a world of adventures: 2012

Saturday, December 29, 2012

christmas magic

Evan has reached the age of Christmas magic. He has been very interested in Santa and the reindeer. We had read lots of Christmas stories (The Night Before Christmas and Berenstain Bears Santa Bear are his favorite) that make Santa come to life and it is fun to let him experience this childhood fascination!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Colin's birth

Colin was born 11/21 at 6:04am. 8 lbs 12 oz, 21.5 inches.

Here's the story...

On my eighth day "overdue", just after midnight I felt the first contraction. Not painful, but it was different and I knew we were going to be close. For the next 2 hours I laid in bed with my hands on my belly, relaxing and letting the contractions get closer together and stronger. And they did. I did enjoy the calmness of being in the moment as I excitedly was waiting to meet this baby.

At about 2:00am things were picking up and I needed to be up moving around the house. I would stop and lean over something during a contraction, mostly the dryer. Then, around 3:00 I woke up Tony because it was getting intense and I needed some company! Around 3:30 I told him to give our neighbor a 'head's up' that she would be needed to watch Evan soon. Ten minutes later, he called her back because he were hopping in the car to head to Munson. I remember how quiet and dark the night was. It was a peaceful drive and arrival to the hospital. I labored in the bathroom leaned over the railing while I got all checked in and then went into the tub. My time in the tub was spent with Tony, Dana (doula in training), and Peg (midwife) alternating pushing as hard as they could on my back and hips... ahh, something that really got me through until that urge to push came and I got out of the tub, my water broke, and I pushed out a baby in a few minutes on my hands and knees. Since I had my back to everyone, I learned that it was a boy from Tony and Peg and then was able to flip around and snuggle this little guy. What an amazing feeling of joy, but those first few minutes I was just wiped out and was thankful for the relief! And thankful he was perfect! Lots to be thankful the next morning, which was Thanksgiving.

Id knees. Since I had my back to everyone, I learned that it was a boy from Tony and Peg and then was able to flip around and snuggle this little guy. What an amazing feeling of joy, but those first few minutes I was just wiped out and was thankful for the relief! And thankful he was perfect! Lots to be thankful the next morning, which was Thanksgiving.

first family photo

first day home just me and the boys (4 days old)

5 days old

Monday, November 19, 2012

waiting

We have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this baby. In a couple hours, I will be a week past my "due date". And since I kinda thought it would come the week before my due date, it seems like the wait has been going on and on. Tony's vacation time from work has come and gone. While waiting we spent some time together enjoying life as a family of three. We had some fun breakfasts out, short hikes (including this 70 degree day on Empire Bluffs), lots of playtime at home (always Evan's choice), new projects (art gallery and paper snowflake making), and a hot chocolate picnic at the Open Space.

A few moments of fun before our family grows!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

goodbye to fun-filled summer

Well, its definitely felt like fall here for several weeks. Actually with all Halloween over and all the leaves down, it seems like winter in sneaking in. It is always a little sad to see summer go. There is just so much to love about long, hot days filled with sun, sand, water, and dirty feet! But we have packed up the tent and the sand toys and are settling in to a warm house until those blissful summery adventures can be had again. Here are a few snapshots of the summer of a happy 3 year old!

Time to curl up with some a book and some hot cocoa!

pumpkin time

My spider and baby at 38 weeks

trick or treat!

This kid loves the thrill of trick or treating. Runs up to each house and then takes a few steps away from the door and shows his prize to us before running back!

Austria

So many wonderful memories of this trip! As I am updating this blog (after way too long), I am smiling just remembering our time here. The three of us just hanging out, playing, sight-seeing, and adventuring! The best part for me was really the chance to spend time with Tony and Evan in our own little world. We timed this trip perfectly as I just finished up school. A celebration! And we knew this was our opportunity to go to Europe, with a happy 3 year old (before adding another child to the our family). Everything went perfectly! So many people asked about the flights. Really, not bad at all. Evan slept when he needed to over those long flights, and somehow adjusted to the time change without an issue.