Guddat Thanksgiving

Just a few phone snapshots from our big family Thanksgiving. I got lots of great photos on the SLR but this is what I have the energy to share tonight. A&W had tons of fun and Matthias got cuddled by lots of family members.

Half and half?

The Guddats like half and half in their coffee. We were visiting at Grandma's tonight and Eric asked her if she was sure there was enough.

Thanksgiving

We had a lovely day at Rachel's parents' house celebrating Thanksgiving. I wish I had better pictures to share but the vast majority are on my SLR.

The boys got to watch a Disney movie on the theater room screen.



We had lots of dessert options, one of which was cream brûlée. I watched the torching process so I could try it myself down the road.



I know that I definitely need to add a family picture this week. I will do my best to get that done!

Great Grandma

Matthias has met all three of his living great grandmothers within this month. From Southern California to Washington, he is becoming a pretty well traveled baby. Here is Lil' Beef meeting his great Grandma Guddat.

Baby Fitness

My aunt had gotten Matthias an Under Armour track suit. He looks ready to hit the gym.




We had a nice lazy day today. The boys took a three hour nap at Jason and Rachel's which was much needed. Tomorrow we will get out and visit some more family in the area.

Whoops

I forgot to get a post in yesterday. Well, I did remember but I was already in bed just about to fall asleep. It was not important enough for me to get up and do it.

We arrived in Olympia safe and sound. The second leg went much better because most of it was driven during the day. We arrived about 6:30 and had dinner at Jason and Rachel's. The older boys were in bed by 8:15 and are getting back into their normal napping routine here.

Some photos from our day yesterday include breakfast at Black Bear Diner and two little boys taking a car nap.

First Leg

If you look up the definition of inefficient in the dictionary you will find one meaning as follows: road trip with two two-year olds and a newborn baby. We took a 6.5 hour drive and made it in a little over 9 hours. Nursing breaks did not always sync up with potty breaks and vice versa. We made it and I think our children will still love us tomorrow. Seriously though, while inefficient we had a good trip and the boys did well. Some pics from our day:

On the Road Again Part II

We are leaving for our road trip to Washington tomorrow after church. We had a funeral this morning in Reno and once we got home we have been doing some type of preparation ever since. I have come to appreciate how much more work it is to pack for myself and three little boys for a trip. Eric does his own packing but I have to make sure that all his clothes are laundered and ready to go. I am emotionally and physically spent. I am really looking forward to our trip but right now I am looking forward to sleep.

Date Night

Our evening out was much needed and we had a great time together. We went out for sushi and my tummy is now very full. I really love this guy and love the time we do get to spend together.

Date Surprise

My husband came home tonight with a card for me. It was a really sweet card describing how we never have enough time together but that I am always on his mind. Then surprise, surprise he told me that he had arranged babysitters for all three boys tomorrow night and that we are going to dinner. I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I started crying of course. So I have a much renewed motivation tomorrow morning to get laundry done, pack for our Washington trip and my house picked up. I am looking forward to some much needed one on one time with my husband.

I will be sure to post some pictures and tell you how much fun it was.

Sleepy Baby

Matthias was in bed before 10 pm tonight. I am learning his little preferences and how to get him down without numerous wake ups or having to just lay down next to him. Celebration! Now if the older two would sleep through the night without any crying or wake ups, it would almost be miraculous.

Two Months!

Our sweet little nugget is two months old already.  I have come to deeply appreciate in the last couple of weeks what an easygoing baby he is. He is a very happy little guy and because he is a singleton I feel like learning his little baby language and meeting his needs is much easier. We are crazy about this baby.

