Two months old

James is two months old! In some ways, it's gone by so fast and in other ways it's really slow. I'm ready for him to be on a regular schedule, but don't want to fast forward time to get there! For now, I'm enjoying him as a newborn. He's starting to fill out and getting a couple rolls on his thighs. He weighed 11 pounds 5.5 ounces (39th percentile), was 23.75 inches long (73rd percentile), and his head circumference was 15.75 inches (48th percentile) at his 2 month check up. His height is what really jumped! He grew over 2 inches (and gained over 2 pounds!). James gives sweet smiles when you talk to him, often just out one side of his little mouth. For the past week or so, he's been sleeping from 10:30-5:30/6:30. This is wonderful!! I love having a nice block of uninterrupted sleep! During the day, he still eats every 3 hours and is not ready to stretch that much further! He's a hungry, growing boy! He spits up (and occasionally projectile vomits), but the doctor doesn't think it's reflux. We're not on a daytime sleeping schedule yet. I do put him in the crib for naps if we're home, but most of the time he sleeps where he is (swing, papasan, play mat, or car seat) and the duration varies. I didn't take him anywhere public until he was 7 weeks old. It's so much better now that we can go places! It's nice to take Adelyn to fun things and run errands whenever I need to without finding someone to keep James. We took him to our church and introduced him to the congregation on 8/21. It was great to be back at church and James was great (even through the hour and 45 minute service)! James has not rolled over anymore....we're continuing to do tummy time.
Adelyn is funny as ever! That girl just talks and talks just to talk. We're still working on listening skills, sharing, and being nice to friends. Sometimes there's just no reasoning with a two year old! Her excuse for anything is "No, I too big" or "I can't. I too little". She's a little mommy, caring for her baby dolls and stuffed animals. The other morning, she had the boppy pillow and was nursing "Baby Bella" (my friend Randy's baby). She fed the baby from her belly button and told me she was eating bananas. Ok, so she doesn't have this entire gig figured out.
This whole summer has been itty bitty baby steps towards enjoying swimming. For most of the summer, she's just played on the steps and really didn't want to do anything else. Although swimmies don't help kids learn to use their arms, they did increase her comfort level. She realized how fun it is to leave the steps and float in the pool. She quickly ditched the swimmies and just uses the noodle. She loves it! Now, she'll also swim from the middle of the pool to the side of the pool and grab the wall (unassisted, but using the force of our push for most of the doggy paddling). She grabs the wall and "monkey walks" (that's what her swim teacher taught her) to the steps! She will also let us throw her in and she'll swim to the steps. I'm super proud of how far she's come!
Here are some swim videos:
(Adelyn's swim lessons back at the beginning of June)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=VEX8fnvyJVU
(Adelyn swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv1F5DEcuUA
We took Adelyn to her first movie. Seth, James, Adelyn, and I saw Winnie the Pooh (63 minutes long). She was mesmorized with the popcorn, Icee, and movie. She did awesome, although she did feel the urge to belt out the ABCs randomly in the middle.
Adelyn starts 2 year old preschool at the beginning of September. She's going 3 days per week and I'm looking forward to it! I met her teacher and she seems fantastic! She needs the socialization and a chance to get out of the house! I'm looking forward to watching her grow. I would love to be a fly on the wall and see how she interacts. Is her behavior just normal two year old stunts or is it just her???

Adelyn at INK (children's museum in Gainesville)

Mae brushing Adelyn's teeth in the dentist office

We have had tons of cherry tomatoes! Adelyn loves to help me pick them. Anyone have any good tomato recipes? I'm always looking for another way to use them up!

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby!

Thanks, Seth for letting me have a girls' night!

Adelyn in the Jump Castle at Charlie's birthday party

Have to protect those baby blues...love going on walks!

James (8 weeks) in a baby outfit of Seth's

James (8 weeks) in a baby outfit of Seth's

James's first time at church (and a much needed family picture!)

Proud Grandparents

One month already?

James is 5 weeks old now! I took him to his one month appointment a couple days ago. I was so excited that he'd gained almost three pounds! He weighed 9 pounds 1.2 ounces (30th percentile), was 21 1/2 inches long (43rd percentile), and his head circumference was 14 3/4 inches. James is a great baby! He's still eating every 3 hours during the day and going 4-6 hours at night. Every morning I feed him at 7 am. I have to have him fed before Adelyn gets up....it makes things much easier! I think Mr. James is holding his head up really well for his age! He's also rolled over from front to back several times (starting at 2 1/2 weeks old). When he's awake, he's very alert. We're not on any kind of nap schedule yet. Luckily, Adelyn still sleeps 2-3 hours in the afternoon, so I get a chance to get some things done (and squeeze in a nap!).

