Paternity Leave=Blogging Leave of Absence

So much has happened since my last post that I feel the only way to catch up is to briefly summarize the last two months and then just post pictures. I know that pictures alone tell most of the story.

Patrick was fortunate enough to take paternity leave for five weeks at the end of September and beginning of October. For three weeks we traveled to Michigan to visit family and friends.

The Drive

On September 16, we began packing the car and quickly realized we had a space dilemma. Off to the trailer store to get a car topper. On September 17, we set off for Michigan in our Tahoe, with car topper, with the boys, both dogs and a sliver of sanity. With a newly learned short cut we were over the George Washington Bridge within 35 minutes. (That is great time considering it can take up to 2 hours or more.) We were excited. Leaving at nap-time was great. We were cruising with two napping kids. But, within the hour Alex needed to eat. No problem. Stop, feed, bathroom, back on the road. Around dinner time we stopped at Old McDonald's in rural Pennsylvania. While Patrick walked and fed the dogs I took the kids in to eat. Here is where the fun begins. Two chicken nuggets in Ethan stands up in the booth and vomits all over the table and bench. Alex in one hand, Ethan at the table, puke everywhere, and all I can do is see Patrick through the window walking the dogs peacefully. Luckily a very nice (despite their Penn State allegiance) elderly couple behind us asked if they could help. The man went to get Patrick. Poor Ethan just wanted to eat his french fries. After washing the booth, changing Ethan, and feeding Alex we were back on the road. At around midnight we stopped at Wendy's to feed Alex. Just as we were pulling in the parking lot Ethan vomits again in the car. No worries, Mom caught it. As we were leaving Wendy's we stopped at the drive through for coffee and a few plastic bags just in case. Call that one Mother's intuition. From 12:30 until we arrived at Grandma and Grandpa Hurford's house at 2:30AM I think he vomited 4-6 times. I sat scrunched with my knees at my chin between the captain's chairs facing the kids from Pennsylvania to Grosse Pointe. Patrick drove all but 3 hours of the drive. Needless to say we were all exhausted upon arrival and poor Ethan had a stomach flu.

Twelve hours in Grosse Pointe and back in the car to Harbor Springs. What were we thinking? The first stop came within 45 minutes to check a stinky diaper which turned out to be gas. The next stop came an hour later for Alex to eat. After that I thought it was clear sailing with two sleeping kids. Wrong again. Ethan started screaming to get out of the car and go home- can you blame him?- and woke Alex up. I managed to get Alex back to sleep and convince Ethan to watch a movie. I put the movie on and Ethan started screaming that it was too bright. In one of my more genius moments I had a solution. Sun glasses. So there we were at midnight with one sleeping baby and a two year old watching Mickey Mouse with sun glasses on. Where was my camera? Thankfully we made it to Harbor Springs just in time for Alex to eat. That was also the time I decided there will be no more car trips in this Hurford family future until all of the children are over 4 years old.

Up North

We had a wonderful first day up North. Ethan loved racing the cars down the track on the stairs with Grandpa, seeing his golf clubs and watching for deer. That night however woke up with a barking cough. Croup. Great. So Ethan and I were up. I took him into the bathroom to breathe in some steam from the shower. I then bundled him up in the early morning hours in a big blanket and took him outside to breathe in the crisp and cool fall air. As I sat in the dark in the big Adirondack rocker with my sick little boy I had a moment of clarity. As I rocked Ethan back to sleep and then continued to rock watching the water of Lake Michigan, listening to the trees, and waiting for the sun to rise on that crisp fall morning, I realized how truly blessed I am in my life. To have such an amazing family and friends and all of the gifts God has given us is truly humbling. To rock my baby in the purest of nature made me realize how grateful I am to be a mother, regardless of the circumstances and challenges that every day can bring. Around sunrise, Ethan woke up and soon we joined the rest of the gang.

