Finally, here's a picture of Grandpa Moll taken when he was about 6 months old. Resemblence?
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June updates
Here it is June and the boys are growing like weeds. Here's what's new.
AJ:
He continues to be a dream baby, and is getting more fun as he ages. He turned 5 months old a few days ago. Simple eye contact will make him smile ear to ear, and he giggles with the smallest amount of interaction. He makes us laugh constantly. Developmentally, he's able to hold toys and can sit (tripod style) for quite awhile. I have to say though, the kid is a bit chubby. It's the cutest thing! Today he wore a shirt in size 18 months. He's got roly poly arms and legs, and cellulite on his bottom. His neck is non existent, and at last count he had 3 or 4 chins. It takes extra effort at bathtime to clean in those cracks and crevices. We have no idea what might be hiding in there. One time when the remote was missing I started getting suspicious. We wouldn't change a thing though - it's completely adorable and endearing. He's such a jolly little guy. Sometimes we feel like we should pinch ourselves for having such a sweet, happy, easy baby. He's been sleeping through the night since about 10 weeks and only cries if he's hungry or tired. I take that back. In recent days he has decided he hates the carseat. He definitely knows how to notify us of his displeasure in the car. Usually, belting out the lyrics to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star can settle him down, which can get interesting. I'm the first to admit I'd never win American Idol. Even Cohen sometimes says, "Stop singing, Mommy." AJ's eyes are an amazing shade of blue, which I hope he keeps forever. So far, early indicators say he's getting Dominic's personality - laid back and cheerful. I can't imagine what life was like without this funny little dude.
AJ's continuing to go to Jessica's for daycare. We're happy with her and the routine of making two stops every morning and afternoon is not terrible. Eventually he'll move to Little Endeavors, but not yet. He's been 100% healthy since birth - unreal!
Cohen:
He's creeping up on three and definitely adds to the humor in the house. When he's not chattering away, he's singing. He makes up is own lyrics to common melodies, like "Mac and cheese, mac and cheese..." to the tune of ABC's. He also has interesting interpretations to common nursery rhymes like Eppy Bitty Spider, Hicky Dicky Dock, and Dumpy Dumpy Sat on a Wall. His language skills continue to increase by the day. He comes up with the funniest stuff. "Mommy, who puts the eggs in chickens' bottoms?" No matter how I would have responded, it undoubtedly would have been followed with a series of "WHY?" questions. He also asks "Member when...?" all the time. Like, "member when Kraeton threw the ball at my tummy?" Why yes, I do remember - considering it was only 4 mintues ago! His activity of choice this summer is anything that involves a ball, bat, hoop, racquet, etc. He's showing the most promise (and interest) in basketball. He just started the preschool room at Little Endeavors and I'm amazed at some of the stuff he comes home with. Today they drew family photos, and his included five proportionally-sized scribbles with legs (Dad, Mom, Kraeton, Cohen and AJ) and two extra smaller scribbles for Buzz and Rudy. Definitely a keeper. He can write his name and a few other letters, and can count to twenty ten (you know, the number that comes after after 29). His best friend is Nathan. It's so cute when Cohen gets to school and Nathan runs up to him and gives him a hug and kiss and says I love you Cohen. Cohen is not at all interested in potty training, despite the pressure he (and us) are getting from school. I wish I could wave a magic wand - I find it hard to be consistent in our training efforts. Cohen affection for his beloved Teddy has reached epic levels. One day we left Teddy at McDonalds and you'd have thought the Titanic sunk. Needless to say, we didn't waste a second before jumping in the car to fetch him. I worry what will happen when Teddy expires. He's been patched and stitched and restuffed so many times already. If he were a cat, his 9 lives would have been up long ago.
Cohen likes AJ more all the time. At first there was some forced affection and I think Cohen's only use for his brother was a new hill to drive his cars on. But there's more sincere care and protectiveness. It's nice to see.
Kraeton is just finishing up 6th grade in Algonquin. He's keeping busy with baseball and his new dog, Bumper. We've been lucky enough to see him several times in recent weeks. He's turning into such a mature, pleasant young man and we're so proud of him!
Love those eyes!
See what I mean? Jolly baby!
Exhibit A of my comments about AJ's girth.
He loves his Jumperoo!
Standing...
Nice job sitting, AJ, but face the camera...
Yes, like that!
Investigating ants.
Sometimes you just don't ask.
Helping Daddy fertilize the lawn.
Ava's sun (left), Cohen's sun (right)
BFFs Cohen and our neighbor Ava
Windexing the driveway.
