Day 31- "June"uary

Today the car said it was 65 degrees, a far cry from the snowstorms we expect this time of year.  Since it was so nice out, we decided to get out of the house a little today.  After the hour it took to get the diaper bag packed and both kids ready, we headed to Pizza Hut where Jackson probably made them wish that under two wasn't free, and then to school so I could get papers for Jackson's doctor visit this week.  When we got home both kids crashed for a nice nap. When they woke up we headed to the playground to enjoy the fresh air while we had it.  They are both sound asleep now, though I know that won't last too long.  It was a great day here today!
However, now we need some major snowstorms to hit us- I could use the snow days!

Sleepy girl, trying to make the NB clothes fit (though they're still on the big side) 

Vivienne's first woolies- cloth diaperers will appreciate this :)  

Slides are totally made to go down on your belly 

And for you to climb back up 

Jackson is totally digging this weather 

This just isn't as fun 

Peek a boo! 

 Mud and wood chips make for one happy boy

Checking on his sleeping sister, but keeping his dog rattle far away from her 

He likes to pat her head gently :) 

Vivienne's cuddly brother is keeping her toasty warm

Day 30- I'm just helping Mom

Quick post tonight because I"m ready for bed and Vivienne is finally asleep.  She decided to move her evening awake period from dunner time 6-9 to evening after Jackson goes to bed 8-10:30.  She didn't have a whole lot of awake time today, so I'm hoping it's a growth spurt and not a backslide to being up all night.
My mom is here to help out for the week and Jackson is loving all of the attention.  It's going to be a nice transition to me handling the two of them by myself next week.  I'm looking forward to having a fun week and getting out of the house a little.  Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful so grocery shopping and lunch out are planned- hopefully the kids cooperate :)

 Jackson stealing Vivienne's blanket while she was sleeping

The guilty look after I caught him and made him put it back 

His way of putting it back (don't worry it was on her less than 30 seconds this way) 

Exhausted! 

 Blowing his nose- he's actually pretty good at it when he wants to be

Where's Jackson? 

Little Miss hanging out after her brother went to bed

Day 29- Lazy Day

We had a fun relaxing day today.  It was Russell's last day with us and he spoiled us with a nice dinner.  Tomorrow we'll have the day alone and my mom will be here in the evening.  It's 8:00 and both kids are asleep- I can only hope this pattern continues (though I know that's a big dream).  I feel like we're settling into a good routine and Jackson is getting sweeter and sweeter with Vivienne.  He even shared his infant to toddler rocker today (though not for too long- he needed us to know that he wasn't giving it up for good!).

Crazy baby! 

He brought me the camera so I could take his picture 

 Really Mama? 

Lunch is so much better when it's Mama's 

 Kisses for Vivienne

Sharing his rocker :)  

He thinks the blocks are stinky

Stacking time

Sweet baby

Day 28- Moving in

We are almost finished getting Vivienne's side of the room fixed up and Jackson's moved to his space.  Russell just needs to build a shelf for Vivienne's blocks from her Aunt Carrie and cousins to match Jackson's.  We got some more things completed around the house and had a nice relaxing day at home.  

 Cheese :-D

Drawing pictures for Mama and Vivienne 

 How Dada helps- I get the crazy toddler, he gets the sleeping newborn...

Joe Dog wanted to cuddle with Vivienne 

 Trying out the crib while I spend some time reading with Jackson and Dad hangs Jackson's pictures

Jackson's side of the room 

Vivienne's side (thanks to Amanda for the crib set) plus Jackson's dresser

 

   Awake time while Jackson takes a bath- sporting the best socks ever from Aunt Chris and Uncle Charlie, they are super warm AND they didn't fall off one time all day!

Day 27- We survived week 1

Happy 1 week old birthday to Miss Vivienne.  Things are settling in, Jackson loves to help his baby sister, Vivienne is getting better about sleeping, routines are getting set into place, and things with 2 kids under 2 years are going just fine right now.  Today was Russell's last day of paternity leave and my mom will come and help out next week, then I'm on my own- hopefully cleared to drive and pick up Jackson again.

Ray and Katie came to visit us tonight and brought a yummy dinner.  It was a nice treat to have company and I think they got a good view of life where we spent the majority of the time with interrupted conversation and tending to the kids.  It was great to have them there to entertain Jackson though- I hope we didn't scare them off of children ;)

We only got a few pictures today because we were busy finishing the nursery, organizing the playroom, and going through and sorting clothes all while playing with Jackson and feeding, holding, talking with Vivienne.

Wide awake this morning, taking in the chaos that is Jackson 

 He's doing excellent with his utensils

Joe tries to steal Bernie's bed- fail 

 Eating rice with a fork

and proud of it

Sweet baby, down for the night- in one of Jackson's old sleepers :) 

Day 26- Sleep :)

Even though Vivienne was up most of the night again hanging out we got 3 really good naps today.  Jackson even took a 4 hour nap and woke up a very happy little boy.  I was able to get some things organized and feel a little more human today.  She's currently sleeping, so I have a feeling we'll be up watching TV again tonight, but I feel much more relaxed.  Her schedule is slowly moving toward more awake time during the day and more sleep at night.  Once she gains a little more weight, we'll be ready to get on a good routine.  

Jackson is getting more and more comfortable with Vivienne and takes time out to go and stroke her head, rock her, or share his toys with her throughout the day.  He still has times where he tries to push her out of the way when he wants one on one mom time, but she's getting better about hanging out with Daddy so Jackson isn't feeling neglected.  We also had a friend from school drop off 2 totes of baby girl clothes.  I am so thankful!  Vivienne is set through next Thanksgiving!  I continue to be amazed by what an awesome set of friends and family I have around here (and far away!) and hope you all realize how thankful we are for everything!

Napping around 3 am 

 Getting comfortable this morning

Jackson happy to check on his sister 

 He likes her :) 

Jackson gets so excited every time we tell him what a great big brother he is being.  

Helping Dad make enchiladas for dinner

Day 25- Out and About

Jackson went to Ms. Brenda's today and went right back into routine.  He was happy to be there with his friends, without a baby to worry about.  He came home fussy and tired out, but snapped out of it by dinnertime.  He was fun and helpful with Vivienne's bath and diaper changes by the end of the night.  He's now in bed and sleeping soundly.
Vivienne is sleeping too and I'll be headed that way myself because she was up from 11:30 pm- 6:20 am last night, just eating, hanging out, or looking around.  Today she had her 5 day appointment.  Then she came home and napped for a little bit.  We then headed to school to pick up my paycheck and w2s and visit with people, stopped by and let Ms. Brenda bond a bit with Vivienne and then had a nice evening at home.  I'm hoping the busy day will encourage her to sleep a bit tonight!

We have been so lucky these past few days with clothes, blankets, and toys for both kids.  I want to thank you all and will be trying to get pictures and thank you cards out as soon as possible, but really want to thank everyone for thinking of us!  We really appreciate all the gifts, offers of help, and support we have here.  These kids are blessed with such a caring group of friends and family :)

Checking out one of his new toys from his cousins Brendan and Liam 

He was having a great time with these! 

 Fluffy butt baby getting ready for her bath

Miss Vivienne all clean and smelling awesome with CJs  

He likes to help get his medicine in

Making sure to get every last drop in there!