Six, Going on Seven Months

Twenty-six days past your six month birthday.  Five days more until seven months.  You are growing faster than I can keep up.  And with all of the growing, comes new milestones, changes, and bigger clothes.

You weighed in at the doctor just a few weeks ago at 19lbs, 1 ounce and 26 inches long...which is 2 whole pounds heavier than your sister at the exact same age and 13 ounces heavier than your mama when I was just 6 months old.  And I thought I was the chunkiest babe ever.  #youwin.  I suppose I shouldn't be all that surprised - you have quite the appetite these days.  In addition to more than 30 ounces of milk you drink each day, you also get rice cereal, and baby food.  Over the last month, we've introduced veggies - green beans, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes and squash.  I also attempted to make spinach for you, but, it's definitely not your favorite.

Just a few days after you turned six months, your bottom two teeth finally poked through.  After all that drool...and drool ... and drool.  But relatively speaking, you weren't all too fussy during the whole process.  You are spoiling us.

You have mastered rolling both directions and love to sit up and play with your toys - which all get shoved into your mouth (including all of Olivia's toys that come within your reach).  Your favorite is her Elsa doll and well, you can imagine how well that goes over when she finds you drooling all over her.  #letitgo.  #literally.  And just like Olivia at this age, you also love the Sophie giraffe.  But more than the giraffe, you love, love, love to jump.  A friend gave us their Johnny Jumper and it has been hands down, your absolute favorite thing.  Ever.  Daddy took you out of it one day and you cried.  You weren't done jumping.  He put you back in and you smiled, laughed and hopped for another twenty minutes.  Olivia is also a fan of the jumper, mainly because she thought she could push you (like a swing) ... luckily we put a stop to that very quickly.  You sure are a good sport though.

Speaking of Olivia, you two are quite the pair.  Often times, when she is talking, I'll look at you and you'll be studying her intently.  And then she notices you watching her and says something to you, and you smile, and laugh and then she laughs.  It is the best.  She also can be quite the helper.  She has been given the task of picking out your diaper after bath, washing your back and turning on the fan.  She loves you to pieces.   I often catch her saying phrases to you that she must hear me say ... like when you're upset she'll say "it's ok big guy.  I'm right here."  or "do you want me to hold you?"  She definitely is your biggest fan.


You have also become quite the "talker".  Babbling and smacking your lips.  I almost got you to say "ma-ma-ma" before bath the other night.  And yes, I admit, we've been practicing "ma-ma" a bit more than "da-da-da".  You've got lots to say ... I suppose that's in an effort to keep up with your sister.
 

On the sleeping front, we ditched the swaddle.  Finally.  I was dragging my feet because you were sleeping so, so good with it.  But you had almost outgrown it and rather than buying a bigger size, we finally grew up the nerve and just did without it.  Like I should have known, you transitioned nearly perfectly to sleeping without it.  You're still going down around 8 or 8:30 and sleeping until about 6 or 6:30.  Sometimes you have trouble going to sleep initially, but usually after more bouncing and rocking, you are lights out until the morning.

You are still our happy, go-lucky, go with the flow, baby.  You are charming and sweet.  I was just commenting to Daddy tonight how it's hard to imagine what life was like when it was just Olivia and Daddy and me.  You are such a blessing.  You are what was always meant to be and each day with you is better than the one before.  Not every day is easy or perfect.  Some are long and rough and the hours are never enough.  You are a reminder to live in the moment, be thankful for what we have and enjoy the little things - for that is what is truly important.

 

Month Five, Baby Madden

You are five months.

You are so close to getting your first tooth, I think.  At least that's what I'm contributing all of the drool too ... It is a lot of drool.  Like at least two or three bibs soaked a day.

You are sleeping wonderfully still; about ten hours straight.

