What's the Deal with the Gentiles?

7 Months

2012-02-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

This past month has been full of transitions for Russell. He is no longer the little delicate infant we brought home from the hospital. He is becoming a pre toddler

Here are some of the new things he is doing:

Sitting up!!

Sitting in a shopping cart

Big boy bath seat

Big high chair
He loves looking out the window

giving Gemma a spot at the table

mesh feeder

swings

just in time for the spring season at the Common!

stroller without the car seat

I love this age and watching all their new milestones

It's No Fun Being Sick

2012-02-08T18:11:00.001-08:00

That's been the daily quote around the Gentile home since Saturday. Where to begin?

I went for a couple ultrasounds last week because of some bleeding. I assumed I had another cyst. Yes I was right but what the doctors were most concerned about is my IUD that has gone into my fallopian tube. Most awkward ultrasounds ever. First one I got emotional not seeing a baby on the screen. Second one became like a freak show. All these people wanted to come see because they've never seen an IUD there before. Friday I went to my OB for them to try pulling it out. I brought Gemma to daycare and took Russell with me. I took 3 motrin before going in. It was incredibly painful and wouldn't even budge. So I will need surgery to remove it. I'm scheduled to go in Tuesday morning. They really have no idea what to expect. There are 3 possible procedures they could do. No matter what I will be asleep. The least invasive would be like a DNC. If that doesn't work they will do it laparoscopic leaving me 3-7 days of recovery but still outpatient. Of course they have to tell yo the worst case scenario although unlikely, they would need to open me up to repair my uterus and take out the fallopian tube. Then I would have to stay in the hospital longer. They think this is very unlikely!! We don't know what the future holds for us but they assure me that you can get pregnant with just one fallopian tube. Not sure that's even our plan but its a decision I'd like Paul and I to make. The entire thing makes me incredibly upset because I called the dr twice in terrible pain weeks after the IUD was put in. They said it was normal. now they are saying it wasn't normal. But since its been in for months muscle has grown over it so it won't come out. If they had just taken my complaint seriously it would have come out easy.

Anyways, while Gemma was at daycare (turned out to be a waste) her little friend lying next to her woke up from nap and threw up. Saturday Gemma still seemed great but quickly took a turn for the worse right after picking up MaGi from the airport. She was such a brave girl. She actually seemed excited the first time she got sick. "I threw up like Finn!" What a mess, everywhere and all day/night. Later she changed her tune and kept saying, "its no fun being sick"

Monday morning I woke up sick. MaGi felt fine until the middle of her first flight home. Russell got sick Monday night and Paul Tuesday morning. Sorry we got you sick MaGi. We appreciate all your help with the kiddos. As of today we all seem to be on the mend.

Since Gemma got healthy when the rest of us became sick I needed to keep her busy. I've been doing loads of laundry nonstop and disinfecting all the toys. So our kitchen table has become a craft center. valentines, beads, stamps, dots, and even some gloop. Gemma is loving it!

Since we don't know what to expect for my surgery and recovery we are trying our best to plan for everything. My yoga mommy friends stocked my freezer with food (and even gave me a gift card for a massage). I am so deeply touched by their support and generosity. I have some friends and family lined up to help with the kids. Paul will be in town till Thursday when Blair will come in and help out. I'm hoping to be fine by the weekend so we can enjoy Blair's visit and go on some fun outings.

Hopefully this is the last sick post I will be writing for a long, long time

What's the Deal with Gemma?

2012-02-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

Gemma's been busy these past few months.

First haircut

Trying to write letters/words. She makes circles to represent random letters to write notes. This one says, "I love you,. How went Kansas City?" She actually says a letter as she draws each circle. She will ask me how to write certain words (mostly names). I will tell her each letter as she tries to write it. Super cute and really makes me miss writer's workshop in kindergarten.

She loves to make necklaces Ballerina girl

Still gets into all of Russell's things. Likes to pretend to be the baby I'm lucky she hasn't broken anything yet

Diva Gemma

She has been drawing people alot lately. Head, eyes, nose, mouth and hair. Just the other day she drew 2 legs too. This is a picture of me and Auntie Jenny

January Joys

2012-02-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Some fun from January

We celebrated New Years Day with a delicious brunch with friends

With all the sickness going around we only made 1 baby playgroup this past month. Hoping to be there more next month. Russell misses his friends

Quinn's First Birthday! Gemma still talks about his Thomas cake,yum

Gemma and the birthday boy

Gemma was so excited to get outside in the snow. She has a love hate relationship with her gloves. She wants them on but takes them off after a couple of minutes. Then she touches snow and cries because her hands are cold. She asks for her gloves back on only to take them off a minute later and so the cycle continues.

Playdate with Katie and Lyla. Their mom, Annie, was my freshman roommate

He's Back!

2012-01-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

Not only is Russell's godfather, Greg, back in town but our happy little boy is back and happier than ever! I'm not sure if its Greg's presence or the antibiotics but whatever it is I hope its here to stay. Russell hadn't been happy in over a week.

We had a fun family day at the Aquarium. Russell enjoyed the fish even more than Gemma.

We hadn't been to the Aquarium in a year. I forgot how much fun it is. I will make sure not to wait that long between visits again. Look at how much Gemma has grown in a year!

Rainbow Alice

2012-01-27T10:46:00.000-08:00

For the past 2 days Gemma has asked to dress like a rainbow. Yesterday was a rainbow shirt and striped tights. Today was a striped shirt and undies. She then drew on herself to really become a rainbow. She has also been asking everyone to call her "Alice"!

6 Months

2012-01-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

Our baby celebrated his half birthday recently

Weight 16lbs 2 oz (18%)
Height 26.5" (32%)
Head 17.5" (75%)

Ever since we dealt with his constipation he has been wanting to sit up. I'm wondering if his belly was uncomfortable before and that's why he always fought that position. He still needs pillows around him to help keep him from falling over.

Russell has been sporting an amber teething necklace. He looks pretty cute with it :)

Our sick baby. Its been a long week. Russell was fighting a fever for days. It eventually became an ear infection and he also had conjunctivitis. He passed the conjunctivitis around the house. I ended up with an ear infection, Gemma had strep and Paul a nasty virus. After 48 hours on the antibiotics he is just starting to feel a little better. He still needs tylenol/motrin at times when he starts pulling at his ear and crying. He wouldn't eat much for days. I'm glad he only lost .5lbs last week. I was expecting it to be more.

Sibling Love

Gemma likes to play in the crib with Russell and snuggle with their lovies

I'm happy to report that Russell is much happier in the car these days. I got some new car seat toys that he seems to love. He also falls asleep in the car now (not always a good thing but I guess its better than screaming). If he does start crying Gemma and I sing him Row Your Boat over and over which always makes him happy, even at 3am!

We have been trying lots of new foods. So far he has had pears, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, peaches, peas, prunes, apricots, avocado and carrots. He keeps grabbing for my food so I may try soaked cheerios or puffs soon. Avocado has proved to be too slippery for him to grab and I don't want to roll them in wheat germ just yet. He tries using a sippy cup of water with occasional success:)

I can't get enough of Russell's giggles. Patrick by far gets the best giggles from Russell!

He's getting ticklish

Russell is just getting the hang of his bouncer and jumper

He still hates being on his belly and rolls over immediately. He is starting to get frustrated when he can't reach a toy. I do not like that stage. Hopefully he will figure out how to scoot or roll over to the toys.

We are still having alot of trouble at night. He has been having so much gas pain. We recently switched formulas which seems to have helped with the pain but now he is just crying for us or food. Since he isn't eating alot during the day we are offering him small bottles at night. He his just starting to eat better now that his ear infection is clearing up so we will do sleep training again soon. Fingers crossed! Gemma was sleeping 8-6 by 3 months. I just expected Russell to be like that too but its been a sleepless 6 months for us all.

Mealtime Battles

2012-01-23T05:08:00.001-08:00

Meals are a dreaded time in this house right now. We battle to get both kids to eat. Gemma says eating "takes too long". Russell just seems completely uncomfortable putting food in his belly. It usually takes us 20 minutes of off and on bottle feeding, burping and crying to get Russell to drink a few ounces-max. Gemma requires multiple time outs and many tears before she finishes a meal. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. For Russell we have tried changing the nipple and formula. He barely eats solids anymore either. For Gemma we have tried pushing back breakfast time, reading stories while she eats, no snacks between meals, giving her preferred meals (but not letting her choose), dessert (berries during the day, Popsicle at night) as a reward for finishing her food, and locking her back in the highchair.

'A' says...

2012-01-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

GI Update

2012-01-12T09:41:00.001-08:00

I took Russell today for a follow up appointment with the GI specialist. After the last visit we starting adding rice to his bottles. This helped with the spit up but he became constipated. We have been battling constipation for weeks now. We stopped the rice and switched to oatmeal but that didn't help. After about a week on oatmeal he started spitting up large quantities all day long. He is so uncomfortable at times while eating or trying to poop. He seems to have filled out so I was surprised to find out that he has gone down another 8% on the growth curve. He hasn't lost weight but he hasn't gained much. So time to try something else

Here is what hasn't seemed to help much

prunes 3xday

juice (white grape, prune, pear)

extra water

rice/oatmeal in bottles (worked for a couple weeks)

belly massage

suppositories (just a quick fix)

Here is what sometimes helps

chiropractor

gripe water

solids made with olive oil

mirilax (for 3 days)

rectal thermometer to stimulate

liquid vs powder formula

We will use mirilax for 2 weeks, switching to a hypoallergenic formula called EleCare, and push lots of calories. If after 6 weeks he still isn't gaining enough and spitting then we will do an ultrasound to check his intestines and kidneys. The dr is still thinking its an allergen problem but this formula should take care of that. If not then we will check his anatomy.

