Life with TWO

Our life with two kids started out pretty crazy right away, with Logan fighting a fever on Monday night. We called for reinforcements (my mom!) and were lucky to have help right away on Tuesday. My mom stayed for one more night, to help us get a little more settled with Bennett. Logan started to show improvement and his fever broke on Wednesday. We sure are lucky to have great family who live not-too-far.

Nana with grandson #2, and Logan, too, of course!


Logan read Bennett a story before we sat down for dinner on Tuesday night.

Logan got to open his "big brother present" from Papa and Nana. We had been waiting until he finally felt better so he could enjoy it!

My first remote control car! With two boys, I am sure to have tons of this stuff around the house over the years!

Here's a video of Logan enjoying his big brother gift!

Thanks Papa and Nana!

Bennett was five days old on Wednesday and went in for our first appointment with our pediatrician. If we had a girl, we may have decided to have her see a female pediatrician, but since we have another boy, we get to stick with Dr. Gilmartin, so we are happy about that! Bennett passed through his appointment with flying colors! He is already gaining weight from eating well and his color is just right (he was tested for jaundice while we were still in the hospital).

Bennett weighs in at 8 lbs 8 oz and measures 21.5 in!


Mr. Handsome in one of his new outfits. We don't need any clothes for Bennett - we have so much from Logan that he can wear again! But, of course, its just too fun to buy the little baby clothes, so there will be a few new things here and there! :)

We actually spent more time at the pediatrician on Thursday morning when we took Logan in for a check up after his fever. At Bennett's appointment, Dr. Gilmartin expressed concern over Logan's health with a new baby at home, so we promptly made an appointment for the next morning. So, our first family outing was to the clinic! Woo hoo! Hopefully its not a sign of things to come.

As it turns out, there was more at work than just Logan's two year molars. He had Coxsacki virus (similar to Hand, Foot, Mouth disease). We found a couple sore spots in his mouth that gave it away and the doctor confirmed it. Without any treatment for the virus, we're lucky to have gotten past it so quickly. Logan is already better. Nonetheless, it was really freaky to hear that Logan had that virus while we brought home our brand new baby! Ah! We stopped at Starbucks after our trip to the clinic to see some friends and introduce Bennett and then we went home for a short walk in the new double stroller.


John pushing the big rig with both boys!


Proof that Logan is back to healthy...he was running around the yard like a crazy man for two days straight! Finally we got a few days without rain and you could tell Logan was happy to be back in the grass!


What a goof!


Love this picture - the cutest toddler!


Our sweet baby boy!

Quick Pics

Here are just a few quick pics from the last two days! I'll post more details later!

Introducing Bennett Lucas!

As planned, we welcomed Bennett Lucas into the world on Friday, June 5th at 8:12 am. He was born via c-section, perfectly pink and screaming. Another healthy big boy at 9lbs 3 oz and 21.5 inches. What a blessing to be greeted by another sweet, healthy baby boy! We couldn't be more thrilled! I know our friends and family have been waiting for this blog post, to see pictures of our new little boy...its a little scattered, but its the best I can do right now in the "baby fog". We'll try to keep up...

Our first meeting as a family after the birth

Our perfect, big boy!

Bennett looks like Logan, but they have some differences that we were quick to point out. Bennett seems so small to us - ironic considering he is 9 lbs!


This was Friday afternoon, Logan's first meeting with Bennett. He wasn't too sure about the hospital setting, but was very interested in "Baby". Logan was lucky to have both Papa and Nana to wear out all weekend long while we recovered in the hospital. Logan had so much fun and was such a good boy for them. Whew!


Logan seeing Bennett for the second day, on Saturday. We had lots of visitors on Saturday and it was so special! Aunts and Uncles Kyle & Ali and Amy & Andrew; friends Josh and Kim from River Falls, our friend Carrie from Michigan, and a few of my girlfriends from bible study and music class. It was so special to have friends share in our joy!


On Sunday we had a quieter day, which was good for rest for me. Logan came again and really warmed up to Bennett...


"Kuckles" - Logan wanted to give Bennett "Knuckles" - already bonding as brothers!


Enjoying some of his many gifts, Logan doing a new puzzle with Daddy.


All set for the big trip home! Monday was such a long day, waiting for all the checks we needed before being discharged. We couldn't wait to get home to be with Logan!


