Happy Three Months!

Dear Kallahan,

             Happy three months sweet baby!  It is such a fun time for our family right now! We just moved into our new home.  Yesterday, we had a blizzard and had what felt in many ways like the perfect day.  Daddy was able to come home after he fed cattle, we built a fire, watched Christmas movies, played games and just enjoyed a great family day.   You are growing like a weed in front of our eyes and every day we see a little more of your personality develop. We sure do love getting to know you!  You are sleeping much better and not having many issues with colic.  You love to be talked to and smile from ear to ear.  You also really like to have your diaper changed and almost giggle during your changings.  I think this is because you have our complete attention without your big bro taking the show, ha!  You are somewhat of a night owl and don’t have any interest in going to sleep until after 11pm.  Mommy & Daddy felt pretty accomplished this week because we have been in bed before midnight two nights in a row.  Once you finally go to sleep you are waking up once for a bottle and then sleep until around 6am – 7am.  You are so strong and by now you’re holding your head up yourself with minimal wobbles and can support your body weight on your legs. Tomorrow we head to see your grandparents for Christmas.  I can’t wait to spend the holidays with you and your big brother.

Love Always,

Mommy



Keeler had a Pajama Party at Preschool! 

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” – Burton Hillis



Closing & Alphabet Wall

As most of you know, we found out on Friday that we would close on the old house in a week.  That means the deal went through in less than two weeks -  wow!!  Many of my close friends and family got a stressed call on Friday morning because I didn’t know how we were going to get out so quickly.  But again, this was a blessing.  It was that push that got us going and amazingly with the help of Troy, Granny and my mom we actually stayed the night in the new house on Friday evening.  I am just so relieved that we had most of the painting in the new house completed as well as the flooring done.  Since Friday, we have got everything moved over and most everything put away.  I just lack hanging pictures and decorating.  Tonight, Sabra came over and brought us a “new house” cake.  She also helped me hang the letters in Kallahan’s room. 

This is an idea I got off Pinterest (aka, the crack for crafty people).    *More pictures to come, I just want to get everything in order. 

“Move on, It is just a chapter in the past, but don’t close the

book- just turn the page.” - Unknown

Under Contract!!

I have to start out by reporting that we are truly blessed!  God is taking such good care of us and our prayers have been answered, the “old house” is under contract!!  I joked about the desire of having a “second home” but really didn’t like the idea of having two house payments, ha!  The buyer wants to move in as soon as possible so we are getting in gear about getting the “new house” all ready.  Pretty much all the painting is completed aside from the main living area.  We plan on starting that this weekend with a short break to attend my company Christmas Party on Saturday night. 
Today the carpets were stretched (they look so much better) and tomorrow they will be cleaned.  In addition, today Tyler installed the stamped tin back splash in the kitchen.  He has been such a stud through this entire process.  I love my handy cowboy!  All the bedrooms had double chair rails that I just hated.  He was able to tear them down and retexture all the walls before we painted.  They all look great – I will post pics once the rooms are set up.  I do have a sneak peek of our guest bathroom cabinet redo (take note of the child labor).  My sister’s family was so helpful on our first weekend warrior renovation.   

I did not care for the original blond wood so we sanded them down, primed and painted them with a very dark brown oil based paint and replaced the hardware.  We also toned down the paint to a more neutral color.  I plan on  using accesories to bring in more color.   

We had a chilly blast last week at our local Christmas Light Parade.  Baby cowboy stayed with Granny since it was so cold but Tyler and Keeler got to ride in a combine while I rode in a Gator with Santa down the parade procession.

Update: I have had people asking how baby cowboy is doing with his colic.  Thankfully, he is doing so much better.  We really think that his discomfort was mainly gas.  We changed out his bottles to Dr. Browns, per recommendation of my sister in law (thanks Tiff!) and he is doing so much better.

“”Give us this day our daily bread” is probably the most perfectly constructed and useful sentence ever set down in the English language." - P.J. Wingate

 

Life in Pictures

I can’t believe it is already December!  We had a wonderful November full of family, friends and blessings.  We are starting the first day of December off by attending the annual Christmas Parade tonight.  The weather is terribly cold and windy today so we will be bundled up.  I dressed the boys up in Christmas outfits this morning.  Granny picked Keeler up from school and ate lunch with us today.  Don't they look adorable?! 

November & Thanksgiving Highlights in pictures:

“A happy family is but an earlier heaven.”– George Bernard Shaw

Happy 2 Months!

