Monday, October 22, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Two And a Half
Caden and Blake are two and a half this month and they have grown up by leaps and bounds since Gavin was born. They ask each other to play specific games like throwing pillows off the couch and shooting hoops in the back yard. "Caden, play pillows?" They want to get along for the most part and I am so grateful for that little shift in behavior.
They also value time with me more than before so I love to spoil them with afternoon play. We played pirates a few days ago. After fighting sharks (large zuchinis), swimming to the deserted island, following a treasure map to the X and digging up a baggie of cookies they were saying "Ahrrr matey!" for the rest of the day. Seriously... how fun is my life? Gavin wouldn't be left out of the fun so I carried him around in his sling.
We don't always go to such lengths to have fun but I love playing pretend. It takes some effort and preparation but it's usually worth it. Most of the time they get me in the backyard to play basketball or watch them mow the lawn. They get so happy when I play with them I feel like the guest of honor. They make sure I have my own basketball and they both chase after it and retrieve it every time I take a shot. They say, "Good job Mamma, you made it!" or "Almost Mamma, try again!"
Blake is such a smart little kid. He has the art of manipulation down pat already. For example, their cousin Sammy was sitting in a toy car. Both boys wanted to play with it so Caden opens up the door and tries to pull him out by the arm. Of course, that gets an immediate response from me and we try to distract Caden with something else. Then it's Blake's turn. He opens the door to the car and slowly moves his face towards Sam until he's mere inches away, forcing Sam (who is a full year younger) to push him away. Blake fake falls back onto the grass and starts whining. Amanda gets up and scolds Sammy for pushing and lets Blake into the car with a look of triumph on his face. Luckily I know all the tricks so I didn't let him get away with it. But Blake does surprise me lately by how calculated he is. He thinks several steps ahead and plans his next move very carefully.
Underneath all the planning Blake loves to feel like a big boy and reminds us that he is all the time. He is also our little dancer. I'm afraid I taught him to be pretty nerdy because his dancing is one or two fingers in the air with a little head bop. Either that or both hands on his back kicking his feet around.
Caden, on the other hand, is the epitome of living in the moment. Every emotion and decision is a full force expression of NOW. It makes his joy unbridled and his sorrow tug at my heart strings but it also makes him very impatient. When I'm feeding Gavin and he wants me to play he gives me a stern look and says, "Mamma, put Gavin down now! Play baskaball."
Caden was the reason I found an outdoor basketball hoop on KSL. He loved the one at Grandma Rosemary's so much he played with it for over an hour. He is so persistent and focused on whatever he is doing. He also loves music. We were in the car the other day and I was singing along with the lyrics "tonight's going to be a good good night" and there was Caden in the back seat singing, "good night, good night!" He is also copying the words from the songs on Super Why. That is the new favorite show lately.
Oh man... they are in a classic argument right now about whether or not to leave the door open. It is such a power struggle. They both want to be in charge of their brother and fight over the dumbest things trying to show who is the boss. These fights usually end up with Caden pushing, tackling or throwing something causing an enraged Blake to retaliate and ends with two crying boys.
But I will take much of the blame for that one. On days that I try to be super productive around the house they spend a little too much time together alone. If I provide a good day of activities and attention they really have good intentions towards each other and me.
Then there is my sweet buddy Gavin. I love when I as I burp him he looks up at me with his big eyes. He is my little doll and he's all ready for BYU football season! (I just wish it was going to be a better season...) Look at that face! How can you not be in love with him?
I wouldn't be up to the task without Nate. He is SUCH a good boy daddy, I blame him for us having all boys. He is an incredible mix of tough love and energetic play. He has really taken his responsibility for our first yard seriously this summer. The volleyball pit is going to be a pain to keep weed free over the years but he's gotten the hang of sprinklers and fertilizing etc. He even laid down a beautiful layer of bark in the front yard. His work is going well also. He finally got some time to put towards creating a data visualization library for the company and has really made a name for himself. DV is his baby and everyone wants it. He has also become the appointed diplomat to deal with disagreements with a company in Swizterland. Adobe bought them out as well. The cultural differences bolstered by the ever present programmer pride has caused more than a few skirmishes between the teams. Luckily Nate has a way of saying things in a way that it sounds like he's agreeing with you when actually he's disagreeing. (Perhaps that's a skill he's had to master being married to me???)
