Those Months I Missed Posting...aka Summer...

I don't want to forget what happened to us over all these months of blog slacking, so I'm just diving back in.  I thought I would recap what happened with all of us over the months of the summer before Clark was born.

In addition to turning two, Calvin had a lot of fun moments and a few cute quirks that made the summer special.  Among them: He wore his bacon tie every day but Sunday for months.  We got lots of fun comments about it, but Calvin thought it was just normal.

He also took to wearing his stethoscope quite often (and always to doctors appointments and visiting Daddy at work).  Calvin got his own WVU hat for his birthday, and wouldn't leave the house without it.  In fact, he still doesn't like to leave without it.  It was very convenient because he is just so pale, and we loved having the extra protection (in addition to his daily sunscreen).

We spent quite a few days playing at the splash pad.  It was always a reminder of how much he'd changed since our days there the summer before.

Calvin also got to swim in a real swimming pool for the first time since he was ten weeks old.  He was really excited leading up to it but then timid for the first while we were there.  After a while, he warmed up to it and ended up having a lot of fun, though.

Calvin also enjoyed lots of mornings at the park, in story time, and visiting the children's museum.  There was also a lot of time with extended family this summer, and Calvin was old enough to really connect with all the visitors.

My summer kicked off with a new phone and a cold stone cake to celebrate my 28th birthday.  We ordered this cake in homage to "Get Smart" and because we wanted to get a good reaction when I picked up the cake "my husband ordered for me."  It was as amusing as I hoped, and I enjoyed every fattening bite!

Unfortunately, I fractured my toe Fourth of July weekend.  After toughing it out the whole weekend, I finally gave in and got it checked out.

The confirmed break landed me in a big, hot, heavy boot for three weeks.  It was amazing how it made my foot feel so much better, but it definitely limited me and what we could do the month of July into August.

Even once the boot came off, I was still trapped wearing tennis shoes all the time.  It made for some amusing outfit combos, but it was such a relief from the boot.

Of course, I spent the summer growing a human, too.  Dad drew a wonderful portrait of me during one of his visits.

And, it was amazingly accurate!

Unsurprisingly, Devin had to spend a lot of the summer working.  We visited at work just as much as we could which helped a lot.

Devin also finished his intern year this summer!  We were all pretty excited about that!  Transitioning to second year (PGY2) meant different responsibilities, a return of night shift, and the addition of moonlighting.  It has also put us just that much closer to the finish line of residency!

Devin also celebrated the big 3-0 this summer!  We bought the biggest Cold Stone cake they sell for his clinic that day.  Unfortunately, it didn't fit in the freezer until we cut it in half.  So, I made sure to decorate it extra nice after piecing it back together the next day.

Calvin was disappointed we couldn't light candles at the clinic, so we had a repeat with an extra slice of cake that evening for his sake.

We also decided to try out buzzing Devin's hair this summer.  While we've decided a straight buzz is just a little but to extreme for him, he has taken to wearing his hair much shorter as a result of this experiment.

Annnnd, that pretty much sums up our summer!  We had lots of fun, but it really just boiled down to a collection of little moments and habits that all strung together into great memories.  It seems like a lifetime ago--especially since none of this includes Clark.  But, it really was a fantastic summer!

Halloween 2014

I absolutely loved that Calvin wanted to go with a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme this Halloween!

I was really proud of myself for sewing these costumes (without patterns!), too.

Devin worked to complete this set of chain mail in time for Halloween.  It was a big hit!

After a short stint of trick or treating, we let Calvin choose one piece of candy.  Amazingly, he wanted a sucker and never bit it, so it lasted the rest of the evening!

Clark hung out with Daddy while I took Calvin out.  He made a pretty cute little Halloween baby!

And, I have to include Calvin's jack-o-lantern, because I was so proud of it!  He traced the outside with a stencil, but the rest was all free hand drawn!

Welcome Clark David!