Russell hasn't been sleeping well and its partly due to belly trouble. Alot times you can hear him pushing and being gassy at night. We tried sleep training him before the holidays and it worked for a few nights (without a paci!!) but then he got constipated and its been a mess ever since. The dr told me we can try sleep training him again after he has been on the new formula for 1 week. I feel rejuvenated just thinking that I will soon be getting more sleep (fingers crossed). At this point we are just doing anything we can to sleep. We are lucky to get a couple hours of interrupted sleep at a time.

Gentile Photos

2012-01-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

We surprised Paul's parents with a family photo session while in KC for the holidays. The pictures are gorgeous

Holiday Week

2012-01-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

We had a great week in between the holidays. My parents watched the kids while Paul and I went to NYC to see Phish. He was able to get us his company's box. It was amazing to all be together for a show and the seats were great. I also got to spend some time with Julie before the show.

Gemma, Russell, Jen and I went to Disney on Ice. Even Russell was captivated by the lights, costumes and music. I was surprised that Russell took a nap towards the end of the show. Gemma fell asleep on the way home. After getting drive thru starbucks I read my book in the car while they both slept. Thanks Jen for helping us!

Christmas-KC

2012-01-05T18:50:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas in Kansas City was filled with more gifts, lots of family time, yummy treats, and a Chiefs game!

Everyone wore their Chiefs clothes on game day. MaGi watched the kids so Paul, Blair, HeyPa and I could go to the game

Ready for Christmas Eve mass. After mass we had a delicious meal and watched the Grinch. Gemma must have watched that movie a dozen times while we were there. She is still talking about the cranky Grinch :)

A family tradition is to get new pajamas Christmas Eve. Gemma posed in her new pajamas

Christmas morning

Again Gemma was overwhelmed by all the gifts so she took her time opening them. She was so excited to see that Santa ate her cookies and drank the milk. He even left her a note about how good her and Russell had been. Santa gave her everything she asked for and so much more. She even loved playing with Russell's new toys

We also went on a carriage ride to see the lights on the Plaza, played with friends, and Gemma made her first gingerbread house with Auntie Blair

Joe and Russell became best buds although Joe got a little jealous when Auntie Blair would hold Russell

Gemma and Russell have matching blankets and lovies now!

Christmas-Boston

2012-01-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas early with my family. We were sad to miss Julie but she wasn't coming home until we had already left for Kansas City.

We also celebrated daddy's birthday

I couldn't believe how many gifts we all had. Gemma was overwhelmed by all the gifts. SHe didn't get through them all that day.

It was nice to open them and put everything away before leaving on our trip.

Russell loves to eat. He even tries to hold his bottle

Auntie Amy came home from college!

Castignetti Photo Shoot

2012-01-04T04:46:00.000-08:00

We had photos taken with both sides of our families as Christmas gifts to our parents. All the pictures came out beautiful These are the photos taken with my side at my parents house in November. We used 2 of them for our holiday card.

Be careful what you ask for

2012-01-03T16:01:00.000-08:00

Russell has been battling constipation for weeks. I took him to the chiropractor this afternoon to help get things moving. I chose a later time so he would hopefully poop before bed and sleep better.

Before bath I usually let him play in his crib naked for a few minutes. I put a pad under him and a towel between his legs. I went downstairs to make his bottle only to come back and find poop smeared everywhere. He and the crib were covered. I gave him a bath and called our babysitter next door who came to feed him his bottle while I tackled the crib. Paul is away for work in Cali and missing all the fun. Last night the kids were up crying till 1am (more about sleep later)

Hope the poop story gives you a good laugh. Only moms will probably find it funny rather than completely disgusting. I'm just so happy he pooped

2012-01-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

Last night Auntie Amy was over and gave Gemma some snacks. I told Gemma to say thank you. She did. Then she asked me why we say thank you. I told her when someone does something nice for you you should thank them. I forget the exact words I used. She then said "I want to say thank you to Santa and give him a microphone" (he gave her one).

How precious is that!

Not my finest moment

2012-01-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

Monday night was my first night alone with both kids for a week. We did not start off on a good note. Both kids were up crying from 11-1am. It was just me so we all ended up in bed crying together. When I'd get one to calm down they would just start crying again because the other was crying. Gemma wouldn't leave my side so I couldn't even separte them. I lost it and screamed at her "STOP CRYING RIGHT NOW!". She stopped, looked right up at me and said, "Mommy you're freaking me out". It made me laugh and pull myself together. I got them both in the rocking chair and we cuddled. Finally she laid in bed while I fed Russell. Eventually we all got a few hours of sleep

More Holiday Fun

2011-12-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

I'm exhausted, Russell still isn't sleeping. More on that to come once I get some sleep. QUickly, here are some pics from the Polar Express and Holiday party at the Y

Matching candy cane pajamas from Auntie Julie

Crafts at the Y

Another Santa, I've lost count

The girls loved the TRX bands and spinning bikes just liket heir mommies :)

Christmas Treats

2011-12-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

I found this Christmas tree for only $2 at Target. Gemma had fun putting stickers on it.

Russell's new stocking arrived

Gemma loves to help mommy cook. She spent hours working on these treats. She laid out the pretzels, unwrapped the hugs and added the M&Ms when they were ready.

Gemma has been into patterns lately so I thought she would enjoy making candy canes using a red/white pattern. She does love working on these candy canes but ditched the pattern idea :) As she is working on them she lists all the people she wants to give them too

Gemma and Russell's new ornaments this year

These are the cookies I thought Gemma would want to help me with but she was much more interested in the pretzel treats. She just likes to eat these ones and give them out to friends.

Gemma and Meryl put on aprons for some gingerbread cookie decorating. Kacey and I thought it was interesting that they both picked m&m eyes that matched their eye color

5 Months

2011-12-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

I couldn't pick just one picture

Russell is already 5 months. The last month has been tough with the reflux and sleep problems but I'm hoping he will improve over this next month. He is still a happy baby despite all that. He has the biggest smile (like his daddy) and cutest giggle. He is reaching and grabbing toys, his toes being his favorite toy. He loves his singing Jingle Bell monkey from cousin Jill. Gemma will bring him the monkey when he is crying and it instantly makes him happy. He loves eating solids and often screams when we are done. He has had rice, sweet potatoes, and pears. He thinks peek a boo is super funny. His favorite song is row, row, row your boat. He has 2 teeth and a low grade fever recently makes me think another is coming. He went on his first plane ride for Thanksgiving. He likes to be where the action is and gets upset when left alone. I think he's going to be a social little boy

Momma Called the Doctor and the Doctor Said...

2011-12-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

Seems like we have gone to the doctor every Monday for the last couple months. Not sure why but Mondays just seem to be our doctor day. We have had a well check, a weigh in, numerous ear checks and 2 specialists.

Gemma went to see an allergist. She takes Zyrtec year round and I was hoping to figure out exactly what triggers her allergies so we could take her off the meds. We had to take her off the Zyrtex for 14 days but I thought it said 4. She was so congested after those 4 days, I couldn't imagine her off the meds for 14 days. They did a skin test and it came back negative for everything. Not possible???? They think its because she still had Zyrtec in her system. Either way they said to keep her on the meds, change some things in her bedroom and come back in a year. Not much help

Russell has been having trouble eating again. He arches and pulls off constantly. It takes forever to give him a bottle. He isn't screaming like he used to so at least there is some improvement. Part of me wonders if his sleep problems are from belly pain. So we were referred to a GI specialist at Children's, on a Monday of course :)

We are going to switch back to a dairy and soy free formula, adding rice to his bottles to help with spit up, doubling up his probiotics to twice a day and trying prevacid. She thinks he will only need the meds for another 6 weeks till he is sitting up on his own. fingers crossed

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

This morning Gemma unexpectedly came over to me and said:
"Daddy got mommy a mixer so mommy and Gemma can make cookies, yay! Shhh don't tell Auntie Blair, Joe, Julie. Its a secret"

Paul should know better. After all Gemma did tell everyone baby boy's name was going to be Russell

Funny Sayings

2011-12-11T18:10:00.001-08:00

I opened a large bag of M &M's for baking today and Gemma yelled "Wowsers!"

When I took the treats out of the oven she said "Holy, Moly, guacamole"

Santa x4

2011-12-07T10:32:00.001-08:00

We had a busy Saturday. Gemma saw Santa 4 times! We went around town for some special holiday fun during the annual Home for the Holidays event. We did reindeer rides, a visit from Santa who arrived on the train, a holiday sing along, cookie decorating, a photo booth, and pictures with Santa.

Amelia and Gemma enjoying lollipops from Santa

We met up with some of my yoga mommy friends and went to a sing along. Amelia went straight for the microphone but Gemma was a little hesitant at first. Before long she had taken over the microphone and didn't want to give it up. I have watched this video numerous times, I can't stop laughing at Rockstar Gemma

We came home for a quick rest before heading out to see Santa and a real Reindeer at Zoo Lights followed by dinner with friends

As I've said before, no get together is complete without Gemma dancing :)

This weekend coming we are going on a Polar Express train ride and a holiday party at the Y! Having a toddler makes the holiday season a thousand times more fun. Its just so special to see Gemma light up when we do all these activities. I'm exhausted but its worth every chaotic minute

Teeth

2011-12-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

After weeks of drooling (which still continues) and an ear infection Russell finally cut 2 teeth at 4.5 months.

2011-12-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Gemma: "Mommy what does this say?" pointing to a button

Me : "I don't know I can't see it"

Gemma: "It has S-T-A-R-T. What spells that?"

Me: "Start"

Gemma: "Oh, S-T-A-R-T says start!"