Fun at the zoo. Kevin, Kraeton and Mitch.
Kraeton's First Communion
Isn't he getting handsome?!
AJ:
He continues to be a dream baby, and is getting more fun as he ages. He turned 5 months old a few days ago. Simple eye contact will make him smile ear to ear, and he giggles with the smallest amount of interaction. He makes us laugh constantly. Developmentally, he's able to hold toys and can sit (tripod style) for quite awhile. I have to say though, the kid is a bit chubby. It's the cutest thing! Today he wore a shirt in size 18 months. He's got roly poly arms and legs, and cellulite on his bottom. His neck is non existent, and at last count he had 3 or 4 chins. It takes extra effort at bathtime to clean in those cracks and crevices. We have no idea what might be hiding in there. One time when the remote was missing I started getting suspicious. We wouldn't change a thing though - it's completely adorable and endearing. He's such a jolly little guy. Sometimes we feel like we should pinch ourselves for having such a sweet, happy, easy baby. He's been sleeping through the night since about 10 weeks and only cries if he's hungry or tired. I take that back. In recent days he has decided he hates the carseat. He definitely knows how to notify us of his displeasure in the car. Usually, belting out the lyrics to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star can settle him down, which can get interesting. I'm the first to admit I'd never win American Idol. Even Cohen sometimes says, "Stop singing, Mommy." AJ's eyes are an amazing shade of blue, which I hope he keeps forever. So far, early indicators say he's getting Dominic's personality - laid back and cheerful. I can't imagine what life was like without this funny little dude.
AJ's continuing to go to Jessica's for daycare. We're happy with her and the routine of making two stops every morning and afternoon is not terrible. Eventually he'll move to Little Endeavors, but not yet. He's been 100% healthy since birth - unreal!
Cohen:
He's creeping up on three and definitely adds to the humor in the house. When he's not chattering away, he's singing. He makes up is own lyrics to common melodies, like "Mac and cheese, mac and cheese..." to the tune of ABC's. He also has interesting interpretations to common nursery rhymes like Eppy Bitty Spider, Hicky Dicky Dock, and Dumpy Dumpy Sat on a Wall. His language skills continue to increase by the day. He comes up with the funniest stuff. "Mommy, who puts the eggs in chickens' bottoms?" No matter how I would have responded, it undoubtedly would have been followed with a series of "WHY?" questions. He also asks "Member when...?" all the time. Like, "member when Kraeton threw the ball at my tummy?" Why yes, I do remember - considering it was only 4 mintues ago! His activity of choice this summer is anything that involves a ball, bat, hoop, racquet, etc. He's showing the most promise (and interest) in basketball. He just started the preschool room at Little Endeavors and I'm amazed at some of the stuff he comes home with. Today they drew family photos, and his included five proportionally-sized scribbles with legs (Dad, Mom, Kraeton, Cohen and AJ) and two extra smaller scribbles for Buzz and Rudy. Definitely a keeper. He can write his name and a few other letters, and can count to twenty ten (you know, the number that comes after after 29). His best friend is Nathan. It's so cute when Cohen gets to school and Nathan runs up to him and gives him a hug and kiss and says I love you Cohen. Cohen is not at all interested in potty training, despite the pressure he (and us) are getting from school. I wish I could wave a magic wand - I find it hard to be consistent in our training efforts. Cohen affection for his beloved Teddy has reached epic levels. One day we left Teddy at McDonalds and you'd have thought the Titanic sunk. Needless to say, we didn't waste a second before jumping in the car to fetch him. I worry what will happen when Teddy expires. He's been patched and stitched and restuffed so many times already. If he were a cat, his 9 lives would have been up long ago.
Cohen likes AJ more all the time. At first there was some forced affection and I think Cohen's only use for his brother was a new hill to drive his cars on. But there's more sincere care and protectiveness. It's nice to see.
Kraeton is just finishing up 6th grade in Algonquin. He's keeping busy with baseball and his new dog, Bumper. We've been lucky enough to see him several times in recent weeks. He's turning into such a mature, pleasant young man and we're so proud of him!
Love those eyes!
See what I mean? Jolly baby!
Exhibit A of my comments about AJ's girth.
He loves his Jumperoo!
Standing...
Nice job sitting, AJ, but face the camera...
Yes, like that!
Investigating ants.
Sometimes you just don't ask.
Helping Daddy fertilize the lawn.
Ava's sun (left), Cohen's sun (right)
BFFs Cohen and our neighbor Ava
Windexing the driveway.
