One Month Old!

It's hard to believe that a month has already gone by! Harper is such a sweet baby and I've loved watching Hayden around her. He loves his little sister so much.

Like I've said before, while there have been many challenges with a newborn, I think it is somewhat easier just having lived through this one time before. I've also found my old blog posts helpful. When I'm worried about Harper's sleeping, I go back and read about what Hayden was doing at this age. Again, this makes it sound like I'm painting Hayden as a demon baby, but that's not really the point. The point is that Harper is doing a lot of the same things that Hayden was doing (the witching hour, for example) but at different times. Hayden's witching hour came between 4 and 6 am. Harper's is more like, 7-9 pm. Both present their own unique challenges. With Hayden,I missed sleep. With Harper, I miss out on precious time with Hayden, because she refuses to be put down. Or, when I do put her down she spits up like a freaking maniac ... through her nose. How gross is that? So, sure I'm sleeping a bit more with Harper, but I'm being challenged by other things.

Breast feeding is still a mystery to me, and I have no idea if she's getting enough or what. She's gaining weight, so that's obviously good. According to the highly scientific method of Clark weighing himself and then holding Harper and weighing himself again, she weighs a little under 9 lbs. She's still kind of skinny, but I think I just make skinny kids. I'll be honest and say I don't love breast feeding. It's hard, it makes me feel like I can never leave the house because I refuse to be one of those women who just whips it out in Target to take care of business, and I hate pumping. I can't make myself quit though. Part of me thinks, "Oh only a month and you're wimping out?" while the other half screams, "You only did two weeks with Hayden a month is miraculous!" So, I keep going. I can say this, I don't think I'll be doing this when I go to work. The thought of pumping enough for daycare consumption exhausts me.

Hayden insists that Harper participate in circle time. She loves it.

Harper is slowly transitioning out of her newborn clothes. She's in the awkward in between phase of newborn is a little too tight and 3 mos is a little too loose. She's officially ditched her newborn diapers and wears size ones now. It makes me a little sad, but glad to see her growing.

In Hayden news, we're back to potty training after our unsuccessful attempt this summer. We are trying the thicker training pants before diving into full on big kid undies. This is seeming to help because if a little squirts out before he catches it, it does not require a full wardrobe change. He seems to be doing better, and I'm hoping we'll be out of day time pull ups soon. I'm trying not put a timetable on anything and to not get my hopes up. The most important thing is that Hayden is making a connection between "that potty feeling" and going to the potty.

Hayden turns 3 on Wednesday. I can't believe it. The big Lightening McQueen party will be a Pump It Up, an indoor bounce house, this year. More pics to come, for sure! In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed on the potty training front!

Our first two weeks...

Our first two weeks at home with this little nugget has been very different from our first two weeks at home with this nugget:

And yes, that's Hayden...not Harper

Before I start, I should offer this disclaimer. I had no idea what I was doing with Hayden. NONE. AT. ALL. I'm still not sure I know what I'm doing with Harper, but at least I know I've kept one child alive...a second shouldn't be so hard. So, while the rest of this post will sound like I'm ragging on sweet little Hayden, know that I am not. I have been very vocal with friends (and on this blog) about how difficult the first two weeks of Hayden's life were for me. My foray into breastfeeding and Hayden's subsequent weight loss is well documented. I felt like a complete failure and it wasn't until I embraced the formula and knowing Hayden would be okay that things began to turn around.

Harper is a completely different story. I will spare everyone the nitty-gritty details of breastfeeding, but I went into the whole process knowing I would supplement with formula. I think knowing that and watching as Harper just took over and OWNED breastfeeding made things much easier. She was actually eating which Hayden didn't (or couldn't) do for his first two weeks. This made for a much happier baby and a much, much happier mommy. Sure, we're not getting tons of sleep, but I know that's to be expected. Better yet, I know that it will get better, which is helping keep me sane. We have bad days and good days, but I think my perspective this time around is much better as well. I'm also happy to report that at her two week appointment -- she had gained her birth weight back. Go Harper (and go me!).

Of course, look at her! She's so perfect, it's hard to stress...

Harper is so over the flash

The one-eyed stare down.

Hayden is loving his little sister, which I'm thrilled about. He always asked to hold her and he asks to "pet" her and then sweetly rubs her head. Of course, we're not encouraging the use of the word "pet" as his sister is not a dog. Baby steps, you know? Having 2 kids brings its own brand of challenges -- how can I bathe Hayden if Harper refuses to stop eating during the evening hours (and daddy isn't home to help)? Will I ever be able to go anywhere, in public, with the two of them...at the same time? Will we ever eat in a restaurant again? While I'm still searching for answers to the first two questions, I can proudly report that we ate out, in a restaurant as a family of 4 tonight...with no problems.

Welcome Harper Katherine!

We are now officially a family of 4! Harper Katherine Meador arrived on January 17 at 9:13 am, weighing 7 lbs 4oz and measuring 20" long. Harper wanted to come a little early, as I started contracting Monday night. She got her wish and forced her arrival a whole 3 hours early.

