Laugh Until You Cry

Yesterday was my fourth mother’s day but my first as a mom to two. I feel so blessed to be mom to these two beautiful boys. It is really incredible. I was concerned about finding enough love for a second child, but it just comes, and it is amazing. My heart has enough space for both of them.

It was pretty much like any other day for me. Collin actually went with his dad to his very first Red Sox game and had a blast. Camden and I spent the day together – shopping, relaxing, and walking a 3k race. It was nice. I didn’t get any extravagant gifts, I didn’t get breakfast in bed, or a massage, or jewelry, but its okay. I did not and will not complain about any of that because I have all I need. My boys are everything to me and while those are nice little bonuses, they aren’t necessary.

In the end we were all together for dinner and were able to share some laughs and spent the evening together. And that right there is perfect for me – just being surrounded by the boys who mean the most <3

Here we are, almost a month later – again. I need to get better at blogging. If not for my own sake, for Camden’s sake. For Collin’s sake. This has been my journal for more than four years now! I just haven’t had time. Its not easy to find time at all with two kiddos! I don’t know how everyone does it – we are still working on finding our groove.

Speaking of Collin and Camden… well, they are awesome.

Camden is two months as of Sunday and yesterday we headed to his well baby appointment to hear the doctor say he’s perfect. It was music to my ears to hear that he is very healthy looking, his weight gain was great and he seems to be thriving just fine now.

I can’t help but go back to that appointment at two weeks every now and again. That point in time when all I could hear was failure to thrive swirling around in my head. Failure to thrive for my baby translated to failure to be a good mom and it has taken a long while to overcome that. Seeing the numbers and hearing his doctor say that he is doing great yesterday pushed the last bit of doubt I was holding onto aside. We have a great breastfeeding relationship now, he is growing and is incredibly happy. Who could ask for more than that?

My smiley, happy boy:

He weighed in at about 11.6lbs (43rd percentile) and was 22.8″ long (45th percentile). He’s very proportionate! We got him a new monkey bouncy seat last week and he seems to really enjoy that. He also loves listening to his big brother, looking out the window when he’s laying on his changing table, and cuddling with anyone who will hold him. He’s doing a super job sleeping – usually only waking once in the middle of the night. He’s got a dimple on his right cheek and big bright blue eyes like his dad and Collin.

Collin started spring soccer last week and I am looking forward to his games. He’s doing really, really well with it this season and will be a very successful player. What he really can’t wait for, though, is the opportunity to play baseball. He’s going to be a real slugger if our backyard games are any indication.

I’m back to work and its going well. The count down is on until summer and I am already looking forward to all the possibilities with my boys! <3

Happy 6th Anniversary to us! Brian and I are happy to be celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary today. Usually we go out of town for the weekend of our anniversary to celebrate, but we are not quite ready to leave our littlest overnight yet. Instead, yesterday we headed into Boston for our first date night without the kiddos and had a great time.

I’m still battling pregnancy body issues (I’ve lost the weight but my stomach/hips are no where near what they were like pre-baby) so I’m not always comfortable in my clothes, things may not be glamorous right now with an infant’s diapers to change and a pre-schooler’s demands to be met, we may be working long hours and not seeing each other as much as we’d like, but life is good.

Today we are working on the home we’ve built together, spending time as a family of four, and enjoying what we have been blessed with. Brian and I might not be in a fancy hotel room, or getting massages, or eating at an upscale restaurant, but I couldn’t be happier. Six years later and I’m more in love than ever. I can’t wait to see what the next six and beyond bring!

Its almost been a month since I last updated, but not quite. I’ve got to get better about writing!

Camden Donald has been here for over a month now and we are settled into a routine, I think. I cannot remember him not being here – as weird as that sounds, so I think we’re doing okay. Collin has become such a great big brother and is often concerned, or wanting to hold, or give hugs and kisses to his brother. Its really fun to watch.

Camden had a bit of a rough first couple weeks. He was a big guy at 8lb9oz when he was born, then was discharged from the hospital at 8lbs even. Later, at his two week appointment he was only up to 8lb4oz, so the doctor became concerned with his eating. In that one day we went from the pediatrician to the hospital for a blood draw, then I got to visit with a LC, then he had an ultrasound to check his kidneys (he has fluid on one kidney just like his big brother) then we had to go back to the lab for another blood draw because they screwed something up. Needless to say Mama was a hot mess that afternoon. It all ended okay though, with all labs coming back normal and all signs pointing to a healthy eater. One week later we went for a weight check and he was up to 8lb11oz so everyone was pleased.

Aside from that blip we have had a great time with our newest little boy. He is so cuddly. In fact, today that is all he wants to do and makes sure I know it by screaming his head off if I put him down. It is so gorgeous out – I’m looking forward to going for a walk and hoping he will enjoy it too!

I’ve been doing a lot of reminiscing about how things were with Collin when he was tiny. Of course – life in general is drastically different this time simply because we already have a child and whatnot, but this newborn phase – I’m trying to soak up every second and it is interesting how my boys are similar and different. Speaking of similar – check out this image – Collin is on the left and Camden is on the right. They look more alike than ANY of us thought!

In general things are really, really great. Time is flying though, and while everyone I know seems to be counting down to April Vacation (why wouldn’t they?!), I am dreading it because I go back to work the week following. TOO SOON! My saving grace is that we will be entering the final stretch before summer and then I’ll be able to do some more soaking up of my sweetie <3

Camden Donald:

Born Tuesday March 5th at 37w5d – 8lbs9oz, 20.5″ long. After working a normal day Monday, having a great doctors appointment, and going about business as usual, Camden decided he was ready and came fast and furious early Tuesday morning. We are so in love with our second little boy! Big brother Collin is doing great and loves his little brother so much already!

More pictures to come – when I can stop staring at his beautiful face for more than five minutes