First Bath

When is the last time you went almost a month without a bath? Well, Grant about did. Today he is 4 weeks old and yesterday he got his first bath. I know it sounds weird to wait so long, but there are good reasons, and I did give him a couple of sponge baths in between. First reason we waited is his bellybutton cord took awhile to come off. It actually came off in two pieces. The tip came off then about a week later the rest came off - weird, I know. The second reason is that he had to wait for Grandma Patti to bathe him.

Grandma Patti has given each of our boys their first bath. This wasn't intentional, but just happened. So, if it was an option, we wanted her to bathe Grant. She is on a trip with my sister and her 5 friends that my mom taught in Young Women's. They are staying at my house for a couple of days. When Grant's belly button cord didn't fall off for awhile, I realized that my mom could give him his first bath if we waited just a little bit.

Grant absolutely loved his bath. I wonder if it was because we waited until he was so old. (I'm starting to realize that he's coming out of the newborn phase, he's more alert and slightly responsive) The other boys got to watch it and loved it too. I even let William get in the adjoining sink so he could see better, and also because he was sticky from breakfast. By the end, we had all the boys in the tub. It's cute how these brothers love to be together - that or their strong desire to be clean.

Jump Jump Jump

I guess we were getting a little too comfortable with the boys climbing on the top of the swing set, that we decided that we wanted something more adventurous, dangerous, exciting. Or maybe I was feeling a little left out when it came to sharing stories of taking your kids to the ER (been blessed to never having to do it, yet). Yep, we got a trampoline. Actually it is a gift from Bampa - Thank you Bampa.

Setting it up was a pain, even causing Todd to bleed and our friend Jenni to want to cry. It really was difficult. Imagine having somewhat of an elastic blanket that you are supposed to stretch like it's never been stretched with one man, one postpartum woman with no abs, and a recent high school graduate. (Side note - Jenni just graduated and on their diplomas the word education was misspelled. Impressive, I know) All while three young kids wandered around us, watching, and a baby needing to be fed often. There was a moment we weren't sure we could do it, but we finally did.

My dad claims that he got the boys the trampoline for some recreational purposes, but after seeing the pictures, he sees that I agreed to it just for caging purposes. I just have to say, can you blame me?

The boys absolutely love it. Roger, who we have nicknamed Tigger for some time, is in his element. He loves to bounce and bounce. William isn't a fan of jumping - I don't think he can even jump yet. But he loves to run around on it, and when he's standing the boys know "Gotta be a soft with a brother. I a good brother". William likes to lay down and have the boys jump him. He giggles and just yells to hear his voice bounce. Mikey has been so excited for it and has talked of nothing else. He will jump til he's tired, then lie down on it, then jump when he's ready. Yesterday he had all of us on it and he was the teacher of a gymnastics class. It was really cute.

Thank you again Bampa, the boys love it!!

Pain is a funny thing. When you are in it, you feel it and almost nothing else. When you are not in it, you may forget what the pain was like, you remember it hurt and that you did not like it, but do you really remember exactly what it felt like?

For instance, when you have back pain, you cannot do many physical activities and you start wondering if you could just even lie down without pain. When the back pain is gone - and some time has gone by- you start forgetting about the pain and often do activities that will find yourself once again in back pain.

I always forget how terrible morning sickness is, even now when I experienced it not too long ago. I remember feeling nauseated, and I remember my feelings, like why would I ever want to do this again, but yet I somewhat have forgotten how miserable it really is. I can really understand how husbands can become unsympathetic about pregnancy and its illnesses because it's difficult to remember that the woman is always in some kind of pain, yet she still functions.
Even childbirth - which I went through just 3 weeks ago - is something I'm starting to forget about the pain. I remember feeling like I should not be alive, but yet the intensity of the pain has been somewhat forgotten. I again am feeling brave and am tempted to say, "Oh, it's not that bad" - something we hear countless older women saying, women who haven't given birth in decades and won't ever do it again so they will never have to prove to you that they view it that way.
I am feeling pain now, that I have forgotten about. You forget how painful it is to function when you have to wake up every couple of hours to feed your baby. I've done this before, remembered that I was tired, but it's not until I have a newborn that I'm getting up with that I really remember how tired you get. Remember how much you would give just for an extra hour of sleep. Remember how easily you get upset with your other children because you are just sooo tired.
Anyway, I'd finish this post, but I am just way too tired!