We started rice cereal this month.  At first you were hesitant, not sure of the texture or taste.  Frankly, I don't blame you, but it has grown on you and now you try and grab the spoon and feed yourself.  Just wait until we move to veggies and fruit.  It will rock your world :)

You still love your bumbo seat and your exersaucer and of course, we've been doing lots of tummy time to strengthen those muscles that will soon help you sit up without hunching over.  And you've almost conquered rolling from back to tummy - lots of back arching, squirming and leg kicking.  It's quite the show.  We've also been spending some time at the neighborhood pool.   

You love to lay in the floatie and just float.

You don't get worked up or upset about much of anything.  Cool, calm and relaxed.  You go with the flow.

And let's talk about those smiles.  About how you smile all the time.  And laugh and giggle and sometimes you get so excited that you squeal.  It's the most adorable thing ever.

I've been back at work now for two months.  And while mornings are hectic and sometimes chaotic, five o'clock is always my favorite.  We have established a routine that this type-A mama insists we stick to, the majority of the time.  You are still taking a short little cat-nap right before dinner, usually in the baby sling so mama can multi-task and get dinner cooked while you snooze.  And then after we eat, we get to play, outside preferably, if Olivia has any opinion in the matter.  Around 7:30ish, we start baths, followed by books, which Olivia prefers to read in your room and she insists on holding you for at least three or four pages, and after that, she raises her hands and demands "Mama, take Madden.  He's heavy."

And while we don't have your exact measurements this month, I'm certain your growing.  Most of your 3-6 month clothes are getting tight and likely will not last much past August.

You also love your thumb.  You are not nearly as dependent on your passie as your sister.  I'm still not sure if the thumb/finger/fist chewing is a result of the impending tooth or if you just prefer your thumb over the passie.

Your sister is still quite obsessed with you and even though she is in your business most of the time, you've become very fond of her too.  Daddy and I love watching the bond between you develop and grow.  You love to sit in your bumbo chair and watch her play.  She insists on "feeding" you anything and everything she's cooking in the kitchen.  Coffee, with and without creamer.  Cake, and yes, she requires you to blow out the candle before you eat a bite.  Muffins.  Cheese.  Apple Juice.  Luckily, you're a good sport and try everything she cooks and don't complain.  You also think your sister is funny, which she is.  She sings to you and reads to you and in true big sis fashion, bosses you around.  I've warned her that some day the tables will turn on her, so she better learn to run fast.  Very, very fast.

On the way to church one morning, Olivia was trying to watch her movies and you were babbling and carrying on.  Olivia then asked you to please be quiet --- to which you responded by only babbling louder.  After another, more stern attempt to get you to be quiet, she pulled the ultimate big sister move and tattled on you.  "Mom, Daddy, Madden won't be quiet.  Me can't hear movie."  Daddy and I just smiled.  And so it has begun.

You are a happy and healthy, growing little guy.  I couldn't have imagined it would be this great - the last five months have been the best.  I swear this is my favorite month, and Daddy reminds me I say that every month.  But it's true.  Being a Mama can be exhausting and stressful and some days are just rough.  But more than that, it's rewarding and fulfilling and nothing makes my heart happier at the end of every day.

Baby Madden, Four Months

It's impossible to believe your already four months old.  I mean really, time is just flying by.

Your smiley and happy personality continues to blossom and it is contagious.  You can warm up a room with a flash of your gummy grin and make any bad day easily forgettable. You go in spurts of talking and cooing, and leave little room for anyone, including your sister to get a word in.  You laugh and giggle and sometimes, try to laugh so hard that no sound really comes out.  Simply put, you make life happier and better, and I didn't even think that was possible.  You have brought so much joy to our life, we are so blessed that you are ours.

