Life Changes

The ol' Tuck Tuck was a month old on Friday. I took him to the doctor for his check up this morning. He's weighing in at 11 lbs. 8 oz. (90th%)! I was hoping he was gaining some good weight and that he has been doing. He's 22 inches (50-75th%) now as well. He's been steadily growing out of clothes already so that was a sure sign of height and weight gain. I have been meaning to document a little about Tucker's life since he's been with us so here we have it...

I guess Tuck's life pretty much stays consistent with an eat, play, sleep, poop regiment...maybe this will be a little more about our life since he's been here.

Grey: Grey has adjusted well to being a big brother. He does love to check on Tucker and make sure he knows where he is at all times. He's good at kissing him, nuzzling him, waking him up when I've just gotten him to sleep. Yesterday after church, all 3 of us had come inside. Tucker was ready to eat so he was pretty much screaming in his carseat, Grey was chomping on some rainbow Goldfish, and I was unloading from church. I saw Grey with Tucker's paci trying to give it to him to calm him down and watched him gently put it in his mouth. Tucker calmed down and I walked to the other side of the counter to put something away thinking to myself, "wow, Grey did a really good job with that." As I returned to get Tucker to feed him, he had a purple Goldfish hanging out of his mouth! Sheesh, another lesson for Grey in what not to do with your baby brother. He does ALWAYS want to help though. He helps me wash Tucker's hair every day. He's very gentle most of the time. He sings to him, dances for him, reads to him, etc.

He's really doing great regarding a big change in the attention I am able to give him. I am probably doing worse with that than he is. He is learning to occupy himself more in short periods of time. We watch a little more t.v. than I'd like right now due to frequent nursing times. We have figured out a few fun things to do during those times though. (i.e. puzzles, games, singing, getting things for mommy) Overall, Grey is doing a lot better than I imagined he would and I feel like he is able to learn on a whole new level!

Matthew: What a super star. He has become even MORE willing to help out any way that he can. He is cherishing his time with both boys in completely different ways. It is fun to watch him in even more of a daddy role than ever. He has been spending lots of time with Grey when he is home. July is going to be a rude awakening when Matthew is gone most of the month!

He is much different this time around with a baby. With Grey being such a total surprise and not having ANY experience with a newborn, Matthew was extremely slow to warm up to the idea. This time He takes charge with the Tuck Bomb and to that I am more than grateful! I am so thankful the Lord created him for me. I am so thankful He created him for Grey and for Tucker. I am watching in awe of the way God is molding and shaping his heart constantly and satisfied knowing that our sons are watching and following a heart devoted to the Lord.

Me: Well, I'm a long story. There have been times I have questioned my ability and my strength in this first month of having a newborn and a two year old. There are times I have wanted to literally scream right along with both children. There are times I beat myself up because I am not investing whole-heartedly in each one of them at the same time. There are times that I have just wanted to leave the house all by myself for just an hour to regroup and figure out what the heck I'm doing and where the last 3 hours went! I struggle constantly feeling like I am cheating each one of them in some way.

There are also times that the Lord gives me quiet, structured time with both boys. There is a period everyday that I get to spend with each of my children individually and I cherish that. In moments that I don't know what to do and want to react so quickly (yes, because that's what I normally do), I try to remind myself of truth. The Lord purposfully willed this time in my life. He created me to be Grey and Tucker's mommy. He has given me all that I need and it is enough. I have access to the One who possesses all patience and abounds in love. He desires for me to exemplify His character to my children just as He has to me.

I am humbled by the task that lay before me each day in so many ways. I am learning how to do things with two and do it with excellence. That's what I desire in our everyday. I don't want to "just get by" much longer. I want to strive to access all the Lord has given me and teach my children, love them, and simply have so much fun with them!

I could probably write a book about the ins and outs of my experience so far. (I can be a little wordy I guess) I know there have been a billion people that have had more than one child but for me, it's a new experience. I'm not going to hide that I am not having the easiest time with it but I know I have got to learn and I am finding joy in that. It is amazing to look at the two sweet faces that God has given me here on this earth to shepherd and teach His ways. I will keep my heart in check knowing they are ultimately His and continue to pray for their salvation. I am so thankful for this time in our lives and know that it is going to fly by. Let's just have a good time!

Tucker: I guess I will give some insight on this little man other than what was mentioned above. He does have likes and dislikes. He certainly loves to be snuggled. He loves to eat. He loves to sleep on his tummy. He hates to sleep on his back or be set down on his back. He also hates when he's awake and not being held. (this is probably cause of some of my moments of insanity) He loves to move. He hates the swing. (probably because he's not being held) When he cries really hard he sounds like a lamb. He's very strong. He lifts that little head and looks all around. He is becoming very alert and follows faces and sounds. He has the cutest little yawn and noise that follows. He is entertained already by his big brother. He is starting to smile a little and react to me and Matthew. He sleeps great when he's really asleep. He eats every 2 to 2.5 hours when awake and every 3.5 hours when he takes his long winters nap (that's what I call it at least) during the afternoon. He loves having his hair washed. He loves sleeping on mommy and daddy's chest. What a precious little munchkin!