Dear Theo,

Its been one month since you've arrived and I am SO happy that you are here.  We have been getting to know each other, you and me, but more importantly you and your big brother Max are learning about each other.

I cant say its been an easy transition, but more good is coming out of the changes than I ever expected.  Today is much easier than it was just last week for all of us - for you, getting comfortable being part of the world; for me - parenting two kids, two different kids; and for Max - sharing Mama and house and toys and learning/understanding that another person is part of our team. 

At one month:
-you eat like food is going out of style.  ;o)  Have been doing so since the day you were born.  You just like food. 

-you keep your feet upright and hands in a fist right underneath your chin while eating. *

-you started 'cooing' at three weeks.

-you are in a constant state of motion.  Feet, arms always moving. *

-you are a bit fussy; had to change out your formula to something more sensitive. 

-you arent particularly a fan of the car seat or car.  (i am hoping this will change!)

-you have signs that you will smile real soon.  Cant wait to see it!

-your eyes light up when you hear my or your brother's voices. 

-you take your brother's 'help' so graciously, no real complaints of when he's practically laying on top of you or 'holding' in the pacifier (really he's jammed it into your mouth!). 

I am very excited to watch you grow up and see your personality introduce itself to the world.  I didnt understand this part of 'life' with Max, when he was this age, but I do now - it is a real treat to witness your and your brother's growth. 

When I found out I was pregnant with you, I was so surprised.  Seeing you today, its clear you were definitely meant to be...be here, be here with me, and with Max.

I love you so much!
Love,
Mama

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* - same as Max.  (yes I know you are not supposed to compare, but its hard not to say 'hey! those are familiar!')

This is one of my favorites from the shoot today:

I might be starting a new series here - Pin in Real Life - meaning I take a 'pin' from Pinterest and actually make, do, see, buy, etc of the item I pinned. 

Today is Father's Day - Happy Father's Day to my father, my step-father, my brother and brother-in-law.  You are the greatest!

I hosted dinner at my house today, though I have to give most of the credit to Mom for making the meal!  Thanks Mom - you too are the greatest! And I had another opportunity for a photobooth...Yay!  I love me a photobooth ... apparently!

I found these props on Pinterest earlier in the week and thought, Why Not?  Here are the results:



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I was feeling pretty good about myself today - being three and a half weeks post partum and wearing clothes I havent worn in a long time - prior to Max even.  At my two week post-op check up I lost all my baby weight and then an additional 5 pounds.  I practically jumped up and kissed the doctor and I did literally skip out of the office!  Then I see pictures like today and wonder - do people really notice these things...weight loss?? Because you surely wouldnt know it from these pictures - atleast of me! 

I saw a commercial today for Weight Watchers, they have a $1 sign-up fee for their website...can I 'pin' that??

Just some random photos from the last couple of weeks.  To say the least, its been a bit crazy around here wtih schedules, personalities and lack of sleep (for all actually, re-sleep training Max - no more rocking to sleep...this morning I found him asleep on the floor by the gate (yes I gate his bedroom - he walked out and downstairs one night).  Talk about guilt). 

Summary - coming home from hospital, first day by ourselves, kite festival, visit with the twinkies, hanging out and a hot Sunday afternoon in the backyard (yes, that is Max trying to drink from the hose...dont call me a bad parent, I did it as a kid.)

Last summer I saw many of these, summer bucket lists basically.  This year, in my blogroll, I am seeing the return of the summer bucket list.  With me being on leave, I decided to create one for this family.  Its very simple.  I like it.  I like that its holding me responsible for actually doing these items, because knowing me, I would say, 'another day we can do that'.  I am definitely saying 'lets do it today!', now that I've put it in chalk!


What is on your summer bucket list?

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missing from my chalkboard list - go to library, take a train ride (metra), make popsicles and ice cream, and go to 4th of July parade.  There might be a few others that I havent thought of yet!

Blogger Elise Blaha does this.  I found it inspiring, especially today.  So yes, its a bit of a copy-cat, but whatever, its holding me responsible.  And that is what I need right now - something to keep me on course, in the right direction. 


**yes, that is me eight days post-partum, wearing my regular jeans with a regular t-shirt and my new favorite Kohls-clearanced-super-cheap sweater.  I still have a bit of a gut, but once I get cleared from the doctor, my new BFF will be sit-ups and planks. 

My favorite picture of all time.


The Bitter part - adjusting to living with a newborn, new schedules, new attitudes, a new level of patience I am required to have.  The sadness that I missed being in Max's life actively for 4 days (though totally understandable as to why!), it was hard being away from him.  Missing my sister BIG. TIME.  To use the word thankful is not enough, but its the only word I have for her, my mother and step-father. 

The Sweet part - being home with my boys, witnessing new things from Max and Theo, feeling a love for them I never knew imagined.  Looking forward to the many years ahead of us (once we start listening better! and you know who I am talking about!). 

I am supposed to be napping when Theo naps, but I feel the chores pulling at me.  I know they can wait, but I hate feeling behind.  Today though I think I will be taking a giant nap!