The 24th & 25th--In Review

The 24th and 25th have come and gone and our celebration as a family of four was nothing short of Merry. Jack was enthralled by all of festivities/presents that Christmas Eve and Christmas day held. Maggie basically slept the two days away with a brief appearance on the 25th. And Clay and I enjoyed every minute with our two little ones before the actual exhaustion of the holidays set in. So what better way to review the two most festive days in December than with lots of pictures. Get ready for a Cibula Christmas...

We started Christmas Eve with my new declared tradition...building a Gingerbread House. I must give credit where credit is due--(I stole this idea from Erica). Did Jack love it?...well, he definitely enjoyed it. BUT, I had to reprimand him several times for eating the candy instead of putting it on the house. Then about 10 minutes after all of our work--the house collapsed. I chalked it up to our 1st time and the fact that we will actually follow the directions next year.

Busted! Just like I said...eating all of the candy. He actually went as far as laying the candy on the counter where I couldn't see it and putting his mouth down on the counter and sliding it in. Little weasel!

Our first Christmas as a family of four. With no extended family in town, I actually had to solicit a neighbor to take this picture. And yes, you are seeing correctly--I am that tired these days.

Jack is truly in love with "his baby". He regularly asks to kiss her.

My Christmas kiddos right before Christmas Eve Mass.

Our Christmas Eve Angel-literally. I'm telling you this wee one did not make a sound during church or at dinner afterwards. She just slept on and off and looked all around so contently. Clay and I laughed at how we had to keep Jack's infant carrier in constant motion at church when he was this age--now we can laugh at it, back then--not so funny.

Christmas morning! Santa was good to Jack. He got all of his name brand favorites--Thomas, Little People, and Sesame Street galore.

Oh, and of course, lots of learning games. I promise he actually asked for an abacus for Christmas. It is not a product of his Mommy being a former teacher.

Jack "helped" Maggie open all of her presents and then proceeded to stack them on top of her.

I came to the rescue and helped arrange them. See that Napping House book? Well, Jack had it laying across her tummy. And when it wouldn't stay, he just pushed it down a little harder. Poor baby!

Pirate Playdate

Brrrr, It's cold outside...and unfortunately toddlers and their abundant amount of energy do not hibernate for the winter. So what were we going to do? We had to find an indoor venue to burn some of it off. AHOY, we found the perfect place.

It was a simulated Pirate's Cove complete with a sand island, skeleton jumpies, an octopus tunnel, and giant wooden ship play place. Arrgh, just perfect! Jack and I met up with our fellow shipmates, Miller, Sophia, Alexandra and their Mommies of course, and played the afternoon away.

Jack had a blast--as we were pulling out of the parking lot he said, "I want to play dere All da day and ALL da night!" (with a very animated arm sweep).

This was by far Jack's favorite feature. They are giant air guns that shoot foam balls. He figured out how to collect a bag of balls, load them, aim and push the silver button to shoot. Watch out!

A little bounce house fun with Sophia. Did I mention, my once cautious Jack even climbed to the the top of a bouncy pirate slide and slid down all by himself? I was quite impressed.

Jack collected lots of sand in his bowl...and in his pants, socks, shoes, shirt, hair, eyes, etc. He even brought some home with him. Since then, I've found it my car, the bathroom, his bed, and the washing machine. Ahh...gotta love a sandy island and a two year old.

The pirate pals themselves: Jack, Sophia, and Miller. The only other picture I got of all of them, Sophia and Miller were looking and Jack wasn't. And since this is my blog, I decided to use the pic with my little one looking. Sorry M and S! (and note how they all have on their Christmas shirts--we didn't even plan that)

Quiet Christmas Ahead

For the first time in, well as far as I can remember, I won't be with my extended family on Christmas.

It all started when Jack was born. Clay and I made a mutual decision that from then on out we would spend Christmas at our home. We wanted to start our own traditions and we knew it wouldn't be long before Jack started getting the whole "Christmas thing". So there it was...decision made. However, we also decided that our door would always be open during the holidays to anyone on either side of our families. And up until this year that's just how its been. Family coming and going from our house for the weeks leading up to Christmas and the weeks following. We've loved it!

But this year it's different. With Maggie's glorious arrival in November our families came and went all month long. It was very much appreciated and well needed. We couldn't have made it through the first month of Maggie's life without them. But now it seems all that help equals a very quiet Christmas at the Cibula cottage. I can't blame them, I suppose I would be a little traveled out too.