Santa's Not Scary

2011-12-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

I took Gemma and Russell to the mall this week to see Santa. I knew Gemma might not cooperate and was fine if we couldn't get a picture. We got there and watched 2 little boys sitting on Santa's lap. She was a little hesitant at first. She said "I don't be scared of Santa". I asked if she wanted to sit on his lap and she said no. So I sat her on the chair besides him. At first she was as far away as she could be but by the time I walked over to the camera she has scooted herself over and was telling Santa what she wants for Christmas. She would like a toothbrush, bandaids, yo-yo and a candy cane. I took some pictures with my camera and wasn't planning on buying one but they got a great shot of Russell laughing so I caved and bought 2 5x7s. I will try to scan it in later. Gemma was so proud of her photo. She carried it around the mall

I asked her what she said to Santa and she told me about her Christmas list. She also told me she said Russell wanted a sheep (He has 2 sleep sheeps). Since I don't want to get another I reminded her of Russell's 2 sheep and suggested he might want something else. She decided he wants new socks (Easy!!). So of course she wanted to go back and tell Santa :) Luckily she saw Santa 3 times on Saturday and was able to tell him then.

Next weekend we are taking the kids on the Polar Express. We weren't sure if she would be scared but now I'm thinking she will love it!

Emily the Elf

2011-12-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

MaGi sent us Elf on the Shelf a few weeks ago. I had thought about starting it this year and am so glad we did. I wasn't sure how much Gemma would understand but she loves it. She named the elf Emily ("Em-a-we") after her cousin in Chicago :) We read the book as a family and I am recording the movie which should be on later this week. Gemma loves finding Emily's new hiding spot each morning. We love saying, "Emily is going to tell Santa if you don't listen to mommy". She will quickly change her behavior and say "I want toys". Its amazing how much Emily has changed her behavior! She is a little worried Russell won't get toys because he cries sometimes. She is such a good big sister looking out for her little brother. We keep telling her its ok for babies to cry because they can't talk but big girls need to use their words.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Russell's First Thanksgiving

We flew to Chicago to visit with the Gentiles. Both kids were great on the flights. Gemma even carried her own backpack of toys.

Love for the great grandparents

Godparents

Russell and his first cousin Charolette

silly cousins making Russell laugh

No party is complete without some Dancing!!!

When we got back from Chicago we spent some time with Amy and Julie who were home for Thanksgiving. Amy painted Gemma's nails and Julie played in the bounce house

Regression in the Gentile Home

2011-11-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

Not sure what has happened with my kids lately but Gemma now thinks she is a baby and Russell won't sleep. Not Fun!

Gemma likes to play in all of Russell's baby toys

She is often in his bouncy chair. I have seen her climb into his crib and try to get into the jolly jumper. I took her to the Y daycare at the gym and when I came back she was in their crib. They said she was crying and asking to go in so they let her (I don't blame them). Then she came to show me this:

Luckily she is still going on the potty, fingers crossed she doesn't try to go back into diapers.

Russell has been going backwards too. He no longer takes his long 2-3 hr mid-day nap (I miss that more than you could know). And he is up crying all night. That started in Chicago and hasn't gotten any better. We did a couple nights of cry it out at bedtime and he now falls asleep on his own. That wasn't too hard. But we have tried letting him cry in the middle of the night with less success. He will go back to sleep but not for long. We have moved him into a pack n play in the basement with me on the couch so he won't wake Gemma although he never seemed to. He would be screaming and Gemma would be snoring. But since Gemma wakes up at night herself we don't want to chance it.

Russell started eating rice cereal a few weeks ago. He loved it at first but now refuses to eat it.

So we have since stopped. I don't want mealtimes to be a negative thing. Now he just hangs in his booster seat and watches Gemma eat.

His first taste

He is on the early side anyways. I was just hoping it would help his belly a little. Oh well

Ballerina Gemma

2011-11-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

Gemma loves dancing around the house in a tutu and watching her ballerina video. So I thought dance class might be fun. Gemma and Meryl tried a class and were great. So they are officially ballerinas! Last week we were able to watch them and get some videos

Dancing like a bird
Notice how Gemma almost crashes into the teacher because she is so busy watching herself in the mirror. And at the end Meryl comes to talk to her but Gemma shhh's her. Gemma takes ballet class very seriously

The teacher demonstrated how to walk like a ballerina then leap over the jack-in-the-box. Gemma was eager but unsuccessful

Each week they sashay (had to look that one up online) across the floor. You can't tell, but Gemma has been practicing this at home

I saw her pretending to be the teacher, Miss Christina, while playing with her dolls in her bedroom

Check Out Our Projects

2011-11-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Before Russell decided he didn't like to nap he used to sleep for 2-3 hours at a time. This became craft time for Gemma and I. Gemma is so proud of all the things she makes. She can't wait to show daddy when he gets home. And she always notices when we try to throw away something. I've had to dig a few out of the trash. These are a few of our projects.

I discovered she is pretty good with scissors and knows how to make an AB pattern when we did this "Countdown to Chicago" chain. I held the paper but she opened and closed the scissors. Then I started the brown/orange pattern and she instinctively knew what came next. I was shocked

I made this for the fridge. She puts her magnets where they go. She is very concerned that we are still missing the letter Q.

Gemma loves the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series. In the Moose a Muffin book he makes sock puppets. So Gemma started undoing my sock pairs in the clean laundry basket to use as sock puppets. It was driving me crazy so we made these real sock puppets. She wanted one happy and one sad. One is a mouse and one is a Moose just like in the book. She was excited for a few minutes and then went back to taking apart my clean folded socks

I signed Gemma up for one last session of the Alphabet soup craft class. One week we did the letter H so the following week she was expecting to do I but the teacher had them making Kites for K. On our walk home Gemma asked to do the letter I. So we made this ice cream cone. Gemma dipped the pom poms in glue, then dripped glue all over so the sprinkles would stick. She of course ate lots of sprinkles. Then I made the letter I out of glue and she put on cut straws and toothpicks

Of course then she wanted to do the letter J. I could only think of jellybeans and quickly cut out some jellybean shapes for her to watercolor

I am now obsessed with a website called pinterest (thanks Sara). I saw this idea on there and I'm so glad because it kept Gemma entertained forever. I wrote out the alphabet and she had to find the matching letter stickers and put them on

Doing activities like these fill the kindergarten teacher void I feel some days

Gemma's Digital Friend

2011-11-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

Gemma loves talking to Carl, or as she says, "Carlg" on the iphone. Its not a very fancy app. Its just a little red guy who repeats everything you say. She will talk to him for hours. Her new thing is to bring toys over to show him. You probably won't understand half of what she is saying but I can and its hilarious either way!

4 Months

2011-11-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, it does get easier each week but its still incredibly hard to juggle 2 kids, not sure how anyone does it with more.

Russell has 2 bottom teeth! Gemma got hers at 5 months

Russell continues to be a happy, smiling, giggling baby except when feeding. Nursing is still a struggle because he pulls off every few seconds and screams. Although bottles aren't any better. He spits up (probably more accurate to say "vomits") all day long if he isn't on meds. When he is on meds they only work for a week or two before he outgrows the dosage. We are thinking of taking him to a specialist. I really want him off the meds but then feedings are even worse...neither he nor I can handle that. He is on the lower end for weight probably due to these issues. So we have started giving him rice cereal to see if it helps soothe his belly.

Russell stopped napping well a few weeks ago around the same time he started teething. He doesn't really like the swing anymore and always wants to be where the action is. He falls asleep in my arms and then screams when we put him in the crib. If I pick him up he is back asleep in my arms. So I decided to unswaddle him for naps since he wasn't napping anyways. He takes 2-3 short (30-45min) naps a day. Now you know why I haven't been blogging. I have tried letting him cry a little but it hasn't worked. He goes down at night easily at 7pm. He is still swaddled at night until we get back from Chicago so he hopefully doesn't wake up everyone in the house. He needs the paci a couple times before he is up to nurse anywhere between 2-5am. Then he is back down till 6:30-7:30am. I don't think he needs to eat but the dr thinks because of his belly I should just feed him. I really need this belly stuff figured out so we can work on his sleep. 4 months of interrupted sleep is really getting to me. It wouldn't be so bad if I could nap during the day but he makes that impossible too. Gemma was sleeping unswaddled from 8-6 at 4 months, thanks to nutramigen. We tried Nutramigen with Russell for 2 days but he was super cranky. So I started nursing again only to find an ear infection and a tooth. Now I'm not sure if he was cranky because of the formula. We may have to try that experiment again when he is better.

Russell HATES the car. Gemma loved the car. I would drive around for hours with her just so she would nap and stop crying. Sorry Julie but I don't think a roadtrip to NYC will be happening anytime soon. He doesn't mind his car seat if we are on a walk. I have tried everything in the car. Shade up, down, window open, lullaby music, toys, mirror, neck pads, no neck pads, etc. Someone mentioned that he could be carsick which would make sense since Paul gets motion sickness.

In the last couple weeks we have taken out some new toys for Russell. He always wants to be sitting up and watching Gemma so we put him in the jolly jumper and the exersaucer. He doesn't do much with the toys on these but he enjoys being upright (may also have to do with the reflux)

Russell
Weight 13 lbs 15 oz - 14%

Height 25.5 in - 56 %
Head 16.5 in - 51 %

Gemma

Weight 14lbs 14 oz - 75%

Height 22.25in - 55%

Daddy and Russell practicing for the circus

Kids say the cutest things!

2011-11-22T10:22:00.001-08:00

Gemma says the most adorable things. I've decided to post some of the things she says so we can read them years from now and have another laugh.

