Our 2 Year Old

Our Oliver is two years old!  He talks so much these days and makes us laugh as always.  Sometimes we're not paying attention to what we're saying and all of a sudden we hear an echo. He sounds so cute when he mumbles and mispronounces words in an attempt to repeat everything.

We celebrated his Birthday by taking him to the Jacksonville Zoo. He loved it! When he saw the animals behind gates/fences he would try to come out of his stroller, point to the animals and say, "open door!" to try to get closer to them. He also had a great time in the water playground! It was just what he needed with the 90 degree weather. We reminded him several times that it was a special day because of his birthday. He would point to himself, repeat it and smile. It's pretty amazing to feel so much happiness because your child is happy.  What a fun family trip!

A few days before the zoo trip, Oliver's buddy Austin and his parents came over for dinner.  We sang Happy Birthday and the boys had fun getting messy with the cupcakes :) 

First attempt at a photo of the four of us...

At the zoo

BIG BRO LIL SIS

Oli is sweet with his little sister most of the time.  He likes to "help" by forcing her pacifier into her mouth or by pushing her swing (really fast) when she's in it.  He also runs to her rescue when he hears her crying and climbs into her crib in less than 30 seconds. He tries to hold her and comfort her, but the poor little girl doesn't look comfortable at all. I try to watch them at all times but sometimes a girl has to go to the bathroom or cook or wash dishes, etc.  I guess I have to move faster!

There are times when Oli's not so sweet.  When he takes her bottle away from her and I take it back from him he smacks her. Or when he takes her blanket away from her and I ask him to give it back, he covers her face with it and snatches her headband off. I guess Maddie unknowingly gets him back when she screams so loud while he's taking a nap that she wakes him up. The girl is hungry every 1.5 to 2 hours! I've got my hands full these days.

Here they are watching Dora the Explorer

These shirts were a gift from my friend Janay, who stitched and personalized them. I LOVE them! Please check out her awesome work at www.janaysquilts.blogspot.com.

A good day

It takes a few tries before I actually get a good photo of them. 

He's making fun of her crying

High Five!

Peace... (Maddie's fingers)

A Few Pictures of Madelyn

Madelyn is exactly one month old today.  How time flies!  I once heard it said that parents of young kids experience long days and short years.  How true!

Grandma Hayden

My mom arrived on the same day Glenda's mom left; the changing of the guard.  Glenda and I are in agreement: we've been blessed with the best moms ever!  It was a wonderful week.  I was off work, which made it all the better.  Mom, we loved having you with us; the kid's thoroughly enjoyed their meema (I think that's what Oliver says).  Enjoy the pictures!

Grandma Elsy

It was sad to say Good Bye to my mom after 3 weeks. Oliver and Madelyn miss their grandma very much! These are a few shots with my family before they went back home.  

MAMI, GRACIAS POR SU AYUDA Y SU AMOR.

Little cutie

Hard to say Good Bye

Oli won't cooperate when it comes to taking photos. I had to go find him in his favorite spot.  

Best buddies with uncle Rigo

Adjusting to life with Maddie

Madelyn is two weeks old today. I forgot how much babies sleep at this stage. She's awake for only a few hours each day.  She's much more mellow than Oliver was. I'm praying she'll stay that way! So far Oliver has adjusted to her well. One thing he does which he shouldn't, however, is snatch her hat or headband off her head.  He kisses her a lot and he lends her his little pillow that he sleeps with. He also likes bringing her a blanket to hold onto, since he knows how important it is to drag around his own blanket all day. As for Brian and me, it's back to sleepless nights. But I can't complain because we wake up fewer times than we did with Oliver.  Brian is an awesome husband and dad and helps with the 1:00 am feedings.  :)))  Okay, when I look at these photos, I have to say it's worth it!

Not sleeping!

My mom has been so helpful!  There's no way I would have been able to recover this well without her.  She cooks, cleans, does laundry, bathes both kids, changes diapers, entertains Oli, holds Madelyn every chance she gets, and won't let me carry anything that might be too heavy.  Reality is going to hit me pretty hard in a few weeks!

Oliver NEVER liked his pacifier when he was a baby.  He didn't like his bouncy chair either.  Well... I guess you could say, he has been regressing a little.

But really, he is such a big boy now. His latest hobby is drawing with sidewalk chalk.  He is so proud of all the things he draws.

His favorite chalk color is white, or as he says it, "fwight".

We're home!

We're finally home! I gave birth on Thursday night and didn't come home until Monday evening. I had a C-section because Madelyn was in a breech position. Sunday morning I got discharged but Madelyn's jaundice was at a level that needed photo-therapy, so we had to stay an extra night.  It's been a tough few days of recovery but I couldn't be more in love with her.  Here are a few pics of the last couple of days.

Proud Daddy

About 30 hours of Photo-Therapy to reduce jaundice.

Almost like sunbathing.

Daddy taking advantage of Oli's nap

Big Bro, Little Sis

Happy Daddy

Proud Grandma

Madelyn Elsie Hayden

Madelyn Elsie Hayden was born on Thursday, May 13th, 2010 at 5:47pm.  She weighed in at 5 pounds, 9 ounces (Oliver was only 5 pounds 3 ounces), and measured 18 and 3/4 inches long.  She is healthy and has quite an appetite.  Glenda was very strong and brave, and is doing very well.  Oliver is very excited about his little sister!  Here are a few pictures:

Saying Good Bye

It was very emotional for me to leave Oli for days to go to the hospital.  I was dreading that moment.  The only thing that comforted me was knowing he was in good hands with my mom.  But that didn't stop my tears :(

This was right before I got in the car.

The evening before I gave birth we went for one last walk around the neighborhood and ate popsicles. 

Last photo of the belly, 39 weeks.