First Comes Love...

Today was my first day alone with the kids (but Mamie is coming to stay tomorrow through Friday!) , and while everything went smoothly, it wasn't the same as having Grandma here last week. My Mom came over Monday morning (bright and early!) and stayed with us through Friday evening.  Her help was invaluable, and the kids loved having her here. Highlights from the week include slumber parties with Grandma, coming up one morning to see my Mom and Abigail eating breakfast in bed, lots of cuddle time with George, lots of naps for me, George's two week appointment (7lbs, 15oz, and 20 3/4" long), and best of all, a kid-free date night on Thursday at The Whale Wins ! Mom,  Thank you again for all you did. From helping around the house and running errands, to cooking dinners and folding an insane amount of laundry, we couldn't have done it without you; you made our first week "back in the swing of things" a breeze!    We love you  ...and missed you a l...

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 :) ...

I am extremley honored to announce the birth of our son, George Edward Lauckner, III. George was born (quickly!) into this world at 2:19pm on Sunday, September 15th, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and 20.5" long. After just 5 days, it feels like he's been with us forever; he fits perfectly in our family and we are so in love with him. I have several pictures to share from this week but I'll save them for later; it's time to nap with my little man while Kevin and Abigail are at the zoo. (naps for Mama don't come easy around here...) We love you so much, Georgie.  Welcome to the family!

So here we are, the day after your due date, and I'm still pregnant.  You seem to be taking after your sister, which is fine so long as this "sleeping-in" indicates you'll be as good of an Earthly sleeper as she is :) We've had so much fun anticipating your arrival this past month! We hired our doula,  Brenda Bancroft  and have loved getting to know her.  I've been keeping active with lots of long walks, hauling toddlers, laundry, groceries, car seats, and what-not all around God's great earth, going to acupuncture each week, drinking lots of labor tea, and taking time to simply relax and enjoy these last few magical weeks. I am so ready for you to be here (!), but I will surely miss our pregnancy. Since you'll be sleeping downstairs , I organized three drawers for you in our room: one with girl clothes, one with boy clothes, and one with lots of cute yellow / white outfits.  Lucky for us, you have two boy cousins and Auntie Anne was generous ...

Abigail, Today you turn 25 months (don't worry, I promise to stop counting months now) , and are such a delight.  A happy, engaging, and tender hearted little girl.  You love your "Mumma" and given the opportunity, you let every friend and stranger know that's me; it melts my heart and fills me with pride beyond measure.  You love to dance, sing, cross your fingers, wear necklaces, and can navigate an iPad like a Genius Bar pro. Today not only marks your 25 month birthday, but also a countdown to the baby's arrival.  As I write this, I am just 4 days from my due date. This past week has been full of contractions, fatigue, and nausea.  I feel tired most days and hate that I can't play with you like I usually do.  You understand there are winds of change approaching, and while I admire your strength, it's confusing for you.  You've been waking up at night; you're having bad dreams and calling out for us; you hug tighter, love deeper, and seem ...

There's an old wives tale that a sudden change in barometric pressure brings the babies. Could   this be my ticket?  Only time will tell!