Height:  21.65" (10%)
Weight:  11lbs 14oz (50%)
Keeler @ 2mos Height: 22" (50%) & Weight: 11lbs 8oz (50%)

Dear Kallahan – You are two months old!

We can’t believe how fast two months has flown by.  You are such a little sweetheart and great addition to our family.  I am beginning to forget life without you.  You are smiling and love to be held and talked to.  Daddy has even made you giggle a couple times.  You are the perfect baby during the daytime but as soon as the sun goes down you get pretty whinny.  We did start giving you Gripe Water per suggestion of a good friend, thanks Mandy!  It has seemed to help soothe you some.  At night you are on a pretty routine schedule (waking up at 1am & 5am for feedings).  It is so cute how you start kicking your little legs when you know the bottle is coming.  We love you Kallahan and can’t wait to spend the holidays together.  Tomorrow we head out to spend Thanksgiving with both sets of grandparents.

Love Always,

Mommy

Still trying to get a good brother picture, still no such luck!

“A grateful heart is a joyful heart.”

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Too Blessed...

The little cowboys first bath together

Too Blessed to be Stressed! 

This is what I keep telling myself lately when I start focusing on a few things that are causing me worries, like selling our house, buying the new one and work deadlines.  To top it off Kallahan & myself are not feeling well.  We both went to the doctor today.  I got antibiotics for my sore throat and the doctor instructed us to keep draining Kal’s nose and continue breast milk so that he will get antibodies to fight the same infection that we apparently have caught.  Today the littlist cowboy is 7 weeks.  At the doctor he weighed in at 10lbs 10ozs – Big Boy!! 

Keeler seems to feel good, I just hope he stays well.  He has been such a little character lately.  He got to help brand cows with his daddy this weekend.  He loved it!  Kal and I sat in the car while he worked since it was windy and chilly.  When Keeler was done, he got back in the car with us.  On the way home (dirt on his face and all strapped in his carseat) he informed me (in his deep man voice), “you have to be tough like me and daddy to work cattle.”  I just love this little cowboy. 

Funny story to document:  Keeler has recently seemed interested in figuring out who belongs to who… For example:  He started quizzing me one evening, “Mommy, who are granny’s grandsons?”  I responded, “you are her grandson, daddy is her grandson….  well, actually you are her great grandson.”  His response, “Who is her bad one?” 

“A good memory is one that can remember the day’s blessing and forget the day’s troubles.”- unknown

Treats & Tears

Fire Chief Keeler and Dalmatian Kallahan had a great Halloween!  
Keeler's costume was bought at our local gift shop this summer for play.  It's a Melissa & Doug role-play outfit.  He has enjoyed it so much.  I wanted the little cowboys to be a pair and since Keeler was set on fire chief I had to think of something.   What better than a fireman and a fire dog!  I picked up the dalmatian ears at a Halloween store and hand sewed them onto one of his many beanies.  I painted a white onsie with craft paint, paired it with little black pants and voila!  :)

Sabra and I took the boys downtown to the local main street trick or treat trail and then in the evening Tyler and I took them around town to a handful of family and friend’s houses.  Keeler was so cute making sure that he said “trick or treat” and most importantly, “thank you” after each treat.  I loved seeing the enthusiasm in his little eyes over the holiday.  He marched up the streets saying, “I’m not scared!” – to the tune of Going on a Bear Hunt. 

2010 Halloween Throwback:

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Right now, it’s way past our regular bedtime but for the past three nights Tyler and I are getting accustomed to little to no sleep.  Our baby cowboy is having a hard time.  He has been sleeping less and crying for a large majority of the night.  We try to comfort him but nothing seems to help.  We are pretty sure it is just colic and hope it plays is out soon.  I have done some research and asked around and the description seems to fit him to a T:  Colic - a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or displays symptoms of distress (cramping, moaning, etc) frequently and for extended periods, without any discernible reason. The condition typically appears within the first month of life and often disappears rather suddenly, before the baby is three to four months old, but can last upto 12 months of life. The crying often increases during a specific period of the day (lucky us – right when we are ready to go to bed).  We know that we will get through it and just hope that this precious little cowboy gets over it soon.  Well, now he is sweetly sleeping in my lap so I better seize the opportunity to catch some sleep myself.  Night!

“Babies are always more trouble than you thought and more wonderful.”- Charles Osgood

Happy One Month!

