A week of firsts....

I completed my first week back to work. It was a good one. It was only 4 days which was also good. I spent a good part of the weekend sleeping and just holding Hamilton.

Trevor's Dad was in town so, thankfully Hamilton didn't have to go to day care right away. After taking his first bottle the Saturday before I felt confident that he would eat well. All the Hodges, Hamilton was tired of picture time.

Later that week he had his first non-family babysitter. Our neighbor Eva kept him Friday for us. Trevor was back to work and was also completing a job in her house, so he was close by. Hamilton was actually born on Eva's birthday so they already have a bond. He did really well at her house for the day though.

Then, Monday the dreaded first day of Day Care arrived. I was on my own because Trevor is out of town for the week working. I was completely prepared, packed, showered, etc.... anticipating anything and everything. Hollister was very excited about having his brother at day care. All he talks about is how Hamilton is in the baby room at school. He's a very proud brother.

We headed out about 6:15am. I made three trips to the car. One for the "stuff", one with Hollister, cuz at 6:15 even the big brother isn't walking. The last trip was Hamilton. He was wide awake and content. The day care was excited about his first day as well.

I headed to work, no tears! I was at work by 7am. That NEVER happened when I was pregnant. Even my teaching partner is amazed when I arrive so early.

11 weeks old

Hamilton had a great day and won the ladies hearts over with his precious smiles. He did all the normal things, ate, slept, and pooped. He even has a brand new vibrating bouncy seat at day care, just for him. Hamilton is the only baby right now. The next youngest is 1 year and 16 months. He is definitely being spoiled.

Due to our busy week last week, I missed a post I had wanted to do. So, for the first time, I am going to do two posts in one. It is called:

" The Never Ending Birthday"

Hollister's birthday was January 6th. We gave him our presents that day. His party was January 9th. His friends gave him presents on that day. Grandma and Aunt Mary came for visit January 16th and he got presents. Poppa Benny bought him a present January 19th while visiting and Aunt Kim sent him a package. Thank goodness it arrived the same day Poppa gave him his present. He definitely loves opening presents! He also had quite the theme for his birthday, BATMAN. Click here to see the Batman party.... check out the latest Batman toys below. Thanks Aunt Kim! Thanks Poppa, I was just checking this out at Target with Mommy.

So we had to draw the line, his birthday is OVER. No more presents or cake!...

At least until Daddy's big one next week!

Baby update!

Hamilton is 9 weeks and 5 days old.

He is sleeping through the night, 6+ hours!!!!This is not him sleeping at night, but it was just way too cute not to add. He looks so fat here. (Sorry Aggie family, I know, I know....)

He took his first bottle today. 4 oz, sucked it down and then I had to feed him afterward. I feel confident next week will go smoothly for him when I return to work.

Sugar Bugs

Today Hollister went to the dentist to get rid of a sugar bug (cavity). He has two, he was scheduled to get one done today and the other the next time.

When we got there, the dentist told him what he was going to do and explained to me that if Hollister did well, they could do them both today. His concern was about numbing both sides of his mouth since he had one on each side of his bottom teeth.

They put the pig face (laughing gas) on his face so Hollister could feel like an astronaut. Hollister did great. After about 5 minutes, he started smiling and then laughing. It was pretty funny actually.

Then the dentist got to work. Hollister doesn't realize even now that he got shots in his mouth. After 5 shots on Monday, I am glad he doesn't! The dentist told Hollister everything he was doing. He said he was looking in his mouth and his fingernails were sharp and it might pinch him (the shot). Hollister never made a noise. He just laid there in "outer space" I think. When they said bite down, he did. When they said "open", he did. It was great!

The dentist mentioned the treasure box a few times and they had Spiderman stickers so I know this helped.

After the first "bug" was gone, the Dr. offered to do the second one since he was doing so well. I was all for it. See, insurance doesn't cover laughing gas, do them both today, save me money and I have 3 more days till I return to work, do it now, save me time (and money). It all worked out.

When it was all over, Hollister asked for them to "take it off". I thought he was referring to the bib around his neck. No, it was his bottom lip. He thought something was on it due to the numbness. We had to show him a mirror so he could see there was nothing there.

Then, his favorite thing... the treasure box. He even got a toy for his friend, Jack. I thought that was so sweet for him to think about someone else.