You weighed in at the doctor this month at 15 pounds, 3 ounces and 25" long.  You've finally crawled up into the 50th percentile for weight and still top the charts at almost the 80th percentile for height.  From what I can remember, I feel like you are smaller than your sister when she was the same age - turns out though, you are about a dozen ounces heavier and and almost 2 inches longer than her.  #bigboysrule

Although you are big, she is still bigger and faster.  This won't be the case forever, but until then though, you're stuck having tea parties with her other babies, listening to her sing her favorite songs (I'm sure you've gotten Wheels on the Bus, Let it Go and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star memorized already), watching her show off all of her favorite new tricks, and letting her hug, kiss, tug and pull on you and your arms, legs and passie.  You are such a good sport.  Ironically though, one day she was close to your face and as luck would have it, you were swinging your arms and caught her hair.  I guess you'd call that a dose of her own medicine.  She wasn't a fan, and immediately tattled on you.  Oh boy, I can see what life could be like in another three or four years.  Regardless of the hair pulling incident, she is still your biggest fan.  I catch you watching her intently as she plays around you, laughing at her when she's telling you something funny (or even not so funny), and smiling at her just because.  I love watching your brother - sister bond develop.  Always remember to be nice to each other - you're always going to be on the same team.  #teamschamberger

You are still sleeping and eating wonderfully.  Typically still sleeping from 8:00 or 8:30PM until about 6:00 or 6:30AM.  Occasionally, you'll wake up around 5:00 or 5:30 AM, but I'm definitely not complaining.  You are eating about 20 ounces in a bottle at daycare during the day and we just introduced rice cereal into your meal plan.  At first, you weren't a fan and perfected the "bitter-cereal-face", but just after a few nights, you're already starting to get the hang of the spoon and may have actually gotten more in your mouth than your bib finally.  You are drooling a lot.  I'm wondering if there are teeth in your near future.  So far though, just a lot of drool and bubbles and more drool. #getthisboyabib

You've mastered rolling over from your tummy to your back; and can get about half way back over to your tummy, but not quite all the way yet.  We're doing lots of tummy time to build those neck and core muscles and as you get stronger, you're starting to prefer sitting up in your exersaucer or bumbo chair as opposed to laying down.

Everyone says you look like your daddy.  I don't know though ... I think you may be more handsome even than he is.  Your hair is steadily growing and getting lighter.  You still don't have much though, but it's definitely more than your baldy sister had at this age.  #growhairgrow

Some of your favorites this month include Sophie the giraffe, your hands, grabbing your feet (although you haven't figured out how to get your toes into your mouth ... yet), taking a bath and making lots of splashes, flying above Daddy's head, riding on Daddy's shoulders, and watching your sister.  We've also started reading books with Olivia before bedtime.  She likes to read in the chair in your room, and luckily, me, you and her can all fit.  Olivia has made the ottoman Daddy's official seat.


You had your first airplane ride and trip to Atlanta this month to visit the Schambergers.  You (and your sister) did so awesome on the plane and really, traveling all together.  It was so fun to see the Schambergers and spend time with them.  Before you know it, you will be running around with them, playing ball and being ornery.

It's hard to imagine what life was like before you.  You are the perfect fit into our family.  You and Olivia are a constant reminder that life is good.  We are blessed.  And although raising two munchkins is no easy task, it is totally worth it and the most rewarding experience.  We are truly blessed indeed.

3 Months

Another month gone.  Another month older.

But even at just three months young, you've developed quite the personality.

You are smiley and happy.  A lot.  It is the best.

Daddy also got your first giggles out.  Juggling your socks before bath time.  Your giggles are the best too.

You are content and go-with-the-flow.  You rarely cry.    

You sleep wonderfully.  Once we get you asleep, you sleep 8-10 hours straight.  Sometimes you are a bit feisty and don't want to fall asleep, but once you've gotten all your gas out (burps and toots included), you are content to close your eyes.  You also take really good naps most of the time.

You've also discovered your hands and your fingers.  I frequently hear you trying to figure out how to suck your thumb, and when you can't get just your thumb, your whole fist will do.  

This past month, you've been spending lots of time in your exersaucer (with blankets around you for support) and your bumbo.  We've also been trying to get in lots of tummy time, but unlike Olivia, you don't seem to fight it as much and are just as content to lay on your tummy and when you get tired of lifting your head, you simply turn it, lay it down, and try and find your fist to put in your mouth.  