Despite having croup Ethan was his typical, hysterical self. We had fun golfing with Grandma and Grandpa and visiting Pond Hill Farm for a hay ride and feeding the animals. The piglets were a favorite as well as the squash launcher. Daddy would launch the squash and the sheep would run into the field to eat the pieces. Ethan was not feeling well that day but continues to talk about it now months later. Ethan also loved throwing rocks into the pond with Daddy and Grandpa. Where did they get all those rocks from? :) Naughty Grandpa and Daddy.

Perhaps the most memorable experience up north was our deer "hunting" escapades. Ethan was enamored with the idea of seeing deer. So, we loaded up the Tahoe and went to find them. We first drove down the road (private road approx 1 mile) to the front of the property and saw around 5 deer. When we got to the end, with a big smile, Ethan says, "That was amazing!" Amazing? Seriously, where does this kid pull this stuff from? The next day we were off again at dusk. I think we saw around 12 deer that evening but the classic moment was at the end of the "hunt". As we would see a deer I would fling Ethan's car door open so he could see them. With the tinted windows he could not see the deer well at dusk and if we rolled the window down it would stop just in line with his visual field. Well, on this last stop the deer were on Alex's side. I unbuckled Ethan and picked him up so he could look out Alex's door. When we were finished I sat him back in his seat and left him unbuckled. We were literally less than 100 yards from the house door, on a private road, so I figured he would be fine for the 10 second drive. As the wheels began to turn Ethan started screaming, "SAFETY FIRST, SAFETY FIRST!" I almost died laughing. He was right. So I buckled him back up for the crawl home.




Grand Rapids

We headed to Grandma Lucy's house on September 23 to stay for the week. We visited with Grandma, Aunt Jenny, Uncle Tim, Granddad, Miss Gina, Aunts and Uncles, Mom and Dad's friends, and Ethan's favorite- Kaylee. Ethan was so excited to see Kaylee. He was napping when she arrived but as he was waking up she entered the room. The second he saw her he jumped out of bed and yelled "KAYLEE!" with the biggest smile and gave her a great big hug. Off they went and were inseparable for the next week.

Alex had his 3 month birthday. Just a big happy baby. Not much else to say. I will throw in that by now he has also had his 4 month bday and is amazing. At four months he is transferring objects between hands, can do a modified army crawl to move off his blanket to get toys, has mastered his exersaucer, loves his jumper, and is already sitting up in a three point stance. He has now started eating cereal, fruits, and veggies but isn't the biggest fan. He would much rather lay back and drink his bottle. Just a laid back kind of guy. He is sleeping through the night with the exception of a 5 am feeding. Big, happy and healthy- perfect.

While in Grand Rapids we were able to have a family picnic with Grandma Lucy's family at Uncle Bob and Aunt Linda's lake. Uncle Bob took us for a few boat rides with the kids. They loved going fast and pretending like the boat was out of gas. We also went to Uncle Ben and Aunt Cindi's house to see the chickens and feed the fish. Ethan was in heaven. Spoiled by going in the cleanest and cutest chicken coop on the planet and hand feeding a million big fish just off the dock. We were able to share in Kaylee's 3rd birthday celebration and we were also able to see Granddad's zoo. Ethan loves going to Granddad's house to see the snakes, lizards, cats, and dogs. Patrick liked playing Wii.






Alex's Baptism

I had brought Ethan's Baptism outfit to pass down to Alex for his big day on October 3. Luckily I tried it on on the 1st. It didn't fit. So on the afternoon of the 1st off I went to get a Baptismal outfit for the big boy. My options were limited. After debating basically my only option with myself I purchased the white baby tuxedo. Yes, a white tuxedo.

On October 3 we headed off to U of D Jesuit for the Baptism of our baby boy. The University of Detroit Jesuit School is where Patrick and Grandpa Hurford went to high school. We were very excited to have the opportunity to have Alex Baptized there. In full white tuxedo tails Alex was baptized and welcomed into the church family. Thank you Uncle Matt and Aunt Shelly for being his God parents.