The Other Woman

I am a little heartbroken.

My boys have always been very true to me. Todd claims that I really don't ever want a girl because I enjoy being the only girl in the house way too much. I have to admit that it is slightly true. I am the princess here. The boys are always telling me that they love me, and that I'm a princess, and that I am so pretty. I have told Todd that if he would sweet talk me more, well you know what.

The boys have always thought these things about me and me only. My sisters kept begging them to say that they were pretty, but oh no, only mommy is pretty. Roger even told my midwife's assistant (without her even asking) that she was not pretty - yea, that was awkward. So imagine my surprise when Roger betrayed me and told another girl that she was pretty.

I was watching my friend's little 2 year-old girl, Anna. As we sat down to eat, Roger was sitting by Anna. He kept on staring at her like he had never seen her before - in reality he has seen her a lot and always talks about going to "Anna's house". He then started stroking her hair and trying to make eye contact with her. Meanwhile Anna had the "I'm not sure I like this, but I'm too uncomfortable to say anything" look on her face. Roger then said, "Anna so pretty"

It about killed me, I had been replaced so soon!! I thought I had years to prepare for this. We have always said that our boys aren't going to date until after their missions, so what did Roger think he was doing? Just recruiting letter writers 16 years before he leaves? A little ridiculous if you ask me.

First Experience with Tee ball

Mikey started in his first softball/tee ball league last week. It was lots of fun - for us anyway. In preparation for the league Todd has been trying to work with Mikey. I say trying because it isn't hugely successful. The first time he took Mikey out to throw a ball turned out being very frustrating for Todd.

Todd would throw the ball to Mikey, who wouldn't even be close to catching the ball. Then Todd would tell Mikey to throw the ball back to him. Instead of throwing the ball from where he was standing, Mikey would run up to Todd and place the ball into Todd's mitt. Todd tried to tell Mikey to stay back, and as Mikey would come closer Todd would step back and back. It turned out looking similar to an uncoordinated dance. After showing Mikey some baseball movies, he got a better idea of what was expected.

Mikey's league meets three times a week. Monday & Wednesday evenings they practice, then on Thursdays they have a "game". The first practice was very similar to Todd's first time throwing a ball with Mikey. This is Mikey's first experience of being a part of a sports team, so he was struggling to discover if he belonged. Todd was a nervous wreck. He wanted it to go perfectly for Mikey, I had to remind him that the focus was for Mikey to have fun and if Todd was worried about Mikey's performance, then Mikey would also be nervous. He relaxed a lot and it was more pleasant.

Mikey's favorite part is the warm-up stretches

The game was nothing more than a non-competitive scrimmage against themselves. They split the kids into two teams and took to the field. Todd about died when he realized that Mikey was playing second base. I then informed him that Mikey was not playing second base, he was playing the field between first and second, but to not worry - the coaches didn't assign anyone anywhere. Todd then got really nervous when Mikey sat down and was playing in the dirt. I just laughed and pointed out the five or six other kids sitting down and playing in the dirt. The team is made up of 4-6 year-olds, so there are kids that have a better idea of what they are doing. So when a kid hits a ball past second base, or a kid catches the ball and runs it to first, you have to remind yourself that that kid is probably one of the older while Mikey is one of the youngest.

He started out some-what focused

Yep, didn't last long
Batting was quite entertaining. One coach would throw a couple of underhanded pitches, and if the kid couldn't hit them, they would get the tee out and set the ball on top. There were no outs, so the hitter would run to first regardless of what happened. Mikey bunted the ball to first - not on purpose.

