Things That Happen With Two That Didn't Happen With One

Being a mom of two is tricky.  It's especially tricky with a toddler and an infant.  They both need a lot of attention and often at the same time.  It's been fun but very challenging.  Here are a few things that have happened in my house that didn't happen when I only had one child:

-Turning on the water in the bathroom and almost overflowing the tub

-Drinking water from Willow's water bowl (which is not for lack of his own water)

-Unrolling as much toilet paper as possible and putting it in the toilet

-Taking off his underwear and pants, and playing with the water at the kitchen sink

I quickly learned when it's quiet something like this is happening.  Luckily there has been no damage and no one has gotten hurt, and it's actually pretty amusing.  There's nothing like toddlerhood and there's really nothing like toddlerhood plus and infant!

2 Months Old

Today my little baby turned 2 months old!  Isn't he precious?  I can't believe he's already 2 months but it also feels like he's been with us forever.

Changes I've noticed over the past month are:
-He still sleeps a whole lot

-He likes sitting in the swing and either looking in the mirror or watching the mobile
-His face has gotten plumper

-He falls quickly asleep when on his tummy and laying on mommy or daddy

-He calms down when his head is gently rubbed
-He likes laying on his mat and looking at his toys

-He loves to be held tightly
-He lifts up his head and looks around

-He is getting stronger every day during tummy time and attentively looks around

-He does not like a dirty diaper
-He is smiling and has begun interacting!

I can't wait to see what other fun things Ryan does next!  I love this boy!

My Baby Is One Month Old!

Yesterday my baby Ryan turned one month old.  I can't believe it has already been a month!  We have been so lucky because so far he has been an easy baby and an even greater joy.  So far he has been sleeping most of the time.  He will stay awake for a couple hours a day and really loves to be held.  He generally isn't very fussy unless he wants to eat or is a bit gassy.  He is usually most awake from about 7:00 to 9:00 pm and then will sleep through the night except to eat.  He loves to be held and if upset, will usually stop crying as soon as I pick him up.  He is starting to lift his head up and look around, and has been making some eye contact.

We took him to his one month doctor's appointment yesterday and he is doing great!  He weighs 8 pounds, 3 ounces and is 21 1/4 inches long.  He's gained two pounds and grew 2 inches over the last month.  We are so happy and can't wait to watch Ryan learn and grow!  We love you Ryan!

Who Said Swim Goggles Were Only For Swimming?

Who ever said swim goggles were only for swimming?  Not this guy.

 Lets get a closer look so you can really take it all in.

About a month ago we were doing some major reorganizing to get ready for baby Ryan and Jackson came across these goggles.  He put them on and said they were his glasses.  He would wear them around the house for a minute or two every so often but didn't pay much attention to them.

The other day Jackson decided he wanted to use his animal stamps.  We got everything set up at his table and he was all ready to go but he remembered he needed his "glasses".  He found them, put them on, and was then ready to get to work.

Jackson played with his stamps for about a half an hour and actually kept the goggles on the whole time.  When he was done stamping, the goggles came off.  He hasn't stamped or worn his "glasses" since then.  Maybe the goggles will only be for stamping.  I guess we'll have to wait and see.  All I know is I love this funny guy!

Introducing Ryan Paul Bynum

Here he is!  The newest member of our family.  Ryan Paul Bynum.  Born February 25, 2015 at 7:39 am, weighing 6 pounds 7 ounces and 19 inches long.  

Here's how it all went down:  I had my regularly scheduled, 38 week appointment on Tuesday, February 24th.  I went in and the doctor told me I was 4 cm dilated but since I wasn't having any contractions, just to go home and we'll see what happens.  So I went home, had dinner with the family and did the usual night time routine.  Around 5:30 pm I started having mild contractions that didn't last long and were not consistent.  I continued to have them but they weren't bad so I decided to go to bed.  I got a few hours of sleep on and off and around 2:00 am woke up to more intense contractions.  We started timing them and they began coming more frequently and lasted longer.  Shortly after that we called nana and papa Bynum to come over and watch Jackson while we went to the hospital.  

