Checking In

I know it's been a long time, sorry, I've been busy! Gumba-ba (aka Ba) is doing well. He's growing like a weed of course, and still isn't sleeping well of course, that's what all my babies do! Maybe it's because I work and they want to spend time with me...I don't know. Here's a list of what he's been up to:

- talking, cooing, smiling, trying to laugh

- smacking his lips. Grandma taught him how last time she was up

- rolling back to front, can't keep him on his back at all anymore

- liking the jumperoo just like his big brother. This morning he learned how to jump in it and is already playing with the toys

- reaching for toys and bringing them to his mouth

He has been a pretty busy little guy. Amazing how much changes so quickly.

And, now onto to Gumba, he's been a very busy little boy. He is 22 months old now, and literally doing something new everyday:

- still isn't talking, but adding new "words" and sounds everyday. He started daycare and now makes the sound of cars crashing. Did I mention the toddler room he's in has six other boys!!! No telling what he'll learn from them all next!

- timeouts, and actually sitting where he is supposed to for a minute

- big boy bed. While Grandma was here is conveniently (not) learned how to climb out of this crib. The transition has gone MUCH more smoothly then I ever imagined. He doesn't come out of his room until one of us gets him.

- Jumping off of things.

- Eating in a booster seat at the table

- Being my helper: puts dishes away, folds laundry, puts dishes in sink, gets Ba's pacifier. He's really become quite the person now.

And onto family news. I have gone back to work part time. That's going as well as can be, seeing as how I'd rather be home. I drag my feet every time I leave the house. We've all been sick, courteous of daycare I'm sure, but all on the mend. Husband finally has a truck to call his own so now we can haul our trash to do the transfer site, also something to haul his 4-wheeler around for hunting. Husband also is working with the paramedic program up here. Oh, I forgot to mention we have snow, and it's already getting pretty cold!

Our New Life

The title means several things huh? It's referencing our new addition. It's also referencing our new life as a family of four. Husband went back to work, and my mom went back to ER, so I was left to care for two small children myself for 24hrs at a time. The first day was stressful, the second day was even more stressful, but, the third day was less stressful, thank goodness. Hopefully it'll continue to get better, it should, right?!?

Gumba (first born) likes his new baby brother (Gum-ba-ba). Note: For those who are new to the blog, I like to use the nickname Husband affectionately used because this blog is open to everyone. Anyways, back to Gumba. He gives his brother hugs and kisses, tries to share his pacifiers, and asks to hold him. He's doing really well, but does have a little meltdown in the late afternoons when Husband is at work. I guess that is understandable, he does get neglected by default when I'm home alone.

I've also discovered something about myself, which is probably not kosher to actually admit, especially as a mom, but I don't think newborns are very fun. They are a ton of work, are demanding, have a need to be held constantly (which doesn't fit in with having a toddler), want to nurse constantly, and we've been blessed with another non-sleeper. I hope this passes quickly, but I honestly can't remember how long it'll be until life gets a little more normal and Gum-ba-ba will sleep for more then 1.5 hours at a time.

The good news is, he's awfully cute. He already talks a ton. Looks a lot like Gumba did at this age, so we may have another good looking boy on our hands!

Welcome to the World Gum-ba-ba

We welcomed our second son on June 17th. He weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 13oz and was 20 inches long. I got the birth I wanted, sort of...we had the baby at the birth center as planned, a water birth as planned, but it was a FAST birth, which was unplanned. I went to work that day, feeling a little "weird" having what I thought was more Braxton Hicks contractions, which I've been having since week 29. I was adamant I wasn't going to waste any of my leave so I stayed at work. At some point I decided that instead of working I'd rather be at home taking a nap (my Mom was up taking care of Gumba), so I finished up some of my unfinished business at work. I left work around 11am, ran a few errands, and was home around noon. I called Husband at 12:45 telling him something might be happening, still wasn't sure, and that I'd call him later. At 1pm I told him to get home. We arrived at the birth center at 2pm, and Gum-ba-ba was born at 3:08. Talk about a fast birth. We all got home at 7:30pm that same day and have been home ever since.