On August 17 at 12:20 pm we welcomed Clark David into our family!  He was 8 lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long with an amazing head full of hair!

The day before he was born, we had one last outing as a family of three.  Because of Calvin's love of trains, we spent the afternoon at the North Carolina Transportation Museum.  Even better, it was close to our favorite little Cuban food restaurant that we visit only occasionally because it's a few towns over.  It was the perfect last family outing.  All week, I'd told myself that I couldn't go into labor before that day because I wanted that trip so much.

That evening, we headed home full of food and happy.  While loading pictures of our wonderful day onto my laptop from my camera, Calvin asked to take a picture.  Devin helped him capture what would become the last picture of me this pregnancy.  As the evening wore on, I had slightly more intense contractions than I'd been having most evenings that week.  But, I chalked it up to all the walking and spicy food of the day.  When we headed to bed close to midnight, I noticed I had two seven minute gaps between contractions in a row as I drifted to sleep.  But, I was able to sleep soundly for four-ish more hours before waking up to go to the bathroom.  With a few bathroom trips between 4 and 5 am, I started timing contractions and realized I was still having them at regular seven minute intervals and woke Devin up.

At this point, I started to feel a little nervous.  I was remembering what labor felt like.  But, a nice, long shower calmed me down, and Devin and I spent the next couple hours laughing, talking, and drinking Powerade.  He headed to a quick meeting at the church at 8 am, and I got to spend a little time snuggling Calvin when he woke up.  Wonderful friends of ours picked him up just before nine (right as Devin got back), and took him to church with them.  Loading my "baby" in the car to go have another baby was the hardest part of the whole experience for me.  Shortly after that, we started getting ready to go to the hospital.

Honestly, the whole experience of being in the hospital was amazing.  And, once I was confident that Calvin was cared for and was able to focus on being in labor, it was actually a lot of fun.  We laughed and joked our way through triage with the nurses and the doctor.  It was pleasant to be told that I didn't look like someone in labor, and the doctor expected to be sending me home.  But, at 10:45 am, I was admitted while dilated to a 6 and contracting every four minutes.  Devin was the most amazing labor coach ever.  I spent time on a labor ball and worked through every contraction with him.  Right at noon, I was about ready to go, and I had my water broken.  I had to wait through three contractions and then pushed through a few more.  In those moments, I was completely focused on Devin...and how hot my face felt.  But, he helped me through the contractions perfectly, and the physician let us do that on our own.  When Clark was born, Devin announced that he was a boy and cut his cord.  He was so tiny and perfect and loud, and I needed him in my arms instantly.  He took to nursing pretty quickly and I was able to hold him for about an hour and twenty minutes before they needed to do anything with him.  Thankfully, this delivery was much less traumatic for my body, so I was able to enjoy that time even more.  By the end of this time, we had decided on a name and had started sharing it with our families.

Almost exactly 24 hours after the last photo of the "three of us" was captured, Calvin was visiting the hospital to meet his new brother.  I loved getting this first picture of the "four of us."

Devin began referring to himself as "Dad 2.0" in the hospital.  While much of this experience is new, there is still plenty that came back to us.  And, most importantly, we've already gained our confidence as parents.  It takes a whole lot more to phase us this time around than it did last time.  This has made adding a second child much easier than we expected and much easier than the initial transition to parenthood as well.  Once again, Devin took the opportunity of having a new baby to pamper and care for me as well.

Calvin immediately took to being a big brother.  From the moment he saw him, Calvin has been head over heels for "Baby Clark."  We've never had to worry about Calvin intentionally hurting Clark, but we do have to make sure he isn't too generous with hugs and kisses.

Calvin has taken it as his personal responsibility to teach Clark everything he needs to know.  I've lost count of the number of times I've listened as Calvin taught Clark about his body parts, colors, numbers, animals, and assorted toys.

The best moments, though, are when he doesn't think anyone is listening and I overhear him telling Clark how much he loves him.  Hearing him say, "I love you Baby Clark.  I love my brother." will melt my heart every single time.

