12 weeks

Little A turned 12 weeks this last Tuesday. Her 3 month birthday is coming up soon. She has been sleeping a good seven to eight hour stretch at night, but after that single feed, still wakes up after an hour or so to make sure that we're up by 6 AM. (That used to be Luke's job, but he's sometimes sleeping in until 6:15 or so...) Lucas loves to play with Anabel--he generally remembers to 'be gentle,' as he is constantly reminded, but what little baby with an older sibling has completely escaped getting head-bonked once in a while?? He likes to show her her toys, dance for her, kiss her, and wait for her smiles:)

Grandma Becky will be here in a week, and I'm sure she'll be amazed at how BIG our little girl seems to be!

10 weeks

Anabel had her 2 month visit last week, and yesterday turned 10 weeks. We (Aaron and I) still feel overwhelmed much of the time--two kids sometimes seem like 10! Although A. usually naps quite well on the days I'm at work, she seems to prefer awake time (even if she's sleepy!) when I'm home. Since she and Luke rarely nap at the same time, I feel like accomplishing minor tasks (folding laundry from 3 days ago, washing breakfast dishes, eating a meal while sitting) are sometimes nearly impossible! Every week, though, we can see things becoming smoother and more enjoyable. Luke is going to daycare during the week. He is doing well there. He uses his signs appropriately, gets plenty to eat ("He likes to eat"--"yes, we know!"), has fun learning and playing with the other little toddlers, and gets a break from the house:)

Zach has transitioned from watching Luke to watching A. A big change from interactive toddler to infant, but he is very good with her. I hope she doesn't think he's her mom:)

8 weeks, visitors, Three Cups of Tea, and girl power!

Anabel turned 8 weeks on Tuesday. She is growing like crazy (likes to eat, just like her brother), and has seemed so alert and active for weeks now. We continue crossing our fingers that she'll realize how nice daytime naps are sometime soon, but since she generally sleeps pretty well at night, can't complain too much.

Lucas started daycare this week. He is having a fun time playing with the other toddlers at 'Miss Etta's', and everyone loves our sweet boy. Of course they do:)

Last week we had our last round of guests for awhile. My mom, brother Josh, and aunt Linda visited, as well as mom's friend Gennie from Cali. The kids liked all the extra hands for playing and holding. Joan and Linda enjoyed swimming most days they were here, and even put together a nice synchronized swim routine. (Those pics are classified. I made a promise:))

I'm reading a great book called Three Cups of Tea. Got it for Christmas, and was certain I wouldn't get through it within the year with the 2 kiddos. I've found that nursing provides a good reading opportunity if someone else is able to watch Luke. Anyway, it is about a mountaineer who promises to return to Pakistan and build a school in a poor rural village after he is welcomed and attended to after trouble on one of his climbs. This guy subsequently builds over 50 schools, despite shoddy intermittent support in the US, great personal risk (death threats from both muslim extremists and US citizens), and sometimes seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His rationale: children everywhere deserve an education (preferably not funded and directed by Al Qaeda), and reaching out to these poor forgotten families with kindness and the hope that education brings goes a long, long way in countering terrorism.

I haven't yet checked the website (www.threecupsoftea.com), but want to pass on another website for an organization which focuses on educating girls around the world. I was introduced to Room to Read by a former patient. Colleen Vojvodich was an amazingly intelligent, bright, and thoughtful woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42; she died two years later. I consider her my first cancer patient, as I met her during my last year of surgery residency and kept in touch with her until her death. She requested that donations be made to Room to Read in remembrance of her. It's been a few years since her death, but I plan to donate again this year.

6 weeks

another one-handed post w/ A. in the sling... A. is 6 weeks old today, and is more interactive every day. I went to work yest, and I think it's good for me to be getting back to a routine--just part-time for now.

WHEW!!

well,since last post, baby Anabel has arrived! As she's currently in the sling i'm wearing and i'm not an expert in 'hands-free' baby wearing yet, i'm typing one-handed. suffice it to say, our home and lives have changed drastically...