Bath Time and Musings From a Mama

Liam loves a bath. You can see his body relax as he sits in the warm water. He looks around - the faucet and the mirror catch his eye. He stares at himself or me in the mirror. Liam smiles. Casen liked watching Liam taking a bath - he talked sweet to him and also touched the water a few times. Casen also asked if he could get into the bath - first the sink bath then the tub (he had just taken a bath himself).

It wasn't until these pictures that I realized Liam is gett'in chubby! Sweet cute baby boy. Liam wasn't skinny when he was born but he definitely wasn't chubby like Case was when he was born. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we induced a week earlier with Liam so he didn't have as much time to fatten up. Now that he is putting on more weight, he looks even more like Casen's baby pictures.

Times like these are reminding me of similar times with Casen. It's only been 2 years, but I've already forgotten some things about Casen being a baby. That's probably good at times. I forgot how tired I was when Case was a newborn. Until today. I'm tired a lot of the time, and its difficult to balance time with two kids and a husband now (and the rest of life). Then I remembered after Josh reminded me the first 3 months with Casen. It was the same way. I actually think I was zombie-like closer to 6 months (Case didn't sleep long periods of time for awhile). But an amazing thing happens. You forget about the hard times. They pass from your mind as you make more and more happy memories. My dad told me that when he was talking about not remembering much of the hard times when we were babies. So some things I'm remembering about Casen's early life isn't necessarily great (except it's encouraging because I know it gets easier), but I also am remembering precious memories. Giving Liam a bath reminded me of Casen. When he was a newborn, he would lay in his bathtub sling and just relax as well. He would swing his leg out of the sling and put it in the water. Case was so very calm in the bath. I can picture his sweet little face at that age.

I'm so thankful for my two boys. They bring such joy into our lives. I'm also thankful that God is teaching me some things (more than once) about focusing on the blessings in life.

Big Ben and Little Ben

Gram calls my dad Ben. She (along with Mamaw sometimes) calls Liam Benjamin Little Ben.

Snow Days

Being cooped up inside is difficult for all of us. We go somewhere everyday usually. With the crazy winter weather we've had this year and having a newborn, we've been home a lot. One day, I figured Casen deserved a treat for being such a trooper and staying home so much: A tent! He loved it.

1. He usually just got in it though if I got inside with him.

2. Casen would tell me to go asleep inside the tent and then would come up and scare me awake.

3. He LOVED eating his "snacks" inside the tent - fruit snacks.

4. He wanted me to bring Liam inside the tent. I told him Liam had to be a little older before he got to do that.

5. Case liked to play peek-a-boo from outside the tent while I sat inside.

That last picture was taken later in the day. I thought it was funny. Case likes order. He lines his cars up in straight lines. He also groups his toys together. Here, he put all his animals on his train. Sometimes, he puts his farm animals along with his wolverine bobble head (which he calls Daddy, yes, that's right, I like to think he believes that Hugh Jackman looks like his Daddy...Daddy bought him the bobble head which Case thinks is pretty cool!) on his big yellow tonka truck and hauls them around the living room. (And I just realize that I really need to get a picture of that next time he does it. haha)

Sleeping Child

As I blog, Liam is curled up on my chest sleeping away. The best thing about this age? Cuddling with him as he sleeps.

Casen's Birthday

Due to Liam's birth occuring only a month before Casen's birthday, Casen's birthday party will be later this month. We still wanted to do something special with Casen on his day though. Josh, Liam, and I took him to lunch where he got a corn dog, fries, and an icecream. Every little boy's favorite. Then Josh took him sledding. I was busy with Liam in the car so I didn't get out to take any more pictures of Case, but I think he had a lot of fun. He didn't last real long - he was cold! Then we went to Immie and Bunny's to watch him open up some gifts they gave him - a book and a horse! As the evening progessed, all that pop he was drinking was fueling his energy levels. He was jumping from the couch onto a pile of pillows - a game Josh showed him at our house awhile back. Oh the picture of Case and me asleep is during his nap after his sledding. He was worn out, and I have been since Liam's arrival. Thankfully, the tiredness is worth it - I have two great little boys!

Science Museum

A couple of weeks ago, my mom and I took the boys to the Science Museum. I highly recommend it to families. Casen had a blast! The whole place was geared for kids of all ages (and adults).

They had a toddler area that Case got to play with boats in the water. There are little waterfalls and dams in that area. Case collected the boats and held onto them so nobody else could get them. Thankfully, the museum people must be aware of a typical 2-year-old so there were LOTS of boats in the water.

In this area, they also had a nursing area where I could watch Case and Mom play on a TV while I nursed Liam. Its nice to go places and be able to nurse your baby easily.

Case liked the tractor, the earthquake station, the rocks, the fish aquariums, and the weather map (though I think Mom and me were more impressed with being on a blue screen more than Case!).

