Georgia and her "best friend" as she refers to her, Lauren
What's a cousin sleep over without jumping on the bed, naked nonetheless. Pure joy on Georgia's face!
Sleeping beauties
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Thank You
I owe my sister a huge thank you, she raced over here at literally a moments notice to take Georgia for two days when Leo was born, not only did she take care of her, there were adventures to the park, dying Easter eggs, painting bird houses - she out did herself to make sure Georgia had a good time while we were in the hospital and since we've been home. Labor was rough but caring for three kids is no easy task. As if that wasn't enough she's taken some amazing photos that I truly cherish. My sister means the world to me and I love that we are all finally able to see more of each other now that Georgia is healthy. I can't thank you enough Les, love you!
Cousins
After another cousin overnight last week (thank you Leslie) my sister and the kids came to drop off Georgia and meet their new cousin. Lauren was quite taken with the baby and was so sweet with him and I think Blake is pretty excited things are evened up in the girl/boy department. It was so fun to get the first official cousin picture and Leo was a very good sport about all of it. Many fun times ahead with these four!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Kids
I have kids, plural, not just one... two! I have always dreamed of having kids and there certainly was a time when I wondered with all that has happened with Georgia if we would ever become a family of four. The world is a strange place but one thing it has shown me in the past nine days is that dreams do come true.
Proud big sister
Um, let's make one thing clear, I was here first
Just kidding, I love my baby brother!
Geez Leo, all she wants to do is take our picture...
My kids
Friday, March 22, 2013
How Sweet It Is
Georgia came to meet her new baby brother the day after he was born. I'd been apprehensive about her coming to the hospital but she did great and was quite taken with Leo. She has been very sweet with him and has already come up with quite a few nicknames, aside from his name I've heard her call him, buddy, brother, babers and little guy. She chose coming to see him while he was sleeping over TV and loves to help with diaper changes by "sushing" him and telling him he's OK. Not surprisingly she's surpassing my expectations as a big sister.
Another big thank you to my sister for taking these photos, I will forever cherish having this moment captured in time.
Another big thank you to my sister for taking these photos, I will forever cherish having this moment captured in time.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Leo James
Life is so funny, my last post was on Friday 3/15/13 at 12:30pm with pictures of my pregnant belly talking about how we couldn't wait to meet our new addition... less than eight hours later I was holding Leo James Handsaker in my arms.
At 6:20pm I had my first contraction, two more came and went and I could tell by the intensity something was happening. My sister was called to pick up Georgia and I talked with the on call doctor who said to come in right away given that I was already 4cm dilated as of my last appointment. On the phone the doctor asked if I wanted to deliver naturally, I literally burst out laughing, and assured her I definitely wanted an epidural. There was a whirlwind of chaos but Brian and I were out the door and on our way. The parking garage was nearly full but we finally found a spot and as luck would have it a nurse was walking by with a wheelchair and offered to take me to triage. We checked in 7:36pm and within minutes my contractions were on top of each other, Brian ran out to ask where the doctor was, it was shift change time and I don't think anyone realized how quickly things were happening for me. In the next couple of minutes the doctor had been in and a nurse was there with a wheelchair to get me to a room, she said, "lets get you an epidural." With a sharp right and left turn we arrived in my room and I had barely sat on the edge of the bed when I looked at our nurse with what I'm sure was terrified voice said, "I need to push" just then my water broke and all sorts of things were coming out of my mouth, mostly like, I can't do this, I need and epidural and you need to help me! The nurse kept reassuring me that could do this as she was calling for the doctor to come in. Minutes and I believe four pushes later Leo James came into this world, it was 8:04pm, 28 minutes after we'd checked in at triage. The doctor declared "it's a boy!" and he was immediately on my chest. Brian and I spent the first hour just pouring over our perfect baby boy, all 8lbs 7oz and 20 3/4 inches of him.
My body wasn't cooperating so Leo went to daddy while the doctor and nurses tried to help me, after an intense couple of hours I'd lost two liters of blood and was still in a lot of pain. Finally everything was under control and I was able to focus again on this amazing little creature. I am so thankful that Leo is here, it's funny how quickly someone can change your world, with our son, our family is now complete.
Thank you to our families for all of their support, particularly my sister who took Georgia for two nights while we were in the hospital, she had a ball.
At 6:20pm I had my first contraction, two more came and went and I could tell by the intensity something was happening. My sister was called to pick up Georgia and I talked with the on call doctor who said to come in right away given that I was already 4cm dilated as of my last appointment. On the phone the doctor asked if I wanted to deliver naturally, I literally burst out laughing, and assured her I definitely wanted an epidural. There was a whirlwind of chaos but Brian and I were out the door and on our way. The parking garage was nearly full but we finally found a spot and as luck would have it a nurse was walking by with a wheelchair and offered to take me to triage. We checked in 7:36pm and within minutes my contractions were on top of each other, Brian ran out to ask where the doctor was, it was shift change time and I don't think anyone realized how quickly things were happening for me. In the next couple of minutes the doctor had been in and a nurse was there with a wheelchair to get me to a room, she said, "lets get you an epidural." With a sharp right and left turn we arrived in my room and I had barely sat on the edge of the bed when I looked at our nurse with what I'm sure was terrified voice said, "I need to push" just then my water broke and all sorts of things were coming out of my mouth, mostly like, I can't do this, I need and epidural and you need to help me! The nurse kept reassuring me that could do this as she was calling for the doctor to come in. Minutes and I believe four pushes later Leo James came into this world, it was 8:04pm, 28 minutes after we'd checked in at triage. The doctor declared "it's a boy!" and he was immediately on my chest. Brian and I spent the first hour just pouring over our perfect baby boy, all 8lbs 7oz and 20 3/4 inches of him.