Things are going well here. Everyone is still adjusting to having a new baby around. Gumba is doing amazingly well, he really likes his little brother and we haven't really had any jealousy issues. New baby is doing what new babies do, eating and pooping, and keeping us awake at night. Husband keeps telling me to remember that he's brand new to the world, and at some point in time he will sleep at night. Husband goes to work tomorrow, so it'll be my first time managing two kids at once. We'll see if I survive!

39 Weeks and Counting

Still waiting on Baby-No-Name. I'm now at 39 weeks. Not so much feeling ubber pregnant and wanting the baby out, just want to not have to go to work! I am looking forward to staying home with Gumba, and the new baby of course. Here are some things Gumba is doing now:


Still a huge fan of "swinging."

- Letting us know that he knows we don't want him to do something by shaking his head no first, and then doing it anyways. (Could their be any more "no" words in this sentance?)

- Stacking his toy animals into a tower.

- Staying occupied, sometimes for 5 minutes. This is amazing for both Husband and I. This little boy is always on the go.

- Taught him this morning the pleasure of throwing rocks in a puddle, it was a big hit.

- When we tell him we're going outside, he finds his shoes and sits on the bottom of the stairs. VERY helpful!

- Understands, at least partially, that a playground is for playing and climbing.

- Goes down slides by himself. We did have a slight mishap at Pioneer Park the other day where he did a somersault at the end, but he recovered well.

- Doesn't cry as much when we change his diaper. I think he gets it's not our favorite part of the day either.

- It only took two days to get him to sit in the bath tub. If only the no jumping on the couch rule was that easy.

HOLY MOLEY!

Guess it has been awhile huh? I'm pleading exhaustion from being pregnant and chasing around a toddler. I know, low blow, but I'll use whatever I can to get out of the dog house! The link below is of Gumba playing outside with dogs. The fat black lab is not ours, we're dog sitting, and yes, she has been put on a diet while in our care. Our hope is the actual owners will realize we just decreased their dog food bill by half and keep it up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0CtVclfJUE

He's pretty adorable, and he's really getting the running thing down. Sometimes he pumps his arms. Gumba loves, loves, loves the outdoors. We spend most of the time in between nap and dinner outside. Luckily he's pretty good at staying away from stuff we've identified as "no" and only sneaks rocks in his mouth occasionally. We've been lucky though because he doesn't swallow them. Gumba has been learning some sign language. I finally decided to try that since getting him to use his vocal cords to make actual words is still failing. The only words you can kind of make out are yucky and cookie. He will say mom if I'm making dinner and ignoring him, and lets be honest, that doesn't happen to often. We'll see how freaked out his pediatrician is at his 18 month check up. I'm pretty much done worrying about it.

Baby no name is still going strong. Am now officially full-term (37.5 weeks) so I'll be able to be at the birth center this time, barring any unforeseen complications of course. Getting excited to find out if it's a boy or girl. Who knows how long we'll have to wait. Knowing our luck I'll go until 42 weeks and then have to induce with castrol oil or something equally disgusting.

Take care all, and will try my best to stay in touch. The video is for all of you (Uncle Mike) who keep requesting pictures while I'm being lazy.

Baby No Name Update, part 2

Today I felt baby no name hiccup! It's the first time this pregnancy. Pretty exciting stuff if you ask me! Feeling a lot of movement down low, which leads me to believe this baby is butt down at the moment. Have been trying to do some yoga stretches and poses to encourage the baby to end up as it should, head down. So, wish me luck. There is still plenty of time though, at week 26.5! I go in for an appointment next week, so I probably get to look forward to drinking a horrible sugar water concoction to test for gestational diabetes.

The other big news is that Husband and I have FINALLY agreed on a boys name! We are still sticking with the girl name from last time. It's taken us something like 10 weeks to come to an agreement with the boys name this time. I'm a little shocked at the selection, it's not at all common, and yet somehow my HUSBAND picked it out (for those who know him he's more of a Jennifer or Jason kind of person). When I first saw it (he showed me on the net) I instantly felt like I should hate it, yet somehow I don't. Good news all the way around. I even got approval from the girls I work with. I'd tell you all, but even though I think theft would be extremely unlikely, who really wants to risk it? Not me. And thankfully he'll temporarily forget his obsession with the name Duncan until next time.

