It's the Simple Things

I'll have to say that this week so far has been the start of a brand new adventure for me. I have loved being at home for the last three weeks. We had our first day with Tristen on Monday and he has been such a joy. Having a newborn in the house has made me do quite a bit of reminiscing. I don't think I ever realized how easy it is to quickly forget the details about Grant's last year that I thought I would remember forever. My first time changing Tristen's diaper and feeding him were a bit awkward at first, but the memories came flooding back quickly. I was pooped Monday evening and was in bed by 10:00 p.m. I don't think I sat down all day other than to feed Tristen a bottle. I felt so sorry for Heather Monday morning when she dropped Tristen off and then had to leave for work. I remember that first car ride to work. I balled crying the whole way because I had left my baby with strangers. Hopefully, Heather doesn't feel that I am a stranger, but I know her feelings of sadness and sympathize with her greatly. Here is a picture of Baby Tristen. Isn't he the cutest?

Grant is very curious about baby Tristen. He has a thing for taking Tristen's pacifier out and then trying to stick it back in. This drives me nuts because I'm trying to keep germ watch. I want healthy and happy kids in my house. Knock on wood... Grant hasn't been sick since Christmas and this has been such a blessing. I know he misses going "bye" every day, but I've tried to get him out of the house in the evenings and weekend somewhat so he doesn't feel so cooped up all the time.

We had an incident with Grant last week when I gave him his first peanut butter cracker as a little snack. He chomped piece after piece down and then took a 2 hour nap. When he woke up he ate lunch and then minutes later was coughing and wheezing and having trouble breathing. I called the doctor's office and they told me that it was probably a peanut allergy and to take him to the ER right away - which I did. By the time we got to the hospital his breathing had returned to normal but he had hives all over him - poor little buddy. They gave him some Benadryl (for which they probably charged about $25) and sent us home. They said that even though he didn't have a reaction until a couple of hours later that the peanut butter was probably the culprit. They said not to give him any sort of peanuts, peanut butter, etc. until he's older and can be tested. Gee whiz! It was definitely a scare for me. I mean, he's had breathing problems before with his asthma but never has it come on so suddenly and violently. No more peanuts for Grant! My heart can't handle it.

Tristen had to go for his two month check up at the doctor today so he didn't get here until around noon. So, this morning me and Grant took a trip to Wal-Mart (and, yes, he did scream the entire way through the store "ball, ball" because of all the balloons scattered around). I found a pair of snow boots and when we got home we got bundled up and went out. I think we got about 3" of snow last night. Nothing too major but enough for everything to look pretty this morning. Grant was very quiet the entire time we were outside. I think he was amazed at the white stuff that crunched under his feet when he walked. It was so funny to see him all bundled up and trying to walk in those big boots. He sat in the snow for a couple of minutes and picked some up and, yes, licked it. I knew it was bound to happen. I just laughed because apparently he didn't like the taste of it very much. He just wanted to keep walking in circles around the yard and kept his head down the entire time to watch the snow under his feet. I loved being able to be at home with him today to share this first snow with him. I will definitely never forget it! I love my little buddy and wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.

I try to picture what my life will be like in two years when both of the boys are older and they can go out together to play in the snow. I want to savor every minute of both of their lives. I pray that they get along and become best buddies. I've always been told that I would make a better mom to boys than girls. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I'm starting to realize that it's probably true. I can't wait to go sleigh riding and play outside with my boys. I look forward to the future but revel in the present.

For the last couple of nights Grant hasn't wanted much to do with me and only wants daddy. I suppose it's because he's been with me everyday for the last three weeks. I'm so glad he and Chris are developing a close relationship. Grant gets so excited every night when he hears the door knob turning and knows that daddy is home. They have so much fun playing together, and I just love watching them together. I hope they are always close. As you can see from the picture, Grant is already wanting to fill daddy's shoes. Priceless!