One Month Down

Ray's first month is in the books.  You might think few months were in the books just by looking at him, though. And our big boy loves to be held, preferably in such a way that is paying a price on mom and dad's back and arms. While we didn't have a one month check-up, at 3 weeks he was 11 lbs, 11 oz and 22 inches long which puts him in the high 90's percentile-wise. He's already outgrowing his 3-month size clothing and would eat 'round the clock if I'd let him.

Before writing this post, I looked back at Lilly's one-month post to see how similar or different they were. I feel like I could copy and paste it nearly word for word in terms of the likes and dislikes; he eats a bit more, sleeps a little less and fusses more. Luckily Lilly's current 'likes' includes her brother. She's been mommy's little helper and loves hanging with him, helping change his diaper/give him baths, etc.

Let it Snow!

It only took until mid-February for us to get our first snow of the season. We had a dusting here or there but nothing that actually stuck until last weekend. I didn't know how Lill would take to all the layers but she was a trooper. Dad and Lill got all bundled up and headed out for some snowball making and sledding. Note: since we haven't had snow, I hadn't thought about picking up an actual sled. Corey got creative and used the lid of a storage bin from the basement. Luckily Lill was none the wiser. Though, we'll be sure to get the real deal for next year! After playing outside for a bit, Ray and I welcomed them into the warm house with some hot cocoa, or "Grandma, Tea" as she likes to call everything in a mug after Grandma Cyn's visit :-)

After nap, Lill wanted to go out in the snow again. So, we bundled back up and her and Dad headed out to shovel. Somehow we have a kiddie shovel on hand, but not a sled.  Go figure.

OK, that was fun. Now we're ready for sun, warmth and pool weather!! 

My Village

They say "it takes a village" when it comes to raising children. All I have to say after these past three or so weeks is that I sure as heck am thankful for my village. Corey, my parents, his parents, friends, and other family have all been crucial in our surviving these first few weeks (and many more, I'm sure) as a family of four.  My parents came in on January 27th, my Dad staying through the 31st (he unfortunately had to get home to take care of the other Lillian in our lives) and my mom for two weeks! As much as we were hoping that Ray would come on his own and avoid the induction, it was nice to have my parents here (without rushing), head to the hospital freshly showered and with bags packed, and most importantly to interrupt Lill's life as little as possible. With my parents here, she was able to stay in her own bed, and stick to her usual schedule, all while spending quality time with Grandma and Grandpa from Michigan. Each time they visit they have more and more fun together (which in turn means her asking for them more and more after they leave to go home :-( )

My mom's extra set of hands allowed Corey to head back to work right away and then him to stay home with me the following week. Turns out you can't pick up anything heavier than your newborn baby for two weeks after childbirth. Anyone who has had a 19 month old knows that it's not really possible to get through an entire day without having to pick them up and, hence, why my mom and Corey were crucial in those first two weeks. Since Corey has been back at work, his parents have been coming over on multiple occasions to entertain and play with Lill, or hold Ray, or do dishes, or anything else helpful around the house. Other family and neighbors have brought over dinner, sent generous gifts and just sent their general well wishes and are checking in on us. Ray is one lucky little dude to have such an awesome village around to help us raise him!

A belated Christmas morning with Grandma and Grandpa

Kisses from cousin Carter

Everybody Loves Raymond

Seriously, what's not to love about this adorable face?!

I'd like to introduce you to Raymond Schiller Bruno. We welcomed him into the world on Thursday, January 29th at 11:38am weighing in at 9 pounds, 5 ounces and 21.25 inches long. His name has special meaning to us in that his first name is that of Corey's maternal grandfather. While I never had the honor of meeting Ray, his legacy lives on in stories and through actions of his children. Schiller is not a family name but represents a very special place to Corey and I; our first home, where we met and share countless wonderful memories together with friends that we consider family in Chicago.

As much as I had hoped to avoid being induced this time around, I apparently have a very hospitable womb that babies are perfectly content hanging out in until they are evicted. While I tried a number of wives tales to try and get things moving, we still came face to face with 41 weeks and our scheduled induction. Luckily I had some progress this time around so we could skip the first step of the induction. We had to get to the hospital at 10pm to get admitted, start the process and allow us a few hours of sleep before the fun began. We decided to take advantage of the few hours between Lill's bedtime and our scheduled arrival at the hospital (as well as my parents...built in babysitters..at our house!) by having a dinner date night out. We enjoyed a delicious burger and steak, salad and homemade ice cream at our favorite spot in town but we still managed to finish with time to spare and filled with anticipation, so we decided to arrive at the hospital early. We're glad we did as we still didn't get to bed until close to midnight. My water was broken at 6am and then things progressed quickly and smoothly such that I was pushing by 11:30am.  A few rounds of pushing through contractions and I was holding our beautifully handsome baby boy.

