Hanging Out

Alli simply adores her brother Reid. She kisses him constantly, tells him he's her bestfriend, soothes him when he cries, and showers him in love. He adores her just as much. I can tell by how he looks for her when he hears her voice and how he smiles when she kisses on him. Here are some random pics of the two together.

Reid's Baptism

On Sunday, May 15, 2011 we had our little boy baptized at Newkirk United Methodist Church. Jason, Allison, and I along with Grandma Irwin, Aunt Sharon, Greg, Stacie, Brenda, and Dennis were all able to witness it happen. Greg and Stacie Fox stood up with us during the baptism as Reid's God-Parents. He did so well. He never cried and in fact he yawned when Rev. Jim Hollifield sprinkled the Holy water on his forehead! We were so excited and proud of him! Afterwards, most of our family was able to stick around and have brunch at Stage Coach Cafe in Newkirk. It was a very special day that we ended by reminiscing over Alli's baptism pictures. I can't help but feel so much adoration, love, and pride for my family. We've been truly blessed.

Rachel, Allison, Jason, and Reid with Godparents Stacie and Greg Fox

Allison, Rachel, Jason, Reid, & Grandma Irwin

Rachel, Reid, Aunt Sharon, Allison, & Jason at Stage Coach Cafe

Gone Fishing

     Sunday deemed a beautiful sunny day. We started the day with Reid's baptism, then had a celebratory breakfast at Stagecoach Bar-b-que, and ended it with fishing. I'll unfold the events of the baptism in another post and move right on to the fishing for this one! We decided to fish a pond on some family land that was full of catfish. Because it was so windy and slightly chilled, Reid stayed in the pickup. Don't feel sorry for him though because he was snug as a bug in his bundle me blanket and car seat. The little stinker slept the entire time to boot!
Jason and I just knew that no fish would be caught today because it was so windy and the water had mini waves on it. But we had promised Alli and a promise is a promise so away we went.
     First, we had to make a quick stop at Wal-Mart for some worms. When we got to the pond Alli dumped all the worms in her little sand bucket. Apparently she didn't know what to expect because when the slimy little creatures fell out she took off running and screaming! Needless to say, Jason baited her hook without any of her help! After casting her line, Alli quickly was reeling in her first catfish! It happened so fast that Jason hadn't finished baiting his own line. The fish was pretty good sized too, maybe 2lbs. There was a little wait time between catching the rest of the fish though. For most of the time Alli repeatedly asked, "Is mine under yet" (referring to her bobber). In which Jason would say no, not yet honey. This occurred roughly every minute and a half! My favorite question of the day was, "Daddy, what kind of worm is that?" Jason, "Well, if a fish would eat it, a dead worm." Alli, "Oh, yeah! A dead worm."
     There were times during the fishing that Jason and Alli were able to really reconnect. I loved seeing them laughing together and getting excited about a fish biting a line. Mostly I enjoyed just watching Jason hold Alli. They have such a special father/daughter bond and I am so thankful for that. Here are some visuals to compliment their little adventure. A total of 6 catfish were caught this day: each scoring 3 apiece!

   

Walking Away from Drama

This week has been a roller coaster week that has my husband and I clinging to each other. It’s been so crazy that we even had what we like to call “European thoughts.” This happens when you watch House Hunters International and see the Europeans moving to other countries just for something new! I could go for some Argentina, Quebec, or more USA locally Alaska right now. Instead though, I’m passing the time living vivaciously on facebook and blogging. Recently a friend of mine posted a great quote on her facebook wall that reads,

“An old man once said ...There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.”

After reading this I felt enlightened, happy, and relieved that my give a crap meter finally has run out! So today, I am walking away from the drama that a few people have tried to surround me with and am choosing to focus on the people who bring me happiness: my husband who loves me unconditionally and stands up for me no matter what, my daughter who has been a constant source of joy and laughter and my son who amazes me everyday and strongly binds my family in love. Also, my friends who are accepting people, refreshingly honest, and above all else give it to me straight up. I’m so fortunate to have such a vast network of friends to lean on so that in times like this I can look at my life and know that I have it good!

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!