Not enough hours in a day

Well, my maternity leave is officially over which means that Lauren is more than 8 weeks old. I don't know which is more unbelievable!

I started my new job last Thursday and finished my second day today. I have my office pretty much all set up and I'm getting used to my new surroundings. It is such a nice place to work and everyone has been so friendly. I think it really helped that all the employees were used to seeing me out there when I would come out as their tax accountant.

Well, my first day also meant my first extended separation from Lauren. She did fine. Me, not so much. If I'm busy working on something it's not that bad, but if it gets slow or I start looking at pictures in my office I start getting that churning feeling in my stomach.

With a smile like that, I would be crazy not to miss her!

Josh was so thrilled to start back at Jaime's this morning. So excited that he woke up at 3:00 am and didn't go back to sleep. When I finally got out of bed around 5:00, I went into his room and he looked right up at me and asked for breakfast. I just about fell over.

We had a nice weekend at home this weekend. With Dustin working so much the yard has pretty much gone to you know where. We actually found this on the side of the house...

THAT'S OUR PUMPKINS REPRODUCING - FROM 2005!!! Seriously. I can kill a houseplant in 2 weeks flat and yet I can grow pumpkins without even trying. Figures.

Dustin decided to mow our lawn since the poor dog was getting lost in the backyard. It was fitting that Mattie decided to help. Well it wasn't so much helping as it was just her reacquainting herself with the layout of the backyard.


Dustin will be the first to tell you that he got to "officially" break in his weed whacker. He did so by whacking down a large plant/small tree in our backyard. He came running inside screaming at me to come look at his accomplishment. Like a good wife I came outside and smiled, nodded and told him how strong he was. Men. They can be like 3-year olds...except with a paycheck. :-)

The kids and I went on a walk while Dustin was busy chopping down the tree. We could hear him and the roar of his machinery the entire walk. Quite amusing.


Everyone started out all excited for some fresh air and a little exercise. But Lauren quickly became bored.

Lauren is getting so strong and, seemingly, more adorable each day. I can't believe we are going for her 2 month check-up on Wednesday. I can't wait to find out how much she's grown. Just look...



Other than that not much is new. We took the kids shopping this weekend and Lauren was screaming the entire way to the store. I looked back at Josh and, as usual when she's screaming, he had his hands on his ears. I finally got her quieted down and he said, "I am NOT having another baby."

But then tonight, he was upset and crying because Mattie accidentally scratched his back. I told him to come get a hug and Lauren immediately started crying, too. I told him that she was sad because he was sad. He gave her a big hug and told her that he was going to be okay. They both stopped crying and he gave her a big kiss on her head and said, "Mom, I love Lauren."

And I do, too, Josh.

Life's rewards don't come without cost.

We have each started getting regular smiles from Miss Lauren. They are quick and hard to catch, but these are my best shots so far - and one of them is half blocked by her arm! Needless to say, the little bit you can see is well worth it! Her face just lights up and I giggle like a school girl each time I get one.

The other thing she has discovered is her mobiles; in her crib, her swing and pack-n-play. It is hysterical to watch her with these things. She'll be crying and then realize that there are little "things" dancing around above her and she stops crying immediately. This morning she was actually laughing at the bears in her pack-n-play.

Big brother Josh still thinks she's cute and takes every chance to pet her head. I've tried explaining to him that she's not like Mattie and we don't really "pet" peoples' heads. But alas, he continues.


He is still a huge help and hears, "Josh, can you get me (fill in the blank).", "Josh, where's her pacifier.", "Josh pour your mother a drink." Well, maybe not the last one quite yet. But we're working on it.

Speaking of drinks, he actually got to give Lauren a bottle this week. He'd been asking to help with that task for awhile and I'd been hesitant because her reflux issue can make feeding time not so much fun. He did great though!


I have spoken poorly of our dog many times. But that girl has finally earned her keep. Her and Josh run around the house and keep each other busy while I'm running around like crazy. He is so tough on her and I do my best to keep him at bay, but deep down they are best buds.


With Dustin working at both jobs I've basically been a single parent and it's hard finding a balance between both the children. However, last night Lauren was in a good mood and Josh and I had the chance to make some brownies for Dad.


