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

5 Weeks and the Inevitable

Alex is officially 5 weeks old and is doing great! Big Al, as I affectionately call him, tipped the scales at his one month pediatrician visit at 12.2 lbs! 95th percentile and growing stronger by the minute. He is eating 5oz every 2-3 hours, is in 3-6 month clothes and some 6 month items and is already in size 2 diapers. A little perspective on this is that Ethan was this size when he was 3 and 4 months old. The doctors comment was, "I would never suggest a baby is fat, I'm only saying to make sure he is hungry before you feed him. (Pause) And he's not spitting up after every meal?" My reply was, "Obviously not." He has great head control and can kick himself forward. His other big news for the week: Alex is officially smiling! He has given us random smiles for the last two weeks but nothing consistent. Now, Ethan can get a smile almost every time. I can only get one occasionally.

And the inevitable... "Momma, When is Alex going home?" We knew the day would come. That day was Wednesday. He took the answer well. I explained that this was Alex's home too and asked him if he thought that would be alright. His response was, "Sure." Hasn't brought it up since.

Ethan continues to crack me up daily. As I hear is normal, someone please reaffirm this belief, with multiple children it is difficult to feel like you are not giving them both as much attention as they need and you would like them to have. Ethan has his moments but has been very patient about playing by himself while I feed Alex or when I am holding him. He has become my "Super Helper" and as a team we are juggling through the day. Classic Ethan today. While changing Alex, Ethan was playing in a toy stroller behind me. I hear, "Momma, I'm stuck." Which he often says kidding around just to get me to come and pick him up. I paid little attention telling him to just get up. His response, "No Momma, I'm REALLY stuck!" Sure enough, I turned around to find that he had busted the seat and had his bum wedged in the hole of the frame. I couldn't help but laugh.

Otherwise we are all good. I just wanted to say thank you again to Grandma Lucy and Grandma and Grandpa Hurford for visiting us in the last few weeks. We truly appreciate the time you took to be with us and everything you did for all of us while you were here. We can't wait to see you all again soon!



All this sleep must mean he's growing



Sumo Alex in his Bumbo



The Hurford Boys



Lazy Sunday Afternoon



Grandpa Hurford and Alex

One Month

Alex is celebrating his one month birthday today. He is growing like a weed! A very cute little weed though. He is eating a ton and by my scientific weight method (Mommy stepping on scale without baby and then with baby) he weighs 12.2 lbs! Yes, folks that is a 4.2 lb weight gain in one month. It is no wonder though. He eats 5 ounces every two hours during the day. I feel like a dairy farm with all the pumping I am doing to keep up! He is very bright eyed and is tracking objects very well. He loves tummy time and is very strong. He still prefers sleeping in his car seat but is getting too big. Patrick and I are going to suck it up tonight, prepare to lose sleep, and yes, make him sleep flat on his back. I will let you know how that goes.

Ethan is still the same old "Entertainer of the Year". Grandma Hurford is visiting this week and Ethan is loving the audience. At the park yesterday two approximately 8 year old kids gave Ethan the peace sign saying, "Peace, Dude." Ethan without missing a step held up his own fingers and replied, "Two." Then proceeded to count to ten for them and then once again showing them his fingers saying "Two". No intimidation here. The quote of the week however is once again a potty story. So this morning while Ethan is on the potty he says:

Ethan: "I'm a boy and you are a girl."
Mom: "That's right."
Ethan: "Daddy's a boy. He is a big boy."
Mom: "Daddy is a man"
Ethan: "No, Momma. Daddy's SUPERMAN!"

How cute is that!

Everything else is great. We are having a lot of fun with the boys and have been spoiled with Grandmas here two weeks in a row. Thank you Grandmas!



Alex One Month- aka Butterball



That's what Big Brothers are for!



Fun at the Park



Grandma Hurford and Alex



The Boys

Week two... and almost three

Alex two weeks old

Summer fun at "Ethan's Beach"

Alex and Grandma Lucy

It's another Buckeye!

"Momma! I do it myself!"


Alex is officially three weeks old today and has grown and changed so much already. At our weight check appointment last week he already weighed 9lbs 2 oz which was a 1 lb 5 oz gain in six days! No failure to thrive in this family! He already seems to be giving his first little (non-gas) smiles in the last two days. His big gummy grin is adorable. He is sleeping and eating like a champ! I only half joke with Patrick that he will make a perfect middle child.