The biggest change this month was just 5 days shy of being 3 months, mama went back to work.  It was almost just as rough the second time around as it was the first.  Luckily, you get to go to the same daycare as Olivia and I know you are in such good hands.  But still, leaving you the first day was not easy.  Olivia on the other hand, was so excited and so proud to take you with her to Julie's.  Just a handful of days in at daycare, and I can tell you are adjusting so well.  Twelve weeks at home together was not nearly long enough.  And while a part of me was eager to get back to work, a big part of me misses you and Olivia every second of  every single monday through friday.  I know though, as hard as some moments are, this is what is best for our family.  And I know it's possible to be a successful, career driven, family loving, mama who is devoted to both her kids and her career.  It's not always easy, the mornings are early and the nights are sometimes very late, but it's worth it.  Without a doubt, you and your sister are the best part about five o'clock.   

Now that you are drinking from bottles regularly at daycare, we've discovered you've got quite the appetite.  Something that I may have underestimated originally :)  However, this may explain why it seems like you've gotten incredibly longer, and put on some ounces.  While we don't go to the doctor until your 4-month check-up, I'd say it's safe to assume you are getting plenty to eat!

Olivia is still obsessed with you.  She is asking to hold you more and more.  Because she's attempted several times to share her food with you, I've told her that you can't eat ... (fill in the blank with Goldfish, real milk, juice, pretzels, cheese, fruit snacks) until you get lots of teeth.  Now I have caught her checking to see if you have teeth.  Sorry about that.  She loves to read to you and sing to you.  Her favorite songs for you are "E-I-E-I-O" (Old McDonald) and "Happy Birthday to Madden."  At the end she instructs you to "blow our your candles"... and then insists on doing it for you.  I have a feeling you're going to be getting lots of help, instruction and direction from your sister (she might be just a bit bossy, as older sisters tend to be).  But I'm not too worried ... I know one day you'll be big enough and fast enough, maybe if you're lucky, even faster than she, to keep up.  

Three months has gone by so incredibly fast.  So fast, in fact, it's a bit blurry.  One thing is certain, you continue to remind us every single day just how lucky we are.  You are a perfect fit into our family.  And while some days are long, stressful and chaotic, others are calm, structured and things actually go as planned.  We try and go with the flow, take the stressful with the calm and make lots of memories that we'll remember and cherish along the way.  

Month #2

It's the second month.  I can't believe how fast it has gone.

You started to smile and coo.  Those smiles are my favorite part of your second month.

You are becoming more alert.

You are still snuggly and sleep lots, but have become more aware of your surroundings and engage in lots of eye contact with Mama, Daddy and of course, big sister Olivia.

You have stretched out your night time sleeping for almost 8 or 9 hours.  We usually put you to bed around 9 and you've recently been sleeping until 6AM.  Once in awhile though you might wake up at 4AM to eat.  And then you'll go back to sleep until Mommy insists you wake up around 8AM.

We've had lots of visitors this month.  The Schambergers from Atlanta flew in at the beginning of March for a visit and Daddy's sister from California came at the end of the month to meet you.  Both were very special trips and everyone adores you.  And of course, Gigi and Papa were up to visit too this month.

You weighed in at 11 pounds 1 ounce at your 2 month check-up and 23 inches long.  This puts you in the 20th percentile for weight and the 50th percentile for height.  Although your weight wouldn't necessarily indicate so, you are eating really good.  Despite your sisters attempts to share with you her juice, bananas, Craisins and Cheerios, your diet is still limited to milk.


Spring has finally arrived and we've taken full advantage of the nice weather with lots of walks around the neighborhood.  We've also been frequenting the grocery store, Target, and maybe a trip or two to baby Gap.  Not to mention a handful of lunches with your favorite partner in crime, George Draper.  Turns out, your mamas were pregnant not far apart and as luck would have it, you're only 5 weeks different in birthdays.  While George may be a few weeks older, and lots bigger and taller, I have a feeling you'll be buds for many years to come.