Gumba Went Bonkers

The stars finally aligned and I was able to bring Gumba into town to play at the local toddler playroom. We had a great time once Gumba relaxed and stopped the white knuckle death grip. There was a very outgoing 2 year old that Gumba watched and learned from. I thought he'd have a little more fun then he did, but I think he's a tad bit shy because he's not in daycare. I sort of like the idea of daycare twice a month or so to get him around others his age. But who knows, that costs money and there are germs, and scheduled sleep times which would inevitably be different then his. Just a thought I've been toying with.

Also, I got my parents signed up for Skype. Today they saw Gumba for the first time via a webcam and seemed to really enjoy it. Gumba also was pretty interested in it, and the fact he was able to touch a computer. My sister happened to be over at the house, she hasn't seem him since Thanksgiving.

Ronald + Gumba = ?

Gumba met Ronald McDonald tonight. He was up here visiting the NP McDonald's and we were lucky enough to get a picture with him. I will tell you that we may or may not know him personally...

I don't think Gumba was too thrilled. He seems to shut down when around a lot of people he doesn't know. Luckily he didn't start crying like another kid did!

Here's a couple of other cute pics:

I had to take this picture as sort of a spoof on the traditional bride before her wedding at the window or mirror. It's a pretty nice pic though. Gumba LOVES looking out the window. There are so many things I wish I knew before buying this house before I had kids, so far here's the list:

- Having one floor. People, ranch houses are the bomb, don't buy a two story house unless it's huge and you basically have two floors that are the size of a ranch. Going up and down stairs with a heavy toddler does not equal fun.

- Again, with a ranch you can open your back door to the yard and let your kids meander in and out as they wish. This summer we all have to get packed for an expedition. My mom let us wander around our backyard as soon as we could walk because she could see us from the kitchen. Must have been awesome.

- A large, low front window that babies can look out of. Gumba teeters on the baseboard heaters, gripping the window sill, and doing a pull up all at the same time to see outside.

- How far away from town are you willing to move, keeping in mind that children do need nap and bedtimes at specific times. Living in NP is great, we have a nice piece of property, but the commute both ways is an hour which leaves us no time to go into town when you factor in lunches and bath time.



Here he is eating a red potato.

There really isn't a whole lot going on. I was hoping to bring Gumba into town today to play at a Gymboree type toddler place, but there are a couple of unions trying to organize the staff at the university, and one happened by at nap time this morning and woke Gumba and me up. I was an unhappy momma bear answering the door. I'm sure as they stepped away from the door they realized they were not going to get my vote!

Gumba's First Walk in Snow

Check out this cute clip of Gumba walking in the snow. He didn't make it too far, and the dogs barking was much more interesting...but it's cute regardless! Next time we'll have Husband hold the camera to help improve Gumba's performance (distance and smiles).

Oh, and today it was 30F outside! Gumba and I went on a nice long walk. It is so nice to be able to get outside now. The fresh air is doing wonders for our sanity.

We Officially Have a Toddler!!!!!!

Gumba is walking! He walks way more then he crawls now. For all of you nay-sayers out there, keep the, "oh, now he's really going to be a handful" comments to yourself. Gumba is already a handful. I've gotten plenty a comment when he's crawling around about how fast he is. Best part about him walking, we no longer have to bend ALL the way over get him, he's easily 2.5 feet off the ground...it's fabulous. And, the way cute thing is, we now have to watch out for him so we don't bump him over! Who knew that would be as precious as it is. Gumba is also working on a seventh tooth, it like it's fellow brothers is taking forever to come. Now he has lopsided teeth! Hmmm, what else is new? It is finally warm outside, so we've been taking walks whenever we can. It's supposed to be in the teens for the next week! Gumba is totally enjoying it. He lays very patiently on the ground as I wrestle him into his snowsuit.

Not much else. Baby number two is moving a lot more then Gumba. I had a checkup the other day and the baby was moving around a ton because the midwife was pushing on my belly (she's new). She had a hard time tracking down the heartbeat! Husband was able to make it to the appointment on account of Gumba taking appropriate naps and the weather being warm. I'm glad he made it, because now I don't have to worry about scheduling one around him.

Oh, and we finally have a video of Gumba protesting while having his diaper changed. He totally hammed it to. But, unfortunately like all our videos, it's too long to put here. But, maybe the link will work below (he's walking in this one)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK_ZkoMAw0o