Harper getting her first bath

We sent Hayden to school on Tuesday b/c we wanted his day to be as normal as possible and also because I don't think he would have enjoyed waiting around at the hospital.

Grammy, Pop and Nan were all on hand to meet Harper right away.

I think Harper looks exactly like Hayden. Of course, everyone in my family thinks Harper looks like Clark. Everyone in Clark's family thinks Harper looks like me. Honestly, I don't know how you can tell when she's this little, but I stand by the fact that she looks just like Hayden.

I think Hayden wants a new sister every year, because the kid got TONS of toys. In all honesty, Hayden seemed happy, if not a little overwhelmed with meeting Harper. We truly appreciate everyone who thought about Hayden during this week and helped him feel special during this big transition in his little life. When Hayden met Harper, he pointed out how small she was ("Look at her little chin" "Look at her little fingers" ...this game went on for a while) and that Harper is "out" now.

"Harper, this my Kachow, alright?"

Finally warming up enough for a hug

Holding Harper on Day 2

We were discharged from the hospital on Thursday afternoon. It is so great to be home. Harper is a sweet baby. While it can be difficult dealing with a toddler and a newborn, having been through the newborn phase before helps alleviate some of the anxiety I experienced when Hayden was brand new. Sure, I still cry at a drop of a hat (stupid hormones) and I'm definitely not loving being completely sleep deprived, but I also know that this phase will end. I'll regain some form of sanity and Harper will eventually sleep for longer that 2 hour stretches. Right now, I'm just glad I have a healthy, sweet baby and a healthy sweet toddler.

Of course, all that being said, I had forgotten a lot about the newborn phase. How often they eat, how little they are actually awake, even the funny coo sounds they make. I also forgot how difficult the c-section recovery can be. However, I think I'm doing okay with that aspect too. I haven't been so great with the picture taking, but I promise to get better! More pics of Hayden and Harper to come!

Christmas and 2012 ...

So, I've been a pretty terrible blogger. I admit it. Things have been so busy around here and I have been a terrible picture taker. Hopefully the new year will bring more pics and more blogging.

This is the first year Hayden has "gotten" Christmas. We talked a lot about the "nice list" and the "naughty list." He definitely knew which one he didn't want to end up on. He also had a very specific list for Santa: an easel, a cowboy hat, Handy Manny tools, Yo Gabba Gabba jammies and Chuggington books. Of course, Grammy, Pop, Auntie Katy and Nan all went above and beyond and Hayden had a GREAT Christmas.

With each toy he opened Hayden yelled, "Oh no...Handy Manny tools!"

Maybe the camera flash is a little bright...

Thanks to Pop for pulling out the eBay stops to locate a pair of 3T jammies that H had to have.

Ready to go to Grammy's to see if Santa left his easel there (spoiler alert: He did). The other big gift Hayden received was a trampoline from Nan. He loves it, and demands to jump on it every day, regardless of the weather or the time of day.

On a developmental front, we are just amazed at how much Hayden talks and his level of comprehension. Hayden talks in (mostly) complete sentences. He carries on conversations with us and tells us if he's hurt, hungry, mad or sad. He loves to draw and "read" books. I will find him in his room, intently looking over a book and telling himself a story. He counts to 14 with consistency, but kind of derails after that ("13, 14, 17, 19 ... yay!"). His imagination is taking off. He plays pretend with toys. He'll push his fire truck around and yell, "Firemans, to the rescue!" We're still struggling with potty training (as in, Hayden has little to no interest in it). Any tips would be appreciated.

The most exciting part of 2012 will be the addition of Harper Katherine, scheduled to make her debut on January 17 (via scheduled c-section) at 12:30. We're SO excited to meet her. Hayden is too. He loves to point out that he is the big boy and Harper is the baby. He also says he wants to share his toys with her (so long as she isn't interested in anything that is red that belongs to him. He can't part with anything red). He told me last night that Harper will cry a lot, but that she would like a pink fire truck. The first two weeks of this month will be full of last minute preparations as we prepare to become a family of 4.

2011 was a pretty great year for us. We are one step closer to finishing residency (yay!), the Rangers were in the World Series (again), Baylor won 10 football games, RG3 won the Heisman trophy and our men's basketball team is ranked in the top 10, and the women's basketball team is ranked #1. We're so excited to see what 2012 brings us!

Long time, no Blog

Truly, we have not dropped off the face of the Earth. We've just been a little busy. For everyone who still reads this blog and has been living under a rock... Hayden is going to have a little SISTER! We are so excited about the new addition. Her name is Harper Katherine and she will be arriving, via C-Section on January 17. This pregnancy has just been so different than last time. However, I can't complain too much. After the nausea passed around 14 or 15 weeks, I've been feeling okay. I haven't been able to breathe through my nose. Apparently this is fairly common, but it's annoying. Also annoying, my raging addiction to Afrin. I'm sure an intervention will be scheduled after Harper's arrival.

