Two Months

Dear Cole,

This month has been a busy one!  You took your first few car trips and did great- even when we were stuck in Thanksgiving traffic.  You are still a mellow little guy and seem to go with the flow most of the time.

Likes: You are still a cuddler and love to sleep in someones arms.  This month you've enjoyed looking at the Christmas lights.  When we're sitting on the couch, you'll stretch your neck so you can see the lights.  You also love loud noises (which is good considering the loud big brother you have!) especially the vacuum, bath water, hair dryer and even the blender!

Dislikes: You are beginning to have a strong hatred for your car seat when it is sitting still.  As long as we're moving, you're ok, but as soon as we stop, we start to hear grunts that are typically followed by screaming!  This is great for longer car trips but terrible for our trips around town.

Eating/Sleeping: Not much has changed in this department since last month.  You are in a pretty good schedule during the day.  You eat just about every three hours.  Then you have some "play" time and then you sleep for an hour or so before it's time to eat again.  At night, you've had a few longer stretches of sleep, but for the most part, you're still waking up about every 4 hours.

Playing:  We've seen lots of smiles this month, and you've started talking to us lately too.  Baby coos are one of the sweetest sounds.  We all love listening to you talk- especially your big brother!  He tries to translate for us sometimes.  I've also noticed you focusing more on the toys that hang on your bouncer and swing.

Stats: You were a trooper at your 2 month appointment.  Of course, you screamed when you got your shots, but it wasn't long before you were mellow little self again.  You are a tiny little guy.  You weigh 9 lb, 10 oz (4%), and you are 22 inches long (12%).  You are still growing right along your own little growth curve, so the doctor isn't concerned.  You're still wearing newborn diapers and clothes.  We have a closet full of 0-3 month clothes that I'm ready for you to grow in to!  

This next month brings some big changes for our family as I head back to work and you start spending the days with Misty.  Levi is excited to have you at "school" with him, and I know you'll do great.  We love you so much Cole!

Santa, Trains, and Gingerbread Houses

This Christmas season has already been so much fun with Levi!  Levi is totally into all of the excitement of the season.  In fact one night (actually early one morning!) he woke up and seemed to be upset.  When I went into his room and asked him what was wrong he said, "I just wanted to talk to you about Christmas cheer!"

Levi got to see Santa (from afar) and ride a train through Aunt Blair and Uncle Kyle's neighborhood.  His obsession with trains has intensified over the last few months.  When he's playing with his trains or sees one somewhere, he'll look at me and say, "I just love trains so much!"

We pulled out Polar Express one weekend and with a 3 year old boy you can't get much better than the combination of trains and Santa! We've already watched this movie more times than I can count.  We even had a family pj party with popcorn and hot chocolate.

We have done a couple of crafty Christmas activities (which I much say I'm pretty proud of considering we have a newborn in the house!)  We decorated a foam Christmas tree and gingerbread house from Target.  They were perfect for us this year.  They came already constructed and with a variety of stickers to decorate with.  Levi loved it!

We also decorated a real gingerbread house.  Levi was very particular about where things went and loved getting to play with the icing and candy!

We also made a trip to see Santa.  We went at 10:00 one Monday morning with Sarah and Miles.  We were the only people there and were able to walk right up without waiting at all!  Cole was crying which concerned Levi.  He was worried Cole might be put on the naughty list!  Santa was great and even called Levi and Cole by name (which Levi loved!)  

We had talked about going to visit Santa, but I wasn't sure how Levi would do.  I was pleasantly surprised with his reaction.  He walked right up and started talking to Santa.  He climbed up in his lap and smiled for the picture.  Then he told him he needed some new trains- a new engine and a few passenger cars to be exact- and some new cars too.

We have had a busy December so far and are looking forward to more fun with family and friends!

Brooks Thomas Griffith

Little did we know that when we left Dallas after Thanksgiving we'd be back in less than a week!  Blair called me on Wednesday morning and told me she thought she was having contractions.  They were strong enough that she cancelled all of her clients that day but seemed inconsistent.  According to Kyle she had a very productive day at home and even had a productive shopping trip to Target- lots of nesting!  Right before we left for church, she called me back and told me they were headed to the hospital!

