Your friendly neighborhood...

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman

at your service.

Watch out world...we have another superhero in the making.

Not a fan of sharing Momma!

Guess who is not a fan of sharing his momma?

Yep. Elijah.

The past few weeks have been...rough for Elijah.

We prepared ourselves for a storm when Isaac was born because we knew it would be hard on Elijah after being the baby for the past 3 1/2 years. We braced ourselves for major issues and regression and possibly aggression toward Isaac.

We were pleasantly surprised that we only experienced a small storm when Isaac did arrive. Elijah seemed to adjust better than we could have imagined.

However, after having Isaac on the other side of the womb for 5 weeks today, the storm has arrived.

It has been slowly building intensity over the past few weeks.

Now it has reached it's max and we are all looking for shelter and bracing for impact!

Elijah has spent his days complaining about anything possible from his scratchy skin, to a runny nose, clothes that don't fit right, pain in his legs, to other issues that I won't go into detail about on here. At first I wasn't sure if this was attention seeking behavior or legitimate concerns.

I have done a few scientific tests that have proven that Elijah is NOT a fan of sharing his momma. What kind of tests you wonder? Well, I suppose I can share my data with you.

If Elijah is having a good day, or rather a good moment, I will take advantage of it and spend some quality time with him (reading a story, snuggling, playing legos, etc). After I have loved on him for a bit, I will tell him I need to do something else...

Test #1= "Elijah I have to go put a load of laundry in I will be right back"

Result #1= " Ok mom, but then you can play with me?"

Test #2= "Elijah I have to feed Isaac now, but than I can play with you"

Result #2= "My legs hurt, my back is scratchy, my nose is running, etc..."

(at the top of his lungs, while whining and throwing himself around)

I have been trying not to draw extra attention to the storms or tantrums and offering to help "fix" his problem (ex: blowing nose, putting on lotion, etc) and if he refuses help just telling him he can fuss and whine on his bed and when he is ready to be a big boy he can get up. This has been working for now, but I am hoping it won't last forever.

I have also been trying to give him some extra one on one attention. On Sunday he and I went to Target to run some errands and we went on a date to Starbucks. We had a blast while we were there and he didn't fuss once. We pulled into the driveway and the storm erupts again.

Fortunately he has NOT been taking this out on his little brother. The funniest part is that if Isaac is fussing while Elijah is having one of his emotional breakdowns, he will stop the tantrum and attend to his brother's needs. He will turn off the tantrum, run to Isaac's aid and offer him his pacifier, a song, etc

The warmer weather has helped a little and I have been able to send the older two outside to play while I take care of Isaac/or the house.

I have also been trying to not take these years for granted. Even though I have felt like I couldn't handle anymore storms and just need a little sunshine, I know this will pass. I also know I would take the storm over no Elijah any day! I also have friends who are dealing with infertility, mourning the death of their child, or watching their child fight cancer!

My troubles seem pretty insignificant when I look at the bigger picture! The one that includes 3 adorable healthy boys. The three boys that have given me the title Momma.

So while I am waiting for the storm to pass and the sunshine again...

I will be spending a little extra time with my middle man.

Sorry your world was turned upside down 'Lou...I love you and am praying for sunshine again!

One busy month

As hard as it is to believe that my baby is a month old, it is even harder to remember how busy this month has been! I still can't believe he is really here and how perfect he is! I have been trying to write things down and take mental snapshots of the kodak moments we have been having as we adjust to being a family of five.

Since I am way behind on blogging, and want to remember these first few weeks with our littlest man, I decided to do a recap of the month in pictures. And I happen to have taken just a few pictures of my sweet Isaac, so here they are to help illustrate his first month and what he has been up to...

Isaac has had a busy month of looking very cute in his many outfits (explosive diapers and fountains of pee have allowed for them all to be worn at least once)

His big brothers have been helping him learn all about important things in life

He has fabulous hair (that happens to be the same color as mine) and has been sporting an adorable mohawk

He has been able to get some quality naps in on daddy's chest

Having some talks with "Bampa" about his day

Being loved by BOTH his big brothers, even Elijah!

Making great faces while making great noises in his diaper!

