What Smells Like Poop?

The answer to that question would be ... drum roll ... poop. So for the past several days, Lezlie and I have randomly been catching a wiff of something in the basement. We'd check our shoes, check Vinnie's feet, pull up Vinnies tail, check his butt, pull Maya's pants out, check her butt, lift Ben up, smell his butt, ask each other if the other farted. All while doing this, there was a dirty diaper on top of my bookshelf that I had put there several days earlier. I vaguely remember doing this but I imagine it was one of those many moments where I had way too many things going on (i.e. dirty diaper, crying baby, screaming toddler, barking dog). Two years ago I would have never considered myself scatter-brained. Forgetful maybe, but not scatter-brained. I guess that goes with the territory of having two kids.

Benjamin Andrew

His name is Benjamin Andrew. We will call him Ben. Maya calls him baby. He was born on October 6, 2009 at 11:46 by C-section. He weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and was 20.5 inches long. He was welcomed by both Grandmas, Grandpa Heimsoth, and Aunt Jackie. So let's just say he didn't spend too much time not being held by someone.

We spent 3 nights at the hospital while my Mom watched Maya. It seemed like Lezlie started recovering faster this time around, having not been in labor for 20 hours like she did with Maya. However, it was still a C-section so there was still a lot of pain. I'm saying that like I went through it. I must admit, I have all the respect in the world for someone who's not only having my baby, but also is willing to go through a surgery like that to have him.

So far, he is very healthy and good baby. He spent a lot of the first few weeks sleeping. We thought he was the best baby in the world. But since then, he's started to fuss a bit more. Like every baby, he loves to be held. But, he is beginning to really hate laying on his back. We're thinking he has some sort of reflux since he often chokes up while on his back. I guess we'll find out when he goes for his 1 month checkup next week.

I ended up taking 3 weeks off of work. After that, Grandma Leisha came up for a week. So, Lezlie had a total of 4 weeks of help. We enjoyed all of the visitors. But I believe Maya enjoyed all of the visitors even more. Every time we said someone is coming, she started screaming and jumping for joy. I was beginning to think she was totally bored with us.

Everyone has been asking us how Maya has taken to Ben. This is something we were worried about. Every morning she asks to see baby and she gives him a big smile. No real jealousy yet but she still needs attention like she always had...which is fine by us.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to take Ben out with us Trick-or-Treating. It was just too cold. But Maya definitely enjoyed it. At first, I don't think she had any idea what was going on. But she soon found out that everyone was giving her suckers. Before the night was over, she was putting her greedy little hands in the buckets herself.
Lezlie ended up dressing Ben up a couple days later and taking his picture. But, we didn't get a picture of our two little monkeys together. We may have to do that.

I'll try and do better on the updates. Otherwise, just log onto facebook for updated pictures. I've included more there, but you have to be at least a friend of one of my friends. Here's the link.

Hospital
First month

BTW, thank you all for the gifts, cards, facebook messages, and home/hospital visits. Because we don't often get visitors, that is something Lezlie and I thoroughly enjoy.

Get Ready For The New Guy

We've been trying to get everything prepared for tomorrow, when our little baby boy will be born. For the past two weeks, I've been saying he will come before then but it looks like I'm gonna be wrong. I think we both just wanted it to happen early, partly because we can't wait and partly because we're tired of preparing. And then there's the whole uncomfortable-24-7-problem for Lezlie. I can't imagine having to fall asleep sitting up.

A funny thing has happened over the past week. Maya has actually been very good. Not that she was bad before. I don't know what it is. Usually when we get home, she is very clingy...which is fine but it's hard to cook supper when you've got a baby crying with their arms and legs wrapped around your leg. She has also been responding to the word "no" a lot better. Before, she would flop on the floor and start kicking her legs. Now its as if she's starting to understand. Anyway, I hope this continues but I'm afraid it won't when the new baby gets here.

We finally had Maya's 2-year checkup. She was 50th percentile on height/weight which surprises us since everyone tells us she is so tall. A nurse came in and gave her a little test asking her to do a few things (jump, pick up a toy, show me your nose, etc.). She passed with flying colors once she finally figured out that she was talking to her. She was just so busy playing with the toys. We asked the doctor about her speech. She said that she should be using 2 word sentences. She has started to but it's still limited (big truck, help please, bye bye vinnie). And, it doesn't really come out like that. We have just learned her language and know what she means. The doctor attempted to do a hearing test but Maya was not cooperative. But, I'm not real worried about her hearing. She understands everything we tell her. I'm guessing she's just gonna be a mumbler like me.

The sleeping habits have been great for the past couple months. She no longer asks to go to bed like she did before. But, she doesn't put up a fight at all. And the best thing is that she stays asleep until morning. She has transferred her attachment from her binkie to her two stuffed dogs, Thurbert and Sporty. Thurbert is a wiener dog that I gave Lezlie a long time ago as a joke because she wanted one (a real one of course). Sporty is her first Build-A-Bear that she created at Branson this year. She loves them both equally and must have them both with her in bed, and sometimes for breakfast.
Well, it's sad to say but this will be my last Maya-only post. Lezlie has constantly worried about giving Maya all the love she needs after the new one arrives. I know things will change but she will still be our baby girl.

It's been awhile since I posted a clip. Here's one of the sibling rivalry.

Maya's Second Birthday

Maya is now 2 years old. Oh, how the time flies. At 1 year old, she was just learning to walk. Now, we have trouble keeping up with her.

This year, we decided to separate the birthday party from the fair. Instead, we had it the week before at our house. We knew that this would rule some people out because of the long drive. But, it was a little hectic doing it all after the fair. I say that and I hardly did anything. Most of the planning and preparation was done my Maya's wonderful Momma.

Because of Maya's love of all dogs, Lezlie decided to go with that theme--dog plates, dog napkins, and pin-the-paw on the dog instead of pin-the-tail on the donkey. Lezlie made a very good brisket and Grandma Violet brought her famous potato salad. And, I think we had about 25 guests. I could definitely see how small our house really is.

Maya started opening her presents soon after lunch which is normally her naptime. But, she was determined to see and open everything. I'm not sure if she really has a favorite present. She is playing with them all equally well. She got a kitchen set, a tent/tunnel, a wheel-barrel/rake/broom for outside play, and many other things. I'm gonna have to start storing all her old stuff.At one point, I believe Maya was a bit overwhelmed by everything and we actually lost track of her. She had sneaked upstairs all by herself. But, she soon got her second wind and finished the day off playing with Easton.
All in all, it was another memorable birthday. Now, I'm sure Lezlie is already planning next years. Thanks to all who came and/or gave presents.