Today I was folding laundry and Gemma says, "thank you mommy for cleaning my bed. I'm so proud of you!". Followed by a big hug and kiss

Another Oops

2011-11-14T18:14:00.000-08:00

Gemma loves to play in the new car

After a nice walk at Breakhart Gemma hopped in the trunk and climbed up front to play. When I was done packing up the trunk I shut it, locking Gemma and the keys in. Gemma took the keys up front with her. At first I wasn't too worried but after realizing she couldn't push the unlock button or pull up the lock I began to worry. Luckily I was with some mommy friends who helped me stay calm. I tried having Gemma push the trunk button too but since the car wasn't on it didn't work. One of my neighbors was on her way with a spare key and Gemma was happily playing for 15 minutes before yelling "Get me out!" I had to calm her down so I promised her a lollipop if she stopped crying. Once she was calm I tried having her push the buttons on the keys. FINALLY!!! As soon as I opened the door she asked for her lollipop :)

Days later my dad pointed out that I have onstar and could have just called them to unlock my door.

God Bless Russell

2011-11-06T18:38:00.000-08:00

Russell was baptised October 30th at the Incarnation Church. We loved that the ceremony took place during a regular scheduled mass. Russell wore the same gown his dad, Aunt Blair, HeyPa, his cousins and great Aunts and Uncles wore.

Godfather Greg, Paul's friend from KC, and Godmother Auntie Blair

After mass we went to Angela's for some pizza and cake!

No Doubt They are Siblings

2011-11-05T10:44:00.001-07:00

Gemma and Russell both wore the Gentile christening gown for their baptisms.

Who's who??

Check comments to find out

Pumpkin Time

2011-11-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

Everyone gathered to watch Paul carve our big pumpkin. Gemma helped scoop out the seeds.

Then she washed them with MaGI and enjoyed eating the finished product

Gemma asked daddy to make an angry face

Big Oops

2011-11-02T16:16:00.001-07:00

I'm hesitant to write this post but this blog is a journal of my kids lives so this event should be included but please don't judge. I need to start by saying that its been a busy and exhausting couple of weeks with my birthday, Halloween, Russell's baptism and lots of wonderful visitors.

This morning I pulled out my medicine/vitamin box and began distributing everything to myself and the kids. I got ready to squeeze Russell's cheeks and force down his reflux meds and was surprised that he wasn't fighting me. That immediately sent up a red flag. I stopped and smelled the syringe realizing it was Gemma's allergy meds. For a few seconds I stood there in shock. I thought about it and realized he only got 1/4tsp. I decided I better just check in with the on call doctor to be sure it was ok. I was surprised when the nurse told me to take him to the ER for an overdose of an over the counter medicine. Wait, did she just say "overdose"? I started crying. I had expected her to just reassure me it was no big deal.

So the kids and I jump in the car still wearing our pajamas. My father met us at Winchester hospital and hung with Gemma while I stayed with Russell. He seemed in no way affected by the allergy meds. But we followed protocol just to be safe. 2.5 hours later they gave us the ok to go home. There was nothing I needed to watch for. He was completely fine.

I am usually so good about the meds. The one time we gave him Tylenol for a fever I triple checked the dosage. Clearly I was doing too many things on not enough sleep. Paul is away so my parents invited Gemma over for a sleepover tonight. I'm so grateful to have only one kid (the easier one!) Gemma has not been easy to get to bed these days and is up numerous times.

Its 7:15pm and the house is quiet. I just ordered some sushi. After eating dinner I plan to make a cup of tea and watch some DVR before going to bed early. Just what the doctor ordered :)

Halloween x4

2011-11-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, I didn't think Halloween was ever going to end. Its a fun but long holiday. When I was a kid we dressed up to trick or treat and that was it. Gemma and Russell dressed up four times!

1 Music Class

Gemma- frog princess
Russell- ghost (just aHalloween shirt)

The kids were a little overwhelmed by all the costumes and Halloween songs. Gemma was very clingy but Russell was very animated

2 Melrose Business Trick or Treat

Gemma- cowgirl

Russell- bear

3 YMCA Monster Bash

Gemma- frog princess

Russell- frog

Gemma requested that we all dress up and assigned us costumes:

MaGi-cookie monster

Blair- alligator

HeyPa- witch

Daddy- Royals (baseball player)

Mommy- bug (she wanted to hit me with a magazine)

Greg- pirate

4 Trick or Treating

Gemma- dog (with a tutu of course)
Russell- bumblebee

We only went to a few neighborhood houses. Gemma just wanted to get home and eat candy. When the doorbell rang at our house she ran to the door with the bowl of candy, said "trick or treat" and picked a piece for herself :)

Leaves, Leaves Everywhere!

2011-10-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

What's your favorite memory of fall as a child? Mine is jumping in big piles of leaves and ironing pretty leaves between wax paper. I grew up with a huge yard which meant gigantic leaf piles. Our piles aren't nearly as large but they are just as much fun to jump in :)

I have tried collecting pretty leaves with Gemma but once she gets a few she can't resist throwing them up in the air. So we will skip the ironing till next year.

The Sigals Come to Boston

2011-10-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Our college friends, The Sigals, came to visit from Pittsburgh and brought their son Luke. Gemma and Luke were instantly best friends. They enjoyed a bedtime story together.

In the morning we went for a walk to the park.

Showing off their cute hats

Luke loves pumpkin patches and we had yet to pick any pumpkins so he offered to help us.

How crazy is it to see these guys with kids. Never imagined this moment back at ASU

Our silly turkeys!

Happy Birthday Mommy

2011-10-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

I am one lucky momma. My family spoiled me with beautiful gifts, 2 red velvet cakes, lots of love and some extra sleep.

We went out Saturday night to celebrate with friends. Sarah and I have the same birthday. It was her 30th so Scott threw a big party!!

Birthday Girls

My Crafty Side: Fall Fun

2011-10-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

I must be missing kindergarten. I used to do a handprint craft project with my kindergartners every month and have decided to do it with my kiddos at home. I did a valentine heart with Gemma but nothing since. A teacher friend suggested I do the kids feet because I was worried about painting Russell's hand. Gemma helped by using a Q-tip to make a nose on each ghost and she glued on the google eyes. We sent these off to their Grandparents and Aunts.

Gemma gets so excited whenever she spots a squirrel so I thought it would be fun to make one. She mixed black and white paint (predicting it would make green) and painted a large piece of paper. When it was dry I cut out a squirrel shape. She then painted its tail with glue and stuck on dryer lint. We now have a squirrel in our kitchen :)

Team Spirit

2011-10-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to family and friends the kids have lots of clothing to show support for their favorite teams

Sorry Chicago Gentiles, friends gave us this

Organized Playroom = Happy Mommy and Daddy

2011-10-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Paul is a neat freak and I am an organization junky. As our toy collection continues to grow we knew we needed a trip to Ikea. We bought a few more pieces in this collection. I used Velcro to stick laminated labels on each bin that way I can change the labels if I need to.

I borrowed a friends laminator for this project and it made me realize I need my own! There is so much I could laminate :)

We also just had the playroom painted. Once we get it all set up I'll post some pictures

Where's My Fridge?

2011-10-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Our fridge is Gemma's display wall for all her artwork. She is always so excited to hang her work. Every few days I have to take things off while she is sleeping.

These are all her sticker charts. She gets a sticker if she doesn't cry at nap time and stays in bed. When she fills her sticker chart she gets to pick a prize from the basket. She keeps all her stickers charts on the fridge. Its cute to see how proud she is.

Since we have run out of room on the fridge we have started filling up the kitchen walls.

And of course she has her display in the bedroom.

My Little Gymnast

2011-10-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

We went to Little Gym in Woburn for a birthday party. I had forgotten how much Gemma likes gymnastics. I might have to sign her up again soon.

3 Months

2011-10-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

Not to jinx myself but things really do get easier each week. Don't get me wrong, I am still extremely overwhelmed but I feel like I am at least treading water instead of drowning.

Here's what has happened in the last month:

* sleeping in bedroom with Gemma

* 12 lbs, 12 oz

* first ear infection

* tried reflux meds but it only worked for one month so we stopped
* thrush

*constant drooling and sucking on hands

* outgrown 0-3 month clothes

* nursing once a night

* 3 naps (short morning, long mid afternoon, and short early evening)

* screams in the car (missing the days when he slept in the car)

* LAUGHING!!

Its so rewarding when we get a laugh out of him. Of course he thinks Gemma is the funniest (I do too).

There really is something so special about watching Russell and Gemma interact. He already watches her every move. She is becoming more involved with entertaining him. She loves to cheer him on when he is trying to roll over. Gemma and I had special alone time Saturday and she kept telling me she missed Russell.

Like Father, Like Son

2011-10-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

When Gemma was born everyone told me she looked just like her Mom. Now that she has such curly hair more people are saying she looks like daddy.

When Russell was born we all saw his resemblance to daddy right away. He has blond eyebrows which makes me think he will have light hair like Paul did when he was a baby. He also has blue eyes like daddy. Gemma's eyes were never very blue. MaGi sent me some of Paul's baby pictures to compare with Russell.

What do you think?

Topsfield Fair

2011-10-10T17:33:00.001-07:00

The weather forecast said 60% chance of rain but that couldn't keep us away! We put on our rainboots and headed to the Fair with the Colozzi's. Our trip to the Fair last year was one of my favorite fall memories. Gemma had even more fun this year. She would honestly have fun anywhere as long as Bella & Gabby were with her.

Gemma loves rides. Anything from the quarter machines in the mall to rollercoasters and spinning teacups. Daddy is not a fan of rides but since Russell fell asleep in the ergo he had to buck up and go on a few with Gemma.

Bella was Gemma's "adult" companion on some of the rides she was too short for. Paul owes Bella big time.

Maybe next year we can get Russell on the carousel :)

Ear Infection Season Begins

2011-10-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

..and its not who you are porbably guessing...