Wednesday was my dad's birthday, and I think we were all hoping Brooks would make his appearance in time for him to share a birthday with Pops!  Things did progress very quickly, and my mom, Aunt Amy, and I enjoyed texting back and forth all night long.  We had so much fun waiting to hear that Brooks was here, and I was glad to have some "company" up with me for Cole's 12 am feeding.  

I guess Brooks decided that he wanted his own special day, and he was born at 1 in the morning on Thursday, November 29th.  He was almost 9 pounds and had a beautiful head of hair!  I wanted so badly to be there with Blair, so Cole and I headed up first thing Thursday morning.  We spent a lot of time hanging out at the hospital holding sweet baby boys.  We enjoyed the confused looks and comments we got when nurses and doctors came in and saw Cole and Brooks!  They were almost the same size- and Cole was 5 weeks old!  

It has been so fun to be pregnant and due so close to my sister.  We have compared notes and complained to each other throughout our entire pregnancies (and now life with newborns!)   We're so happy for Blair and Kyle and so excited to welcome sweet Brooks into the family!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was a little bit different than past Thanksgivings but still a great holiday spent with family.  This year we spent Thanksgiving with my side of the family.  Most of the extended family got together in San Antonio, but since Blair was so close to her due date, she wasn't able to travel.  Mat, Levi, Cole and I headed up to Dallas to spend the holiday weekend with them.  (Getting there through holiday traffic and the construction on I 35 was an adventure in itself!)

It was a low key weekend since we had a newborn, a toddler and a very pregnant aunt.  We spent time playing with Levi, watching movies, playing games and relaxing.  Blair and I did cook our first "grown up" Thanksgiving meal- turkey and all!  We cooked the Turkey in the crockpot (and Mat was skeptical), but it turned out great.  I think we were both impressed with ourselves.

Kyle and Blair

 Levi swinging at the park

 Feeding the ducks- The white ones terrified him!

One Month Old

Dear Cole,

You are already one month old!  Most of the time you are a pretty mellow baby.  You don't cry very often- really just when you need something (food or a new diaper).

I think you are learning quickly to protect yourself from your big brother.  He loves you so much and is always interested in you- especially whether or not you are awake.  He always wants to see your eyes and isn't afraid to move you around so he can see you.  You don't seemed too bothered by the noises or movement, but sometimes you flinch when you hear him coming close or sleep with your hands up around your head almost like you're protecting yourself.

Our little monthly photo shoots are going to be a bit more challenging with you since we have a little helper that wants to play peek a boo!  

We went to the doctor and you weighed 9 lbs, 4 oz.  You are still wearing newborn diapers and clothes.  I've noticed that you've got more hair recently too.  You're brother is very concerned about your lack of eyebrows right now.  (They're there- just light and thin!)

Likes: You love to be cuddled and will happily sleep all day long as long as you're being held.  You also love staring at fans and windows.

Dislikes: Usually you let us know something isn't right by grunting.  You don't like for your feet to be uncovered.  When we're changing your diaper, you'll scream or fuss or grunt until we get your feet covered back up, and then you seem pretty content.

Sleeping: During the day, you'll take pretty good naps as long as you're being held.  Sometimes you'll keep sleeping after I lay you down, but usually not for long.  At night, you'll sleep for about 3 hours after eating.  I try to feed you between 10 and 11, and then we usually only get up once during the night around 3:30 or 4.

Eating: During the day you eat just about every 3 hours.  You are a good eater and are pretty efficient which I am thankful for!  You haven't seemed bothered by what I've been eating which I am also thankful for!

Playing:  You are definitely interacting with us more.  I even think you've been smiling (at more than just gas!)  You seem to smile a lot at Levi, and he thinks that's one of the greatest things ever.  You sleep well in your swing but don't seem to excited by the toys on it just yet.

These two pictures show the differences in personalities between our two sweet boys in their first month.

Levi, October 2009

     

Cole, October 2012

  

Cole, we love you so much and are so thankful the Lord blessed us with you!  We love watching you grow and change and can't wait to see what this next month brings!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Happy Halloween

Tonight we went to church for our annual Trunk or Treat.  Levi dressed up as Curious George which fit on so many different levels.  It is his favorite TV show/book right now, and he is quite possibly the most curious little boy ever!  The family next to us had lights and music set up in their trunk, and Levi spent a good chunk of the night trying to figure it all out!