We've also ventured out as a family of four for a Saturday night dinner or two.  But when you've got a newly potty-trained tot and an anxious "please don't have an accident" Mama, I think Olivia and I spent more time (7 trips total over the course of dinner) in the bathroom than at the table with you and Daddy.

And without any planning on my part (#momfail) you also got to witness your first St. Patty's Day shenanigans.  Turns out Frozen on Ice tickets were released on St. Patrick's Day.  So, I packed you up and we headed downtown to the Sprint Center to buy tickets to avoid paying outrageous processing fees online.  Needless to say, we were the only sober ones tracking through the Power & Light District that sunny afternoon; and I was the only one pushing a baby stroller through the swarm of green shirts and beer.  Luckily we got the tickets for Olivia and I tried to keep your sunshade up in an effort to shield you from not only the sun, but also the festive celebrations as well.  Geesh.  Kids these days :)  #pleasenevergrowup

Your sister is still madly obsessed with you and absolutely adores you.  While she may not have any concept of personal space, or the fact that you just fell asleep seconds before she entered the room, and takes away your passie just when you got comfy with it, she really does mean well and loves you so much.  I plan to document this as much as possible and then replay these videos and pictures for when you two are fighting in 5 or 10 years.

Just like your sister when she was an itty bitty, you have an ear for Daddy's voice.  Daddy gets the biggest and best smiles and coos out of you when he talks to you.  And when you hear his voice, your eyes start looking around to find his familiar face.

You are laid back and go with the flow.  While I wish I could take credit for this, I know these two characteristics you get from your Daddy, not your type-A Mama.  Sometimes the easiest part about having a second baby is the baby itself.  The harder part is everything else.  But slowly, we are acclimating and adjusting.  More settled than we were four weeks prior.  And with only minimal pushing by this type-A mama, a routine is slowly starting to come together.

You are happy and charming and everything we could have asked for, and then some, with our second.  Sometimes, you are the calm in our chaos.  And while you were only been born two months ago, there are moments I swear you've been here forever.  You were always meant to be the second in our tribe of littles.  You are a perfect fit into our family of four.  And for that, we are forever grateful.

The first month.

After two nights in the hospital, we were released to go home.  The real world, life outside of the hospital walls, was waiting.  We were taking you home.  The beginning of the next chapter.  Our adventure of a family of four had begun.

You slept through the 15 minute car ride home.  Daddy and I speculated what it would be like at home with Olivia and you.  And while Olivia was a really good baby, one thing she never liked, was riding in the car.  Daddy said this was one area he knew you'd outshine her in.  I just hope you like Barney Christmas, Frozen and Dora.  These are her favorites to watch in the car and the only thing that can make a car ride more than 10 minutes bearable.

The weather was surprisingly, and uncharacteristically nice for the seventh day of February.  The pediatrician at the hospital even told us if we went outside, to take you out and let you get some sunshine.  I wasn't too sold on the idea of a newborn outside, even if it was 65 degrees, so we put you in your rocker, and let you sunbathe in the front door.  You loved it.  The next day, while Mommy, Olivia and Grandma were at the store, Daddy took you outside.  Mommy was not so impressed; but you seemed to enjoy the warmth and sunshine.

Grandma (or Gigi as Olivia calls her) stayed with us for the week.  Cooking, cleaning, washing, folding and ironing laundry, and doing all those things that Grandma's do best.  While you enjoyed the extra snuggles, Olivia also enjoyed some extra time with Gigi doing blocks, dancing to the hokey pokey, coloring and crafting, and puzzles.  Mommy and Daddy were so thankful to have the extra set of hands that made the transition to a family of four a bit easier.  Needless to say, when Gigi went home at the end of the week, we were all going through gigi-withdrawals.

While I was able to keep up with "weekly" updates when Olivia was born, let's face it.  I knew that was likely going to be impossible to juggle, amid everything else.  #secondchildproblems.  But I've been "scribbling" notes in the draft section of this blog for the last several weeks in an effort to document your first month...