Ethan is doing great! He is definitely Mom's little helper and loves talking to his baby brother in the cutest little voice I have ever heard. He has his attention seeking moments like when he asks for his milk in a bottle, for a diaper and to be changed on the changing table, and my favorite, for a pacifier. I guess we all have our moments. He continues to entertain us daily though with the things he says and does. My favorites for this week were when Grandma Lucy was visiting. She was telling him all the things he could do after dinner and when she was finished he said, "Otherwise, Grandma can go do it." He also likes to tell us and show us how big and strong he is. One morning while on the potty he said, "Momma, I'm growing up." Me: "Yes Ethan." Ethan: "I can have gum." Me: "Um, NO." Ethan: "Um, Think about it." This kid cracks me up!

Grandma Lucy was here for the past week and helped so much! We all had a great visit and Ethan of course loved all the attention. I loved watching Grandma drink a beer. Yes, she drank the first full beer of her life and actually had another the next night. Cheers and thank you Grandma Lucy!

Today is my first day solo with the boys and at the expense of a shower have found time to blog. Priorities. Now it is time for laundry. Then maybe a shower :)

Week One

Well, we have survived the first week at home with two little ones and are still smiling. Patrick and I have successfully mastered a man on man defensive technique that seems to keep everyone happy.

By Sunday Ethan realized Alex was here to stay and started his own crusade for attention from all. He never ceases to amaze us with his creative mind and clever antics. Everything from throwing toys at baby brother all while announcing how he is just sharing to asking to burp him and then trying to wail on him. Monday and Tuesday were ugly battle days with more time outs than Ethan has ever seen in his life. Even the pediatrician at Alex's appointment reminded us to just have patience after being in the room with Ethan for just two minutes- the receptionist however couldn't stop laughing at us. With a little patience and persistence we made it through. Ethan now seems to understand that Mom and Dad are sticking by the rules and his actions still have consequences despite his new audience member. He is actually very sweet when he wants to be giving Alex hugs and kisses and telling us how cute and sweet he is. My favorite, "I love baby brother." Ethan has also been enjoying all of his one on one attention with Daddy. They continue on their daily adventures. My favorite was when they came home laughing from grocery shopping. Daddy has not quite mastered the "Truck Cart" at the grocery store and apparently took out the Coppertone display sending bottles of summer accessories everywhere! Ethan thought it was hilarious.

We had a little scare with Alex. He developed jaundice after coming home from the hospital so we had to return to the hospital on Monday and Tuesday for additional level tests. The level on Monday suggested he may have to be readmitted for treatment but the levels had dropped enough on Tuesday to suggest we were heading in the proper direction. His yellow tan has already started to fade, thank God! Baby boy had already gained back three ounces at the pediatrician appointment and continues to eat beautifully. He even sleeps in 2 to 3 hour stretches at night giving Mommy and Daddy much needed sleep. It is hard to believe he is over a week old and is already filling out and changing.

Emma and Bella are neglected I have to say but they seem to be coping well. At least Ethan still plays with them. Poor dogs.

We are looking forward to a family outing tomorrow to take Ethan to the Fourth of July races for kids in Larchmont. He had so much fun last year. We just hope it doesn't rain- again :)


First Bottle



Hello Alex


One Week Old


Brotherly Love

Happy Birthday Alexander Charles!

Alexander Charles Hurford
June 24, 2009, 5:51 PM
8 lbs, 20 inches

Welcome Home Alex! Ethan and the girls were happy to welcome Alex home on Friday. Everyone is doing great with the newest addition to the Hurford home.

Since many have commented on the fact that Patrick and I look much less exhausted in this set of birth pictures than the last I thought I would let everyone know that, WE ARE!!! This labor and delivery was so, and I can't emphasize that enough, much different than with Ethan. Everything was smooth and relatively easy- if that is possible with having a baby. As opposed for pushing for over three and a half hours, Alex shot out with one contraction and three pushes. I was eating lobster within an hour after delivery. Alex is a great eater and as the pediatrician put it, "seems to have read the textbook" on eating and being a healthy baby. We couldn't be happier.

Ethan loves his baby brother. He reminds us all, "He's so cute!" He loves to hug and kiss him and share his toys. We have to watch him though because he tries to pile the toys on Alex. From before he was born he was anxious to meet him. Even at the hospital he could hardly contain himself to wait to go to the nursery to get him. He immediately started looking under the bed and in the cupboards asking where he was. The only hint of jealousy we have seen is that Ethan still wants Mommy at bedtime and wants to sit on my lap sometimes while I am feeding Alex. Daddy has been a great distraction though. Ethan and Daddy have really buddied up in the last few days and are doing all sorts of fun things like bike rides, throwing rocks and seeing the boats, and are currently out buying a new movie. You can only watch "Cars" and Lightning McQueen so many times.

Thank you to everyone for your congratulatory messages. We are very excited to introduce Alex to all of you in the near future.