After having a flat tire in the ghetto on the way home from the Baptism, we had a wonderful gathering visiting with family and friends at Grandma and Grandpa Hurford's house.

That following Tuesday we came home. Home sweet home. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful trip and all of the wonderful memories. A special Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Hurford and Grandma Lucy for living with us for so long and to Grandma and Grandpa Hurford for watching Emma and Bella for us. We love you all.

Kaylee's Visit (Aunt Jenny too)

It was all about Kaylee and Ethan when Aunt Jenny decided to make the trip to the big city. We had such a wonderful time. Kaylee and Ethan, despite their toddler moments, had an amazing time together. It was so much fun watching the cousins play together. It was also the best to have a drink and some girl chat with my big sis. Can't wait until we can do it again soon.




Halloween

For Halloween this year Ethan decided back in September he wanted to be a puppy. So Ethan was a puppy and Alex was a chunky monkey. On Friday Ethan had a party at school which he was so excited for. Mrs. Haley was over that day sitting for the kids but I returned home to take him to his party. I got his costume on and painted his face. Mrs. Haley said, "Ethan you are so cute." His response, "Actually, I am adorable." Come on now, how funny is that?!

We were fortunate to have the Fino Family join us for Halloween and share in the fun of the evening. It was great to have all the little kids dressed together on such a beautiful night for Trick or Drinking- I mean Treating. Ethan loved trick or treating with the kids but was done when we reached our house half way through the route. Exhausted, we took off his costume and he immediately dumped all of his candy on the kitchen floor to check out his loot. What a fun night.

Pumpkin Carving

Ethan's Pumpkin

Our Chunky Monkey

Halloween 2009

Boys will be Boys

Trick or Treat

Let's see what we got!

Misc.

Just a few stories I don't want to forget:

- We have a dance party before bath and bedtime nearly every night. Daddy decided to bust out the 2Pac for Ethan. Ethan loves it! Great beat, inappropriate lyrics. So one night in the bathtub Ethan belt's out, "Nowhere I go, I see the hoes." And that was that. The "Daddy song" is banned.

- Talking to the dogs one day Ethan turns to me, "Emma's old like Jack (Grandma Lucy's dog) and Bella's two."

- Mom: "Ethan, do you want pork chops for dinner?"
Ethan: "Ugggh, Mom, I'm just sick of pork chops."

- We bought new shoes. Mom: "Ethan do you think they fit?"
Ethan: "They fit perfectly!"

- Mom: "Ethan do you want some dip with your pretzels?"
Ethan: "Actually, that's Hummus."

Oh how the list goes on and on. Now that I am as caught up as I can be I will try to keep up on weekly posts. No guarantees.

Alex is Sitting!

The Boys on Game Day

Alex 3 Month Pictures

Thank God It's Friday

I just knew today would be a memorable day. I just didn't expect the twist!

I woke up this morning feeling great! I even got on the scale and to my surprise, I am officially back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I even fit in my jeans. Memorable day. Then we decided to invest in a new camera for our family that will hopefully be more successful at capturing all our priceless moments in time. Memorable day. And then 7:45 PM rolled around...

