Day Sixteen: How the Sibs are doing.

 
Everyone seems to ask the sibling question: How is Jadyn handling new baby?
The truth is, she's doing awesome. Once again I am reminded that if there is a problem, it's probably my own darn fault. We've had days where she gets too rough, trys to steal him from my arms, and once even said "I don't want Jaxon" (I nearly burst into a fit of tears with that one). But any "mistake" she's made with him has been because she loves him too much. I literally had to tell myself "If it isn't going to kill him, let it go." So I have, for the most part. Now his crib is decorated with socks that she thought he needed, when we read stories he gets a very close view of the pictures, and tummy time is a group activity. There's no jealousy or hurt feelings towards him. Every time she notices him in the room, she screams "jAxon!" with glee. She wants to hold him and learn everything about him. I ache for the day that they can really play together, but I am also loving this time of learning to be gentle and soft.

My anxieties only lessen everyday and my conviction in our decision to have more kids right away is only strengthened. I couldn't imagine life without my brothers and sisters. They have been everything to me. My life could be entirely mapped out through them. I hope I can be the kind of mother that encourages this special closeness.

Day 15: In Love

It's true what they say: you have a special kind of love for your sons. It's hard to explain, but it's wonderful. It's almost like a crush, but not in a weird way. Just...go have a baby boy and you'll understand.

Day 14: Two weeks!

I can't believe it has already been two weeks! And I can't believe I didn't take a picture of it! Shame on me. Shame. On. Me.

We went up to Aurora yet again because some of my old friends from the ward were having a little reunion with all their babies. I couldn't stand the thought of missing out. It was wonderful to see them  and for us to all hang out as mommies.

Jace kindly asked that we stayed out of the house as long as we could so he could get his pile of homework done, so we spent the rest of the day with Patti and Carly. Jadyn was so happy to see her new best friend again. And Carly got an adorable video of Jadyn and Scarlett dancing together (which I will need). Jaxon was an angel all day.

There was a tornado warning east of Aurora, so on the way home we hit a scary patch of storm. It's amazing how much scarier it is when you carry such precious cargo. I was happy it didn't last long. We were home and safe with Daddy just in time for bed. And he got his homework done!

Day 13: My little buddy

Just hangin out while I fold some laundry. He is such a precious little guy.

Day 12: Grandma Patti

Jadyn started out life a little stranger-cautious. She wouldn't let anyone hold her except those that she lived with. Even the infamous "Grandma Patti" couldn't crack her. Now, as she is a bit older, she is still pretty shy at first, but willing to warm up. Patti has been waiting patiently for this moment. She played outside with Jadyn nearly all day, jumping on the trampoline, picking strawberries and throwing sand. Jadyn even gifted Patti a bug she found. By the end of the day, Jadyn was giddy about her newly found friend and was very sad to have to say good bye to her.

I had to scrub her head for a good long time to get all the sand out...but it was totally worth it.

Day 11: Church

I must have a little extra crazy in me because I can't handle locking myself up with my newborns very long. I stayed home with Jaxon the first Sunday we were back, but this Sunday I was so ready to go again.

I got the response I expected. "Oh my goodness. I didn't expect to see you here" "You're so brave"...I'm only brave if everyone started trying to hold my fresh little baby. Luckily, everyone was very good and kept their distance. It was nice to get dressed up and get out. We also had Jessie with us for the day.

We took an after church nap, then I packed the kids up in the car with Jessie and we took her down to Aurora. Carly just so happens to also be in town, so I got to have a little sleepover with her and her darling little girl, Scarlett.

And I did my first overnight-together in one room-all by myself- with the two kids and they did great! Jadyn slept through all of Jaxon's wake-ups and she didn't manage to kick me off the bed. Hooray!

Day Ten: Last Minute Garage Sale

As I was just about to leave to pick up Jace's sister from the airport, we remembered that all of our neighbors were having a garage sale. So we quickly shifted gears and Jace and Jadyn went to pick up Jessie while I threw out our pile of junk on the driveway.

...we made 25 cents.

Day Nine: Movie Night

Jace took Jadyn to the park when he got home from work so that Jaxon and I could get a much needed nap. We woke up to a smorgasbord of movie night food. We snuggled and watched a movie with Jadyn, then put her to bed and passed out in front of Batman.