn’t wake up any earlier than usual on Christmas morning…yet! We were thankful for that with a newborn in the house. She was so excited for Christmas, yet she was quite apprehensive (typical Ava) when it came down to it. Chris and I were pumped for her to get downstairs to see her stocking, letter from Santa, half-eaten carrots and all the gifts. She took her time going down the stairs and she slowly approached the Christmas tree. She gradually took it all in with a little prodding from us. It took what seemed like forever for her to open presents. She eventually warmed up by the time we were done. It was fun to watch her learn about the magic of Santa. She was so thankful for each gift and she wanted to spend time with each one after she opened it. We had to explain how the system typically works. She figured it out before venturing to Honey & Papa’s house to open presents.
After taking her new Dora bike from Santa for a spin around the house we made our way over to Honey & Papa’s house where the entire family was anxiously waiting to open presents. The girls were spoiled rotten! The grandparents’ house is truly transforming into a high-class daycare it seems. It’s hog heaven for the girls when they visit!
Honey cooked up an outstanding dinner (are you surprised) which was the perfect way to refuel after the gift opening. We were very fortunate to have the family together under one roof, that’s surprisingly rare these days. Then, it was time for the Gingerbread Competition to commence! The competition was fierce this year and we’ll be sure to bring it next year! Jeff and Rachel won first place and believe me it was well deserved. Their house was quite stunning. Ryan and Bryan came in second with an adorable and humble abode. Chris and I would prefer not to talk about our attempted “Linken Log” cabin with solar panels and a windmill – we opted to put a “Foreclosed” sign in the front yard…
Here are some pictures of the festivities!
Thankfully, Ava doesn’t wake up any earlier than usual on Christmas morning…yet! We were thankful for that with a newborn in the house. She was so excited for Christmas, yet she was quite apprehensive (typical Ava) when it came down to it. Chris and I were pumped for her to get downstairs to see her stocking, letter from Santa, half-eaten carrots and all the gifts. She took her time going down the stairs and she slowly approached the Christmas tree. She gradually took it all in with a little prodding from us. It took what seemed like forever for her to open presents. She eventually warmed up by the time we were done. It was fun to watch her learn about the magic of Santa. She was so thankful for each gift and she wanted to spend time with each one after she opened it. We had to explain how the system typically works. She figured it out before venturing to Honey & Papa’s house to open presents.
After taking her new Dora bike from Santa for a spin around the house we made our way over to Honey & Papa’s house where the entire family was anxiously waiting to open presents. The girls were spoiled rotten! The grandparents’ house is truly transforming into a high-class daycare it seems. It’s hog heaven for the girls when they visit!
Honey cooked up an outstanding dinner (are you surprised) which was the perfect way to refuel after the gift opening. We were very fortunate to have the family together under one roof, that’s surprisingly rare these days. Then, it was time for the Gingerbread Competition to commence! The competition was fierce this year and we’ll be sure to bring it next year! Jeff and Rachel won first place and believe me it was well deserved. Their house was quite stunning. Ryan and Bryan came in second with an adorable and humble abode. Chris and I would prefer not to talk about our attempted “Linken Log” cabin with solar panels and a windmill – we opted to put a “Foreclosed” sign in the front yard…
Here are some pictures of the festivities!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Santa's Cookies
The girls hung out at Honey & Papa’s house on Monday AND Tuesday to bake and decorate cookies for Santa. They had so much fun that they each fell sound asleep in the car on their way home before leaving the neighborhood!
They listened to Christmas music, conducted the choo-choo train in the foyer, watched movies, and played in their princess dresses all in addition to baking and decorating cookies.
I happen to know for a fact that Santa is going to enjoy Ava’s tasty and beautiful cookies…
HUGE thanks to Honey & Papa for all their patience, resources and love.
Thumbs up for good cookies!
The sprinkles got a little out of hand...
Hard at work...
Ava's finished products...
On a different note, here is a pic of Lincoln with his Aunt Zsa Zsa :-)
They listened to Christmas music, conducted the choo-choo train in the foyer, watched movies, and played in their princess dresses all in addition to baking and decorating cookies.
I happen to know for a fact that Santa is going to enjoy Ava’s tasty and beautiful cookies…
HUGE thanks to Honey & Papa for all their patience, resources and love.
Thumbs up for good cookies!
The sprinkles got a little out of hand...
