Ga Ga Shaw comes to help and visit!

My Mom came to help with all the boys after Joseph was born.  What a help she was!!!  I was so fortunate that she was able to stay over 2 weeks!  SHe even got to go on some fun adventures to the rec center and Tiny Town with the boys!  While she was here, we celebrated Isaac's 3rd birthday a few weeks early.  He loved all of his gifts from Ga Ga Shaw!  Thanks Mom!

Fun times for the boys!

After Joseph was born, Joe also took some time off to take boys out on some fun adventures. They went swimming at the local rec center with kids play area and water slides, went to Tiny Town, played in the fountain at the local farmer's market, ate yogurt at Bliss,  and lots of playing in the new blow-up slide Daddy bought for the backyard.  I think they felt pretty special getting to do all the fun stuff with dad!

Tiny Town:

New pool for the backyard:

Local farmer's market:

Bliss Yogurt

Levi - 17 months

Levi is now saying "Ma Ma" and "Da Da," but only on command.  He doesn't say them in context when needed.  He has done an amazing job with his little brother's arrival.  He seems to be quite the caretaker.  He wants to help change diapers, give kisses to stop from making noise or for no reason at all, and points to the chair when Momma should put him down to sleep.

He continues to teethe and is still getting his eye teeth.  He has done a great job moving his crib into Isaac's room.

I swear when I got home from the hospital, he had gained 10 pounds.  He has really filled out and has become pretty solid.  I don't think that's its just that I have a newborn at home now, but I'm sure that's a big factor.  He just seems so much bigger this month!

Isaac - 35 months

Isaac is almost 3 and this past month has been preparing for and the arrival of baby brother, Joseph.  He has done an amazing job as big brother, and has welcomed Joseph with no jealousy.  He also is now sharing his room with Levi, and has done a great job at that. Changes in new vehicles and carseat...and again, amazing job transitioning.  So, even though there is the teasing of toys with Levi, or telling Mom or Dad, "No," he has gone trough a lot of change, he has done it with mostly without complaint.  We have tried making it a big deal to be the "Biggest Brother" and he has gotten pretty spoiled with treats, toys, and activities...but all well deserved!

(By the time I got to actually publishing this post, some acting out and jealousy has occurred.  A bit of regression in behavior like baby talk, whining, and peeing his pants have occurred. But not near has bad as when Levi was born.)

Brothers

Isaac (35 months), Joseph (2 weeks), Levi (17 months)

Welcome to the World...

Joseph Andrew

6 lb 10 oz

19 3/4 in

Momma started contracting Sunday night when going to bed.  Daddy woke up and saw Momma still awake.  He asked, "are we having a baby tonight?" In response, Momma said, "Don't worry about it, just get some rest.  I'm timing the contractions, but I'll let you know."  Daddy said, "Nah, you had that same look in your eye with Levi, we are having a baby tonight."  After a few hours, Daddy woke up again to see Mommy packing the hospital bag. Then he knew for sure we were were gonna have a baby.  So, we got everything ready to go the the hospital, called Josh and Michelle to come over to watch the boys, and we got the hospital a little before 5:00 am.  Less than an hour later, Joseph was born.  It was a fast and natural delivery.  I requested an epidural, but the midwife said there wasn't enough time.  The baby was ready to come, and I needed to begin pushing.  Like his brothers, he had the cord around his neck, but everything was ok, and he was a healthy baby! Daddy even cut the umbilical cord for the first time, so that was a special moment to remember.

Joseph has continued to be a wonderful baby during the first 2 weeks of life.  He sleeps often and has a loud screeching/squealing scream once in a while.  But other than that he just eats, sleeps and poos.

His big brothers love him to pieces!  Isaac tells him, "It's OK, Buddy, it's OK, Buddy!" And with one little peep from Joseph, Levi runs over to him insisting to give him a kiss on the head.  They have shown no signs of jealousy and have been amazing with the addition of their little brother!

Joe cutting Joseph's cord

Thank you Lord for another healthy, beautiful son!

"Big Brother" party at the hospital!

I love this little guy already!

I get to come home today!

Let's go home!

Where did July go?

Living behind the city's soccer fields, there are always different events going on.  Joe took the boys for a walk to check out what the tents were all about one weekend.  This particular even was a car show with food and vendor booths.  I get a call to bring money, as were were gonna get some lunch and ice cream.  I love the spur of the moments like that that make great memories for the family!

We've had some great garage sale finds this summer!  Uncle Josh found this tractor for Levi so he could have a tractor like Isaac.  At the same place, they had a play kitchen that I knew the boys would just love.  Both have been a hit! I even have a future bribery picture with Levi and Isaac serving each other tea.

Another bacon lover in the house!

Too tired to eat lunch.

Momma says...

Boys dancing at the car show

Levi's first words are..."MA MA!"  Even began saying them for my birthday!

My 3 boys for my 35th birthday.  Baby #3 due in 3 weeks.