storytime fun

Now that Morgan is home with me during the day, we've been able to catch the last two library storytimes of the summer. Besides the chance to run around the pavilion in downtown Farmington and play with the other kids afterwards, Morgan's favorite part is the songs in between stories. Here's a clip from today. (Double click the video to see the full width of the screen.):

Love the finger counting! :)

lately

Eek! Two napping kids. What's a mommy to do?? A blog update? Ok! It's been a long time, so here's the gist through photos:

Parker is rocking tummy time:We've had lots of afternoon pool time: And sibling bonding time. We lucked out - they completely adore each other.Coloring:and painting: Lots of alert bright eyes (I'm still trying to capture that smile):and more interest in brightly colored things:
And I can't forget, the kitchen remodel. Goodbye oak cabinets and pink countertops: Although it is completely gutted right now, everything is cleaned up so the house is totally livable. Other than the fact that our kitchen consists of the dining table, a microwave and lots of paper and plasticware. So far, so good. I'm just happy it's the summer and we are able to grill. And ice cream doesn't require cooking. And it won't be like this for very long. It actually looks a lot better than this already. The cabinets are unboxed and waiting for their new home and the new appliances are ready in the garage. Just waiting for another weekend...

There's been so much more. Maybe I'll get a chance to share before the kids start school.

Parker: one month

• not sure if he likes being swaddled or not - it doesn't seem to affect his sleep either way
• but he does love the sound of the fan, vacuum, clothes dryer and plain old white noise if he is tired or fussy
  
• started cooing at us - "ooh" and "ahh"
  
• loves slipping into a milk coma after nursing
• does not like to be burped after eating and responds with screeching cries while lifting and banging his head into my shoulder - another headbanger.
• prefers napping in mommy's arms rather than laying flat
  
• loves naked time during diaper changes
• is an errand running, lunch date champ. As long as his belly is full, this boy loves his car seat.
  
• enjoys short bursts of tummy time but doesn't seem terribly interested in lifting his head that much. Today, he just wanted to take a nap.
  
• umbilical cord fell off
  
• trying to get used to Morgan's constant not-so-quiet talking, singing and squealing
• prefers to turn his head to the right. We gotta work on getting him to turn his head straight and left to prevent a flat spot.
  
• met lots of family and friends, including his Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Frahm and his Great-Grandpa Reaves (we need to get a photo of the four generations of Reaves men at next weekend's family reunion)
  
• longest stretch of sleep was 5 hours. Average is 3 hours between feedings at night.
  
• started smiling at us and making eye contact
• enjoyed his first real bath
• more and more alert every day
  
• last (lightly clothed) weight check on July 2nd: 11 pounds 11 ounces!
• was introduced to mommy and daddy's co-workers and slept through the whole thing
  
• is not fussy at night like Morgan was at this age (phew)
  
• had his first bottle with daddy (mama needed a break!)
  
• took our first trip to the beach at Island Lake on the 4th of July
  

Happy first month, little man!
XO, mommy

Parker's first bath

Even though Parker's umbilical cord fell off a couple weeks ago, we were still giving him sponge baths. Until last week when I finally gave him his first real bath.

He waited oh-so-patiently on the floor while I filled his little tub with the perfect temperature water. 'Woah, I dunno about this mom...' 'Hmm, actually, it feels really good.''Woohoo!'And of course he didn't scream and holler at me until I pulled him out.

Morgan's pool water is warming in the hot summer sun this afternoon. Maybe if he is up for it, we'll take a little dip tonight.

race against the clock

Every day it seems I've been playing a little game with myself to see how much I can get done while Parker naps. Whether he is in his car seat sleeping after running errands, or sawing logs in my arms or the sling, I feel this need to go...go...go. Relax isn't a word often found in my vocabulary. Although we did sleep until 11am the other day. Believe it!

Other than the fact that I bore easily, part of the reason I feel the need to get things done is because Mark and I have decided to take Morgan out of daycare for the rest of the summer and save some money while I'm on maternity leave. Things are about to go from busy to chaotic in just about a week. So, I'm on a mission. And of course, there is a list. I've been slowly working on Parker's birth announcements. Yeah, I know. He'll be one month old next week! Running to the library. Non-stop laundry. Remembering to take more pictures. Collecting ideas for activities to do with Morgan and coming up with a rough daily schedule in an attempt to keep her from getting bored with all the baby stuff that is occupying her mama. Thinking about setting up my scrapbook space again on a smaller scale so I can keep up with Parker's first year scrapbook (well, at least the journaling). Groceries, thank you's, laundry and some random internet time - which seems to completely suck the time away. That is one thing I'm trying to do less of.

Having Morgan home is going to be a pretty interesting little challenge that I am slightly terrified about. Luckily she loves her little brother to pieces and I'm not worried at all about her trying to hurt him. I just hope I can give them both the attention they deserve. On top of all of the usual daily household stuff that keeps my little family happy and healthy. Any and all words of wisdom are greatly appreciated!

2 year + 2 week checkups

Parker was due for his 2 week checkup last week, and with the help of Kristin, I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and take Morgan along for her 2 year appointment. I think we will be making a lot of joint doctor visits in the future, seeing as their birthdays are only 2 days apart.

I really love their new pediatrician. Especially how she communicated with Morgan. Rather than asking me if she was doing certain things, she would ask Morgan. Or ask Morgan to show her how she can jump, or touch her toes, or other simple tasks.

And of course we couldn't leave the office without a tearjerker. Morgan was due for 2 vaccines and after the nurse gave her the shots, I held Morgan and comforted her. She picked her head up off my shoulder and said "I'm sorry mommy", like she had done something wrong to get the shots? I tried to explain to her that we need the shots so she stays healthy and doesn't get sick. Oh man - like I haven't been emotional enough! Every other phrase that comes out of that girls mouth sends me over the edge. Poor thing!

Here are their stats:

Morgan: 2 years old
27.5 pounds
34 inches tall
50th percentile throughout

Parker: 2 weeks old
10 pounds 14 ounces (up 1 pound 3 ounces in 13 days)
22 inches tall
90th percentile throughout