The Moments That Make The Stressful Times All Worth It

Hanging out in the backyard

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

6 weeks old

Olivia eating sand
I have had a couple "Must Remember" moments this week so I thought I would jot them down while I actually have two kids sleeping in their beds. :)
First of all, Olivia has been eating EVERYTHING. And when I say everything I mean everything.. Mulch, chalk, sand, crayons, foam balls, wrappers to granola bars, rocks.. you name it. She doesn't just put it in her mouth. She eats it and goes for more. She has even licked the driveway (GROSS) and the last straw was when she bit a tree. I decided at that point to have her tested for Pica. (Pica is a disorder where you have an appetite for non food items). One of the main causes for Pica is low iron. I got a lot of grief for having her tested for this because it is somewhat developmentally appropriate for her to mouth things, but I thought it was quite extreme and the fact that she LIKES it! I didn't want to keep reprimanding her for eating these things if she was just trying to meet her nutritional needs. Soooooooo.. I had her tested aaannnnddd everything came back normal. I guess it is just a behavioral thing, but in great Olivia fashion she ate the entire sticker they gave her for doing such a good job. I find a lot of irony in that.
(Ok, a note before you read the next Olivia moment.. Olivia calls all drinks "juice".. aka milk, juice, water, gatorade)
Second Olivia moment, I was pumping while Olivia was awake for the first time this week. When I started she was playing by herself not paying any attention, but at one point she walked over to show me something and her eyes got really big and she said "Mama JUICE!" and she keep pointing to the milk and she was so excited. I know a lot of girls think their dads are superheros, but I'm pretty sure my stock just rose with her because daddy can't make his own "juice"! :)
Olivia is doing better with Owen. The hitting and the throwing has decreased, the timeouts have decreased and the good moments are starting to out number the bad and the scary. She also discovered she can crawl into his swing which is interesting. Hopefully her interest in that dissipates quickly. It is really neat to watch her pretend play with her dolls. She rocks them, gives them drinks of her milk from her sippy cup, tries to put diapers on them, rocks them. She is going to be a good mom someday! :) Her vocabulary is also increasing each day. It is amazing! Right in time for Father's Day she came up with her own name for my dad "Pa-poo." She will bring me the phone and say "papoo, papoo" meaning she wants to call him on the phone. My mom says she doesn't want to be ma-moo, but I think that is next. We went down to Sam's family reunion this weekend. Despite it being unbelievably hot it was so nice to see everyone. Olivia got to see Spencre (her cousin) too. She really loves Spencre and from an early age could pick her out of a picture before really anyone else besides me and Sam. It is neat to watch especially since right now Spencre is her and Owen's only first cousin. I can't wait to watch those relationships grow. My cousin were and are still a very important part of my life. I was always quite a bit older than them just like Spencre is, so it has been fun watching them grow up from babies where I baby sat them to being teenagers and adults now. They are all such neat people and I love that I have gone from having a caretaker, play friend, older cousin relationship to now having adult conversations with them. Even some of them taking care of my kids now. :)
Owen is getting bigger by the day. He weighed 10lbs 11oz at his six week appt. There are some morning when I look at him and think.. you look different than you did YESTERDAY! I am already needing to pack up some clothes that he has grown out of. This is crazy! He is such a sweet cuddly little boy. I love the quiet moments we have together. This evening we just sat on the front porch after the storm was over listening to the wind blow in the trees and the birds chirping. It was one of those moments where you feel like God is just sitting right next to you and you can just have a one on one conversation. Owen and I just sat out there and rocked until it was too dark to stay out there. I tried to freeze that moment in my head to think back to during the moments where both kids are screaming and I'm trying to get some dinner on the table. :) He also is starting to smile. Talk about forgetting everything and just loving the moment!!!! I love my sweet little boy. My nickname for him right now is "handsome man".

