Preparing for Baby Brother's Arrival....

Yesterday, we took d1 and d2 to a 'Sibling Class' at SRHS to learn all about how to be a big brother. They watched a video about being 'Super Siblings' and then were invited to do some hands-on training with a baby doll. They learned how to hold the baby, feed the baby, change the baby's diaper and swaddle the baby. Then we took a tour of the labor & delivery wing as well as the nursery (although we won't be delivering at this particular location). They were so well behaved and so patient - we were VERY proud of them!! After we were through, they asked why they couldn't take their baby with us and we explained that it was the hospital's baby doll but I thought it would be a good idea for them to have their own babies to care for at home. I emphasize how I thought it was a good idea - D1 wasn't really on board but he went with it (he's a man, of course!).

So, after the class, we go to Wal-Mart and pick out the 'manliest' babies we can find - two of the same, of course, to avoid fighting - and head out. (Side note: while in Wal-Mart, d1 started goofing off and I leaned out to grab him before he walked backwards into a ladies shopping cart and my heels give out and I just about wiped out for all of Wal-Mart to see. Close one! But wow, did it hurt my enormous abdomen! I was pretty embarrrassed but whatever. )

When we get home, we gave the boys a newborn diaper and a receiving blanket so that they could practice what they learned in their class with their own babies. They were very kind and careful and we just kept explaining how we would need to treat the 'real' baby that would come soon and how we never handle that baby without Mommy or Daddy around. They seem to get it but we know it will take some time. Off to bed they went last night - with their babies beside them. It was very sweet - d2 especially likes to kiss his baby....over and over and over.

So, this morning, as soon as the boys get up, what do they want to play with right away? That's right, their baby boys. Much to D1's chagrin, the boys are still enjoying playing 'Daddy' to their babies and I think that's okay. This is going to be a big adjustment for them and this is good practice for d3's arrival (which should be any day now!). I'm sure D1 is just hoping that these babies don't replace their love for basketball, football, and body slamming that occurs daily in our house. I would be okay if it did for awhile....I could use some peace from the constant injuries they sustain while trying to 'take Daddy down.'

D1 and I both know that this is going to be a transition for both boys but we are particularly worried about d2 the most right now. He seems to already be having some jealousy issues, possible regression (when he talks to me like a baby, which he has not done in a very long time). One morning this week, after I disciplined him for a naughty act, he asked me if I still loved him. He's never asked me that and it broke my heart. Maybe it has nothing to do with the new baby but maybe it does and I think I cried off and on all day long when I thought about it. He is a sensitive little guy and I can't stand the thought of him feeling like we don't love him. Soooo, this weekend, D1 and I are going to take d2 out for a 'big brother' afternoon that is all about him and give him 100% attention that he typically does not get much of (such is the life of a sibling). D1's aunt and uncle will take d1 while we do this and give him his own attention but d2 needs a little extra TLC right now from Mommy and Daddy and we're going to give it to him while we still can. We both understand that after d3 arrives, how important it is to block out time for each child individually but we are also realistic in knowing that it's much more easier said than done. We've read the books, articles, etc. and 'know' some ways to help this transition but if anyone would like to offer advice or experience for what worked for them, I'm all ears.....

Blizzards, Baby Showers, Beautiful Boys & Burns

I'm borrowing the post title from M because I found it very catchy and cute for a random post so thanks.

This weekend was great, much better than last weekend (temperature wise) as we were able to enjoy upper 70's and low 80's temps all weekend long. Absolutely gorgeous!! Definitely better than the 'blizzard' we dealt with this time last week:

Now, D1 and I are no strangers to this weather. In fact, the 2-3" of snow that we got at our house is mild compared to what we were accustomed to in Missouri. But the boys didn't really remember the massive amounts of snow we saw when we lived there so it was exciting for them. But we definitely saw how 'rare' it is here in the South when our neighbors were outside taking pictures of the snow. Not their kids, but the snow. Kinda felt like we were in a tourist country.

So, fast forward to this weekend....my good friend B threw me a diapers and wipes baby shower at her house on Saturday and it was so much fun!! We got tons of diapers and wipes for Baby d3 as well as some other great personalized gifts and even a Mommy gift for a free pedicure with my friend!! Cannot wait to enjoy that one!!! Thanks, B!! But seriously - we probably have enough diapers for at least d3's first 3 months of life, which is AWESOME!! And wipes - yeah, probably until he's 4. Such a huge blessing to have these ladies in my life. Love ya!!

Later that afternoon, I met B and her oldest boy (d1's best bud) at a local playground where they played and had a good time. Finally, I took d1 and d2 for ice cream...at 5:00. Yes, before dinner. This was a special treat because normally I would never do this (it's hard enough most days to get them to eat dinner) but I explained to them that this was our special day and talked to them about how d3 would be here soon and I would need all their help and also tried to talk to them about how much I love them all the same. Not sure how much was really absorbed since they were so wrapped up in their ice cream cones but I tried...

Now onto my beautiful boys....I had D1 take a picture of us before church on Sunday because my big boys looked so cute and I actually liked what I was wearing (thanks to another friend's maternity wardrobe), even though D1 cut off the cutest part - the skirt. Oh well! In any case, d2 wouldn't look at the camera so it's not the perfect picture but what I love about it is that d2 didn't want to just stand there and say 'cheese.' He had to have his arms around me and the belly, which symbolizes a lot of how he's been acting lately.

Wow, do I look tired or what? I really didn't feel tired...maybe it's the allergies I'm dealing with. Hmm.

Anyway, d2 seems to be regressing himself back to being a baby, which I know is normal, given the impending arrival. However, I really thought it wouldn't happen until the baby actually ARRIVED. Nonetheless, we are trying to reassure him that he will always be our baby but he's also growing up into a big boy and that big boys get to do cool things like....

Cook dinner with Mommy....and here's where the burn comes in. This is something I have been able to do with both boys as a way for us to bond, since (as you can imagine) I'm really in no position to be playing tackle football in the backyard. Tonight, while d1 was outside riding his Gator, d2 wanted to help me with dinner. We made the pork chops together, and were starting to make the noodles when he was moving his chair to the stove. He climbed up his chair and placed three of his fingers on a burner that was recently turned off. He only wimpered at first so we thought maybe he just touched a warm pan but soon saw that he had indeed touched the burner since we saw three large blisters starting to form. We tried several different techniques to try and help his pain but, as anyone knows who has burned a body part, the pain comes and goes so he would be okay for awhile and then he would start to howl a cry that broke my heart because I knew how much pain he was in. I felt terrible because if I hadn't turned my back, it might not have happened. That cry went on for about an hour or so and then I think the 'burn' finally went away. This morning his poor little fingers have big 'ole blisters on them but he doesn't seem to mind much. He was excited to show his teachers his 'boo-boo.' If you are a regular reader on my blog, you will know that this boy is extremely accident prone. And he's the mild-mannered child of the two. Doesn't really seem to make sense to me but then again, not much does these days.

What Planet Is This Child From?

While we are having dinner at home one night this week, d1 randomly poses this question to the table:

*'Raise your hand if you want me to poop on your head.' *

So I ask myself~ where did this child come from? Oh wait, I know ~ he is every bit his father's son. I know this because D1 and d2 are hysterically laughing at this disgusting proposal. D1 tries to correct d1 but how can he really do that if he can't stop laughing himself? Now, I don't blame D1 for this crude question from d1 ~ if I had to blame anyone, it might be that ornery friend of d1's at school that is ALWAYS in trouble and makes no excuses for it. BUT I do know that it cannot be laughed at or it will continue and snowball over time to greater levels.

I must say that I was a bit embarrassed to post this little incident but then I figured that I'm definitely a Mom of Boys and though I'm not especially proud of my preschooler and his 'intelligent' comment, I can also appreciate his sense of humor and also accept the silliness that comes with a 4-year-old lil' boy. Gotta love 'em!

Later that night, D1 reminds me (as he pats my round belly) that there's another 'one of them' growing in my belly so I better get used to it......yeah, thanks.