Weigh in week 5: Busy, busy, busy

I often think we are very busy in our house, but I have no idea what we accomplish each day!

We had all three kids at the Phillies game on Sunday and all three had a great time.  Well, I'm not sure Jeremy knew he was ever there, but he had a great nap anyway.

The girls both started soccer again on Saturday.  Sylvia was THRILLED.  Not just for soccer, but because she was moving up from the grasshopper class to the bumble bee class. 

Sylvia was finally able to design some of her Barbie dresses that she got for her birthday.  She was excited when we had a rainy afternoon this week, and I let her work on the wedding gown.  Her Barbie had to postpone the wedding two times before that because the weather was too nice to stay indoors and decorate a dress! 

Stella had a big week - she moved up into the "big girl" toddler bed.

Of course, that is only because she fell out of her crib during naptime on Saturday.  She gave me a heart attack, but Stella appear to be fine, and the big girl bed is working out great.

Jeremy is a very relaxed little baby, as long as his tummy is full!  At 2 months he is in size 3-6 month clothing, and is moving into size 2 diapers.

He eats every 3 hours during most of the day, switches to every 2 hours in the evening, and if I'm really lucky, goes 4-6 hours for the first stretch of the night. 

He has just started to really smile, and I have 2 adorable videos to post soon.  But for now, I'll just post all of these adorable photos :)   Lots and lots more here.

For the last weigh-in, I was only down 0.5 pounds.  Moving in the right direction, but I feel like the Yo Gabba Gabba song that Sylvia sings "baby steps, baby steps".  The second verse of the song is "Great Big Giant Steps..."  Hopefully that will be the song for next week.

Here is the chicken recipe I used tonight.  I always look through multiple recipes to find the right temp and time to bake this - now I have it here:

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mustard (I used 1/8 cup stone ground and 1/8 cup wasabi mustard)
2 T butter (necessary??)
big squirt of lemon juice

Spray 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray and put chicken in.  Add butter, honey, mustard, and lemon juice in bowl, microwave about one minute until butter is melted and mix.  Spoon over chicken.
Bake at 375 for 40 minutes. When there is about 10 minutes left, flip chicken over and spoon sauce from bottom of pan over top of chicken.

Love this and I think each 1/2 breat is 6 points.  The recipe I used for the salmon last week was similar, but with horseradish.  I'll post that one next time around.

Week 5:  0.5 pounds  Total:  11 pounds



KeriLots of love, 

Time flies!

We love you little Remy!  I cannot believe how much he changes EVERY DAY!!
below:  5 days, 1 month, 2 months

Lots of love, 

Keri

Sylvia is almost 5!!

Our Sylvie is 4!  She has been counting down to the day she turns 5 and can "ride the bus to kindergarten" since she could talk.  I'm pretty sure she didn't even know what kindergarten was when she started saying that.  She may not have known what a bus was.  Stella thinks every big truck that goes down the street is a bus, including the trash truck.  Now Sylvia is 4, which in her logic, makes her almost 5.  She's already planning the party she'll have.  Ahhh!!! 

I am so proud of her.  She has always been incredibly smart.  I am totally biased, but she just turned 4 and can do math and read simple books.  Come on now!  More than that though, her compassion for others has always amazed me.  Toddlers are supposed to be totally self absorbed and oblivious of the rest of the world, and she sometimes is, but other times she is incredibly concerned about others and very thoughtful, especially towards her little sister and brother.  Sylvia interprets Stella's language and finds the toy she is asking for or the drink she wants.  Even when Stella was a baby and Sylvia was 2, Sylv would ask me to hold Stella if she were crying, never jealous that a new baby was getting attention.  When Jeremy cries, she comes running to hold his hand, because "he likes that".  Stella and Jeremy both have a sweet second little Mommy in Sylvia.

Sylvia has taught us all so much.  She taught me that if you put ice cubes in a glass of water, boring water becomes really fun to drink.  She taught me never to pass on any aversion you might have had towards food to a little one; they might surprise you.  They might love brussel sprouts and despise marshmellows (where did this kid come from?!).  And she taught me how amazing it is to love a sweet little baby and watch them grow and learn new things every day as they become a talented and caring grown-up four year old.