Dear Kallahan – You are one month today!

The last month, our family has had so much fun getting to know you.  You are so sweet and precious.  You have been such a good little baby and never really fuss unless you are hungry.  You LOVE to eat.  Everyone that has seen you in the last couple of days has commented on how much you are growing and filling out.  You are starting to be mommy’s little chunky monkey.  There’s nothing better than a fat, healthy little baby!  Daddy is not even calling you little rat baby anymore.  Big brother is so good with you.  Last night he worked on getting you to stop crying by getting on the floor and telling you about his day.  He just adores you and loves to “pet” you.  We know that you and your brother have many fun times ahead once you get a little bit bigger. But that being said, don’t grow up too fast!

You love to be held and snuggle.  Since day one you have been cold natured and shiver when you are cold.  We try our best to keep you bundled up and warm in our cold house.  You can sleep through just about any noise.  Last night you had your best night yet, you slept for almost 5 hours straight.  Mommy and Daddy thank you for that because we feel so refreshed today.  You are starting to smile a little but I can’t wait to see a full out grin.  I know it is only days away!  We love you Kallahan and thank God for giving you to us.

Love Always,

Mommy

*Thanks again Kristin & Andrew for the darling Sticky Pickies!

B U S Y

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind!  Life is great but so many things are happening at the same time I am having a hard time staying caught up on everything.  My little cowboys are doing great.  Keeler has spent the past couple days with granny so that I can stay on top of work.  However, this is still difficult because my littlest cowboy is getting more and more spoiled and loves to be held.  We went to Texas for a long weekend and now he assumes there are several adults around at all times just dying to hold him.  Don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE to sit around and hold him all day but my schedule just does not allow for it. 

Welcome to the family baby Brynlee!!  She is the cutest little doll baby.  We are so happy for Ashley & Shay!  It was great to meet her and see the proud parents.  I felt very fortunate that everything worked out so that we could spend time with them and love on this little princess.  I can't wait to watch our kids grow up together.

Big News:  We are moving - not too far!!  We are in the process of buying a new home in town.  We are so excited because the house is larger and will meet our families' growing needs so much better.  The house has two living areas, a play room, four bedrooms and two baths.  We won’t know what to do with all the space.  Check it out:

Our biggest project at the moment is we are working on selling our current home.  We have loved our little house and have so many memories in it so it is going to be hard to leave.  Please pray that the house sells quickly/smoothly and that most importantly someone buys it that loves the house as much as we have.    

http://www.506southelm.yolasite.com/

Mr. GQ at the hospital

“The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this:  Decide what you want.” – Ben Stein

Two weeks

Kallahan Troy
2 Weeks

Weight: 6lbs 13oz.

Length: 19 & 3/4”

Head: 14”

We are settling in well.  I have a had a lot of time with my boys which keeps me very busy.  Tyler is busy drilling which makes for some long work days.  Monday we took Kallahan to the doctor and he is doing great.  The doctor said the goal by the two week appointment is for the baby to regain to birth weight and obviously Kallahan did so and added eight ounces!  However, since Monday night it seems like his allergies have been bothering him.  All the cowboys in my life are fighting them – runny noses and coughing.  Hopefully the rain in the forecast will help all of them.  For now, we are trying to keep babies’ head elevated to decrease the drainage.  He is not sleeping well at night which is making for some long days but I know this will pass and my sweet little cowboy will be back to his content little self. 

Last night Granny watched Kallahan so I could take Keeler to the local Fairytale Fair.  He loved it!  Several organizations in town set up little booths and read different books to groups of kids.  Keeler is doing so well with accepting Kallahan into our lives.  Just the other night, he asked if Kallahan could join us for his bedtime story.  I know they are going to be the best of friends. 

“A brother is a friend God gave you; a friend is a brother your heart chose for you.”

2 Lil' Cowboys & Loving Life!

Today marked the first official afternoon that I was alone with my two lil' cowboys.  My mom came home from the hospital with us last Thursday and stayed for a week.  It was great to have her around and I guarantee my laundry has never had such a quick turnaround.  Kallahan has seriously worn the same nightgown every night since he came home!  She helped me through all the emotions that I was feeling, mainly feeling overwhelmed with a new baby, working from home and with a three-year-old that is taking time to adjust to all the changes.  She helped me realize that I will need more help than I initially intended.  Thank heavens for Granny that has offered to take the boys as often as I need her to so that I can stay caught up on work. 