So I have Ethan and Alex upstairs, with pajamas on, in my bed to read books by 7:30 PM. I am super excited that this means Ethan will be asleep by 8:00 PM (yeah right). We pick out which books to read, start to eat a snack, and open the first book. Ethan takes a large bite of cereal bar, stands up on the bed, and vomits on my baby blue duvet cover- on the down comforter. In an attempt to get him off the bed the second wave spews out all over the books and poor little Alex who was lying helpless on the bed. He finishes puking all over my floor and bed skirt. The poor kid. He has been vomiting lately and his doctors do not know if it is his food allergies or something else. We are awaiting test results to conclude why. Anyways, I have no idea where to begin! I grabbed the books first. HELLO?! What was I thinking? After Ethan said, "I have puke on me!" I quickly chucked the books and focused on the kids (what good moms do first). I began stripping and washing Ethan and then poor little Alex, who the entire time waited, watching the ceiling fan (what is it with babies and ceiling fans?). I then stripped the bed and took everyone to the basement to try to salvage my duvet- which is what my entire bedroom decor is based upon. With Alex in the baby bjorn and Ethan playing in his playroom I began to scrub. But as I quickly turned while at the sink I nailed poor Alex's head into the dryer vent! While trying to console him with tears streaming down his sweet little face I began to smell something. Yes, Ethan had pooped his pants, which he has not done for months! Poor kid. He's upset, Alex is upset, I'm ready for a margarita! I finally got everyone cleaned up and settled down. We read a vomitless book and Ethan went to bed. Memorable day. But wait...then at 9:30 I hear Ethan on the monitor, run to investigate and take him to the potty. I hear a creaking noise downstairs. I quickly put Ethan back to bed, run downstairs and find Alex falling out of the swing. He had woken up and apparently now can propel himself forward from a reclined position. Alexander the Great! At 10:15 PM both kids are sleeping. Memorable day. And this is also why I drink.

First Day of School

I still do not quite know how time has flown by so quickly that my baby walked out the door today to go to school. With a smile on his face, lunchbox in hand and a pack on his back Ethan marched into preschool today.

He is such an amazing little guy! At two years, four and a half months old, and the youngest kid in the three year old class, he was a superstar going to school! He has been waiting for this day to come for months. We have rehearsed and memorized the schedule, the teachers names, and the rules. We prepped his box with extras and his allergy kit. Finally, Patrick and I surprised him yesterday with a personalized Lightning McQueen backpack and lunchbox.

This morning we woke up to, "Ma----ma!, Da----ddy, I'm waking up! I go to school today!"
He was ready. He had a breakfast fit for any two year old, two cinnamon rolls and a yogurt and was dressed and ready to walk at 8:15. He strapped on his backpack, just like Daddy, and we were on our way. We all walked him to school. When we arrived he jumped out of the stroller, asked for his backpack, gave Daddy a kiss and quickly climbed the stairs to the door. Ethan proudly marched inside saying hello to Ms. Christina and Ms. Rose. After taking of his jacket and hanging it in his locker he immediately sat down and began playing with some dinosaurs. He never looked back once. After talking briefly to his teacher I had to ask him for a kiss and I said goodbye. He said, "Goodbye Momma, you pick me up after nap." And that was that.

As I walked out the door with three crying kids coming in I could do nothing but smile. We are so proud of our strong, brave, and brilliant little guy.

I will pick him up at three and tonight we will celebrate with dinner from Old McDonald's!




Wow! A new backpack!



Ready for school




First day of school breakfast - Don't take my picture Mom!



Daddy and Ethan with their backpacks



Ethan at school

P.S. Alex is doing great! Talking and laughing more by the day. He can also roll over proficiently from either side to his back and from his belly to his back. Still growing like a weed. He is such a good baby. We have truly been blessed with two amazing little guys.

Two Months Old

Alex had his two month birthday and check up this week. He is officially big! Weighing in at 14 lbs, 11 ounces keeps him in the 95th percentile! He is just developing so quickly. He is already standing with only hand support, has solid neck control, can do "mini push-ups" during tummy time, swats and makes contact with objects dangled in front of him, can grasp and pull objects, blows bubbles, and has the cutest belly laugh and squeal! He is also starting to settle into a semi-schedule with a longer morning and afternoon nap, and an evening wake time. He is still getting up twice at night (1:30 and 4:30) but seems to be taking less milk at both feedings. Overall, he is still just a happy little guy who just rolls with the punches.

