TRIBUTE TO MY BOYS

Last Friday, June 12th, the family celebrated Karson's 3rd birthday. I know I say it a lot, but I can't believe how much Karson has grown. We were able to go to the Firefighter Museum and see the tribute to the past firefighters (unfortunately, I wasn't able to enjoy it much because my time was spent breastfeeding Kaeden and then entertaining him so he wouldn't disturb the reverence of the museum). Karson loved seeing all the firetrucks and almost destroying one of their props. We then went to his favorite restaurant, McDonald's, to eat his favorite meal--chicken nuggest & french fries. I love that kids' food palates are so simple--it's nice knowing I don't have to be a gourmet cook! We then did presents and cupcakes. I thought this year Karson would definitely like the idea of a 'cake' to enjoy on his birthday, but he took a few bites of his cupcake and then said, "I'm done." My son has never been a big chocolate/dessert child, so I am a lucky mom. And I personally don't think the cupcakes were horrible, because I ate about 10 myself (and no, not all in one sitting). Overall, I think he had a good birthday and he sure loved his new presents (thanks grandmas and grandpas)! These past 3 years have been wonderful to share with a special boy. He's a great helper and I love him very much! Here are a few of my favorite things about Karson:
#1. "Mama, choo choo coming..."
#2. All his trains and cars have to be lined up perfectly
#3. We must always kiss goodbye and say "I love you"
#4. He reminds us to say the prayer over our food at home & in restaurants
#5. When Karson wants to be held, he says, "Mama...hold you me"
#6. When Karson heard me mumble 'stupid' under my breath he said, "Mommy, that a bad word." "Should I go sit in timeout?" I asked. "Yes," he replied with a big grin.

Now, I can't leave out my other precious boy--Kaeden. Even though he's only 7 weeks old, I have fallen in love with many things about him. I don't know what it is about babies, but they are so dang cute and loveable! I'm so glad that the Lord blessed me with another son and I can't wait until Karson and him can play together. Here are a few of my favorite things about Kaeden:
#1. If I just look at him, he smiles so big it melts my heart
#2. He coo's so much and loves to babble a lot (I've caught him trying to talk to his toys)
#3. Tries to eat the wind
#4. Already supports his own head and can roll over
#5. The look on his face when he has just relieved about 30 minutes worth of gas
#6. Knows what he wants and is very determined

Thanks for the happiness you bring to my life. I love you boys!!!

SLEEP

As many of you know, at the end of April, I delivered a healthy little boy. He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 21 inches long. I had decided to be induced because I had been extremely sick and the doctors were afraid that he might get too big (if I went full term). Labor and delivery were much better this time around--lasting approximately 7 hours. I can't complain!

Of course, the hard part now has been managing the children with lack of sleep. Kaeden is an OK sleeper at night, but during the day I've noticed that he refuses to take naps. Therefore, not making for a happy mom or baby! Thankfully, swaddling and rocking seem to help him, but he will only nap for periods of 40 minutes or so. I guess this is normal for a newborn, but it sure is hard to function on lack of sleep. I am a person who needs 8 + hours a night and a nap also. Let's just say I'm a bear. Plus, it doesn't help that Kaeden has been having major gas problems, which seem to be interfering with him eating and sleeping well. I hope by 3 months we can have eliminated most of these problems, but we will see (which I am counting down--only 5 more weeks to go). Any ideas? Any information would be helpful. Mylicon drops didn't help....gripe water seems to help ease the pain for sometime. I don't know how it is, but I always get the stubborn babies!