Adelyn went through a week of being such a headache! I think it was a combination of having a new brother, Seth being gone (he's had 3 races in a month), and just being a two year old. She was pitching fits and not listening. She has never been ugly to James. I felt like all I was doing was saying "no" and being so negative. I don't enjoy that. I started a behavior chart (yes, I'm a teacher!). She gets a star every time she minds. Ten stars gets her a reward (so far, it's been a trip to Dairy Queen or Cold Stone Creamery....a win-win in my book!). I think she needs to get around other kids, so I've been diligent about scheduling frequent play dates. It's also good for me....not getting out makes you climb the walls very quickly. She has been much better lately, thank goodness!

We've had some great dinners provided by friends and Junior Service League. That was much appreciated! We're grateful for all the help from Seth's parents and my parents. My mom has come 3 out of 5 weekends to help while Seth is gone and Seth's mom is always doing things for us  (providing food, keeping Adelyn, etc).

Jeff and Seth holding Dean and James...they're 17 days a part. Mae and Adelyn are a month a part- I swear, this is NOT planned!

Loved seeing my favorite girls! Bella and James are 9 days a part!

More favorite girls!!

Seth and I celebrated our 6th anniversary with a gourmet delivered dinner. Adelyn stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's and James hung out in his swing on the deck for a couple hours. It was a much needed date night! :)

Mr. James is starting to smile! LOVE HIM!!!

sweet siblings in their jammies

Sweet Baby James

Introducing James Mahlon Thomas! He was born Wednesday, June 22 at 9:35 a.m. He was 6 pounds 11 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long. He is a wonderful blessing and addition to our family! We are all in love!

On Tuesday evening, I started to feel contractions. They were worthy of a phone call to the doctor around 10:30. She told me to arrange for childcare and call her back when I felt I was an hour away from needing an epidural. Around 12:30 we called again and said we were on the way. Brenda stayed at the house with Adelyn. We were settled in the hospital room by 2. I had dilated a little more so they said I could stay. The midwife said she thought we'd have a baby by midmorning. I got some pain medicine around 4 am and again around 6:30. They kept telling me the doctor would come in shortly to check on me. I was in pretty bad pain, but wanted to know how far along I was (didn't want to get the epidural too early). The doctor never came. A nurse checked me around 8 and I was at 5 cm. Thirty minutes later I was at 8 cm. This baby was on its way! They said I could still get the epidural as long as I could sit still. Since this was the WORST pain I've EVER experienced, I said I could do it. In it went and soon I was feeling much better. I only had to push for about 5 minutes and he was born at 9:35! Seth and I were ecstatic that he was a healthy boy! He came very fast- because of this, he didn't get all the mucous and gunk out. Therefore, he had to go to transitional NICU for 2 hours to be monitored. Seth announced to our parents the sex and I think everyone is pretty pleased that James will carry on the Thomas last name, as Seth is the last Thomas. We named him James Mahlon after both Seth's grandfathers. James Pugh, Seth's maternal grandfather, passed away 19 days before baby James was born. He was a huge influence on Seth's life.

Holding James after he was semi cleaned up (they also put him on my chest right after he was born....that didn't happen with Adelyn)

Seth announcing the sex to family

Hooked up in the transitional NICU for 2 hours for monitoring

Loving having all that hair washed!

I could have killed them for styling his hair in a faux hawk! Come on...it's a NEWBORN. It didn't go down until I got him home and washed it. 

Seth's first time holding James

My parents (Nana and Grandeddy)

Seth's parents (Grandma and Grandpa)

Aunt Melissa (thanks Melissa, for making Adelyn's cute Big Sister tee shirt and for taking all of these pictures for us!)

My parents brought Adelyn later that day to meet Baby James

Our family is complete!

James in his coming home outfit....this is also what Seth wore home when he was born!

Seth was supposed to leave for his race in Wisconsin Wednesday morning. He stayed until Thursday around lunch time and my parents filled in in his absence. I know most of you think this is crazy, but this is just our life! :) I asked if I could go home Thursday and once James and I were cleared, my wish was granted (just 27 hours after having him, I was back at my OWN house). As my dad and I pulled into the driveway, I was touched to see the gate decorated with ribbon, the driveway lined with blue pinwheels, the front door framed with a big banner (all done by Seth's mom), and beautiful roses from Seth inside. My mom was an absolute lifesaver. She basically took care of Adelyn and food while I tended to James. Seth returned Saturday around lunch and we were reunited as a sweet family of four.

