Two Months

Samuel is now two months old and I cant help but try to find the comparison shots with the other kids.  So here ya go. We will find out his official weight on Wednesday though I think he will give Isaac a run for his money.  He started off with what we lovingly called chicken legs but today as I changed a DIRTY diaper I couldnt help but notice the boy has CHUBBY legs now!!!  And his 3 month clothes fit just right!  He smiled lots and coos and sometimes even giggles.  He sleeps pretty consistently at night from 7:30 - 12- 4 -7 which is doable for sure.  Still grunts alot.  And exciting for Mommy, has been left at home with a babysitter and Daddy twice this weekend.  He is growing up and things are changing:)

Whole 30

30 days ago Nate and I set out on the Whole30 challenge- you can find out more about it here:

http://www.whole9life.com/#

I started blogging about it but wasnt sure I wanted to post about it till now so here are my thoughts from the beginning:

We did it!  We did day one and two now! Let me back up and explain a bit...

Back in march I visited a friend who was doing this crazy thing called the whole30- she ate eggs and a sweet potato for breakfast and put coconut milk in her coffee. I looked into it a bit but was pregant and thought maybe someday.

Fast forward to being bigger than I can imagine being pregant and seemingly not able to control my eating habits, and I wanted to change something.  Two friends posted something on Facebook about the whole30 and I started looking into it more.  Eating meat, fruit, veggies, good fats, and still have my coffee with a coconut flavor?  How hard could this be?!  That's how I hooked Nate and choose a start date.... Little did I realize how much we would give up as I read more into it.  But we are doing it!  And here is how so far:

Breakfast-Eggs, spinach, sweet potato, coffee with coconut milk

Lunch-Salad!  Coffee

Dinner- pork chops with onion and apple,Acorn squash pure, Applesauce, Broccoli 

Sunday night I definitely had the chills- could my body be detoxing so quickly from lack of sugar and excess caffeine??

Day Two is in the books!  - I was definitely light headed this morning and took some medicine cause I needed to make it through the day!  But it hasn't returned yet and I haven't taken any more medicine.

For breakfast we had eggs spinach and sweet potatoes and coffee again.

For lunch we indulged in steak and leftover squash, cabbage salad, and green beans.  

And for dinner we had this, though I couldn't finish it!  Not sure if I'll be hungry later or am just full from the steak still.  

I haven't really been hungry, more have to remind myself not to eat out of habit- especially when fixing the kids meals!  Or getting them a snack.  To not even lick my fingers!  And this "diet" is going to take a lot more food- I need to go shopping again- not sure how to keep that part up.

Day three is done!  I kind of can't believe it.  We had a pepper and onion egg scramble with sweet potatoes for breakfast.  Salads for lunch and cleared out all the leftovers for dinner- along with a "monkey salad"- bananas, cashews, coconut, and a sprinkle of cocoa.  Not too shabby.  I was definitely reallllly hungry when I woke up but felt better after I ate.  Lunch was hard to just sit down and eat cause the boys were needy this morning, but I still stuck to the plan!

Day 4 is in the books.  I felt pretty good all day- especially when Nate helped me get in a cat nap in the afternoon. 

Breakfast- Spinach eggs and sweet potato with coffee -  need to think of a new idea!

Lunch- Coconut shrimp with mango and old frozen sugar snap peas that I couldn't finish so I had a few bites of cabbage salad and carrots

Dinner-Big salad with chicken, monkey salad 

Decaf coffee with hubby to relax

Day 5, Thursday

Egg Scramble with sweet potato and coffee for breakfast (can you see a trend?)
Salad with roasted beets and chicken for lunch
Beef stew with mashed cauliflower and brocolli for dinner

REALLY wanted a banana after dinner- a banana?!  On the one hand this is allowed in the "plan" but on the other, its basically like having dessert...which is NOT the plan.  The plan is to change eating habits.  Overall today I did better cause I think I had less fruit and more veggies.

Day 6, Friday
Spinach and eggs breakfast 
Salad for lunch
Leftover beef stew for dinner.