Ethan's big excitement for the week was playing in the rain and making pudding all by himself. Last Sunday was hot and had been raining all day. After dinner I told Ethan to get his rain boots and umbrella. That little boy was so excited to hear he was able to go outside and splash in the rain he could hardly contain himself. It was pouring! The harder it rained the more excited Ethan got. We splashed in the river that was rolling down our street for almost an hour. By the time we came inside we were drenched but had had the time of our lives. Now I know why they say having kids keeps you young. Later in the week Ethan made chocolate pudding all by himself (I only had to wisk out the lumps). After he was finished he told me: "Momma, pudding is yummy. Pudding is delicious and makes me strong." Well, there you have it. Eat your pudding to build those muscles, its a good enough excuse for me.


YUMMY!


My baby boy


Ethan's first time feeding Alex. Alex's thoughts, "Are you kidding Mom! Pick me up!"


Standing already!


Bring on the rain!

Where have 8 Weeks Gone!

Oh how time flies when you are having fun! Or is it that exhaustion has a way of letting you completely lose track of time? Either way, both ways, it has already been eight weeks since Alex joined the family.

The boys are doing great! Ethan is gearing up for school. We enrolled him in a 3 year old preschool for the year which starts September 8. Although he is only 2 years 4 months they agreed he was ready. We visited the school this week, met his new teacher, and gave him a chance to play with some kids (who will be transitioning into the 4 year old program). He loved it! He even used their potty and for the past two days we have had no problem getting him to eat all by himself without the usual pestering. I however am a little in shock. I can't believe my baby is starting school, well kind of, but still. Backpacks, lunches, homework folders, I don't know that I'm ready for this! By the way, the big boy grew an entire shoe size in the last two months. We also thought he looked taller. Measuring today on our wall chart confirmed he grew an inch and a quarter since June 19! Seriously, where has our baby gone? Antics for the week worth noting:
- In the bathtub: "I have a penis, Daddy has a penis, Mom... What you got?"
- After vomiting in the car on Sunday- When I write my book someday it will include a chapter of things no one tells you with parenting. In that chapter, it is okay to take a hose to your Britax car seat. After all it is the only way to get the puke out of the buckle and latch system- Ethan announces Monday morning on the way to the grocery store, "P-U! Mom, It smells like Ethan puke in here!"
- Before bath time while collecting the towels etc. I hear Ethan in the bathroom talking to the Tigger and Pooh bath toys, "Alright Boys, it's time for a bath. NOOOOO splashing outside tub!"
- Alex grumbling, Ethan walks over, "It's okay Honey. SHHHHHHHHH. Settle down."
- Mom: "Ethan, I have to go outside this morning for a few minutes." Ethan: "You got to pick up dog crap?" The look of horror on my face prompted a little laugh and correction to "dog poop".
- "Mom, we go to Old MacDonald's for some chicken and fries?" He has been calling it Old MacDonald's for some time but it is worth mentioning.
- For all you Michigan fans and Ohio State lovers: If you sing Hail to the Victors Ethan will now say: "BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Ann Arbor is a (w)Horsey!" The saying on the t-shirt is far to inappropriate for a 2 year old :) O-H! I-O!
- And one that almost broke my heart... Ethan woke up hysterical this morning. Patrick went into his room and returned a few minutes later telling me I had to go in there. Ethan had a nightmare explaining to Patrick that in his dream he asked Mommy to snuggle and I had said NO WAY! I snuggled that little guy for over an hour!

Alex is still doing great! Getting bigger and more alert by the day. Officially into 6 month clothes. The 3-6 month stuff now is even too small. His personality is starting to show. Just a laid back guy. No crying, no fussing. Just a little reminder for a systems check every now and then. I think he is going through a growth spurt again. He seems to be alert and awake one day and then sleeps the entire next day. Smiling, laughing, and happy though. What more could I ask for?


Big Al


Thunderstorm shelter for Bella


All the kids at playtime


Tummy-time mirror doubles as a train tunnel- check out Alex's hair line (Patrick is concerned)


What a second, that's not a boat! It's Alex's tub!

My Confession as a Stay at Home Mom- 6 Weeks Old

Oh what a blogable (if there is such a word) week this has been. It has taken me time to post due to the internal debate of whether or not to let this information go public. As a public service and a tribute to all Stay at Home Moms I will unveil the most memorable ten minutes of my week as an honest account of what I feel happens in so many homes yet goes unsaid.