James is doing great! We went to the pediatrician 6/24 and he was 6 pounds 4 ounces (and 6 pounds 9.5 ounces on 7/1) . He's in the 9th percentile for weight and 54th percentile for height. His head circumference is 13 3/4 inches (28th percentile).  For the first few days, I let him eat as often as he wanted. Sometimes it was every hour! After 6 days of that, I started putting him on a loose schedule. During the day, he eats every 3 hours and at night he'll sleep 5-6 hours before a feeding (usually around 3 or 4 am). It's really not too bad. He is SO tiny to me! Adelyn was almost 2 pounds heavier at birth. He has long, skinny arms and legs and not an ounce of fat anywhere on his little body. I think he looks like an old man who is always worried. When he's awake (which isn't very much these days!) he just looks around wide eyed. He is a real cutie!!

Adelyn loves Baby James. She wants to see him right when she wakes up. At first she would talk SO loud in his face (back to the old man thing....I guess she thought he was 90 and couldn't hear!). Now she puts her baby doll to sleep and tells us to be quiet. All those discussions must have sunk in. She feeds her baby dolls, burps them, and changes their diapers. She's gotten a lot of extra attention from Grandma and  her Daddy- that's helped tremendously. Brenda will stop by and give her a ride on the Gator or keep her in the morning. Seth took her to Chick-fil-A for dinner and ice cream and always plays with her on the playground after work or at lunch.

We are thankful for the prayers, visits, phone calls, and meals. Most of all, we thank God for giving us this most precious gift...our Sweet Baby James.

Nana with her grandchildren beneath the playset

First walk on Fast Lane- I'm SO glad to be able to go walking again! I had to stop months ago because my stomach would tighten and get super hard (contractions/Braxton Hicks)

James pooped and peed all over Grandma

Grandma is so sweet....she just laughed and hugged him. That's love!

Life with a two year old so far...

I hope the terrible threes are easier than these terrible twos! Adelyn is in "MINE" stage. She can't share to save her life. Everything is hers. We've had lots of playdates lately and she spends the entire time taking whatever the other child is interested in. Great....just in time for the new baby! She must know that change is coming! She's also being a little defiant. Seth and I have used time out frequently here lately! Don't get me wrong...she still has her good days (um, minutes) and is a total sweetheart, but she is testing my patience!

Adelyn has been taking private swim lessons. Last summer (at 13-14 months old), she was jumping in the pool alone with NO fear. The Mom n Tot classes just didn't seem enough because all they teach is blowing bubbles and putting their heads in the water, which she already does. This instructor has taught her safety skills (rolling over, reaching for the steps or wall, kicking, etc.). It's been great! Adelyn did a week straight for 30 minutes. For the first lessons, she cried the whole time, but still did what the instructor asked of her. I think she just had to get used to her. Now she asks to go back, so we're fitting in as many as we can before this baby comes!

I took Adelyn to the Pediatric Orthopedist. They watched her walk and examined her legs. Her hips and tibia turn in, so there is nothing they can do and it will self correct by age 8 (or sooner I hope). If it had been her feet turning in, she would require therapy and/or special shoes. I'm thankful for that news! She also went to my dentist appointment with me to get her used to that office. She let the dental hygienist brush and count her teeth. I think it helps that my sister-in-law is her dentist.

As for the baby, we're 2 weeks away! I'm measuring small, so we'll see how big this one is (Adelyn was 8 pounds 9 ounces). I'm in "get it done" mode. I'm trying to get lots done around the house and all my appointments out of the way. I'm SO excited to finally meet this little one! Everyone is guessing it's a boy....we shall see very soon!! Stay tuned! I am SO ready! It's hot!

Adelyn and I at the Warbington Farms Strawberry Festival

She LOVED eating the strawberries!

Learning to "monkey walk" around the wall

At the end of the lesson, they play for 5 minutes. She is always using her imagination and turning the seahorses into people she knows. It's so cute!