Today was a success and now we are clear for 6 months and will work hard at not getting anymore sugar bugs!

We spent the rest of the day at home, just playing. I am amazed at my four year olds imagination and how well he can entertain himself. He like me to be close to him, but he plays so well. He also tries to include Hamilton. He brought toys for him to play with and was sure to let me know when he cried, it meant he was hungry and I should feed him. He's kind of bossy that way. Not sure where he gets that from!

All in all, it was a good day with my boy!

Birthdays and Doctors, yes they go together

This weekend we celebrated Hollister's 4th birthday. As a family we went to Chuck E. Cheese. We did this last year also. Maybe its a tradition now that we have done it twice. We go, eat pizza and play games. It is so fun.

This year Hollister and his Daddy played games while I was sitting with Hamilton. The older boys enjoyed playing games as well. Hollister came back to the table and told me, "I saw my friend over there." I was excited, thinking he saw a friend from day care. I said, "Oh really, who?" Dad said, "You know, his friend... Chuck E. Cheese!" And that is exactly who Hollister was referring to. It was hysterical. He mentioned him a few time while we were there. He'd say, "Where's my friend?" When I asked who, he'd point to one of the zillion pictures of Chuck E. Cheese. Ironically though, he wouldn't stand with him when he walked around shaking hands with the kids. He didn't even want to be close to him. But, Chuck E. Cheese is his "friend."This is Hollister's favorite game. Collecting "bees"in the beehive. So fun!

This is what Hamilton did the ENTIRE time we were at Chuck E. Cheese. This is amazing to me because if you don't know, it is crazy loud in that place, no matter when you go.

We also had a party at our house with our neighborhood friends. Hollister is really into Batman, Superman, and Spiderman. We chose a Batman theme. He loved it and was very excited to have his friends over.
He wasn't as good at blowing out the candle though. We decided next year, we will need to practice beforehand. But, it was a fun time and as always, fun to be with our friends.

Dad trying to coax him to blow harder.

PRESENTS!!!

This is from his actual birthday, the 6th.

Our "bat" friends.

Today, we had Dr.'s appointments for both boys. Hamilton had his 2 month check up. Hollister had his 4 year old check up. I knew this would involve shots, so I made sure Trevor put this on his work calendar and joined us. No way was I doing this on my own.

Hamilton's stats:
weight: 15lbs 4oz 97%tile
height: 24 inches 80%tile
head circum: 15inches 20%tile

Apparently I have a fat, semi tall, small headed baby!

Hollister's stats:
weight: 42lbs 96%tile
height: 42inches 80%tile

Hamilton got 3 shots and one oral immunization.
Hollister got 4 immunizations! He also got the flu shot which totaled FIVE shots. The Dr. tried to explain what was about to happen to him. He just kind of listened. I knew he had no clue what she was meaning by "shots". When it was time, he laid down, the nurse was ready, Daddy was ready, he was laughing because Trevor was pretty much on top of him. Then it happened, the shots and the pain. It was so very sad. I know as a mom he needs these and we trust our pediatrician completely, but this is hard to be a part of. Now Hollister understands what "shots" are and if you ask him, he will tell you "I don't want shots anymore."

I am glad today is over actually. Now I am preparing for my last week of maternity leave. My goal is to just enjoy it. I am ready to go back to work. I am not ready to leave my baby, but it is time. So, enough time typing, more time snuggling!

Obviously, before the shots!

4 year old!

Hollister is 4 years old today! If you ask him how old he is though, he'll tell you 5.

He likes Spiderman, Batman and Superman. His favorite place is Chuck E. Cheese. He still loves Mickey and Handy Man, thank goodness.

His new role of big brother is the sweetest thing about him. He loves his baby brother Hamilton. he gives him kisses all the time and always wants to see his eyes. He enjoys helping with his bath time and will even throw diapers away when needed. If Hamilton is crying, he always says, "He's "hungie" mom, he wants you".

Happy Birthday baby boy!

A New Year Baby!

Hamilton was dressed to party, and that he did! We went to the neighbors for New Years and had a blast!

Hollister played and played with is best buddy Jack. We were able to enjoy some adult company and fun and we rang in the new year safe and sound!

Trevor's turn at Pictionary and the whole gang watching so intently.