A rare moment of calm

Sam: 3 weeks

He is my fussiest baby yet, but I sure do love him!

Middle of the night musings

I am not normally a violent person,  but I want to punch Tom in the face when he happily snores loudly away,  stretched out over my side of the bed, while I sit nursing all night in the glider. I mean, I know it isn't his fault, but it is sometimes hard not to feel a wee bit resentful.

Sam at 2 weeks

I took Sam in for his 2 week checkup last Thursday even though he wasn't quite 2 weeks old.  His stats are as follows:
Height - 22 in (99%)
Weight - 10 lb, 8 oz (96%)
FOC - 15 1/4 (99%)
My boy is big, but he looks so tiny to me!  I can't even imagine how tiny an average 7 pound baby would feel! 

As Sam starts being awake for more of the day, I am getting a feel for his personality.  He is definitely not the chill baby Jack was.  We have two baby bouncers, a swing, and a Fisher Price Rock n Play, but none of them will satisfy Sam.  He wants to be held at all times, preferably by me so he can use me as a human pacifier.  His cry is not the cute, tiny cry of a newborn, but a loud, shrill cry that can be heard throughout the house.  But as long as you aren't doing anything foolish, like changing his diaper, he is content. I frequently have to remind myself that this is my last baby and I need to treasure these moments because they are so fleeting.  I really do love this cuddlebug, no matter how much he shreds my n.ipples.

My mom leaves tomorrow morning and I am so sad to see her go.  I am pretty sure I won't be getting anything accomplished for awhile.

Dear Ellie: 7 years

Dear Ellie, 

This letter is one day late.  I have never been late on your birthday letters before, but your actual birthday was a busy day for us because we threw you a birthday party in our backyard.  For months now you have been saying you wanted a "sea animal party" which I took to mean an Under the Sea party.  We had a big blow up water slide, water balloons, and a sand pit that you could dig for treasures.  It was a lot of fun, but also a lot of work considering we just added a baby to the family! 

Speaking of babies, you love your new brother.  You take great pride in the fact that you named him and you love to sit and hold him.  It has been a little difficult for you to adjust to all the attention a new baby requires, but having your grandma here has been a big help.

I bought you two new chapter books as part of your birthday present and you had finished both before the day was out.  You love to read and are an amazing reader.  You can even read the difficult language of the scriptures without missing a beat.  You are always on the alert for new words, whether it be in a book, on TV, or in daily conversation and not a day goes by that I don't have to define several words for you.  Maybe I should have just bought you a dictionary!  I love your curiosity, your desire to learn, and your love of reading.

The past few months have been difficult for me with the pregnancy and you really stepped up and helped me out. You entertained your brother, cooked him breakfast, and helped keep the house picked up. I don't know what I would have done without you.  I am so thankful for you, my amazing little girl.

Ellie-belly, our lives are going to be a little crazy the next few months, but I hope you always know how loved you are. Happy birthday, sweet girl!

Love,
Mom