Musings on Motherhood

Wow.  How is it that Evan is 5 months old already?  We've been busy keeping our heads down trying to figure out how to manage life as a family of 4, while still enjoying every moment of the short time we get with our boys.  Some days we are (barely) keeping all the balls in the air, while days like today we are so behind that we are just trying to get everyone out the door dressed, fed, and well caffeinated (Steve and I) to manage the lack of sleep caused by a happy but vocal teething little boy. Never mind the chaotic house, the half completed weekend projects, the unloaded dishwasher, and clean laundry sprawled on the couch.

 

When I joined the Peace Corps they told me it would be the toughest job I ever loved.  I got all sorts of respect from people here and in Zambia for moving to the rugged unknown, half way around the world.  Yet the Peace Corps doesn't compare in either measure - tough or loved - to what I experience daily as a mom.  There, all I had to do was show up.  The rest was taken care of for me - no bills, a flexible work schedule, instant friends. Here, society expects me to keep an orderly house, care for the kids, pay bills, buy and prepare food, do laundry, etc.; all while working full time as a successful and competent employee.  It's an unrealistic expectation that parents meet every day. Yet the tough is nothing compared to the love I feel for my little kiddos, and our happy family.  It is so easy to get bogged down by the daily logistics and constant effort, but that isn't what matters.  I gladly brave the tough every day because the spontaneous hugs and kisses from Elliott, the light up his face smiles from Evan, and the vibrant joy and humor they both exude make me feel like the luckiest person in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, enough sappiness for one blog post.  I know what you really want is an updated dose of the ridiculous cuteness that is my world.

 

We spent Halloween at our local mall.  Of course, Elliott was a fireman (he's been obsessed for the last 6months).  He's already told me he wants to be Elsa from Frozen next year.  We'll see if that obsession lasts.  Evan was Yoda.  He already looks wise for his years.

 

A typical Saturday morning at our house.  We enjoy relaxing in our PJs and waking up slowly.

 

My sister Jessica and her family stopped by last month.  Elliott had a blast playing with all of his cousins, but was most impressed with Uncle Dave's construction gear.

We try to do at least one fun outing every weekend, and usually go to the beach.  When you live in paradise, why not go every weekend?

 

We celebrated Elliott's 3rd birthday in September with a, you guessed it, fireman birthday party.  It was one of the hottest weekends of the year, and we had all our little firefighters put out a "fire" with water balloons.

 

And all my boys snuggled up reading stories.  How did I get so lucky to end up here?

Best. Family. Ever.

 

 

Evan's First Month

I can't believe Evan is 5 weeks old already!  In some ways it feels like he has always been a part of our family, yet it seems like just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital.  June was a blur of introducing him to all of our good friends and family, and figuring out how to operate as a family of 4.  I don't think we have it all figured out yet (it still takes us 45 - 60 minutes to get out the door on any given occasion), but we are beginning to settle in to a comfortable, happy pace of life.

The last time I left you all we were here - our first family photo:

In the weeks since, Elliott and I have enjoyed our many snuggles with baby Evan...

...while Steve seems to enjoy nap time most:)

 Although Steve is also working to ensure that he gets off to the right start with his musical education.

My mom was a huge help, and stayed with us during Evan's first week to help entertain Elliott, and take care of the normal household duties so we could rest when we got home from the hospital.

My dad also joined the party, and was able to say a quick hello to Evan right after his birth before heading home to work for the week.  Don't worry, he came back the following weekend to get some extra quality time.

After they headed back home we made a quick trip down to Newbury Park to introduce Evan to Great Grandma Claire and Great Grandpa Harry.   Grandma held him the whole afternoon, and said that he has a different energy than Elliott did (calmer and more mellow I think).  Grandpa made sure that the afternoon was appropriately documented.

Next up was a visit from Steve's parents (Lully and Grandpa).  Sandy got in some great playtime with both her grandsons, while we put Grandpa Wayne to work helping out with our various house projects.  He helped us completely gut and remodel our kitchen when Elliott was only 3 months old.  This time around we are planning to build a half bath in our garage - hopefully it will be less invasive/chaotic than the kitchen.  

