Tagen's Checkup

We went to Tagen's two week "well baby visit" today at the Doctor's office.  She's doing fantastic! She has gained weight, she's grown a half inch, and she looks healthy and perfect.  She's a little trooper.  They did the last PKU test, and she only cried for about 5 seconds when they pricked her heel, which was good for me.  I HATE seeing my kids get shots and be in pain.

Current Stats:

Height : 22" long (100%)

Weight: 8 lbs 11 oz (75%)

Head Circumference: 14 1/2"

As you can see from this picture, and from the fact that she's gained a pound and a half since coming home, her cheeks are filling back in nicely.  She's getting on a more regular schedule. She's getting up to eat during the night at about midnight-ish and 4:30 a.m.  Not too bad, except she takes FOREVER to eat.  It's almost an hour and a half affair each time.  Oh well, at least she's eating, right?  She's still sleeping through the day, but is staying up longer when she is awake.  She's still a joy to have around, and Olivia still loves giving her hugs and kisses and helping out however she can manage.  She loves to wake her up so she can 'play' with her. We're working on teaching her to let Tagen sleep when she's asleep...

Overall, we're doing really good.  I'm getting used to the fact that we are a family of FOUR now.  I really do have TWO kids.  I'm constantly reminding myself that I won't be tired forever.  I'm relishing the cuddle time I get with Tagen.  I've learned to let the little stuff around my house go.  It doesn't all need to be done, and my house doesn't always need to be spotless.  I feel like poor Olivia gets neglected when I'm nursing Tagen, or when I'm trying to do everything else that is necessary.  But, Olivia is and always has been really good at entertaining herself.  I've also learned to have Olivia read stories with me while I'm feeding Tagen.  That lets her be involved, and she loves to read Tagen all her favorite books.  She really is a fabulous big sister. Any other tricks of the trade from you experienced moms out there would be greatly appreciated.

More Olivia-isms

I have been really impressed with Olivia over the last week at how she's adjusted to having another person in the house to occupy our attention.  She's really done remarkably well.  Thank goodness she has always been good at entertaining herself.  Yesterday, while I was feeding Tagen, I heard Olivia in her room talking non-stop.  Every now and then she would come out, tell me some random tidbit of information, then return to her room.  I could hear her "reading" her books.  It sounded really cute.  When I got done feeding Tagen, I went into her room and found all her dolls and stuffed animals lined up like this.  She had been sitting where you see the blanket and had been reading to them.  It was really really cute.

Today, I had just finished feeding Tagen, (my life now consists of feeding, changing diapers, feeding, rocking Tagen, changing diapers, and missing sleep), But, alas, I digress.  After I was done feeding Tagen, Olivia wheeled out her bassinet to me in the family room. She instructed me to put Tagen in there so she could "watch her."  I obliged.  Pretty soon, Olivia told me Woody would watch Tagen for me so we could play.  This is Olivia's version of a babysitter I guess.  At least she got an upholder of the law. You know, someone we can trust!  Too cute!

Today, (yes, while I was feeding Tagen again), Olivia came out of her room carrying her doll named Annie.  She walked up to me and introduced Annie to me.  Then she told me Annie's brother had gone home.  I said, "Oh, Okay."  Then the following conversation took place...

Olivia:  "I'm going to see my brother."

Me: "Okay. What is your brother's name?"  

Olivia: "Jesus.  He misses me, He so far away, He's got little owies, 

(while pointing to her hands to show me where.)  I go see Him.  He loves me."

As they say, from the mouth of babes we are taught all precious things.  My precious daughter has taught me again today.  Jesus does miss us.  Although He really isn't so far away.  He did get 'owies' on his hands, and when I go see Him, I will tell Him thank you again and again.  I'm so grateful He loves me.  Thank you Olivia for teaching me again.

Life with Tagen...