The fall has been full of football games, the fair, and trips!

At the Baylor/TCU game I got a chance to hang out with my good friends, Baylor Basketball players, Perry Jones III and Quincy Miller. I'm sure they'll remember me when they're huge NBA stars. Oh, and go Bears on the big win over the Horned Frogs. We're pumped that TCU is joining the Big XII and looking forward to a fun rivalry!

The Texas Rangers made another spectacular run to the World Series (my blood pressure still hasn't recovered from Game 6). Clark and I attended Game 5. Hayden and Daddy had a lot of fun discussing baseball during the play offs. Hayden still proclaims that David Murphy is his favorite player...but he also loves to chant, "Nap Oh Lee!"

When we weren't attending games...we were watching games at home, with our sweet friends, Maggie and Hudson!

I also had a chance to take a girls' trip to San Francisco at the end of September. Hayley has relocated to this beautiful city. I had such a blast hanging out with my oldest friends. Lots of laughter and shopping on this trip. Can't wait for our next girls' trip to a city with two names (Santa Fe). And next time, Momma will be able to drink!

Next up? The Texas State Fair. This was only my second time to attend -- Hayden's first. We decided to throw good parenting out the window and allowed Hayden to ride a number of questionable rides...

Motorcycle...only held in by a shady carny rope? Sure!

A car...which looked safer...somewhat.

And a faux Dumbo ride with Daddy. Mommy was excluded from all rides as an expectant mother (oh, dang!).

For Halloween, Hayden chose to be a wolf. We went to Grammy and Pop's to trick or treat...

In full wolf regalia.

Hayden much preferred passing OUT candy. Best part of the night. Hayden standing on the porch yelling, "Hey! We have M&Ms!" Quite the sales pitch.

Next up is Baylor Homecoming, but that will have to wait for another blog post. I promise it won't take 4 months to post the pics!

Big Announcement!

We will soon be a family of 4! We are so excited to be expecting a new baby. Due date is January 24, 2012. I'm 12 weeks pregnant and we heard the heartbeat for the first time today (definitely a wonderful sound)! The first 12 weeks have been full of fatigue and nausea, but I'm beginning to feel a little bit more like myself.

I can't say that Hayden is excited to be a big brother. If you ask him if he wants to be a big brother he will tell you, "No!" I don't think he understands the concept and hopefully he'll warm up to his sibling before he or she arrives!

A Weekend of Firsts

Our weekend started off big with Hayden's first ever movie experience! Hayden, as I've mentioned before, LOVES Cars. So of course we had to go see Cars 2, immediately! I was nervous about how Hayden would handle sitting still during a 90+ minute movie...not to mention wearing the 3D glass (why, why WHY must everything be 3D now? So stupid!).

We chose the Movie Tavern because we figured we could bribe him with food.

This tactic worked for the first 1/2 of the movie. The middle was punctuated with Hayden screaming, "I need to pee pee Mommy!" and "I pooped Mommy!" This required a 20 minute potty break (our first foray into public restrooms...ew ew ew). After this small intermission, Hayden settled down and watched the last bit of the movie with no problem. Needless to say, next time we won't show up early and we will continue to bribe him with popcorn.

Of course, this segues nicely to other first this weekend. Potty training. Yikes. It has been quite the endeavor. Two weeks ago we moved out of diapers into pull-ups. Hayden would pee on the potty if I put him on there, but really wasn't telling us he needed to go on his own. I finally bit the bullet on Sunday, figuring he would never learn in pull ups and put him in underwear. Sunday was the constant up and down of "do you need to potty?" We went to the bathroom no less than 30 times in the first two hours he was awake. We had 2 accidents before lunch...one poop accident and one pee accident. To Hayden's credit, he only peed when he was running to the bathroom and couldn't make it on time. I know all this potty talk is gross, but truly, Hayden going to the bathroom in the potty is probably the crowning achievement of my lifetime. Today at school he wore underwear and only had one (poop) accident. And tonight... (drum roll please)... Hayden pooped in the potty. Honestly, seeing him do that was better than graduating from law school, passing the bar, getting my first job...all rolled into one! It's ridiculous, but I was so proud. Don't worry, I won't post any potty or underwear pictures. I would like for Hayden to speak to me when he's middle school. :)

We're really taking advantage of having Pop living in the metroplex. We can't wait for Grammy to join him as soon as their house sells. This weekend, while Clark was on call, Pop, Auntie Katy and I took Hayden to the Grapevine Mills Mall in the hopes of heading to LeggoLand. Uh, easier said than done. The line was an hour and a half long! So instead, we hit up the Disney store.

Look at this nugget. He looks so pleased with himself. He now sleeps with Lightening McQueen every night.

To end the day we thought the Rain Forest Cafe would be a good idea. I thought Hayden would hate the noise and moving animals, but he ended up enjoying it.

Here's hoping the potty training keeps going well. I'm hoping we'll be in underwear full time in a week or so. That's probably aiming too high, but I'm really hopeful!