this is a big deal

A couple pretty awesome things have happened recently.

One - Leo took a soother.

Very first soother experience.  Seems he likes it.  

The soother subject is a contentious one, I know...  I was caught up in it when Ruby was a baby.  

... are they good? are they bad?  will it ruin her teeth?  I was reluctant until the crying really started to take a toll.... 

The truth is - a soother soothes and that's a pretty good thing in my book.  I'm not sure if it's pure luck or if we did something right, but Ruby has never had her soother outside of her bedroom.  (there's also one in the car for emergencies).  I think what gets people worked up over them is the fact that a lot of kids have the soother in their mouths during the day, when they would otherwise be talking and interacting.  This I would consider to be problematic for my kids.  Ruby still uses a soother for sleeping but she understands that it's just for sleep.  When she wakes up in the morning and comes down to the kitchen, she actually takes her soothers and puts them up on the counter for me!  At nap time, when I show her the soothers she knows it's time to go up to her room.  Yes, I said soothers, plural.  There are two.  She's formed somewhat of a connection to her soothers and can't sleep with only one in her mouth.  She  also needs one in her hand.  It's cute.  Some kids get attached to blankies, teddies, or bunnies...... our Ruby is attached to her soothers.

Very first bottle.  We both like it!  

The second awesome thing that happened just happened tonight!  Leo took a bottle of milk.  Yay!  This spells FREEDOM (well... a tiny bit of flexibility anyway).  I'm very pleased.   Way to go Leo.  He took it first try, no fighting it at all.... he drank the whole thing and went to sleep.  What a good baby.  

all smiles

It's amazing how fast things change with a newborn.  Leo's 7 weeks old and to be honest, a lot of it has been a blur to me.  I can't believe almost two whole months have passed.  Two months?  

I'm starting to see a pattern develop with regards to Leo's sleep and he's becoming more of a "little person" every day.  He's much more alert during his waking hours and actually smiles when we make those stupid faces at him.  

One of his first grins.  So sweet.  

I was able to take him to the beach one evening last week.  Much to my chagrin, I know it's much too hot to take him during the day.  It's been such a long and hot summer that I've been anxious thinking it's almost over but really, we've still got several weeks to go.  As he continues to develop and become more of a little person, hopefully we'll get out to enjoy more summer fun.  

Here's Miss Ruby at the beach.  She loves it!  

Excitement personified.

good times

This summer has been one to remember, for various reasons.  Obviously, it marks the arrival of our second child, Leo.  Ruby is almost two and developing quite a character.  She's quite a comedian and we're having a lot of fun with her these days.  The weather has been completely and utterly beautiful.  Hot, hot, hot.  Sunny every single day.  It's insane.  I say this with mixed emotions because I am a sun worshiper at heart and I've been a bit land-locked this summer due to Leo being so young.  Normally, I would be out and about, beaching it and just plain living it up in the sun, but these things just haven't been possible with a newborn in tow.  We've been kinda stuck at home for the past 6 weeks and I think I'm going a wee bit crazy.  Tonight marks the beginning of a new day.  We were invited out for supper.  

Everyone had a blast.  We were a bit late snapping shots, but as you can see the kids were dancing up a storm.  Leo was well-behaved and calm all night and Ryan and I  got to enjoy some much needed adult conversation with our friends Aimee and Cody.  (Thank goodness for them and their patience with late guests).

So, this marks the beginning of a new attitude - get out with the kids as much as possible.  Staying home is boring, plain and simple.  Summer is too short as it is...... we must suck up every single minute that's left.  Bring it on!  :)

What is she up to now? 

Ruby loves Kate.  

Hmm??  

Oh.... uh?  

Little Elliott... flaunting his summer physique.

Yay!  We love you Jorgensens.

Sincerely, 

The Grants. 

hello

Enjoying the heat  ??  

After her nap, I walked in with Leo and
Ruby asked if he could join her in bed.  Cute. 

Just had to get the picture of me sitting on the toilet away from the top spot.  

timing is everything

Along with patience, unconditional love and the importance of a good night sleep, our kids teach us about timing.  

I've been trying to get Leo into a sling for several weeks now only to be disappointed by his immediate discomfort, time and time again.  Carrying him around is killing my back so I've been persistent with my attempts.... all of them in vain..... until last night!  

The weather has been so hot that I haven't been able to try him in the 'backpack' style sling... until yesterday.  There's an insert for newborns that's basically like a cozy sleeping bag which would have cooked him to a crisp in the 30+ degree weather we've been having.  We finally had a reprieve from the heat yesterday so I gave it a shot.  To my complete amazement he settled right down and fell asleep - no back pain for me.  There was only one problem..... I had to pee.  I should have gone before putting the sling on but it was a spontaneous decision.  So, I did what I'm sure most mom's in my position would have done - I went pee anyway.  :)

He stayed asleep and it was a good night.  Amen.  

recap - paternity leave

Well, it wasn't all fun and games but the past four weeks with Ryan home on paternity leave has been very memorable!  

Here are some of the special moments:  

Just a few days old.

Trying to make French Toast.... but Ruby got to the bread first!

Warming up to her little brother.  

Pool time!

Making breakfast with Daddy.

Her first time holding Leo.

Play time.   

So, there it is.   After four long, hot weeks living as a domestic diva, Ryan heads back to work tomorrow.  I'm sure the feeling is mutual when I say that for both of us, the return is bitter sweet.  Having him here for the first month of Leo's life was truly a gift that we'll treasure forever, but, I don't think husband and wife are meant to live along side one another, day-in and day-out, 24-7..... especially when major changes and life events are occurring..... and especially when it's a balmy 30 degrees outside and in your house every day!  Don't get me wrong, it's been amazing.  But, in Ryan's own words, "I'm actually looking forward to work just to have some air conditioning.... and I'm getting on your nerves anyway."

I'm envious of the air conditioning but am actually looking forward to getting into somewhat of a routine with the kids..... we'll see how it goes!  One day at a time, I guess.  

p.s.  Thanks for your help EVERYONE.  

me and my boy

Leo and I spend a lot of time together.  We're joined at the hip (but not the hip) for most of his waking hours... and part of his non-waking hours as well.  He's really coming to life these days.  He's definitely more alert and I swear he was smiling at me today.

We're all changing every day and getting used to being a foursome.

Stay tuned.  :)