My body wasn't cooperating so Leo went to daddy while the doctor and nurses tried to help me, after an intense couple of hours I'd lost two liters of blood and was still in a lot of pain. Finally everything was under control and I was able to focus again on this amazing little creature. I am so thankful that Leo is here, it's funny how quickly someone can change your world, with our son, our family is now complete.
Thank you to our families for all of their support, particularly my sister who took Georgia for two nights while we were in the hospital, she had a ball.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Babies of Mine
A couple of weeks ago my sister took a few pictures of Georgia and my ever expanding stomach. I remember not wanting pictures taken when I was pregnant with her but being grateful I had a couple to look back on and to share with her someday. It's hard to believe Georgia was ever not a part of our lives and I have no doubt we'll feel the same way about this little one, can't wait to meet you!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
You
Georgia,
I can't believe that your time as an only child is coming to an end, with this baby's arrival on the horizon I wanted to take a minute and document things all about you.
You are sweet and lovable and kind. We recently visited a pre-school, we both got to sit in on the class for a day. You didn't hesitate for a second in joining right in! I was in and out of the classroom talking with the teachers and you were so happy participating in all of the activities, even sitting right next to the teacher (and far away from me) during singing time. At one point I looked over as you were listening to a story with another little girl, you called to me way across the room, "mama... I love you." smiled at me then went back to listening to the story, you melt my heart sweet girl.
We have been talking a lot about what will happen when it's time for the baby to come. People often stop you and ask if you're excited to be a big sister - you're response, "Yes! When the baby comes I get to go stay at Nah's house!" I guess the opportunity to do an overnight with your cousins outweighs mommy having a baby at this point. I have told you that I will go to the hospital and understandably this is concerning to you. I have let you know that it is a different hospital than the one you go to, it's one where mommies go to have babies and that the doctor will help me have the baby. Your first question about the baby being born, "does the baby have to get a poke?" I've tried to calm your fears and hope in the end the sight of your new brother or sister will take the focus off of the hospital experience.
In the past month you've started waking up in the middle of the night, I don't hear a peep out of you, just your feet hitting the floor and the pitter patter of them walking into our room. Without a word, you climb up in our bed, put your head on the pillow and go back to sleep. Although I can't be sure, my guess is that all of this talk about a new baby has made you want to secure your spot, right in between mommy and daddy. When I ask you why you come into our bed you tell me it's because you miss me and want to snuggle. You've also told me you might start staying in your bed all night again when the baby comes.... I'm not holding my breath on that one.
You're a very good sport with all of the eating restrictions you have. You are gluten and dairy free with a few other foods we avoid as well. You are very understanding when I tell you you can't have something, we even walked into a cupcake store the other day and when I to,d you they did have anything gluten free you just said, "oh they don't have one I can have." Luckily we have a great bakery just up,the street that makes yummy treats that you can have!
You have several imaginary friends, we often need to pack snacks for them, or get them a towel when you're done in the bath. Most often they are named Gage and Jake (Blake and Lauren's cousins) but more and more I've been hearing about an Emmy.
Each night I lay down with you and read you a book then we "talk day" this is when we go over the events that have happened that day. We always say the first part together... "we woke up, had coffee baba's, ate breakfast, got dressed..." You don't like to sleep with covers on and often unzip your sleeper because you're too hot. You'll even flip your pillow over to get the coolest side as you fall asleep.
You still love clothes, most of the time you pick out your own outfit. You like to help with the laundry and help put your clothes away, when you come across one of your favorite shirts you'll gasp and thank me for washing it for you. One of my most fun memories with you is from just after your last birthday. You got a card in the mail from one of daddy's cousins, inside was a very sweet note and a $100 gift card to Target, specifically sent to you to spoil yourself with. I was so surprised with the generous gift, not many three year olds would appreciate a shopping spree but you soaked up every second. I told you that you could pick out what ever you wanted, you lead the way straight to the clothes picking out a tutu, hello kitty shirt, swimming suit (that has a tutu) a other shirt and then asked to go try on shoes. At the end of our trip you had only two small toys, a sippy cup for your babies and some pretend cookies, everything else was clothing or accessory related, you were thrilled.