Hard at work...
Ava's finished products...
On a different note, here is a pic of Lincoln with his Aunt Zsa Zsa :-)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
2 Week Check Up
Lincoln had his 2-week check-up on Friday. He's a healthy boy!
Stats:
Weight: 8 lb. 8 oz. (50th %)
Length: 21" (75 %)
Head: 14.5 (50%)
I can't believe how much weight he's gained already. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised though seeing as how he eats like a champ. I feel like all I do with my day is feed Lincoln so I guess it makes sense. The doctor joked that he must be getting some high octane milk. I'm taking that as a compliment :-)
Linc went through a grumpy gassy spell for about a week. We were on the verge of calling the Pediatrician because every time he was awake he was crying like he was in pain (gas). I read that it might be a cow's milk allergy and that I should try eliminating cow's milk from my diet. After just 2 days we saw a considerable improvement! Coincidence? We're not sure yet. I discussed this with the doc and he said that based off the symptoms I described it could also be reflux. Since the cow's milk thing seems to be making a difference I'm going to keep that up for a while to test it out. If he's still grumpy then we'll try the prescription for Zantac that the doc gave us.
Other than the gas, he's doing great! At night his first stretch is usually 4 hours which is great. Then, we wake about every hour and a half which isn't so great. This week we're going to work very hard on getting into a routine. It's tough with the holidays.
Ava is still doing a good job with Lincoln. We're still hoping it isn't just a Honeymoon phase. Time will tell.
Aunt Zsa Zsa came to visit - I haven't uploaded those pics yet. She was shocked and surprised at first by how small a newborn baby is. That was comical! She quickly warmed up and was an ol' pro by the time she left. Ava enjoyed her time with Zsa Zsa as well. I enjoyed the conversation and someone to walk around the neighborhood with (fresh air = sanity).
Well, my hour and half is up. Linc is downstairs with Chris vocalizing his hunger.
Stats:
Weight: 8 lb. 8 oz. (50th %)
Length: 21" (75 %)
Head: 14.5 (50%)
I can't believe how much weight he's gained already. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised though seeing as how he eats like a champ. I feel like all I do with my day is feed Lincoln so I guess it makes sense. The doctor joked that he must be getting some high octane milk. I'm taking that as a compliment :-)
Linc went through a grumpy gassy spell for about a week. We were on the verge of calling the Pediatrician because every time he was awake he was crying like he was in pain (gas). I read that it might be a cow's milk allergy and that I should try eliminating cow's milk from my diet. After just 2 days we saw a considerable improvement! Coincidence? We're not sure yet. I discussed this with the doc and he said that based off the symptoms I described it could also be reflux. Since the cow's milk thing seems to be making a difference I'm going to keep that up for a while to test it out. If he's still grumpy then we'll try the prescription for Zantac that the doc gave us.
Other than the gas, he's doing great! At night his first stretch is usually 4 hours which is great. Then, we wake about every hour and a half which isn't so great. This week we're going to work very hard on getting into a routine. It's tough with the holidays.
Ava is still doing a good job with Lincoln. We're still hoping it isn't just a Honeymoon phase. Time will tell.
Aunt Zsa Zsa came to visit - I haven't uploaded those pics yet. She was shocked and surprised at first by how small a newborn baby is. That was comical! She quickly warmed up and was an ol' pro by the time she left. Ava enjoyed her time with Zsa Zsa as well. I enjoyed the conversation and someone to walk around the neighborhood with (fresh air = sanity).
Well, my hour and half is up. Linc is downstairs with Chris vocalizing his hunger.
Santa, Baby!
Last weekend Samantha had a brunch date with Santa at the Country Club. Uncle Jeff & Aunt Rachel were kind enough to invite Ava along as well. Honey & Papa picked up Ava Saturday morning and off they went to dine with Santa. We gave Papa the camera to capture the event - pics are below.
Ava was so excited to go see Santa! She and Sam talked about how they were going to sit in his lap and Ava was going to ask him for "snacks & books" for Christmas. She got all dressed up and asked me to give her "special hair."
A couple hours after she left our phone rang and it was Ava asking to talk to Mama. She was calling from Honey's cell phone. She was so excited I could hardly understand her. She went on and on (and I do mean on and on...wonder where she gets that from?) about Santa and the candy cane and Santa and his beard and Santa. She finally paused long enough to catch a breath and I asked her, "So, did you sit in his lap?!" Long pause from the other end and finally she replied, "Nope." And then she continued her story about Santa and the candy cane...