 Mat dressed up as the Man in the Yellow Hat (Curious George's owner).  Levi was so excited to have his dad dress up with him!  

Levi did a great job trick or treating!  He made sure to say "Trick or Treat" and "Thank you" to each car.  In fact, at one point he forgot his thank you, so he had to run back and make sure he got that in!  After we made our way around the parking lot, Levi had fun passing out candy to other kids.  If they got remotely close to our car, he'd chase them down and put candy in their buckets (Although I'm pretty sure some of the kids thought he was trying to take candy out of their buckets!)

It was a beautiful night, so Cole made his debut at church tonight.  He spent almost the entire night asleep in his car seat.  As we were driving home, he woke up, and he was M-A-D.  His cries almost sound like he is asking "why" so as he cried, Levi asked "Why" over and over and over again!  In spite of the chaos in our car, Mat and I enjoyed a good laugh.  13 years ago tonight Mat and I started dating. As we drove home with our boys screaming in the backseat we laughed at how much life has changed in that time.  I'm thankful for Mat for many different reasons but tonight I am thankful to have a husband that will dress up in a ridiculous costume to help make his little boy's night!

Big Brother

Levi has been a trooper over the last few days.  He spent a lot of time being loved on by Gran and has seemed content to play with his toys and watch his shows.  When Cole was born, Gran showed Levi a picture.  Levi looked at the picture and said, "Gran, will you hold me?  This stresses me out!"  Gran was happy to oblige and get some quality snuggle time with Levi. 

One morning, as they were letting George outside, Levi grabbed him and said, "No George!  Don't leave!  You're my best dog!"  I think maybe he was feeling a little deserted by his family.

When they brought Levi up to the hospital to see Cole, we were already in the nursery, so unfortunately they didn't get to meet in person until Cole came home.  Levi did get to see Cole through the window, and he seemed excited.  He told Cole he loved him and waved through the window.

I was discharged from the hospital on Sunday.  When Mat and I got home, Levi was so confused about where Baby Brother was.  We had talked so much about Mommy and Daddy going to the hospital and bringing home his new baby brother, and now that the plans had changed, Levi couldn't figure it out.  At one point he pat my tummy and said, "Why did you put Cole Thomas back in there?"  :)

When Mat and I found out we'd be spending another night away at the hospital, we were worried about how Levi would react, but after spending some time talking about things, he just seemed excited.  So excited in fact, that he woke Gran up at 5 am on Wednesday morning asking if we were home yet.  He was also so excited that he didn't take a nap!  Poor Gran was worn out by the time we got home!    

As soon as we brought Cole in the house, Levi sat down beside his car seat and said, "Oh he's so little!"  He's had lots of questions about why Cole cries and when he can play.  He's been very interested in what Cole is doing and even wanted Cole to sleep with him last night.  Levi always wants to know where Cole is and isn't afraid to climb all over you to try and get a good view.  In the last 24 hours we've already said, "Be Gentle!" more times than I can count.

As I was putting Levi to bed last night he told me he was a little bit nervous.  When I asked him about it he said, "Why does Cole always have that hat on?  It makes me nervous!"  I explained that it helped keep Cole warm, and the conversation quickly turned to Levi needing a new hat to keep warm!  

NICU

Cole spent 5 days in the NICU.  While we were coming and going we met lots of parents and grandparents with babies in the NICU as well.  Many of them had been in there for months.  We hated that our sweet boy needed to be there, but the other stories we heard definitely helped us gain some perspective on our situation!  

Although we knew it was for the best, it was hard to see our little guy in the giant bed and hooked up to  so many different monitors.  There were moments when we walked in to the NICU and it was eerily quiet, but most of the time it was filled with monitors beeping, nurses talking and babies crying.  Cole seemed to be pretty calm most of the time though.  

 When they first admitted him they had to put an IV in to give him antibiotics.  They tried to get it into his hand but weren't successful, so they put it into his head.  They kept telling us that it didn't hurt, but it was so hard for us to see.  He had monitors measuring his heart rate, respiration rate and oxygen saturation.  Many times while we were in there, I found myself watching his respiration rate hoping and praying it would stay within the normal range.  