So next week we get to see what Christmas is like when it's just the four of us. Quiet may be a long shot with a toddler and a newborn, I suppose "quieter" would be a more appropriate term. I must say it's going to be weird around here with out extended family, whether it be Clay's or mine. But I can't complain, look who we get to spend the most wonderful time of the year with...

Jolly Jack

and Merry Maggie

I've already gotten the two best Christmas presents I could ask for. As my Grandma would say, "God is good!".

My Maggie: 1 Month

Well, we made it. Through the first month that is. Yes, my Maggie is a month old today. And by the time you read this she may be closer to two months--I'm thinking it may take me that long to write this post.

You see, my sweet newborn has woken up, so to speak. She has realized she is out of the womb and she's coming around. No more groggy days where Mommy can get everything done and then some. No my Maggie now demands a lot of attention. I knew it was coming, I fully expected it, but boy am I tired! Okay, let's be realistic...more like exhausted!

I know I mentioned in a previous post, that we were going to be schedule free around here until closer to 3 months. Well, that just doesn't work for my personality, little Maggie, and a toddler running around. So about 2 1/2 weeks ago I pulled out all of my books (my faves being the Baby Whisperer series by Tracy Hogg and Babywise) and I got to reading up on getting some organization around here. (there is a lot you forget between babies!). Since then we have been on a great "routine", notice I didn't say schedule. Maggie is adapting well, but she needs some guidance. And the best part is we all know what is coming next...I like that. So here is a summary of Maggie's "routine" and how she is doing at 1 month...


Eat
We start our day between 7:30-8:00 a.m. This is when she takes her first feeding. She only nurses for about 10-20 minutes...she is very efficient and very good at it. She eats approximately every three hours at 10:30, 1:30, and 4:30. From 4:30 on we do a little cluster feeding for the evening hours. So I nurse her again at 6:30-7:00ish and then at 8:30-9:00ish.

Activity
After eating we do an activity. I know your thinking "activity with a newborn?". But yes, it's the way we separate eating from sleeping. I want her to learn to fall asleep on her own. Her activities are very newborn friendly, like...a diaper change, staring out the window, staring at the wall, sitting in her bouncy seat while I sing or talk to her, etc. Her awake time is only about 30-40 min. (including feeding) and we just started pushing it that long. After those short minutes and that little bit of stimulating activity, she is ready for a snooze.


Sleep
At the sign of her first yawn after her activity time, we set the stage for sleep...close the blinds, turn the sound machine on and swaddle tightly. I hold her for a minute, sing her favorite song "You are my sunshine" and then lay her in her crib drowsy, but not asleep. Generally she falls asleep on her own in about 10 minutes for a good hour and half to over a two hour nap. Note I said "Generally". Oh trust me, we've had a couple naps were she has needed some extra soothing to stay asleep and Mommy hasn't had ONE MOMENT to herself. This my friends is why it will take me days to write this post. But, I gently remind myself this will be worth it when she's a great sleeper. Right? I must admit sleep training is the number one thing that makes me think we are done with babies around here.

The evening are a whole different story. From her 4:30 feeding, she usually only takes about a 45 min-1 hour catnap. The rest of the evening is hit or miss with sleep. A couple of catnaps, lots of fussing, two feedings, and a bath. She stays downstairs with us during these hours because it can get exhausting go up and down trying to soothe her during the "witching hour". At 9:00ish I giver her her last feeding before putting her down for the night. This session of "putting down" requires a lot of soothing!!! Clay and I begrudgingly share this task. But, once she's asleep she is down until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. in the morning. Love it! (If only I could get to bed when she does:) Then she's up again for another feeding at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. After that we start the whole day over again at 7:30-8:00a.m.


Little Tidbits
Even with the "extra soothing" and the fussy evenings, I still think she is a jewel. Unlike another baby we had around here, *ahem*, I won't mention any names, she doesn't cry and spit up all day. Which the pediatrician believes at this point we are in the clear for acid reflux...still holding my breath though.

Speaking of pediatrician, we had her one month appointment on Friday. Here are my Maggie's stats:

weight: 10lbs 8oz 90th percentile
height: 21.5" 75th percentile
head: 37cm 50th percentile
Another big baby...just how I like them!

Among other things, Maggie has some loves already. She loves her bath, she loves looking out the window, and she loves to nestle up on my chest below my chin (which I love too). And of course, she has dislikes too. She's not crazy about diaper changes unless I go pretty slow and talk her through it, she hates cold wipes (I had to invest in a wipes warmer due to this), and she really doesn't like getting out of the tub. We have to turn the heat up to a blazing degree around bath time to make the transition out of the tub smoother.

