Apple Picking

M.I.A...

Sorry it has been so long since I have actually posted an update. I have pictures to post too, but they will have to wait until I get my camera back from my friend. Anyways, things have been going very well with all of us.

Maya is such a good baby. She's so mellow and really only cries if she needs something. She sleeps in her crib at night from 10ish until 7ish, waking for only 1 feeding. During the day she sleeps mostly in her car seat, if we are running errands, or in her bouncy seat in the playroom. I really want to get her sleeping in her crib for naps soon, but I'm going to wait a few more weeks before I take on that challenge. She really doesn't have a set schedule, but I can usually predict her naps, so that helps with me planning my day.

Adam and Jack are so fun and challenging lately. I have really enjoyed watching them play together and wrestle with each other. They have so much energy that they need to burn off. I was thinking about enrolling them in gymnastics this winter. I try to tire them out with games of chase, wrestling on the couch and jumping on the cushions, and playing "stop and go", a game where they run and stop when I say. I'll do anything to try to burn them out. Chad's great with them because he takes them on bike rides, wagon rides, and just rough houses with them. I'm already getting nervous about being indoors for winter.

Chad and I have decided to potty train Jack. He sits on the toilet every time before his bath and pees. So I know he knows how to make himself go and can understand the urge to go. He also has taken his diaper off twice in the last three days to poop. Unfortunately, he poops on the floor when no one is looking. I know it will be a challenge but it needs to be done soon. I'm hoping Adam will follow Jack's lead. We'll see...

Grandma Jenny was just here for a visit to meet Maya and see the boys. It was so good to have her here. I'm sad all of my company has come and gone. Of course Nana is coming back in October to stay with us while Chad is in London. We can't wait! I was scared I was going to be alone with all three kids when Chad was gone, but Lorraine offered to come and help. I'm so not ready to deal with the kids on my own yet.

Anyways, I'll post current pics soon of all the kids and of us on our annual apple picking tradition.

I tried...

Happy Girl at 5 weeks!

Time to Organize!

Funny sleepers

I thought it was funny watching Maya sleep the other day. She likes to tilt her head up when she's in the bouncy chair. I remember Adam and Jack both liked to do that too. Here are some pics of all of them in their deepest sleep.

TV Time!

Newest Addition to the Harris Family!

Congrat's Andy and Mandy and big sister Erin! My brother and his wife had a beautiful little girl Sunday morning. Madeline Kate was born a few weeks early and is perfect! Hopefully Maya and Mady can meet each other very soon.

Party Time!

Maya's first pool party!

Mommy, 3 kids and Jumper Cables!

I got out of the house with all 3 kids by myself. Okay, so Gwen was there, but just for moral support. I decided to see if I could go shopping with all 3 kids. So Gwen and I went to Kohl's this afternoon. It was fairly easy. I put the boys in their stroller and Maya in her front carrier on my chest. Other than the fact that Maya pooped just as we parked, all went smoothly. My shopping ended quickly due to the boys fussing. I hope Maya is a better shopper than Adam and Jack. Anyways, as we leave Kohl's, I asked Gwen to stand by my car as I packed everyone up. Once everyone was in, we said "goodbye", and Gwen went to her car and I attempted to start mine. I couldn't believe it, my car wouldn't start. Of all days, of all times, it was dead. After laughing hysterically, I called Chad for a jump start, then headed home. All in all, the trip was successful and I am so thankful that Gwen was there to ease the stress.

Status on the car: we're taking it in tomorrow.

Adam holding his sister.

Jack holding her head, literally.

Smile or Gas? Either way, she's cute!

Bathing Beauty!

Big Boys and Their Toys!

Slowly coming around

The boys are getting use to having Maya around. Adam is my "little helper", wanting to feed her and hold her. Jack is more interested in her, but it will take time for him to learn the word "gentle". As you can see from the pictures above, Jack has that look in his eyes that makes me nervous for him to be around her. He loves to push the swing when she's not in it, so when I do put her in, I have to be very cautious.

We have made several outings. On Thursday, I took the boys and Maya to Starbucks and on a walk after. I had Maya in a front carrier on my chest and the boys in the stroller. Though I was nervous at first, it ended up working well. Then today we went to a birthday party and played. I had tons of help, otherwise I couldn't have taken them. Just getting out of the house is a challenge.

All in all, things are getting better and easier with time. I'm getting to know Maya and all of her needs. This will take time, but I do feel like I can comfort her knowing what she likes and doesn't like.

1 week, 2 days

Day 6...

