One Month with Jonah

How is it possible that one month has passed?  It really has been a great month.  With the exception of a few days when my tiredness caused me to lose it and everything seemed a bigger deal that it really was, I have really enjoyed my days here holding my little baby and watching the older boys play together.

The time at the hospital with Brian and Jonah was wonderful.  I missed my little (big!) boys, who couldn't come to see us until it was time to check out.  Gavin had been having tummy troubles and we didn't want to have him around the baby.  Their faces were priceless when they walked into the room. They were so excited to see their new brother.  The transition to three kids has been good.  Much easier than when we had two.  McKay shook things up around here and I had to figure out how to have a 22 month old and a new baby.  I also had just quit working so I wasn't quite sure what being a stay at home mom looked like.  Jonah has been easier because I think he's just fitting into the routine that we've already got established.  It helps that he's an easy baby (at least for now!) and is just here hanging out with us.  Every family has their own opinion about how many kids is easy or hard.  All kids are a lot of work - but I am grateful that this time around has been much smoother!

Jonah is such a good baby!  Really.  I feel like he's been pretty predictable pretty early.  Our first two nights at home were spent holding him while we slept - he didn't even cry - just wanted to be held.  By Day 5 he was doing three hour stretches of sleep in his crib at night.  What a champ!  I can only think of one night that I was up every two hours.  The rest all 3, 4, and 5 hours of sleep at a time.  So why am I still so tired??  At about 3 1/2 weeks he had a growth spurt or something where he was whiny and hungry 24/7 for two or three days.  Other than those couple of days, he has been an absolute perfect angel baby.

But I keep thinking...Isn't it amazing how quickly you can be so infatuated with someone?  I am seriously in love with this little boy.  I don't know much, but I do feel like I have some perspective this third time around.  I know this newborn phase won't last forever.  I know soon I will be able to sleep for longer than three hours at a time.  Already I can't remember how skinny his little legs were and what they looked like exactly.  I feel like I've got to soak it all in and I have been totally ok with spending my days here at home and hours and hours in a chair nursing him.  I cannot get enough of his wrinkled forehead, his super soft skin, his fuzzy back, his perfect fluffy strawberry blonde hair,

I've loved watching the boys interact with him.  Gavin has been the perfect big brother from the start.  He will hold him for quite a while.  He'll wipe spitup and ask me repeatedly, "Take a picture, mom!"  McKay loves his little brother, too.  The first day or two Jonah was home McKay seemed pretty bent out of shape and a lot angry.  He needed some extra attention.  But now his face is in Jonah's face and he has his own baby talk.  He loves to "pet" his brother and give him kisses on his head.  He has been sucking his hair, too.  Gross.

Grandma Woolf came to stay with us for five days when Jonah was three weeks old.  Then Grandpa flew in for two nights and a day and hung out as well.  The big boys ate it up.  G & G were party animals and took them all over the place.  Dinosaur Museum, Barnes & Noble, Provo Bakery, the park,  Cabela's, McDonald's, Target, In 'n Out...  They were starved for the attention and loved hearing grandma's stories and watching Power Rangers on her ipad.  I was able to rest and clean and the house was picked up for the whole week!  Thanks to my mom for running around after me putting dishes away and folding stray piles of laundry.  It was fun for all of us and I was so glad to have them here to help me, hold Jonah, and love on Gavin and McKay.

Jonah is already getting so chubby and big and I am sad to see his smallness slipping away.  But I am so excited to see who he becomes and find out more about his personality.  His name means gentle and dove (or something like that...) so we're hoping he lives up to it.  We could use a calm one around these parts!

My Three Sons

Who knew I would end up with these three handsome boys? I love them dearly. Gavin - Age (almost!) 5

McKay - Age 3

Jonah - 2 weeks

Brothers

Introducing

Jonah Michael Robinson

April 6, 2013

6:09 pm

7 lbs. 8 oz.