At risk of jinxing it, I'll briefly brag mention on how good you are sleeping.  It's almost too good to be true.  The first nights home from the hospital, we were waking you up every 3 hours to eat.  Shortly after you gained back some of your birth weight, we started letting you wake up on your own.  You were doing 4 and 5 hour stretches.  Now, only one month old and you are sleeping a solid 6-7 hour stretch, followed by a quick diaper change and feeding, and then another 3-4 hours.  Maybe it's because you fell into this sleeping pattern quicker than your sister, or maybe it's just because I'm more prepared for getting up at 4AM, but this time around, I don't feel completely and utterly exhausted.  However, I'm still using the "sleep when the baby sleeps", as a good excuse to get in a nap after lunch on most days.

Another area that you have no issues in (so far) is pooping. #sorrytoomuchinfo; which probably explains all of the sounds that you make - mostly grunts, but a few coo's and ooh's and aah's.  I suppose because everything seems to be working so well (sometimes too well), contributes to the fact that you are so content.  You are laid back and go with the flow, which is good, because let's face it, juggling a newborn along with a 2 year old can be challenging and chaotic at times.  You will sit in your swing while Mama is getting ready in the morning (your future wife will thank me some day as you've learned from an early age to be patient while waiting on a woman to get ready).  You also are content on your playmat or little vibrating chair during Olivia's bath.  (I'm so looking forward to the day that we can put you both in the bathtub at the same time, but since your sister is quite the splasher, you'll have to wait until you can at least sit up on your own.)

You have lots of facial expressions, the scrunched-up forehead, the eye-roll as you're just about to close your eyes, the adorable baby grin, and one of my favorites, the pouty bottom lip, which I'm pretty sure you had perfected within 5 minutes into the real world - even the nurses commented on it.
You are also a good eater - eating every 2-3 hours during the day.  You weighed 9 lbs 2 oz at your one month check-up, which puts you in the 23rd percentile for your weight and almost the 80th percentile for height.  Tall and trim ... but I have a feeling that could change.  You love taking a bath; but hate getting out because you do not like being cold;  You are also very impatient (or maybe I'm slow) when you are getting dressed.

Your sister is completely smitten with you, and has no reservations about showing you just how much she adores you - even if you're sleeping peacefully.  She loves to show you whatever it is she is doing ... her favorite phrase is "Madden, look at me."  Followed by her second favorite phrase "Where's Madden?"  The minute she gets home, she runs into the house and the first thing she says is "Where's Madden?"  Not "Hi Mommy!" or "Mommy!! I missed you!"  Instead, she's on the hunt to find you and smother you in kisses and hugs.  You are such a good sport - not that you have much option now.  But I keep reminding Olivia that some day you'll be just as big as her :)  Daddy and I have been comparing pictures of you and your sister.  Yep, it's confirmed.  You are definitely related.  Your baby pictures (so far) look strikingly similar.

Just a few days before you were one month old, we had you baptized at church.  It didn't go quite as I had planned.  A snowy weekend.  One crying babe.  One crying toddler (who wanted to run off some of the energy from the sugary snacks she had eaten during church and hit her head on the back of the pew when Mama asked her to sit down.)  Needless to say, it was not picture perfect.  But you know what Jesus said, "let the children come to me." ... even the ornery, crying, tantrum-throwing ones.
 
One month has blazed by in just the blink of an eye.  Daddy and I are so blessed to call you ours.  You have made three into four.  Some days are challenging and frazzled and other days I feel on top of the mountain.  I know it's all part of the ebb and flow of life.  And between the chaos of caring for two littles, the crying, tantrums, poopy diapers, lost (later to be found in a random cabinet) sippy cups of milk, toys left in almost every room, frazzled dinner times, there's a whole lot of smiling, giggling and deep down belly laughs.  This is our life.  Our adventure as a family of four.  And while we may not have it down perfectly, I wouldn't change a single thing about it. 