 Thank you SO much to everyone who sent birthday wishes and birthday gifts and helped us celebrate her special day.  (Real thank you notes are in the works, I swear, but in the meantime...thank you!)  Most of all, thank you to everyone who is a part of our kids' lives.  They are so cherished and are becoming amazing little people because of it.  It takes a village, and we have a great one.

Lots of love, 

Keri

Jeremy's One Month Update

Jeremy is a sweet little baby with incredible bright blue eyes.  He is showing signs of being a good sleeper, with occasional stretches of 4 hours between feedings, and is gaining weight quickly.  We realized early on that we needed to move up from newborn diapers to size 1 right away, which helped minimize those wet onesies.  We also successfully managed to care for his belly buton cord until it fell off just before he turned a month and heal up a terrible diaper rash that caused Jeremy to cry out in pain :(  I am very thankful to our reliable Triple Paste diaper cream and think very little of the super expensive, prescription cream Vue. 

Jeremy has now had his first "real" bath, which he wasn't thrilled about, but fortunately, he loves the baby-carrier.  That thing has certainly gotten a lot of use over the last few years! 

He rolled over three times in a row while doing tummy time on the toddler bed.  I'm not sure if it was because it is easier to roll over on the bed or just some crazy fluke.  I'd think I was halucinating in some delirious sleep-deprived state, but Sylvie and my mom both witnessed a couple of those rolls.  I need to try some more belly time on that toddler bed, but the times I've put him on the floor he has not gone anywhere, barely lifting his head up.  Maybe I ate extra spinach that day.

Jeremy seems to be very mellow while being held, but has a horrible way of holding his breath and crying in a frantic, full of panic way when he wants to be held.  I'd think he was in some horrible pain, except that he instantly calms when picked up.  Except for those occasional gas pains that seem to strike the worst at 4:30 in the morning, I think he is a very happy little guy.  He smiles often (although totally random and accidental at this point), and I've heard a few laughs as he dreams.  It reminds me of the song John Denver sings on the Chrismas with the Muppets CD:

~Like a baby when it is sleeping

In it's mother's loving arms

what a newborn baby dreams is a mystery~

I'm 99% sure that Jeremy is dreaming of eating :)

I am incredibly thankful to John for taking such good care of the girls for 2 and 1/2 weeks, to his employer for allowing the time off, to Grammy Lou for staying here the next week to take care of the girls, and to my parents for coming out the next few days when John had to travel for work.  Just as Jeremy turned one month, we were on our own for the first time, and are doing better than I would have expected, but I would not have survived those first few weeks without LOTS of help, and it made me sooo happy to see the girls get so much attention and love while I was busy with their baby brother.  Now, if we can all just get a little sleep, all will be ok.  Life is good :)

Lots of love,  Keri

Jeremy's birthday (with ALL of the videos!)

And when you kiss me

On that midnight street

Sweep me off my feet

Singing ain't this life so sweet

"This Year's Love"   ~ David Gray

     That David Gray CD has been playing in Jeremy's room for the past few months now, and when I hear the songs I think of the time spent so anxious for his arrival, organizing tiny baby boy clothes into drawers (no tutu's!), decorating the room with the girls, and now, of nights rocking and feeding our sweet little man. I think I picked that CD in hopes he'd be a mellow little addition to our chaotic house, and that remains to be seen.
     We were supposed to be at the hospital first thing in the morning on February 2nd, which happened to be in the middle of an ice storm.  It was no surprise based on all of the storms we had in the weeks leading up to that day, but the ice left me worried about all of the family traveling to meet Jeremy and take care of the girls, worried about us being able to travel to the hospital safely, and worried the c-section would be postponed - I was beyond ready to meet baby J by that point. 
     Luckily, everyone had safe travels, including our wonderful doctors.  Jeremy was kicking with power even as we were getting checked into the hospital, and Daddy got to feel a few last kicks with his hand on my belly.  The delivery was delayed an hour or two because someone else needed an emergency c-section, but this time around both Dr. Tucker and Dr. Touey performed the surgery, which made me VERY happy to have 2 wonderful doctors looking over us.   I was concerned about being nauseous like I was with Stella, but they gave me LOTS of IV fluids and some medicine to boost my blood pressure, so other than a brief period right as surgery began, I really felt very good.