Sigh, oh well. Maybe next year.
Boy, is she obsessed with Christmas though and we have no idea where she gets that from (other than Ninny). We listen to LOTS of Christmas music around these parts now and we always drive by all the houses with lights at night. She's paticularly fond of "Rudolph the Reindeer Red Nose" - he's a lawn ornament a few streets down. This morning she was singing "Happy Days" (Happy Holidays) as she ate breakfast. Ava already has big plans at Honey's house on Monday and Tuesday - she and Sam are baking cookies for Santa! She takes this very seriously. She keeps reminding us that the reindeer will need carrots also. Guess we'll be making a trip to the grocery store for these reindeer...
All dressed up, ready to go see Santa!
Psyching herself up to sit in Santa's lap...
At brunch...
Just a silly picture of "Princess Ava"
Ava was so excited to go see Santa! She and Sam talked about how they were going to sit in his lap and Ava was going to ask him for "snacks & books" for Christmas. She got all dressed up and asked me to give her "special hair."
A couple hours after she left our phone rang and it was Ava asking to talk to Mama. She was calling from Honey's cell phone. She was so excited I could hardly understand her. She went on and on (and I do mean on and on...wonder where she gets that from?) about Santa and the candy cane and Santa and his beard and Santa. She finally paused long enough to catch a breath and I asked her, "So, did you sit in his lap?!" Long pause from the other end and finally she replied, "Nope." And then she continued her story about Santa and the candy cane...
Sigh, oh well. Maybe next year.
Boy, is she obsessed with Christmas though and we have no idea where she gets that from (other than Ninny). We listen to LOTS of Christmas music around these parts now and we always drive by all the houses with lights at night. She's paticularly fond of "Rudolph the Reindeer Red Nose" - he's a lawn ornament a few streets down. This morning she was singing "Happy Days" (Happy Holidays) as she ate breakfast. Ava already has big plans at Honey's house on Monday and Tuesday - she and Sam are baking cookies for Santa! She takes this very seriously. She keeps reminding us that the reindeer will need carrots also. Guess we'll be making a trip to the grocery store for these reindeer...
All dressed up, ready to go see Santa!
Psyching herself up to sit in Santa's lap...
At brunch...
And this is as close as they got to Santa...
Enjoying her candy cane from Santa at home...
Just a silly picture of "Princess Ava"
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Update
I got 3 consecutive hours of sleep last night!! I took a 2-hour nap this morning! I feel like a new person! I actually have energy to update the blog :-) I even had energy to vacuum, clean the bathroom and walk the dog. Phew.
We're having some trouble helping Lincoln distinguish the difference between daytime and nighttime. I don’t remember it taking such a toll on me when we went through this with Ava. I never napped with Ava. I look forward to naps now when Linc sleeps. I still only take about one a day because there are too many other things that need to get done.
Hanging out with him at night is enjoyable but I find myself passed out in the rocking chair during feedings. I only intend to feed him, change him and go back to bed. That somehow always turns into a 2-hour affair because I end up falling asleep while nursing. By the time I crawl back into bed it’s time to get up again. Sleeping in the rocking chair is not a sound sleep – causes lots of neck and back pain. I’m not stressing over it anymore, it’ll work itself out soon enough. When I can’t take it anymore I call on Chris and he’s always more than willing to jump up and help. I feel terribly guilty when I have to do that, but he really doesn’t seem to mind. I’m sure it’ll be a different story when he’s back and work and school. Gotta take advantage of it while I can.
Lincoln is doing great otherwise! He has a double chin and his cheeks are filling out beautifully. At his first doctor appointment on Monday he’d already gained 6 oz. The doctor was thrilled that he was already back to his birth weight. He had a slight case of jaundice when we left the hospital; something about a blood incompatibility with me. We had to take him back to the hospital twice since his discharge to get his bilirubin levels checked. Because he was considered low risk he didn’t require treatment unless his levels began to rise. Thankfully, his little body worked it out itself and his levels began to decrease so the doctor thinks we’re in the clear. His color is returning and the whites of his eyes look healthy again. He’s a trooper!