Princess and Chicken Noodle

Well, we survived month one! Owen will be one month tomorrow and Olivia is now 16 months old! It has been quite an adventure.
First about Owen: He is gaining weight and starting to look more like a baby than an infant. He is a sweet cuddly little boy that loves to be held (especially in the evenings when he is a bit colicky). He has some stomach issues around week two, but after eliminating dairy out of my diet he seems to be doing much better. He loves to eat and even took some pumped bottles this week when life required me to be away quite a bit. He is a belly sleeper like his sister and even when he is awake prefers to be on his belly if he isn't being held. This makes the swing and the bouncy seat kinda useless, but occasionally for a few minutes he will swing and listen to the bird sounds it makes. He is sleeping for four hour usually the first span during the night, then he is up about every two hours after that. I can't complain, at least he sleeps!!! He takes a pacifier occasionally, but so far isn't a huge fan of it. He also HATES the car seat, which makes going anywhere interesting. I use the moby wrap with him whenever I can. My favorite term of endearment for him right now is "chicken noodle."
Olivia: Olivia is getting so big so fast!! She is starting to have some verbal words along with still signing a lot. Some of her verbal words are "mama" "dada" "daddy" "hi daddy" "hi mama" "juice" "shoes" "all done" "cheese" and "Owa" (aka Owen). She also has complete conversations with herself in jibber jabber nonsense. It is so funny and cute. Speaking of Owen.. well Oilvia has been a challenge with Owen around. The honeymoon period has definitely worn off. I'm kinda at a loss as to what to do with her. She hits him, throws things at him and sometimes she wants kiss him and pick him up. I don't think it is out of hate or anything I just think A. he takes a lot of my attention especially at night when he won't be put down. B. he is loud C. he won't play with her. So far she gets A LOT of time outs. My biggest fear is someone getting hurt either because A. I'm not paying close enough attention to her or can't jump up fast enough when she is doing something dangerous or B. She hurts him. Anyways, we are learning as we go I guess. Otherwise Olivia is doing great. She amazes me everyday how smart she is. She figures things out and remembers things that just amaze me. She is also quite a climber. I have found her in Owen's bed (no clue how she got in there), on the second shelf of our entertainment center and in other various (and potentially danger situations). I think when she is 18 months I will sign her up for tumble tots or something active and structured like that. She really loves books, the water, playing outside, pancakes, and music. She does not like clowns, some bugs, a lot of meats or mixed foods, being all done when it isn't on her terms. She is starting to use silverware (with varying accuarcy), pretend play with her babydolls and follow commands such as cleaning up her toys. She also is really starting to interact and play with other kids her age. This is one of my favorite things to watch. It is when I really get to see some of her wonderful personality. She is a wonderful blessing to this house and is challenging me to find a ways to guide her into the wonderful young lady I know she will be. My term of endearment of choice for her right now is Princess. :)
As for having two kids in the house. It has been wonderful, hard, happy, sad.. the whole spectrum of emotions. The first time I saw Olivia after Owen was born it was like she was a totally different kid. She just looked so BIG to me! I missed my baby but rejoiced about my wonderful daughter and kid she was turning into. It has been hard and a blessing that she is much less dependent on me and has developed a stronger bond with her dad over the past month. I love that they are closer, but when she hurt herself one day and want her dad not me, I'm not going to lie... It broke my heart. I know this is a good thing though because so much of my time is taken by feeding and caring for Owen who needs me more right now.
In light of this week in which I lost a good friend who had a nine month old daughter I realize how important this blog may be someday. If something should ever happen to me someday one of my blog followers please print this blog out for my kids to have. (I don't think my husband would remembers I do this).