They had a giant play area. Case and I went down this giant slide - slowly of course because the slide is for children and I'm a mother of 2 now (wide in the hips now). They also had this pulley system where you could pull up a bunch of balls to the very top where big boys were launching them down. Case thought this was great fun. He would wait for the bomb to fall and grab it. Then he would put it in the bucket for the big boys to launch down to him again. It was kinda crazy in this area with balls falling everywhere. Case nor I never got hit though. Of course, there was one parent who yelled at the big boys telling them to not launch the balls so hard. Really??! How can they control the force of gravity or the force of some launcher? That stick-in-the-mud took his kid and left the area and went to less adventuresome play areas.

We ended the day at chick-fil-a where Case played and played. It was a fun day, and I was glad I got to play with Case so much.

Tired Daddy...

...and I call Liam Monkey Baby how he can cling to your chest and sleep.

So sweet.

Uncle Jar and Aunt Ocky and Graeson Meet Liam

A week after Tana and Kota came up to meet Liam, they got to come back with their parents. It was a good day to visit.

Liam Meets Uncle

My brother got to visit and meet Casen right after he was born. He got to do the same thing with Liam, too.

Special Time with Mamaw and Papa

Here are some pictures of Liam with Mamaw and Papa. Since that time, the weather has been crazy or we've had other visitors so I know they are itching to come back up and see Liam.

Liam Meets 2 More Cousins

About 2 weeks after Liam was born, Kota and Tana came up with Sheri and Jack to visit and meet Liam. Can you tell Tana LOVES to hold babies??!!

They also played with Casen A LOT. I know he really enjoyed them. At one point, Casen told the girls to come to his room. They then all came up with blankets wrapped around them with Case telling them how to walk around like you are cold. I love watching Casen with his cousins - cousins are such a blessing! I should know, I have some great ones!

Happy Birthday Casen!

Casen turned 2 on Saturday. Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Can You Tell They're Brothers?!

Case and Liam - both at 1 month....and can you tell that Josh is their Daddy?!

My Favorite Thing To Do With Liam

Cuddle and take a nap together.

Liam's First Month

Some of my favorite shots of Liam this past month.

Liam Turns One Month!

Cousins in the Snow

More pics from the day before Liam was born. JJ took the kids outside to play in the snow.

Cousins

I found these pictures on my computer. They are from the day before Liam was born so I hadn't posted them yet...kinda got sidetracked. Go figure, right?

Case and Jaci are pals. They have so much fun together. They also ask about each other too. I can't wait until they are together again. They colored together for awhile (with Jaci giving Case directions or maybe Case did something that she needed to comment upon ha!) until Case got bored and decided his cars were calling his name!

Casen's Tea Party - boy style

Read my mom's blog entry about having a tea party with Casen - typical boy antics!

Casen asked for water this time. This met that he slurped water and spilled it many times. Thank goodness he has an easy-going Immie!

PawPaw and Memaw Visit

They brought Christmas gifts and their new puppy. Case was overjoyed about getting a car and a visit from a little puppy!

PawPaw and Memaw enjoyed meeting Liam.

Bunny and Casen

If Bunny is around, Casen thinks they need to play together. And nobody else can play with them - Casen's rule.

I Promise I Comb His Hair

This is What Tired Parents Look Like...

I look twelve. Apparently, looking tired makes me look young.

How to Take 2 Kids to the Mall

1. It helps to have at least one other adult with you, but two other adults accompanying you and the kids would probably be better. Mom and I barely made it - as you will understand after reading the rest of the tips.

2. I highly recommend a baby sling to carry the newborn. He will probably sleep the entire time since you are walking and rocking him. It also prevents strangers from touching your baby.

3. It probably would be best to eat breakfast BEFORE you go to the mall. You might think its a simple method to go get some coffees and cinnamon rolls and eat them. It used to be simple. Now it is complicated. Chances are your two-year-old will see the train ride and keep demanding "Choo Choo!" over and over.

4. Bring plenty of change for the Choo Choo because rides now cost a dollar. Yes that's right, a whole dollar.

5. As you park the stroller over by the chairs and table, remember to REMOVE the coffee cups from the stroller BEFORE you release the child from the stroller. Because you now have two kids, you have loaded the stroller down with all kinds of things you "might" need. Of course, once the kid is removed from the stroller, the stroller will tip backwards launching coffee everywhere.

6. Prepare yourself that your two-year-old will probably be afraid of the Choo Choo ride. He will just want to walk around the ride but riding it is out of the question. He will have to be carried away and forced back into the stroller. (This is where another adult is essential. Having the baby in the sling across your chest pretty much makes you useless in this situation.)

7. Now it's time to actually try to accomplish what you came to the mall for in the first place. Pick a store that has a TV playing a kids' cartoon. Of course, your child will probably rearrange the chairs putting his favorite color (orange) right in front of the TV with the other chairs lined up behind it. Hopefully, no other kids will come in close proximity to the TV. When it's time to leave, your son will probably turn around and yell, "NOOOO!" like you are kidnapping him.

8. To avoid other yells, you will bribe him by telling him you will visit the playground. This will get him out of the store but then he sees the magical moving stairs (escalators). You agree to take him on the "ride" while the other adult finishes the shopping. Thankfully, he will forget about the playground promise.