Russell is barely three months and has his first ear infection. Gemma didn't get her first ear infection till 8 months. I was really hoping Russell wouldn't have our bad ears but clearly he does. I can't believe my little baby is starting antibiotics already. Sunday Russell began treatment for thrush after I noticed white spots in his mouth. Now the antibiotics for his ear is likely to make that even worse. A great friend just gave us some good probiotics to start trying right away.

Sunday night Rusell had trouble sleeping becasue of a really bad cough. So Monday morning I brougth him to get checked. I figured it was just a cold but wanted to be sure it wasn't more given Gemma's history. They sent us home suggesting steam and upright sleeping. That day he began throwing up nonstop and fussing while eating. He had started reflux meds 2 weeks ago and things had been much better until now. I tried breastmilk bottles with a little water to thin it out but he still spit it up. He was so uncomfortable all day. It killed me that I could only get a couple smiles out of him. He just wasn't himself. I decided to stop the reflux meds since clearly it wasn't working. Thursday started off the same but then got much worse. Russell was screaming with tears running down his cheeks. I couldn't console him. He wouldn't sleep for more than 10 minutes at a time. He would sometimes calm down a bit after a good spit up although he was barely eating. He had no fever. I assumed it was his belly so I called the nurse looking for more things to try. She heard him screaming in the background and suggested I come in to have his ears checked. I assumed with no fever it wasn't his ears but I knew something was wrong since he never screams like this.

I was surprised and devasted to find out it was in fact and ear infection. But after just a couple doses of medicine he is already a little better, although still few smiles :( He is on amoxicilin, sleeping upright in a chair I put in his crib, saline dops in nose, probiotic, frequent but quick nursing on one side at a time to not fill up his belly too much, and thrush medicine. He keeps spitting up the amoxicilin so now I need to try to mix it with breastmilk to make it less thick.

Looks like I will be frequenting the dr with Russell just as much as I do with Gemma. I absolutely love my pedi office. Unfortauntely it is in Lexington. It takes me 30 min, 45 with traffic. I really need to find someplace closer. I'm just not sure I can find a place that compares to Lex Peds. The nurse practioner (Kathy) is amazing. Yesterday she came to find me in the waiting room when she saw my name on the schedule. She was genuinely concerned and asked that I check in with her after. The nurse I talked to on the phone told me to come right on in and they will make room in the schedule for me. My Dr (Dr.Sullivan) calls me at night from home to check on the kids when they are really sick. So do I stay there and just deal with the ride or try someplace closer since I will be going so often?

Nap Time Trouble

2011-10-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

I need advice...

Recently Gemma has been fighting her naps. She screams, kicks the walls and hits the door. At first I thought maybe she was ready to give up her nap and I was prepared to turn that time into rest time. But after letting her cry she will sleep for almost 2 hours. If she really wasn't tired I don't think she would actually sleep that long. If she completely skips nap she is cranky and exhausted by 4.

I have pushed her nap to 1:00 instead of 12. I worry about pushing it back much later because it could interfere with bedtime at 8. She still naps from 12-2 at daycare with no trouble. We have unsuccessfully tried a sticker chart and a treasure box.

We were also having this trouble at bedtime. One day I talked to her about how Russell was going to sleep in her room soon. She told me when he was in there she wouldn't cry. That night we put Russell to bed with her and she hasn't cried at bedtime since.

Anything else I should try?

Playtime With Russell

2011-09-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Gemma loves to turn on the mobile for Russell.

She tries to teach Russell how to roll over

He's been rolling from belly to back for awhile. Gemma didn't do that until 4 months.

Apple Picking

2011-09-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

It sure didn't feel like fall but we went apple picking anyways. I felt a little odd drinking hot apple cider while sweating but oh well. We went to Smolac Farms this year. Gemma was more interested int he kids play area than actually picking apples.

She got her face painted, did duck races, went on a wagon ride, made a pumpkin puppet and ate a hot dog for lunch. Best part- No Tantrums!! She told daddy, "I had so much fun. I love you"

She was so exhausted and fell asleep about 10 minutes from home.

Holy Tantrum

2011-09-23T09:38:00.001-07:00

Every night before bed Gemma and I talk about our plans for the next day. So last night I told her we would be going to Imajine That, her favorite indoor playground. Paul and I are both getting a little sick and Russell had a really bad night. He rarely wakes up to eat but cries from belly pains all night. So this morning I was hoping we could just say home instead. of course Gemma insisted on going to Imajine That. So I packed them up and we made the long drive to Lawrence. We got in and Gemma started crying immediately because she wanted the bounce house all to herself. Then she cried because she is now afraid of the slide??? Then she threw a grocery cart and food so I made her pick it up, surprise...she cried again. Last straw was her throwing a book which bounced off the floor and hit Russell in the head. This all happened in 15 minutes. So I grabbed my screaming toddler and pushed Russell in the stroller out to the car. Gemma continued her ear piercing scream while I was driving so I couldn't focus and got turned around. I ended up going through side streets and neighborhood until I finally pulled over and realized I was in Salem, NH. Russell was turning bright red from screaming so I nursed him till he was calm. All the while Gemma is still screaming. I finally get her to settle with goldfish. And off we went for our 40 min ride home.

By the time we got home Gemma was showing her "happy eyes" but mommy still has "mad eyes". At one point I was crying and Gemma asked me if I needed a time out. I am so emotionally exhausted from this outing and we didn't even get to play. I just put them both down for nap. I needed to vent before trying to fall asleep

2 Months

2011-09-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

Russell

Russell at 2 months

Height 23.5" (60th)
Weight 12 lbs (25th)
Head 15.75" (40th)

Gemma at 2 months (I think they look alot alike!)
Height 22.75"
Weight 11lbs 8 oz
Head 38.5 cm

Russell is a healthy and happy baby boy. He doesn't like tummy time (really who does??) but can hold his head up. He still has a clogged tear duct, some days are worse than others. He is full of smiles which make my day no matter how overwhelmed I am feeling. He loves his mobile (just like his sister). His cries are getting louder, probably because its the only way for him to get attention. His hip ultrasound came back great.

He doesn't love to be flat on his back. I'm thinking its related to reflux. Gemma went on meds at this age. But it didn't help her and Russell isn't nearly as bad so we aren't doing meds with him. He also spits up like crazy, screams and kicks during nursing and coughs at night. I've tried some different things for feedings and for some reason the best thing for his belly seems to be a bottle mixed with nutramigen formula and breastmilk. I have no idea why. A bottle of full formula makes him spit up just as much as nursing although he is happier during the feeding. Its insane how often and the volume that he spits up. With the mixed bottle he spits up some after feeding but that's it. When Gemma is at daycare I pump and do mixed bottles but otherwise I am still nursing and mopping up the spit up all day. Hoping that he will grow out of this phase in a couple weeks.

Russell takes a bath each night with Gemma. He goes to bed around 7/7:30pm. I've tried leaving one arm out of the swaddle but it hasn't been working. He keeps startling or scratching himself. So we still swaddle Russell and this is why:

He sleeps till 1-2am (6-7 hours). We feed him a mixed bottle and then things get more complicated. He usually won't go back down in his crib. Often he spends the rest of the time in his swing which has become a permanent fixture in our bedroom. Around 5am he starts grunting, moaning and kicking his legs in his sleep. You can tell his belly is bothering him. There isn't much we can do to help. We just listen and don't get good sleep. Sometimes I will try to nurse him but he doesn't want much. Once I put him on his belly in our bed and he was so peaceful. But I'm so scared of doing that too often. The doctors really freak you out.

He used to take a short AM nap, long mid day nap and another short PM nap. That was a great week! Now he just cat naps all the time. His mid day nap is now only 45 minutes. Sometimes I can get him to stay down if I put him in bed with me or the swing. That reminds me, I need more D batteries :)

Let's Go Red Sox

2011-09-20T09:16:00.001-07:00

Paul and I took Gemma to a Red Sox game last week. We left Russell at home with a babysitter for the first time. We thought about taking him but we only had 2 tickets and 2 kids on our laps would be too tight.

Gemma was talking about game night for days. She was so excited!

We weren't sure how Gemma would do since it would be past her normal bedtime but she was great. We made it to the 7th inning, around 9:30 pm when she kept asking to go to bed. She ate lots of snacks of course. Gemma loved clapping along with the fans. She wasn't interested in the game at all but loved walking around.

She caught a glimpse of Wally when we first sat down but we never saw him again. She kept looking for him although I think she would have been scared if she actually got near him.

She was so tired the next day. She passed out on the couch at 5pm

Russell's Newborn Photos

2011-09-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

I have more pictures of Gemma than I know what to do with. They are organized in files on my computer by day. I was insane with picture taking when she was first born, still kind of am. But poor Russell has probably only a 1/3 of what she has. SO I decided to do professional newborn photos of him. We had 2 sessions. The first was a friend of Paul's that is extremely creative and just starting to try out portrait photography. Russell wasn't too cooperative but he got some neat shots.

Then we went to Andover to Dan Gilian's sutdio who came highly recommended by friends. He was amazing. We were there for 4 hours. He was extremely patient and made oth Russell and I so comfrotbale. We are hoping to do a family session with him this fall. Here are some of my favorites

daddy's baby blanket

First Night Away From Russell

2011-09-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Our friends got married in Rockport over the weekend and my parents watched the kids overnight. I slept for 12 hours, only getting up once to pump. Second child is much different than the first. We have no problem leaving him and having adult nights out!! Of course we missed them but I have also been missing my sleep :)

SMILE :)

2011-09-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

I love trying to make Russell smile so I hope you don't get sick of videos and pictures like this :)

2.5 years

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

2.5 years, so that means we are halfway through the terrible twos!