After I was discharged from the hospital, we had to find a routine that would allow us to give Levi some normal routines but still give us time to see Cole.  We were so thankful to have Mat's mom here to help us watch Levi and give us some flexibility to go to the hospital as well.  We spent most of the day at the hospital while Levi was either with Gran or at Misty's house.  We made it home in time to spend the evening here at the house.  We had time to play, eat dinner and put Levi down for bed before we headed back up to the hospital for Cole's 9:00 feeding.  We both could've sat and watched our little guy for hours, so each night Mat would set a "leaving" time for us.  Leaving the hospital without our baby (after I had been discharged) was one of the most difficult things I've ever done, and it didn't get any easier.  

I hated the feeling of being torn between my two sweet boys, but thankfully we didn't have to maintain this routine for too long.  Tuesday night we were able to "room-in" at the hospital.  We were able to stay in a family room with Cole and no monitors!  We still had a nurse assigned to us in case we needed anything, but we were able to do things on our own.  It was an exciting and stressful night.  I was so worried that something would happen that would mean more time in the NICU.  We had lots of people praying for a smooth night, and our prayers were answered.  

Wednesday morning our nurse came in and told us the biggest challenge of the day would be getting all of our paperwork done for discharge!  To say that we were impatient would be putting it lightly.  :)  Cole got the green light from the doctor, and then we had to wait...and wait...and wait!  Finally, everyone got all of their ducks in a row, and we were able to bring our little guy home!  

We are so thankful to have family and friends that prayed for a healthy baby boy and for peace for us.  We are glad to finally have our whole family under one roof.  

Plans

I am a planner.  I plan a menu every week before I go grocery shopping.  I plan for weeks about what toys, snacks, and clothes I'll need when we travel, and I talk to Mat about our plans for the weekend every Friday night or Saturday morning.  Of course I had plans for this weekend too.  I knew that things may not work out the way I planned and hoped, but this certainly was not in my plans...

My labor and delivery with Cole was quicker and much smoother than Levi's.  We were excited to have some one-on-one time with him after he was born and before they took him to the nursery, and we were thankful that it wasn't the middle of the night!

Our first night went smoothly.  Cole slept well and ate well, but then on Saturday morning our nurse noticed that he was breathing really quickly.  He didn't seem to be struggling, so she gave him some time to calm down and came back to check on him.  Unfortunately his breathing rate hadn't slowed down at all, so we headed to the nursery for some monitoring and a check from the pediatrician.  The pediatrician checked him out and did a chest x-ray and blood work.  Cole's breathing still hadn't slowed down, so we were in for a trip to the NICU.

Cole has been in the NICU since about 11 yesterday morning.   We've been making the trip from our room down to the NICU for most feedings because that's our chance to hold him and love on him.  (The trip down there isn't always easy because this hospital is a MAZE- especially at 3 in the morning when you're sleep deprived and the doors you usually use are locked!)

Our nurses and doctors that we've had in there have been such a blessing.  They've taken time to sit with us and explain the latest test results, and most importantly they're taking good care of our little guy. Although we want him at home with us, we know this is the best place for him right now.

We know that in the grand scheme of life a short stay in the NICU for what seems like simple transition breathing issues is a small deal, but my plans for this weekend did not include leaving the hospital without Cole.  It looks like he'll be here for a few more days, so now we're making new plans.  (You'd think I'd learn!)  We'll be spending as much time as we can up here with Cole while still trying to keep some sense of normalcy for Levi.

Introducing...

Cole Thomas Kelso

3:57 p.m.

7 pounds, 8 ounces

21 inches long

Welcome to the world little guy!  

Conversations with a 3 year old

I love talking to Levi and hearing the things he's thinking (especially when it's more than just, "Whyyyyyy?")  Here are a few things he said tonight on the way home from church:

- "Mommy, How do I grow more fingers?  I don't have enough!"

- At the gas station Mat was parked at the pump next to us, so I rolled down Levi's window so he could talk to him.  As we drove away Levi said, "Thank you for letting air into my window so I could talk to Daddy.  It was so much fun, and I couldn't have done it without you."  I said, "You're welcome, Levi.  I love you!" and he said, "Aww Mommy you're so sweet!  I love you too!"

- When we got home, Mat was helping Levi out of the car and Levi said, "Mommy did a good job driving tonight, Daddy!"

Three Years Old

Dear Levi,

Where in the world has the time gone?  I cannot believe that you are THREE years old!

