big bro moment

Reece has been doing great as a new big brother.
Any troubles he's displayed have been typical 3 1/2 year old stuff that I saw before baby brother joined our family.

Oh how Reece looks absolutely huge to me now and is growing up too, too fast...my sweet baby boy. And today, he had a big bro moment.

I was nursing Zach (imagine that!), and Reece asked me to get him a snack. I said that I would get him one as soon as I finished nursing his baby brother. In a high-pitched whiny tone, Reece fussed, "BUT I WANT MY SNACK, RIGGHH..."...and then in that moment he stopped himself. He sighed and then said in a big boy voice, "Oooo-kay."

I was so proud of his self-restraint, and how he got it together to be patient. I can't imagine how hard it is to share mommy and mommy's attention. But today, he took a big step in selflessness. I am so proud of the boy he is becoming.

I love you so very much, Reece.

my men

Zach likes his head kicked back when he's napping.
Daddy looks so proud.If only the 'pumper' were not present, this would be even more precious.

2 week appointment

Our new family of 4 trekked to Zach's 2 week appointment together.
It was a new experience for me in more ways than one.Zach weighed 7 lbs, 15 oz, just 1 oz shy of his birth weight. That means, no more weight checks...until we are back for our 2 month appointment.

2 months!
I wish I could count how many weight checks we did with Reece...it was a lot.

I continue to nurse Zach on demand and pray for good milk, but clearly, so far so good. I hope to be able to nurse for quite a while and hope in another week or two I can find a time to express and have some reserve. I almost NEVER had any with Reece...and that was a bit stressful for everyone.

It was awesome to see the weight gain as well as numbers that were ON the chart.

Weight - 7 lbs 15 oz. - 25%
Height - 21 1/2 inches - 75%

These percentages never make sense to me, but they are indicating growth and a healthy baby boy. That's what I care about.

Zman did awesome with Dr H...maybe it's b/c he got a big thumbs up from the dr. Great appointment...so thankful.

Week 2 (on fb)

- survived first outing w/ 4. Didn't make it through Target w/o having to nurse, but made it work! Zman was then a very sleepy boy during the entire lunch out. Thankful for fresh air, sunshine, and good friends, and most importantly my new family of 4.August 23 at 2:18pm

- a couple of good naps by the zman today, but then MAJOR cluster feeding. exhausting...but helping ensure a good supply that's for sure. need to get to bed and hoping for a decently restful one. mom cleaned while we were out today...what a servant she has been. ♥ August 23 at 11:19pm

- is whoo hooo. i just put reece down and asleep by myself w/ baby z in sling. a near miracle. early nap today for weight check this afternoon.August 24 at 12:52pm ·

- 7-11 for the zman. great dr appt. now time for movie and dinner spoiling popcorn. : )August 24 at 4:19pm

- ahhh, love time w/ neighbors. sooooo hot tho. good day today.August 24 at 8:39pm

- wants to know if it is ok to lick my baby. so.stinkin.cute.August 25 at 1:40pm

- is mooo.August 25 at 4:14pm

- insane cluster-feeding by zman last night was unexpectedly productive. He slept for 5 hours straight last night. and just got dinner delivered....soooo awesome. thank you, karla!!!August 26 at 10:13am

- thinks there is nothing like a good let down.August 26 at 4:36pm

- had another good night. thank you swaddling and crazy evening cluster feeding. leg bag off tomorrow and i will officially be a new woman.August 27 at 12:07pm ·

- still cannot believe God gave us this gift. He's precious and so, so loved. He's mine, ours, and His. I am overwhelmed w/ thankfulness. ♥ August 27 at 1:20pm

- zman slept a lot today...wish me luck for tonight.August 27 at 10:57pm

- is wearing shorts today! Ding dong the cath is dead!August 28 at 8:14am

- had a good dr appt. clear to drive on monday. is exhausted after bru run, and nursing throughout the store. got stuff i needed tho and looking forward to the one opening next week nearby. the highlight of my day today was getting in the car and r...ealizing i was leaking. much higher than the leg bag kind and one i'm proud of. ; ) (i know, tmi.) August 28 at 4:43pm

- is already mourning mom leaving today andshe hasn't even left yet. she's been a Godsend truly. Noone knows how to serve better than a momma.August 29 at 2:10pm

- is "She's Goooooone Oh I, Oh I'd better learn how to face it." and now another pair of something is leaking...sniff, sniff. August 29 at 5:21pm

Momma

Reece's middle name is Becky's (D's mom, aka Grandmama) maiden name, just like Darren's middle name. And now Zach's middle name is also a family name, Mom's maiden name.I underestimated how much that would mean to her.
But what amazed me even more, is how well she served us in these past 2 weeks.
She stayed at the hospital with me 2 of the 3 nights. Every time there was any noise or someone coming into the room in the wee hours, she'd wake up immediately, pop out of bed, and ask if I needed anything.