Big brother is still madly in love with her. He greets her every morning and reminds us throughout the day, "shhh, don't wake the baby". Although he is the loudest one in the house. And last night he even shared his toy steam roller with Maggie right across her sweet little forehead. Way to make the fussy evening even fussier big brother:)


Well, thank you for reading this far. I'm sure it wasn't that exciting, but if you have number 2 on the way, it is a little insight into whats ahead. More so, this post is for me (a little time to myself) and for Maggie (so she can see how much work she was and therefore, how much I must love her).

Off to feed a hungry baby!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

The Cibula Cottage is strung up with lights,

I must say it is quite a beautiful sight.

The stockings are hung by the fireplace with care,

there is even one for our new little Maggie up there.

Jack and Maggie each have a matching Christmas tee,

if you look closely at the picture with Santa, you might be able to see.

Jack and Maggie got to sit on Santa's lap,

we ALL followed that with a much needed nap.

The tree is decorated- the presents are wrapped below,

and our sweet Jack is wearing a festive Christmas glow!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!!

Bathing Beauty

What's new with our sweet Maggie? Well, we've added a bath to her bed time ritual. I almost thought for a minute that we were going to get her first real smile in the water. Yes, she loves it!

Welcoming Maggie--The Slideshow

We had Maggie's newborn pictures taken last Saturday. She was only 12 days old and absolutely perfect. I, however, was already 12 days tired and looking rough, but that comes with the newborn session territory, I suppose. (Oh and as for my hair...ugh! --I obviously haven't had time to get a haircut recently, so I started taking snip its myself here and there--well, when I finally took my hair out of a ponytail for the first time in 12 days, I saw the result of my hair cutting ability--awful! Note to self--haircut is first on to do list when I can drive!) Good thing this session was all about Maggie;)

Anyway, I wanted to share the slide show from Lisa Russo with all of you. I am so pleased with the images of Maggie and especially surprised with how great the ones are of Jack. He was so happy and loving his little sis that day! I have a feeling I'll end up ordering as many of his images as I do of Maggie.

Also, my Gma and Mom were having a shift change that weekend and it just so worked out that we were able to get a photo of all 4 generations. Completely not planned, but such perfect timing. Pretty amazing, huh?

Well, turn up your speakers and enjoy the show. It does take a couple minutes to download the first time,but after that it's a breeze. Please tell me your favs. I'm going to have a VERY hard time choosing and I could use all the advice I can get...as always.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW...

http://www.lisarussophotography.com/Slideshow/Cibula/

Predictions

Believe it or not I have 6 pregnant friends right now, all due right around the same time. And believe it or not, they are on my mind all the time. It mostly happens when I'm nursing Maggie in her nursery late night and my mind starts to wonder. The house is so quiet and it's just me and my baby girl.

I think about all they have to look forward to. How number two doesn't mean second place, it just means you are a little wiser and much more relaxed. I think about how another baby will make their family so much busier and much more hectic, but in a fabulous way. I remember the anxiety I felt before Maggie arrived and I wonder if they feel the same way and I want to tell them not too. (side note-- However, I'm not saying it's easy.) And I can't wait for them to feel this love a second time around even through the exhaustion.

But, the one thing that crosses my mind every time I think of them is--boy or girl? Yes, none of them know the gender of their little ones yet. I use to be pretty good at predicting the sex of unborn babies. Working as a teacher, somebody was always prego and 99% of the time I guessed right. Now somehow with my own pregnancies I've been wrong both times--go figure! But, just for the fun of it I wanted to document my predictions and see how accurate I am. So here it goes ladies...


Tasha....girl

Andrea...boy

Erin...boy

Karen...girl (she already found out it was a girl, but I SWEAR that was my guess)

Erica...girl

Allison...girl

And I couldn't resist sharing a picture of my sweet Magpie on Thanksgiving night. Note the paci in an effort to have a somewhat peaceful Thanksgiving dinner. Too bad my 2 year old decided to steal the show and throw peas. He landed himself in the time out chair right in the middle of dinner. Ahhhh...so much to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving Greetings

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from our "Wild" Little Indian!

Highlights From Home

We've officially been home for 10 days now. I thought I would let you all in on how things are going at the Cibula cottage with our beautiful new addition. Because it will probably take me ALL Day to write this post, in between feedings, diaper changes, potty breaks, disciplining, soothing, playing, etc., etc., I'll use the handy bullets to update you....

