1st Day of Preschool 2011-2012/Well Check

J started preschool yesterday with a new teacher and assistant. They seem really nice, and he seems to like both of them. His teacher has a very sweet voice and has an undergraduate degree in music. So, J will love that about her. She also seems really sincere and very nurturing. His assistant seems like a mom away from home. He walked in this morning and gave her a "hi", a smile, and then a hug. Sweet boy!



He started MMO at our church at 21 mos. old. Check him out!




L had a big day yesterday, too! He saw Dr. Riley for a 2 month well check! She thought he looked FANTASTIC! He gave her lots of smiles and coos...he had a lot to "tell" her throughout the visit. She loved the sounds and told me many times how great that it is to hear them. I guess they are watching him closely because of J's apraxia. No need for them to worry, I have had my checklist out since Day 1! I remember J not babbling and thinking it was peculiar but didn't know apraxia existed at that time. Also, L's hip ultrasound results looked great...no issues there. So, here are L's stats:

weight: 12 pounds 9 oz. (50th percentile)
height: 23 in. (75th percentile)

Crazy But Typical Day

I was browsing through Facebook status updates earlier today when I stumbled across two really great, encouraging words posted by some friends. One was from a working mom commending us mommies who stay at home. I can only compare staying at home to teaching. When I only had one child, I totally thought teaching was harder. However, having two children at home all day definitely seems harder to me than teaching. Multitasking exists in both jobs, but the choice of what to do or not do is tougher at home. Thankfully, God always provides listening ears who totally "get" what you are going through in either job. Ultimately, we all work for our Lord, and we bring Him honor and praise as we work. I think He is certainly glorified as all of us work hard to raise our children. Another update talked about each new, refreshing day being a gift from God. Our hurts, fears, worries aren't taken away, but God designed a way for us to begin again with a possible new perspective. This was so nice for me to hear after a stressful week. I know I read those words at the exact right moment! I looked around only to see my three year old running around with no pants on, a potty not emptied, spit up going down my shirt, and a throbbing toe from stepping on a toy truck...not to mention, no plans of adult conversation in the near future. But, I suddenly looked down at sweet, baby Luke as I changed his diaper (you know, the one that came right after a new one was put on), and he was totally in love with every word I was saying to him! Wow, this boy will melt your heart!!! I was able to appreciate this crazy but typical day at our house! So thankful for other mommies!!

8 Weeks Old

A Few Firsts

We have been busy as usual, and the days seem to fly by. I can't believe L will be 8weeks old tomorrow! On Sunday, we took him to church for the first time. He slept through the entire service...whew! Last week, he went to his first jewelry party...had to mark that event for Daddy! He is doing great at night these days. Most nights we get 4-5 hours between feedings. We have noticed that he does a lot of "talking". Sometimes, I go to check on him, because I think he is crying when he is really just talking to his friends on the playmat.:) J was such a quiet baby which seemed like a good thing at the time. We now know the early signs of apraxia were evident. I remember thinking he should be babbling more but pretty much ckecked it off since it did come. It definitely did not come this early or as often from Jackson. So, fingers are crossed and prayers are going up for no apraxia with Luke. Lately, J runs to check on L when he is crying, which can be often on some days, and he will sometimes gently rub his little head if he isn't too fretful. Precious.

The Simple Things...

I had such a good morning with my boys today! We had no plans which is unusual for us. We have literally had something to do almost every weekday morning since Luke was born (playdates, speech, MMO, etc.)I love those things, but I really believe that God provided this morning for me. Sometimes, I spend so much time doing other things, perhaps things that are necessary for the boys, but today was a day for me to just enjoy QUALITY TIME with both of them separately. J and I spent time outside playing in his little pool and with his sprinkler ball. I took a minute to remember how much progress we have made with him since last summer. Many parents see it earlier, but we have seen it most at age three. After J and I had some time together, I gathered a snack and put in Toy Story for him to watch while I gave L a bath. He loves his bath and will just stare at me as I talk to him. So special.

Our apraxia journey is far from over, and the deep desire for J to overcome it with few other additional problems remains. I constantly have to give my worries, fears, etc. about the future to God. So, I believe God provided me with an uplifting conversation with my husband last night, and then a great day with the boys today.







It has been established that sweet, baby L is a little more fickle than his brother, but he totally cracks me up with the things he will do. He LOVES to eat, and no matter how full I get him, he will sometimes suck on everything-his hand, my shoulder, my arm, whatever is nearby...came out of the womb this way. Well, when he starts that, I will hold him out and tease him him about being an eating machine. He gives me the funniest look, like "What's the problem, Mom? Milk can come out of anywhere if I try hard enough!"

Progress

Big Brother is coming around a little bit with his new sibling! He will at least acknoweldge him when he cries, lets me know what toys & things are his, and reminds me to get him out of the car (as if I may forget). I caught these shots earlier in the week...

Washing Cars

Dave and J spent some time last weekend washing our car! Life seems so busy these days, but we are not forgetting that spending time with each boy is one of the most important things we can do right now. These days are going by fast, and one day J and L will be grown up...my messy house will still be here! :)


Hmm, is Mr. Ty, our neighbor, outside???



L grabbed the rattle on his playmat. Good job, Little Guy!