We got to the hospital a little before 4:00 am and when they checked me I was at 5 cm.  They told me I would be staying and the real labor began.  Only a few hours later Ryan Paul was born.  We were very happy to hear we had another healthy son! 

In the delivery room right after birth

After delivery they took me up to recovery where we would spend the next couple of days.  One of the nurses took Ryan to bathe him and conduct a few newborn tests.  All was well and they brought him back to our room where he stayed with us for the remainder of our hospital stay.  

Later that afternoon big brother Jackson came to visit.  We had Ryan in his bassinet with a Big Bird and big brother shirt for Jackson from Ryan.  When Jackson walked into the room he climbed in bed with me and told him about Ryan being born.  I pointed to Ryan who was sleeping across the room in the bassinet and Jackson said "turn baby on".  We then gave Jackson Ryan's gifts and he was over the moon!  He loved that Big Bird!  

We then brought Ryan over and I held him and Jackson in my lap as Jackson's eyes lit up looking at his new brother.  He smiled silently for a few second and then began touching his head and face.  Jackson wanted to see all of him so we unwrapped Ryan and Jackson gently began exploring him. 

He was so sweet!  After a few hours Jackson, nana, and papa left for the day and we spent some more time with our new little sweetheart.  

The next day Jackson came to visit again and this time Ryan had a farm book, another big brother shirt and some chocolate ice cream for Jackson.  The ice cream was eaten immediately and we read the farm book four times, which wasn't enough.  Then we brought Ryan over to Jackson again.  He was just as curious about Ryan, wanted to see and touch every part of him.

And then we attempted to take a family picture.  This is the best we've got:

Jack left to take a nap and we spent some more time with baby Ryan, hugging him, kissing him, holding him, and watching his many facial expressions before going home on Friday. 

Welcome to the world beautiful Ryan!  We can't wait to explore, learn and grow with you!

2 Years Old

Last week my baby turned 2 years old!  I can't believe how big he is an how fast time has gone.

His birthday fell on a Friday so Arnold and I took the day off of work to spend with Jackson.  On Friday's my mom takes him to a dance class so it was neat to get to see that.  This dance class day was their Halloween celebration so Jackson got to go in his costume.

It was really fun to watch him in his class.  They did lots of jumping, stomping, clapping, spinning, and trying to follow instructions.

After dance class we went to my parents house for lunch, and then home for a nap.  After nap time we opened gifts, which Jackson was really into this year.

Jackson got three puzzles, a Sesame Street toy and ladybug ball spinning toy.  He also got a spoon, fork and knife, which seemed to be his favorite.

After presents we had one of his favorite meals, tacos, because it involves cheese, olives and beans.

After dinner it was time for cake!  Jackson we very excited about this.  We had been talking about his birthday for a while so he knew about the cake and candles.  We sang Happy Birthday, Jackson blew out the candles himself, and then he dug in!

It was great day!  

The next day we had a small family party in the afternoon.  Jackson is into Elmo now so I decided to sort of go with that theme.  I did a little bit of decorating and made my best attempt at an Elmo cake.  

People who came were grandma and grandad, nana and papa, aunt Andriana, aunt Mechelle, uncle Bill, and cousin Nikki.  We hung out for a little while when everyone arrived, snacking on grandad's cheese and some veggies.  Then it was present time!

Jackson has some very generous family members as he was spoiled with lots of gifts.  He got some trains, a ton of sports apparel, books, Elmo hat and mittens (made by nana), bubbles, a Bears hat, Little People airplane, broom and dustpan, microphone, puzzle, school bus, and fire truck.  He also got a few two dollar bills.  Jackson scored big and was very excited about everything he got!

After opening gifts we sat down for a dinner or ribs, potato salad, and baked beans (another favorite food of Jackson).  Next we cake time.  This didn't go over very well though.  I showed Jackson his cake before everyone came over but when it was time to sing and have cake, Jackson wanted nothing to do with it.  We didn't end up singing or giving Jack any of his Elmo cake.  After a while he wanted a cupcake and we were able to light a candle in that, but there was still no singing.  

Jackson had some chocolate ice cream with sprinkles too, which was a hit!  

Overall it was a wonderful party and great birthday weekend.  My baby is 2!