Mother of Two: Thoughts at Random

• Coming home from the hospital, the Similac App on the iPhone was my BEST FRIEND. I also had a contraction timer App, but the Similac App timed every feeding, logged every diaper and helped me transition into a new schedule and chapter of my life! 
• I now have a reason to own a video monitor. I always thought they were such a lazy way of checking on your baby. Now that there's two in one room, I find it VERY helpful to know when Lucas is "helping" his brother go to sleep. ;) 
• I've noticed that yes, Lucas does get a little less of my time - and he likes it. I didn't think he'd be jealous. Maybe that's a plus to a 3 year age gap. Or maybe the jealousy is yet to come...
• I am SO grateful I haven't had to buy ONE diaper yet! I was gifted many by friends (thank you!) and did my best to stock up before he arrived. What a relief. I am only half-way through my supply.
• I find that I am starting things later with Boden. With Lucas, I was so excited to experience the next stage - but now I am hesitant to bring out the next toys or even urge him to sit up or roll over. I also have yet to give him a bottle. I just want him to stay little. :) I cherish every snuggle and wish he could stay this way. Maybe my next baby should be a doll. They don't grow. 
• Boden only wants me and I'm OK with that. It makes working a bit difficult, but I don't really care. :) He is a perfect baby. REALLY. A dream. Love him to pieces. 
• Lucas is the BEST big Brother. I am so happy he loves him. He wants Bo to do everything he is doing. He always puts on dance parties for him and tells him jokes. Lucas is the only one able to get Boden to BELLY laugh. It is SO cute. I have yet to catch it on camera because I'm usually holding baby. 
• Being a Mother really is the best job around. I can't imagine a better role. The transition so far has been a breeze. knock on wood. 

A comparison at 4 Months... Other than the drool, they are so different to me:
Lucas

Boden

Wild Child

It started at 10 months. Walking. Then it was running. People were surprised that he could jump and actually get off the ground at such a young age. He can climb higher than he should and doesn't hesitate to do so. I have never worried about his motor skills. In fact, his motor skills were tested as part of a speech therapy program to make sure there were no bigger problems than speech. The Therapist had him climbing and hopping around - and to prove he could do it, he would look at her with a cocky expression and do it 5 more times than she wanted, or climb up a more difficult set of stairs than she pointed to. She would ask him to run from point A to point B. He would do so, stop - look at her and do it again. Almost like of course I can, Lady! I remember her saying, "Well I guess we don't need to continue on with this test." Always pushing his limits, he impresses us, scares us and forces us to discipline where we never thought we would have to. 

I couldn't find Lucas. After a few minutes, I could here a quiet voice coming from the Laundry room. "I'm in here..." As I search and search and search... I find him in the closed dryer. 

"No, Lucas - you can't go in the dryer."

L: "But I like it in there with the door shut. If you turn it on, I will tumble around and I will laugh."

"I need to climb up in the attic. I need to check and make sure everything is ok up there." -This being said from the top step of the ladder, arms up in the attic about to climb in.

I usually get a hand up in the air motioning me to stop in my tracks. A slight tilt of the head with an eye brow raised. "I'm Ok, Mom. I just need to do this." As he grabs for a knife to open something or matches to try and light the fire place. 

I love him and his craziness. It reminds me of my childhood. Not me necessarily, but innocence and creative thinking that kids do. I pull my hair out trying to teach him sometimes, but it is fun. I love hearing what goes on inside his little mind and what wild stunt he's going to attempt next. It never does surprise me. Exhaust? Yes. Surprise? No.

This photo was taken shortly after waking his brother from a nap, in his crib. He jumps out of the crib, scales the dresser and flies off it just as his pre-meditated get-away plan had looked in his head.

Raider HOOPS 2012

Another season of TJ Hoops has come and gone. We sure love to go support the team and especially Coach Foogs! Lucas idolizes his Uncle and will do anything for him. They have a sweet relationship. Lucas also had fun with TJ's pep band. He loves to go dance to their music. He even snuck a harmonica in his pocket and tried to play in the band at the last game. Between his harmonica playing and dancing in the center of the court (presenting his very own half time show), we had a blast watching him at the games. Jeramy even included him in a post-game locker room talk. He thinks he's one of the boys.

snowed in

 We had a BEAUTIFUL January snowfall. Which led to icy roads, school closures, power outages and fallen trees. We never did lose power, but we were one of the only ones. At one point, there were 17 people over to get warm, shower and do laundry. It was fun and memorable to say the least. :) We love any and all family time. Especially when we're all forced to stay in.

 The icy roads didn't keep us from a regular disc drop off to the post office. :) 35th Place had some photos to mail. Grandpa drove Lucas and I to the post office.

 

We were so happy to see the snow, but just as happy when it melted. :) Us Seattle-its can only take so much.