Gemma has grown up so much in the last 6 months. She is potty trained, sleeps in a big girl bed without a paci, puts on her own shoes, reads books, sings songs, recognizes most letters of the alphabet and many of their sounds, counts into the teens, draws rainbows and circles.

One of her many coloring spots

Helping daddy with the BBQ food while wearing her Chiefs apron

Gemma loves rides. The faster and dizzier the better

She has thrown some nasty tantrums in the last couple months.

Overall she is getting better but we have had some trying times since Russell was born. Lots of crying and whining. She has been having a really hard time whenever I am talking to other adults. She used to scream "No Talking". Now she will say, "Excuse me, I want to talk". Still not that much better since she says it with such attitude. When its just Gemma, Russell and I she is usually fine. But once we go out in public and I try to talk to someone we have trouble. We have been counting (1,2,3 magic!) and doing time outs. At home they help but not so much when we are out. I try to give her special Gemma and Mommy time but she will often ask for Russell to come too. She loves her little brother!

Being a big sister has really made Gemma become more independent. She is a great helper. She likes to get diapers for Russell, help burp him, cook with mommy, sing and read to Russell, and give him a paci or bounce his chair if he's crying.

I am amazed at Gemma's imagination. She has 3 imaginary friends; Tommy, Ani and Cindy. They all have different colored hair and one of them is sometimes a bunny. She loves to run away from the imaginary tiger that lives in our house. Sometimes she asks mommy to pretend she is a bear and Russell a lion. Colored pencils have turned into cold Popsicles. She wraps them in paper towels so your hand doesn't get too cold.

She is still very focused and engaged when it comes to art projects. She will spend forever working on those water wonder coloring books. They have become life savers. She spent 30 minutes one one while I talked to the Dr at her well check today

She is more and more interested in playing sports like soccer, tball, golf and football with daddy. We always bring a ball to the park so she can play soccer on the field. She is not very athletic though. Paul and I think its hilarious to watch her run and jump.

Height 36.5" (75%)

Weight 28 lbs (50%)

We will be taking her to an allergist. I hate that she is still on Zyrtec every night but if she misses a night her eyes get watery, nose runny and lots of sneezing. We will also do a lactose test. Her belly gets so upset after eating alot of dairy, especially ice cream. The Dr wants us to start the inhaler again since she sometimes coughs after running around. She is worried that if we don't take care of that asthma now then she will be more susceptible to problems come winter.

Despite all her tantrums and whining she is still incredibly sweet. She is extremely empathetic and loves to snuggle. Hopefully she will mellow out a little over the next 6 months

The Breastfeeding Blues

2011-09-03T05:24:00.000-07:00

Why is something so natural so darn difficult? I nursed Gemma for 3.5 months and was so upset when I stopped. I felt like my body had failed to provide for my baby. Looking back I know that formula was the best thing for Gemma. She was miserable until she started Nutramigen formula.

All through my pregnancy with Russell I was so excited for a second chance to breastfeed. Especially when I found out I might need a c section. Again, feeling like my body was failing me. Well I have come to realize that I might not be cut out for breastfeeding. For some reason my kids just don't respond well to it.

I have tried changing some things with Russell but so far not much luck. For the last two weeks he seems so uncomfortable when nursing. I take him off thinking he needs to burp but then he screams. Thinking it might be something I was eating, I pumped and fed him the bottle. I expected the same reaction since its the same milk but Russell loved it. So then I thought it must be because he was upright when he gets the bottle versus more horizontal when nursing. So I changed his nursing position. No luck. So I am mostly pumping and just giving him a bottle. I still try to nurse him a few times a day but only sometimes with success. Pumping with 2 little ones is near impossible for me. I barely have time for them as is.

So why is he ok with the bottle but not on my breast? Maybe I am having a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance. The pump might be doing a better job at getting the right balance of milk hence why Russell responds to it better. The lactation consultant at Baby Cafe suggested block feeding (feeding from the same side for 2-3 times). This produces less foremilk. This only works for us sometimes.

He sometimes gets so upset and there is nothing I can do to help.When I was at the Baby Cafe last week I had to leave to give him a bottle at home. Everyone there tried to help . He was hungry but clearly couldn't nurse. Its even more stressful to feed him while we are out and about because there is no back up bottle.

The other problem we are having is that Russell gets extremely gassy after his early morning feeding (around 4-6am). Last night I gave him a bottle at 3:30 and put him down. I got into bed ready for lots of sleep...15 minutes later I was up until 6 with a miserable baby. He was pushing for hours. He finally pooped a little tonight.

So now what? We have been giving him probiotics for a few weeks. We use gripe water which works occasionally. Tummy massage and bicycle legs haven't done too much for him. We gave him a tiny does of milk of magnesia one day which seemed to helped but that stuff can't be very good for his belly so I'm trying to avoid it unless he goes days without a poop.

I think we might try nutramigen formula at the early morning feed to see if that helps during his gassy hours. I can't believe I am already talking formula. It hasn't even been 2 months. But at this point I am feeling out of options. I will try anything to help him feel better.

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to my best friend and the love of my life.

We celebrated our five year anniversary a couple weeks ago. Auntie Julie was in town and offered to watch both kids so that we could go out. Paul first took us to pick out a right hand ring for me as an aniversary gift. When I had first tried this ring on our wedding song started playing. Clearly the ring was meant for me!! Then we had a fabulous dinner at L'Andana. Thanks Julie (and mom, who came to help :)

No one can get out of playing dress up and marching through the house when visiting Gemma. Julie was rockin' a funky beat on the keyboard.

Busy Day With HeyPa

2011-08-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

HeyPa came to town for a quick visit so we packed in lots of fun. Thursday night Paul picked him up and then they joined us at an outdoor concert.

We spent Friday morning at the pool.

After nap we went into the city despite the rainstorm that had just passed through. We ran around the Greenway, rode the carousel, watched the seals, got a balloon, saw street performers and ate dinner

No visit from HeyPa would be complete without a new trick. This one is much better than when he taught her to pick her nose and smell his feet :) Thanks HeyPa

ABC School

2011-08-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Gemma has been doing a class at the Y this summer that does craft projects for each letter of the alphabet. She is so interested in letters right now. Here are a few of her projects

F for flamingo

At home we did r for rainbow
She now likes to draw rainbows all the time
This one we made with dry erase crayons and a white board. Great idea for all you moms looking for something new to draw with

E for egg
She wasn't sure about the glue getting all over her hands for this project but she finished it :)

When we started this class Gemma was very hesitant to get dirty. She is like that at home too. I wonder who she gets that from...daddy??? Now she is loving painting her hands and making a mess. I'm just glad I don't have to clean up that mess. I love doing art projects but I can barely clean up after 2 kids as is. So messy projects at home may have to wait a few months

Watching her at this class makes me think she is really ready for a more structured setting like preschool. I am looking into sending her a couple mornings a week starting in the winter.

So Many Visitors

2011-08-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

So many of our wonderul family and friends have come by to meet our precious little Russell

American Idol Auditions

2011-08-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

I got a new app on my phone that allows us to send and receive voice messages (like texting). Yesterday Gemma wanted to sing to MaGi and Blair. She kept asking to do more so I got out the video camera and she sang her heart out. Enjoy!

And lets not forget her creative dance moves

Come Back Auntie Blair

2011-08-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Gemma had so much fun with Auntie Blair last weekend that she keeps saying "I miss Bair". We enjoyed the beautiful weather Saturday by spending time at the pool. Gemma and Blair did lots of swimming. After a long nap (Russell even napped on Blair) we went to Skyline park and then out for ice cream.

Sunday was rainy and cool so we visited the Museum of Science. Gemma loved running around and pushing buttons. We spent alot of time in the children's center. Luckily my parents have a membership so we can spend lots of yucky fall/winer days here.

Of course no playdate with Gemma would be complete without dress up! I can't wait to see what HeyPa will dress up as when he comes to visit this weekend :)

Russell x2

2011-08-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

2 weeks before Russell Gentile was born our friends Sara and James gave birth to Russell Aitken. They were in town for the weekend and we were able to get the Russells together.

Gemma and Gabe were excited to show off their baby brothers

We met at Skyline park in Arlington, one of our favorites!

During this outing Gemma used the outdoor potty (the woods) for the first time. I think Russell is going to be easier to potty train because of situations like this :)

One Month

2011-08-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, at 2 weeks I thought one month seemed so far off but now I can't believe its already here. Russell had his well check today and looked great.

Weight 9 lbs 1 oz (30%)

Length 21.5" (50%)

Head 50%

He pretty much just goes with the flow during the days. Gemma doesn't sit still for long so we are always out and about. He takes little cat naps but doesn't love sleeping in his car seat the way Gemma used to. I've been somewhat successful at getting him to nap while Gemma naps. I swaddle and lay him in the crib!! Gemma used to just nap in the swing but he doesn't love that.

He sleeps pretty well at night (most nights but of course there are exceptions hence why I'm so exhausted today). Usually he wakes at 1,4 and 7am . When we first put him to bed he will sometimes go a good 4 hours. After that he is closer to 2-3 hours and doesn't like to lay flat in the crib so after the 1am feeding he goes in his bouncy seat. We now bring that seat up in to the bedroom every night. I'm not sure why but it seems like his belly bothers him in the middle of the night. Maybe because he doesn't latch good at that feeding and gets in too much air??? If he wants to sleep inclined that's fine with me, just as long as he sleeps

He loves to be outside. I can often be seen rocking him while walking up and down our street around 7pm (his cranky time). My new trick is putting him in a chair by the open front door.

He is much more alert and focused. Toys and people are starting to catch his attention. He is very strong (I know every mom says that) so we've learned that he needs to be buckled in at all times. At 3 weeks Paul bet me that Russell could roll over. I lost. I didn't even take out the video camera :(

Potty Time!

