Final Watch Mommy Grow

I saw this on another blog and decided to do the same, it's so hard to remember all the details.

How far along were you when you had your baby? 36 weeks

How long was labor? 10+ weeks. ;) But then super real intense never-ending contractions started the Monday before Micah was born and really picked up by 2a the Saturday (day before) he entered the world. It was a tough pregnancy not goin' lie.

Total weight gain? 21 pounds

Total weight loss since? 19 pounds. This close to my pre-pregnancy weight. I have got to stop eating those brownies. :)

I love how he falls asleep to my heartbeat.

Back into your own clothes yet? Pretty much.

Did you get stretch marks? Not one stretch mark with either baby.

What do you miss about being pregnant? I am not someone who even remotely pretends to enjoy pregnancy. But I do miss just the specialness of being just me and Micah together, feeling him inside. I don't miss all the pre-term labor I went through to get him here though.

How big is the baby? Micah was 8#9z at my 6 week check. {Now because I forgot to post this "on time" he is 10#}

8 weeks old.

Are you breastfeeding? Yes. It is still rough going. Micah is what I call a lazy nurser. Once again night and day different from Lo. She was all about the nursing efficiently, which I loved, especially at night. So Micah and I "fight" a lot over nursing, sometimes he wins, sometimes I win.

How is baby's temperament? Overall, a very happy baby boy. Such a refreshing change from when Lo was a baby. You get really riled up after nursing a lot, due to some digestive issues. :( But we are working on fixing that...

What are you looking forward to? Watching Micah grow up, interacting with us and Lo and reaching all his milestones. Oh and sleeping through the night again. :)

The Things Lo Says...{video edition}

This is the first song Lo has picked up on to really sing. Since her birthday she has sung it nearly everyday at random times and things. It is really funny to me.
Enjoy her cuteness. :)

lo singing happy birthday from Michele Keethler on Vimeo.

Also, at nap time you will hear her sing at the top of her lungs Happy Birthday. It is so funny.

Happy Birthday At Naptime from Michele Keethler on Vimeo.

Miscellany Monday

Wow! What a week.

ONE.
It was suppose to be Spring Break, but not for me. I got to work. I love my job and thankful for being able to keep my toe dipped in the RD water, but it stinks that I work when everyone else is off. Oh well, I am home now.

Chad did an awesome job of being in charge of two kids by himself. Micah has been less than "fun" this past week and I am glad Chad survived, although he did say something about being ready for 25 5th graders again...hmm...what is he saying?! :)

When daddy is in charge you get to do fun things like this:
you don't have to watch the whole thing, I was just to lazy to edit it. :)

Daddy in charge from Michele Keethler on Vimeo.

It was hard for me to be away from Micah, but it was good for me too. I just didn't like trying to find time to pump and nurse and all that jazz. How do you working mommas do it?! Props to those of you who work AND breastfeed.

TWO.
We are still trying to sell our house. It is going well in the sense we have had lots of interest/showings, yet no contract to go over...oh well hopefully soon. We are trusting in God's timing because, currently we don't have anywhere to go yet. And we are thinking about building... so parents, in-laws, we may be movin' in with you if we sell, because then we will be homeless. :) I know God will work out all the details and I am trusting in that.

THREE.
This is so random, but remember that wagon the kids' got for their birthdays? Well, we really wanted a canopy for it, but couldn't find one. Finally it dawned on me to just call the company and ask for a "Replacement Canopy." They sent it to us in 2 days for $10! Do you know that to buy the wagon WITH the canopy originally it is an extra $20?! So yeah, I just save $10 bucks! :) Just a thought for the future about replacement parts on products.

Sorry it is so small but you get the idea.

FOUR.
Meet Micah and I's new bestie:


This is the "womb bear" or "Captain Awesome" as I like to refer to him as. Micah has been having trouble sleeping alone, ie not on my chest. My sister kept telling me to get this, but I just thought I didn't want to hear one more thing while I was attempting to sleep. Micah is loud enough! Well I broke down and sent Chad out to get one. Oh.my.word. Awesome! Micah loves it and it is helping us both get sleep. I love it so much I might get one for myself after Micah goes to his own room. I am not sure how I will sleep with out it. What a soothing sound. And why oh why didn't I get one for Lo? May be that would have helped her sleep better too. Live and learn people. This is my go to baby gift from hear on out!