• Jack is still in love with his "baby". He wants to give her "bear hugs" (oh know!) and lots of kisses. However, his biggest problem seems to be me. Yes, he can't stand that I can't physically do the things I use to do with him--like drive, wrestle, pick him up. He asks daily, "is your ouchie all better?" We have a count down going on around here...16 more days Jack. I hate C- sections!
• Maggie is a jewel...oops did I speak too soon? Jack's colic kicked in right at the 3 week mark. I'm holding my breath for another week.
• I am tired...very tired. But, it's different this time. I can't really explain it. I guess you just have to keep going, so you do. Plus, after being up with Maggie all night I can't wait to see Jack in the A.M. so I muster up any of my left over energy just for him.
• Speaking of nights, Maggie is kind of making her own schedule right now. Which is perfectly fine with me. She is only 2 weeks old. I'll turn into the schedule Nazi around the 3 month mark. But lately, she goes down around 7:00-8:00ish, depending on how the day went, and she usually sleeps anywhere from 4 to 5 hours for that first round (she even did 6 hours night before last). Then when she wakes at 11:00p.m or so, it's every 3 hours from there until the morning. I know that 4-5 hour stretch sounds nice, IF I just could get myself to bed at that time. It's yet to happen though.
• Maggie's umbilical cord just fell off yesterday, so I suppose we will be adding bath time to the bed time routine here soon.
• During the day she's eats every 3 hours. On occasion I have to wake her for feedings during the day--not normally though.
• We had our pediatrician appointment last week. She had already gained her birth weight and then some...the DR was very pleased.
• I busted some capillaries in my C-section scare. I really don't how--I thought I was being careful, but it's totally impossible to follow the DRS rules. Come on...no stairs for 2 weeks, no driving for 4 weeks, no bending or lifting, yea right! Anyway my Mom had to bandage me up for several days until it healed. I can't wait for December 9th. Did I mention, I hate C-Sections?
• I have been so blessed with family to help me since we got home. My Mom just left today (boo hoo!). She was amazing--toting Jack to the zoo, the aquarium, the park, etc. , doing laundry, cooking, and holding Maggie. It was REALLY hard to let her go. My Grandma is here now and so far she has cooked cake, cupcakes, dinner, and lunch. I think we will be well fed for the next week. Then Grammy (Clay's Mom) comes for that first couple days in December. After that, we are on our own...yikes!
• I don't know if it's 2nd Baby Syndrome or what, but I find myself holding Maggie a little longer, rocking her a little later, and oohing and gooing over her more often. I think you realize how fleeting this time is the 2nd go around and with the extra helping hands around here, I'm going to do it while I can.
• Okay,this is soooo not like me. But, I've been letting Maggie take one nap a day with me. We snuggle up during Jack's nap time and snooze for an hour or so. It's my Maggie time and it also gives me that little bit of rest to get through another painful night. Mmmm...I love her coos and grunts when we are snuggling.
• At night she is in her crib in the nursery. She slept in our room in the Pack n' Play for 2 nights--it so did not work for anyone, so she was off to her crib on night 3. We all sleep better and usually at her 5 or 6 am feeding I bring her in bed with me until morning...I know so not like me again. I figure I have a couple more weeks before it can become a bad habit for either of us. In my defense, it began as a way to avoid waking Jack before his 7:30 wake time.
• Cosby has been a nut. I know that doesn't surprise anyone. But, I kind of was. He didn't even acknowledge Jack when we brought him home from the hospital. Now, Maggie is a different story. He is super over protective of both her and me. If I'm holding her, you better give him fair warning if you are coming near. He whines when she cries and he wants to sniff all over her when she is close. As the days have progressed he has mellowed out a lot. My Mom said he needs about another week or so to chill out completely. HA! I was worried about Jack and its Cosby who's been the most effected.
• And lastly, I haven't been anywhere but to the Pediatrician's office for 2 weeks, unless you count the hospital, of course. Can you say cabin fever? And that's also the only day I've had make-up on.
• Oh and one more thing....I say this with GRAVE caution...but, it's really not as scary as I thought it would be--you know, the whole having 2 little ones thing. But again, Maggie hasn't hit the 3 week/does she have colic mark yet and I still have lots of family helping me. Check back with me in a week or so. I could be singing a whole other tune:)

A few "Coming Home" Pictures...

Maggie's coming home outfit...thanks Steph!

I still can't believe I have a baby girl!

Look how tiny she looks in her car seat. Jack grew out of this seat at 9 months...nuts, huh? Oh, and I told you that I would be using that blanket a lot...thanks Erin! It's perfect for car seat rides and so cute too.

Mommy, Daddy, and Maggie are on their way home. (Jack was at the Zoo with Grandma)

It cracks me up how they have to wheel you out of the hospital to your car. If they could only see what I did once I got home!