Dreaming about milk

Lounging in his swing

Wrapping himself around his big brothers' little fingers

Checking out his toys

Talking and showing his love for his Daddy

But for the record Isaac likes this shirt the best...

Snuggling with Auntie Laura

Meeting some of mommy's friends (yeah for Joey)

Having special visitors travel from far away to come meet him (Grandma Irene from California and Great Uncle Frank and Great Aunt Mary from Minnesota)

Snuggling with Auntie Nikki from Montana

Going for walks in the new stroller

Being held by mommy and told once or maybe twice every day how much he is loved

Being a super sleeper at night (4-5 hour stretches) and a super eater!

Snuggling in the Baby Bjorn so mommy can get some things done and Isaac can be safe when his big brothers are saving the world from evil

Drinking his first bottle like a pro

Becoming more and more adorable every day and filling our house with lots of love and laughter! Helping us realize that the long road we traveled to be holding him in our arms today was worth every step and worth the wait!

We are praising the Lord for this little man and feeling so blessed with our three sons!

There is a FIRST for everything

One of my favorite things about having a new baby is all the "firsts" they do! I love to keep track of as many of them as possible with pictures and by writing them down on the boys' baby calendars. Jonah has enjoyed this too and every time we go some where (Target, a restaurant, the library) he asks if this is the first time Isaac has been there.

I didn't get a picture of Isaac's first official bath at home (we did get it on video), but this is a substitute for the real first bath (it was when he was only 3 days old).

He loved it and the older two boys joined him in the tub. I had them put their swim suits on, since we were video taping, Elijah decided he would rather just use a washcloth to cover himself up. They both helped me "wash" Isaac and the kodak moment ended quickly when Isaac pooped in the tub and both boys got out of the tub faster than I have ever seen before!

Another of my favorite firsts to record is our boys' first major outing. Jonah's was the mall (to get some clothes since we didn't know if he was a boy or a girl), Elijah's was to Richard's softball game, and Isaac's was to a Sioux hockey game! The Sioux won too!

He was only 10 days old, slept through the entire game, and helped Richard and I enjoy our first date together in months by being the perfect baby. We also went to Red Lobster after the game! It was so much fun and such a great memory. Thanks to Grandma Irene for watching the other two boys so we could do this! It was an extra special treat!

This next first is a special one, Jonah was playing near Isaac and I walked in the room and he was introducing Isaac to Batman. I just thought it was adorable so I took a picture.

He continued to give Isaac the run down on all the major superheroes and definitely gave Isaac a head start on learning these important statistics so young! Jonah then told me "Mom, this is Isaac's first time meeting Batman and playing with him!"

He then told Isaac about how we called him Bruce before he was born, but that his real name is Isaac. He also let Isaac know that Jonah is batman and Elijah is Robin, but Isaac could be a different superhero. It was so sweet!

I am looking forward to many more "firsts" for this little man and hoping he doesn't get too big too fast!

An Auntie Visit

This past week my sister Nikki came for a visit from Montana. We have been fortunate enough to see her quite a bit over the past month due to the death of my grandparents and both of their funerals, but we still miss her so much! It was a long drive for her and she was only here for a few days, but we sure enjoyed our time with her! We were able to do lots of fun things together while she was here and the boys even had a sleepover with her.

On Saturday we all headed to Fargo for the day. Richard had his first track meet at Concordia (where my sister Laura goes to school). Laura was working at the meet so we headed there for a few hours to see her and watch a bit of track. Then we spent the rest of the day together and had a nice time despite a few grumpy boys who didn't get a nap. Nikki spent the night with Laura in her dorm room and then headed back home.

It was hard to see her go since we don't know when we'll see her again. Hopefully this summer we can meet up somewhere...or just convince them to move back home again!

We are looking forward to having Laura home for the month of May before she heads to Medora for the summer! We have seen her a little more since she is only an hour away for school, but we miss her too.

I am so glad the boys get to see their Aunts and uncle so frequently and know them so well! Richard's family lives so far away (Texas and California) and it is hard that we don't get to see them very often at all. We sure feel blessed to have such a great family!

Isaac and Laura at the meet

Isaac and Nikki at the meet

We are praying for God to open up some doors for Nikki and Tom and move them back to ND! We know Montana is great with the beautiful mountains, scenery, and outdoor activities, but does it really compare with good old North Dakota?