FIVE.
I don't really like video games. But I think that dance game for Wii or whatever system seems so cool. We have Xbox, but not the kinect controller (yet), so I can't get the game for myself. But my sis who has the Wii just got it and wow is it fun! I could live over there playing it everyday. And it is a fun workout too! Since she is at college, I might just sneak over there and steal it...hmm...good idea Michele. Anyway Lo loves it too.

I am mega bummed because when I went to post the video I thought I took of Lo dancing to it, I found I didn't record it. :( It was so funny and cute. So here she is dancing with Meg, who is an awesome dancer by trade and isn't fair to play against!

SIX.
I am so excited that this weekend we are taking Lo to Sesame Street Live! I can't wait. Her face lights up every time she sees the commerical. I keep telling her we are going to that, but she doesn't get it...yet. Ooohhh. I can't wait!

SEVEN.
I have been off Crackbook Facebook for two weeks now. So far so good. Although week one my sister was here to keep me busy and last week I worked, so we shall see how this week goes. Honestly, I do enjoy the peace I get from not obsessing over everyone's status updates, but it makes me miss the people I use it to stay in touch with. However, I know if I click back on all will be lost.

Well go on join in on all the miscellany.

Zoo Much Fun

On Thursday {March 17th} it was a beautiful Kansas day. Or a welcomed changed from freezing temperatures, either way we headed to the zoo.

{So prepare for picture overload...I am not cool like my sister and have the time to make collages, but I am trying. ;) The collages on here are "stolen" from her blog. :) Thanks Misa!}

Ready to go!

Micah is so ready for his first trip to the zoo.
I did deck my kids out in giraffe clothes though. ;)

We met up with our bestie Jendy and her son, Brody.
It was so nice just walking around, enjoying the weather and watching the kids admire the animals and show off their animal sounds.

Sadly this is the best we could get of all the kids. Brody is not in love with girls right now. ;) One day that will change, but for now this what we get. :)

My niece Landrey was a hoot. Her mommy may be a little worn out by her, but I found myself just laughing at her uncontrollably. Matter of fact I am still laughing at all the memories we made this past week, such as Landrey drinking probably everyone's water at the zoo, because she was "so thirsty!" HA!

This just made me laugh so hard because Lan's is hanging out of the wagon, after her mommy told her to get in...just testing her limits. (I am sure Melissa found it less than amusing, but as an aunt it was priceless.)

I took this picture for my husband. I thought the cow itching his neck on the barn was funny.
And had my hubby been present we would have 300 pics of this. :)

Somehow we only ever saw the backs of our kids' heads...this should make for some great scrapbook pages. :/

My daughter right at home...being a monkey.

Thanks Misa for thinking of taking our family picture. Sad Chad wasn't there. :(

I kept telling Lo we were going to the zoo to see Pandas. Because on the way to church we pass by Panda Express and she is always shouting it out: "Church, Panda, Panda, Church."

Little did I realize we don't have Panda's at our zoo, unless you count this cute little Red Panda. She was satisfied. Shoo. Crisis avoided! :)

My daughter knows no stranger. Stranger Danger means absolutely nothing to her.
Seriously, she about left with 2 different families twice! I have several pics of people I don't even know because she would just join their group.
No idea who that little girl is.

Misa and Jendy knocked up. Their due dates are like 2/3 weeks apart.
Last time Jendy and I were 2 weeks apart.
Too bad Misa isn't closer so they can "enjoy" being knocked up together.

And now I leave you with pictures of the most beautiful creature God created, besides my kids of course. ;)

GIRAFFES!

We almost missed them, because they didn't have them out the first time we walked by. I know I was sad too, but this made up for it!

