Unwelcome Visitor

While my mom was visiting we encountered an unwelcome visitor. We were sitting in the living and heard a thunderous crash and unbeknownst to us a squirrel who had dropped through the chimney into the indoor barbecue darted through the living room and crashed into the glass french doors and darted back into the kitchen. The critter repeated this a few time. I panicked, picked up Michael (a week after my C-section), ran to the back bedroom, and shut the door. My mom courageously opened the french doors, closed the rest of the doors in the house, and patiently waited for our visitor to find its way out. Although my mom never saw the squirrel leave, we're pretty sure it made its way out. It was a little too much excitement for me. Michael still remembers the story and will tell it in his own words.

Squirrel paw prints

This is were the squirrel came into the house through the indoor kitchen BBQ.

It made quite a mess.

Big Brother

Recently we've been trying to think of creative ways to include Michael with the care of his sister.

Yesterday Tony seized the moment, As Christianna screamed in his lap, Tony asked Michael,"What should we do?" Michael responded, "Up." Tony asked, "Michael should I pick up Christianna?" Michael nodded yes. Christianna continued screaming. Tony asked again, "What should we do?" This time Michael pointed to the swing, and Tony put her in the swing. Chistianna continue to scream, and Michael brought over a pacifier to give to her. Christianna eventually stopped crying and big brother felt very proud of himself for assisting his dadda with the care of his baby sister. Dadda of course thanked Michael for his help.

We Miss You Grandma

Today Grandma returned home and our entire family was sad especially Michael. The past six weeks they spent everyday together playing and having a wonderful time. Grandma come back soon!

Michael's Little World

Can you really prepare for your first child for his new brother or sister especially when your first child is quite young? We planned our children to be close in age because we hoped they will play together, so we read Michael books about being a big brother and told him often that mama had a baby in her tummy. He seemed to understand. Michael would point to my tummy and say, "Nana." However, it's very different when the concept becomes a reality.

When Michael first met his sister, he was sweet and loving. He would kiss her feet, and give her his favorite toy.

It was difficult for him the first time he saw me holding his baby sister, but after the initial shock he seemed ok. Over time he was less interested in her but would give her an occasional kiss. Then suddenly, he didn't want anything to do with her or want anyone else to hold her except me. If Tony or my mom held her, he pointed to me and said, "Mama." His way of saying, "Give her to Mama." He also started being a little rough with her. I was a bit worried. Then today I asked him if he wanted to hold his sister. He responded, "Yes." This is the result. (This was the first time he held her.)

Pictures from the This Week

Feast of Pentecost- Happy Birthday Holy Church!

Thank you Miss Corina for knitting my hat.

Relaxing!

Play-date

Michael's New Chair

Stretch Nana Girl

Pasta Dance

Good Morning Nana Girl

New Toy Shelf

Nana and Michael

One Happy Grandma

Pictures from the Last Week

Tummy Time

Hello Oma

Today Christianna had a well check up. In two weeks she's gained almost 1 pound. She's now 6 pounds and 9 ounces. The pediatrician says she's doing very well.

This video of Michael was taken shortly after Christianna's birth.

A Sunday Train Ride

Michael's friends http://familyjoyhope.blogspot.com/invited him to a lovely train ride in the mountains. Michael had a splendid time.

Sweet Boy

Nana Girl

Love Notes From God

I wish I could say I coined the phrase, "Love notes from God", but it was my friend, Frank. Yesterday was one long love note to Michael from God. My mom and Michael just finished his music class when they spotted a huge wrecking machine demolishing a building. Michael was ecstatic and kept signing more over and over. My mom tried to leave but Michael was insistant on staying. Finally she pulled him away. Then they walked by a preschool class blowing bubbles. Again, Michael was super excited. My mom said, "Look Michael bubbles." Then the teacher said to the children, "Kids blow the bubbles at Michael." After that all the kids were calling, "Michael" and blowing their bubbles toward him. My mom said he had the hugest grin. When they left, they came to another group of children. This time they were letting go butterflies. Michael had the opportunity to see all the children release the butterflies. He had a wonderful day with all his favorite things kids, bubbles, trucks, butterflies, and music class.

Outside Fun!

Delirious

Last night I must have been delirious because I do not have any recollection of this incident. I was extremely tired for obvious reasons, and went to bed super early. Shortly after I went to bed, Tony said he came into our room to put Christianna down, but I abruptly kicked him out and told him not bring her back until I had a nap. I woke at 11:30pm- 2 hours later and Tony was still holding Christianna. Tony is such a sweetheart that he did not complain. The next morning he told me the story, and as I mentioned, I did not have any recollection. I must have been exhausted!

1 Month Old

Today Christianna is one month old. It's hard to imagine that she still has two weeks until her due date. During the day, she sleeps, eats, and has very little awake time. I usually have to wake her for feedings. However, at night once she eats, she wakes up every 1.5 -2.5 hours. Then sleeps soundly starting again about 5 am and the cycle continues. Overall, she's doing well. The only thing she does not like is her iron drops nor do they stay down. Our next appointment is next week, so hopefully she'll have gained more weight.

Happy Mother's Day

Today I am so grateful for my family especially after Christianna spent over two weeks in the hospital. It's good to finally be together. My heart was torn between Michael and Christianna even though I knew this situation was only temporary. Every time I left for the hospital, which was often, Michael would get so sad. Thank goodness that time is over.

Another tremendous blessing is having my mom stay with us. As I mentioned in a previous post, initially it was only suppose to be 2 weeks but since our dear baby girl blessed us with an early arrival, my mom will be with us 6 weeks. It was beautiful to spend Mother's Day with my mom.

These pictures are from Mother's Day! We had a brunch with my my mom, Tony's mom, and Michael's godmother. Happy Mother's Day to everyone.

Mom & First Outing

Once we brought Christianna home from the hospital, I haven't left the house. I've been mainly been sleeping and taking care her of our baby girl. Thank goodness for my mom who is taking care of Michael. Her initial 2 week visit turned into a 6 week stay since our baby decided to come 6 weeks early. I will be sad to see her live at the end of May. Anyways, this video is our first outing as a family. Thank goodness Tony encouraged me to go for a walk. It was a simple trip around the block. It felt great to get some fresh air. Hopefully, these short trips will keep my sanity since Christianna is suppose to stay away from public places until June.

Baby Trees

Part of my recovery from a c-section is not lifting anything over 20 pounds, hence I can't lift Michael. My mom or Tony usually lift Michael into the high chair, but today, my mom was holding Christianna, so I had to get creative. Michael and I had a picnic. In this video Michael is eating baby trees, broccoli. He did make quite the mess.

Big Brother

Pretty Girl

Nanna and Nina

I've never been one for nicknames but Michael has given his sister a nickname, Nana. When we told Michael his sisters name Christianna, he called her Nana. It's really cute!

Nina holding Nana

A Day with Dadda