Tuesday, June 1, 2010

must haves

There are really only a few items needed to welcome a baby home. But, in our world (and especially daddy and my families) you need a ton of stuff: gadgets, 1,000 blankets, toys that make ridiculous noises and 4 outfits per day.As I struggle to parent 2 kids, I look around and see what I couldn't live without these days. Of course I could live without, but would kick and scream should someone take these or break them. And then there's 3 kids in this home...
I ADORE my infant swing/vibrating chair. The wonderful thing about this is that the chair comes off and turns into a vibrating chair. Vibrating and swinging- that's awesome in baby world. Pinkie lived in this swing. One night we awoke to it sputtering... the batteries were going dead. We literally panicked. Daddy might have even gone to the store to buy new ones. 99.9% of parents will tell you that swaddling is key. It is! Learn it, use it. The amazing nurses who work in the Postpartum Nursery are like swaddling ninjas. Watch them. One lady swaddled Pinkie with 2 blankets- it had a little hood and could have taken scissors to get her out. Little J prefers to be swaddled with his arms out. To each his own...
-No Judgement Zone-
Pinkie has fallen in love with the inappropriate, rude and gross SpongeBob Squarepants. He and his friends say idiot, stupid, fart and all sorts of words/phrases you don't want a 3 year old to know. In fact, she must ask why? 700 times per episode because the show doesn't make sense to her and technically I shouldn't let her watch it. BUT, this show guarantees a potty break, a shower, a snack break or even just a chance to check my email or blog. She just walked up and said 'Sponge Bob!' She loves this weird thing.
And lastly, I seem to have this insatiable desire for really really cold ice water. I'm drinking a ton and I just can't explain how much I really love ice these days.
Each day is a gift with these 2 and the chance to be home. We're all just getting along however we can.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

dare I jinx myself...

Life with a second child is EXTRAORDINARY. We are really loving this new baby boy. He's eating great, sleeping fairly well (more during the day than night) and has a wonderful big sister. With Pinkie (the first) there were so many worries- how many diapers, poop or pee, cold or hot, to sleep or not to sleep and that pitiful helpless cry these little ones have. With Baby J we are more relaxed and focused on everyone's health and happiness. It's a good place to be. {adoring husband holding one of God's greatest gifts}
{big sister meets baby brother- it's really truly love at first sight}

Saturday, May 8, 2010

He's arrived!

John David Sheridan
May 7, 2010 at 6:37 pm
7lbs. 14oz. 21 inches

Monday, May 3, 2010

an open letter...

Dear Women, Ladies, Nose-y people, *** I want to have this baby as soon as possible. Who wouldn't when you are a giant 39 weeks pregnant with cankles and a bad mood? I am carrying this baby- I can feel him kick, move and I know if he has dropped into position (engaged). This is my 2nd child and I know what a contraction is and what labor is like. I'm not 'holding' him in. Yes, my bags are ready. *** I DO NOT want you to touch me. I DO NOT want to hear your awful labor story or how your firstborn reacted poorly to the new baby. I DO NOT want to know that you think the baby hasn't dropped and I have 1o more days. I DO NOT want to hear that the baby is in the right position and will be born by the next moon cycle. *** I just plain don't want your opinion. I don't know you. You don't know me. So, please, dear manicurist, barrista and random lady in store: keep the words to yourself, keep your hands to yourself and stop staring. *** I feel better now. Love, Ashley