Owen Lucas

HE IS HERE! HE IS HERE! Owen Lucas Drisko graced us with his presence on 5/13/2010 at 4:11pm. He weighted 7lbs and 12oz and was 20 " long! He weighed the exact amount his sister weighed. :)
The night before I COULD NOT sleep!!! This was pretty common though with me recently, but still frustrating especially since I had to work in the morning. Finally at 4am I got up (gave up) and came out to the couch so I wouldn't bother Sam tossing and turning. I started having very strong, but very irregular contractions. At about 6am I decided I couldn't go to work and given some incidents the previous day I decided to make an appt to see my doctor when his office opened up just to make sure my water had not broken the day before. I started tracking my contraction on my IPhone to see if any pattern was establishing.
Luckily my mom was off work that day and came over to watch Olivia while Sam and I went to the doctor. When we got there he said I was dilated almost 3 and was probably in early labor. My water had not broken, but after some further testing he determined that I was leaking amniotic fluid from somewhere and needed to have baby TODAY!! :) :) I checked in the hospital at noon and was disappointed when they told me I couldn't eat anything (I was hungry). A rule that I later became to appreciate, but I'm sure I would have vomited during some of those contractions. I called my mom and my aunt Jan who was going to watch Olivia while the baby was being born. I told them we would keep them posted, but no reason to rush up here quite yet. I was given Pitocin (which is awful stuff by the way). I was so relieved when I finally got my epidural! At 2pm the doctor checked me and said I was dilated around 5 and it would probably be around 6pm when I would be ready. At 2:40 they checked me and the nurse told me it would probably be about an HOUR! YIKES... rapid, slightly panicked phone calls to my mom and my aunt to get Olivia passed off and get up here NOW! After that I kept feeling the urge to push, but I held off telling anyone until my mom arrived and then it was time! Dr. Weber got there and about 15 minutes later he was here. (4 pushes!) My epidural was pretty weak (per my choice), but it defiantly hurt a little more than with Olivia, so I'm glad it went quick. Everything went smoothly and we announced the much anticipated name.. Owen Lucas Drisko. Owen is just a name we really liked and thought went well with Olivia. Lucas is my mom's maiden name and a name I have always liked. It also went well with Owen. We are so blessed to have two happy healthy children and I thank God daily for these two gifts he has given me and entrusted in me to raise.
As many of you know I was very fearful of what this experience would be like and mean for Olivia. I have to say she has exceeded my expectations as far as embracing this whole experience. It hasn't been without some moments, but for the most part she tells me she loves her brother, wants to give him kisses and helps me burb him. :) She for the most part though is pretty indifferent to him (which for now is fine with me!) and really likes his stuff like his swing, bouncy seat and clothes. Also I have noticed a lot more pretend play from her. She puts her dolly in the swing, brings her milk and takes her picture. It is really cute. Although, now that Sam has gone back to work and the flow of visitors has slowed down there is a few more tears as he requires a lot of my time and you can only do so much while breastfeeding. I need to get better at being mobile while breastfeeding.
Owen is doing great. He is much more mellow than Olivia EVER was. He is sleeping well, but only if held or on his belly. This time I have just embraced this rather than fighting it like I did with Olivia. I know it isn't what is "recommended" but Olivia slept on her belly and I'm guessing he will too. I try to still lay him on his back when he is really really passed out, but usually he wakes up within minutes and cries. He is feeding well and at his doctor's appt on Friday had already gained back 3oz from his discharge weight of 7lbs 6oz. I may try to go to the breastfeeding support group Thursday at Clarian North to get him weighted again since he doesn't have another doctor's appt until the later part of June.
As for now we are adjusting to our new schedule. I am so happy to be off for the summer and actually Owen will be 3 months before I have to go back to work. Perfect timing for someone who works in the schools to have a baby! I had to go back at 8 weeks with Olivia and it was just too soon. I don't know I ever would have been completely ready, but another month will be so nice. Sam has gone back to work and I just try to have a game plan for the evenings. I try to get everyone fed before he leaves, naptime shortly after lunch and then lots of playing outside, walks and visiting in the evenings. Like my blog says.. we are learning as we go!

Easter and Baby Dedication April 2010

Here are some new pictures from Easter and Olivia's church dedication day.

Olivia Jayne 14 Months.