The introductions wouldn't be complete without our beloved Nini.  Anita watched Elliott until he was 2yrs old, and became a part of our extended family.  Evan will be with her next year.

Evan got to meet most of my side of the family at our annual 4th of July camping trip here in Santa Barbara, including my sisters Jessica and Janine, and their kids along with my aunt and cousins.  We weren't brave enough to stay at the campground with a 3 week old, so we mostly made day trips out to visit, although Elliott got to spend a night with Grandma and Papa.  He had a great time playing with all of his cousins:

Including Bo who is only 6 weeks younger than him.

Evan enjoyed relaxing on the beach under the umbrella

And Elliott decided to test out the waves with Daddy

Our last group of visitors were Steve's brother Jason and his family.  Uncle Jason and Aunt Lori showered both of the boys with love and attention.  Cousin Miranda brought along her new husband Cassidy.  

We took the gang out for a spin on the "Little Toot", a water taxi that goes from Stearns Wharf to the Santa Barbara harbor.

It was Evan's first boat trip, although he slept through the entire ride, and wouldn't have had much of a view anyway from inside the baby carrier.

Elliott got to drive the boat, and the captain said he did a great job.

A first month update wouldn't be complete without a montage of "baby's first...", so here you go:

Evan's first... trip to Home Depot

Evan's first... bath

Evan's first... trip to the beach (my sister Janine and her baby Amelia met us in Ventura)

Evan's first... car trunk diaper change

Evan's first... good read

Elliott continues to be a joy - he's energetic, caring, and has a great sense of humor.  He is always doing something to make us smile or laugh.  And best of all he is a great big brother who gives Evan big kisses and is always willing to help out by grabbing a diaper, blanket, or whatever is needed.

I don't know how we lucked out to get two of the best boys ever!

Welcome to the World Evan Gene Reed!

He's here! After 9 months of eager anticipation, Evan came into the world with flair on June 9, 2014 at 5:44am, and just like that we are a happy (yet sleep deprived) family of 4.

We had a scheduled c-section planned for 7:15am on the 9th, but little Evan must have a touch of my impatience.  I went into labor late the night before, and progressed so quickly that we almost didn't make it to the operating room in time.

But that's of little interest.  Long story short - he's here, he's perfect, and we couldn't be more excited.

Here are the stats:

Name: Evan Gene Reed (Elliott picked Evan from our top 2 names, and Gene was my Gramp's middle name - June 9th was his & Gram's wedding anniversary)
Born: June 9, 2014 at 5:44am
Weight: 7lbs 8oz
Height: 19.5 inches

 

Elliott is already a great big brother.  My parents brought him to the hospital shortly after Evan was born so he could finally see baby brother in person, and he was so excited the first thing he wanted to do was hold Evan.  He was so gentle and sweet, you just know that they will be great friends once Evan gets a bit larger.  Elliott also brought a happy birthday gift for Evan - a "wubanub" (a stuffed animal attached to a pacifier) that he picked out and wrapped himself.

Other than that our hospital stay was uneventful.  Evan was calm and easy going from the start, and had no problems eating, and rarely cried.  After our experience with Elliott  (he cried the whole time we were in the hospital - we later found out he was tongue tied and unable to eat properly) it was a breeze.

My mom was a huge help, and stayed with Elliott to give him lots of love and attention while we were away, and when we first came home. She also brought him to visit us in the hospital several times, so we could have some fun with our first baby turned big boy.

           

 


After a few days of recuperating it was time to pack up, head home, and begin life as a family of 4.

            

It's a funny thing, being a parent the second time around.  We are more confident and relaxed in our parenting skills, so the little things like feeding, diapers, and crying babies don't seem so overwhelming.  And while the little milestones aren't necessarily as exciting and new like they were with Elliott, they are even more special since we have an awesome big kid to share them with.