A Family of 4 One Month Later

How easily we forgot what is was like with a newborn but how quickly we have started to remember. I have to say that compared to when Tucker was a baby, Hadley thus far is much easier. I know, that will change. All in all, we have some colic (but NOTHING like Tucker), mostly during the witching hours, followed by some reflux and topped off with days when I feel like I am attached to the sofa nursing. Our patience has been tried and we have had moments when we have thrown up our hands and said "I have no idea what is going in, I have tried everything" = welcome to parenthood! I guess these are things that a cold beer and a good shoulder rub can fix.

Since this is now a blog about a family of 4 (sorry Hadley you do not get your own blog entries like Tucker did) we have to comment on Tucker. Since the first day in the hospital and throughout, Tucker has been an AMAZING older brother. He is always looking for Hadley (or as he will sometimes say Ladley or baby), wanting to give her hugs and kisses and when he can, giving her her binkie. We are so relieved that he has not asked us to kick her out of the house. This is not to say that he has not had some “moments” like the time I found him plunging the toilet or when he ripped down more of his wallies. All in all, he has been very patient and loving and we know that he is going to be a great older brother.

A moment of reflection. It is funny how the man upstairs always knows what is best. When we found out that our first child was going to be a boy I was elated and relieved. Boys I could handle. No drama...no frilly girlie things...straight shooters and they love to just play with cars and balls. I could do that. Then when we found out that we would be adding to the family I was not sure if I wanted a boy or a girl. In all actuality, I just wanted a healthy baby but part of me was REALLY scared at the prospect of a girl. What would I do with dolls? Ruffles? Drama? Well I am sooo glad that nature had its way and did not listen to my inner thoughts because when I look at Hadley my heart fills with so much joy and excitement. It is excitement over all of the fun things that I get to share with her, things that only a mother daughter can share. I am so happy that I have someone that I can share these things with just like I do with my own mom. The mother daughter bond is very powerful and special and I am so happy that I will be able to be a part of it with Hadley. Of course I still secretly hope that she likes cars over dolls and anything and everything over tea parties (sorry all I just can’t do make believe dress up tea).

A family of 3 became a family of 4 - Welcome Hadley

On April 23rd, 2010 at 9:29am we welcomed the forth member of our family, Hadley Breckinridge. She was 7 lbs 14 ounces and 20 1/2 inches and very healthy! Except for the dark hair, she looks like Tucker when he was born. We LOVE the chubby cheeks!! Unlike Tucker's surprise arrival, Hadley's date of arrival was planned. However, for many, she was a surprise since we decided to keep the scheduled date to ourselves, except for our parents. Our rationale was that since most pregnancies are a surprise for everyone, we still wanted to keep it a surprise.

The day of her arrival was somewhat stressful in that it was the first time that we had left Tucker for any significant amount of time. I knew that he was in good hands but still, I was sad to leave him. So, as we pulled out of the driveway and on the way to the hospital, I had to fight back my tears and focus on the excitement to come. I kept telling myself that I would see him later in the day. Besides the birth of my 2 children, one of the other greatest "mom" moments was seeing Tucker and then watching him give Hadley a kiss on her forehead. I am sure that his love for her had something to do with the fact that she gave him a nice box of new Duplo Lego's :)

After five days in the hospital we were all ready to come home and settle into our new life as a family of four. Tucker was ELATED when we walked in the door. Hadley just let us know that she needed to be fed. While life with a newborn and a very energetic toddler is chaotic, we wouldn't have it any other way. Brandon did tell me that if I mention wanting a third child that he would quickly go out and get a dog :)

Spring Photos Of Tucker

Just a few random photo's of Tucker.

Rainy Day Lobster





Tucker on his bike