YUM-O!

Lauren's sleeping is still all screwed up. I start back at work a week from tomorrow and I will have to get up at 5:00 am. Last night I got 45 minutes of sleep before 5:00 am. So either that girl had better get this sleeping thing figured out or I am going to have to learn how to take a nap in my car during the lunch hour.

Here's a couple other cute photos of Lauren. You can really tell how much she's changing - and see all those little curls in her hair!!!


And just so you all don't think that I'm riding the easy train; we do have bad moments too.

Well, we've been home from our trip to Ohio for a week now. The trip was amazing, exhausting and long-awaited. Joel, the kids and I drove up to Minneapolis on Wednesday night. I knew we were going to have a lot of luggage - what with the bouncer, boppy, pump, blankets, burp cloths, diapers, bottles, nipples, formula, toys for Josh, pull-ups, etc. However, you could have smuggled a small family in our luggage.

So I have to say that the most stressful part of the entire trip had to be getting through security. Seriously, I've had doctor's visits less invasive and getting Josh to take off his shoes and walk through the entire process was about as easy me getting him to eat brussel sprouts. When you add all of that to security people on a bit of a power trip this Mama was ready for a stiff drink after the entire ordeal.

First I have to say, exactly when did airlines stop allowing people with children to board first? Nothing adds more stress to any situation like a dozen business people in suits rolling their eyes behind you in line because you didn't get your stroller tagged before boarding.

So I was not quite sure how the kids were going to react to the flight. I had Lauren's bottle prepped and ready but I pretty much thought the take off and landing would be a crap shoot with Josh. Well, the flights wen't perfectly; there and back.



That is until we realized the airline lost Josh's carseat. Needless to say, he was not happy with us.


We got to feed fish and turtles.

And then funny looking ducks. Check out its mohawk!

We got to have a "Mommy, Lauren and Josh" sleepover EVERY night.


And Mommy learned a new appreciation for the magical appliance known as a dishwasher.


As a parent you get those moments when you realize your children are growing. I had one of those moments last Sunday.

This is Lauren when she was 3 days old:

This is Lauren when she was 4 weeks and 3 days old:


YIKES!!

Overall, we had such a nice time. Spending time with (Great)Grandma and (Great)Grandpa, Aunt Sue and Chuck, Dad and Thomas and of course Uncle Joel was long over due and well worth the stress. These picture make it worth it!

"Sleeping like a baby". That's supposed to be good, right?

First off, the trip to Ohio was great. I'll save all the details and pictures for another post, but the kids were AMAZING and Josh loves to fly. However, a mother traveling with two small children should receive a medal of honor. I couldn't have made the trip without Joel, Dad and Thomas.

Well, Lauren is growing like a weed and not exactly "sleeping like a baby". She has a few more weeks to get this schedule thing figured out. In order to pass the time one night I decided we'd have a little photo session.

This is us at about 2:30 and neither of us had gone to sleep yet....


Yup, she's absolutely, positively, 100% wide awake. The girl has no intention of going to sleep and will not stand for being the only one up. It could be worse, right?


Yes, it can always get worse. Remember that people.


The most important thing about that picture is that I could still crack a smile.

We had a little trip to the doctor's office yesterday. I'd been having some growing concern about Lauren's eating habits and the fact that she is ALWAYS throwing up. So I loaded up the kids and went to see the doctor only to have my worries validated. The poor thing has Reflux. She's on Zantac and I'm praying that does the trick because you can tell she's uncomfortable and feeding her is extremely messy. On a side note I found out she's up to 11 pounds!!

I certainly hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. Here's our little firecrackers:

Toni and Larry were nice enough to bring Josh to the fireworks. He had a great time and Dustin and I enjoyed the quiet time at home with only one child. Seriously, only having one child is a breeze!

Let them eat cake!

Lauren's baptism was this past weekend and everything went perfectly. She was an absolute dream and slept through the entire day, including the actual service. It was nice to introduce her to some more of her family and of course I enjoyed showing her off at church. She is truly a little angel!

Below you will see a photo of her cake. Imagine that cake cut in half. Everyone ate one half, I ate the other. Man it was good.