Anyway, our life is not a fairytale, I just write about it that way. We have our challenges too, just nothing worth remembering.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Gavin's Birth Story
Gavin Matthew Ross.
Born at 9:17 am on August 6th 2012.
Eight pounds five ounces.
What a day. What a wonderful, joyful, heart-expanding day! Caden and Blake spent the night before at Grandpa Scott's house because Nate and I had to wake up pretty early. It was one of those mornings that when the alarm went off you were immediately excited because a long anticipated day had finally arrived. I slept much better this time than I did with the boys. I was so nervous the first time around, not knowing what to expect. Our lives, especially mine, was about to change forever. This time, I felt like my current life was expanding more than changing.
Maybe that's why, one week ago, we hurried into the American Fork Hospital like kids in a candy store. Nate was in high spirits, making me laugh in his marshmallow outfit. We chatted about his work, hospital food and what name we might give the baby. We had narrowed it down to Gavin or Chase and decided we would know when we saw him.
We had lots of visitors and we so appreciate our family for showing us their support. Welcoming Gavin would not have been complete without his extended family around to greet him. The most anticipated visitors didn't come until I had a chance to rest. A day and a half after Gavin was born he met his two older brothers. They walked into the hospital room and said, "Momma!" with big smiles. Then I think the big hospital bed intimidated them because they ran to Dada instead :) After a few minutes of playing tickles with Dada we brought them over to see Gavin. They were intrigued with his little features, especially his feet.
Most of our time in the hospital was pretty relaxed. My pain meds kept me happy and slightly loopy. Nate had many a laugh at my expense. I would start speaking, stop mid sentence, and completely forget what I was going to say. I had one bad night because of the air bubbles in my shoulders and chest. I couldn't breathe without extreme pain. Luckily my mom was watching the boys and Nate was at the hospital with me. I had wonderful nurses but nothing compares to your number one person being there when you need them. Within an hour I had calmed down and was able to feed Gavin again.
Speaking of eating, Gavin Matthew Ross is living up to his uncle's legacy. He could eat continually, with brief naps in between, all day long. Within 5 minutes of holding him for the first time we tried to get him to eat and I made up the word "insta-latch". I have been blessed with a great breast-feeding baby! Twins were a real trial in this area so perhaps I appreciate it that much more. He ate well enough to keep his billi levels low so he hasn't needed any supplemental feeding. It also makes for adorable chubby cheeks :)
Bringing Gavin home felt completely natural. I've had his room ready for months and his brother proof space (a bouncer in a pack n play) set up for two weeks in the corner of the living room. Caden kept saying, "Baby brudder came outta Momma's tummy!" Blake couldn't stop holding him. Even when Gavin started crying, I asked Blake if he wanted me to take him and he said, "No, where's his binky?"
He only wakes up twice a night and I'm back in bed in a half an hour. It's a dream come true. I think it's safe to say that Gavin is pretty happy to finally be here.
Gavin is such a good baby. He loves being held but is fine laying down wrapped up. He likes a binky but can sleep without it. He's my easy going little buddy. And he's already taken up his first hobby: modeling the latest baby fashions.
I was worried about how the big brothers would do with Mommy being so preoccupied. But they have become great friend with their grandparents, and Daddy, and most of all each other. Yes they still fight. But they have learned that getting along makes the day a lot more fun.
Maybe that's why, one week ago, we hurried into the American Fork Hospital like kids in a candy store. Nate was in high spirits, making me laugh in his marshmallow outfit. We chatted about his work, hospital food and what name we might give the baby. We had narrowed it down to Gavin or Chase and decided we would know when we saw him.
Once I had my IV in my hand I began to relax. Peace started to overtake the excitement as I contemplated meeting my new best friend. There was a picture of a baby on the cabinet in my hospital room and I just kept smiling at the little face. I couldn't believe I was going to have a newborn in my life again!