But even though we had a few rough patches today – mommy getting emotional when Grandma left & Keeler not eating dinner well to name a few – we did great!  I just love my little cowboys and know that I will get spoiled getting to spend so much time with them during my maternity leave.  I just want these next ten weeks to go by slow so that I can appreciate every minute.  I already love living at a slower pace and getting to do things that I normally miss out on.  I started editing some of the first week pics this evening.  Check out some of my favorites of my cowboys!    

“It’s not what we have in our life, but who we have in our life that counts." - J. M. Laurence

Kallahan Arrives!

Kallahan Troy Baker

Birthday:  09.19.11  /  Time: 8:00am

Weight: 6lbs 5.3oz.

Length: 19”

Head: 13.75”

Chest: 12”

Photo Collage by Sabra Turner Designs

Welcome to the family our newest little cowboy!  I have to start by reporting we are truly blessed with the most precious, perfect little cowboy named Kallahan Troy!  I feel  overwhelmingly privileged to be his mommy!!  So far, he really is like having a baby doll at home.  Such an easy baby, he wakes to eat every 3-4 hours and sleeps peacefully through all the chaos that surrounds him.  Our house has been quite busy with a lot visitors since we got home on Thursday.  We are so happy that everyone is getting to meet our precious addition.        

As most of you know, I experienced a pancreatic attack on Sunday which resulted in the doctor inducing delivery.  Kallahan was born at 8am on Monday @ 37 weeks.  This was so much better timing than with Keeler because with him I had to suffer through the pancreatitis for over a week until he was mature enough to induce.  With Kallahan at 37 weeks there was minimal concern for his well being.  So, in that case the pancreatitis has not been as bad.  My levels were high but not near as high as they were with Keeler.  For treatment, I was first put on a liquid diet after delivery but then my levels continued to increase.  So, they decided to completely rest my system and I was placed on IV fluids only.  With that treatment, my levels decreased overnight – praise the Lord!  After one more day of liquids and the completion on one solid meal my levels decreased enough that Kallahan & I got to come home on Thursday.   

Finally our little family of four was united.  Cowboy Keeler has done so well with welcoming Kallahan into our lives.  He had a nice vacation while we were in the hospital.  He stayed with Granny and loved all the attention.  He visited the hospital regularly and seemed to take to the idea of us possibly relocating there too well.  He actually called the waiting room his “living room”  - which was filled with books and toys that he and his grandparents enjoyed.  For his first show and tell at preschool he took a little wagon full of "It's a boy" suckers for his friends and proudly showed them pictures of his new baby brother.

It has been so nice to be back home.  I won’t lie, the last two days have been an emotional roller coaster.  Between the hormones, the pain medication and the surge of emotions I have been a basket case.  I just want to treasure every moment since they grow up so fast.  Luckily, we have the best support team to help us adjust.  We want to thank our family and friends for the prayer, support and concern throughout the entire ordeal.   I truly feel like the luckiest mommy in the world! 

 

 "Nothing is as precious or brings home so much love, as a brand new baby sent from above."

Getting closer...

Today we had our 36 week checkup and the first thing my doctor said was, “I can’t believe we have made it this far!”  We feel the same way.  We are so thankful that thus far we have not had any complications.  We will continue to pray that this little cowboy finishes up the final stages of development without any issues.  It is such a relief to know that within a couple weeks’ time he will officially be considered fully developed.  I gained a pound between the two weeks (good news considering I have been indulging in nachos probably a few times too many) and the baby is measuring right on track.  Our next appointment is next Monday.  Our doctor reported that he will be out of the town for the weekend so we hope we have an uneventful weekend, but he assured us that the on-call doctor is great.  He also reported that at our next appointment we will discuss the induction, if baby does not come on his on.  I have been having more Braxton Hicks contractions and feeling the baby dropping more and more.  My average for nighttime bathroom breaks is probably 5+.  I can’t believe that we are getting this close!!

Life at our house has been pretty mundane the
past few days but I'll share some moments…

Cowboy thought he was big stuff watching his DVD player in "his room." 

Little did he know this was our way of NOT watching Nick Jr for a while.

I hated that I missed out on celebrating both my sister and sister-in-law's birthdays this past weekend.  It was nice to visit with them over the phone and we plan on celebrating with Kallahan once he arrives. 

Happy Birthday Samantha & Tiffany!!