New Bling Bling

My aunt Marilyn sent the girls these cute t-shirts, which they absolutely love! They looked so grown up in them.

My first Halloween

Our next door neighbor bought Matthew the cutest tiger outfit, so that will be his real costume. I thought he looked pretty cute in this little onesie, though.

First week at home

It is hard to believe that last week at this time Matthew was not yet here with us! In some ways, it feels like he has been here much longer, but in others we are definitely still getting used to things. He is changing quite a bit each day. His actual physical appearance is changing, something that is always odd for me to see as a parent. Most of the time it is a very gradual change over months, but in that first week of life, newborns change each day. He still seems tiny to me. We went in for a quick checkup to make sure his jaundice was okay (it is!) and he gained an ounce to 5 lb, 7 oz from his hospital checkout weight. I will post a photo on here later that I took last night where he looks exactly like Meagan at the same time period. Something else that I am having to get used to is changing a boy's diaper. Not only do I have to mess with the taking care of the circumcision thing, but I have learned very fast that I need to make sure things are "arranged" properly or I will be changing his outfit five times a day. I have been overjoyed with Meagan and Natalie's reaction to Matthew; it is really my dream come true. Natalie is a little bit thrown off of her normal routine and we all pay the price for that, but both girls are so loving towards him. They like to sing to him, show him his toys, and start the music on his swing. The first thing they want to do after school is run to kiss him . Of course, he can't really see anything, but he does react to their voices.
The only rough part? I don't mind the diapers, the laundry, any of it. The part that has been rough is the usual mom complaint of a newborn being confused about day and night. Two nights ago he did great and I was so happy. Last night was awful. He was wanting to eat all night, non stop, and there is no way that I slept total more than 2 1/2 hours. As I said, rough. When Meagan was born, I had no other responsibilities, so it wasn't a big deal. Now, though, I have two little girls who also depend on me. Andy has been awesome about pitching in, and of course they are in school much of the day, but we still have baths, dinner, and bedtime routines to do, and I am not willing to give that stuff up with Meagan and Natalie. I know how quickly this time will go, so that is making it much easier.

Big Sister pictures

Getting ready for Halloween, loving on Matthew, and just being silly!

First few days of Matthew

On Becoming A Mother (again!)

I feel so lucky to be holding my sweet little boy, Matthew Colin Greenstone. He is 5 lbs 13 oz. and 18 inches, a little guy. It feels different this time, not as frantic and crazy as when the girls were born. I am determined to slow down, appreciate him, and love on him since this is most definitely the last little one in our home. Yesterday was a roller coaster ride. He was induced due to low fluid levels, but because of his size we had to be a little bit more careful than in the past. I am one stubborn mama, and I delivered him without one bit of pain medicine, something that I am extremely proud of, yet realize was not the easiest route. His heart rate went down into the 60s and 70s several times, so I was limited to bed...not the easiest way to handle active/transistion labor. I did it though! I had him at 3:36 PM, 8 hours after beginning. By far this was my longest labor.

My girlies visited yesterday right after Matthew was born. They seem a little overwhelmed, but excited. They could not understand why I could not just come home with them right then, but they are enjoying the special time with their uncles and Grandma Lois/Papa Joe.

One perfect weekend!

Andy and Meagan's daddy/daughter date at Grease went off without a hitch. Andy said Meagan was completely transfixed to the entire play. I wasn't totally suprised, as she acted the same way when we went to see Annie a few months ago. She got a new Pink Ladies shirt and took many pictures with Murphy, the pet cat from her kindergarten class. Each weekend that cat goes home with one kid and then we put together a few scrapbook pictures to show the adventures. Meagan and I also had fun at her friend's birthday party at Build a Bear. Natalie was not left out, however! She enjoyed a manicure and a pedicure on Saturday, complete with little flowers on her toes. The weather was heavenly. I love Austin this time of the year!!!