18 inches

I woke up on Saturday morning at 5:45am with a hard, unpleasant contraction.  My first thought was, "Maybe today will be the day."  I didn't want to think it too much or say it out loud for fear I would jinx it.  My due date was still two weeks away - April 19.  I had felt the whole time that I would deliver early, but then again worried that was just a far-fetched wish.  Pregnancy those last few weeks are pretty brutal.  Needless to say, I've been ready and anxious to get this little guy here.

I had contractions for six hours, although they were not consistent in their spacing nor as intense as I had remembered them from the other boys.  I worried about going to the hospital only to be sent home.  I kept waiting to feel the same doubled over feeling that I had before, but it never came.  Even still, I felt like I had progressed and wanted to know if it was enough for me to be admitted.

At 1:30pm I headed down alone to Labor & Delivery.  Brian was finishing up working on the deck he built and we got McKay down for a nap.  I got checked and was already dilated to a 5, so we headed down the hall to my room.  Dr. Agaard broke my water around 2:15.  Brian got the boys off to Grandma & Grandpa's house.  When he got to the hospital around 2:30 I got my epidural.  A thing of beauty!

My nurse started some pitocin at 5:00 because she really wanted to see the baby born before she left at 6:00.  At 5:30 she told me she wanted to stay regardless, to make sure she saw my baby born today.  Cherie was an angel.  All of those nurses are angels.  I seriously cannot believe what they do and how comfortable they make me feel.

By 6:00 I was a 10 and Dr. Agaard came in.  He wanted me to do some practice pushes (whatever that means) and literally 30 seconds later, Jonah was out.  Brian and I were laughing because it happened so fast and so easily.  One second he wasn't here and the next second he was.

I can't believe how amazing that experience is and what a miracle it really is.  He is straight from Heaven.  I love him already.  Instantly.  And I know that there is plenty of love to give.  I can't wait for him to meet his brothers and for him to mesh right in with our family.  We love you little boy!

McKay is 3!

Along with the celebration for Brian's birthday, Easter, and Farwells, we were able to celebrate this little guy's third birthday.  I was a little nervous with the baby coming so close and just thought if I could get through this - and make his cake! - that we would be set.  The timing all worked out and celebrate we did.

McKay woke up to streamers on his door and yelled, "It's my birthday!!!"  He was pretty excited.  He wanted cereal for breakfast (easy) and then we let him open one present.  It was a box of plain lego pieces that he and Gavin played with for quite awhile that morning.

He was so excited for his party.  We invited his cousins to join us at Jump On It.  Although I don't have a picture of this active little body, I will never forget his arms and legs repeatedly going out into jumping jack position between each bounce.  He was so so happy!  The hour passed quickly and he was sweaty and smiley.  Mission accomplished!

We headed home for pizza, presents, cake and ice cream.  He got new books from G&G Woolf, dinosaurs and a sticker book from G&G Robinson, a Star Wars lego set, and a doctor kit.  This kid didn't need any help this year!  He's got the present thing down.

McKay wanted a Star Wars cake.  He specifically asked for Anikin and Padme, but I couldn't find a picture of them that I could do.  So I talked him into being ok with Yoda and a Stormtrooper.  Turned out he loved it just the same.

He was happy and sweet and ready to blow those things out.  Gosh, he's gotten big this year!

And just so you know...

My Dear McKay,
You are an important part of our family!  I am so glad that we could celebrate your day and that you were so happy and cute and fun about it all.  I think three is cute.  You are getting so big so fast.

This past year you have learned so much.  I have been impressed with your language skills and how quickly you pick things up.  You and I have been conversing for quite awhile now.  Actually, it seems like most the time we're negotiating.  You have a strong personality with opinions all over the place.  You know what you want and when you want it.  If you don't get it, you certainly let us know.  It's been tricky for us.  We want you to be independent and be yourself yet need to keep you safe and can't always give you what you want.  Dad and I have been talking a lot about what you need and how we need to talk to you or discipline you differently than we did with your brother.  And that's ok.  We are all learning!