When they asked if I was ready to go into the operating room I couldn't believe how ready I felt. I have been frantic all spring and summer getting ready for this baby. We found out I was expecting just two weeks after moving in to our new home. I felt like our life was chaos and I had to find some order before we welcomed the newest member of our family. My checklist was endless and I'm sure I didn't get it all done. Yet somehow I have never felt more ready for anything in my entire life. I wanted our son with us, chaos or not.
The surgery went like clockwork. Sarah McLachlan's "Remember You" was playing over the speakers when I felt the pressure release and heard a little growling scream that sounded like a baby bear. His lungs definitely worked! Then I saw the matted hair and pink body of what I knew to be a perfectly healthy baby boy. "8 pounds 5 ounces" appeared on the scale. I was overwhelmed with joy at this wonderful gift that seemed to appear out of thin air. All the sudden I loved that little ball of flesh as much as my husband and children. He was instantly one of us. It was similar to the birth of the boys in that I felt like I had always known them, that we were simply meeting again after a long absence. Like I have already loved them all my life.
When they asked if I was ready to go into the operating room I couldn't believe how ready I felt. I have been frantic all spring and summer getting ready for this baby. We found out I was expecting just two weeks after moving in to our new home. I felt like our life was chaos and I had to find some order before we welcomed the newest member of our family. My checklist was endless and I'm sure I didn't get it all done. Yet somehow I have never felt more ready for anything in my entire life. I wanted our son with us, chaos or not.
The surgery went like clockwork. Sarah McLachlan's "Remember You" was playing over the speakers when I felt the pressure release and heard a little growling scream that sounded like a baby bear. His lungs definitely worked! Then I saw the matted hair and pink body of what I knew to be a perfectly healthy baby boy. "8 pounds 5 ounces" appeared on the scale. I was overwhelmed with joy at this wonderful gift that seemed to appear out of thin air. All the sudden I loved that little ball of flesh as much as my husband and children. He was instantly one of us. It was similar to the birth of the boys in that I felt like I had always known them, that we were simply meeting again after a long absence. Like I have already loved them all my life.
To say I was a picky patient on my first day may have been an understatement. At the twin's birth the boys never left my side all during the surgery all the way through their first baths. This hospital had a different policy and I was not supposed to see MY baby for 45 min to an hour after surgery! I talked to all the nurses and begged them to bring my baby back up to my floor as soon as I got out. They said they would try and to my surprise my sweet baby Gavin was in my room two minutes after I arrived there myself. I knew it was Gavin as soon as he was born, luckily Nate felt the same way.
Then I discovered I was going to miss his first bath, one of my fondest memories of the hospital with the twins. I said no, that we would bathe him ourselves in our room if need be. So they wheeled my whole hospital bed into the nursery so I could see his first bath! I felt like such a pain to everyone but the staff was so nice and I loved watching the little pink bundle of flesh and matted hair turn into a baby. What a face!
We had lots of visitors and we so appreciate our family for showing us their support. Welcoming Gavin would not have been complete without his extended family around to greet him. The most anticipated visitors didn't come until I had a chance to rest. A day and a half after Gavin was born he met his two older brothers. They walked into the hospital room and said, "Momma!" with big smiles. Then I think the big hospital bed intimidated them because they ran to Dada instead :) After a few minutes of playing tickles with Dada we brought them over to see Gavin. They were intrigued with his little features, especially his feet.
Speaking of eating, Gavin Matthew Ross is living up to his uncle's legacy. He could eat continually, with brief naps in between, all day long. Within 5 minutes of holding him for the first time we tried to get him to eat and I made up the word "insta-latch". I have been blessed with a great breast-feeding baby! Twins were a real trial in this area so perhaps I appreciate it that much more. He ate well enough to keep his billi levels low so he hasn't needed any supplemental feeding. It also makes for adorable chubby cheeks :)
Bringing Gavin home felt completely natural. I've had his room ready for months and his brother proof space (a bouncer in a pack n play) set up for two weeks in the corner of the living room. Caden kept saying, "Baby brudder came outta Momma's tummy!" Blake couldn't stop holding him. Even when Gavin started crying, I asked Blake if he wanted me to take him and he said, "No, where's his binky?"