It's amazing to realize that more than a month has flown by with Clark in our home.  He has been a rather easy baby, too.  He is much more noisy than Calvin was, but he sleeps longer stretches.  He's a champion nurser and has managed to gain a pound a week since his three day weight check--coming in at 11 lbs 13.5 ounces at a month and a day old!  He loves to be worn in a baby carrier, has started smiling, and melts when you stroke his chubby little face.

I am so very excited to be his mom and look forward to each and every day with him!

Seven

Happy Fourth of July!

Six Five Four Three Two One

Two Years Old

Two years old...how did that happen?

We had an amazing family day on Saturday to celebrate with many of Calvin's favorite things--a giant breakfast, the splash pad, frozen yogurt, and playing in the yard.  Of course, Calvin really enjoyed eating "Happy Birthday Cake" and loved blowing out his candles.

It was almost as amazing as getting to "help" make the cake!  Although, it's the first time he got to use the hand mixer, which he thinks is pretty cool.

Two years ago I was blessed with a sweet, amazing, hungry little baby boy who wanted nothing more than to eat and be in my arms.  I'm so grateful I was able to cherish those minutes and hours of holding him on my chest and staring in wonder at him.

One Day Old

Now, I have a big little boy who is counting on his own, knows his shapes, and talks up a storm.  He climbs ladders, recites books, requests music, and reminds me to use sunscreen.  He loves to help with laundry and vacuuming and throwing away trash.  He cleans up his toys, helps take care of the dogs, and enjoys washing his hands and brushing his teeth.  Now, I still get cuddles before nap, but bedtime is all about Daddy...although it never happens before giving me a kiss and telling me night-night.

Two Years Plus One Day Old

I am so very thankful that I was chosen to be Calvin's mother.  He is energetic, insightful, thoughtful, and kind.  He tries so hard to make me laugh and readily gives me affection.  He loves to learn and play and help others.  And, he thinks I hung the moon.  When I think about what kind of person I want to become, it's the person that Calvin already thinks I am.  He inspires me to be better and do better every day.  It's been an amazing two years that make me all the more excited for all the years to come!

Mother's Day

Yesterday in nursery Calvin's wonderful teachers took the time to do a keepsake hand print with a poem of all the little kids.  They also made and colored cards and taped kisses to the envelope.  When I picked him up, My heart skipped at being handed these gifts--the first in a long line of Mother's Day art projects for years to come.  Really, it was just paper and string and crayon and red paint, but it was a wonderful reminder of all that I have now, how far we've come, and all the memories we'll create in the future.

Devin was wonderful in cooking for me all day and waiting on me readily.  Calvin was sweet and hilarious.  We spent time together playing the piano, making messes in the playroom, and reading even bigger than usual stacks of books.  He didn't know that the day was special, but he willingly shared his Mr. "Tomato" Head with me anyways.  Then, for the first time in a looong time, Calvin needed me in the middle of the night.  I stumbled upstairs, got him orajel, and rocked him for a few peaceful minutes.  I loved that reminder of everyday (or night) motherhood.  A lot has changed since last Mother's Day, but I'm glad we still got a little extra time to rock together.

Of course, Mother's Day wouldn't be complete without mentioning my own amazing Mom.  I loved that Calvin asked to go to "Maw's House" yesterday morning.  We would have both enjoyed a day with her.  I've written about my Mom a couple times before, but I just wanted to say once more how thankful I am for her every day.  No matter how old I get, she still listens through my tears, laughs through my stories, celebrates through my successes, and guides through my struggles.  I'm so lucky to have her in my life!

101 Update

The Challenge: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days. 

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).

Items in blue are completed; green items are a work in progress.  My full list is here!

1.  Learn to play 20 useful songs (hymns, carols, children's songs) on the piano.  Right now, I've been working on learning a couple of Calvin's favorite songs.  I'm getting better at them, but it'll be a long time until I'm good at anything! Thankfully, Calvin enjoys hearing me play even when it's just practice, so I have plenty of opportunities to improve.