We just got back from Maya's 1 week visit. She is healthy and doing great. The goal is for her to be back to her birth weight by 2 weeks. She weighs in at 0.5oz under, which is really good. She has been a typical newborn so far. She likes to sleep during the day and challenges me at night by deciding that she doesn't need sleep.

The boys are acting totally different. Adam is very lovey to me and wants me to hug and hold him all the time. He will throw himself on the ground for my attention, which is typical for a 2 year old. He loves the baby and wants to help by handing me things for her. He also lets me know that "baby crying".

Jack on the other hand is sorta ignoring me, which by the way is breaking my heart. He doesn't act interested in the baby until I leave the room. Lorraine noticed today that the second I went down stairs to get something, he got up and touched the baby. I'd love to know what the boys are thinking.

It has been great having Lorraine here to help. I'm not sure how I will handle all of this on my own, but I will. I now understand when people say, "I don't know how you did it with twins". I don't know how we did it either. One baby is just as hard as having two. Okay, maybe not as hard, but still hard. I'm anxious for this beginning period to be over. I can't wait for the time that it seems like Maya has always been here. The "mommy guilt" I feel towards the boys might just about kill me.

The Boys meet the Girl

Below are pictures of Adam and Jack getting to meet their little sister. I think they were more excited about seeing Mommy than they were Maya, but they found the little bundle interesting.

Katy is coming home today. I talked with her briefly last night as Maya woke up as soon as we started talking. Katy fed her and when it came time for the burping we had to part ways. She was thinking about coming home on Saturday, but was feeling good and I am sure was anxious to get home so she decided to come home today instead which is GREAT. More family time.

I am flying up on August 17 to help out and to meet Maya. I can hardly wait. It has been a long time (4.5 months) since I have seen the boys and I know that they have changed a lot. That alone will make the trip worthwhile. BUT, I am also anxious to get to meet Maya. It has been wonderful that Nana has taken the time to send me pictures, but "LIVE" and "IN PERSON" is going to be even better.

Now that I know the login to Katy's blog, don't be surprised if periodically you see a new posting from the "Fairy Step-Grandmother".

Adam and Jack visiting Mommy in the hospital

Adam meets Maya

Adam - Can I touch her?

Jack is excited to see his little sister

Jack getting a closer look.

Say Cheese

I know this may come as a surprise to you, but there were a FEW pictures taken today. I am providing you some of those pictures for your viewing pleasure. As you will see, Maya got passed around to everyone and I think she loved every minute of it.

Daddy and Mommy are very proud of their new addition.

Katy and Maya in one of many, many pictures that will be taken of them.

Mother and Daughter bonding

Daddy and his little girl

Maya meets Nana

Papa has done this before

Cousin Brooke couldn't be happier than holding Maya.

TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY

Once upon a time (today – August 5, 2008) far, far away (at least to me here in Wichita, KS) in the land of the Moorefields the beautiful Queen Katy gave birth to precious Princess Maya Kate at 12:10pm (eastern daylight time). Maya arrived weighing 7 lbs 5 ozs and is 19.0 inches long. The Queen and the Princess are doing wonderful.

King Chad was so proud that he called out to the entire Kingdom to announce her birth. There was a great celebration with singing and dancing.

Prince Adam and Prince Jack were knighted with the responsibility of Big Brotherhood. Even though they may not yet understand; after spending time with Maya it will be a natural instinct for them to love, care, and protect the younger Princess.

In the meantime, Nana, Papa, and cousin Brooke arrived on their shining white horses to help take care of Prince Adam and Prince Jack and to celebrate the arrival of the Princess.

In approximately 4 days, the King and Queen will be allowed to bring their bundle of joy back to their castle and the Magnificent Seven (Chad, Katy, Adam, Jack, Maya, Lola, and Baxter) will live happily ever after.


As told by the Fairy Step-Grandmother

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!

Tomorrow at 8:15am Maya Kate will make her debut. Chad and I go in at 6:45am and if things go accordingly we'll have our little girl by 8:30. We are all so excited and ready to be a family of five!

Nancy, Chad's step-mom, is going to be giving occasional blog updates and posting pictures of Maya while I'm in the hospital. (Thanks Nancy!)

Wish me luck!

OMG! 4 more days!

Wow, time really does fly by. I'm so excited to meet Maya. Plus, she's driving me nuts lately with all of the twisting and turning she's doing. I think she wants out too.

I'm almost done getting all of the important things finished up before she comes. Pedicure, check. Eyebrows waxed, check. Hair appointment tomorrow and manicure on Monday. I think that's it.

Darn, will post again before Tuesday, but got to go, the boys just woke up from their naps.