Drew is 1 Month Old Today

It's true, I can hardly believe it myself. Our little man turned one month old today. One minute I feel like he was born yesterday, as we are still getting to know eachother and understand one another. The next minute I don't remember what life was like with out him ( except it being quieter and less hectic). So far Drew has been a good baby. He sleeps well, eats well, and has so many amazing expressions and emotions on his face you could stare at him for hours. This week I like to say Drew has "woke" up a little bit. Days have become a little harder for Mom. A lot less R&R, and a lot more walking around the house holding him saying "shhhh". This week Drew likes to be held, and moving. The Baby Bjorn has become my life saver as he likes constant motion, but does not like the swing. I keep trying... but he gives me the thumbs down each time. I will give the swing a few more weeks, then it might go into retirement.. which in turn is nice because it is one less large plastic piece of baby equipment taking over our family room.

I tried to weigh Drew today with me getting on and off the scale with him. I am thinking he is right around 10.5 lbs, not to be exact, give or take a few ounces. He is getting bigger each day, with a few outfits that are already too small. So much for 0-3 month sizing. I think they should make baby sizes 0-6weeks then 6-12 weeks. Hmmm, maybe that is an idea that will make me rich?

And so far, he still has has full head of dark hair. However, sad to report each time I wash his sheets, I do find a little dark round circle of hair where his head lays when he sleeps. It is just a matter of time, we will call him patchy, like his sister at this age. A tuft here, a tuft there. His eyes are still blue, but turning a little more grey each day. I am thinking brown eyes are in his future.

His schedule ( or there lack of) is going really well. As the saying goes, "God only gives you in life what you can handle". Well he knew we couldn't handle much. He has been sleeping great at night, gets up twice to eat and goes right back down to sleep. I want to shout from the roof tops - "thank you"! I feel as well rested as a mom of a newborn possibly can. With Hannah I think I was slurring words on a daily basis from lack of sleep, with Drew.. we are good to go. I only have taken one nap since he was born. Not bad!

The other things we know about Drew after one month... he is "so so" on pacifiers, he could take it or leave it. He does not like diaper changes, oddly enough, he doesn't like dirty diapers either, so one would think he would welcome the new nice dry diaper? He does seem to like baths, and doesn't mind the carseat. His favorite position to be held is upright, over your shoulder. He always puts his arm across your shoulder and rests his chin across his wrist and forearm, I personally find it adorable. Not to be forgotten, our little buddy gets the hiccups at precisely 9:15pm each night. And that is what we know about him today.

The rest, is filled with wonder. I can't help to look at him and think so many things. Will he be funny or serious? Will he like sports or science? Math or Art? ( We know big sister Hannah likes art, taking after Dad) Will he be a Gator or a Buckeye? So much to think about :) It is fun getting to know him more and more each day. Newborns are so precious, and knowing the cuddles only last so long, we are soaking up each and every one.

After one month of getting to know our little miracle, or as Hannah calls him " Baby Dew" ( her R's aren't so good), we think he is a keeper. Happy 1 Month Drew! Only 17 years and 11 months until you are free from your crazy parents!! We love you buddy!

Halloween Princess

Yesterday the sun finally came out, after a dreadful October, only seeing the sun a few times. I kept Hannah home from school in the morning to get a few photos, thinking this may be our only shot at it. Since Hannah loves all things princess, being a Halloween princess was on the top of her list yesterday. And with the love of her tutu's, off we went!

I couldn't decide on my favorite photo, so here are a few! We are actually getting professional photos on Sunday. We aren't so good at scheduling these things, so this is big for us!! Stay tuned!



Murphy trying to get in on the action...




Our standard front door shot.

Our Lil' Princesses

Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella got together last night for a little girl time. It was been way to long since the girls have played together, and boy, did it ever seem like they had missed eachother. They were so excited to see eachother and play. The screamed, they giggled, and they played. It was the highlight of both Mom and Dad's weekend to just see how much fun they were having with eachother. It is fun to watch them grow and become such good friends. As Kim likes to say, when they are together it is a game of "Monkey See, Monkey Do". They mimic eachother, laugh when the other laughs, and scream when the other screams. Whatever they do, they are having fun, and it is a joy to watch.

Pumpkin Carving

We carved out pumpkin this weekend. To get ready for the event, Hannah wanted both her and Drew to wear their pumpkin shirts. Here they are ready to get to work.


Hannah started out as a good helper to Dad. Soon, she got a little bored and Dad took over. Hannah did do a great job of taking out all the pumpkin seeds and cleaning them off with mom. We baked them in the oven, and they were yummy! Since Mom is home now, I even saw a special recipe on Rachael Ray this week and made some extra spicy and sugary pumpkin seeds from her recipes.



And the finished product, Hannah poses outside and gets so excited to see it lit up. She picked out the face of the pumpkin which we all decided would be a "Happy Pumpkin" this year. Not a scary one :)


All lit up, ready for the nighborhood to enjoy.