Matthias's colic and witching hour issues seemed to pretty much resolve by 6-7 weeks. He did not have the discomfort cries in the early to late evening as frequently and we stopped using the gas drops on a regular basis.  He started going down for bed a lot easier.  Here is the amazing thing: he takes a pacifier.  Yeah, I know that is no big deal to all those moms that had babies who easily took to them but for me it has been a total game changer.  Let's say he starts to fuss an hour and a half after eating.  I was having to rock him, comfort him, carry him everywhere, try to get him to sleep and in general make him happy.  I noticed that when he was tired he would suck his hands and I knew he was not hungry so I just kept offering the pacifier until he took to it.  Now when he is tired, it is pretty easy to get him down since his sucking reflex is met.  It has really changed car rides and I think a big reason why the road trip to Southern California was so successful.

Hair all combed after a bath and a dapper little outfit.

Sleepy smiles right after waking up.

His first stretch of sleep at night is generally 4-6 hours and then another 3 after that.  This means 1-2 wake ups at night dependent upon how long that first stretch lasts.  He sleeps in a co-sleeper bassinet in our room which is really handy.  Matthias is a happy little guy first thing in the morning and likes to smile and coo while his diaper is changed.  He then will take a good long nap in the morning while I feed the older boys breakfast.  He has fallen into predictable eat, wake and sleep patterns and I make sure that he eats at least every 3 hours during the day.  He has grown to like his swing more now that he takes a pacifier and takes quite a few naps in there.  Matthias discovered the mirror at the top of the swing and smiles at his reflection.
 

8 weeks

 

He is not a big fan of tummy time but gets plenty of time to strengthen his neck by being held upright and being worn in a carrier.  He actually rolled over at 5 weeks and 6 days for the first time but has not done it since.  I felt bad because he was in the dining area which I can easily see from our open kitchen and the older boys needed to go potty.  He started crying when I was helping Abraham and Winston and by the time I got back was on his back and was starting to calm down.

At his two month appoinment he weighed 12 lbs. 13 ozs. and was 24 inches.  He is basically a tall baby and while at a heavier than average weight, is very proportional.  He outgrew the 0-3 month clothing because it was too short but there was still plenty of room around the belly.  He is currently wearing 3 month clothing which fits him like a glove and also 3-6 and 6 month clothing which has a bit more wiggle room.  He is still in size 1 diapers but as soon as I am done with the current package he is moving up a size.  His eyes continue to look very blue so I am pretty sure that will stick.  His hair has continued to lighten and his eyelashes also came in very blond looking.  I think he may even end up with some wave or curl in his hair.  

Two months to the day

He is a sweetheart and I think even from his pictures you can tell he is a happy and pretty mellow baby.  I am thankful that he is doing so well.  The Lord definitely knew my fears and heard my prayers.  After surviving colic and reflux with the twins I was very nervous to experience that all over again.  It is special getting to enjoy this newborn stage this time around. He is a joy and a treasure.  We feel so thankful that we get to be his parents. 

Comfy

I am trying to get back into the swing of things. Baby boy was a bit more fussy than usual. I had a hard time getting him to nap so I had to hold him. The dogs took that opportunity of me sitting for an extended period of time and climbed right up on or next to me. It was an overcast day and I appreciated all the snuggles. There is so much more that I could have gotten done today but I enjoyed having my wee babe in my arms. I know if I catch up on a bit of sleep that I can tackle my to-do list quickly.

What?

I am pretty sure I forgot to post last night so I will have to do two today to make up for it. We made it home yesterday afternoon and it is so good to have all of us back under one roof. My dad already headed out this morning so now it is just the kids and I while Eric is at work. I am looking forward to getting back into our little routine and I can finally get Matthias' two month post done.


Eric was trying to copy Matthias' serious look here.

On the Road Again

We are heading home tomorrow and I am looking forward to seeing my Eric. We have been apart for about three weeks which is our longest stretch yet. I am almost all packed up and the baby is down to sleep. This is my cue to hit the hay be horse that alarm clock goes off much too early. Good night!

Play Date

I got a chance to meet up with a friend from college. We have five boys between the two of us aged three years and under. Towards the end it was getting a bit hairy and we had yet to take a pic. This is what we ended up with:



As you can see, this was not the best age group for posed pictures. It was a blessing to visit with my friend and a special blessing to see all these sons we have been given.