Our moms were in the delivery room with us again this time. And then the Grandpas and proud big sister came to visit once we had some time to feed, rest and spend some one on one time with our sweet Ray. Another beautifully healthy little miracle.  How did we get so lucky?!

Our last night as a family of three

Because we did it with Lill too :-)

Pure joy

Like father like son

Grandma and Grandpa

Big Sis checking out Ray for the first time

Playing with her new toy from her baby brother

First day as a family of four

Oh, and Lill is an awesome big sis!

40 weeks...we meet again.

Well, my due date has come and is quickly going. Just like his sister, little guy is comfy as can be in there and seems to be in no hurry to come out and meet us all. I had my 40 week appointment on Wednesday and my doctor said I was 1 cm dilated.  Yeah, I was 1 cm dilated last week.  Big, whoop! I was able to work up until my due date yet again which apparently is no small feat.  I rode the elevator down with one of the heads of our office today.

He casually starts small talk, "So, when are you due? Is it coming up?"
"Today"
"You've got to be shitting me?!"

Well, then!  I then proceeded to take the stairs to my car.  Go me!  (Note, I am now waddling around the house so that confidence quickly caught up to me).

For now, we sit back, try to relax and just wait for our second little miracle to make his way into the world. Hopefully he does so on his own time, prior to next Wednesday.  If not, we have his eviction (er...induction) scheduled for Wednesday night.

Stay tuned, folks!

In the meantime, I'll also enjoy all the mama/Lill snuggles I can before I have to share myself.

Feeling spoiled

I'm 39 weeks along in this second pregnancy as of today. People keep asking if I'm "SO ready" and "so over being pregnant".  And then they look at me like I have 3 heads when I respond with "nah, I'm good with him staying in there and cooking longer...no rush!" While I understand being excited to meet the little guy (and, don't get me wrong, I definitely am!), I like the idea of him staying in there where he's warm and safe (and, quite frankly, a heck of a lot easier to take care of). What I like even more is the idea of me still sleeping through the night while he is in there. I realize I'm one of the lucky ones.  I've had, not one, but two great pregnancies.  Overall I'm still feeling well and able to get around just fine. I also have a lot of work to wrap up at the office before I'm out for three months. And, did I mention that I'm getting full nights of sleep? Lill has certainly spoiled us with her love of sleep. I am well aware that this is probably going to change with number 2 because what lady could have two easy pregnancies and two great sleepers?! The luckiest woman in the world, that's who.  I have been very blessed in this life and often feel like the luckiest woman in the world.  So, maybe I'll be that lady?!  Wishful thinking for another week or so, at least :-)

And for those interested, a bump picture from tonight.  BBB at 39 weeks.

Happy half birthday

Our baby girl, (who is going to be our big girl, soon!) hit another milestone in December...she's 18 months old! She's now closer to 2 years old than 1.  WHAAAT?! She is sweet as can be but also has quite the personality and opinions of her own. She makes us laugh constantly and makes new discoveries is learning new things by the day. She's slimming up and is now ON the chart for head size.  And, she's actually down to the 80th percentile of weight.  All her movin' and shakin' is catching up to her!

Things she likes...

Food: Olives, cereal bars ("BAAHR"), spicy food (Vietnamese, jalapeno cheese, etc.), eggs, avocado, any and all berries, MawMaw's homemade soup, whatever TayTay is having,

Activities: standing on my tower at the kitchen counter, playing with TayTay, MawMaw and PawPaw, grocery shopping with my own cart, showing off my baby brother's room and crib, brushing my teeth, helping mommy get dressed in the morning (picking out her bra, socks, and jewelry are my favorite jobs), doing laundry (putting items in and pressing the buttons), taking out the trash, working on my ABC's

Other: Minnie Mouse ("mimi"), dogs (laying next to, or on, them), socks (I must get this from Grandma Cyn), the movie Rio