Fun at the zoo. Kevin, Kraeton and Mitch.
Kraeton's First Communion
Isn't he getting handsome?!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Professional pictures
We invited our favorite photographers, Karen and Eric Smidt, to take some shots of Cohen and AJ. As before, we're so happy with the end product. Here are some of our favorites.
Karen and Eric are out of Ames and can be reached at www.kandeproductionsonline.com. Tell them I referred you!
Karen and Eric are out of Ames and can be reached at www.kandeproductionsonline.com. Tell them I referred you!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Mom therapy
This video comes from my brother Gary, who visited Mom in the hospital the day before she was discharged. She suffered a minor stroke on February 10, spent a few days in the hospital and about a week in rehab. She's doing really well now that she's home. Her lifestyle has just a few minor adjustments from before (i.e. rails added to the shower), but anyone who knows Mom knows she's doing everything in her power for a full recovery and an active life. At this writing, she has a bit of loss of feeling in her left hand and foot, but there's no reason to think that won't come back 100%. Please continue to keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to recover. We feel so blessed it wasn't worse. I'm certain Mom's faith played a big part in how this all unfolded.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Two weeks old
AJ is two weeks old and lots has happened in his tiny little life. He's had lots of visitors and has received many wonderful gifts and meals. We are reminded how lucky we are to have such amazing family and friends!
At AJ's 1-week weight check, we learned his weight had dropped to 8 lbs. (9 oz lighter than his birth weight) and that he was jaundiced. The doctor wasn't overly concerned about the jaundice as the levels were just marginally high, but she did express concern about his weight. We were instructed to increase the amount and frequency of his feedings. Two days later, he had gained 3 oz and the doctor was pleased. At his 2-week appt. today, he was back up to 8 lbs 8 oz (just one oz. lighter than his birth weight) and everyone is happy. AJ's face looks fuller and he's getting stronger by the day, so we know he's doing well.
He has the funniest little personality. I sense he's going to be a very determined boy. He grips onto my fingers with such mighty force, and he gives it his all when he cries. But the funny thing is that his cry is usually just one syllable. Like, "hey guys, I'm still here. How about some food?" He eats so fast (mom's genes, no doubt) and burps like a sailor when he's done. Assuming sailors burp loud? And usually a few minutes later, there's a rumble down south and a diaper that begs to be changed. His sleeping patterns are amazing to me. He sleeps all.the.time. Like probably 22 hours a day. Put him on my chest and it's a matter of minutes before both of us are out. He is pure love... snuggly and warm and soft and sweet. I could spend my entire day just holding him and looking at him.
Cohen is doing pretty well with the new tenant in the house. We had maybe 5 minutes of trouble ("baby go away" etc.) but he has definitely developed compassion and fondness for his little brother. He is noticeably more clingy to me, not wanting to leave my side. Having him continue to go to daycare is a positive thing for our whole family. He loves being with his friends and it's good that his routine stays the same, and I get a break from MommyMommyMommyMommy. He'll always be my number one dude, but these weeks are for AJ.
Several people in my family came to visit Saturday. Actually, "visit" doesn't do justice to the day. Mom brought turkey, dressing and the works, Gail brought potatoes, pies and more, Vicki brought tableware and drinks, and I pretty much sat at my bottom as my family spent the whole afternoon cooking and cleaning. It was so great to see everyone and eat such great food.
This week I may see Bev, Melissa, and my work friends. I'm totally enjoying maternity leave, despite a little cabin fever that's usually cured by a trip to Target. I've been able to balance relaxation (read: naps) and a little productivity. It's going fast!
At AJ's 1-week weight check, we learned his weight had dropped to 8 lbs. (9 oz lighter than his birth weight) and that he was jaundiced. The doctor wasn't overly concerned about the jaundice as the levels were just marginally high, but she did express concern about his weight. We were instructed to increase the amount and frequency of his feedings. Two days later, he had gained 3 oz and the doctor was pleased. At his 2-week appt. today, he was back up to 8 lbs 8 oz (just one oz. lighter than his birth weight) and everyone is happy. AJ's face looks fuller and he's getting stronger by the day, so we know he's doing well.