I asked you a few questions recently, here were your responses:
Favorite color: orange
Favorite breakfast: pancakes
Favorite dinner: spaghetti
(You also love smoked salmon and beets)
Favorite thing to do: Play with Sadie
Least favorite thing to do: brush your teeth
You're full of funny phrases and pick up on everything we say, here are some of my favorites:
"That's kinda weird" or "that's strange"
"Love ya's"
"Unbelievable" (typically said with a smirk on your face)
If I tell you that you look, or something is beautiful you say with a fairly irritated voice, "it's not beautiful, it's pretty!"
You love watching TV and often try and negotiate more time by saying "I have a deal..."
A favorite new addition to your room came recently when we moved your dresser (former changing table) into the baby's room. I bought a few things to maximize the space in your closet, one of which now allows some of your clothes to hang just at your level, you couldn't be happier.
I can't believe that your time as an only child is coming to an end, with this baby's arrival on the horizon I wanted to take a minute and document things all about you.
You are sweet and lovable and kind. We recently visited a pre-school, we both got to sit in on the class for a day. You didn't hesitate for a second in joining right in! I was in and out of the classroom talking with the teachers and you were so happy participating in all of the activities, even sitting right next to the teacher (and far away from me) during singing time. At one point I looked over as you were listening to a story with another little girl, you called to me way across the room, "mama... I love you." smiled at me then went back to listening to the story, you melt my heart sweet girl.
We have been talking a lot about what will happen when it's time for the baby to come. People often stop you and ask if you're excited to be a big sister - you're response, "Yes! When the baby comes I get to go stay at Nah's house!" I guess the opportunity to do an overnight with your cousins outweighs mommy having a baby at this point. I have told you that I will go to the hospital and understandably this is concerning to you. I have let you know that it is a different hospital than the one you go to, it's one where mommies go to have babies and that the doctor will help me have the baby. Your first question about the baby being born, "does the baby have to get a poke?" I've tried to calm your fears and hope in the end the sight of your new brother or sister will take the focus off of the hospital experience.
In the past month you've started waking up in the middle of the night, I don't hear a peep out of you, just your feet hitting the floor and the pitter patter of them walking into our room. Without a word, you climb up in our bed, put your head on the pillow and go back to sleep. Although I can't be sure, my guess is that all of this talk about a new baby has made you want to secure your spot, right in between mommy and daddy. When I ask you why you come into our bed you tell me it's because you miss me and want to snuggle. You've also told me you might start staying in your bed all night again when the baby comes.... I'm not holding my breath on that one.
You're a very good sport with all of the eating restrictions you have. You are gluten and dairy free with a few other foods we avoid as well. You are very understanding when I tell you you can't have something, we even walked into a cupcake store the other day and when I to,d you they did have anything gluten free you just said, "oh they don't have one I can have." Luckily we have a great bakery just up,the street that makes yummy treats that you can have!
You have several imaginary friends, we often need to pack snacks for them, or get them a towel when you're done in the bath. Most often they are named Gage and Jake (Blake and Lauren's cousins) but more and more I've been hearing about an Emmy.
Each night I lay down with you and read you a book then we "talk day" this is when we go over the events that have happened that day. We always say the first part together... "we woke up, had coffee baba's, ate breakfast, got dressed..." You don't like to sleep with covers on and often unzip your sleeper because you're too hot. You'll even flip your pillow over to get the coolest side as you fall asleep.
You still love clothes, most of the time you pick out your own outfit. You like to help with the laundry and help put your clothes away, when you come across one of your favorite shirts you'll gasp and thank me for washing it for you. One of my most fun memories with you is from just after your last birthday. You got a card in the mail from one of daddy's cousins, inside was a very sweet note and a $100 gift card to Target, specifically sent to you to spoil yourself with. I was so surprised with the generous gift, not many three year olds would appreciate a shopping spree but you soaked up every second. I told you that you could pick out what ever you wanted, you lead the way straight to the clothes picking out a tutu, hello kitty shirt, swimming suit (that has a tutu) a other shirt and then asked to go try on shoes. At the end of our trip you had only two small toys, a sippy cup for your babies and some pretend cookies, everything else was clothing or accessory related, you were thrilled.
I asked you a few questions recently, here were your responses:
Favorite color: orange
Favorite breakfast: pancakes
Favorite dinner: spaghetti
(You also love smoked salmon and beets)
Favorite thing to do: Play with Sadie
Least favorite thing to do: brush your teeth
You're full of funny phrases and pick up on everything we say, here are some of my favorites:
"That's kinda weird" or "that's strange"
"Love ya's"
"Unbelievable" (typically said with a smirk on your face)
If I tell you that you look, or something is beautiful you say with a fairly irritated voice, "it's not beautiful, it's pretty!"
You love watching TV and often try and negotiate more time by saying "I have a deal..."
A favorite new addition to your room came recently when we moved your dresser (former changing table) into the baby's room. I bought a few things to maximize the space in your closet, one of which now allows some of your clothes to hang just at your level, you couldn't be happier.
Decisions, decisions
I love you my girl and can't wait to see you become a big sister. You are more amazing than I could have ever imagined, I feel so lucky to call you my daughter.
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