Making Memories

One of the things my mom and I always enjoy doing together is walking on the beach. We have continued to do this when I am visiting even with the older boys. Today we went for the first time without the twins in a stroller. I had Matthias in an Ergo carrier. It was about 80 degrees and much warmer than I am used to back home. A&W did really well with their back pack harnesses and I let them free roam for the most part. They wanted to play in the sand and I was happy to oblige because the heat was getting to me and it was cooler right by the beach. It was all good until Winston tripped and fell and got freaked out by his face touching the water. From there it was kind of disastrous walking back with wet, sandy and whiny toddlers. The only thing I could do was laugh about it. The good news is that they both took over a three hour nap today. The whole experience is something that will make me smile in the years to come.

Wordless Wednesday

Old Soul

Every passing day this little boy becomes more sweet and mellow. I think he looks like an old soul. He always seems to be thinking about and contemplating something.

Sleep Issues

So would you think by the title of this post that I am going to talk about my newborn?  Maybe, but you would guess wrong.  I expect newborns to take a while to get the sleep thing down and Matthias is actually making great progress there.  I am instead concerned about my toddlers.

So here is the deal.  For the last ten months they have been waking up through out the night. Yes, you read that right, TEN months. It is a seeming combination of night terrors and just wanting us to tuck them back in, find their sippy cup, etc. for a sense of security.  It has had peaks due to the two-year molars poking through but it has never completely stopped. Generally they both wake up but sometimes they seem to almost alternate nights. There will be occasional nights where they both sleep through the night with no wake ups but it is very rare.  With the night terrors we know the scream that tells us it is fear.  With them waking up for comfort issues I still feel compelled to get up.  We have long ditched the baby monitor so these are pretty loud cries.  Since Eric is gone frequently for work I am trying to deal with the older boys as well as the newborn all by myself.  It is exhausting.  I try to get to bed earlier but a frequent wake up time for them is around 11:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m.  We have looked at what may be stimulating them too much before bed time but sugar, caffeine and scary things on TV are not factors at all.  We have approached it as strict disciplinarians and with an attitude full of love and grace.  We are just looking for advice and opinions.  I have talked to Eric about this numerous times this past week while he has been on the road because it is currently the single most thing I am struggling with.  And with the time change, they are still waking up about 5:00-5:30 am.  While we have been in So Cal, they have been going into my parents' room and waking them up because they know they will be in trouble if they wake me up that early.  I already have adrenal issues.  I simply need sleep or I am going to hit the wall.  When the older boys were babies, I used to dread night time because of the colic issues and sleep deprivation.  Now I am back at that point and it is still because of the twins.  I am so seriously thankful that Matthias has been such a sweet, easy going baby.

Who has survived this?  How?  Did it just take time or were you able to resolve it?  Please e-mail me if you have input on this issue. And please pray for me.  I really need that more than anything.  Pray for patience, fortitude and that the boys will outgrow this stage. 

Mourning with Those Who Mourn

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." -Romans 12:15

The day after I arrived in Southern California, I received some very sad news regarding our church family.  An e-mail from one of our pastors was sent out to our church body informing everyone that a young woman in our church had suddenly passed away.  She was a young teenager and in my mind more of a child than anything.  The shock and pain are great.  Her parents are dear people who are strong Christians.  It is hard to imagine the pain that they are in but I am thankful for the hope that I know that they have.  My mind goes to memories that I have of her and how her mom always beamed with pride when she spoke of her.  I see her heading out for the Youth Conference with the rest of the young people from our church this past summer.  There are so many that are feeling this loss so deeply.

The last few days have been great visiting with family but at the same time my heart has felt heavy as I remember my church family in their time of mourning. Dozens and dozens of times a day my mind remembers the family and their loss.  I remember Paul's exhortation to pray without ceasing and it is an easy burden to carry at this time.  Praying is all that I can do right now.  It is hard to be away from my church family and not be able to physically be there to mourn with those who mourn.  I rest in knowing that the Lord carries their burden and that He is surrounding them with people that care deeply.  It has made me squeeze my little ones a little bit tighter the past few days and has encouraged me in patience when I get frustrated and weary.  Our lives are a vapor.  In the years to come, my children will grow up and have to face the hardships of the world.  It struck me that right now they are so free from the many burdens this life presents to us.  I need to cherish the present, love my children wholly and thank the Lord for each and every day that I have with them.  I am not guaranteed a tomorrow with them. 