He has the funniest little personality. I sense he's going to be a very determined boy. He grips onto my fingers with such mighty force, and he gives it his all when he cries. But the funny thing is that his cry is usually just one syllable. Like, "hey guys, I'm still here. How about some food?" He eats so fast (mom's genes, no doubt) and burps like a sailor when he's done. Assuming sailors burp loud? And usually a few minutes later, there's a rumble down south and a diaper that begs to be changed. His sleeping patterns are amazing to me. He sleeps all.the.time. Like probably 22 hours a day. Put him on my chest and it's a matter of minutes before both of us are out. He is pure love... snuggly and warm and soft and sweet. I could spend my entire day just holding him and looking at him.
Cohen is doing pretty well with the new tenant in the house. We had maybe 5 minutes of trouble ("baby go away" etc.) but he has definitely developed compassion and fondness for his little brother. He is noticeably more clingy to me, not wanting to leave my side. Having him continue to go to daycare is a positive thing for our whole family. He loves being with his friends and it's good that his routine stays the same, and I get a break from MommyMommyMommyMommy. He'll always be my number one dude, but these weeks are for AJ.
Several people in my family came to visit Saturday. Actually, "visit" doesn't do justice to the day. Mom brought turkey, dressing and the works, Gail brought potatoes, pies and more, Vicki brought tableware and drinks, and I pretty much sat at my bottom as my family spent the whole afternoon cooking and cleaning. It was so great to see everyone and eat such great food.
This week I may see Bev, Melissa, and my work friends. I'm totally enjoying maternity leave, despite a little cabin fever that's usually cured by a trip to Target. I've been able to balance relaxation (read: naps) and a little productivity. It's going fast!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Our birth story
Anderson James Moll, who we'll be calling AJ, arrived just after midnight today, weighing 8 lbs 9 oz and just over 20" long. He was 5 days early, and here's how the story goes...
Saturday mid afternoon, I realized I hadn't felt much movement throughout the day. I called My Nurse and was advised to go to Labor and Delivery for monitoring. Turns out everything was fine, but as I was laying on the bed with monitors, it occured to me I was having very mild contractions.
Sunday morning I woke up and they were still mild. Around noon they become more frequent and intense. We made arrrangements with Gail's family to watch Cohen, and patiently waited.
Around 4:30 we left the house and dropped Cohen off at Gail's. Seeing him excited to be there and play with his cousins lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. That was the one piece of this whole experience that was giving me much anxiety! We had several great options for Cohen's care, but a worrying mommy like me appreciated the reassurance that her little boy was happy and fine. We arrived at the hospital at 5:15 and I was dilated to 5. I decided to wait on the epidural in hopes of progressing as much as possible. After a couple hours of trekking around the floor, I'd had enough. The anesthesioligist was a welcome sight and administration of the meds was problem free. It was now around 8:15 and I was dilated to 7.
As with Cohen, the epidural slowed down contractions. At around 11:15, I was dilated somewhere between 8 and 9 and Dr. Gisi suggested a light dose of pitocin. They'd check me again in an hour. Yay, a short nap was in the cards.
30 minutes later, our awesome nurse Kelly and her trainee Kaylin came rushing in. They'd been monitoring baby's heartbeat from outside and it had dropped suddenly. Kelly quickly checked me and announced it's time to start pushing. She called Gisi and the delivery troops in. She had me do one big sample push to see how baby's heart rate responded (he was fine). In her words, baby was about to fly out!
It seemed like forever before Gisi arrived. Finally, he took his spot and told me to push 2 more times. On the 3rd push, he told me to stop while he situated the ambilical cord and made sure baby was in the best position for entry into this world. One small push (ahhh!) and AJ was out!
He cried immediately. Hard. They put him right on my chest and I had several minutes of awesome bonding time with my little dude. When his crying settled down, I got such a kick out of the little murmers and coos coming from this tiny little person. I told him he sounded like a baby kitty or mouse (and Dominic is giving me crap about calling my baby a kitty). So adorable and sweet. And slimy and sticky.
They took him away for his APGAR and examination. This took place in the corner of our room and it was reassuring how calm everyone was. He loved the warming table. He came back swaddled and slightly less slimy, and Dominic and I had more time for cuddling and acquainting ourselves with our new son. Just as quickly as the doctor and delivery team arrived, they were gone. The whole thing took less than 20 minutes!
AJ is one special little guy. He came out rather scratched, bruised and cone-headed, but now (18 hours later), he's perfect. We love his blonde wavy (blonde? hmm...) hair and his teeny, tiny parts. He's significantly shorter and heavier than Cohen was as an infant, which makes him seem almost stocky. The nurses have commented how strong and tough he seems. He's also determined. When he tries to nurse, he gives it his all and focuses intently. Most of all, he's sweet. He sleeps peacefully and seems low key when he's awake too. He's barely cried so far (except after being born). Every once in awhile he'll show his disatisfaction by one tiny little wail, then he's done. Please please please let this temperment remain!