He only wakes up twice a night and I'm back in bed in a half an hour. It's a dream come true. I think it's safe to say that Gavin is pretty happy to finally be here.
Gavin is such a good baby. He loves being held but is fine laying down wrapped up. He likes a binky but can sleep without it. He's my easy going little buddy. And he's already taken up his first hobby: modeling the latest baby fashions.
I was worried about how the big brothers would do with Mommy being so preoccupied. But they have become great friend with their grandparents, and Daddy, and most of all each other. Yes they still fight. But they have learned that getting along makes the day a lot more fun.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Mommy-Talk Update
These boys... they are cutting their molars right now and are a little testy and emotional lately. Maybe Heavenly Father timed it this way so I could have some empathy for Nate and what he has to put up with being married to pregnant me :)
I have been decorating their rooms so that they have more than 4 white walls and a crib. They are finally almost done so I can start focusing on the nursery. It's going to be a sports themed room because that's what Nate wanted to do with the boys originally and I vetoed it. I figured it was his turn :) Blakey is the dinosaur boy so he got dinosaur art while Caden gets a baboon. He is obsessed. He asks to go to Nana's house all the time just to see the baboon book. They both love animals and dinosaurs but they have their favorites.
For example Blake loves riding his bike! He thinks he is so big and he gets so proud to ride it all around the church parking lot. Caden on the other hand could sit in the driver's seat of a car and pretend to drive for who knows how long! When I put him in the back seat we have a real wrestling match sometimes. I don't know what I will do if he gets much stronger! I won't be able to put him in the car. But he makes himself feel better saying, "It's Momma's turn" meaning to drive the car. Because when we take turns at our house it means you get another turn in a minute.
Speaking of which they boys are just starting to learn to share. I know that twins learn this much earlier than most kids but I believe it's just because they get a crash course in it. We do multiple time outs a day for throwing toys, stealing toys, and screaming when it's not their turn with a coveted toy. Ya, I think I'm living in toddler sharing boot camp. I just hope the boys graduate to a basic functioning level of sharing by the time the baby comes. They will share now with close supervision so we'll see.
It's so funny raising twins. I feel like I have to fight all the battles twice as much so I have to prioritize what I want to teach them that week. For example, they love to jump across my huge tub, causing tidal waves of splashes. Just yesterday I moved the rugs out of the way and pulled the blinds all the way up and just let them splash their little hearts out. I had used up all my teaching for the day and decided wiping up water was less energy than teaching "little splashes." I'm sure that lesson will come, but not this week.
Caden has been jumping out of his crib lately, sometimes hurting himself. We got him a new crib so the baby could use his old one. The new crib turns into a cute toddler bed so I thought I would just let him get used to it before the baby comes. But it is lower to ground which causes the escapes. Ever since then he has not been sleeping well which makes for a very emotional Caden. So for now, the boys have switched rooms until who knows when. Blake is too careful and he likes sleeping too much to jump out of the lower crib. And so far Caden has stayed put in Blakey's crib.
Life is so much better when boys sleep. They are happier, they eat better, they are nicer to me and each other. Their language development is coming right along and it is so fun to finally be communicating with them! It's so wonderful to hand something to Blake and have him say, "Thanks, Mamma." And when Caden gets a little worried about how big a slide is at the park and he calls it "Scary" I know I need to hold his hand and he'll be fine. He also does the funniest whiny little "No" right now that leaves his mouth in a little cheerio and his eyes concerned. And you can't beat the "Snuggle Mamma!" request.
They have the cutest little personalities. They both love life and playing so much! Blake loves attention so much it almost makes him shy, even with me, which makes him silly and show off. Caden is so focused on what he is doing but he looks over every once in a while to just to see if I'm watching. If I am he just continues on with his task but with a little smile on his face and in his eyes. I am one lucky woman.
Wow, now that was an explosion of mommy-talk. I just don't want to forget this time with them. I know these are the best years of my life.