These are hard things to think upon--loss, death and eternity. It makes me reflect on the hope that I have in Christ.  It makes me realize that this young woman's death may be the catalyst for many young people in our church coming to know the Lord.  It makes me thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that works good for those who love Him even when our finite human minds cannot fathom how that could be the case. 

Surprise!

Today was a surprise party for my niece Jaymie who recently graduated from cosmetology school and passed her boards to become licensed. I am very proud of the woman she has become.



Her mom, Zabrina, did a great job of coming up with fun, creative decorations for the party. I wish I had taken more photos!






Matthias turned two months old today. He is such a joy to be around. Hopefully I can use tomorrow to work on his monthly post.



My dad and stepmom had all their grandchildren in one place which is a pretty rare circumstance. It was definitely time for a family photo. As you can see, A&W had a death grip on the toy hair dryers.



We are really enjoying this warm, Southern California weather and looking forward to even more time outside.

Special Moments

The trip has already been well worth all the effort and distance. I got to celebrate my Grandma Ida's birthday with her today and she got to meet our little Matthias.

I also had the opportunity of reconnecting with my cousin Eric and meeting his lovely wife and daughters. Their oldest is a month older than A&W. The kids had fun playing although we definitely had to referee all those two-year olds. The kids had fun getting in and out of the toy bin and closing each other up in it.

   

It can be hard being out of our routine and normal environment but overall the boys are all doing really well. I am so grateful for the life and health of my children. I unfortunately received sad news today that a friend lost their daughter. It has made my heart heavy despite the other blessings that came today in spending time with my family. The life I live is definitely a gift and blessing.

Arrived!

We all made it to my dad and stepmom's home safe and sound. The trip went amazingly well with three young children. I expected the worst and definitely got the best. Feel blessed to be here with family and am looking forward to spending time with loved ones. I meant to take some pics today to post but I completely forgot. Matthias has been down for a while and that means I should too. Sleep, sweet blessed sleep. Good night all.

Done

Pretty much all packed up and ready to head out at dark thirty tomorrow. My dad arrived earlier this afternoon and was a big help with the boys. Amazingly it is not even midnight yet! Woohoo!

So due to lack of time and energy to do it myself, I brought the dogs to a professional groomer. It was the best money I have spent in a long time. They looked so cute and fluffy. Their dog sitters are going to have fun with them. My dogs do not like to pose for pics so this was the best I could do.













And good night, I am pretty excited about going to sleep right now.

More

Today has been fighting more of the same feelings as yesterday. I am tired right now and was hoping to do more of a "real" post but I have a sink full of dishes calling my name. I mentioned yesterday that although this is a tough season there is so much joy in it.

Two little snippets from my ordinary yet very blessed day. Matthias was napping in his swing and woke up and clearly wanted out. I had just showered and was hoping to get dressed and put some make up on. Matthias fell asleep again right after I picked him up. That is my sweet baby. He just needs snuggles sometimes. Look at that sweet little smile on his face. I just sat there for a while soaking it all in. Babies don't keep, right? These days are fleeting.



Eric and I were going to buy the boys sleeping bags later this month for our trip to see family for Thanksgiving. We decided I should buy them now so they could use them on the trip to Southern California. This way there are no worries about them falling out of a bed. The store had Lightning McQueen sleeping bags. They were so excited. They held them the entire time we were in the store. Once we got home they opened them up right away and they both are sleeping in them on top of their bed right now. Seeing such delight in a child's eyes is priceless.



Our lives are made up of these ordinary yet very special moments. I feel blessed to be these boys' mom.