It was a typical Wednesday morning with my sweet baby (Happy 6 Weeks Alex) and my terrific, I refuse to say terrible, two year old. Ethan was having one of his days. As a fabulous two year old he was whining about nearly everything, pushing every button he thought he could push, pulling every bit of attitude he could muster into every little sarcastic comment he made, and listening to about every third instruction he was given. The morning had already seen a few time outs, which have now escalated into alone time in his bedroom with the shades drawn and door closed- he began asking for time out on the stairs so that he could roll off the steps and climb the outside of the staircase when I wasn't looking (yes, he made it up six stairs before I found him dangling, the laughter gave him up). I told you this was a confession. But after lunch was when the ten minute memory began.

Ethan had just gotten up from lunch and was sitting on the sofa playing with a few toys. I was doing dishes in the kitchen, just around the corner, when I heard a loud crash! Then I hear, "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!" And there it was, used properly unrepeated at the moment (not that that has ever happened) as loud as thunder, Ethan's first curse. I nearly died. I'll be honest, of laughter. I am by no means proud of this but it instantly reminded me how little ears can hear the best. I contained myself before rounding the corner to find a big pile of toys and the lamp partially tipped next to the sofa. As I begin to clean this up Ethan announces, "I HAVE TO POOP!" We run to the bathroom. A few minutes later he runs out announcing he has finished. As I am cleaning him up and the ever-so-clean toilet of a two year old who has to "do it myself" I hear, "I PUKED!" Yes, Ethan had puked all over the kitchen floor. Not sick. Ethan's new trick whether at the table or not is to either gag himself or cough until he pukes. He does this to either not eat something he doesn't like, get attention, or be funny. So, he runs off and I begin to clean up puke. Around the corner again, approximately eight feet away, Alex has been sleeping this entire time. All of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I see Ethan wind up about to throw a ball at Alex! I yell, "ETHAN! We do not throw toys at baby brother." and in the most sarcastic of tones I only hear from one other larger boy in this house I hear, "OHHH, O-K-A-Y BETH!" I about died! I was rendered helpless. When asked again what he said he then repeated it laughing. The kid knows exactly what he is doing. I finished cleaning up the puke and laid him down for his nap. That day I fought every urge in my body not to crack a beer at noon, I waited until 4:30.

Ethan also had his first visit to the dentist. He did very well sitting in the chair, letting them count his teeth, checking out all the instruments and talking with the staff. When it came time for the cleaning he had no problem with them cleaning his finger but wanted no parts of the "tooth tickler", as they called it, coming anywhere near his mouth. We will stick to brushing for now.

Alex is doing great! He is sitting up with the assistance of the sofa or the bumbo. His smiles and coos are adorable. He is also staying awake for longer periods during the day. During tummy time he has rolled over twice from his stomach to his back and consistently rolls on his side. He bats at toys dangled in front of him and loves the same little dog rattle Ethan did. The precision weight method of mommy on scale with Alex has him weighing in at 13.1 lbs. He just keeps growing!

Bo, our fish, is on suicide watch. He successfully cleared the bowl yesterday. This was about a 3/4-1 inch jump for the little beta. Luckily we were eating lunch and saw him flopping. Ethan was hysterical but after returning Bo to his home we reassured him Bo was okay. Bo's water level was depleted before bedtime last night. We can't take any chances.

Now that it has taken me three days to complete this post I will publish it before Friday rolls around yet again. Time flies when you are having fun!

Note: I keep forgetting to mention... We will be back in Michigan at the end of September and beginning of October for Alex's Baptism which will take place in Detroit on October 3. We hope to see everyone then.


Smiley Man


Can you feel the love?


Watching Cartoons


Bathtime- Alex's thoughts: Please Don't Splash Me!


First Visit to Dentist- This is what the Fear of God looks like