2011-08-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

While MaGi was here we started potty training Gemma. I could not have done it alone. We spent lots of time reading stories while trying to go potty. She got a smartie or a pez candy each time she went. She rarely asks for candy now. It really only took a few days and now Gemma is in big girl underwear (Minnie and princess of course). She is very excited to show them to everyone. Its not easy helping her go potty all day long especially since she always seems to go during nap and while I'm nursing Russell. I don't think my dr would approve of me holding her up on public toilets but I don't see any other option unless I buy one of those travel potty seats. Only a couple more weeks until I'm "allowed" to pick her up. I'm not sure what to do if she has to go potty while we are out on a walk and not near a restroom, any suggestions??

She stayed dry in her underwear for a few days but has since had a few accidents. Once when her friends were over and 2 times while playing outside at daycare. So I have been putting her in pull ups when we are out and about. Of course she somehow manages to keep those dry, just not her underwear.

I wish she didn't wake up from nap to go potty but I'm proud of her for doing so even if it means I don't get to nap. Last night she woke up at 4am and went potty. I'll keep you posted on our progress

I can't believe what a big girl Gemma is. She has grown so much in the past four weeks. She really is a big girl. She has been such a great helper with Russell. She loves to grab me diapers and give Russell a paci or blanket when needed. I'm so proud of her

Thanks MaGi for your help!

Mommy and the Kids

2011-08-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

I have been so lucky to have lots of help these past few weeks. Monday was my first day home alone with both kids. The day started off great. Russell slept until Gemma was done eating breakfast. Then she played quietly while I fed him, WOW! I managed to get us all out of the house in time for ABC class. We ate lunch, napped (even me!) and then splashed in the puddles once the sun came out. Some friends came over for pizza and then a trip to the library in our pjs for storytime. Gemma did great all day except for an hour of crankiness and some meltdowns. But overall I'd say the day was a big success

A Week with MaGi

2011-08-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

MaGi planned her visit to help out while Paul was away in Florida for work. I'm not sure I would have made it without her.

Blueberry picking

Making peanut butter balls (look at Gemma's crazy hair after nap)

Playing dress up

Lots of time at the park

Gemma likes to fly in the plane to Kansas City to see MaGi, HeyPa and Blair. Don't forget to bucket up!

Feeding the animals at the farm

MaGi watched both kids one night so Paul and I could go to dinner. Such a treat! She also worked on potty training Gemma, more on that to come

Thanks MaGi, we miss you already

A week with Memere

2011-08-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

We were very lucky to have Paul home with us for 2 weeks. When it was time for him to go back to work my mom took a week off to spend with us. It was great to have alone time with Russell while Memere gave Gemma lots of attention. I also managed to sneak in a short nap each day which really helped.

Gemma and Memere having a pretend picnic

A real picnic at the park

Check out Russell's cool sneakers

Memere helped me take the kids on our first walk in the BOB

Thanks Mom!

Tongue Tied

2011-07-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

When we were still in the hospital the lactation consultants and nurses told us that Russell was slightly tongue tied. But each morning I'd ask the pediatrician that came to look at Russell and they would say he is fine. A couple days ago I started getting very sore while breastfeeding. I asked the lactation consultants to take a look at Russell nursing. Right away they both said that it was because he is tongue tied. At this point I was just so confused, is he or isn't he? I decided to take him to the ENT since they are the ones that deal with this. They had a cancellation and saw Russell Thursday. He was mildly tongue tied. This can impact feeding by making me sore and him more gassy, weight gain (Russell is barely back to birth weight), and speech. They said we could wait and see if it causes him to have a lisp and then do the procedure when he's older but that would required anesthesia. Or we could just do it now, a quick procedure. So I opted to have it done. They put some numbing liquid under his tongue, I left the room and within a few minutes the Dr was bringing him out to me and I was nursing him in the waiting room right away. He seems completely fine and I am feeling better!!

Crazy Fingers

2011-07-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Gotta love baby gang signs

Gemma- 1 month

Russell 4 days

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

2011-07-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

This is his favorite spot in the playroom

Gemma was worried Russell was cold so she put her ink blankets on him

Pig pile on daddy

I finally got the hang of the Moby and Russell loves it

Our little frogger (He loves to lay on our chest like a frog) I also call him my bug since he is always creeping and crawling up our chest

2 Week Well Check

2011-07-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

Russell looks great! He weighs 7 lb 14 oz, almost birth weight. He still has clogged tear ducts which may last months. He is very slightly tongue tied but its not interfering with his feeding so we are going to leave it be. But we will watch his speech when he gets older.

Gemma has been asking to go to Anne's house (daycare) so I sent her there today so that I could give the doctor and Russell my full attention. Gemma had a blast and is already asking to go back. She loves her friends :)

I have lots of photos but no time to upload them. I promise a photo post soon

Who's Who?

2011-07-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Two beautiful sleeping babies. When we first saw Russell we thought he looked alot like Gemma. But now I think he looks more like Paul and Gemma looked more like me. Russell doesn't have the big eyes and long lashes like Gemma and I. Can you tell who's who?

First picture is Russell, bottom one is Gemma

Russell's First Week

2011-07-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Friday morning Russell and I were discharged and ready to go home.

It is so nice to be home just the 4 of us but alot more work than sitting in a hospital bed. Luckily we have lots of great friends and family helping out.

Friday night was our first night home and my parents came over to watch a sleeping Russell while Paul and i took Gemma out to dinner. She was so excited to have some time with us. I was in a ton of pain so we took it slow. That night I went to bed when Gemma did. Russell decided to finally wake up and cry most of the night which he hadn't done in the hospital. Saturday night he slept great but Gemma kept waking up asking to sleep in our bed or for us to stay in her room. Things have settled down now. Gemma is going down easier and Russell is sleeping great.

Gemma thinks its funny that Russell is using all the things she used to use when she was a baby like this bouncy chair.

Saturday morning Gemma and Paul went to music class as usual. I stayed home and napped with Russell. After Gemma took a nap we went to our neighbors house so everyone could meet Russell and Gemma could go for a swim. That night Gemma helped daddy give Russell a sponge bath.

Then we all snuggled on the couch to watch a movie before bed

Sunday morning Paul let me sleep in!!! Then Paul and Gemma drove Russell and I to his first well check. On our way home we stopped by Babies r Us. Gemma had a complete meltdown and Russell started crying too. Gemma continued to scream in the car the entire ride home but Russell seemed to be soothed by her screams and settled down. Already I can tell they have such different personalities. Gemma is very emotional and dramatic. Russell is very laid back and mellow. I am excited to continue watching them develop into their personalities

Gemma meets Russell

2011-07-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Gemma stayed at my parents while we were in the hospital. Luckily her daycare didn't fill her spot for the summer so she was able to still go there for the week. After my parents picked her up Monday they took her to the Gingerbread House to pick out some toys for Russell and a muffin for mommy. When Memere was in the hospital we got her a muffin so now Gemma associates muffins with making people in the hospital feel better.

When she got the hospital Paul brought Russell to the nursery and went to greet Gemma downstairs. When she first came into my room she was a little nervous. I was still hooked up to a bunch of wires. She sat in bed with me for a little but you could tell she wasn't so sure about it. Then we started talking about baby boy and she went with Paul to go get him.

She was so excited to bring him back into the room. She gave Russell a lovie and a blue elephant rattle. Russell gave Gemma a baby boy doll that she has named Lee. Then Paul and I gave her a big sister present, some mickey mouse figures.

She was fine with us holding Russell and even asked to hold him herself. She gave him lots of kisses and pats on the head. After a little while she asked to go to Memere's house to watch a movie. We thought for sure she would have a meltdown when it was time to leave but she was great! We had her walk Russell back to the nursery so she wouldn't think that he got to stay with me when she left.

She came to visit each day after daycare. After the first couple days she started getting upset when it was time to leave. She kept asking to go to "me house". One night Paul took her out to dinner and then brought her back to Memere's house to avoid a screaming fit at the hospital.

She is very excited to tell everyone she is a big sister. And she really has been great with Russell. She gets sad when she isn't with me but never has a problem with me feeding or holding Russell around her. She was not happy about leaving mommy to go to music class with daddy but of course she had a great time once she was there. Paul has been amazing with her and giving her lots of extra attention.

Gemma has been very spoiled this last week. Everyone is giving her treats and presents. Paul and I think those extra treats are why she seems so much bigger and heavier. But that could also be because we now have a little baby sitting next to her and in comparison she is a giant.

Welcome Russell Lee

2011-07-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Russell Lee was born at Winchester Hospital July 11th (7/11/11) by scheduled c section at 8:01 am. He was 8 lbs, 20.5 in

He is named after our fathers'. He has both of their middle names

Despite all my efforts to move baby he refused to turn head down. We arrived at the hospital that morning at 6am to get ready for my 7:30 am c section. As the time got closer I got more and more nervous. The dr came in right at 7:30 and told me he needed to add some things to my consent form. He had forgotten that there was a chance my cyst was back and it would need to be removed along with my ovary if there were any complications. Talk about adding to my nerves. They wheeled me down the hall while Paul had to wait in the room. I started my music as soon as they got me onto the operating table. I was shaking uncontrollably. The nurses helped me stay focused on my music which eased my shakes. Every time I started asking crazy questions someone would mention the music ("Great song", etc) and soothe me. They had me strapped down and numb. I kept asking for Paul but they weren't ready for him to come in. Good thing I was strapped down because otherwise I may have run out. Paul finally came in, grabbed my hand and sat next to me. He says my bottom lip was quivering like crazy and he was surprised by how tightly I squeezed his hand. He was amazing. He kept me distracted by saying things like "Doesn't this hat make my head look huge?". I kept telling him how strange it all felt. I could feel so much pressure. I felt Russell wiggle out and told Paul. Seconds later he was crying!!!