Jeremy's Arrival:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAqQpMbw_Hc


     Jeremy came out looking strong and healthy (although I didn't see him for a few minutes), and screamed right away, thank goodness.  I thought he looked so tiny, but he was a nice, healthy 8 lbs 2 oz.  John brought him over when Jeremy was all cleaned and wrapped up, and we had a few nice minutes as a family before we got wheeled off in different directions.

Jeremy in the OR:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6IbhMhHBsM




Jeremy with the nurse:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt6hM_VrwjA



Jeremy diapered:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qw7R7crueo



     I spent a few hours in recovery, waiting for my toes to wiggle so I could be released, but it felt like a few weeks.  The nurses in recovery were very attentive and hysterical, but that didn't make up for the fact I barely knew what my son looked like and hadn't held him yet.  Finally, I got to go to my room and meet little Jeremy.  He is so sweet.  He seemed to know exactly how to eat from the first minute, which made things so much easier for me.  We took a few minutes to decide on his name, and agreed on Jeremy Maxwell Tex.

Jeremy and Mommy:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NISSLhUHMA8



     In the hospital, I had all of the same wonderful nurses as when I delivered the girls, and Jeremy had the same fabulous nurses that took care of his sisters.  With very few  exceptions, those nurses were incredibly kind, patient, and responsive.  The night nurses went above and beyond with Jeremy.  One night they spent a long time trying to get his little hand and foot prints done in the light blue ink I brought for his keepsakes.  Apparently the ink, although a beautiful color that exactly matched the frames that would hold the hand and foot prints, was not very good ink.  Add that to the fact that it is nearly impossible to get a good handprint of a newborn, who keeps his tiny hands curled up, and those nurses were facing mission impossible.  They came back with several hand and foot prints for me to choose from!  The nurses frequently joked that they'd keep Jeremy in the nursery anytime I wanted, because when he woke up, they only knew he was awake because his eyes were open.  No screaming.  That was before my milk came in.
   By a few days later, Jeremy insisted on eating every 2 hours, and any delays resulted in definite screaming.  I was always incredibly happy to see him get wheeled into my room though, even sleep deprived at 3 in the morning.  It is amazing how a sweet little baby trumps any fatigue or pain.  By the time we left the hospital, J was already gaining back the weight he lost. 
     Sylvia was instantly in love with Jeremy.  Stella was confused by it all, but by the time we came home she lovingly accepted him as her brother and continues to refer to him only as "Brudder". (I occasionally get flashes of Lost's Desmond...."Brother")
     The day J was delivered there were about 7 other deliveries with a few other babies already in the nursery.  Almost all of them were boys.  We kept a very close eye on our Jeremy, and John was especially concerned when we saw a list of the other family names and noticed a family by the name of "Fox".  He figured one small handwriting error between Fox and Tex could leave us with the wrong baby!  Although he spent a little time hunting for that Fox baby in the nursery, we never saw him, and are 100% confident that we brought home our sweet baby Jeremy  :)

leaving the hospital part one:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18WyQO8hvDk



leaving the hospital part two:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf9QcdUT0Bo



leaving the hospital part three:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPTZXb03jlM


Lots of love, 
Keri

pictures at the park

We had beautiful weather last week, so my neighbor and I took the girls to Valley Forge Park to get photos of the girls and some pics of the "baby bump".  I spent a few minutes explaining to Sylvia what a "baby bump" was and why my neighbor wanted to get some photos by a sign that said "Bump", and she seemed to understand.  Later, when she saw the little bumps the top of my jeans made under my shirt, she said "Oh, NOW I see the baby bumps!".  So funny.


The girls were tired and cranky, my neighbor was balancing her camera while chasing her own toddlers, and there were people all over the place, but somehow she got some GREAT shots!!  (Did I mention, she made the adorable hats and cuts all of our hair too!?)  Thanks Kris!


Sylvie and I are are working on a wreath for Thanksgiving called a "Gratitude Wreath".  When I asked her if she knew what gratitude was, she said "Yeah, it's when something drops.".  I was so impressed that she knew what gravity was!  With a little luck, we'll have a photo of that wreath......soooooon!

Stella has been teeting horribly lately, and is crazy attached to me.  Sylvia, on the other hand, has been crazy attached to John.  I'm hoping this phase for both lessens a bit and passes before baby brother arrives.  Baby is doing great, kicking A LOT, and has a probable name.  I'm a little afraid to commit to the name - each time I did with Stella, I changed my mind 2 seconds later.  It's Isabel, no wait, Emily, no wait....But, baby J has a probable name.  John and Sylvie have started to refer to him by it, so I better commit soon!