Seeing these little kids hit was hilarious, and watching the kids run for the ball and try throwing the ball was quite fun. I think everyone needs to watch a game like this, reminds you that sports are really about running around and being with friends. No worries about the score or winning or being tough.

After practice and the game Mikey is most excited to play on the swings that are by the diamond. Roger and William are most excited to have the practice over so they can go play on the diamond. I guess we all desire whatever we don't have at the time.

Grant was content to sleep

Tree-Huggers

After deciding to have a homebirth, I really have associated myself with a whole new class of people. Because I'm living in a bigger area, I do get asked where I had Grant - it's not a small town with only one hospital. I'm honest (hey, Todd is honest to the people he works with, even if it may cause them to think less of him) and it always strikes up an interesting conversation. Just the other day I met a woman who does homeschool. Because of the homebirth, she and I are in the same league - hippy naturalist.

I've never really thought of myself as a naturalist, and to be honest I'm not really. But the other day I realized maybe I'm not as moderate as I thought.

While taking the boys on a walk, Mikey said to me: "Mom, I wanna hug a tree"

I told him that he could, so he walked up to the nearest tree and he hugged it. Roger quickly followed suit. The rest of the walk they hugged all the trees in sight, all but the trees with bushes growing all around them (I don't want my neighbors to hate me). This happened about a week ago, and every walk (which because of the dog is almost daily) since then they each hug at least one tree, if not more. It really is cute. But I do have to say, I am just one step closer to being called a hippy, and to be honest, with a new baby I don't really do my hair all that often. Just one more thing to add to the list.While walking, the boys still have to stop and sit "on the big one"

Pictures

My friend took some awesome pictures of Grant. To see them go to: http://jenniferdorman.blogspot.com/2008/06/baby-grant.html

Nae-Babe

Please excuse so many tributes, but I have so many people to be thankful for. My wonderful sister, LeNae, stayed with me until last Friday - totalling over a week. While here she was amazing. She woke up with the boys, fixed them breakfast, got them ready for the day, and made their bed. After each meal she would instantly get up and start doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen. She did many other cleaning projects for me, including washing all the walls (3 ft and down) throughout my house, doing my laundry, cleaning the floors, etc.

On top of all the household help she was, she was great with the boys. She pretty much took care of them the entire time. She would get them little snacks, and play with them. The boys loved playing "spider" with her. (Spider is played by putting your hand in a spider shape - fingers down, back of the hand up, then having the spider crawl around) She took them on many walks to the park.

When I dropped her and my dad off at the airport, my boys cried and cried. Since then Mikey has been talking a lot about Aunt Nae. He keeps on asking if we will be going to the airport today. Sorry son. But Nae is thinking of spending this fall with us, which we would love! and the boys would be thrilled.

LeNae is really a gem. She is the most easy-going person I know. Very easy to get along, and there is not a person who has met LeNae that doesn't just love her. She is incredibly sweet and selfless. Material possessions are not important to her, which I really admire. She's always happy, and very easily amused. As a little girl it seemed that she was always giggling. She is tons of fun to tease, very good sport and teases along. She's quite athletic, played soccer and basketball, and was really good and aggressive at both. She has such a strong testimony, knows what she believes in and is trying to obtain more knowledge. I remember her reading the scriptures on her own years before ever taking seminary.

Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know what an awesome sister I have. She really is one-of-a-kind, and I love her tons. I am so grateful for the help she gave me. I love you Nae-babe!!

First Day On My Own

Today was my first day of totally being on my own, with 4 kids and no help. For the most part it went okay. Yea, I am tired, you forget how much sleep you loose when you have a newborn, and how much you need it. But, I still managed quite well. The weather was perfect today, not too hot and not too cold. Because this seems to never be the case for Ohio weather, when a day like today comes around, you have to enjoy it.

There's an elementary school with a playground near to our house. The boys and I have walked here often and have had little if any problems. But then I remembered that was when I only had 3 boys.