The nurses let us see him for a second but then whisked him away. I turned my head as best I could but wasn't able to really see him while he was getting checked out. I was so emotional about this. Paul was trying to console me but I asked him to go be with Russell I didn't want both of us to miss those moments. Paul was torn and he kept coming back to check on me.

When they finally let Paul hold him he came right over to me and held Russell right next to my face. I pressed my face up against him since this was the only contact I could make. Poor Paul must have been so uncomfortable leaning over me like that but he knew how important it was for me to be near Russell. After about 15 minutes I was all sewn up. Dr told me everything went great, no cyst! If we were to have another we would be a good candidate for a VBAC!!

They let me hold Russell while I was being wheeled to recovery room.

As soon as we got in our room I was able to have some skin to skin time. Only then did I finally feel relaxed.

My Playlist:

Butterfly- Donovan Frankenreiter

Don't Know Why-Norah Jones

Wading in the Velvet Sea- Phish (I was being strapped down)

Blackbird-Beatles

So Far Away- Donovan Frankenreiter

Inaudible Melodies- Jack Johnson (Russell was born)

The Wind- Cat Stevens

Sail Away With Me-David Gray

The Scientist- Coldplay

Hold You in My Arms- Ray LaMontagne (Paul first held Russell)

Beautiful Boy- John Lennon

Green Eyes-Coldplay (I first held Russell)

Someone Like You- Van Morrison

Gravity- John Mayer

My Oh My- David Gray

Waste-Phish

Crazy Love- Michael Buble

Fortunate Fool- Jack Johnson

Come Away With Me-Norah Jones

Even later when I was describing the whole ordeal I would start shaking and only this playlist could calm me down.

Recovery

2011-07-16T18:18:00.001-07:00

My pregnancy with Russell was much different than the first. So its fitting that the delivery was completely different too. Most important is that Russell is healthy. My dr told us during the operation that I would be a candidate for a VBAC if we have a third child. I do not ever want to have another c scetion.

Everyone keeps checking on to see how my recovery is going. It is extremely hard for me not to pick up Gemma. She was my first baby. I know she is old enough to climb onto me but I miss scooping her up. I am finally feeling better when going up and down stairs and when getting on the floor to play with Gemma. Starting tomorrow I can drive again!! I have hated relying on others to get around.

Paul had 2 weeks of paternity leave, thank god. He has taken care of me, the kids and the house for 2 weeks. He has changed way more diapers than me. The kids and I will really miss him when he goes back to work tomorrow.

Overall this time around has been a much more difficult recovery both physically and emotionally. Not sure if that's because of the c section or because i have a 2 year old at home. Hopefully we will fall into a routine soon.

Russell & Gemma's Bedroom

2011-07-14T15:56:00.001-07:00

We may be crazy but we are planing on having Russell and Gemma share a room. Gemma seems very excited about the idea. Our fingers are crossed it works out well.

All packed and ready to go

2011-07-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

I am definitely a planner so you'd think having a scheduled c section would make me happy. Surprisingly I hate that the spontaneity of birth has been taken away from me. Although if I'm going to have a c section I'd rather it be scheduled than an emergency. But now I am stressing over every little detail because I know when its coming. With Gemma I had a basic bag packed and when my water broke 2 weeks early we just went with it. This time I am over thinking all the packing and scheduling stuff. Its obviously different now that I have Gemma to think about but if I didn't know the exact day and time I'd be having baby then I couldn't stress as much.

I had an ultrasound Wednesday that showed baby is still breeched despite my beliefs he had turned. All that movement I felt was just him flipping back to the right side. He is completely folded up and sucking on his toes (kinda cute). My fluid levels were still good. We will start another round of acupuncture tonight. I haven't given up all hope. Baby is scheduled for a c section Monday July 11th at 7:30am. Part of me wanted to wait as long as I could but I also don't want to run the risk of him wanting to come out before the scheduled date. I don't want to feel rushed into the surgery, I want it to be as calm as possible.

Big Day for Gemma

2011-07-07T17:40:00.001-07:00

Today was probably the last day Gemma and I will be spending alone together before baby boy comes. All day I was amazed at what a big girl she is becoming. I was so proud of her for using the potty right before nap. After nap we went swimming at Jen's pool and she insisted on swimming by herself (with a vest). I didn't think she'd be able to but she surprised me. She even asked to go under water which she has been so afraid of at swimming lessons.

Then we went to a picnic concert and she went right out into the crowd to dance, so not like her.

Walking to the car after the concert she told me "really fun day mommy"!

Storytime

2011-07-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Gemma is really into reading these days. She is obseesed with 5 small Kevin Henkes books. We read them multiple times a day and she often sleeps with them. I love when she reads the books to us.

Of course if you haven't read the books before you probably wouldn't know what she is saying but Paul and I can understand her perfectly.

She even reads to baby boy

My kindergartners were so impressesd when Gemma came in to read to them. Many kids worte about Gemma reading as one of their top 10 memories of Kindergarten :-)

Super Sharer

2011-07-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

When I picked up Gemma today at daycare I was greeted by all the kids yelling "super sharer!" Turns out Gemma shared with everyone all day long and earned the title "super sharer". I am so proud of her. She asked to tell daddy as soon as we got to the car and has told everyone she has seen. We went for a special treat to celebrate!

July 4th Weekend

2011-07-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted!

We had a fun filled family weekend. Saturday we went to BBQ #1 at Dave and Jody's. The girls were busy playing games, eating snacks and finally relaxing to watch a movie.

Sunday was BBQ #2 at Jen and Mike's new house. Gemma stayed home with Memere and Grandpa.

Monday started with the parade at the Common.

All 3 of them have grown so much in the past year
It was way too hot out for this pregnant mommy so we didn't hang around the park for too long. The lines were long and there wasn't much shade. After nap we went to our neighbors house to swim and have BBQ #3.

We left there to head over to our last BBQ of the weekend, #4 at the Stratfords.

I think Gemma and I will take it easy tomorrow!

37/38 Weeks

2011-07-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Baby boy is still breeched but he has been very active so there's still a chance! I have been trying everyone's suggestions including accupuncture which I started Wednesday night. I wanted to start it earlier but the dr wasn't 100% sure baby hadn't moved so we waited until an ultrasound Tuesday night confirmed his position. The acupuncturist taught me how to do the treatment and I showed Paul. So now he will do it for me every night for 5 days hopefully without leaving any burns on my toes. There are no needles involved. We burn moxa (basically an incense) next to a spot on each of my baby toes for 15 minutes. This is supposed to increase estrogen and other hormones that encourage baby movement. He was crazy active the first night of having this done. He has since flipped from my right side to my left.

I had another ultrasound today. He is measuring about 6 lbs 6 oz. My fluid level dropped from 14 to 8 but its still in the normal range. I'll do another fluid check and pre op visit next week.

My c section is scheduled for the morning of July 14th. That gives him almost 2 weeks to turn so keep your fingers crossed.

I am feeling huge and tired from the extra weight. Baby is constantly kicking which can be uncomfortable. He is either much stronger than Gemma or it just feels that way because its my second pregnancy. Thankfully its flip flop weather because my swollen feet can't fit in any of my shoes. I have recently developed acid reflux so I basically sleep upright. And as of last night I feel like I have arthritis in my hands. Even with all that, I do still love being pregnant. I had Gemma 2 weeks early which would be now for baby boy so I think I am just getting anxious.

The whole c section thing is really messing with my emotions too. I know I am making a bigger deal out of it than I should be. Last night I told Paul they may have to sedate me to get me into the operating room, I was only half joking.

Summer is Here!!

2011-06-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Its official, school is out and the weather is great. Gemma and I have been having lots of fun with friends.

We had the Stratfords over for some backyard water fun. Thanks to Patrick, Gemma is no longer afraid of the sprinklers. She really needs an older sibling to loosen her up

We went over to the Stratfords for some smoothies and playground fun. Meryl taught Gemma how to do Superman on the swing. Its her favorite thing to do a the park now. And she asks for a "foothie" almost everyday.

We checked out the new splash pad in Winchester with Kylie and Quinn. Gemma was out of sorts at the beginning and kept asking to take a nap in her stroller. But she finally snapped out of it and enjoyed the beach. Kylie loved the splash pad. Both girls refused to look at the camera for a picture. My parents are getting a membership here and hopefully more friends will join us for beach days

We went to the Franklin Park Zoo with the Stratfords.

1 out of the 3 was cooperating! Thanks Patrick for saying, "cheese"

Again, Gemma was out f sorts. She refused to look at most of the animals and kept complaining. She has had a runny nose for a couple days and with this change in behavior I'm worried its a sign she is getting sick. Or it could be that we are letting her stay up later since its summer. We'll have to get her to bed early and see if that helps.

Gemma has been helping me pick up our farm share of fruits and veggies each week. This week she spent 20 minutes shelling peas. She was determined to do them all herself.

I'm sure things will slow down a little when baby first arrives but we have lots of fun things we'd like to try this summer. Not sure when I'll have the time to post about it all but I'll try my best

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-30T11:09:00.001-07:00

Better late than never. I finally got around to uploading pictures and realized I never posted from Father's Day, sorry Paul! Since I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast its hard for me remember father's day exactly. I had a few of Paul's friends over for breakfast that morning before they left for a tee time I set up. Gemma and I went to Wingersheek with some friends. I realized I won't be going to the beach much once baby boy comes, there is just too much to carry.

When Paul finished golf he went out with the guys for some beers and then met us for a BBQ at my parents.

I'm so glad Paul got some time to relax. He deserves it. Gemma, baby boy and I are so lucky to have the best daddy and husband. He is always helping out and loves to make us laugh :-)