Olivia is 14 months old now! I really can't believe it. She is such a joy and I thank God daily for trusting her to me and Sam and adding her to our family. Her are some fun things about Olivia. She says hi to everyone! Especially old men and young (4-8ish) kids at Walmart! It is so funny. Today at Flap Jacks (hers and our favorite breakfast/lunch spot) she was mesmerized by this cute little boy sitting at the table next to us. Some of her other favorite things are dogs. I'm not quite sure why this is. We are total cat people (we have two cats) and she likes our cats, but LOVES dogs. She can hear a dog bark houses away and in response will bark. She also loves loves loves this you tube video Sam found of dogs and asks for it by barking first thing every morning. We have to limit the amount of times she can watch it and do so by saying one time Olivia and she will show us one finger. Then at the end we say bye bye to the dogs. Olivia also loves to be outside. This has been consistent since she was a baby. Many of you know she was a very fussy, colicky baby and one thing that did calm her down was taking her outside even in the cold March weather. She would just look around and stick her tongue out and taste the wind. She still loves to be outside. We have a slide for her and she loves to pick flowers and eat mulch. Her and I have been trying to grow a watermelon plant that we will eventually transfer into our garden and some snap dragons. We also go to the park frequently where she loves to slide. Some other skills she is developing is her ability to feed herself. She loves it when I let her use her spoon on her own. Accuracy is another story, but she gets the concept. I am 4 1/2 weeks away from my due date. We have the new baby's room about 75% done. We have weaned Olivia off her bottles in preparation for this little one. She is sleeping through the night about 85% of the time. When you ask her where her brother is she pulls up my shirt and loves to hug and kiss my belly. I don't think she has a clue actually what a "brother" is and will be in complete shock once I bring home this little baby, but for now she loves him. :) I'm worried about how having this new baby to care for will effect her. She is still very demanding of my time and sometimes will bawl at my legs when I'm cooking in the kitchen or something and can't pick her up or devote 100% of my attention to her. It breaks my heart, but I know she needs to learn to be more independent. (First child syndrome I suppose). I pray for an easy transition for her. I will keep you all posted.

What's in a name?!?

Ok. I guess I should explain the title. Mind you I hadn't really thought about it until I was mid blog set up, so it is just what came to me when I thought of my kid(s) and things I would be blogging about. It may change someday, but for now it is fitting.
Terms of endearment. (Does this thing spell check for me? I hope so) I generally refer to Olivia with a variety of terms of endearment.... sometimes a string of multiple ones. Princess, peanut, pumpkin pie all together is a common one. Plus I call this little boy in my belly peanut too. (I know this could be confusing and cause identity crisis in the future, but I'll figure out who is who later.) Obviously Olivia is princess, baby boy Drisko is peanut and pumpkin pie kinda ties it up. Living, loving and learning as we go is my mantra right now. Olivia has proved to be a wonderful blessing and challenge and I don't always know what I'm doing or even where to start but we just try to live our life, always show her love and learn the trick of the trade as we go. It is great to see things we are trying to implement actually working. Such as, I have been doing sign language with her since about 6 months. Forever and ever she showed no interest or desire for using this and I gave it up for a while, but all of the sudden in the past month or two she is really functionally using several signs. This is great to help her express her needs and wants and decrease the crying, fits and meltdowns. She is learning new signs every week and it is great for her to be able to communicate a little bit even though she doesn't talk yet. I'm so proud of her. Anyways, we are in full force get ready mode for Peanut. Bedroom was painted this week, crib is up. Clothes are being separated/washed and digging out some "gender neutral" clothes from Olivia's tubs. 6.5 weeks to go!

Documenting the present, so I can share in the Future.

I am going to try and start a blog. Every day I think of things I should write down, videotape or take pictures of to remember each moment. This seems like the cool new thing to do and some day it will be fun to share with my kids and to just remember myself. I just wish I could freeze moments in time and dial them up when I need a moment. Olivia is getting so big and I just love all the new things she can do. Like today we went to an Easter egg hunt and the park and she totally got the concept... so cool! BUT.. there are times when I wish I could just hold her and snuggle her when she was two months old again.. if even just for a minute. The little one is getting big in my belly. 7.5 weeks until I'm due. I can't believe this pregnancy has gone so fast. He is so active inside my stomach. I have a feeling he will be an active child just like Olivia. We bought a crib today and this week we are painting and getting his room ready. It will really seem real once I walk into our once "guest room" and see baby boy clothes hanging in the closet and the room all decorated for him. I can't wait to introduce him to the world especially his big sister. I have a huge fear of how to balance the time with the two of them. I hope it is something that is easier then I think and something I can let go of guilt about. Well, this one is a short post as I am just trying to figure out how all this works. Hopefully my next one will kinda back track the past year a little bit as I wish I had started this when Olivia was born. Have a good night!