Grant Meets Clover

Aw, just look at these babies. Nothing can make a tired momma smile more than a sleeping babe.

A 3 month old puppy, a two week old, and a two year old make for some interesting times in our household. A lot of body fluids (think potty training, puppy training, and frequent diaper changes) + play time = the need for serious nap time. Grant and Clover have the nap time part down. Henry, not so much.

Thanks, Aunt Jessica, for upgrading our household to "3-ring-circus" status and for the puppy love.

Oh, brother

When Henry first met Grant he said "I want to hold him and carry him" -- we do our best to help him snuggle with him (without smothering him). 

Food from Friends

We have been so fortunate to have such a supportive group of friends here in Madison. We've had very yummy food delivered this week to help us survive our post-partum period. We happened to catch Henry's tribute to "Mama Stephanie's" cake...well, more importantly, the frosting.

A moment for snuggles

I think Henry misses the belly. He used it as a perch to get close to Momma. And now, after some convincing, he's finally understanding that there is no more baby in my belly (it's shrinking quickly, I swear!). Grant is here to hug and kiss and snuggle -- which Henry does so well. 

Rewind

The weekend before Grant was born, we were a little desperate. George was on a week of overnight call and Henry had a few rough nights, waking with a fever, coughing, and crying. Knowing my due date was coming up, I knew I needed to call in some reserves. So I shipped Henry down to Iowa for the weekend to stay with my parents. My sister, Jessica, also went to my parents house with her new little dog. Here's her account of the weekend.

Henry and Clover's first meeting was tentative. Not on her part, but definitely on his. At first Henry didn't know what to think of my little 3.4 pound baby. It was probably Clover bouncing on his legs that made him shy away. She wanted to love him, and he wanted some space. Grandma and I reminded him of her name, and Henry tested it out every way it could be pronounced: Clov-er, CLOVer, clOVer The funny part is, sometimes he would forget her name and just call her Tator anyway.

I was glad to see that Henry was over his dog kicking phase. It seems he's moved on to the let-me-help-you-up phase. Grandma told him he could pick Clover up if he was gentle, so that is what he did. Gently he would put her on your lap, or on a chair, or from one step to another. After a while I'm sure Clover just wanted to not be helped so much.

The best part of the weekend was the night that Clover decided she didn't need to sleep with mama, she could substitute with a 2 year old. I was getting ready for bed and couldn't find Clover anywhere. I look in on Henry, and there she is, curled up next to his front. She underestimated Henry's sleepy roll over, and gave a little grunt when she was steamrolled. That didn't deter her from sleeping next to him all night. What a cute pair! I wish I could rent a small child to sleep with her every night, it was my best night sleep since I got her. Although the commotion the next morning was a bit of a shocker - Clover was up and ready to play, even though Henry hadn't woken up yet. There was a bit of screaming, crying, and "No, Clover! Down, Clover! No!" Clover mistook his thrashing for vivacious play, and continued to be in his face.

Despite the early morning playtime, Clover and Henry seemed to hit it off well by the end of the weekend. He even took to telling her where to be and what to do. A lot of, "Clover, c'mon" and "Go, Clover, go." If nothing else, he at least helped establish her name. Lucky dog.

Mother's Day

We had a lovely Mother's Day. I'm so thankful my mom was here to help our family adjust to life with a newborn once again. I finally got a little sleep (Grant is a voracious eater -- nearly every hour and a half, round the clock!) so it's been a long week. And we had a peak of sunshine for the day, so I took the boys to the park, after a nice family nap.
 _________________
I would like to share a few excerpts from this week's church bulletin that I found to be quite poignant, given my new status of mother to multiple children.  Taken from Fr. Pat's "Pastor's Letter" at Blessed Sacrament parish here in Madison, WI

It's not easy being a parent...The good news is that of the grace of parenthood. God offers his grace that helps us live out our particular vocations (priest, religious, married, single, parent, etc.). The grace that is given is commensurate with the vocation undertaken. God is never stingy with this grace that will help us grow in the life of virtue to which we are called.

More Grant photos

We are now home and trying to settle in.  Enjoy a few more pics!