As the newborn scrunchy face fills out, we see a resemblence to Cohen. Especially the mouth and chin. Like his brother, AJ was born with nearly invisible eyelashes and no eyebrows. It will be interesting to see if he eventually sprouts long, lush, perfectly curled lashes like Cohen's. AJ also has remnants of lanuga (thick, light hair) on his shoulders. I inspected his entire little body and I'm pretty sure he's the softest human I've ever met! Newborn skin is priceless...
I'll be posting photos and more frequent updates. Today is the start of my 12-week maternity leave, and I'm so excited to have this special time with my new little angel!
Saturday mid afternoon, I realized I hadn't felt much movement throughout the day. I called My Nurse and was advised to go to Labor and Delivery for monitoring. Turns out everything was fine, but as I was laying on the bed with monitors, it occured to me I was having very mild contractions.
Sunday morning I woke up and they were still mild. Around noon they become more frequent and intense. We made arrrangements with Gail's family to watch Cohen, and patiently waited.
Around 4:30 we left the house and dropped Cohen off at Gail's. Seeing him excited to be there and play with his cousins lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. That was the one piece of this whole experience that was giving me much anxiety! We had several great options for Cohen's care, but a worrying mommy like me appreciated the reassurance that her little boy was happy and fine. We arrived at the hospital at 5:15 and I was dilated to 5. I decided to wait on the epidural in hopes of progressing as much as possible. After a couple hours of trekking around the floor, I'd had enough. The anesthesioligist was a welcome sight and administration of the meds was problem free. It was now around 8:15 and I was dilated to 7.
As with Cohen, the epidural slowed down contractions. At around 11:15, I was dilated somewhere between 8 and 9 and Dr. Gisi suggested a light dose of pitocin. They'd check me again in an hour. Yay, a short nap was in the cards.
30 minutes later, our awesome nurse Kelly and her trainee Kaylin came rushing in. They'd been monitoring baby's heartbeat from outside and it had dropped suddenly. Kelly quickly checked me and announced it's time to start pushing. She called Gisi and the delivery troops in. She had me do one big sample push to see how baby's heart rate responded (he was fine). In her words, baby was about to fly out!
It seemed like forever before Gisi arrived. Finally, he took his spot and told me to push 2 more times. On the 3rd push, he told me to stop while he situated the ambilical cord and made sure baby was in the best position for entry into this world. One small push (ahhh!) and AJ was out!
He cried immediately. Hard. They put him right on my chest and I had several minutes of awesome bonding time with my little dude. When his crying settled down, I got such a kick out of the little murmers and coos coming from this tiny little person. I told him he sounded like a baby kitty or mouse (and Dominic is giving me crap about calling my baby a kitty). So adorable and sweet. And slimy and sticky.
They took him away for his APGAR and examination. This took place in the corner of our room and it was reassuring how calm everyone was. He loved the warming table. He came back swaddled and slightly less slimy, and Dominic and I had more time for cuddling and acquainting ourselves with our new son. Just as quickly as the doctor and delivery team arrived, they were gone. The whole thing took less than 20 minutes!
AJ is one special little guy. He came out rather scratched, bruised and cone-headed, but now (18 hours later), he's perfect. We love his blonde wavy (blonde? hmm...) hair and his teeny, tiny parts. He's significantly shorter and heavier than Cohen was as an infant, which makes him seem almost stocky. The nurses have commented how strong and tough he seems. He's also determined. When he tries to nurse, he gives it his all and focuses intently. Most of all, he's sweet. He sleeps peacefully and seems low key when he's awake too. He's barely cried so far (except after being born). Every once in awhile he'll show his disatisfaction by one tiny little wail, then he's done. Please please please let this temperment remain!
As the newborn scrunchy face fills out, we see a resemblence to Cohen. Especially the mouth and chin. Like his brother, AJ was born with nearly invisible eyelashes and no eyebrows. It will be interesting to see if he eventually sprouts long, lush, perfectly curled lashes like Cohen's. AJ also has remnants of lanuga (thick, light hair) on his shoulders. I inspected his entire little body and I'm pretty sure he's the softest human I've ever met! Newborn skin is priceless...
I'll be posting photos and more frequent updates. Today is the start of my 12-week maternity leave, and I'm so excited to have this special time with my new little angel!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)