What we've been up to

Time for some updates. Let's see. . .
Matt: Has been busy with his residency. He enjoys what he does, but these days with the extra time added to his commute, the earlier hours + a new baby equals one tired man. But he's great and will wake up with me in the middle of the night and change Seth's diaper before I nurse him (I don't ask him to do this - he just does it). He's getting ready to leave for the month of May to do a neuro/anesthesia rotation in Houston. I'm not looking forward to that. Anyone who wants to come visit - please don't hesitate.
Maya - She turns 7 next month. She is finishing up 1st grade and doing really well in school. She enjoys her dance class, loves to sing, and is doing really well with the piano. She is also playing soccer right now and loves it. She's a pretty great goalie. I don't think I've seen a ball get past her. Her Aunt Rachel and Aunt Jessica, who were both varsity soccer goalies, would be proud! She's a great big sister to both of her brothers. She loves to wrestle with Luke and gives Seth lots of kisses.
Luke: is 3 and 1/2. Pretty typical boy. These days he is obsessed with Transformers. We're trying to use this as incentive to finalize the potty training and rid ourselves of accidents. He had surgery earlier this week - tubes in his ears and adenoidectomy. As a result of the adenoidectomy he has really bad breath which will hopefully go away soon. Until then, I'm offering him lots of minty gum. He's adjusting really well to Seth and giggles whenever he touches Seth. He loves to give hugs and argues with me over which of us loves the other more.
Seth: is 4 weeks old. He's starting to be awake more throughout the day. For the most part he's a good sleeper. Last Saturday he started giving us smiles. He gave me several in a row (and no, it wasn't gas.)
As for me, I'm just trying to get my routine figured out. Can't wait to go back to the gym in 2 weeks. Our pool will be open any day now. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to go lots with the kids, but protect Seth from the sun. He's too young for sunblock. I start teaching piano in May again. We'll see how that works out with Seth.
Here are some pics of the kids. Always changing and lots of silliness going on.

(Maya with her present from the Easter bunny)

(All smiles from Luke in his Sunday best)

I took this picture of Seth, because how many of you can sleep with your legs curled up on your lap like that?

Torn between the two

It was a hard morning for me as a mom. I was torn between my two sons needing me - or me needing to be there for each of my boys. Seth gets most of the attention these days because he is dependent on me. I can't be apart from him for more than 2 or 3 hours, or whoever is watching him is going to have a very upset, hungry baby on their hands. Luke had surgery this morning (minor - tubes in his ears and adenoids removed; the adenoids were occluding 90% of the back of his nose). Matt had the day off for this and is taking care of Luke, but as a mother there is a very strong draw to be there to nuture and care for your child. I can't hang out in the post op area with a new born so I can't be there. I realize between his young age and all the drugs, he won't remember it, but it was very difficult for me to not be there to try and comfort him before and after. He's home and fine, a little cranky, and won't leave Matt's side. He wouldn't even let me make his lunch - he wanted Matt to do it. Most of the time when he clings to Matt I'm greatful for it because it means that I get a much needed break. But today it makes me a little sad that he doesn't want Mommy.

An "In the Motherhood" Moment

Seth is 3 weeks old now. It's been harder this time around in that, along with waking up throughout the night to nurse Seth, I also need to get up around 6:30 in the morning and get Maya ready for school and out the door by 7 am. Let's say it's been hard to make myself get out of bed at 6:30. This morning, I pressed snooze 1 too many times and didn't get out of bed until 6:55. Luckily Maya has an alarm clock and was already dressed. I just needed to get her breakfast and lunch taken care of. So, with 2 minutes to get out the door, we look in our pantry. No time for the usual bowl of cereal. She doesn't like the pop tarts we have. The box of granola bars is empty, but still sitting on the pantry shelf. So, we settle on a little baggy of Saltine crackers and her water bottle as a breakfast for her to eat as she walks to the bus stop. I felt so bad. It's time to do a serious run to the grocery store.

Thanks, Kendra!!

(Kendra and Seth kickin it on the couch)
Here's a little thank you shout out to my sister Kendra for being out here for the past 2 weeks to help with the kids (and thanks to Dad for sending her out)! Having you here doing all the dishes and straightening up, and taking one child while I deal with another was very helpful. You also kept me company during all those lonely hours without my honey. So thanks! Love you!

(Jess - now it's your turn to come down and play with me. Matt will be gone for most of May. . .)

More pics of the new addition

I think Seth's color is definitely blue. I've put him in several different colors and, of course he looks cute in all of them, but by far, he looks the best in blue. Here's a few pics of him with his face less scrunched up.

(The one below is Maya's photography work - not too shabby)

The one above is how I spend a lot of my day. I need to figure out how to work the "Wrap n Wear" my sister let me borrow so I can free up my hands now that my sister is flying home and I'll be on my own a lot. Wish me luck.