Happy Halloween everyone. We are really excited for next Saturday. Hannah cannot wait to wear her Snow White costume, and as Dad has convinced her... to go trick or treating to get Daddy candy :)!!

Apple Jacks!

And finally, with Mom feeling better after Drew's arrival, and the snow melting away, we were finally able to enjoy fall a little this year. As noted, this has been the coldest, and wetest October in MN history... ugh! So, embrace we have for today, as we know snow is coming soon!

Today we went to Apple Jacks apple orchard in Delano. We had never been there before and we had a great time. They had rides for the kids, pony rides, apple picking, pumpkin picking, yummy hot apple cidar among other goodies and a play area for the kids. Hannah loved it, and well, Drew slept most of the time.



Hannah got to ride the "Cow train". It was pretty cute, a bunch of little cow wagons pulled by a tractor that goes around a corn field. We were proud that she was brave enough to go on it. She is growing up so fast!

And finally, above it our Happy Pumpkin



And below is our not so happy pumpkin. Poor guy, not sure why we torment them like we do.


With just two weeks to go, Hannah is SOOOOO excited for Halloween. We read books about it every night, and she can't wait to go trick or treating in her snow white costume!!We can't wait either, I love that she is at an age that is filled with excitement and anticipation for holidays. It makes everything so much fun!

Grandpa Steinemann Visits

Last week Grandpa Steinemann was here to meet his new Grandson and spend time with Hannah. We enjoyed his visit and can't wait to see him again at Christmas. Hannah loved having Grandpa and Dad drop her off at school in the mornings, she thought that was a pretty cool treat! We are glad that he came all the way to MN to meet Drew and spend time with us, thank you!

Bedtime Stories

Bedtime is becoming one of my favorites times of the day. One reason because after story time is over, Mom and Dad get a little peace and quiet, but secondly because we get to tuck both Hannah and Drew into Hannah's bed and read stories and snuggle for a little while. Drew being our latest addition to our night time routine has been fun. They each get a pillow and lay down and listen to stories, books and songs. Drew looks at the books as if he actually understands what we are saying, it cracks me up. Hannah's newest thing is that she wants all her stories and songs to be "silly". Silly means to change the words in songs to be funny. Many times we end up singing "Murphy, Murphy Little Star". Makes her laugh everytime, one day I am sure she will get sick of it, but it is fun and "silly" for now.



Poor Drew, this is often how he looks around Hannah as she torments him. She smiles wildly as she thinks poking him and hugging him is fun. Drew has a long few years ahead of him.

Drew 2 weeks

Yesterday Drew was 2 weeks old! I am a little behind and ahead of myself on updates all at the same time. He had his two week check up on Monday at 12 days old, he weighed in at 9 lbs exactly. He is back to his birth weight after dropping quite a bit in the hospital. Mom was quite worked up over this as I thought I was unintentionally starving him. He is healthy, thriving and happy. So far he is incredibly content and goes with the flow. He sleeps A LOT which I love, and so far in the night, he takes his bottles and goes right back to sleep. This is a far cry from Big Sister Hannah who thought is was play time between midnight and 6am.

Big Sister Hannah is constantly kissing, hugging and loving Drew. Almost too much where Mom and Dad have to reign her in every once in awhile. We are feeling to lucky to have such a healthy and happy family. Life is good.

It only gets worse...

And today's view is from our back yard. October 12th, 2009. More snow.

Where does depression hurt?

Minnesota.

My Fashionista

And today's outfit worth throwing a tantrum over...

Hello Kitty Hat, Tinkerbell Nightgown, and polka dot jammy bottoms.

I didn't expect at the age of 2 Hannah would have such strong opinions over what she wears each day. I was expecting this in about 8 years, however, I was wrong. Each morning there are fits, tantrums over what Hannah is going to wear. There are days, I give up, and above is what you see. There are other days I win, and Hannah isn't too happy. It all evens out in the end right?
2 going on 13. All I can wonder is what the teenage years are going to bring?!?!

Fall in Minnesota

Seriously? October 10th, 2009. Snow!

Ugh.

Last year this weekend, 70 sunny, apple picking and fall colors.
This year, bundle up, light up the fireplace, watch football.

Help!!

Hannah's Quote of the Day

I just had to share, because I continue to laugh each time I think about it. The things that come out of a two year old's mouth are generally pretty funny and cute, at times demanding and willful. Between the moments, there are some funny comments worth sharing.

Yesterday Todd worked from home, so we kept Hannah home from school as well so he didn't have to go back and forth between home and downtown for drop off and pick up. Todd asked Hannah what she wanted for breakfast. She replied " I want waffles, grapes, strawberries and bananas". Todd said "Sure I will get it ready and cut it up for you". Hannah then replies" No daddy, no cut up, I want to eat my banana like a monkey".

This is the life...

