Laying Off Dairy

For nursing purposes and the happiness of my infant, I am considering going off dairy for a bit. But it seems like I live on milk, cheese, yogurt, and icecream. In fact, there is a whole freezer full of Tillamook Icecream (including a limited edition of Udderly Peanutbutterly) that my husband will have to eat without me. Amazing, the sacrifices one makes for their child. :)

Anyhow, this sketch keeps coming to mind as I contemplate my new "diet".

Watch, you may get a good laugh.

On another note: which is better?

Soy milk, Almond milk, rice milk, or just lactose free milk? I will need to do some taste testing.

Balloons in the Sunrise

Have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon? I plan to someday. It's definitely on my bucket list. Our hometown is host to the annual Northwest Art and Air Festival. The last couple mornings Stephen took Jacob to the park right by our house where the balloons take off at sunrise.

{Jacob's favorite balloon}

If I had been getting a little more sleep I would have loved to join them, but instead I caught a few extra winks.

Next year I'll be there, promise.

Regression

I was warned.

I potty trained early because Jacob was so ready. It seemed a long process to get to the comfortable point, but those were great days not having to change diapers or pull ups. On car trips he'd let us know if we needed to stop at a gas station or Dairy Queen and was happy to go in the public restroom (as long as it wasn't absolutely disgusting.) And it was cute watching him every morning, emptying his drawer, lining up (or piling up) all his undies to decide which to wear.

Several weeks later... the regression.

The fully potty trained toddler has decided to go against everything he's already learned. Why does he refuse to go when I ask why he's doing the potty dance? Why can't he make it to the toilet in time even when I'm holding his hand racing down the hallway? Why must we change clothes 3 or 4 times a day? Why am I mopping the bathroom floor again? I really thought we had this down.

Even the m&m's, chocolate chips, and jelly beans aren't enough of a tempation for him.

My funny cute kid. I know it's weird having a new baby in the house.

I promise I haven't forgotten you. Please just go to the potty!

Two Weeks

{Our sweet sleepyhead}

We're so in love with this little man and I just can't believe two and a half weeks have flown by. We've had some really great days and to be honest, some very hard days where I wished for a "do over". But I am already learning to simplify, to say no to extra responsibilities, and yes to people who offer to help.

Words can't express how grateful I am to my mom for being here the first week. I wish she could be here more often. And I'm so thankful for Stephen, who comes home from long days at work only to amaze me with his patience and ability to make Jacob feel like one in a million.

Jacob is still bouncing off the walls, truly, but can be so sweet and gentle with his baby brother. He always wants to know where he is. He'll tickle him or give kisses and hugs spontaneously. Maybe a poke in the eye or hard pull of the arm every once in a while. But we're learning. So far I've only had to call the doctor once- after he dove off the side of the couch head-butting Landon while nursing. Yikes. A day at a time.

Landon is officially 10 pounds, has genuinely smiled at me three times now, and even rolled over twice in the last two days. Just another Superman ready to move! But he loves his sleep and I plan to take advantage of the peaceful cuddle time while he's still tiny.

Welcome Baby!

Last week we welcomed our little Landon into the world.

He was a lengthy 22 1/2 inches and whopping 9 lbs 11 oz. No surprise there- that's how I do it!

We have lots of fun photos but I'm feeling the "Less is More" approach will allow me more cuddle time in real life.

{A few favorite moments from the hospital.}

Amazing how these little angels make us melt. Feeling lots of love in our home right now.

Summer Jam

The last couple months have been jam packed with family fun.

I guess we've been trying to squeeze it all in before our new addition arrives.

Somehow I've managed to tag along as we've

...gone to the zoo

played at the beach

explored the coast aquarium

hiked to a waterfall

visited the airmuseum and an old lighthouse

eaten cheese and icecream at the tillamook factory

gone to the County Fair

attented the rodeo and parade

played at the local waterpark

picked berries and taken hay rides at surrounding farms

eaten smores with friends

been park hopping

played in the sprinklers and eaten lots of popsicles...

We've had a blast.

But my goal for this week:

Put my feet up a bit, take a few naps, eat some more popsicles and finish a book.