5.  Organize the garage. As part of my nesting this pregnancy, I've been tackling this project a little at a time.  It's much better than it was, but there is still a long way to go!

6.  Grow a salad.  I decided to start simple.  I've got a patio tomato plant growing.  If that goes well, I'll try something more challenging next and work my way up.

23.  Make homemade caramels.  I have a recipe bookmarked, and I've read tons of tips and tricks.  I'm felling very confidant about making them, but I need an occasion, because the recipe is time consuming and HUGE.

27.  Find a better way to organize all our important paperwork. I picked up some accordion filling systems, but have yet to do the transfer.

29.  Go on a picnic.  We did this!  The first really nice day of spring we spent outside doing yard work in the morning and enjoyed a brotzeit with fruit for dinner as the sun set.

37.  Find/make a good bookshelf for Calvin's books.  As part of Calvin's transition in rooms (see #59), this will be happening.  I spend time almost daily researching options and have it nearly narrowed down to what I want.

39.  Put together 72 hour emergency kits for our family.  A few more items have been added!

41.  Have all clean clothes put away before bed for a month straight.  I did this...barely.  On the last night I almost forgot a couple items in the dryer.  I would have been so sad if I'd failed by one night!  From it, I learned just how much I despise clean clothes in a laundry basket.  But, I realized I really didn't mind that much if they were in the dryer.  As a result, my laundry habits have improved, but I'll probably never hold myself to a regular standard of having them all put away before bed.

44.  Teach Calvin to bake and share the goodies.  Done!  Calvin loves to cook, and we do this regularly!  At Christmas, he helped with at least half of the treats that we made to give away.  He's also helped me make a snickerdoodle cake and bacon chocolate chip cookies for a residency event.  And, I think he helped me with another cake, too.  He also helps with treats and cookies we keep for ourselves frequently, too.

46.  Sew curtains for the whole house.  I haven't made any progress on this since the last update...oops!

48.  Find a new dentist for Devin and me.  Done...ish.  He's been found, and I've had my teeth cleaned.  I also had to have an old filling replaced and have already taken care of that!  However, Devin's schedule has not allowed him to get in himself just yet.  So, I'll count it complete once Devin gets his teeth cleaned.

59.  Decorate a big boy room for Calvin. This is so much fun!  We've picked out a theme, and we're all pretty excited about it.  Calvin can almost climb out of his crib, so we are hoping to get this done in the next month or so and transition him to the twin bed then.

60.  Back up our computers.  We got an external hard drive for Valentine's Day (oh the age of practical gifts), and it does it automatically every time we plug it in!  It has tons of storage space and some nifty features, too!

91.  Consolidate our bank accounts.  Done!

92.  Figure out a good calendar system for our family.  I bought a Sandra Boyton Mom's Family Calendar for under our Christmas tree this year, and I LOVE it!  Not only is it a lot of fun, but it's very straightforward.  There's a column to keep track of each of us, and I use an empty column to keep track of household items.  We also keep Devin's schedule on the iPad and in Google Calendar, and he carries a day planner for himself (but his also tracks procedures and time and such in there, too).  Overall, this system works pretty great for us!

One thing I didn't account for with this project was the new goals that would pop up along the way.  Already, I want to replace items in my list as I've come up with at least a couple things that interest me/matter to me more than some of the things on this list.  But, for now, I'm going to stick with the list as is and make changes only if I must down the line!

Discovery Place Kids

I uploaded the pictures for this post almost four months ago after we visited Discovery Place Kids.  This was right around the time Calvin fell in love with steering wheels.  Since then, he has outgrown pretty much everything he was wearing in these pictures.  (Seriously, he's even gone up a size in his diapers and socks since then.)  It's an amazing reminder of how much he's grown so very quickly.  Every day he is more fun than he was the day before.  Also, I really need to get him back there because he loved it SO much!