First Comes Love...

The Lauckner kids are back to school and I'm back to being officially over-scheduled. 'Tis the season! Abigail went back the day after Labor Day and the boys went back earlier this week.  Below are pictures of everyone's first days, if you'd like to see.

Happy Mother's Day, ladies! This year we celebrated with a trip to Suncadia for the weekend.  Kevin and the kids surprised me with this trip and after George's karate class on Saturday, we headed to Roslyn for a fun-filled 24 hours.

Abigail has this new, adorable habit of thanking us for things she really likes: "Thank you for buying dis chicken" "Thank you for my dress" and most recently, while at the Space Needle for brunch to celebrate my birthday: "Thank you for your birthday!" It's one of her sweetest habits to date  :) Since my birthday fell on a Tuesday this year, and the kids and I were in Leavenworth with my parents for the week, we celebrated early as a family.  The Sunday before, we went downtown to have brunch at the Space Needle, then rode the monorail to Westlake to buy new shoes for the kids (you know, your typical birthday wish!) Here are some pictures from the day. Riding on Da's head! Unamused locals We had never been to brunch at the Space Needle, but I was impressed!  The kids both got mac and cheese in lunch boxes they were able to take home, and Kevin and I enjoyed a fun 3 course meal with all non-alcoho...

Abigail handed me this adorable flower when I picked her up from school today: This was the first "surprise" she's ever made me (at co-op we always knew what they were working on), which made it all the more sweet. Until we got home. Somewhere between preschool and the house, she decided this wasn't actually for me, but something she'd made for herself, and "No, Agail's!" was the only response I got when asking if it was my Mother's Day gift. Oh well, there's always next year  :) I hope everyone enjoyed a lovely Mother's Day weekend.  Pictures from our weekend in Sequim to come!  

Right after George was born we transitioned Abigail to a toddler bed.  We figured she was ready and thought it would be fun. It would give her something to feel "big" about, and it did. For two months. During this time she happily went down and would call to me in the morning or after a nap (never leaving the confines of her bed).  But early this week she started opening her door to come and go at leisure.  Sure, it was funny, but it became a game. Sunday night I awoke to a silent, expressionless 2-foot-nothin' at the foot of our bed.  Just standing like a scene out of The Shining (or Paranormal Activity- you choose). And that's where the rubber met the road- the crib rail was back within 24 hours. But she doesn't seem to mind! She actually kind of likes it. I have my sleeping beauty back, and she has a new trampoline  :) Now I just need to decide if I should try again in a few weeks, or buy another crib for George... First worl...

I think I've lost my mind. I swore I wouldn't do this again. But then adorable, charming little George came along and I just knew I would. I plan to post new pictures every few weeks  (I'm not going to promise on-time blog updates).   So feel free to check out his page and join along as we Watch George Grow!

I made it through my first week! While it was stressful, exhausting, and at times heart breaking (how do you explain to a two year old that you can't play right now?...)  I had a lot of fun with my two Littles. My amazing group of PEPS friends have been bringing us meals, making it easy to relax and enjoy our evenings together as a family.  Add to that a few calls to my Mom for back-up, and I managed to have a fairly sane week  :) skeptical Totally in love with him! Monday... My sweet boy George loves taking naps in his bassinette Deep thoughts Mama / Georgie time! Our first walk alone to Freddie.  Abs in the stroller, George in the Ergo! Tea time with Daddy We are  so  grateful for the tremendous amount of support from our family and friends.  To our parents, PEPS, and preschool friends: you have been our rock, and we are so thankful to each of you.

I wouldn't trade it for anything, but this about sums it up: ...she's arguably more rested than me  ;) Happy two weeks, Georgie Boy!

Although Abigail loves her little "gudder" (Abanesse for brother), there has been an adjustment period.  She loves playing with him, but doesn't love the lack of undivided attention. However, being the fun spirit she is, she's taken on her own Mommy responsibilities when I'm busy... It began two nights ago with this: She wanted to put the Ergo on and as soon as she did, she put her baby in it; patting its back and kissing its head. Nothing short of adorable! Then later that evening, Abigail had a slumber party with Grandma and the next morning my Mom said Abigail woke a few times during the night to check on her baby. What a great little mama she is! You're the best, Bitsy Girl.

A week ago today (at this very moment!) , I was in labor with George. Fast forward a week and here we are as a family of four.  Abigail is taking a nap, Kevin is out for a run, and I am sitting here at my desk with a fresh baby in my arms, blogging away (some things never change). Getting to know George has been a lot of fun!  While we are again blessed with a pretty relaxed baby, he is by far a more demanding eater than Abigail was.  On a typical night he wakes every 2 hours and will nurse as long as I let him.  Last night he broke his first sleeping record (4 hours!) from 4am-8:30am and I feel like a new woman. Funny how empowering 4 straight hours of sleep can be when you've gone a week without it. Anyway, let's talk George! George is a boob guy.  His #1 hobby is nursing and when he's not nursing, it's still his favorite place to lay his head.  This is also how he slept his first night; cuddled up right there .  A real guys guy :) ...