Life with two kids is going well... so far.  But, that's not to say there haven't been challenges. Thank goodness Brad has been able to be home with me.  He's such an amazing father and husband and has been a true lifesaver for me this week.  I'm so grateful for the way he treats me and takes such good care of me.  I couldn't have done anything this week without him!  We'll see how I do after he returns to work this week.  I'm glad Olivia is old enough to be a good help to me and that she loves to run and get me different things I need, or that she will come and give me a hug when she can tell I need it.  She's definitely a treasure to have in our home. Tagen is also a treasure.  Her sweet personality and mellow temperament are exactly what we needed. She's still sleeping lots, especially through the day.  There have been a couple long nights, but we're hoping the new schedule I've started will help even those out.  Here are a couple pictures of our week so far.

Olivia can't get enough of her little sister.  She's always giving her kisses, asking to hold her, wants to help with any little thing she can, and overall thinks Tagen is the coolest thing since sliced bread!

Here's our little stylish dresser.  Everything is still too big for her.  These are 0-3 months clothes, and they fit about the best out of everything she owns so far.  BUT, I'm not complaining, because as I realized with Olivia, they grow up so fast and I want her to stay this small and cuddly for as long as I can get it.  Don't you love the little hat?  We're going to be wearing that lots, especially if her hair continues to fall out at the rate it is already.

We're so grateful for this blessing in our lives.  What a wondrous gift to be able to raise such sweet spirits, and to be entrusted with them.  It's a big responsibility and one Brad and I don't take lightly.  I pray that we can do right, and raise them to be wonderful people who love the Lord and do their best to serve others around them.

Visiting Teaching done?

I utterly cringe at the thought of this actually happening, but admit I did laugh HARD!!

Tagen Elizabeth Morris

Hey ya'll!  Carrie wanted me to post a quick update for everyone.  She and baby Tagen are both doing just fine.  Everything went good and there were no complications, which we're very grateful for.  Tagen was born at 9:17am, weighed 7 lbs 14 oz, and measured 21 and 1/2 inches long. Carrie's doctor was fun throughout the ordeal, making comments like "Wow!  Look at that round head!" as she was pulling her out.  And "Oh she has great legs!"  Very entertaining.  I'm trying to get out of here so I can go see my beautiful wife and newborn baby again, so here are a few quick pics...

Welcome to the world Tagen

She's a squeaker, much more vocal than Olivia was

In the nursery being poked, prodded, and footprinted

Olivia in awe of her new baby sister

Family photo

I know some of you expressed an interest in coming to visit.  Please know that Carrie would love to see anyone who wants to stop by and see our new little cutie.  Visiting hours are until 8pm.  Because of the C-section, she will be in the hospital until Friday or Saturday.  To err on the side of caution, I am not putting any details here.  Please call one of us for instructions to the hospital and to gain access to the room.  We would love to see ya!

The last day...

Okay... This is the last time you'll see me looking like this for quite a while.  Please don't judge my puffy face... and if you think that's bad, you should see my cankles, er, I mean... ankles. Tagen Elizabeth joins our little family tomorrow!  I hope I have everything in order, but if I find that I don't, I guess it doesn't matter anymore, right?  Wish us luck!  I'll try to get pictures posted as soon as possible.  We don't have a laptop, so Brad might be posting as proxy for me. Thanks for all your love and support and kind acts over the past little while.  You've truly saved my sanity!  Now I'm looking forward to seeing my shoes again and making sure they actually match each other and coordinate with my outfit.  If they still don't, even after my belly is gone, will one of you please help me out?  Thanks!  Love you all!

It's so close...

Count Them People!

Only

THREE

DAYS

left!!!

Yahoo!

On Tuesday we get to meet our little Tagen!

(Can you tell I'm a little bit excited?)

Seriously!!!

(If you click on the picture, it'll make it bigger so you can read it.)

This is so indicative of today's troubles.  Mind you, this comic was written over 15 years ago.

That Calvin is one smart dude!  At least it made me laugh, hope you get a laugh also.