He smiles a lot and we’re not buying the “it’s just gas” line. He truly smiles and that’s all there is to that. He has the cutest dimples ever! Everyone points them out almost immediately. It’s funny how nutty people are over dimples, I don’t know what it is about them but they’re just so precious. He’s long and lanky. He has long skinny arms, legs, back and a little tiny bony bum. His feet are long and narrow. He has quite a different build than his sister had. He doesn’t complain unless he has gas bubbles or he’s hungry. He’s hungry a lot. All I do is feed him, all day it seems.
Who exactly said that changing a boy’s diaper is much easier than a girl’s diaper?! Seriously?! They couldn’t have been serious… It has been our experience that a boy’s diaper is much more complicated. It seems like we go through 4 wipes per poop just trying to get all the parts clean and under all the parts clean. And of course Little Linc sprayed both of us already! He got Chris last night before his bath and he got me twice today (during the same diaper change, go figure). He’s got some pressure and some range! We just had to laugh.
Ava is still happy with her baby brother. She hasn’t changed at all. She’s still happy, funny and polite. She’s been going to bed great – even when only one of us is available to tuck her in. She sleeps through Lincoln’s crying at night. She gives him gentle kisses and rubs the top of his head. As soon as she gets home from school she comes running into the door asking, “Where’s Lincoln?!”
Well, I’m going to see what else I can accomplish before Ava gets home.
Ava decorating the Christmas tree...
My boys...
Some family time...
We're having some trouble helping Lincoln distinguish the difference between daytime and nighttime. I don’t remember it taking such a toll on me when we went through this with Ava. I never napped with Ava. I look forward to naps now when Linc sleeps. I still only take about one a day because there are too many other things that need to get done.
Hanging out with him at night is enjoyable but I find myself passed out in the rocking chair during feedings. I only intend to feed him, change him and go back to bed. That somehow always turns into a 2-hour affair because I end up falling asleep while nursing. By the time I crawl back into bed it’s time to get up again. Sleeping in the rocking chair is not a sound sleep – causes lots of neck and back pain. I’m not stressing over it anymore, it’ll work itself out soon enough. When I can’t take it anymore I call on Chris and he’s always more than willing to jump up and help. I feel terribly guilty when I have to do that, but he really doesn’t seem to mind. I’m sure it’ll be a different story when he’s back and work and school. Gotta take advantage of it while I can.
Lincoln is doing great otherwise! He has a double chin and his cheeks are filling out beautifully. At his first doctor appointment on Monday he’d already gained 6 oz. The doctor was thrilled that he was already back to his birth weight. He had a slight case of jaundice when we left the hospital; something about a blood incompatibility with me. We had to take him back to the hospital twice since his discharge to get his bilirubin levels checked. Because he was considered low risk he didn’t require treatment unless his levels began to rise. Thankfully, his little body worked it out itself and his levels began to decrease so the doctor thinks we’re in the clear. His color is returning and the whites of his eyes look healthy again. He’s a trooper!
He smiles a lot and we’re not buying the “it’s just gas” line. He truly smiles and that’s all there is to that. He has the cutest dimples ever! Everyone points them out almost immediately. It’s funny how nutty people are over dimples, I don’t know what it is about them but they’re just so precious. He’s long and lanky. He has long skinny arms, legs, back and a little tiny bony bum. His feet are long and narrow. He has quite a different build than his sister had. He doesn’t complain unless he has gas bubbles or he’s hungry. He’s hungry a lot. All I do is feed him, all day it seems.
Who exactly said that changing a boy’s diaper is much easier than a girl’s diaper?! Seriously?! They couldn’t have been serious… It has been our experience that a boy’s diaper is much more complicated. It seems like we go through 4 wipes per poop just trying to get all the parts clean and under all the parts clean. And of course Little Linc sprayed both of us already! He got Chris last night before his bath and he got me twice today (during the same diaper change, go figure). He’s got some pressure and some range! We just had to laugh.
Ava is still happy with her baby brother. She hasn’t changed at all. She’s still happy, funny and polite. She’s been going to bed great – even when only one of us is available to tuck her in. She sleeps through Lincoln’s crying at night. She gives him gentle kisses and rubs the top of his head. As soon as she gets home from school she comes running into the door asking, “Where’s Lincoln?!”
Well, I’m going to see what else I can accomplish before Ava gets home.
Ava decorating the Christmas tree...
My boys...
Some family time...
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