I can't wait to go back. Maybe next we can check out the St. Louis zoo. ::wink wink:: Misa! ;)

95

I have a great grandmother, who turn 95 today.
95.
That is five generations of family and love. Five generations being brought up to love, honor and follow God.

9" Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His loving kindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;...13 He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb...

Det. 7:9,13

We celebrated her birthday {along with my niece, Landrey's who will be 2 in April} this past weekend.

One of the coolest things we do is take pictures of our 5 generations every time we come together as a family. This woman has 7 Great GREAT grandchildren {5 boys, 2 girls, although Hollis is still cookin' :)} and if I added right 15 great grandchildren and 6 grandchildren.


However, this is the FIRST time all 6 (remember Hollis is still cookin') great great grandchildren have been present to be in said 5 generation picture! That once is a feat all in itself and I am thankful we all could be together for this moment.

Seriously, what a legacy, thus far...because some of us {NOT ME} are not done bringing blessings into this world. :)

Either way I am just so grateful she is still around to meet and hold my babies. It is really something to see.

Just look how happy Micah makes her, it melts my heart. I think each time you move up on the GP {grandparent} ladder babies make you that much happier.

When I saw her rocking MW I had to snap that picture because it reminded of when she rocked Lo for the first time. Precious.

Happy Birthday Grandma Adenia. Thank you for your legacy that you are leaving behind. We all love you!

The verdict is in...

and Micah Wyatt we finally figured out who you look like.

When Lo was born the milisecond she popped out I said "she looks just like Aunt Meg as a baby." When the family entered everyone exclaimed how she was all Ingwerson. Which was true, but when you got out baby pictures she was Chad with a bow on. Weird how that works.

Now for Micah we all just stared and stared, dumbfounded as to who he looked like. My guess was the milkman. ;)
Several weeks past by and still no one can figure it out. Then I pulled out a 6 week old baby picture of myself.
There he was. He looked just like me as a baby.

Then on Saturday while at my mom's house I went looking for more baby pictures of myself to prove it to others. By mistake I pulled out my sister's baby book {Melissa} and when I looked at her picture on the cover I swore I was looking at my son! The resemblance is uncanny.

click on the picture to enlarge it.

Melissa was pretty sure this is why he loves her so much. :)

So Micah bear you do belong with us. :) I always knew you did.

Misa and Landrey's Homecoming

My sister, Melissa, came home last week! And best of all she got to stay with me at my house all week! It was the best. Landrey and Lo had so much fun playing, eating, snacking, and running around together. They taught each other their "how to best annoy your mommy" tricks, as well as introducing each other to their own favorite snacks. Oh the new habits that have been formed. ;)

They always pick up right where they left off.

Sorry the video is dark. Lan's got to "wake" Lo up from her nap as a surprise.
But still is cute.

Lo and Lan's Jumpping in the Crib from Michele Keethler on Vimeo.

Auntie Misa meeting Micah for the first time.
He welcomed her with a shirt full of spit-up. ;)

Oh the fun we had: playing in the dirt, going on walks, matching jammies, riding Dynamite, playing kitchen and watching Elmo together. All priceless.

But it was all totally worth it. And I am so sad they are gone. My house is too quiet and lonely now.

I hate that these girls can't have these moments everyday. And our boys won't grow up knowing each other as well as our girls' do. But you have to cherish the moments you get and relish them.

I Make This Look Good.

Lo is in the stage of dressing herself and picking out all her own clothes, shoes and bows.
Parenting Tip: Pick your battles and this is currently NOT one of them. ;)
Oh, and yes we went out in public like this.

Micah 2 Months {Watch Me Grow}

Micah, you are two months old today. I just love you so much more than I could fathom. I just want you to know that, because a lot of days you may not know it. I know you won't remember these early days, but I do. Some days I am so sad because I can't give you all the hugs, kisses and cuddles you deserve, since I have your big sister to divide my time with. But you are handling it well, I guess you knew that was the plight of the second born.

I still take time to marvel at your handsome little face when we do have our quiet nursing moments, you know at 2am. You are growing and changing so fast. You seem so big to me, but really to most you just look like a normal newborn, since technically you should only be 4-5 weeks old. However, so far you have needed zero age-adjustment for your skill level.