Stella is talking a little more each day and sings ALL the time.  She wakes up each morning singing for a few minutes before shouting "Mom, mommy, mom, mama!!"  I love it!  And as she learns to talk and sing, Sylvie is slowly learning to read and write.  I always have her trace letters, but didn't realize she could almost write her name on her own.  Yeah, the "S" looks like a "2", but check out the rest! 

And finally, if you couldn't see that video in the last post, here is the link: http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/wncRayNBRiQuDFd2

Sylvie is obsessed with it. 

Lots of love, 

Keri

good health and first hair-cuts

"Hey Mom, hear this!  CORN-UH-COPIA!!"  The girls are finally both healthy and back to normal schedules, including school and some fun play-time outside. Both girls are still loving soccer, but Sylvie has started to ask me about when she can take dance class again.   I think she misses wearing her tutu's out of the house.

Stella got her first hair-cut last week, although she was very focused on dipping pretzels in yogurt at the time, so I'm not sure she even knows it happened.  It looks so cute!
  

I took both girls with me to my gestational diabetes test, which went amazingly well.  They had to sit at the lab with me for over an hour, but Sylvie watched TV (some HORRIBLE cartoon), and Stella ate cheerios.  I passed the test, and baby is measuring just right, has a heart-beat right in the middle of the expected range, and is kicking all day everyday.  Life is good :)

Lots of love,   

Keri

the dancing tissue

Miss Stella is sitting on top of the world - or at least on top of the potty!  We've been putting her on there a few times a day, and that child knows what she is doing!  :)  I started Sylvie around this age too, but it was a sssssllllllooooowww process that took a huge step backwards when Baby Stella hit the scene, so I have had no plans to rush Stella - but she has been a super star.  And as proud as we are of her, no one is as proud as she is of herself.  (She has a very special little naked bottom dance that she does to celebrate).  Go Stella!!

We had lots of fun playing with Brock and Aunt "Ra-ra", as Stella says, this past weekend.  It was so nice to see Sylvie hanging with her best bud Brock as if they still see each other every week, even though it is more like once every month or two now. 

I have no issues doing whatever it takes to get a cute picture of the kids, including, but not limited to, tickling them with my feet, singing silly songs, and telling goofy jokes.  Here is the BEFORE JOKE picture:

And here are the AFTER JOKE pictures:

So why WAS the tissue dancing??

It had a little boogie in it!  ......whatever works, right?

p.s.  (to Brocky boy):  Sylvia was pulling spinach leaves off of my dinner plate and gobbling them up so that she'll be able to run faster than you by the next time she sees you - look out!

Lots of love, 
Keri

every picture tells a story

Well, this picture tells 2 stories. First there is the fish. We have been making our regular weekly trips to the library this summer, and for the summer program there are prizes for reading books. Every 5 books earns you a tiny little toy or a "dollar" you can save for something big. Sylvie saw a "shiny" fish that the library had labeled as "sparkle" fish and had no doubt what she was saving for! Her shiny / sparkly fish cost 15 "dollars". So every week she earned a dollar or two and kept counting them up. Today, 75 book and 15 dollars later, Sylvie earned her special fish she named "Goldy". (At least that was his name last I checked). She was sooo excited, and I love how much she loves books. Stella seems to be following right along, although with much less patience at this stage. She will often hand me "Goodnight Moon" or one of several Elmo books to read her, and she loves it.

The other story about Sylvie's photo at the top, is that she is spying out the window at the teenage boy, lets call him "K", who mows our lawn. She LOVES when K comes over and tries to watch out every window. When she goes to sleep I always wish her sweet dreams and give her ideas of what she could dream of: pretty flowers, sparkly butterflies, playing on the beach. More than once her answer has been "no Mommy, I will dream of K". The other day she was running around the house with no shirt on pretending to be our lawnmowing boy. We are in sooo much trouble in 10 years or so!

peaceful pb&j

everyone should have a picnic in the back yard now and then..
and we should all find so much joy in a sandwich and a bag of raisins.

fun photo: (see all of them here): http://picasaweb.google.com/TexFamily/2008AugustPicnic