Sleepy Head

I know the stereotype is the exhausted new parents, both struggling as the newborn sleeps all day and is awake all night. The truth is, Dylan has been pretty good about sleeping both day and night. He needs to be fed once a night or so, but he is a very good sleeper - so far. The trouble is the other kids have been keeping us awake.

Last night Alex laid in bed and cried out for his "mommy" several different times. Each time I couldn't help him sleep, only his mom. You can imagine how much this wore Tara out. This morning we realized that Alex has a touch of the croup, so you can't really blame him for his poor night. Still, you don't think the big kids will be the ones keeping you awake.

While I'm on the topic of sleep. My favorite day to sleep lately is Sunday. It seems that I get a chance to catch up on about 20 minutes or so every Sunday. The problem is that the 20 minutes are during Sacrament Meeting. I have become the counselor in the bishopric that nods on and off through the entire meeting. I don't know what's come over me. My only answer is that being a High Priest is finally catching up with me...

The Red Balloon

the red balloon
Originally uploaded by covili

A couple weeks ago we had some valentine's balloons delivered to our home for the kids. If you don't know - I HATE balloons, but watching the kids play with the red balloon was too good to pass up. Enjoy!

Dylan's First Week - Tara's Take

So little Dylan has been with us for a week now. Dylan is such a sweet, calm baby. So far, he sleeps a lot, eats a lot and poops a lot. He doesn't cry much, just during diaper changes and has actually been sleeping pretty good at night. I thought at this point I would be a sleep deprived walking zombie, but I'm actually doing really well. Dylan gets up twice a night right now, eats and goes right back to bed. Nice!


We have had lots of visitors, lots of bottles, lots of diaper changes, lots of naps, lots of meals brought in, (thanks everyone-I haven't even had to cook yet!) and lots of fun with baby Dylan. We took him to the doctor on Tuesday and he was back up to his birth weight and very healthy.



Alex and Kennedy seem to be adjusting well. They love their baby brother and always want to hold him. Alex is very interested in his binkies and they seem to disappear whenever he is around. Kennedy likes to help feed Dylan and make sure he has a toy next to him to play with.

Next week will be the true test of having three kids. Jared is going back to work and His parents are going back to New Harmony. It has been nice to have the extra help, but reality will set in next week. We will have to see if I can handle this new role of mommy! Wish us luck!

What a Week - Jared's Take

It's been a fun adjustment getting used to life with a newborn. People are actually interested in visiting us again (I should say they're interesting in visiting Dylan - we just happen to be here) and the meals keep on coming. Life is rather surreal when someone brings you a meal everyday. I won't complain though, who could complain about Hilarie's spaghetti, I could live on that sauce.

Tara has been a real trooper this week as Dylan's favorite time to be awake is from 1-3 am. I wonder how long it will take to turn him around so he sleeps at night instead of all day? Maybe he's just preparing for being a teenager! The best is having Big Al hold Dylan. I don't know who sleeps more. Dylan is already trying to copy his Papa though as both seemed lost in thought.

Favorite quote by Big Al this week: "I like kids when they're this age. They can't run around and they don't tell you no."

Everyone is finally settling into new patterns. Kennedy is ready to be mini mom, as she tells everyone what they can and can't do around Dylan. Alex is ready to be a big brother. He loves to hold his little brother and constantly asks if he can "hold it". We're still working on calling Dylan "him".

As for me, I'm headed back to work - in fact I'm there right now. It's been great to have a few days at home for the transition, but all things must come to an end and it's time. Now is when the reality of three children will finally set in. Wish us luck, especially Tara!

Our Little Valentine

It's been a whirlwind weekend for us. With Dylan's birth on Thursday there has been so much going on that's it is a bit difficult to recap all that's gone on. After we left the hospital on Thursday night we quickly got on the phones to let everyone know what was going on (note to self - remember not to text parents important news).

Friday was a day spent in American Fork. We tried not to be too obtrusive in Amber's life, since she was still recovering from delivery, but it was hard to stay away from our cute little guy. We managed to spend a few hours with Dylan, while having a couple different family members drop in. One great thing about our time in the hospital was the chance to learn more about Amber. We really didn't know her well and the down time in the hospital gave us ample opportunity to talk. She really is a great person.

Saturday the time for placement was upon us. It is such an amazing experience. It's hard to put things into words, but the event is emotionally wrenching, physically rewarding, and spiritually uplifting. Amber did something for us that we cannot do for ourselves. She has done something for Dylan that will change his life forever. Alex and Kennedy have a new little brother that will grow with them and love them for the rest of their lives. It's something that is so overwhelming, but it was supposed to happen. This will not only change our lives, but I know Amber's life has been changed as well. Thank you so much Amber - we love you!

After the placement, it was time to come home - with THREE kids! Alex and Kennedy didn't quite know what to make of little Dylan. Each of them wanted to take care of their new baby brother, while all he wanted to do was sleep. It's been an interesting transition to have another newborn, the least of which is the lack of sleep. Still, everything is great. We love where our family is at and we can't believe how luck we are to have our little Valentine!