You are already:

• giving real smiles. Just on Saturday {Mar 12} you smiled at me as I spoke to you three times. It just made my day, especially after a particularly long night with you.
  
• starting to coo a little
• batting at your toys in your play gym

• hold your head up with zero support for quiet some time, I might be able to bust out the bumbo soon. ;)
  

• rolling over, not as much as an older baby would, but you still do it fairly consistently, but more now only when you are ticked than happy.

This video was taken when he was 2 weeks old.

• are still unsure of the paci. Sometimes you take it other times you look at me like "Hey! that isn't what I want. I want skin to skin contact mommy!" So more often then not mommy finds herself once again being the paci. Hooray! {please note the sarcasm}.

Eating:

• you nurse every 2-2.5 hours during the day and average 3 hours at night, although there have been a few blissful 4 hour stretches mixed in.
• nursing is better. Still not great. You seem to think mommy is a "sip 'n save," but we are working through this.

• you are experiencing a lot of digestive issues and hopefully we can get to the bottom of this. There is too much projectile vomiting for my taste. Therefore, the doc is putting you on Zantac for awhile to see if that will help. I am doubtful, yet hopeful all at the same time.

You like to watch TV with daddy. :)

The infamous wagon/stroller picture a few have inquired about.

We are using this awesome wagon as our "double stroller" if you will, since Lo is old enough to walk most everywhere we go, and chooses to walk. Most of our outings include walks around the park, zoo, fair etc. And stores we just use the shopping carts. I haven't even been to the mall in years. So this works for us and in just a few very short months MW will be able to sit up in the wagon sans car seat anyway, so why bother with the hassle of a big bulky double stroller.

Sleeping:

• you still do this pretty well in this department. Not as sleepy as you use to be during the day, but that is ok.
• you are a tummy sleeper. You don't even know how to sleep on your back. So unlike other babies you get "back time" vs. "tummy time" in the play gym. HA! No you still get both because you need to be awake to develop those tummy/arm muscles.
• good news is you are weaned out of the swing for nighttime sleeping, and honestly rarely nap in it. {I think it is the sleeping on the back thing is why you no longer enjoy the swing}. I learned that lesson with your sister. I am teaching you to nap/sleep anywhere!!
  
• Mommy is ready for longer nighttime sleeping...so when do you think you will consistently do 5+ hour stretches?!

Even has to sleep on his tummy in the boppy. So stinkin' cute.

Anecdotes/Miscellanous:

This is how you felt after your 2 month shots.

While not shown, you were pretty fussy for the rest of the evening. :(

• I haven't been peed on this month...maybe I am getting better at this boy thing. ;)
• But I have been pooped on thanks to those delightful diaper blowouts. Gross. I so forgot all about that. Probably doesn't help that you have no derriere, so nothing to keep it in. HA!
  
• Wt check at 1 month: 8# 9z ( you really porked it on)
• you are in a size 1 diaper. They are a bit large, but going with what we have, since Newborns seem a bit snug. Also helps with the aforementioned diaper blowout situation.
• You now pretty much hate the swing and love your bouncer. Crazy, because with your sister I would have not survived with out that blessed swing, and she could have cared less about the bouncer. You two are so different, definitely NOT two peas from the same pod. HA!
  

"I'm a Rock Star, I've got my Rock Moves..."

• wear NB to 0-3 month clothes. You are just so tall. I am sad because I am already putting away your clothes. I never really had to do that with Lo. I only put away her clothes because the season changed, and most of the time I can get them out for the next year. So this is "sad" for mommy.
  
• You are such a happy baby, most of the time, but sometimes you like to remind what a colic baby is like. I guess so I appreciate you more, but honey that isn't necessary I already appreciate you plenty!

Stats:
Wt: 10# (so you have just doubled your birth weight) 19%
Ht: 22inches
You are my growing big boy!!

I love you Micah Wyatt!
Happy TWO Months!!