3 weeks old

Dear Isaac,

I can't believe that it was only 3 weeks ago that God blessed our family with you! It's hard to remember what life was like without you. It has been fun watching you grow, learn and change over the past 3 weeks too. You are very laid back and easy going and rarely fuss. You LOVE to be talked to and watch your big brothers play. You also enjoy eating and sleeping! You enjoy bath time, but hate getting out and don't like getting your clothes changed. You love being swaddled or snuggling and enjoy your pacifier! Hurray!

You have an awake time in the morning and the afternoon/evening for a few hours, otherwise you are sleeping the rest of the day. I look forward to those awake times, but sure enjoy that you are such an excellent sleeper! You also sleep really well at night (4-5 hours) at a time. When you get up to nurse in the night you eat, poop, eat, and go right back to sleep! No messing around for you!

We have seen a few smiles here and there, but today you started smiling all the time when we talk to you and have some wonderful facial expressions! You started "talking" more and more too and I just love hearing those sweet noises. What a great St. Patrick's Day present!

We love you lots Isaac and thank God for bringing you to our family! Happy 3 week birthday buddy!

Love Mommy, Daddy, Jonah and Elijah

On my own

Today I am on my own with my 3 little men!

Richard's mom was here for the past 2 1/2 weeks helping out while we adjusted to life as a family of 5. She headed back to sunny California today and we will miss her. She was a wonderful help doing laundry, washing dishes, playing with the boys, and letting me take naps frequently.

It is funny how I can hardly imagine life without Isaac and he is only 3 weeks old (well tomorrow) and the older two are LOVING him! I can't believe how big he has gotten in only 3 weeks! I took him to the doctor yesterday for his 2 week check up and he was 10lbs 2oz, 22 1/4 inches long, and his head circumference was 15 inches! He has gained 2 pounds since we left the hospital!

He is still the BEST baby ever and I am so thankful for that! He is so laid back, mellow, and sleeps and eats like a champ. His eyes are still dark blue and the jury is still out on whether or not they are going to stay blue or change to brown. His eyelashes and eyebrows are growing in very light like mine so there is hope his hair will stay the same color as mine! If none of my boys are going to look like me at least I will be able to claim Isaac as my own ;0)

I have been spending LOTS of time thanking the Lord for our sweet 10lb bundle of joy! It is funny how different my perspective is this time around after having to wait for him. Not that I didn't enjoy my other boys as newborns, but getting up multiple times in the night, being sleep deprived, and washing MANY loads of laundry a day are things that bring joy to my life and a smile on my face after many prayers, tears, and days of longing for this moment.

I am trying very hard to NOT take any moment for granted as they go too fast and are too precious! I am also trying to look at each situation that may be stressful in a more positive attitude.

Like when Isaac had his first blowout in Target and I was quickly reminded of how explosive those poops can be and how easily that situation can warrant tears I laughed instead.

As I am waiting for the changing table to be available to change him in the bathroom, and he is crying I just laugh. When it is finally my turn to use the changing station and I peel off his poopy pants only to realize that I was deceived by the small stain on the outside and amazed at the amount of poop down his entire leg and up his back: I laugh.

When I am struggling to keep his feet out of the poop, keep the rest of his clothes from getting poop all over, and he is screaming pretty loudly: I laugh. When not just one, but 5 people ask me if this is my first child (since I apparently didn't look as though I knew what I was doing): I laugh. When I realize that the only outfit I have in the diaper bag for him is already too small and I can hardly get it on him: I laugh. When my milk is letting down from his crying and I can feel myself leaking onto my shirt because my nursing pads have moved and I can't do anything about it because I have poop all over my hands: I laugh.

When a few women ask if I need help: I laugh. When I am crying because I have been laughing so hard and probably peed my pants a little bit: I laugh some more. When it is finally over I find myself thanking God for Isaac and for fun memories like blowouts in Target. I also smile as I remember that I wasn't laughing when Jonah or Elijah did that!

I pray you are able to laugh today when you may feel like crying.

Just in case you forgot how cute Isaac is...

here is a little reminder!