In the past year, we have watched you go from a toddler into a rough and tumble little boy!  You talk all the time, you remember every word we say and every thing we do, and you are curious about everything!

Some of your favorite things right now:
- Any car, truck or train
- Curious George
- Cherry tomatoes, avocado, and any fruit- especially "bamanas" and applesauce.  You also love pretzels and chips- really any "snack" item!
- Making noises and singing songs
- Running everywhere you go- When I pick you up from bible class on Wednesday night, you walk out of your classroom saying "I wanna run!" and usually you do (which makes things difficult on your very pregnant momma!)
- Dr. Seuss books- these are Daddy's favorite too!
- "Why?"- you always ask this question with a very distinct tone
- You love to watch TV (and would probably watch it all day long if we let you)
- Playing games on our phones and the iPad (something else you'd do all day long if we let you!)

I love watching you play with your cars and trucks.  You have such a good imagination and make the best "car" noises!  You have acquired quite a collection of vehicles, and you are usually very specific with which ones you want to play with at different times.

You love to read (and not just at bedtime when you're stalling!)  You love Dr. Seuss, Curious George, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear.  You have this book memorized.  I love listening to you flip through the pages reading it on your own, but you love for us to read Brown Bear together (and I do too!).  I read the first part, and you read the second part.

You can be quite a stinker sometimes.  You definitely have a mind of your own, and you aren't afraid to say what you think!  You love to tell us no, and sometimes you'll say uh-uh or shake your head just so you don't get in trouble for actually using the word 'no'.  If you don't like what we're saying, you'll bury your head or pretend to ignore us.  Lately when we've told you no or gotten on to you, you run to your bean bag, bury your head and scream "oh not again!"

You love bath time.  It's your time with Dad.  They seem to relax you, and sometimes you'll request them before naps or when you're really tired or worked up.  Dad quizzes you on your numbers and letters, sings you silly songs, and races boats with you.  After bath time you love to run around the house naked.  You run laps giggling and screaming "Nah Nah you can't catch me!"  We don't try- we usually just let you burn off a little more energy before bed while we watch and laugh.

You keep us laughing with the things you say!  You pick up on everything we say and you never forget things.  Somethings you will bring things up (that happened months ago), and it takes us a while to figure out exactly what you're talking about- but you know just what you want to say!

On your birthday morning, Daddy and I woke you up early and sang to you.  You sat up quickly, stopped us, and said, "No!  I'm not 3 yet!"  When we told you that you were 3 and that today was your birthday you said, "Ok.  Keep singing!"

Levi, you are such a joy and you bring so much happiness and laughter to our lives.  You are a curious, determined little boy, and we love you to pieces!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Birthday Party

We decided to celebrate Levi's birthday a few weeks early in hopes that we wouldn't be too close to Baby Brother's birthday!  I went to the doctor the day before the party, and she said she didn't think I'd make it through the weekend.  My goal was to make it through the party...Here I am a week later...still pregnant.   :)  I am very thankful to have been able to enjoy a special day for Levi though!

We had his party at the park this year, and I think it worked out great!  We had a cold front come through the day before, so it was much chillier than I had expected, but it didn't stop us from celebrating!  The kids decorated pumpkins and spent time running and playing.  We had sandwiches, cupcakes, and Levi's favorite- applesauce!  

Leading up to the party, Levi was so excited about having his friends come to the park and sing Happy Birthday to him.  In typical 3-year old fashion, he was also very excited about the presents!  He has spent lots of time playing with his new toys and has loved each and every one of them!

Levi has been learning about the calendar at Misty's house and knows that his birthday is October 16th.  After the party, we tied his big golden "3" balloon to his chair, but he has been very concerned about it.  Every night he tells me, "I'm not 3 yet!  Take the balloon down!"  

We were so thankful to have lots of family and friends there to help us celebrate with us!

September

September was kind of a blur.  Between getting back into our school routine, getting the house ready for Baby, and just being plain exhausted, we've been kind of boring.  Here are a few pictures from my phone: 

Levi the ghost

 Playing in the garden at Daddy's favorite restaurant

 Lots of coloring and indoor activities (so Mommy can sit on the couch!)

 Our very own (blurry) Superhero!

 Climbing "mountains"  He got up there and said, "Mommy!  I can barely see you!  You're so far away I think I need my binoculars!"