Audrey's Letter!

Dear friends and family,

Today I am two months old and quite the big girl.  I went to see Dr. Hammer this morning with Mommy.  I weighed in at 9 lbs. 10 oz. and I am 22 inches long.  I grew 3 inches in two months, wow!!  They measured me twice just to double check.  Dr. Hammer says I will be a tall girl and that I should start practicing basketball ("hoops" as Cameron puts it).  Dr. Hammer says that I am beautiful, healthy and doing wonderfully!  Now about that nurse!  She was not so nice with all of those shots coming at me!  I did NOT like having three, yes, THREE needles stuck into my legs.  Pain, not so good!  Mommy helped me feel better with a little "boobie" and I quickly fell fast alseep and took a long nap.  

 As for being two months old, it is a wonderful thing!  I smile a ton at just about anyone and I love to babble with those who will listen.  I like to exercise and spend a great deal of time kicking my legs and swinging my arms around as if I were doing aerobics!  I'm awake for long periods during the day and when I get tired I take good naps (about 3-4 hours or so).  I've always slept well at night and continue to do so today.  I put myself to sleep anytime between 8 and 9pm and then wake for feeding about 3 times a night.  I always go right back to sleep so that Mommy can go back to sleep herself!  

I have to admit though, that I have not been all that easy.  I have been a little cranky at night from about 3-8pm.  I cry a lot and nothing really makes me feel better because my tummy hurts.  Mommy and Daddy give me gas drops, bounce with me on the large ball, hold me tight and walk the floors.  I'm beginning to feel better these last few weeks and life is easier for us all.  Mommy says that my problem begins with the fact that I'm an every 5-6 day pooper.  Three days ago I pooped for the first time in 5 days and I made a HUGE mess.  Oppps!  Let's just say that I was covered from neck to toes!  Yuck!  

Let's see, what else?  Oh, I LOVE my brother Cameron!  He is so great!  He gives me lots of kisses and helps put my pacifier back into my mouth when it falls out.  He turns on music for me and helps Mommy and Daddy with diaper and clothing changes.  He even tries to help me feel better when I'm crying by telling me that it's "Ok" and to "Shhh" and by rubbing the top of my head ever so softly.   He cares so much!  However, the other day when he threw the book at me because I was nursing and Mommy was NOT paying attention to him like he wanted...not so good!  I'm sure there will be more "jealousy" issues to come but in the mean time I know he does love me but just wants his share of "Mommy time" too!  Back away big brother of mine, we have to share our Mommy and Daddy!!  

Well, I must go.  I'm getting sleepy and need to take a nap for this growing up stuff is hard work!  I will write again soon when I can. I love you all!  ~Audrey 

Camping at Fort Flagler!

What a trip!  Audrey and Cameron had such a great time on our yearly family camping trip to Fort Flagler.  The weather was great and the kids did wonderfully!  Cameron played hard!  He road bikes (a lot), threw rocks and played in the water, dug in the sand and helped look for agets, climbed around in the old bunkers, and roasted marshmallows.  He followed his older cousins around and tried his best to keep up with them.  He really enjoyed playing and talking with grandpa and watching "Grandpa magic" in action!   Audrey was a good little girl too!  She chilled out in the tent, road around in the front pack while mommy attempted "mid-air refueling" (nursing while on the go) and kept her parents very busy.  

Camping sure is different with kids!  We don't find ourselves rested or totally relaxed as in the past.  However, we would not change a thing!  Our children are our lives and we love them completely!  We are making memories and growing together as a family and this is truly special.  Our children will remember these trips with fondest memories and hopefully continue these traditions on with their own families someday.  

A tired, but happy mamma and papa!  Jeannette and Chris

My Joy!

The past few weeks have been full of great joy and heavy burdens.  My emotions are raw.  Along with taking care of our beautiful baby girl and absolutely wonderful son I have been struggling with not feeling well (a little postpartum anxiety, stomach issues and an increase in my asthma).  Also, my mom was just diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor) and now faces surgery.  Let's just say the last few weeks have not been easy but I do rest in knowing that God will make things well in His time!  

My Joy's these days have been in watching Cameron grow into such a big brother and loving son.  He is becoming an independent and very caring little man.  In the world of insanity, Cameron still makes me laugh...these pictures I just had to share.  Note the HULK tee-shirt and Shasta Daisy, what a combination!  Daddy's socks are a classic too!  

Love, Jeannette