Big Brother, Big Sister

Sabin and Chloё are enjoying their new brother and figuring out where they fit in this week with mama in bed and daddy at the helm of their day. Both children love to hold the baby and ask regularly. Each time he cries, I have an audience. Sabin wants to understand what is going on. Chloё scolds and fusses over me because I'm "making our baby cry".

Sabin has chosen the, "I'm big" path. He keeps looking for ways to establish himself as the big kid. At the same time, he is extra wild and crazy--teasing and harassing, jumping and bouncing off the walls.

My Compssion strategy: to remember that because the routine is missing, he is feeling very out of control. to remember that he is only 4 and cannot understand it all. to hug and cuddle him not just each time he asks (which isn't much) but more than he is asking for. to challenge him with jobs in which he can feel successful and truly helpful.

Chloё is "the baby". She knows she fits their. She's fussier and can't do things that a week ago she was proud to do, ie choosing her own clothes and dressing herself. She tantrums easily and runs to mama with each little bump. I am thankful that her daddy is so ptient with her.

My Compassion Strategy: Nurse her! to remember that she doesn't understand that mama is only down for a few days. to remember that she is only a baby and allow her that--she is only a week older than she was before Cohen was born. to hold her, hold her, hold her. To give her jobs where she can feel successful and helpful.

Peacefully BuZzInG

Misty

Five Drops of Blood

Newborn screening today. The needle that pricked my baby's heel, pricked this mama's heart. Crazy how even without the "bellicull cord" I'm still attached.

My Little Mister seems to have a plugged tear duct on the left side. I am applying breast milk to the eye, warm compresses and gentle massage. I feel bad that his eye is a bit goopy from the mucus, but he doesn't seem to mind.

Cohen weighed in at 7 lbs 15 oz today. An ounce over birthweight. He's such a sweet, little contented guy. I love the way he stares at his mama and daddy and brother and sister. We're past the latch issue since my milk has come in and nursing is going very well. Here we grow!

Peacefully BuZzInG
Misty

Baby has a Name

Today at 4 days old, we christened our little boy with the name Cohen David Sena. Grandpa (David) was honored, even tickled. Now to get used to calling him by his new name...

After Cohen was born he and I were to treated to an herbal bath. He was more interested in nursing than relaxing in the tub. Maybe he figured he'd already been dunked enough for one day. Two days later, we tried again. He was so peaceful and sweet floating in the water. Sabin and Joey said that the herbs smelled like a roast chicken, but Cohen and I sure enjoyed it.

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

Welcome Baby Boy!

At 11:40am on Wednesday, February 15th our family welcomed this healthy "Little Mister" into our home and hearts! He weighed in at 7 lbs and 14 oz and is 19 and 3/4 inches long.

We delivered him at home in the water using a large tub set up in our livingroom. I loved having my children around for the birth. And they were wonderful helpers - making sure I was doing well, giving kisses, rubbing my back. Sabin was especially helpful wherever he could find a job and Chloё continued to check in and make sure I was doing okay. Many times she came to me to show her love and concern.The midwives were wonderful with including my littles. Both children even got a turn in the tub. My dear friend, Kim, was a huge support and was on hand for whatever the children might need. One of my favorite parts was hearing the happy giggles while I labored. Our baby was born into the hands of his own mama (which leaves me feeling a bit like a super-woman).

Joey is holding down the fort this week: cooking meals, taking care of the children, and even managing laundry while I rest up and fall in love with our new baby. He is always such an amazing man. And I am again reminded of my great love for him.

"Little Mister" is yet un-named. Well, most often he is called "Baby". We are working on it though. :)

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

Toast?

Just for "fun" I recently picked up a toaster at a thrift shop. Sabin really enjoys using tools and he is beginning to wonder how things work. I thought this would be fun for him.  Mostly I just watched. A couple of times I started to share my own observations (I had never seen a toaster in pieces before), but then I would stop myself. I tried hard to only ask a few simple questions that would encourage him to look closer.

His favorite part was making the toaster pop up using his finger instead of the button. He also liked toasting a slice of bread while the toaster was open and he could see it glow red hot.

When he was finished we re-assembled it and put it away in the basement for the next time. I'm certain he will want to do that again.

Peacefully BuZzInG!
Misty

Little Bear Cubs

Last week Sabin got a snow fort. It provided several days of fun. The littles enjoyed snacks there and big brother even made a special snow seat for his little sister.

Eventually, the fort became a mountain for climbing and sledding.

A little more snow and today was Chloё's turn. We made a little bear cave. In all honesty, we tried yesterday, but it collapsed. So we piled the snow back up and decided we'd try again today.

Again there was snacks in the snow. Little bear cubs do get hungry after all.

What fun we have!

Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty

The Snow Fort

We had a lovely snow storm. The snow in our yard is about 2 feet deep. Once we shoveled the patio clear there was a pile of snow alomost 4 feet high. Sabin decided he needed a snow fort, so we shoveled out the middle of the pile. I loved when he told me that he needed an American flag for his fort. Fortunately, I just happened to have one.

He played there for an hour after it was finished.

Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty