The Damans

Friday, October 25, 2013

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!!!

Friday, October 18, 2013

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

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

39 weeks with Babies 1, 2, and 3

Saturday, September 7, 2013

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:

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

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!