Right now, you love:

• Star Wars.  You love to put on your Jedi costume when the intro music is playing.  You'll stand there and watch Episode II over and over with your 'lightsaver' in your hand.  It's pretty cute.
• Your trike.  You cruise on that thing!  It makes me nervous because you don't look in the road and I fear you will get crushed.  So I have to keep up with you.  We are going to teach you how to ride a two-wheeler soon!  I think you will catch on quickly!
• Eating.  I think you would eat all day if I let you.  You wake up and want snacks and treats.  You raid anyone's pantry for food - specifically fruit snacks, since I don't buy those.  It's a little embarrassing.
• To go to other people's houses to play.  You walk up to their door and leave me and are always sad when I come to get you.  
• When dad comes home.  You run and jump on him and want to be tickled or bite his ear.
• To help me cook.  Whenever I'm in the kitchen you pull up the black chair right next to me and want to add ingredients or stir.  
• Playing Mario Party with Gavin and Daddy.  You sit by Daddy's legs and hold your controller.  My favorite part?  You are always Donkey Kong, who is always the computer really playing, and your controller isn't even plugged in.  And you get sad when you don't win.  "I never win!"  (Insert bottom lip sticking out, shoulders hunched, and head hung low here.)
• Your gymnastics class.  You are allowed to run and jump and swing and balance and you are really, really good at it.  The teachers were surprised that you were only two when I put you in... You go with Elsa and the teachers laugh and think you are funny.  I hope all of your teachers appreciate your energy - I have a feeling it may become somewhat of an issue??  :)  

You:

• Sleep in your big boy bed like a champ.  
• Prefer to take naps in Gavin's bed.  Only an hour or so, but you still need them.  I'm sure it won't last much longer.
• Can dress yourself and put your shoes on.  You ask me which shoe goes on which foot everyday.  
• Just learned how to click your carseat buckles.  Thanks for saving me time!
• Sneak into my car for gum, the cupboard for a marker to draw on your arms and legs with, the cupboards for food, etc. etc.  It's hard to keep up with you.  And you do NOT like hearing the word no.
• Have no fear.  You jump off high places and by now it's not so alarming to me.  I am certain you will be the first Robinson boy to break a bone or get stitches.  
• Are very athletic.  You are coordinated, minus those random clutsy falls that all boys your age manage to do for no apparent reason.  
• Skip all over the place.  Arms flailing, silly tongue stuck out...  You are a little crazy - but fun.  
• Are a good eater.  You eat tomatoes and lettuce and broccoli and will eat pretty much anything I make.  
• Love the water.  You wear goggles in the tub and say to Gavin, "I'm goin' in," then you duck your head into the water.  Cracks me up.  
• Are a parrot.  If you hear it, you will say it.  There are lots of things that I wonder where in the heck you picked it up.  Usually a cartoon or TV show.  My favorite: "I've got a bad feeling about this!"  My least favorite: "It's NOT fair!!"  

I know there is more, but I want you to know how much I love you.  You are a sweet boy with an angelic face and eyes that kill me.  When I look and you and we talk and I'm really listening, I look at those sparkly eyes and see energy and excitement and interest.  You are fun to talk to.  Sometimes I worry that you will get lost in the crowd.  But I know there is a place for you and that you belong here with us.  You're living out loud, little boy.  We love you!

Love,

Mom

Easter 2013

Brian and I were able to get away for a night for our "Babymoon."  The kids had a blast with Shauna, Jason, and Madi and I was able to sleep in all the way until 8:00am and felt more alive than I have in months!  Who knew what a little sleep can do!

When we got back, it was time to enjoy Easter festivities with the fam.  It was a busy weekend with an Easter dinner and hunt at G&G's on Saturday and then Easter morning and G&G's farewell and luncheon on Sunday.

Easter Egg Hunt
The boys know the drill by now and had full baskets.  As usual, McKay's candy was pretty much non-existent by the end of the day.

Easter Morning Baskets
The Easter Bunny is always good to us - and always practical.  New undies for the boys were a big hit. A lego storage organizer and new t-shirts along with a few candies made up the rest.  They were happy campers.

Sunday Best
Love all of my boys.  And trying to embrace my pregnant glory.  Almost done!

They look so big to me.

Robinson Family Pic
Got the whole gang together for the final shot before Daddy R and Jude report to the MTC on the 15th.  This is a good, good family and I am grateful to be part of it.  Their farewell talks were awesome and had Brian and I in tears.  I have felt so much love from these two and having them leave will certainly change our little family for the next year.

