Loose tooth

At Tyler's dental checkup in November, the hygienist told him he had several loose teeth. However, one of his lower teeth in particular has loosened up. I am a bit grossed out by it, so of course he loves wiggling it for me.

Smiling

Aubrey's been smiling more this week, and we caught a little of this morning's smiling on video. Please pay no attention to me talking to her. :)

Weekend with the Showalters

Hollins, Rachel and Jillian flew in for the weekend. We had a great time. I felt quite relaxed as I didn't do much cooking and didn't leave the house all weekend. How nice. :)

It seems that we took the most pictures of the baby girls. In fact, I didn't get any pictures of Tyler this time. Though, I should have taken pictures of him and Hollins. Tyler had a great time with Hollins, who made up lots of games for them to play together.

Grandma Sue helped with lots of loving on, holding, feeding and changing of both girls.

Rachel and the girls

Jillian (wrapped up and happily waiting for her bath)



Aubrey being tortured, I mean dressed up. :)
(Those tights aren't so tight yet).

Resting in the too-quiet house after the Showalters left for the airport and Ted and Sue left for home.

I wish we didn't have to live apart from almost all of our family. But these visits where we get to stay together, as we also do when we see my side of the family, are really special to us.

Aubrey- 1 Month Old

Valentine's Day.

(In outfit #3 due to a diaper-incident and a spit-up-incident).

Little One is starting to lose her hair. The start of the little-old-man receding hairline.

"Playing" today

Tyler remembers Olive

Tyler continues to talk about little Olive and occasionally cries for her. He talks about how cute she was. The night that Lynette wrote about, Tyler also talked about God bringing Jesus back to life. The next day, he told me, "I prayed that God would give Olive another life in this world."

He's also asked me lots of questions.

"Are there robbers there?" "Are there bullies?" (I think he worries whether she will be safe)
"What if Olive dies in her second life?" (And worrying whether she will suffer again)
"Is she a baby angel or is she an adult?"
"Where is heaven? Is it higher than outer space. I think it is."
"Will Aubrey die?" (When someone dies, it also reminds me of our mortality and of those around us)

I must admit, I have never even considered some of his questions, but it has made me think a lot more about heaven...and realize how little I understand or know. I don't know all the answers, and I'm not sure I'm giving him the right answers. Because, how do I really know? But, I'm glad he's asking, and thinking out loud. And making me think.

The other day, he said,

"Mommy, I'm still sad that Olive died...but I'm not as sad as I was before. Do you know why? Because I know I'll see her again some day in heaven."

Superbowl attire

Tyler cheered on the Colts.

And Aubrey swam in, I mean wore, her coat for the first time.

adjusting

At Aubrey's 3-week appointment, we learned that she hadn't gained weight in 2 weeks. Nursing has been very different this time than it was with Tyler. We were asked to supplement with formula as I try to increase my "supply." This week, she is up to 8 pounds! (Finally above her birth weight - it only took a month, poor baby)!

Tyler has been able to help with a few feedings, which he quite enjoys.

Tyler enjoys seeking Aubrey out to see her and talk to her, whether she is happy or screaming, it doesn't seem to matter to him. He helps us fetch things we need, reassures her, tells her "that's how it is in the world" and is generally very sweet. We're still working on him leaving us alone when it's time for her nap, though, as he doesn't seem to understand that he is keeping her awake. Or, perhaps he understands and doesn't care - as I figure he's stalking her because he's bored. Oh well, it could be much harder. How do you Mom's with children spaced closely together do it? I don't know.

owls

Aunt Lynette sent this adorable owl outfit. Now Aubrey really fits into her owl-themed room.

The Nikon's batteries need to be charged, so we resorted to the old point and shoot tonight. I'm glad we don't have to use this camera all the time anymore.

I enjoyed some alone time at Target today, and I feel refreshed. Wayne offered to stay with Aubrey and Tyler was at preschool. I really enjoyed the alone time and even found some $15 owl wall appliques for Aubrey's room, which I'm very excited about.

We've been busy adjusting, but I will try post again soon.

We miss you, Olive

I am so touched by Lynette and Rusty and how they have walked through this difficult journey. This morning, I woke up with a heavy heart for them...and for Aubrey. For the cousin that she will never know, but I'm sure she will miss and love. This is where I'm at today.



Little Miss Olive Hope,

I’m so proud of you and your Mommy and Daddy. You all fought so hard. And I ache for your Mommy and Daddy. They loved you so much. Your life and your story have affected many, many people, more than any other little baby that I have ever known. I’m sorry that I never got to hold you, give you kisses or love on you like I planned. I planned for you and Aubrey to grow up together, to play together, and take on all these boys in our family together. :) I will tell Aubrey all about you and I know that she will love you too.

I will always love you and miss you.

Love you forever, your Auntie Melody

Pictures from the Week

I am so grateful for our time spent with family and friends while we were in Indiana. Here are some pictures from the past week or two.

Holding Aubrey in our Moby Wrap. I am so glad to have had it for the airport and the day of the burial. Aubrey slept so well in it.

Tyler enjoying cousin time playing Wii with Gabe (and Zion).

Aunt Lynette showing the boys pictures and videos.

Lynette putting the mess makers to work cleaning up. She is so great with them. I think they enjoyed themselves. :)

Rachel and Jillian were able to come for a visit! Rachel and Wayne swapped babies for awhile.

Great Grandma Polly holding Aubrey

Aunt Anna, who helped so much with Olive, and getting the house ready for Olive. And this week, brought food, flowers and love.

My little mouse

Snuggling with Grandma Carol

Tyler and his 2nd cousin Brennan

Uncle Rusty

Today