Day 7- today is much better and I feel likeI  overcame some big things.  I took my daughter on a date to Starbucks and drank black coffee and we went to a Halloween party where I didn't have any of the yummy bread desserts they had.  I am feeling good!

Pepper and onion, eggs, sweet potato

Salad!  With chicken sausage

Chicken and roasted veggies

Day 8- starting to get the hang of this thing.  Eggs spinach sweet potato and coffee for breakfast and a banana. On the way home from church Nate and I split a Lara bar- it was good and helped us wait till after I nursed Sam and made us our heaping salads for lunch.  For dinner we had broccoli and beef -  well, that's what the recipe was.  Pepper and onions and oranges and lettuce from small farm were added.

The afternoon around three is the worse- I am tired and hungry and it's hard to resist.  Today we had friends coming over so that helped pass the time till dinner!

Day 9 and 10 are done!

Breakfasts the same, one meal a salad and yesterday we had the leftover broccoli and beef and today we had lemon chicken, butternut squash and roasted cabbage which was really good!

It's starting to get a bit old and is a lot of time and work in the kitchen and we go through so much food!!!!  Feels like my fridge is full one moment and then it's empty again.  And this is the last week of our farm share so I'm not sure exactly how we will afford to keep it up but we are so far in, that motivates me to keep going.  And I feel good too- it's getting easier to resist foods I can't eat and even though my sleep is irregular I really don't feel terrible. 21 more to go!!!

Day 11, Some thoughts:

I can't believe we have made it this far.

• It's exhausting preparing all this food!  I am wondering what I would be making of myself if I was putting as much time as I am thinking, prepping and cooking as something else.  This is what I am doing during nap times.  I might just be watching more tv:)
• It's expensive!  And we have had our farm share these last weeks- tomorrow will be the last day!!!  Then it's going to get even more expensive, though I may be able to buy more of my favorite foods.
• I am wondering if my appetite has shrunk?  Today after cooking all morning, I didn't really feel hungry to eat what I had made- steak, squash and spinach with red onion.  
• My kitchen is a huge mess at least once a day.
• I think I am less groggy then I would be.
• Is it worth it?  Time will tell...
• It's a good lesson in self control- I do have it!  But I also hope I lose some weight too:)

For breakfast we had the usual and for dinner we had salads with chicken while our family had pizza- way to go us!

Day15-  I guess this is becoming somewhat "normal" since I haven't written anything in a few days and we are now halfway through!  Still not sure we feel any different-  perhaps we will notice the most when it's over and we eat other food again.  Today we are heading to visit my family and it's kind of a bummer because it often involves going out to eat::( I have gotten good at packing food to go.  Nate even says he likes my salads!  

Yesterday we tried Brussels sprouts for the first time.  They were ok but I don't think I'll be buying them again soon.  And Friday night we went out to eat.  It is not impossible to eat out but it is hard and expensive!!!  I wanted to get the salmon but it was a lot so I got a soup and salad.  Nate got a salmon burger that looked really good.  

Today we may have already ruined the whole thing by taking communion!  I didn't even notice but Nate did. Honest mistake for religious regions.  

So we plug on!  15 days to go!

I guess it really did become normal because that was my last post and now its day 30!  We really did all 30 days and its become "normal"  I think I am most proud of all the times we were at "parties"  and didnt eat what was offered.  And that black coffee isnt half bad!  I always feel like I "need" to eat when I at something, but the truth is I dont.  And I need to remember that.  I am nervous to incorporate new things tomorrow- I am torn about whether I really want to or not.  I thought that I would really want cream in my coffee- but now I am not so sure..  I amy wait a few more days and see how I feel.  We will weigh ourselves and take after photos tomorrow.  I am curious about that for sure!  I am so proud of us for doing this- so thankful Nate did it with me, otherwise I dont think I could have.  And I hope to continue eating much healthier, even as the holidays approach- I have good reason to as both of my siblings got engaged this month and that means two family weddings in 2014 to look good for!