A wonderful Easter to be with family.  We spent the week talking to the boys about the Savior's last week on earth and his resurrection.  I love to see the wheels turning and lightbulbs clicking on as they understand different parts of the story.  I am grateful for these people I get to call mine and know that we can be together in the eternities.  Sounds like a good deal to me.

36 Weeks

I remember thinking the last month or two of pregnancy was pretty uncomfortable...I was right.  I love that I am able to carry another baby - but again, I have reached the point of being done sharing my body.  Walking is hard, sleeping is hard, moving is hard.  But that's okay - it is all worth it in the end.  This little dude is super active and moving all over the place.  I think he wants out, too.  Three more weeks max is what I'm hoping.  We shall see.  I don't know why but part of me thinks he's coming earlier than that...

Things are wrapping up and I finished up with a major Relief Society dinner/activity that I was in charge of.  Done working at the District Office.  Almost done tutoring.  Adding less and less to my calendar each week.  Time to try to keep everything in the house put away and reasonably clean.  Especially after my angel cleaning friend Margarita came last week!  There is something so comforting about knowing that even though things get out of place and a little cluttered, deep down the baseboards, blinds, fridge, pantry, etc etc etc are clean.  Sigh.

The sun is coming out and tomorrow is officially spring.  I'm so excited to be outside and for the boys to ride bikes again and to replant our garden.  And to exercise for reals.  And snuggle a baby.  It's going to be good.

Gettin' There

It's March.  March!  While I can't believe it's already here, at the same time I'm thinking, "What took so dang long?"  Holy cow - what a winter this has been.  The sun is shining more often these days and I can see my grass again.  Although we were freezing today with the wind, the sky is blue and even that bit of hope keeps me going.  The boys are so ready to be outside and we ventured out on Saturday on Christmas wiggle cars and I dare say Brian and Gavin got a little bit of a sunburn.  It was heavenly.

These days:

• McKay is a candidate for anger management.  (Don't let that angel face there fool you!)  Scowly faces, hitting, screaming like a madman.  What to do?  I've found that ignoring and waiting until he is ready to apologize is the best tactic.  Time out in a corner does nothing - locking him in his room promotes car throwing at doors and other breaking stuff.  Stay calm, mom.  That's what I'm trying to do.
• McKay thrives with one-on-one time.  We drop off Gavin at preschool and it's like he takes this huge sigh of relief and then is a different person.  Such a cute, fun little person to hang around.  I'm glad we're buds and that we can spend some time together.
• He also has a fettish with picking his eyebrows and nose.  The first is pretty funny.  The second, mostly gross.
• Gavin likes to trick us.  He thinks he's all sneaky and tells us the opposite of whatever it.  He thinks he's pretty funny and that we're pretty gullible.
• I registered Gav for Kindergarten.  What the heck??  Crazy.  I still can't believe it.  Here's hoping I really let him go.  I told him he couldn't and he said, "I can't stop growing up, mom!"  And he doesn't - he is getting so big and independent.  He insisted on putting the gel in his hair last week and when there was a huge blob above one ear that I tried to fix, he swatted my hand away and said, "Don't worry about it, mom."  like I was embarrassing him or something.  
• My stomach is large and in charge.  I mean large, large.  Like people this week are saying, "Woah!  How much longer?"  (Meaning, lady, can your belly get any bigger?)  And I'm starting to get uncomfortable.  And waddle like a penguin.  Sad.  But excited that it's almost over and that he's almost here!  
• I am rocking the house cleaning and organizing.  Ok, mostly a cleaning lady is rocking the cleaning, but I am keeping up on day-to-day stuff and I think I have finally learned what it means to be "clean enough to be healthy, messy enough to be happy."  Like I think we can live like this.  
• Brian is a hard, hard worker.  We miss him around these parts.  See ya in three years, honey.
• The boys will play legos for hours on end.  They are getting along pretty dang well together.  It's not perfect, but for how much time they spend together, I couldn't ask for better at the moment.