A Baby and a Big Girl

It's Friday afternoon, what a GREAT feeling! We've successfully made it through another week, but knowing that the weekend is near is always good!

Ross is approaching his 3 week birthday and he is getting so big, so fast. I'm not quite ready to give up those tiny little newborn diapers, but I don't think he'll need them for much longer. Bridget was in those newborn diapers for months before she graduated to the next size! He has surpassed his birth weight and I'm pretty sure he is getting bigger everyday. He can barely make it 3 hours between feedings and his finger nails are growing like weeds-all signs that he is a growing boy!

He is awake and alert much more often now and he has taken a liking to the pacifier. Not sure how I feel about that, but it sure has been helpful. Bridget never wanted one and I was glad about that. I know it can be a hard habit to break down the road, but it is very soothing for Ross and helps calm him down when he is fussy. Speaking of fussy...he is most upset at bathtime. He just doesn't like it yet and neither do Mommy and Daddy. Besides the fact that we hate hearing him scream, we usually get peed on during the process!

Look at that...can't keep his eyes off of his big sister!

Despite the pediatricians recommendation to stay at home for up to 8 weeks, we HAD to get out this week. I know we need to keep Ross safe from germs, but staying at home for that long is just not practical-not with a 2 year old. So, we've packed up a few times to head to the library and the playground. Ross has been safely tucked away close to me and Bridget has been so grateful to do all the fun things she is used to doing.

And this morning, Ross stayed at home with Grandma so Bridget and I could have a special morning out. We went to the playground and then out for a "big girl" lunch at Subway!

We're so thankful for our families and friends that have been doing things for us to help make this transition easier. All the dinners and gifts and offers to baby-sit mean so much. I don't think things would be going as smoothly if it weren't for all of you!

So far, so good

Todd was home with us all last week and through the long weekend. We celebrated Valentines Day at home with a few little gifts and lots of yummy sweets! Bridget now thinks that cupcakes are given after all 3 meals!

Ross had his first doctor's visit on Monday and he was deemed "perfect"! The doctor said that after most parents bring home their second child they start to notice how big their first child is. YES! All last week we would just look at Bridget next to Ross and couldn't believe how big she seemed. She is doing great as a big sister. She is slowly becoming a bit more interested in Ross. She's held him a few times, given him kisses, and is starting to want to help me with his diaper changes.

Ross is perfect, just like the doctor said. He is eating and sleeping on somewhat of a schedule. He loves it when I sing the ABC song to him and he fits perfectly into the Baby Bjorn where he has been for just few little outings.

Our first week at home has been wonderful. I had prepared myself for chaotic days, a messy house and thought for sure I'd be just living in survival mode for these first few months. Not the case though...things are fun and easy around here!

New shoes for Valentines Day!

Red velvet cupcakes!

Little Guy

Harley may be a naughty little dog, but she does love our babies

Sumo wrestler???

Our new ride

Kisses for her baby brother

It's A Boy!

We are so happy to announce the birth of the newest little Johnston...Ross Andrew was born Monday, February 8th!

Last week at my 38 week doctor's appointment we went ahead and scheduled an induction. I was ready and my doctor had plans to be out of town for the week of my due date. I was induced with Bridget and it went great, so there was no hesitation to go ahead and do it the same way. We had a quiet weekend at home last weekend. We patiently waited for Monday morning to arrive...

and when it did, Bridget was dressed up in her 'Big Sister' shirt and all packed for her sleepover with Grandma and Papa.

My mom met us at the hospital at 7 a.m. to pick up Bridget. I gave her a big kiss goodbye and shed a few tears as they left. Todd and I then went straight into a delivery room to start our day. Labor started slowly, as the anesthesia team kept getting pulled into emergency c-sections. Once I finally did get my epidural around 11 a.m., they kicked up the pitocin and I comfortably relaxed the rest of the afternoon. Our parents were in and out and even Bridget hung out with us most of the afternoon. By about 3:30 we shooed everyone out so the nurse could check my progress one more time. I was more than 9 cm dilated, but not quite 10. She said I should begin to feel pressure soon and when I did to let her know-it would be time!

The pressure came and by 4:15 I was pushing. The nurse said that with most second babies it only takes 2 or 3 pushes. I knew better...it would take more than 2 or 3 pushes for me! And it did, but far less than with Bridget. On that last push, I knew that was it, so I shot straight up to look and see what we had. I saw those little boy parts right away! He came out crying and peeing on the doctor! Everyone in the room noticed that he was no little baby either-he was a big boy! 8 pounds, 5 ounces and 19 inches long. I never would have guessed that he was an 8 pound baby. Bridget was so small and I just assumed that all my babies would be small like her.

He is beautiful, healthy and loved by so many! We came home on Wednesday and things are going great. Bridget is still getting used to him. She doesn't mind him being here, but she hasn't exactly gotten attached to him yet. For some reason she thinks he stinks because she usually says, "Pee-yew" when she gets close to him! She's only wanted to hold him once and when he started to cry she looked at me to get him off! Ross, however, is already mesmerized by his big sister. He spends most of the day sleeping, but when he decides to wake up and open his little eyes, it's always for Bridget.

Thanks to everyone for all the phone calls and messages we've gotten. It's been a wonderful week and we're touched by everyone who is sharing in our happiness!

It's Not Always Easy

This kind of sums up the last few days...

A little bit of sweet and a little (actually more than a little) bit of naughty.

Something has gotten into to her past few days and we've had some less than pleasant moments. Bedtime meltdowns, dramatic refusal of foods, hyper and reckless playing, and a lovely new phrase that goes something like this, "NO WAY!"

Maybe it's the "Terrible Twos" or maybe she can sense that some big changes are about to happen around here. While I wish everyday were easy, I know that just isn't going to happen and some of the toughest days are probably just right around the corner.

Thanks goodness for lots of help nearby...Grandma's and Grandpa's especially.

In between all these new challenges have definitely been some new and wonderful accomplishments too. Counting to 10, trying to read along to her favorite books, singing along to the annoying, yet catchy, songs on the radio and learning to draw shapes with her sidewalk chalk.

Not too many new pictures to share. My camera has been tucked away in my purse just in case I go into labor when I'm at work. Wouldn't want to leave that behind! She did help me make brownies last weekend and was a very good little helper! Love you, Bridget-even when you're naughty!