I have been decorating their rooms so that they have more than 4 white walls and a crib. They are finally almost done so I can start focusing on the nursery. It's going to be a sports themed room because that's what Nate wanted to do with the boys originally and I vetoed it. I figured it was his turn :) Blakey is the dinosaur boy so he got dinosaur art while Caden gets a baboon. He is obsessed. He asks to go to Nana's house all the time just to see the baboon book. They both love animals and dinosaurs but they have their favorites.
For example Blake loves riding his bike! He thinks he is so big and he gets so proud to ride it all around the church parking lot. Caden on the other hand could sit in the driver's seat of a car and pretend to drive for who knows how long! When I put him in the back seat we have a real wrestling match sometimes. I don't know what I will do if he gets much stronger! I won't be able to put him in the car. But he makes himself feel better saying, "It's Momma's turn" meaning to drive the car. Because when we take turns at our house it means you get another turn in a minute.
Speaking of which they boys are just starting to learn to share. I know that twins learn this much earlier than most kids but I believe it's just because they get a crash course in it. We do multiple time outs a day for throwing toys, stealing toys, and screaming when it's not their turn with a coveted toy. Ya, I think I'm living in toddler sharing boot camp. I just hope the boys graduate to a basic functioning level of sharing by the time the baby comes. They will share now with close supervision so we'll see.
It's so funny raising twins. I feel like I have to fight all the battles twice as much so I have to prioritize what I want to teach them that week. For example, they love to jump across my huge tub, causing tidal waves of splashes. Just yesterday I moved the rugs out of the way and pulled the blinds all the way up and just let them splash their little hearts out. I had used up all my teaching for the day and decided wiping up water was less energy than teaching "little splashes." I'm sure that lesson will come, but not this week.
Caden has been jumping out of his crib lately, sometimes hurting himself. We got him a new crib so the baby could use his old one. The new crib turns into a cute toddler bed so I thought I would just let him get used to it before the baby comes. But it is lower to ground which causes the escapes. Ever since then he has not been sleeping well which makes for a very emotional Caden. So for now, the boys have switched rooms until who knows when. Blake is too careful and he likes sleeping too much to jump out of the lower crib. And so far Caden has stayed put in Blakey's crib.
Life is so much better when boys sleep. They are happier, they eat better, they are nicer to me and each other. Their language development is coming right along and it is so fun to finally be communicating with them! It's so wonderful to hand something to Blake and have him say, "Thanks, Mamma." And when Caden gets a little worried about how big a slide is at the park and he calls it "Scary" I know I need to hold his hand and he'll be fine. He also does the funniest whiny little "No" right now that leaves his mouth in a little cheerio and his eyes concerned. And you can't beat the "Snuggle Mamma!" request.
They have the cutest little personalities. They both love life and playing so much! Blake loves attention so much it almost makes him shy, even with me, which makes him silly and show off. Caden is so focused on what he is doing but he looks over every once in a while to just to see if I'm watching. If I am he just continues on with his task but with a little smile on his face and in his eyes. I am one lucky woman.
Wow, now that was an explosion of mommy-talk. I just don't want to forget this time with them. I know these are the best years of my life.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Snow Day!
We finally got a some snow a couple weeks ago up here in Highland and we made the best use of it that we could!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Christmas Update
Christmas with the boys was a lot of fun this year! Although, Christmas Eve was rough because Nate's grandpa went into the hospital. We went and saw him but didn't get a chance to talk to him before he was life flighted to another hospital. He had a stroke and isn't doing too well. The boys thought the helicopter was pretty cool and we stopped at the Thanksgiving point lights on the way home so they thought it was a great night. The boys learned how to say "Ho, ho ho" like Santa for the first time at the lights that night.
We opened presents here at our new house with the boys Christmas morning. They loved their toys so much they didn't want to mess with opening any more gifts. First Christmas lesson: tell Santa to tuck the good stuff way underneath the tree. Then we headed off to see the parents. We made 3 stops and got so loaded up with gifts that we had to come back for some a few days later! The boys love playing with their new dump trucks in the back yard and their puzzles and fake headphones. It's so funny to see them try and put those on their heads! They look like they are trying to listen with the temples of their heads.