The life of a 9 day old isn't all bad. He gets fed, held, burped, changed and most of all - loved. He is a great baby so far. He is awake and alert around 7:30-10:30am and then again from 7:30-10:30pm... which means she sleeps most his days away on the couch, snuggled up in the boppy pillow only making time for the occasional diaper change and a yummy bottle. He only cries when he is getting his diaper changed, other than that, he is content and happy. We feel really lucky so far. Best of all, the night time hasn't been too bad. He gets up twice a night to eat, and goes back to sleep pretty easily with little effort. This is a far cry from his sister Hannah. This weekend Grandpa John comes for a visit, we are excited for him to meet his grandson.

Big Sister, Little Brother...

When Drew arrived home from the hospital, Hannah was able to hold him for the first time. She held him for about 15 seconds, smiled and said "I all done". It was kind of funny, I guess when I think about it, little Drew is about a 1/3 of her weight, she says he is heavy and hurts her stomach. Hannah is still learning her boundaries with Drew. She tried to pick him up out of the bouncer the other day and when Mom and Grandma quickly yelled, "No" and her feelings were quite hurt. There was hugs and explanations that only mommy and daddy can pick him up. In the mean time, she is getting good at giving him the pacifier with kisses.

Shhh, Don't Tell Dad, but his kids are Buckeyes....

Wouldn't you know it, Drew arrived home on football Saturday. Armed with Buckeye gear for both Hannah and Drew, a photo opp was needed. And to complete the picture, Grandpa and Murphy were both wearing their Scarlet and Grey too. You might see many more of these over the next few months, with a quick change at half time into orange and blue if necessary?!?! Hannah loves her cheerleading outfit, and looks for the cheerleaders on TV to match... she loves matching things these days. Drew isn't sure quite what is going on yet.. but one day he will, and soon like his big sister, will successfully do the O-H-I-O! :)

Welcome to the World - Drew Charles Steinemann

Drew Charles Steinemann was born on September 30th, 2009 at 7:51am.
He weighed in at 9 lbs, and 21 inches long.
With a full head of dark hair we think is darn pretty cute!!

After 9 long months of waiting to meet him, all our wishes and dreams came true. We have a healthy, happy and we think quite handsome baby boy. His arrival was greeted with both a few happy tears from Mom and Dad, and a good set of lungs to let us know he was here. On Drew's first day with us, we learned that he doensn't like diaper changes.. brrr... we think he gets chilly, and his face can go through about 100 emotions a minute without saying a word. I could stare at him all day with wonder. The smiles, the frowns, the concern... it amazes me all day.

We couldn't be happier to complete our family, with both a little girl and a little boy. We are so excited and filled with wonder of all of the change our life is about to bring, and the anticipation that comes along with it. Thanks to all our friends and family for all their prayers and well wishes along our journey, and a continued thanks to our journey ahead. It is wonderful to be sharing our experience, joys and laughter with all of you.




Mom and Drew...

Mom loves the snuggles, cuddles, coos and ahhs of a newborn. There is nothing more precious and exciting than seeing your baby for the first time and snuggling up so close. I now know how quickly they grow up ( and start to talk back) so every moment is cherished. So far, (only one week into it) , I don't even mind getting up in the middle of the night, more time to snuggle and to enjoy the quiet moments. Gosh I love this little guy.



Our new family. Complete with Mom, Dad, Big Sister Hannah and Baby Drew.

Hannah's arrival to the hospital with Grandma and Grandpa was filled with anticipation. I was so excited for her to meet her little brother. Drew even showed up with presents for her big sister, as you can see she quickly put on her new Cinderella outfit with little time to spare. When Hannah arrived, she looked more scared than excited. It broke my heart at first, but she quickly warmed up and gave her little brother kisses and hugs. Her first day back at school, Dad gave her a picture of her little brother to show her friends and teachers. Her teachers told us that she didn't put the picture away all day. She held onto it with dear life, and even slept with it at nap time and night time. I thought that was pretty sweet.

So far Hannah has been adapting to life with a sibling. She loves him, wants to kiss him and hug him, and gets really concerned when he cries. As she likes to say "Why is MY baby crying?" She loves to go along for diaper changes, hold him, and put his pacifier in his mouth. She is getting pretty good at it!

I only hope that one day they are good friends. Hannah is incredibly passionate and loving, I think she will be quite protective of him over the years.



And finally, Grandma and Grandpa Dice meet Baby Drew. They were incredibly nice to come to MN to help us during his arrival. We worked them hard and expect and invoice soon. Grandpa mowed, edged, planted mums, pulled weeds, became an electrician, painted, and put together bookcases and strollers. Grandma cooked, cleaned, and did A LOT of laundry. Best of all, they got to spend quality time with Hannah while we were in the hospital and share in the new beginning of Drew.

It was great to have them around, to keep us company, help around the house, and engage in the chaos of our house hold. We thank them for being so great, loving, and helpful. We couldn't had survived the week without your help, thank you!!

Stay tuned for the adventures of Hannah and Drew.. and Mom and Dad too. Oh and Murphy, he is doing well... he is his old self - barking non stop, checks out Drew and moves on. He has been through this before... and he adapted ok. While he is neurotic, we do love the furry little guy.