January 2014 Wrap-up

We started off 2014 with a Spartan RoseBowl victory!!  What a great game!  SO proud to be a Spartan family :) 

  

We've had some sleepy days as we've been stuck inside.  Its been bitter cold with wind chills that make it feel the temperature is in the -20's.  We also keep getting snow on top of snow!  Lots of snuggles and jammie days around here.  

  

The kids had their first tub bath together and loved it!  Hannah was pretty excited and continues to ask if she can "take a tubby" with her brother.  We also had our 10 day visit from my mom, aka MomMom.  It was so nice to spend time with her.  

 

Hannah took a trip back to the allergist for her one year check-up.  As you can see from the picture I took after the skin exposure, Hannah is still terribly allergic to peanuts (the PN spot- lower left).  This time they added tree nuts (top left), coconuts (top right), and sesame seed (bottom right).  She is also allergic to coconut and tree nuts now.  The confirmation for tree nuts is a blood draw, which we'll wait to have done as it gets closer to her next year check-up. 

I found this wonderful baby wrap on Amazon!  Thankfully Noah likes to snuggle and keeping him nice and close allows me to get some things done when he wants to be held.  

Noah is getting so big already!  He has already outgrown the newborn size and has moved into 3 months.  My sisters Amy and Kim so graciously mailed out BOXES of boy clothes which have been put to good use already.  Thank you both so very much!!  I hope you enjoy seeing pictures of Noah wearing them, he looks good in blue :) 

  

Hannah asked to hold Noah and he was trying to suck on her cheek and ear, she LOVED it!  

I captured a little smile on camera :) 

  

Love these precious moments watching the two of them together!  Hannah was reading Noah a book and had "decorated" his arms with some bracelets.  

 

My little ballerina!  My dear friend Laura sent Hannah this tutu a few months ago.  Hannah has worn it from time to time, but this day, she asked to wear the "pink fluffly dress in my closet".  How could we say no to that request?  She danced around the living room for over 30 minutes.  I think dance may be in the future for this little lady!  

  

 

That's a wrap on January 2014!  What a busy month filled with so many laughs, smiles, first moments and memories.  We are anxiously awaiting the weather to warm up just a pinch so we can get out and about a little easier.  

Visit from MomMom

We were blessed with the chance for my mom to come spend 10 days with us when John had to return back to work.  She flew into Lansing making the drive to get her that much easier.  

Hannah had a great time playing with MomMom, Noah loved the snuggles, and I certainly appreciated the extra naps I was able to take, showers and blow drying my hair everyday, hot coffee, and eating all my meals with an extra hand to help out with the kids.  It was perfect timing to help me out as I was on my own since John was working.  

I kept telling my mom that I was sorry we were so boring. We really didn't do much when she was here, but her being here was just what was needed. 

  
  
  

Jamie and Chase came to visit on Sunday to see my mom as well.  It was nice visiting with them and my mom loved to see them both.

Thank you for everything you did and do for us mom.  We miss you and can't wait for our next visit!

                                                        

Noah - 1 Month

One month old!!  Our little boy is already one month old, how is that even possible?!  And what a memorable 4 weeks of his life.  Between the snow and ice storm leaving us with no power for 4 days, Christmas and New Years, another snow storm giving us 12+ inches of snow, and some health concerns in there, what a busy 4 weeks!!  

So the start to Noah's first year in pictures begins!  

  

One Month Stats:

-Height: 21 7/8 inches (41%)

-Weight: 10 lbs 11.5 oz (57%)

-Head Circumference: 36.9 cm (16%)

   

Noah is such an easy-going little guy.  He doesn't seem to mind his big sister squealing or playing close by to him.  Most of the time he will just keep sleeping or relaxing.  Noah likes to be held A LOT!  He also likes to cuddle right up into you, unlike Hannah who barely wanted to be held.  He is starting to coo and respond to our voices.  I love seeing his attempts to smile, even if they are just gas pains.  

He is a pleasant little man and we are so blessed!  

 

Of course we had to get Hannah in there!  She is doing great as a big sister.  She wants to help out with Noah's diaper changes.  When we say it's time to change his diaper, she will run into his room, pull out the changing pad, get a diaper, wipe and the butt cream ready!  She will sit next to me as he gets changed and talk to Noah.  

Hannah got a new book from family that she just loves to read called "Our New Baby".  It's about bringing home a new baby, she practically knows all the words already.  She likes to read that book and others to Noah.  Occasionally she will sing to him, "Twinkle little star, Sunshine, and Rock-a-bye baby" are the few she will sing.  

Noah and Hannah had their first tub bath together!  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Noah didn't mind the water, in fact he cooed when we first placed him in. Hannah was so excited to get in the tub with her little brother. She had been talking about it for a few days. Thankfully she was pretty gentle in the tub and didn't splash around too much. They both had a good time.

 

 

During the first month, we had lots of visitors. Family and friends stopped by to wish as well. My mom also flew out and spent 10 days with us. It was perfect timing, I know she was so excited to be here.  We received so many cards and gifts in the mail.  We are so thankful for all the gifts people sent, everyone was so thoughtful.  It was a pretty busy first month, but we certainly enjoyed every moment.   

Overall, it has been a pretty big adjustment going from 1 to 2 kids, but we are all figuring it out one step at a time!  

MSU Gymnastics Alumni Meet

Our annual MSU gymnastics alumni reunion was once again a blast.  It is always so nice to see everyone again and catch up on what's been going on.  What a fun group we had together!  We certainly missed those who couldn't make it.  

Kathie had open gym arranged for an hour for the kids to play and get their energy out. We have a lot of future gymnasts on our hands!  The kids always love the trampoline and Hannah seems to enjoy the beam. 

  

  

   

 

After open gym, we walked over to Brody and enjoyed lunch.  The cafeterias are amazing now compared to my MSU days.  If they were this way back then, I would have gained more weight than I did!  Once we ate until we needed to loosen the belt buckles, we walked back to Jenison to watch the meet vs Pitt.  

  

 

After bringing the kiddos home to crash for the night, Diana picked me up and we headed over to the hotel where everyone was staying.  It was nice to chat and have adult conversation.  I love the fact that no matter how long it has been, we can always pick back up and laugh like we used to.  I love my teammates and I'm so glad to have such wonderful Spartan Sisters!