Anyone who knows my family knows that Josh is spoiled. Well, to be honest, Joel and I are spoiled and that trend has trickled down to the next generation. Lauren is no exception. She has received some of the cutest outfits and adorable gifts from just about everyone we know. However, this picture of Josh showing off one of her gifts is just precious.


In other news, I am resigning from my position at James T. Brems, PC tomorrow. I have been offered another opportunity that is much more condusive to family life and have graciously accepted it. You heard it folks, I have made it through my last tax season.

Dustin has started at UPS in the evenings as a package handler. You can add him to your list of prayers again though. One prayer goes towards a driver position opening for him and another prayer to give him the strength to make it until that position opens. He is working a lot of hours and although we have decided that in the long run this is for the best, it is difficult for him and we miss our Daddy.

Cutey pa-too-tee!!

Well, the first few weeks have already passed and so far we've survived! Lauren had her days and nights mixed up but we're slowly getting those turned around. It seems that we have a good night, then a bad night, then a good night and so on. She is such a good baby otherwise. She doesn't really cry at all and she is completely content to be awake and sit in her bouncy chair and have Josh and I talk to her. Overall, things have been going well.

Josh is still facinated with his baby sister. He loves getting to hold her and takes every opportunity to help me with diapers and feedings.




Dustin loves to hold his little girl and most times I find her sleeping on his chest.


I'm healing nicely. The first week was rough, but other than some swelling and tenderness, my stomach and incision are doing fine. Honestly, what they say about pregnancy and giving birth is true. When I look at Lauren I completely forget about being uncomfortable or in pain and start to think about having another baby! Children are so amazing, even when they are naughty, and Dustin and I would love a big brood!

Look at these eyes...and tell me you wouldn't want another!

Introducing Lauren Elizabeth Bricker!!

Well, I've obviously been MIA for a few days. But for a very good reason. Before I start, I'm warning this will be a VERY long post...

Well, Thursday, May31, 2007, Lauren Elizabeth Bricker decided to make her appearance. I had not slept very well the night before and was sure not to eat anything after midnight just "in case" this was it. I woke up at my usual time and went to the bathroom. I noticed I was spotting and called Dustin to tell him that he may not want to drive to Iowa City that day. I told him not to panic, but that I was going to take a shower and get ready as usual, take Josh to daycare and call labor and delivery. Well, I took my shower and *POP* - my water broke.

I called Dustin back and said, "Yeah, you might want to come home because my water just broke." I thought he was going to die. Amazingly, I didn't freak. I calmly packed our bags, got Josh ready, called labor and delivery and took Josh to daycare. The timing of everything could not have been more perfect.

We got to labor and delivery around 7:30. Within 30 minutes, they hooked me up to the monitor to watch her heart rate and my contractions, ran a few other tests, started my lab work and began calling in nurses and other staff for surgery. Less than two hours later, at 9:28 am, she officially arrived!!!!

Everything went so fast we barely got a last minute photo. This was us as I was being wheeled into the operating room...

Look at that belly! Seriously, no wonder I felt huge. It's because I was!!

Getting the spinal was even more difficult than the one I got with Josh. As soon as I felt my legs going numb I was so relieved because after five pokes into my spine the next option was to knock me out completely. I would have been devastated to miss all of this...



The next most exciting moment was Josh meeting his new sister. The first thing he said was, "Mom, her's so cute!"



The staff was amazing, as usual. We absolutely love Mercy Hospital and can't wait to visit them all again. They are so caring and were extra special to the new big brother. He asked so many questions and they took the extra time to answer all of his questions. During one of Lauren's vital checks he got to listen to her heartbeat.


He had so much fun at the hospital. I had packed his trunks and he had a ball in my bathroom's whirlpool tub.


Honestly, I'm speechless when I think about how blessed we are. I have a beautiful, healthy and sweet daughter. I have a adorable, intelligent and helpful son. And I have an amazing, adoring and gorgeous husband. Could a girl ask for more?

I don't think so.





We do want to thank everyone for your prayers and well-wishes. We appreciate everything and are just so happy to be a family of four!