So with the baby, I had to push the stroller. Of course all the boys wanted to hitch a ride on the stroller, which I had to tell the older two no. I took the dog along to give him a walk, of course he wanted to go bark at a neighboring dog, forcing me to pretty much drag him a good distance.

Once at the park, the boys wanted to swing. I started pushing Mikey and Roger when William waddled over and wanted to swing. This is an elementary school's playground, so of course they had no baby swings. So, I sat down with William on my lap and swung. But it didn't take too long before the other boys needed another push. I did what any other mother would do, I placed my one year-old in the swing and "explained" to him that he needed to hold on, and hold on tight.

I was actually impressed how well William did on the swing. No fear from that boy! Just as I had all the boys happily swinging as I went from one end to the other pushing them, I heard a cry. Yep, Grant was breaking up the party. I couldn't feed him and push the other boys at the same time, so needless to say no one was happy.

Another problem with this playground is that since it's not made for younger children - let's say toddlers - it's not the best for William. Before I was able to stand by him the entire time, helping him and making sure he didn't fall (he did fall once last week when my sister took him to the park). I couldn't really do that while feeding Grant, so William was left to venture on his own.

When going to the park, I usually pack a lunch, today was no exception. Lunch was going pretty trouble free, until the boys decided that they wanted to eat my food rather than their own. I did what any good mother would do, gave them a bite then told them to eat their own. I packed them each a sippy cup, but for some reason they were extra thirsty today. Upon finishing their water, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth, so we decided to go home.

I then realized why I most definitely won't be going to that park for some time. The boys were now worn out and ornery, the last thing they wanted to do was walk home. If only I had driven to the park, I would only be forced to suffer the 20 steps it is to the car. Halfway home I realized that William had left his sippy cup at the park (of course his was the only one with any water left in it). I decided that it was too painful to go back, so I risked loosing the cup by having Todd pick it up on his way home from work. (It was still there)

Once home, I was grateful to be back to our own boundaries. I don't know why I thought that it would be a good idea to go to the park by myself. I mean come on, I just had a baby 2 weeks ago!! I am NOT Superwoman!! I am a crazy crazy woman.

To My Daddoo

This being Father's Day, I have to give a shout out to the man that helped shape me to who I am today. I just wanted to mention some of the reasons I love my dad.
My dad has always made me feel like "his little girl". Even though he has four daughters, I am his favorite - it is something we have always both understood. But in all seriousness, even though he does have four girls, I always did feel special. Here's my dad doing my dishes - amazing I know!! Notice the cabinets - I stained them!!

My personality is a lot like my dad's. Because of this, I think he has been able to understand me and my needs. He always knew how to let me be my own person, yet challenging me when he felt I needed it. He gave me praise when I needed it, and always was giving love and support. He expected, and expects the best out of me and I always try hard to not let him down.
He is very caring and concerned for me. With the arrival of my fourth child, he is sensitive to mine and my children's' needs - emotionally and physically. In fact, he's paying for one of my old Young Women to come and help me out for 6 weeks (I'm very excited). He's very generous, always looking for ways that he can sacrifice to make my life easier.
He has a great sense of humor and can make you laugh, or is willing to laugh with you. He really can be a lot of fun to be with.
He loves my boys. He jokes around with them, and shows them love. They love him (and even jump on him - sorry Dad). When I dropped him off at the airport on Friday, Mikey and Roger cried and cried. They were so disappointed that he was leaving, and that they weren't going with him. Actually I don't know if they were sad that he was leaving, but just sad that they themselves weren't leaving - it's kind of stressful here. No, he really does love them and plays with them. They love going and sitting on his lap - actually all of his grandkids do, it's kind of like the coveted spot to be. When he's around, there is always a kid on his lap.
I love you Dad. I'm so glad that you are my dad. Thank you for all that you have done for me and taught me.

To the Father of my children

My boys are the luckiest boys I know for they have such a wonderful father. He really is so great with them, and is such a wonderful example to them. I hope that they will always appreciate the kind of father they have been blessed with.

