Luke at 4 weeks

Jesus is my friend

Our friend Kevin (aka K-Bay) finds the most ridiculous stuff on youtube. I'm convinced he needs to start a blog just to post all of these priceless treasures. Here's one of his most recent finds...I don't know whether to laugh or cry....

a big thanks to...

my friend Elizabeth for making some thank you notes for Luke that match his nursery. They turned out so cute! You can see them here. Elizabeth is starting up her own business, Elizabeth Engelhardt Creations, crafting handmade announcements, invitations, and thank yous. She is hoping it will take off so she can stay home with her two kiddos. Check out her stuff here. Thanks again, Elizabeth!

first day of MDO

Thursday morning was Lily's first day of school. Now, when I say school, I really mean Mothers Day Out, since she is only two. But still, I can't believe that she is old enough for that! And that I am old enough to have a two year old who is old enough for that! Geez. Sometimes I still feel like a little seventh grade girl...and then I remember that I'm 28, married and have 2 kids. Still getting used to saying that last part. But, anyways, back to school...

I was a little nervous about the first morning, having to get her ready, myself ready, and then somehow feed Luke and get him ready as well. But it all worked out- Luke ate and went back to sleep before Lily even woke up, so I was able to get ready in peace and quiet. She woke up about 7:15 and we had some sweet time together at breakfast. Josh had mens bible study that morning and then had to drive out to Pine Cove for the day so he left her a special note. I read it to her while she ate her waffle and interviewed her on the video camera about what she was going to do at school. "Read books. Play. Eat snacks." Sounded like a good day to me.

After breakfast, I rounded up her new Hello Kitty backpack, her new Hello Kitty lunchbox, her new Dora blanket for rest time (yea, right), her baby brother Luke, and out the door we went. As I pulled into the parking lot, there was quite a buzz of suburbans and minivans unloading kids with pint-sized backpacks  and moms snapping pictures to document this monumental day. And I couldn't help but think, "Is this really happening?" as I joined the other moms in the unloading and snapping frenzy. We made it in on time and Lily, after sufficing me with a good-bye kiss, walked through the classroom door like an old pro. 

Luke and I enjoyed our time together. I went back home and fed him, shopped for a birthday gift, had lunch with friends, went home to feed again, and showed up eagerly at 2:00 to see how my daughter had fared. Lily had been somewhat timid on Tuesday during the Open House when we met her teachers and fellow students, so I wondered how she would react today. Maybe I was showing this all over my face, cause the first words the teacher uttered to me were, "Does Lily rule the roost at home?" Oh boy. Guess that answers my question. "She can...did that come out today?" "Yes, right away!" The teacher reassured me it wasn't a bad thing, just something that needed to be cultivated in the right way. She is definitely a strong little girl! So, it will be interesting to see how Lily does this year. I'm glad that she will get to be under the authority of another adult besides us or her grandparents. And we'll be praying about how to shape her strong personality, that should serve her well in life, without squashing it out or changing who she was meant to be. 

Doesn't she look so grown up?

Lily gearing up to meet her teachers at Open House

Reading a book together in her classroom

First day cheesy smile

Sweet girl

big sister

Lily loves being the big sister. It's so sweet to watch her care for her little brother. Whenever Luke cries, she reassures him saying, "It's OK, baby Luke, your big sister Lily's here." Or she reassures me, "Baby Luke's crying, Mom. Don't worry, I'm gonna go check on him." She wants to be near him whenever she can, always ready to bring him a toy or read him a book to make him happy. There have been moments of testing, especially when I'm breastfeeding and unable to handle things right away. But for the most part, Lily is adjusting beautifully to having a new baby brother.

I've heard so many stories from friends about older siblings and their reaction to breastfeeding. I remember several little girls actually beginning to pull up their shirts and nurse their baby dolls! Well, Lily hasn't tried that (yet), but she was quite fascinated and/or puzzled by my electric pump. And I can't blame her, it is a weird contraption and even weirder concept, but I won't dog it too much cause it is a lifesaver, allowing me to get away at times. 

The first time Lily saw me pumping, she came over by me and stared me down. I explained to her that I was getting milk out for baby Luke. She just continued to stare. Later Josh and I left to take Luke to the doctor, and she stayed behind with my mom. Upon seeing my breastpump on the table, she told my mom, "I'm gonna zip up mommy's machine that goes ...." and she took both hands to her chest and pulled her shirt in and out repeatedly! Yep, just like the pump! Later on she showed Josh and I "what mommy's machine does." So I'm sure we will continue to be entertained at how Lily views this whole transition.

Here are some recent pictures of the Big Sister that were too cute not to share...

two weeks tomorrow

Two weeks and only one picture...not acceptable, I know. Here's my lame excuse: The Bleeckers were nice enough to let us borrow their camera while we were at the hospital. But when I went to import the photos I couldn't because I don't have the latest version of iPhoto (which Bleecker does.) So, I'm going to buy the latest version so I can get the pictures and post them. I'm sorry this has taken so long! Here are some other pictures to hopefully appease you in the meantime. ;)

Luke in the nursery- they actually kept him in there until about 4:30am to monitor his "grunting" which is apparently common when babies are born early. Once it cleared up, they brought him to me so I could nurse.

Getting burped- please pardon my swollen fingers

I love this one with his eyes open.

The morning after

Lily's first time to hold him at the hospital. So sweet.

His going home outfit was the same one that Josh wore home from the hospital!

First time in his crib at home

Holding baby brother

One week!

I know...it's been a week since little Luke arrived, and I haven't blogged yet! Sorry for the delay, but I feel like I've been in somewhat of survival mode! ;) Things are going good. Luke was born at 5:26pm last Monday, the 11th. We hung around in the hospital til Thursday and then started the adventure of living at home- all four of us! My mom has been staying with us and has been a TREMENDOUS help this last week. Lily is loving her little brother and loves hugging, kissing, and holding him. I'm feeling pretty good- not near are sore as I thought I'd be- and handling the transition pretty well. Those first few days are always so hard, but I think I'm turning the corner. Luke's feeding well and is almost back up to his birth weight! He was 6 lb 11 oz and 18 in long. It's been so sweet seeing Lily love on her little brother, and I can't wait to see them interacting soon. I'll have some more pictures up soon, but here's a sweet one that I think Kristyn took of Josh and Luke in the nursery. Thanks again for all your prayers and sweet notes of encouragement. I'll try and post more when I get a chance.