Summer is here!

Finally, after waiting for what seemed like forever, summer seems to have started. On Friday, we finally started having more than one nice day in a row. Today, James played in the back yard in the sprinkler for about an hour. Then he jumped in and out of the pool. Then he "watered" a plant in the back yard. I use quotes because he didn't use water. Yes oh yes, he was being a boy and used he body fluids. I was so glad because he has not used the potty in quite a while (pretty much once Alex's crib went up). He then was happy to put on underwear (which he hasn't worn in the same amount of time). Maybe we have turned the corner again on potty training. Only time will tell.

My sweet baby James is almost three and is going through a bit of a hard time with adjusting to the baby. He is by far not that bad. He loves his baby, but there are times that he gets a bit jealous. He doesn't like it when someone he loves (grandparents, aunt, uncles, cousins) give Alex the attention that James not too long ago fought against. He hated to be held for more than a second. Cuddling was an event only before bed. And anything baby-like (feeding him, picking out clothes for him, wiping him up after a messy meal, etc) was totally out of the question. Now, he is showing that he is not enjoying the attention and care that his brother now receives. We went to my parents house for lunch today and James made my mom feed him. He then cuddled with her on the couch for at least 30 minutes. My mom pulled out a picture book that I had made of James of his first 4 months. He loved looking at himself in the pictures and he especially loved to hear how much we thought he was the cutest baby. He pointed out people in the pictures and wanted to hear how much we all fell in love with him, how much we loved to hold him and kiss him. He left my parents house a little happier than when he came in and that made me so happy.

On to Alex. He is doing really well. He is in the 50th percentile for his weight and the 94th percentile for his height. I have another tall skinny baby on my hands (although he has the cutest little Buddha belly). His orthopedic surgeon doesn't think he will need surgery on his foot (thank God) and he will get his (hopefully) last cast on tomorrow. He will also be measured for his brace and shoes during the appointment. I am so excited that he will have most of the summer without a cast on his little leg. I'm sure it is hot and uncomfortable, although you couldn't tell from how he acts. I also can't wait to be able to give him a real bath. We had to give him sponge baths before he got the cast (his belly button wasn't healed yet) and we have had to continue the sponge baths because of the cast. He is such a sweaty baby, I just can't wait to put him into a nice bath and wash him from head to toe.

Alex is one month old!!!

I can't believe that my little baby is already one month old. It seems that the last 4 weeks have flown by. A lot has happened in such a short time.

First, Alex has started the correction for his club foot. He has had 2 casts already. We should find out tomorrow how many more he needs and if he might need surgery. He is doing really well with the casts so far. He sometimes uses the cast as a weapon against James when he is kissing and hugging him too much. We have only had one diaper explosion and luckily it didn't get into the cast. We also have Alex's one month well child visit tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing how much he weighs. He is becoming a little chunky monkey.

Second, I ended up getting pneumonia when Alex was 8 days old and spent 4 days in the hospital without seeing both of the boys. It was the longest time of my life and I hope that nothing ever happens like that again. They tested me for swine flu and for about 24 hours everyone who entered my room had to wear a mask, gown and gloves. It made me feel very important. Luckily, the test came back negative and I am now feeling well.

James is getting used to his new position as older brother. He still wants to do everything (feed Alex, change him, hold him, etc.) but he is figuring out that there are things that he just can't do himself. He enjoying the parts of childcare that we will allow him to do, such as holding him (with supervision), throwing away diapers and washing the binkie. I am so proud the the little man that he is.

Until later.... (which of course means when the boys are both asleep for more than 5 min)