Isaac 20 months

Yesterday Isaac turned twenty months old. I am tempted to just post a video if him laughing at pretty much anything because I think that would cApture him well at this age, but I am not sure I know how to:/

Isaac does live up to his name for sure.  He can often be found smiling and laughing at anything and everything.  He loves to eat.  He loves his daddy who gets up with him every morning and whose name he can say very clearly.  He is learning to obey and can be helpful when he wants to be- yesterday he gave his brother his pacifier when he was crying.  He says so much and any day will burst out in full sentences I am sure.  He loves tv or phones- anything with a screen and often says "Atch" which means watch.  

The boys and I spend our mornings together going to singing time at the library which Isaac mostly just sits through but will be the loudest one cheering and suing yea at the end of a song.  He also does that at the end of "happy birthday."  And to the family center to play and see friends.  Or out to run errands. Isaac does great at all of these and usually crashes for a wonderful nap when we get home. 

He gives wonderful hugs and kisses and says byebye with great warmth that melts your heart.  

Samuel - 6 weeks

Samuel is growing up a bit too fast!  He loves his pacifier, continues to grunt, and gives us lots of smiles and coo-ing sounds.   Its wonderful!!!

Samuel Eld

I have about 30 minutes before I need to go pick up Olivia- and my to do list is long but I am going to give my best shot to write this post.

Samuel is sleeping next to me with the hiccups- just over a month old- 5 weeks today! Isaac is snoozing away upstairs, nursing a running nose.

A month ago Samuel joined us with a scare.  He swallowed some liquid when he came out and ended up being on oxygen most of the first day of his life.  He was my first baby to have issues on the way out and it was scary.  The hospital was amazing- they really encourage rooming in at this hospital to the point that they actually rolled my entire hospital bed into the nursery to be with Sam while he was receiving oxygen.  We tried to nurse but he wasn't too interested.

By about three that afternoon Grandma and Nana brought the proud brother and sister to meet baby Sam.  They did great meeting the baby!  And continue to love him well.  Both kids love to hold and love on Sam whenever I give them a chance to!

Sam's blood sugar continued to be low and they had to prick his heel many times till he got just above what is normal.  He was also jaundiced.  So we just barely escaped the hospital on time and had to go see the doctor a few times in his first weeks of life.  Thankfully at two weeks out he had finally gained his birth weight back, 9 pounds, 11 ounces and just this past Wednesday he was 12 pounds 2 ounces!  So although he was a bit of a challenge his first few weeks, I think he is well on track now which is exciting.

He is definitely getting bigger- is a decent nurser and sleeper.  He is having longer and longer moments of wakefulness.  And I have seen some smiles:)

This is the first baby we brought home NOT in our gray ford Taurus and it was weird!  We had to say goodbye to the Taurus in January though it faithfully saw us through dating, engagement, moves, cancer, and babies.  Funny how so much can attached to a faithful car:)  Hopefully our minivan and Volvo will do the same for us in years to come!

Who looks like who?

Samuel, Day Two

Isaac, Day one

Olivia, Day one

Samuel, One Month

Isaac, One Month +3 days

Olivia, One Month

39 weeks with Babies 1, 2, and 3

Fall Ministry 2013

Nate just sent out an "official" update but I kinda like these two pictures and wanted to share them.  The first one is a map of all the towns in MA.  We have the same one hanging in our house and its been so great to see where the students we meet are from.  For survey tables, Nate had the great idea to ask students to stick a pin in the town where they are from.  We had two tables, so this is only one of the maps and you have to look close in the picture, but I think its so fun!  Nate and I both have a heart for the people of New England so its amazing to be at UMASS where so many of the students are not just from New England, but are natives of MA.  We love it!


And as a Mom to (almost) three little ones, I have stepped back in a major way from active ministry this year ( if you are a mom and want to talk about work vs being home vs ministry, I would LOVE TO discuss!) but Nate did ask me to talk to our staff team about following up surveys and building relationships.  And Jeff snapped a picture:)  I just wanted to share:)


Today Nate made it to the top of Mt. Sugarloaf with a group of students- I am home with the kids and waiting to hear more about how it went.  Also nesting as its less than 6 days till we meet this little guy!!!!

