Monday, August 24, 2009
So, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Tonight Mike and I opened all the letters from Morris School regarding Isabelle and Jack. They’re going is happening all too fast. Jack will be attending pre-school 3 mornings a week and Isabelle starts kindergarten!! The papers mentioned bus routes, meals, future dates, expectations, etc. Wow, I’m more nervous about getting them to school and dropping off (with a newborn) than with anything else. Actually, that is not true because I”m worried about Isabelle being in school every day of the week from 8:40-1:30. She’s going to be exhausted. I hope she likes it. Isabelle starts next week on September 2nd. Jack starts on the 8th.
This summer has been the wettest summer EVER. Thankfully August has had some sunny days, but so few to make up for the 30 wet days in July. How can summer already be over?
What we have done for the past few months: played in rain, played in rain, played in rain. Getting used to baby; Isabelle’s birthday and pirate party; birthday at Jon Reinholts; dinner at Alberts; St. Ann’s fair; bike riding; zuccini festival in West Stocbridge with Bob’s family; Mom helping each day and spending time with her; SEamus’ baptism; Lenox beach for swimming, walks in town; ice cream in town; talking with neighbors Carol and Mr. Duval; popsicles on Duval’s porch; dinner at the Russo’s; blueberrying; Isabelle going to ice cream social at old school; getting together with friends; Eastover pool; EAstover circus; slip n’ slid; blueberrying with Loves; Terry a la berry at beach; hunting for Skuub martian at the library;
Mike & I:
Both of us are adjusting to parenthood again. Because Seamus is such a good baby, our lives have continued happily along. We are blessed.
Seamus – 8 weeks:
First he’s a little chubb chubb. I’m sad he’s so big already. At times I think he’s 10 months old by his weight, how he holds himself, and his demeanor. The sunny smile is starting to pop out, and even a bit of a giggle. He’s definitely recognizing the family, especially me of course. With the kids he opens up. We think he may have a dimple or two and his eyes are dark brown, different from he other two, though we will have to wait a year to find out their final color. He’s still a WONDERFUL baby, and though he figits in his chair and seems a bit nervous with his shaking, he rarely cries unless he’s hungry or tired. He’s also been the easiest in terms of schedule or lack of. Right now he wants to go to bed around 7:00-8pm. He then sleeps until 1:30-4. For a while it was 3:30 he would nurse and then sleep until 7:00. LOVELY. The other two NEVER did this until 8 months of age. He takes a smaller nap in the morning and then a 3 to 4 hour nap in the afternoon. Lately he’s a bit more fussy, but overall he’s great. I only wish I had more time to snuggle him and enjoy his awake time, but with the other two I rarely take the time unless I’m nursing to have the baby near me.
Seamus is now sleeping in his crib, and has been for a month now. He loves it. Out of the heirloom crib, into our bathroom and his crib.
Nursing: This is going well, though seamus is a sloppy eater and I need to nurse him laying down to avoid him choking, slurping, etc. This has been a huge issue from birth which is why I thought he may have acid reflux with his projectile vomit. For a solid month I worried and stressed every day. BUT I finally relaxed when I realized he never cried with the vomiting and never really fussed. Jack was entirely different. I thank God for being spared the experience with this child.
Maybe because I know that this child is my last, maybe it’s because it’s my third, maybe it’s because I in sucha better place emotionally, but I became attached to him immediately. I could feel myself love him immediately. It’s not that I did not love the other two, more like I could not feel comfortable to love this stranger right away. Anyway Seamus has been a little snuggler who snuffles, grunts and make the strangest noises. This especially happens when he’s nursing or hungry. He’s sweet and helpless, and I can’t help look at him in wonder at the new miracle that has entered our lives. Amazing he wasn’t even conceived at this point last year.
Jack and Isabelle love the baby to pieces, and often think he’s a doll by the way they try to squeeze his limbs, push on his face, lean into his body, press their faces into his, crazily rock him in his chair, etc. I can’t leave them alone with them for a minute. I’m surprised by this with Isabelle, but sometimes she can be the worst. They love him, and are also jealous of him. This comes out with their naughty behaviour towards me and to each other. Up to now I’ve not had them help directly with the baby because they are not careful with him, BUT I’ve started this past week with having Jack help with Seamus’ bath or with diaper changing. Jack can be very gentle if he wants to. Both of the older ones help fetch things for me, can talk with me, play with each other, which has made adjusting to three SO much easier than when I went from bella to Jack. Of course if I’m nursing upstairs and they are down, I’m not sure what they are up to.
Isabelle & Jack: What can I say with these two? They are like twins and have spent the entire summer together. Considering they have a new brother, they’ve adjusted remarkably well. Both have tantrums, whine, and are basically terrible, but this is probably normal. We’ve had the most trouble with Jack but even that may be the 3’s issue. We discovered that time-out does not work and are starting to make them kneel in the corner for punishment. We are especially working on their respecting us and to do what we tell them immediately or expect punishment consequences. They are coming somewhat along. I only wish I had more patience, like my mom. I’ve done way too much yelling and boiled in anger that I’m ashamed. I’m aware of the issue though and do try to better my temperment.
Jack & Bella:
These two are still like twins. They play together and fight a lot. If one goes upstairs, the other follows. Bella has him wrapped around her finger and he does whatever she asks. A lot of fighting, whining, blankie whipping, fake biting occurs, but mostly they enjoy each other’s company. When I’m upset or yell, which has been happening too often, they sulk and comfort each other. Bella will say she wants to comfort her brother or she uses her soft voice to be with him. They’ll lay together, sucking thumb or blankie and soothe each other. I feel really guilty then.
Jack loves to make Bella laugh and will do whatever he can for a reaction. He’s like a little clown. I hope this is not who he will be in school.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Seamus is 6 weeks today. Already we have made it through this time and he’s grown tremendously. Already 5 lbs from birth! I’m actually sad about it and dont’ want him to get too large. He’s a sweet baby.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
WELCOME to SEAMUS BRENDAN COONEY
Born: June 26 at 3:31pm
8lbs. 3oz, 20 1/2 inches
At his two week birthday he already weighs 9lbs 10oz. He’s going to be as larger as Jack….
Birth went very well and so glad it is over. The baby is healthy and happy and surprisingly he sleeps. It’s adjusting to waking up 4 times a night that is difficult.