Two Year Check Up Stats

I took Adelyn to the doctor last week. No surprise- we still have a giant girl. She's 37 inches tall (98th percentile), 30 pounds 12 ounces (88th percentile), and her head circumference is 19 1/4 inches (83rd percentile). Everything checked out great. Ever since she started walking, I have noticed that her feet slightly turn in. I've mentioned it at each visit, and they've told me there's nothing they really do until later (why add something else when they're trying to master the task of walking and it could self correct). I brought it up again and the doctor said now that she's two and it hasn't improved that we should take her to a Pediatric Orthopedist. So....that's next on the list. Hopefully it won't be anything too crazy! I asked the doctor if she'd have a bar between her ankles and she laughed and said they don't do that anymore. Shew!

Adelyn is TWO!

  Adelyn had an interesting birthday! We had her birthday party the Saturday before her birthday (May 7). It was a picture perfect day and we were blessed to have this gorgeous springtime weather! The party was from 10-12 and we served brunch (pancakes, waffles, fruit, bacon, donuts). We had three wafflemakers set up and guests could make their own waffles. This was so easy! After eating, the kids all played on Adelyn's new playset (which we finished the night before!). Then we opened presents and the party was done! This was the first time Adelyn really knew what presents were and how to open them (granted, they were all in gift bags). She had a wonderful time and we loved having everyone over!

  Her actual birthday(May 11) was a different story! The day started out normal- gymnastics, play on her playground, eat lunch...after lunch I noticed she felt a little warm. I didn't give her Tylenol or even take her temperature because she didn't feel THAT warm. Seth came home for lunch and also commented that she felt a little warm. Shortly after, I was sitting on a barstool and Adelyn tried to climb up. She missed the step and fell back, hitting her head on the kitchen tile. She was crying, so I scooped her up and tried to soothe her. Seth did the same. When he got her, he said "She's really warm". I took her temperature and it was 100.8. Right after that, Adelyn's whole demeanor changed and something was NOT right. Her face was a strange bluish-red color, she was hunched over and almost frozen, her eyes were glazed over, she was drooling and shaking, and she was totally unresponsive. I called 911 and they sent an ambulance. At first we thought she was choking. Seth had to pry her jaws open and then could barely get his finger back out. By the time the ambulance came (which was within 5 minutes), she was starting to come to (but slurring her words and still a little out of it). They took her to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite). I rode in the ambulance with Adelyn and Seth followed behind. We were seen pretty quickly by a doctor. I thought we were there for her hitting her head. The doctor determined that she had a febrile seizure (a harmless seizure brought on by a rapid increase in temperature). We were at the hospital for about 3 hours. CHOA is amazing, and I'm SO glad that they're starting a branch in Forsyth County. I can't say enough good things about the care we received. When they found out it was her birthday, they sent in a clown (complete with a ukulele and bubbles) and gave her stickers, a teddy bear, and a pillow. She also got a teddy bear in the ambulance (which she still talks about- and how neat it was to ride in the back in her carseat). The doctor tested her for strep and ear infection and she had neither. Her temperature at the hospital was 100.2. We think it was just a little cold virus and her temperature rose higher when she got upset from the fall. Our instructions basically included giving her Tylenol and Ibuprofen. She could have another febrile seizure, but they typically don't happen after she turns 5 or 6. These occur in 1 out of 25 children. I actually had one when before I turned one (and only one). It does run in families. We still went through with our travel plans the next day. The doctor said it was okay to still go to Virginia for Seth's race at VIR, and she was just fine. This seizure was honestly the scariest moment of my life. No one wants to see their beloved child in that state. We felt very helpless. I'm so thankful that it was nothing more serious (and that Seth was home when it occurred!). 

  On another note, we started Adelyn sleeping upstairs in her big girl bed (queen sized). She took two naps up there and then begged to sleep up there at night. It's now been 2 flawless nights. That was a pretty easy transition! I feel like she's far away (the stairs are on the other side of the house), but she has a gate at her bedroom door and another one at the top of the stairs, so I do feel that she's safe. She is so proud of herself! She even told the cashier at Kroger that she "went night night in her big girl bed upstairs". :)

  

Adelyn's playset (slide, ladder, playhouse, rock wall, and bridge)

Nana and Grandeddy with Adelyn

Grandpa and Grandma with Adelyn

Pancakes and Waffles (3 waffle makers and guests poured the batter) with all the fixings

fruit salad, bacon, blueberry muffins, donut holes

kids eating pancakes

opening presents

Adelyn at CHOA (sporting her Happy Birthday bow)

Of course, this happened during her nap time- sweet, sleepy girl