Summer twenty.ten

It's been a fairly uneventful summer as we've been adjusting to life as a family of 4. Thankfully the weather finally picked up so that we actually feel like we're having a summer.

Jaydan has been enjoying popsicles... both store bought and homemade.

London has been practicing her sitting skills.

And trying to get a smile on camera.

And sleeping... cradling those cheeks is hard work.

And baths of course... nothing like a nice soak to end a summer day.

As previously stated, a rather uneventful summer. But we are definitely enjoying the sun that we're getting - playtime outside is the best!

Seattle Aquarium

We took Jaydan (London tagged along, of course) to the Seattle Aquarium for the first time today.

In typical Jaydan fashion, he was very hesitant at first. We got past the initial wall of fish and to the tide pools where he cautiously stared into the water from Dirk's arms. After the first pool, he stood by himself at the second. We made it to the first tanks and then he was hooked... every time we turned a corner he whispered "wow" under his breath.

Looking at one of many fish tanks with daddy.

Watching the seals. Please note that by the time we reached the underwater dome and the seals, we nearly had to run to keep up with the kid. He was here and there and looking at everything wide-eyed.

Surfing "Shamu's" back. Every killer whale is Shamu to Jaydan since we visited Sea World.


Enthralled by the underwater dome.

Pooped in the car on the way home. We kept him up way past his normal naptime by stopping for fish and chips on the waterfront after leaving the Aquarium and then ice cream for the walk back to the car. We were shocked that he was able to stay awake all the way to I5 once we got moving.

Thanks to the sunny weather and the ever fabulous people watching downtown, we are happy to have enjoyed a relaxing summer Saturday as a family.

Thomas the Train

Following London's birth, we knew we wanted to do something special for Jaydan so that he didn't feel too left out of the attention. We purchased tickets for "A Day Out with Thomas" since he shows affection for trains. Boy did we have a blast - it was SUPER hot and sunny and there was plenty to be seen. Jaydan's wide eyes at the full sized Thomas engine made every penny worth it.

The view from the train was beautiful...

Thomas arrived in style... all children screamed as he chugged by.

Jaydan got a Thomas tattoo and a sticker.

As the tattoo was applied he was busy looking around at all of the other things to do and get into... mischeivous child so easily distracted.

We were SO tempted to buy him the hat but figured he'd never wear it again considering the somber face just for a picture. We'll consider a t-shirt.

2 weeks

So of course I'm delayed on updating the blog...

London was dressed as a strawberry for church at 2 weeks 3 days old.

She's starting to fill out... she's our big girl. :)

But still sleeping soundly during the day.

Somewhere around 18 days of age, London was starting to fill out her clothes a bit. We noticed her thighs beginning to thicken and her tummy remain distended long after eating. Come her 1 month checkup with the pediatrician, we learned that she was, in fact, a BIG girl. She weighed in at a whopping 10lbs. 6oz. - just one ounce shy of 3 pounds up from birth, putting her in the 90th percentile. She remained in the 50th percentile for height at 21" long.

Clearly she has no problem holding onto the milk that will do her body good... despite the spit up after every meal. She goes through many more outfits per day compared to Jaydan - and that's not just because it's fun to dress a baby girl in adorable clothing. And typically, the wardrobe changes make her spit up again so the change is all for not. Unfortunately for her (and us), she seems to have a bit of colic as well. We feared this as Jaydan gave us a run for our money in the tummy department. She seems to do better than he at this point though.

All in all, we're doing well and are loving (almost) every moment of parenting 2.

Sunday best

London got all dressed up for her first Sunday at church.

We thought she was pretty cute.

Phototherapy

We were discharged from the hospital late Saturday night June 5. I had my postpartum checkup Monday morning. Unfortunately, London had lost more than 10% birth weight - down to 6 lbs. 8 oz. and her jaundice was still dancing on the moderate/high risk line. Since she was only a 37-weeker, she was prescribed phototherapy.

I didn't quite understand what her treatment entailed... when the first home nurse dropped off the equipment I asked her how long London needed to actually be on the lights, thinking she'd say something like 20 minutes, 3 times a day. Boy was I wrong! No I was told that my new baby needed to be on 24 hours except to feed... and I could take her out if she were inconsolably crying. This nurse made me cry. Fortunately, the nurse that came daily to check our progress was AMAZING. Lori let us know each day that things were going well - London gained 3 oz. per day and was able to come off the lights after only 3 days. By that Friday she bounced back up to 7 lbs. 1 oz. We were quite pleased.

at least she sleeps a lot... if she'd been awake and fussy most of the time I'm not sure I would have handled it well.

she seemed comfortable most of the time.