She fixed breakfast for me daily, and I like a big breakfast. She held baby boy anytime I asked without fear or uncertainty in her eye, and she cared for him many other times as well. She cleaned the house, always had a load of laundry going, and biggest of all toted us around everywhere putting up with my backseat driving (from the front seat).

She is and was a Godsend, and we miss her so much.
I failed to take ANY pictures of her AT ALL. But please know, Zach Finley, that she loves you and your big brother immensely, and served all 4 of us so much in these past two weeks. Be so proud to carry on that name.

The tears welled up while I was telling her good-bye and thanking her for the tremendous blessing she has been to us. I couldn't let her leave without taking 1 picture of her and her smiling face.And, even though she's gone back home, I can't yet take down the ribbon she put up...to celebrate the joy of this sweet baby boy into our hearts and into our home.<3 <3 <3 Love you, Momma. <3 <3 <3

another Mr. Handsome

Zach seems to like his changing table.
I remember taking so many pics of Reece on his.

These weren't intentional shots, just a moment in time that made me grab my camera. Wanted you to see how expressive and handsome he is. <3
(btw, no flash, it is just the overhead lighting from the room that is so bright, and he likes lights!)This one above immediately reminded me of one of Reece.I think this last one is my favorite, and makes it official that we've got yet another Mr. Handsome around here.

i CAN drive 55

got the ok to drive from dr h today.
mom and reece stayed in the waiting area, while zach and i went to my appointment.

as soon as i walked through the door, sweet Rhonda nabbed him up. She and Dr H both held and oohed and ahhhed over him. And he was quite charming, I must say. He was bright-eyed and perfect, as if he knew he was in some grrreat, great care.

it was an awesome day that started with 6:30am catheter removal. i did it myself. it was so easy and i was so thankful to have it out. the dr appointment at 11 included a sono of my bladder to ensure it was emptying properly (nice blog post, eh?).

all looked good and i now i CAN drive 55 (and a little more too).

first bath

Zach did great with his first bath. He was bright-eyed and quiet until the end when he was done. I still wanted to remember.I can't help but reminiscing and looking back at Reece's first bath. Mom, although not in the pic, was right there with me, just like this time. <3

I think my boys have some similarities, but clearly differences as well. I so look forward to seeing how very different they are....slowly, though...very, very slowly. : )

1 week appointment

D went to work this week while Mom was with me for another week. What a Godsend she has been...truly.

So, Mom (aka my chauffeur), Reece, Zach and I headed to the dr. He fussed only for a minute when I was taking off his clothes and then seemed content the rest of the appointment.He weighed 8lbs at birth, 7lbs 6oz when we left the hospital, and 7lbs 11oz today. Right on track, Zach.Reece did awesome too...that's his wink below. : )Great appointment and back in 1 week. So thankful for good milk and a healthy baby boy.

from 3 to 4

Just returned from our first trip as a family of 4 out of the house.
We went to Target, as I needed a couple of things and Reece wanted to buy a new toy with his money.

I had 4 things on my list, and set out to get them pushing Zach in his car seat in the cart. Darren and Reece headed to the toy aisle.

Got 2 of the items before Zach woke up crying.
I got him out quickly, grabbed the nursing cover (aka "hooter hider"), and nursed as I got the other two things.

D and Reece came over with a toy. Oh, but it wasn't just a toy, it was THE TOY.
I nearly started crying.

Reece has been talking about getting this toy for months. Wingo. Why wingo, I don't know, but he's been wanting it and had even saved up for it. But, it was no where to be found. We'd looked a ton. D and I knew something was up when we found the $4 car online for $17.00 before shipping. It was rare. That was just a couple of days ago, and then today, THERE was wingo. As silly as it may be, God may have put that Wingo on the shelf just for Reece.

I got my stuff and was pretty exhausted, walking while nursing Reece. Zach had nursed well and then fallen asleep. He transferred to the car seat and we loaded back up...I was wiped.

Met the James' for lunch...two first outings in one. We had talked so many times about the next time we dined together would be with one more...that day was today.

Zach was the most well-behaved, and slept the entire time. I perked back up with a chair and some water and it was chaotically nice. : )

Thankful for fresh air, sunshine, good friends, and most importantly my new family of 4.

meeting zach

Saturday was family time. Grandmama and the FW McDs came over to meet baby Zach. Pretty much everyone got a chance to hug and hold him. Grandmama, however, had very limited time w/ him. Someone (named Reece) wanted her all to himself. Every time she'd come back into the room with Zach and I, he'd call her back. Pretty cute, I thought.Reece LOVED playing with the boys. He ran around CRAZY while they were here, getting so sweaty from the excitement. I'm so glad he enjoyed them so much today and hope we get more time together soon.Aunt Michell held him the most...and I have to say, she was pretty good at it. <3

Great day.

first week

don't want to forget these sweet moments in time from facebook...