From Grant Edward

(follow the "Grant Edward" link.)

Welcome Grant Edward Leydon!

Welcome Grant Edward Leydon!
He was born at 3:25 am on 5/4/10
21 inches long and 9lbs 10oz
Mom and baby are doing great.
We are very thankful to our nursing staff, Lea Wolf, and Dr. Steve Siewert.

Fun with One

Back in January, I had cabin fever. To combat this, I signed up for various activities to keep Henry busy and get us out of the house. We have had a blast with Henry over the past few months. Although I'm slightly concerned that all of these activities are ending right before a new baby arrives, it just means we have to try harder to stay active, I suppose.  Thankfully the weather will be nice, it being the start of summer and all.

1. Swim lessons. What a lovely winter activity for those who live in the northern regions. A heated therapy pool is just that. Therapy.

Henry is like a fish. He loves the water. He always has (as noted by bath time fun, and antics at the ocean or lake).

In addition, there were two unexpected positive aspects to our Saturday morning swim classes. The first was that *I* felt good getting in the water, despite the dreaded search for maternity swimwear. Swimming while pregnant really is a nice form of exercise and relaxation. Must be something about that "weightlessness" feeling. The second was two-fold. This became more of a bonding time with George, as I was the back up for this activity. It was something George and Henry could do together and really enjoy. And I would occasionally get a Saturday morning at home ALONE!

2. Library Storytime. This is a great activity to continue to reinforce reading, music, and rhymes. I've been taking Henry since we moved here (in an effort to meet other parents and babies) and he was 4 months old at the time. It's within walking distance and it means we're at the library on a regular basis to keep our book supply rotating. We've also been through several teachers, but the most recent one has stayed the longest, and is certainly our favorite now. I love that he has formed relationships with other "teachers" already, and we practice thanking them for their time and energy.

3. Music class. By far my favorite, and currently continuing the longest (two sessions this spring). I love to sing, I love learning new songs, and I'm SO happy to be branching away from traditional "twinkle twinkle" type childhood songs. The class focuses on introducing new instruments, concepts like fast/slow, loud/soft, and movement to accompany the music as well. Henry is amazingly attentive and at home I catch him singing and dancing more, as well as trying to recognize instruments we hear on the radio (classical music comes on after my NPR morning programs). So far everything is a guitar, but on occasion he'll say "heard it" meaning "what's that sound?"

Whew, we had a busy spring. I'm sure our summer will be similar!

The Homestretch

When I began this post, it was from a place of fatigue, being overwhelmed, and frustrated with a non-napping and whining toddler. I'm glad I let it age for a couple of days. 

The title of this post has me in slight disbelief. Already? It is the homestretch, but I feel more like tossing in the towel, rather than sprinting toward the finish line. I'm 38 weeks. It could be any day now. But, I don't really allow myself to believe that. I need to be prepared to greet week 42, if that's what it takes.

I'm grump-tastic.  I have been all week.

In general, related to the pregnancy, I was feeling really good. When compared to my pregnancy with Henry, it has become apparent that my job (as an ICU nurse) really took a toll on my body. Carpal tunnel, back pain, swollen feet. This time, physically, mentally, emotionally, things were ok. Until I hit the wall. And maybe this week's cold (a cold, again!?!) put me over the edge. I'm large. I'm tired. And this time I know what's around the corner. Sleepless nights, early mornings, possible fussy evenings, and a high-energy toddler to boot.

Are you ready? This question seems frequent these days. Not just from others, occasionally my own mind turns to tasks to "be ready." However long the "to do" list, I'm still not sure I'd be able to answer this question in the affirmative. It's not so much taking care of a newborn. I feel slightly more confident and at ease in that role this time around. It's everything else that's got me down.

My vision of a stay-at-home-mom has not, in the past, included the following:
1. cold cereal for supper (more than once a week)
2. letting my child play outside in his underwear (in an urban setting)
3. sleeping on the futon while "supervising" my toddler (-ahem-, I can neither confirm nor deny this). ;o)
4. mine fields of toys on the floor (since when did the floor get so far away?)

Perhaps this means I am reconsidering my standards. New job description of a stay-at-home-mom to follow.