Moving has been quite the ordeal. We are still not settled and honestly it feels like there is no end in sight. There is just so little I seem to be able to do during the day! Granted, I have the two cutest and naughtiest distractions in the world running around.
The good thing is they are really starting to play together. Last night Caden made up a game of slowly sliding off the couch head first and rolling onto the floor. It took lots of watching and giggling before Blake was finally tempted to try it out. I found myself holding my breath every time they would slide off so finally I got a small foam mattress and some pillows and put them in front of the couch. The game went on for over an hour and they were falling on top of each other and giggling the whole time. It was fun to watch.
As for the naughtiness we have started to fully implement time-outs. It's either a minute in their cribs without binky or blanket or a minute of me holding them to face the corner. They have learned pretty fast that Mom means business and they are finally listening to me when I tell them to do or not do something.
The catch is I have to be watching them every second or they get away with their naughtiness. How do I know? Well, the boys know they are not supposed to touch the ornaments on the Christmas tree (yes it's still up, I decided that finishing up unpacking came first). However, while I was upstairs for just a minute I heard a huge crash and the whole tree had fallen over. When I came down Blake was crying and Caden had his wide-eyed innocent look that seemed to say, "what ornaments Mom?"
But the day ended well with a relatively clean dinner of macaroni and tomato sauce using spoons (Can I get a HALLELUJAH!!!) and a bath. Even though Blake pooped in the tub again I was able to catch it on it's way out (I recognized his crouched position) before it became little pieces all through the tub and on my clean boys. Sorry if that's TMI for you, this is my life. After the tubby my back was killing me so I lied down on my bed and the boys came to me instantly. They were jumping and tackling me and each other and it was just one of those moments you want to freeze forever in your brain.
I feel extremely lucky that I have those moments nearly on a daily basis. Thanks to all my family and friends who make life great!
We opened presents here at our new house with the boys Christmas morning. They loved their toys so much they didn't want to mess with opening any more gifts. First Christmas lesson: tell Santa to tuck the good stuff way underneath the tree. Then we headed off to see the parents. We made 3 stops and got so loaded up with gifts that we had to come back for some a few days later! The boys love playing with their new dump trucks in the back yard and their puzzles and fake headphones. It's so funny to see them try and put those on their heads! They look like they are trying to listen with the temples of their heads.
Moving has been quite the ordeal. We are still not settled and honestly it feels like there is no end in sight. There is just so little I seem to be able to do during the day! Granted, I have the two cutest and naughtiest distractions in the world running around.
The good thing is they are really starting to play together. Last night Caden made up a game of slowly sliding off the couch head first and rolling onto the floor. It took lots of watching and giggling before Blake was finally tempted to try it out. I found myself holding my breath every time they would slide off so finally I got a small foam mattress and some pillows and put them in front of the couch. The game went on for over an hour and they were falling on top of each other and giggling the whole time. It was fun to watch.
As for the naughtiness we have started to fully implement time-outs. It's either a minute in their cribs without binky or blanket or a minute of me holding them to face the corner. They have learned pretty fast that Mom means business and they are finally listening to me when I tell them to do or not do something.
The catch is I have to be watching them every second or they get away with their naughtiness. How do I know? Well, the boys know they are not supposed to touch the ornaments on the Christmas tree (yes it's still up, I decided that finishing up unpacking came first). However, while I was upstairs for just a minute I heard a huge crash and the whole tree had fallen over. When I came down Blake was crying and Caden had his wide-eyed innocent look that seemed to say, "what ornaments Mom?"
But the day ended well with a relatively clean dinner of macaroni and tomato sauce using spoons (Can I get a HALLELUJAH!!!) and a bath. Even though Blake pooped in the tub again I was able to catch it on it's way out (I recognized his crouched position) before it became little pieces all through the tub and on my clean boys. Sorry if that's TMI for you, this is my life. After the tubby my back was killing me so I lied down on my bed and the boys came to me instantly. They were jumping and tackling me and each other and it was just one of those moments you want to freeze forever in your brain.
I feel extremely lucky that I have those moments nearly on a daily basis. Thanks to all my family and friends who make life great!
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