Just checked facebook- here is the group:

Olivia Goes to Preschool

Today was Olivia's first day of preschool and though not shocking, she did GREAT!  We decided to send her to Crocker Farm Preschool which is a 5 minute drive from us and part of the Amherst Public School system.  She has at least 4 teachers and only 15 kids in her class.  Yesterday we went for a preview day and today was the real deal.  Yesterday she played with playdough and blocks and back to playdough and then the sand and then it was time to go.  Today I think she did much more, but she only told me tidbits:)  I am so proud of her for making this big step and excited about all that she will learn this year and the friends she will make!

Family Photo before Preview Day

Silly Faces!

So excited!  The expression of Isaac here is one you might see often in real life.

The morning before the first real day.

Had to show off the owl back pack to our neighbor, and now to you all!  

Isaac, 18 Months

Isaac turned 18 months old on Monday.  Some updates on this sweet, handsome guy.

• He no longer uses a bottle!  
• An explanation:  Nate gets up with him in the mornings, often around 6:30 and after a diaper change and milk and coffee pouring they watch something together- the last two days has been Bob the Builder.  A few weeks ago (maybe less) Nate called and told me he had actually bitten the nipple off the bottle and probably swallowed some of it.  Later that day the kids and I went to Marshall's and found some new cups:) He has done great with them and then this week, really wants his sisters cup- so I guess we should have fully upgraded sooner!  He has also been getting a lot more teeth which should also be part of this explanation.  I havent dared put my finger in his mouth to figure out how many more, but his fingers are often there which I think is proof.
• He is saying so many more words and sounds and definitely understands and communicates.  If you ask a yes or no question he will nod his head to answer appropriately.  I have been a little too thankful he doesnt say NO yet, so I am sure that is around the corner.
• He dances when there is music by fist bumping above his head.
• He is starting to really love trucks- pointing them out when we see them and vrooming our toy ones all over the house.
• He gives kisses and hugs and I love them.
• He and Olivia started going to bed together at the same time and for the most sleep through the night!!!! This is huge as we expect a new baby soon and has been such a blessing.  I am not even sure exactly how it happened or when but I am SO thankful we and they figured out this routine so early and so well!!!  Lets pray it continues even with newborn cries next door.
• He seems to hit his head every other day and almost always has a bump on his forehead:(  
• He has a killer smile.
• He does like to  hit and throw things/ push people.  We are working on it:/
• Olivia started school today so I am hoping to make the most of my mornings with this guy who is soon to become a middle child.  His doctors appointment is Monday so I will try to update his size then- but he wears 18-24 month clothes for the moment.  And Olivia's crocks from last summer!

Early mornings with Daddy- Isaac LOVES his Daddy

17 months

At the beach in August, he is often found very messy!!!

Sandy Cove in July

Much earlier this summer, in his favorite milk position

At the Taste of Amherst back in June 

Isaac ~ 14 Months

Isaac is 14 months old today, though most of these pictures were taken yesterday.  It has turned into summer overnight here and its been wonderful to be OUTSIDE and playing so much!  Isaac got new shoes yesterday as he is a WALKER- you can't hold this kid back!  He has no fear!  At the playground he climbs and bounces all around.  He loves the seesaw and slides and swing. At a friend's house on Monday their slide had a tube shape to it and he managed to climb up it multiple times! 

About a week before Easter we officially weaned him- a short and much needed break for me from nursing!  He cried a bit the first night but has taken to a bottle extremely well since then.  He loves to eat!  Especially eggs for breakfast and any kind of meat or noodles.  We are signed up for a farmshare this summer and I am excited to offer him many veggies!

He LOVES his big sister Olivia- following her around, wanting to do what she is and playing with her.  He also loves hair.  He likes to eat my hair (cue my need for a haircut!) and pull his sisters.  We are definitely in the throes of sibling rivalry- just the beginning I suppose.  Any good sibling book recommendations out there?

He definitely has a loud and strong voice, but it is questionable as to whether he has any regular words yet.  He can make all the sounds. He says "dat" a lot- especially when pointing at light/fan ceiling combos.  He will sign more please- especially for a bottle of milk, or more food.  

In some moments, when he as a bottle or is sleepy, he is still my little baby but in others he is very much a little man growing up before our eyes!  I love him!!!