London Kim Huebner

Born June 3, 2010

7:38pm

7 lbs. 7 oz.

19.5"

we love baby toes

auntie Katie came to visit within 2 hours of birth... London lovingly stared at her.

sleeping soundly in the bed with mama

and she's a binky girl... a change for us as Jaydan never took to the darn thing.

Now that we're home and settled, it's nice to be working out a new schedule. Going from 1 to 2 has been a big change, no doubt. I think that making sure each kiddo gets the right amount of attention is the toughy... particularly Jaydan since London gets plenty based on her feeding needs.

We're fortunate that London sleeps for at least 1 four hour stretch each night. It's been really great to get a little bit of sleep. Of course, she and I try to nap during Jaydan's nap too. She's a very mild-mannered baby... sleeps a lot (sometimes even needs to be woken for feedings) and doesn't fuss too much. She's truly a blessing to our family - add her to the list I guess as Jaydan still surprises us often with just how special he is.

London Kim Huebner

Baby girl Huebner was not scheduled to arrive until June 16 at 9 am via cesarean. Due to some health concerns, my doctor decided it best to deliver her early. So, on the date of my 37 week appointment, we scheduled her delivery - June 3, 2010.

We arrived at the hospital at 5pm and were finally admitted after about 45 minutes. I got to get all hooked up to monitors and the nifty gadgets that track your baby's heartrate, contractions and my BP. Fun stuff. Family members were in and out of my room while we waited for the OR. There was a balancing game happening as my scheduled time neared - other laboring women potentially would require cesareans too. Fortunately, I was able to rush into surgery before anyone else.

I had an awesome anesthesiologist - she was super nice and very reassuring about all that was happening. I'll admit that the spinal was something that I was a little afraid of. But all went smoothly and then I was numb and ready to meet my baby girl.

Nameless baby Huebner was born at 7:38pm on June 3, 2010. She weighed in at 7 pounds 7 ounces and 19.5" long. I was surprised at her size given the fact that she was nearly 3 weeks early. She came out with a FULL head of black hair - we're going to have fun styling it in the future. Dirk was able to hold her and get to know her first for about 45 minutes while I was stitched up. We were wheeled back to recovery where she was bathed and I finally got to snuggle her for the first time. I think we were all pleased to finally meet her.

I was moved to my mother/baby unit around 10pm and still not allowed food. My great team of nurses snuck some saltines to my room when I was ready to start pain meds. I had a fantastic team of nurses during our stay - the constant movement in and out of the room made sleep difficult though. Dirk and I stayed at the hospital till Saturday night. London was finally named just before I was discharged. Her first name is for the English in both of our mother's heritage and her she shares her middle name with Aunt Karly.

We're so happy to finally have our baby girl!!

Happy Birthday Dirk!

Dirk is 36! Yikes... ;)

We had an eventful weekend with lots of friends and kiddos. The humble Huebner home was full of friends on Saturday night to celebrate Dirk's birth. We had lots of food and fun. The tykes were running around crazy, talking their baby jibberish. There were plenty of laughs and full bellies by the end of the night. Thank you to all of our friends for coming to celebrate with us - we had a FANTASTIC time and really appreciate your company!!

Today is Dirk's actual birthday... we'll be celebrating more with cake and crepes!

Easter

Happy Easter 2010!

We had a really fun time this year - we didn't expect Jaydan to really get the whole egg hunting concept (silly us) so the Easter bunny only hid a dozen around the living room for him. Needless to say, the hunt was over within 10 minutes of showing him the first egg and that there was a treat inside. I think the bunny will be more prepared next year.

Easter did bring candy-a-plenty as well as some Dora and Spiderman goodies...

We got very excited and animated about the festivities...

And we were fully prepared when the outdoor family hunt began - we were truly experienced egg hunters by now...


Of course, a little help from daddy never hurt...

And continually checking out the bounty is fully necessary...

It was a fantastic weekend for us filled with family and fun, though we missed Grandma and Papa Huebner. We'll have some catch-up time with them next weekend.

After all of the hunting, food and candy overload, we all took a much needed siesta. The remainder of the day was much more relaxing and lazy - the way a Sunday afternoon should be. We were able to spend some family time reflecting on the true meaning of Easter and that we should be grateful for much more than candy and Spiderman.