The Good Life

It's amazing how families adjust to new life. Jason and I were truly lucky with Allison because she slept all night long from day 1. Reid however does not and needless to say reality has kicked in! He eats every 3 hours on the dot: midnight, 3, and 6 are the times we get up at night. Jason is a Godsend and is so wonderful to change his diaper and feed him at these times while I pump. I have to pump so often, every 2-3 hours, in addition to breastfeeding that we've even dubbed the office my "milk parlor." Needless to say, I have become more empathetic to Holstein cows! The first time Alli saw me feed Reid naturally, she got these huge eyes and then started giggling like crazy. Finally she said, "Momma, Reid's like the baby calves, he gets milk all over when sucks on your udders." I tried to correct her but she informed me that if milk comes from them they have to be udders. Another mystifying wonder is my appetite. I can't get over how much I eat! This nursing appetite is all new to me, never was experienced with Alli. I'm eating constantly and drinking TONS of water. If I try not to eat every few hours, I get angry. It's almost comical because Jason has started handing me food every time I get an attitude and it's my little miracle cure. After eating I'm all better again! Wow. My life is taking amazing turns right now!
     At church last Sunday, several women commented to Jason how proud they were of him because during service he got up with the diaper bag and took Reid to go get a diaper change. This really got me to thinking just how lucky I am to have a spouse that is such an active father. I can't imagine feeling solely responsible for raising my children. Jason and I walk the path of child rearing step-for-step together. I love how life gently reminds us when we have it good. My family definitely makes life good!

Reid Anderson is HERE!!!!

     Tuesday April 19, 2011, I went to the hospital at 5:30 am for a planned induction. The day progressed nicely and by 1:59pm Reid Anderson Schneeberger had arrived! He weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces and was 22 inches long! His head was full of black hair. The poor kid already had his daddy's receding hair line! On Wednesday April 20 at 3:30pm Jason, Reid and I were in the car headed for home! I was very thankful the doctor allowed us to go home early. From day 1 Reid has been a GREAT baby! We've had 1 sleepless night but the other 3 nights have been perfect. Allison is beside herself with pride for her little brother. She feeds him, holds him, and talks nonstop to him. Sometimes I catch her telling him, "Come on Reid, wake up so we can play! I just love you so much!" Then I have to go get a tissue because this always makes me tear up! :) Breastfeeding has been interesting with Alli around. I confided to her that it's a bit embarrassing having her watch me feed her brother because I'm still trying to "figure it out." She laughed at me and said, "You're feeding him like our cows feed their babies!" Then she ran off giggling! Oh well...what can you do?!

     My heart is so full of love when I look at my children. I can't believe that my husband and I have created these two very perfect beings together. God's abundance of love is so evident in my life and this gives me so much to be thankful for. I have a husband of 8 years who loves and respects me, 2 beautiful children that complete me, and I live a lifestyle that I wouldn't change for the world. Let the adventures begin....!

Ready or Not...

     I can't believe that in 24 hours I'll be meeting my son for the first time. I'm looking forward to holding him, rocking him, and introducing him to his sister. A part of me is a little nervous though too. I've been out of the baby loop for awhile now and to be quite honest, going back to diapers and nightly feedings isn't something I look forward to. But I do remember that those times didn't last very long with Alli and I was eager to rush her through the baby stage. With my son, I would really like to slow it down and just enjoy each day that God blesses us with. I don't want it rushed. I also want to get rid of that attitude, "when the kids get older." I'm finally at a point in my life that I really just want to live in the here and now.
     It's funny how I feel anxious for Alli. I want so badly to make sure she feels secure and loved during this time. I bought her a gift for when she comes to the hospital to meet her new brother. She loves the Little Critters series so I thought the book Me and the New Baby would be perfect. I also bought her some candy because she does have one heck of a sweet tooth!
     Tonight as I put her to bed, I realized that this is the last night that will be just me and her. Most nights that's how it is and I really love that time we share together. It's almost like a delicious secret that we share and look forward to. That's all going to change and I can't help but wonder....but at the same time there's so much to anticipate bringing home a baby. I wonder how he's going to change the dynamics of our set routines. I also wonder how much mother henning Alli will be doing. Life is so great. I can't wait to get this new chapter started!