Out of Hand: June 2013

"Uncle Michael Michael"

Sunday, June 30, 2013

We received a surprise call from Uncle Michael yesterday. He had a long, military layover near us. He is deploying for several months. We were so grateful to have a chance to see him before he goes! His original deployment date was his birthday (boo!) today, but the Army moved it up a day.

I was totally bummed because we sent a note and card to arrive right before he left.

But, Providence gave us some face-time with him instead. That was much better.

We bought him dinner and a big slice of cake:

Yes, that is Isaac lunging at the cake in the distance.

Isaac was very intrigued by Michael's fatigues and all of the Army paraphernalia,

especially these pens:

Andre was a great sport throughout the evening. Michael informed us that Andre weighs about the same as an M-16. (He's much cuter, of course!)

The military tells us that this tour is relatively safe. It is also relatively short.

But we still would rather have Uncle Michael stateside.

Regardless, we are so proud of him (and Aunt Cassie!)
and are looking forward to seeing him in the fall!

Life with boys.

I'm getting bigger!!

I love funny cards! We could all use a few more laughs.

Just a nondescript age between 30 and 40. (Rich had to remind me that my birthday was coming up this year.)

Someone will be too long for the bassinet soon.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

He is very focused while reading.

Updated: Birthday Treats

This year I am enjoying the small things.

Andre's check-up showed fantastic progress! It was such a little blessing for me today. It's nice to have an outside source telling me that I'm doing something well. He's gained two pounds since birth and has grown an inch. His current measurements are:

Weight - 9lbs., 7 oz. (67%)
Height - 22 1/4 in. (97%)
Head Circ. - 15 1/6 in. (94%)

Sweet newborn breaths.

Beautiful floral bouquet from the husband -- love how that yellow gerbera daisy has hints of red and orange.

Big brother is enjoying little brother more and more.

Beautiful colors. This really is a fantastic bouquet!

Rich also made a scrumptious breakfast burrito for me so we could enjoy a meal together before the little people woke up. He brewed fresh coffee, also. That is love.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Isaac has been spending lots of time with Grandpa A, who came out the week Andre was born. They have been going to parks and flying kites and kicking balls. Isaac has really enjoyed getting outside. It has helped him adjust to the new addition. Thank you, Grandpa A!

Grandma brought a beautiful ABC quilt for Andre (will post photos soon!) this weekend while in town for his baptism. It's a beautiful embroidered alphabet with a Washington Monument pattern background -- perfect for little Andre.

Isaac watched soccer games on the Mall on Saturday.

He wanted to copy what he saw right away.

Balls and balloons are two of his favorite things. He really likes to kick. I see a soccer player in his future.

Mom Visit

During this stint of postpartum life, I have been really needy. The doctor said not to lift anything heavier than the baby while I recover from the cesarean surgery. There's just one little problem: I have a toddler. This time around, we've really needed help! Thankfully, Rich took off a week from work, Grandpa A came out for a few days to take Isaac to playgrounds, and Grandma S came for 10 days to help get me back on my feet.

Those first two weeks post-surgery were brutal. But I am off of the narcotics. I'm no longer doing crazy maneuvers to avoid engaging the abdominal muscles while getting out of bed. And I've been outside several times. Now, I have about four weeks until complete recovery (when I can start exercising, swimming, and holding Isaac). We are in a much better place, though.

Meanwhile, I am missing this:

Apple pancake.

Three homemade meals a day followed by my kitchen being cleaned, my laundry being washed, and Isaac being taken outside. My mom didn't stop from the moment she woke up until the moment she went to sleep. And she made us healthy food! Lots of egg white, veggie omelettes.

And she watered the flowers. (Thank you for the flowers!!) Our home looked like a greenhouse for the first week after we returned home -- so cheerful!

Making French toast.

She watched Andre and Isaac a few times so that Rich and I could go outside and walk and talk for a couple of minutes without interruptions. Andre fell asleep on her.

She also brought my sister, Maria, who totally enamored Isaac. He followed her around, tried on her shoes, and called her name all day: "Ann Mah REE ah." (Don't judge. He is naked because our AC broke and it was about 89 degrees in here with 50% humidity. He is now clothed and the air is working!)

"More, peaz. Tella." (a.k.a. Nutella)

Isaac also stole a few of Aunt Maria's Q-Tips. (It's an obsession.)

Thank you for all of the help, Mom! We love you.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

This was one of those days when a million little things went wrong, but the most important thing went right. The Engineer was baptized! We are so grateful to be able to give him the opportunity to be with Jesus forever if he chooses. We celebrated the baptisms of three additional babies also.

Unfortunately, my brother and his wife (the godparents) couldn't make it due to my brother's impending deployment. However, we are going to see Cassie in a couple of weeks -- after Michael is situated and safe. Our proxies were Theresa and PopPop. The adenovirus going around these parts kept half of the family home. It was 90+ degrees with lots of humidity. And our air conditioner broke. BUT, the baptism happened. And the Engineer was quiet through the whole thing!

Baby holders.

Watching the baby behind us and announcing, "Baby crying!" The Firstborn is in the emcee stage of toddlerhood.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

So far life is pretty good here.

I spend most of my days sleeping. At night I enjoy being held by mom or dad.

Or Grandma. She's a good cuddler.

There is a lot of background noise around here.

It's a good thing I am a determined sleeper.

I have some dry skin. The doctor told dad that that is because I was a late baby. Mom has been rubbing Aquaphor into my skin at the doctor's recommendation, which I like very much. It puts me to sleep.

I think the noise-maker likes me. He brings mom nursing pillows and diapers and wipes for me.

Everyone keeps saying that I have big hands and feet and a long body. It's hard to tell because I'm pretty thin overall, though I've already passed my birth weight. I was only down for about a day. The nurses are very proud of my progress!