Madden Patrick

In many ways, this pregnancy was very similar to the first.  It was easy.  Granted, I had the usual bouts of "morning" sickness, that seemed to last through the morning, past the afternoon and well into the evening for the first several months.  And I battled with heartburn during the last trimester, but I held tight to the old wives tale that links heartburn to a baby with lots and lot of hair and I embraced it.  And amid these very common and normal pregnancy side affects, I knew I was blessed.  Blessed to be called a mommy a second time.  Blessed to have the chance to raise a boy and a girl.  Blessed to have had an easy and stress-free pregnancy.

Maybe it was because it was the second, that I felt more relaxed.  More at ease.  More confident in my mommy-skills.  Something about this one though made nine months feel more like nine short days.  One day we confirm we're having a sweet baby boy and then I blink, and we're driving through snow and ice to the hospital, holding hands, scared and excited, all over again.

February 5th, 2015.  The day you were born.  The day you blessed us and made us mommy and daddy all over again.  It was a day I had waited for and been anxiously awaiting for weeks.  Two days past our "official" due date, and to be honest I was growing impatient.  Because I was a week early with your sister, I just new I wouldn't make it into the month of February still pregnant.  Your daddy was convinced you'd be born on Super Bowl Sunday, just two days before our due date; after all, you are your daddy's son and football is your daddy's passion.  But, you held out and proved both your daddy and me wrong.  Much to my surprise, February 3rd came and went and still no baby.  

We were scheduled to be induced on February 5th at 5:30AM.  But you had other plans.  On your own time and just as God had planned all along, we went into labor late into the evening on February 4th.  I had spent the day home from work, with intentions of finishing up last minute errands and maybe even sneaking in a nap.  However, your big sis had other plans of her own as she had come down with a cough and runny nose, and spent the day home with me as well.  As luck would have it, we had already arranged for uncle Marcus and aunt Anna to come over and stay the night at our house with Olivia so we could leave for the hospital early the next morning.   But just after 9:30PM, I started having regular and semi-painful contractions.  Within an hour, after a hot shower and no relief from the contractions, we had loaded into the car the bags that had been packed and ready for several weeks.  "It's finally time..." I nervously and excitedly remember whispering to Daddy as we drove to the hospital.  

It felt like an eternity to get to the hospital, partly because it had snowed and iced earlier that day and partly because during labor, until the epidural, everything feels like it takes forever.  Daddy had one hand tightly gripped on the wheel, and the other intertwined with mine, encouraging and supporting through each contraction.

We arrived at the hospital and the epidural was administered shortly before midnight.  And then we waited.  Daddy and I speculated what you might look like, hair color, eye color, personality, everything that would make you, you.  We tried to rest our eyes, but it was impossible, we were about to meet you, our sweet baby boy.

My legs were shaking with adrenalin and excitement, nervousness and anticipation of what was to come.  Three short hours later, the doctor was reminding me when and how to push.  Three pushes, three pauses and three contractions later, in the wee hours of the morning on February 5th, you were born.

You squealed and cried, and as my eyes met your daddy's, I could feel the tears stream down my cheeks.  Mommy again.

And finally after nine months of waiting, the placed you on my chest.  Those first few moments are precious and will never be forgotten, etched in memory forever.  Those moments are difficult to put into words, they are magical and surreal, and some of the most cherished moments for all of life.

I was a mommy to two.  And you, my handsome little boy, made that possible.   Daddy and I are so proud.  Proud to call you ours.  Blessed to be your mommy and daddy.

And just as your sister had done two years before you, you changed us again.  You changed our world forever.  Our hearts, which I was quite sure could not possible grow anymore, swelled again by leaps and bounds with love for you.  You have blessed us beyond measure and we are so completely in love with you.  Our precious, perfect and adorable Madden.

Madden Patrick Schamberger

February 5th, 2015

3:13am

7 pounds, 15 ounces

20-1/2 inches long

Shawnee Mission Hospital 

 

And your big sister, she is absolutely smitten with you.  Which is a whole other story for another time ...