Comparing Our Two Kiddos

THIS IS FUN! Below are photos of Madison and Jayden during their first few days of life. I think that they sometimes look different and sometimes look so similar! Jayden is the top photo each time.


Jayden:

Madison:

Jayden @ first doc visit:

Madison @ first doc visit:

Jayden at the hospital with Papa's bib:

Madison at hospital with Papa's bib:



Video of how Madison loves to give "JJ" kisses:

Jayden Allen Joseph is born!

We are proud to announce the arrival of Jayden Allen Joseph on July 30, 2009 at 9:05am. He was a healthy 7lbs 10oz and 19 inches long. The same length as Madison and exactly one pound heavier. My labor was very hard (what labor isn't), but the delivery was smooth because he decided to come out in ONE PUSH! It happened SO fast that unfortunately Penny (Oma) didn't get to the hospital on time to witness the birth. We came home on Saturday and are getting used to having two children one day at a time.

Family Portrait:


1 day old


Proud Daddy:


Right after birth:

Visit from Nephew Brandon

Last weekend we got the special opportunity to see our nephew (Madison's cousin) Brandon visiting from Virginia (we have another nephew and 2 nieces in VA too - miss you!). It had been a year since we had seen him last, so it was fun seeing how much he's grown and matured. It happened to be his 12th birthday while he was out, so we took him to John's Incredible Pizza and celebrated with cake. Madison had a fun time watching Brandon and George on the rides and playing gmes, and even tried a few on her own. Pics below:

Our daughter has turned into a pizza lover:


On the frog ride, which she liked for approximately 5 seconds:


Brandon and George about to take off on a crazy spinning ride:


Brandon, Maddie, and George:


Playing a duck hitting game with Daddy (kind of weird to punch ducks):


Hanging with her Oma:


Birthday cake time (my parents came down to celebrate too):


A quick video clip of Madison giggling and having a good time:

Jayden's On His Way. . .Soon, I Hope!

I figured that before our son is born, I should chronicle a bit about my last weeks awaiting him. I am 38week 5 days pregnant as I type this, meaning we're down to a 9 day countdown. Unfortunately, I haven't experienced ANY signs of labor (which I was hoping for since I'm ready to be DONE being pregnant in this summer heat!). Although both of my pregnancies have been uneventful (in a good way), I do get the opportunity to complain the last month because HEARTBURN sets in - OUCH!!! I have spent several days sleeping on the couch because it's easier to prop myself upright so that my heartburn doesn't keep me from getting any sleep. I am solely supporting the families of all TUMS workers :). I have, of course, the typcial back pain and trouble getting comfortable on the couch or in bed, but to top that off, this summer heat has brought a new 'delight' to this pregnancy - SWOLLEN FEET!!! My feet are so swollen, especially the left, that complete strangers feel it necessary to show concern (well, not really, but it helps exaggerate the story!). Madison has learned to point and kiss "Mama's Baby" (see pics below), and we've been practicing taking care of a baby doll to help her transition to a real baby being in the house soon. I'm terrified of labor, as my last experience was VERY LONG, but I'm hoping I know how to relieve the pain and labor at home longer this time. Hopefully Jayden will be here before I can post again!
Madison looking at "Mama's Baby":


Big hugs for baby brother!


38 weeks pregnant - I'm pretty sure I can't get any bigger!

The VIDEO is of Jayden moving in my belly the other night. Fast forward it to about 0:30 seconds to actually see anything. I haven't edited it yet. It's really cool looking toward the end.

My Cloth Diapered Baby!

So, I've recently become more and more interested in using cloth diapers (CD), did some research, and finally purchased a small handful. I can't believe how easy they are to use these days. The type I like look just like a regular diaper, except they come in cool colors! I'm really enjoying using CDs, and even though it requires me to do a wash every 3 days (we only have 7 diapers at this time), I feel so good using something that does not harm the environment (not to mention the money we're going to save!) We still use a disposable diaper for overnight sleeping (mainly because Maddie sleeps for 12 hours a night, and we don't want a wet diaper to interrupt that!) Here are some pics:

Madison's FIRST cloth diaper:


Naked baby with a yellow CD, so cute:


Showing off her hot pink CD:


See how cute it can look when only wearing a shirt?!:

Playdate with good friends

On Wednesday, July 8th, we had a playdate with some good friends. It was especially special because my friend Jaci was in town from southern California and her son is only 3 weeks older than Madison. It was so neat to watch all the kids (there were 8 kiddos there plus Heather and I are pregnant) play together and observe how Madison does with other young children since she doesn't go to daycare or have a lot of experience around children. Here are some pics:

The hot mamas: Jaci, Heather , Shannon, and Jana (friends since highschool)


The kiddos: Madison (15 mo), Evan, (16 mo), Ryan (4), and Caden (8mo)


Madison hasn't had juice much, but she LOVED juice that day!


The kiddos playing



Bubbles anyone?!

My Little Shopper

One of Maddie's favorite things to do lately (besides push a stroller) is to carry and take things in and out of bags. On this particular day, she was so cute dragging around two gift bags, so I just had to share!