Clara turns 2!

Clara has been two in spirit for quite a few months now, so we were happy to officially welcome age two on March 11 - although we didn't officially celebrate until later in the week.  Clara was completely spoiled with lots of thoughtful presents from relatives far and wide, and with the birthday dinner of her choice - toast and chocolate cake with strawberries.  (We did supplement the toast!)

First present from Grandpa and Nana

Five minute break to play with her first present

Grady gets impatient and wants to help

Cookies!

New baby doll from cousin Brando and company - BIG hit! 

Horse from Grandma and Grandpa - this goes with her everywhere.

The whole crew

Grady helps make the cake

The verdict: Yummy!

Thumbs up

After dessert, we went around the table and said things we loved about Clara.  Grady loves how she plays in the the big puddle in front of the house with him.  Matt and I love Clara's independence, strong will, humor, effervescence, style, love for her family, and ability to do anything she sets her mind to, among others.  She is a pretty amazing little girl.  We are lucky to have her.

We have been settling into having three little ones around the house.  Grady and Clara are pretty interested in Theo and like to hold him and help him out when he's feeling sad.  They also enjoyed giving him his first bath!

And check this out - Theo first, Grady second - resemblance you think?

We also went on our first real family excursion this past weekend, going to the opening day of the Portland Farmers Market.  Clara picked out a stunning outfit for the event.

Ready to fight bad guys

Not much was ready yet, and we didn't end up buying anything besides the essentials (coffee and cookies), but we got out of the house!

In general, Clara seems totally fine with/oblivious to the disruption in her life with the arrival of her little brother.  Grady, always a bit more sensitive, isn't quite as equanimous, but luckily he isn't taking it out on or associating it with his little brother.  Besa has adapted.

Theo has reached the two week mark, and knocking on wood, he seems to be colic free.  He is a pretty mellow baby, getting upset for the most part only when hungry or wet.  He is a frequent eater - going about every two hours, three if I'm lucky.  As of his two week appointment today, he was back above birth weight at 7 pounds 12 ounces - gaining 10 ounces in 11 days!  He is a total sweetheart and we are completely smitten with the little guy.

Matt is back to work as of Tuesday.  Tomorrow is my first day with all three of the kids on my own - so I should probably get to bed and get ready!

Welcome Theodore John Wilkinson!

On March 4, Matt, Grady, Clara and I welcomed Theodore ("Theo") John Wilkinson into our family.  

The birth story for those interested  - As with Grady and Clara, Theo was induced due to concerns over my tendency for fast labor.  I was put on a very low dose of pitocin around 9 am and allowed to labor slowly and steadily until about 1:30.  The contractions were noticeable but not at all unmangeable, and at that point I didn't need to breath through them to get through them.  

My water was broken around 1:45 and things progressed pretty quickly from there.  Around 2:45 the contractions started to feel pretty intense, but I was able to breath through them and felt pretty calm and connected.  Around 3:45 or so, I felt the need to push.  The nurses called my doctor, who luckily was already outside the door, because 4 pushes later, Theo was there!  He was 7 pounds 9 ounces, 21.75 inches, pink, screaming, and perfect.  

He was born early enough that Grandpa and Nana (who blessedly had been in town to help with the kids and with us) and Grady and Clara were able to come to the hospital for a visit.  Grady was cautious but excited to hold his little brother. 

"Why is he so small?"

First thing Clara did was stick her finger in his ear, followed by pressing with both hands on his tummy.  She is a bull in a china shop that one.  We were too busy intervening to take pictures of that tender moment.  

Grandpa cuddles

The kids wanted and were promised lemonade and chocolate when Theo arrived, which they got on their second visit the following day.  As with Grady's visit to Clara, day 2 was a disaster.  Matt accidentally got ginger lemonade, which was too spicy, so he got them some sprite instead.  That ended up on the floor in about 2 seconds.  At least Clara was kept occupied for a few minutes by the M&Ms! 

I have a baby what now?

Coming home outfit

Theo is, thankfully, a pretty mellow baby so far.  He has a sweet, squeaky cry that he breaks out during diaper changes and when hungry (which is about every two hours at the moment!) but has long periods of staring around peacefully and getting acquainted with our crazy family.  He lost about 10 ounces while at the hospital waiting for my milk to come in, but his weight was rising as of his first doctor's appointment on Saturday (back up to 7 pounds 2 ounces).  With the way this kid eats, I'm hoping he'll be back up to birth weight by his two week appointment. 

Checking out Daddy

Sleep smiles

The kids, especially Grady, continue to be interested in him.  

Bestowed with gifts from Grady and Clara

Besa is as well.  I'm not sure Fuzz has ventured out to see him yet! 

I'm feeling great.  The birth was fairly easy.  Theo was a full pound less than Clara, and it made a difference!  I've been walking and am looking forward to being able to run again in about a month. 

Grandpa and Nana left on Saturday, but not before cleaning the oven, our rugs, making dinner, watching the kids, cleaning up, and generally being incredibly helpful.  Approximately four minutes after they left, Grady broke out a variation of the "where do babies come from" question ("How did you make Theo?") which I expertly dodged.  ("He started out small and got bigger and bigger and then I pushed him out, is that what you mean?")  Thankfully, we have not been so tested again. Matt and I are managing with being outnumbered.  I'm most worried about school drop off when Matt goes back to work next week, but we will manage.  

There is, of course, also some adjustment.  Especially for Grady who tends to be sensitive.  We have been giving everyone lots of extra cuddles and love, and enjoying the extra time together as a family while Matt is on leave. 

Mommy-Grady chalking

Outside of baby Theo, the kids are doing well.  Grady is still really into superheroes and is finessing his supehero moves.  

He is teaching Clara all his super ways. 

Clara is finishing up age 1 today - 2nd birthday is tomorrow!   We will be celebrating Clara's birthday this weekend and I will try to post photos not too long after.  She continues to be a high-energy, motivated, assertive girl.  Grandpa and Nana got a kick out of her shenanigans and her outfit choices.

Wish us luck!