Happy Thanksgiving!

In the last four weeks my life has turned from somewhat manageable to total chaos. To keep my sanity, I have had to put it on the back burner while adjusting to a family of four.

Spending Thanksgiving at home with just my baby boy and my parents. Rich and Cami joined the huge family extravaganza, but I happily bowed out and will be chilling on the couch with Brody.Mom will be making me my own private Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy!

I have so many things to be grateful and thankful for this year. A healthy little baby boy, the most lovable little girl and a wonderful husband. Not to mention everything else that has taken place this year. I even had a most wonderful surprise the other day when someone did something quite unexpected and decent. No details necessary, but it completely restored my faith in humanity. I quote Anne Frank, "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart."

It's been a Long Night

Graveyard Shift

A little past midnight and I just managed to get Brody to fall asleep. I'm finally getting to start jotting down my to do list for the weekend.

The downstairs kitchen cabinets and counter tops are being delivered on Monday, and the new appliances on Tuesday—we have to make room for all the boxes. Plus, my parents are flying in to see Brody and will be landing on Thursday afternoon, so I better get that guest room ready too.

To add to the chaos, we just got a new car—we are graduating to a three row SUV to have room for two kiddos, and parents when they come to visit. Scheduled to be picked up next week as well. To top it all off, Lucia tickets go on sale on Thursday, and Rich has promised to pop up to the Swedish church to get them.

It's going to be a busy next week. I don't really know what we were thinking when we committed to all of this. No rest for the wary.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Funny Face

Not in the mood for ballet today.

Bounce Back

One of the many treats when you are on maternity leave—early trick or treating with the whole family.  Lots of excitement this year since we got cheated out of it last year with hurricane Sandy. I never realized that there were so many kids in our neighborhood!

Getting close to two weeks since Brody's birth and I'm slowly getting back in the swing of it. Just ordered a new spinning bike so I can get in shape again. Second pregnancy really did a number on my body =( Spent all day yesterday sorting through my closet. 80% of maternity closes are now in a bin ready for Salvation Army pick-up, but I did save a couple of things since I can't fit into my regular clothes...yet. Hopefully the bounce back won't take too long—I can't wait to start wearing normal clothes again. Sigh.

Mommy Boot Camp

It's almost exactly one week ago, baby Brody made his entrance into the world, and these past couple of days have been a little bit of a blur. It's amazing how much you forget in three and a half years—especially getting up every two hours for the feedings. Utter exhaustion.

This time around we had a little bit of a nutty delivery. I wasn't even convinced I was having real contractions for over 45 minutes, and I stuck around home for almost two hours! But after walking into the ER at 9:20 am, we were the proud parents to baby Brody just 53 minutes later. No time for an epidural (yes, I wanted to die at one point), but the recovery is so much faster and by the evening I was showered and walking around. 

Brody Alexander Karl Arthur

Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz

Length: 21 inches

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2013

Time: 10:13 am 

So far, he's the best little guy. 

Haven't had a chance to get tons of pictures downloaded from the camera, but here are a couple from the hospital.