Logan welcomes Bennett home


All together! I was really emotional getting home, being with Logan. Its so special to start our life as a family of four.


Papa and Nana stayed just for a little bit once we got home. They did such a great job caring for Logan all weekend. We enjoyed some time together and John's parents visited for a bit in the evening before bedtime.

Logan said, "wash" and held out his hands. We knew that meant he wanted to hold Bennett, so we washed up and Logan got to hold Bennett for the first time!

Brothers


Me and my boys!


Logan was even sure to give Bennett a bedtime kiss.


This is how we've spent most of today...sleeping. So precious!

Logan came down with a high fever shortly after bedtime on Monday so we've been fighting that today. We think its related to his incoming two year molars and are praying its over quickly. Luckily, John is able to tend to Logan while I mostly tend to Bennett. Its so hard for me not to be able to give all my attention to Logan when he's not feeling well, but its all part of the adjustment, I guess. Nana came back after an SOS call today, so we have helping hands.

Thanks for all your prayers leading up to Bennett's birth! We continue to pray to healthy development for both our special boys!

Brother or Sister?

For the last several months, whenever we ask Logan if he will have a brother or sister, his response is "Sisser"! We'll see if that's true!

Tons of Fun!

We've been having tons of fun this week! The weather has been perfect, John has been taking some time off and doing some work from home, and we've been enjoying our time as a family of three. Its been pretty low-key with most of our time spent outside just doing whatever we want! We have a few minor things to get set before we head to the hospital, but we're pretty much ready!

Logan loves to help with the mail. Taking the letters out to the mailbox and putting the flag up is the best!

Logan also loves to water the flowers! In fact, they may be getting a little too much water. I got him a kid-sized watering can, but he seems to like mine the best!

John brought home treats tonight - nothin' like a Dilly Bar on a beautiful summer night!

This was Logan's first try with a Dilly Bar - they are pretty hard for kids to eat...



but Logan didn't seem to mind. He found a way to get plenty of ice cream (bedtime was a little tricky after the special treat!).


Checking out the tractor sprinkler...notice how Logan stands with his little arms crossed - its so funny!


Checking out his wet shoes...how did that happen??


Chasing Mom with the camera - look at that tongue sticking out!! Gosh, he is so fun!

Keepsake

A few weeks ago, my good friend, Holly Peters, took some photos of me and my big belly. :) They turned out great and just in time for delivery, they're edited and online...take a look, if you like! There are some cute ones with Logan, too!

4, 3, 2, 1....but who's counting?

Yes! Baby week is here! We are looking forward to meeting our little one this week...I'm counting down (but I've been counting down for a while now!). About 5 weeks ago (34 weeks prego), people starting saying, "Any day now, huh?". I would just have to grin and say "Hopefully!". Then 3 weeks ago, I was in Stillwater, walking across Main Street on a bustling Sunday afternoon with my mom, sister and Logan when someone yelled from their car, "Sure hope that baby is coming soon - like today!". Oh my gosh. Seriously?! My neighbor told me this weekend she has never seen anyone carry a baby as far out as I do. Well, what can I say...its my not-so-hidden talent, I guess! Anyway, I think its definately time to have this baby!

We have been really busy around here, wrapping up loose ends before the baby arrives. Our next door neighbor said "Oh cute, John is nesting!". John has really been working hard to make sure everything I want is complete and we're all set. We're getting so excited and just can't wait to meet this baby!

Everyone is asking us about names, but we've been back to a blank slate for a while now. We still have a couple girl names we like (Nora, Lucy), but boy names have been debated. My favorites (Bennett, Lucas) aren't John's favorites (Eli, Max), so its going to be a big surprise and hopefully it won't take us too long to name the baby when he/she arrives!

As for the next couple days, we are basking in our time with Logan, enjoying his supersilly nature. He is so vocal and we're really thinking that will be to our benefit when the new baby comes home. Logan is just a riot and keeps us laughing all day long. We've been enjoying the beautiful weather, spending lots of time all together outside.

Logan likes to find the baby - by lifting up my shirt. Its ok at home, but in public its a little weird!

I was actually thinking this week that I'm not as big as when I was pregnant with Logan, but after seeing this photo of myself, I am not so sure!

Please pray for a safe delivery and a very healthy, happy baby! Thanks to everyone!