I know it’s been a while, but, we’ve been busy!! Forgive me. Here’s what has been going on:
Well, back in December, we were busy planning for the arrival of Christian on December 10th, but, he decided he’d rather come on the 6th. I went into labor at 1:30 a.m. and by 9:30 he was here. With the swift help of Aunt Nicole and Aunt Jen, Makayla and Nathan joined us in the recovery room to meet their new baby brother. They were delighted. Aside from the doctor arriving late and the fact that the hospital kept telling me that they couldn’t get ahold of him, everything went well. We were so delighted with our new bundle of joy. Christian is a handsome, wonderful baby. The stay at the hospital seems like a blur at this point. With each child I tell myself, I’ve got to write that down “in the moment” because those memories slip by so quickly! Christian was jaundiced and required treatment at home. A few days of a billi blanket, a couple visits to the doctor, and a good blood test was all it took to clear that up. Unfortunately, I was having a difficult time nursing Christian. I was at my wits end and ready to give up when I ran across a posting on La Leche League’s website about a woman who also struggled and discovered her son’s frenulum was short. That is when I had my “ah-ha” moment and the comment Jason made about Christian’s cute, heart-shaped tipped tongue came to memory. He did have a cute tongue, but that also meant he had a short frenulum and was unable to nurse properly. I took him to the pediatrician, she suggested I meet with a lactation consultant, and was then referred to an ENT. When he was 11 days old, he had his frenulum snipped. It helped, but, in the mean time I battled infection, exhaustion, and frustration. He was nearly a month old when I felt like we’d get through it.
In February, the family and I caught an upper respiratory virus that landed me back in the hospital. I have never had such difficulty breathing and it was pretty scary. I have a new respect for Jason and the struggles he has had with asthma. Christian had RSV, Makayla had an ear infection, and Nathan had an ear infection, which ruptured his eardrum. We have had a few moments where we all seem to be healthy, but, I’m afraid we are not entirely in the clear just yet. Christian has been wheezing, coughing, and seems to have some kind of cold or sinus infection. I’m hoping it will go away soon.
I am so grateful for all those who helped us out during these difficult times. Our family is amazing and has been so helpful! Thank you!!
Makayla continues to enjoy kindergarten and is currently on track/spring break. She is so bored at home, I think we both will be glad when she goes back. She came home a week or so ago and told me that Ethan had asked her to marry him. She replied, “I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ve already chosen someone else.” Surprised, I asked her whom she had chosen. She replied, “Well, Davis or Logan. I haven’t decided which, I’m going to see what they look like when they get older.” Smart girl. She is so funny. She loves her baby brothers and is such a great help. Christian ADORES Makayla and lights up when he sees her. They are definitely kindred spirits. It’s amazing to see the bond they have formed so early in life. Makayla has an amazing ability to get what she wants in life. The other day she told Jason and I that we should adopt a new rule: If we want something, we have to pay for it ourselves with our OWN money. We enthusiastically agreed. She then asked us if she could have her piggy bank back. (The one that was taken away). We should have known that was coming! She is a very smart girl and received the highest score in her class on the IRI test. We are so proud! Santa brought the Baby Alive doll, and the novelty has already worn off (phew). She loved celebrating the new year with Grandma Evans. At the beginning of February and March, she informed me we forgot to celebrate the “new year.” It took some convincing before she’d understand that we only do that once a year. :)
Nathan is still a rip-roarin’ busy little dude. He loves all sports and asks, “soccer (or any other sport) me?” He is a very thoughtful and generous little boy. I pulled out the bag of suckers and offered him one. His response is always, “Ummm Mommy love…RED!!” and hands me a red sucker. Then, he picks out one for himself. He does the same for his sister and dad. He is talking much more lately and is showing us what a funny little boy he really is. I usually lay down with him in his bed during our bedtime routine. While I was sick, I had been coughing up phlegm (sorry too much information) and spitting it in the garbage. While I was laying in bed with him one night, I started coughing. Nathan's face turned to panic and disgust. He shot up and said, "Where'd da garbage tan doe??!!! Mommy, no spit on my Boise State Broncos Football pillow!!" I couldn't stop laughing! Just to think he thought I might do that was so funny! He began laughing too. I can't wait to hear what he has to say next!
Christian is growing fast and is the happiest baby I have ever met. He is quick to smile and does so with his entire body. He is so fun. I can't imagine our lives without him. He has brought so much happiness to us. Nathan often climbs into his crib and gently rubs his head saying, "hey little buddy." Makayla is enamored by him and loves to be near him. And we love his gentle coos, his enthusiastic squeals of delight, and his sweet nature.
Here's some pictures to catch us up:
well, that wasn't enough, was it? Here's some more!
and more...