- cuddling with Zach Finley McDonald as we speak. ♥ He slept on Mommy last night and again today. Had a great team in l&d and am so thankful for the entire birth experience. (btw, HE was 8lbs! What!?) August 17 at 12:23pm

- just earned herself solid foods for lunch! Ya hooo! Never been so happy to do that before. Mom spent night w/ me here. We're doing great. ♥ August 18 at 10:43am

- could not be more in love with this baby. not getting any sleep, but treasuring every cuddle, snuggle, and nursing. nursery? bassinet? what are those? headed home tomorrow. still quite tender and back achy, but moving around well. (busy day somehow and hospital wireless was not available the one time i had a chance) August 19 at 8:58pm

- sorry so long since a post. we're home as of yest afternoon. recovery is a bit rough, but better every day. i have a leg bag to boot. Zman is cluster feeding like crazy, esp at night, but overall so stinkin' cute. good team efforts over here. haven't returned phone calls...just making it through right now. love all the emails and comments. thank you! ♥ August 21 at 5:29pm ·

- best night so far. 3 hour incremental feedings are so much better than 30. i still struggle to sleep quite a bit but getting more and hopefully everyone else is too. August 22 at 9:28am

gift

We gave Reece a special gift for becoming a big brother. A racetrack. Think he was excited?

coming home

Didn't take many pics while in the hospital. Much of it was a blur.
Snapped a couple before we left...most of which was from the angle of my hospital bed. There will be time for glamour shots later.Reece wanted to hold his baby brother one more time before we headed home. Pretty sweet stuff.Didn't get any of us together. I did manage to squeeze myself in the back of Darren's car between my two boys on the ride home. Just couldn't ride in the front, no matter how uncomfortable it was getting in and out.

Oh how I still remember the ride home with Reece. It was so scary. I remember telling Darren it was toooo bumpy...both for me and my new precious cargo.This go round, it was only slightly bumpy and so sweet to now be bringing home 2 precious little boys. Sooooo blessed.

Big Bro

Reece is officially a big bro.
Zach Finley McDonald was born this morning at 12:27am.
Welcome to the world of Pieces with Reece and Knick-knacks with Zach.

Sweet music

Life is a Highway" and "Real Gone" are two of his favorite tunes. But, the other day he sang his own song.

"I love you, Mom. Mom, I really love you so much. I love you so much, Mom. Mom, I really love you. Love you, Mom. So, so much."

Baby brother got the next verse. It was slightly shorter, but super sweet. "Baby brother, I love you. I love you, baby brother. Baby, brother."

Then Daddy and Lucy who basically shared a verse. ; )
It was sweet, sweet music, from the heart.
And quite bit more sincere than the smile concocted below. Still love it though.
"

The grand in grandmama

Today we celebrated Grandmama's birthday, which is always good family time.
Michell made a ton of delicious food, which we scarfed and then went to the pool. I was worried about being too hot out there, but some much needed shade and a bit of a breeze helped tremendously. I did, however, get swollen feet, which Darren called 'club feet' upon inspecting. I was so thankful to be able to be there with everyone, watching them have so much fun in the water.Happy Birthday to you, Becky.
We love you.
You are such a kind-hearted woman who loves your family above all else. Who can argue with that?

Reece's card said that you put the 'Grand' in Grandma. I know he believes that is true! <3

seriously haircute

Another haircut today. He's a big boy now at the barber shop, chewing the fat with Wes as he gets snipped. He didn't fuss or even balk at the clippers (tickly part). Says he likes it now.

He is getting so big. Every day with him right now feels like a little treat...an extra day with just he and I.

Speaking of treats, he got runts after his cut (for some reason he chooses that over m&ms, whatever!). He sat on the bench for me to take his pic, but wasn't really in the mood for picture taking....he just CHOMPED his snacks with a serious focus.After haircut, we picked up Daddy for lunch. It has been soooo long. Twisted Root was quite crowded but pretty tasty. I still vote Chips for my fav burger.

How you doin'?

Wink

<3

Skills of a different sort

Loved the time today at Lil Sluggers. I sat in on the class in the back and got to see some of the sweetest things from my little boy.

Yeah, he has pretty good baseball skills.

Today of all weeks, you did run the fastest, field the best, throw the farthest and the most accurately, touch all the bases, slid into home plate, and even hit the most solidly....but, that BY FAR wasn't the most impressive thing I saw today.

You listened to the coach. You were the first to answer her questions. You were the coach's helper, encouraging one of the kids politely to his spot while the coach was getting out the next exercise. You stopped batting to pick up other people's balls that had fallen and took the balls to them. You cheered on the others. You were a good teammate, a good helper, a good example, and a good friend.

I teared several times just enjoying being there with you, and witnessing this first hand. Yeah, it's great when you do well on the skills side of things, but THIS today was the kind of skills I care most about. I was sooooo proud of you today and the boy you are becoming, Reece. <3

Lord, thank you for showing me this fruit today, and how you are working in Reece's heart. It is soooo you to reveal this today JUST after the previous post about Reece wanting to be better "than anybody else".