The boys are Todd's best friends. He loves to hang out and play with them, and they love it even more. He even talks to them as if they were all the same age as him. Todd rarely ever does anything just for himself, or by himself (unless it's school/work related). If he is going to go pick up milk at the store for me, you know at least one of the boys are tagging along.

Todd has his priorities set up so well. He is very devoted to God, putting the Lord and His commandments first. He is very committed to me and our relationship. He is always treating me well and trying to figure out how to become an even better husband. He values his children, and with that realizes that regardless of what happens in his professional life, the most important thing is his family. He has always said, "Worst-case-scenario, I've got you and the kids." He plays with the boys, without ever watching the clock. When most men are watching "the game", Todd is with us, going bike riding, or doing yard work together. He definately makes sure we do family time, even if it's teaching the boys how to work when they slow us down that much more.

I am so very grateful for Todd, and the wonderful father he is for our boys. I really do pray that they will follow him in his footsteps.

I love you Todd and Thank You for your hard work.

TRADITION

They had him suck on some sugar-water, it seemed to do the trick

Yesterday our baby had his circumcision. In the past our boys received their circumcision in the hospital, shortly after birth. Obviously this was not the route we were going to take.

In the Cleveland area, circumcisions are performed by the OB, but I really didn't feel like going to an OB and saying, "I didn't trust you to deliver my baby, but will you please do this - and not botch it?" I was going to call my kids' pediatrician and ask if he performed circumcisions, but then I figured that if he didn't routinely perform them, he wasn't going to be very skilled at it, and the last thing you want is an amature performing on your boy.

My midwife told me of a Jewish mohel from Columbus that traveled to your home and would perform circumcisions on non-Jewish boys. After some thought we decided that this would be our best option. A mohel is a Jewish Rabbi of sorts, that performs circumcisions. We decided that he would definitely have the experience, and also he is use to performing in front of the parents (which does not happen often at the hospital) so he could do it in front of us and not panic. I also liked the idea that it would happen in the home.

It is Jewish tradition to perform the circumcision on the eighth day after the birth of the baby, unless there are special circumstances. Grant's eighth day was actually Tuesday, but because Tuesday was a Jewish holiday, he had to perform it on the ninth day. When the circumcision is performed in the hospital, it is required to give the baby a vitamin K supplement because their clotting factors don't take effect until the eighth day - interesting.

So our mohel came last night. Unfortunately (and fortunately) I had to pick my dad up at the airport, so I missed the actual circumcision. But Todd said that Grant was a sport, only cried for a little bit. When the mohel arrived at our house he informed Todd that we are supposed to have an empty chair for Elijah, Todd should have told him that Elijah has already come.

Todd has actually witnessed all but Mikey's circumcision. He said that the mohel performed it differently, but that it was actually more effective and seemed a lot better. Afterwards the mohel stayed a bit and told us about some of the Jewish traditions. It was really cool. He was very friendly, and very open with sharing his beliefs with us. Also, how many boys can say that a Jewish Rabbi circumcised them?

Another side note, today my sister LeNae was watching the boys as I took a shower. William fell on the stairs outside and scraped up his head. He is quite accident prone at times, but we'll keep him.

Pictures of Baby Grant

My friend Jennifer also took these baby pictures of Grant. They turned out great. I do realize that I love Grant a lot because I could not settle on posting just two or three pictures of him, because I think every single one is gorgeous. Yea, typical mother.

I painted this bassinet and made the bumper - I am so proud

This is Todd's favorite. He really likes the Willow Trees figurines


We would just sit and be talking when Jen would whip out her camera and take some candid shots. She did pretty good with some real life photos. I wish I would have had there for the birth. But then again, my hair wasn't done up.

Of course Grant had done nothing but sleep his entire life, and the entire day of the photo shoot. But once Jen arrived, he was WIDE awake! I think he may have thought with all the children around that he had been living in an orphanage and Jen was someone coming to adopt a child. So he didn't want to seem too lazy.

She also took some cute ones of the boys kissing on Grant