9. Somehow you make it back through the department store without the 2-year-old in the stroller. You successfully reign him in - even with the baby strapped to your chest. You are beginning to be an expert baby slinger, er, baby-slinger-wearer. No dishes are knocked over even though you guys walk through the kitchen section without the second adult present.

10. You make it to the car when the baby wakes up wanting to nurse. You had tried to nurse him while the other kid was watching a cartoon in the store, but the baby didn't want to wake up (I knew that sling is comfortable!). On the car ride home, you decide maybe next time you'll bring 2 or 3 other adults. And you also know why you rarely see families with 3 kids at the mall. It must be next to impossible.

A Part of Me was Too Tired to Care...

Casen's cheese disappeared. Josh found it stuck to the bottom of my laptop...as to which Casen proceeds to eat it then tries to feed it to Daddy. I didn't know whether to cry because with a little boy a house never stays clean for long OR to laugh...either way, I wasn't quick enough to stop Case from eating some of that cheese.

The First Days

Life with two boys (okay, well three if you count the husband : ) is quite an adventure already. I'm learning how to balance life with a two-year-old and a newborn. Here are some highlights:

Labor and delivery was different with Liam. I was expecting something similar since I was being induced again. Labor was a bit easier, but the delivery was a little more difficult. Liam was turned with his face up instead of down - but after a little prayer to God he was turned quickly and was delivered pretty quick.

As it was with Casen's birth, all the pain was worth it once they laid him on my chest. Especially when he looked at me and smiled. I'll never forget that moment. Read about the labor and delivery through Josh's view - a Daddy's perspective.

Casen's reaction to Liam has been heart-warming to watch. From the time he met Liam in the hospital, he has been excited about "the baby." He loves on him by rubbing his head next to his head - being very gentle. He will be running by the baby but will randomly stop and give Liam a kiss then keep on running to his destination. Case shows no resentment towards Liam as to which I am thankful. He did seem a little mad or put-out with me though. Until we had some time together without the baby at lunch on Tuesday. While we colored and talked, Case would randomly give me a kiss and a hug and then go back to his play. I teared up because I had my boy back I felt like. I think the reality of Baby Liam staying with us permanently is sinking in with Casen. He's been a bit more defiant, but overall, Casen's doing great. He has caught on that the perfect time to do something he's not supposed to do is when I'm nursing Liam. Especially if nobody else is home. The little genius.

Liam is more easy-going than Casen was as a newborn. I am thankful for that. I feel like that is allowing me the energy to be a good mom to Case and Liam. Liam sleeps usually for longer periods of time (2-5 hours) while Case probably woke up every hour. Liam also is fine sitting in his chair or swing and watching everybody for small periods of time. This gives me time to play with Case or do some chore.

We've had a lot of help from family and friends - visits, meals, house-cleaning. What a blessing! Without all of these wonderful people, we would be living in filth without cooked meals. Okay, maybe not that bad, but we would definitely be more tired from having to clean more and would be living on cereal.

Liam knows our voices already. In the hospital, when I was holding him, Josh was talking to me. Liam turned his head and found where his Daddy's voice was coming from. If Liam hears me talk, he will locate me then proceed to usually communicate that he needs to eat. In terms of Casen's voice, I think Liam is familiar with it. Along with all the other noises and loudness that only his two-year-old brother can produce. As a result, Liam is already a pro at blocking out the noise (and physical interaction such as poking or kissing) when sleeping. It seems Liam is learning other voices as well - of his Immie, Bunny, and Mamaw too.

When we had Casen, we were a bit worried about our dogs' reactions to the new bundle of joy. They did fine. Newman was pretty much oblivious, and Padme was protective and interested in the baby. We weren't worried this time around. The dogs are pretty much oblivious. Sometimes when Case is climbing the walls and being loud, Padme shoots me a look as if to say, "If that was my kid, he'd be under control." In terms of Liam, I can imagine Padme saying, "Great, they decided to have another wild hooligan." To all of this I reply, "Don't judge me Padme."

Probably my favorite times so far is while I'm up at night with Liam. Okay, okay, I know that getting up in the middle of the night is not fun. And I do miss sleep. But I know I will miss that time with Liam when he starts sleeping through the night. Liam is awake about 2 hours in the middle of the night - eating, diaper-changing, and cuddling. It's the one time that I can just focus on Liam and talk to him without any distractions. Of course, if he wakes up an hour after I put him back down, then I'm not too happy. I do need some sleep. And that's where having a wonderful husband like Josh comes in handy. Josh has taken over the duty of rocking Liam when he wakes up extra AND when Case wakes up in the night.

Finally, I love that Liam smiles A LOT for a newborn. He seems so happy. I know they say that babies don't really smile at this young of an age. But Liam does - he smiles when he is cuddled or talked to sweet. As proof, here is a picture of Liam with his Immie holding him. She had been sweet-talking to him, and then he turned towards my voice and smiled. Sigh.

Introducing Liam Benjamin Nichols

Born December 28th, Monday at 4:36 PM

8 lbs 3 oz

20 inches long