Big Brother Jack

Dear Jack,

You've been a big brother for 6 days now. From the minute you met your baby sister at the hospital you loved her. You searched the room high and low for "your baby". And the minute you found her, your sweet face lit up. You wanted to hold her, kiss her, and squeeze her a little too tight. When Maggie reacted with crying to your signs of affection, you asked so concerned, "What happened to Maggie?". You patiently took a dozen pictures on Mommy's hospital bed with your new sister and acted silly and happy for each one.

Since we've been home, I come to look forward to your cheerful morning wake up call. After Daddy or Grandma get you up from your bed, you race into my room, searching and chanting, "where is Mommy and Maggie?" We both soak in your morning kisses and your contagious smile. I couldn't think of a better way for Maggie and I to wake up.

Tonight I was so proud of you. Without anyone asking you were such a big helper . When Maggie seemed a bit distressed in her swing, you raced over and put her pacifier right on top of her head. So proud of yourself, you came into the kitchen and announced to everyone, "Look what I did, I helped Maggie".

We love you Jack and we especially love the big brother that you are growing up to be. Maggie is very lucky to have you and we are all very lucky to have her.

All our love,

Mommy, Daddy, and Maggie

A Cibula Is Born

We welcomed Margaret Grace Cibula on Monday, November 9th. Our family has been blessed beyond measure. After a somewhat eventful labor and delivery our baby girl was born at 7:49 a.m. I promise to share more about our little blessing soon. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We are loving the quiet life at the hospital!

Our little sumo wrestler...she weighed in at 8 lbs 10 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Just a bit smaller than her big brother. There's hair under that hat too!

In the Operating Room minutes after she was born. You would never know by looking at me that I was super sick--seeing Maggie's sweet face was the best medicine I could have asked for.

We've had Maggie bundled in pink since she entered the world. In only two days she has already shown us her feisty side, but how could this sweet face intimidate you? (and I don't know what those red spots are--whatever they were, they're gone now)

Tomorrow...

It's the day before Maggie's birth date and as I try to sit here patiently, it's impossible not to think about all that will change Tomorrow...

Tomorrow we become a family of four.


Tomorrow I can physically count all of her fingers and toes and individually kiss each one...yum!



Tomorrow we will know how much she weighs, no more guessing.



Tomorrow is the first of many sleepless nights.



Tomorrow Jack will be a big brother for the rest of his life.



Tomorrow I have to start watching what I eat and, and more importantly, how much.



Tomorrow I have two kids to worry about....forever.



Tomorrow I have a little girl.



Tomorrow I'm no longer just Jack's Mommy, I'm Jack and Maggie's Mommy.



Tomorrow everything changes.

Halloween Havoc...But In a Good Way

I kid you not, when I say we have never had a busier weekend than this past Halloween. Between a Halloween school party, Halloween Birthday parties, neighborhood festivals, and actual Halloween night there was not a moment of rest. Well, except for nap time. But as soon as naps were over, we were up and at em' again. Here is a little peek into our weekend so you can see what I mean.

FRIDAY- Wesley Kate's 2nd Birthday Party

Here is part of the crew from the party. It was nearly impossible to get a group shot. Our mistake?...waiting until the end of the party to try to get sugar wound over tired kids to sit still. I just had to share this one--check out Sophia picking Jack's nose, Wesley Kate crying, and Ansley's goofy face. Gotta love toddlers!

Keep trying and see what happens. Well, a little better, except sweet little Nate was standing on the other side of Ansley trying to escape. I just couldn't get a good angle with him included. But, the rest of the costumed tots seem to be a little more tame.

And that is why I had to include this picture of cowboy Nate and Jack playing--proof he was there and oh, so sweet.






SATURDAY--Baby Ansley's 1st Birthday Party

Sophia and Jack--two peas in a pod. These two were not scared to get the party started.

A very patient pirate waiting for baby Ansley to have her Happy Birthday song done so he could have a "cu cake". Jack would check in with me just about 5-6 minutes to see if it was cake time yet.

SATURDAY NIGHT--Halloween

Okay, so I am so glad that Jack requested a photo session on Thursday before school, because it was misty and sprinkling on Halloween evening. It was near impossible to get pictures in the yard, so we took a few under the covered porch. I just had to share this one. How great is the "playing it cool" pose?

He snapped out of his "too cool" pose long enough to give me a gigantic smooch.

And then he even posed with me without a single complaint. (Gotta love the one who makes your costume)

We started the evening at the neighborhood pre-party. Luckily, the drizzling took a break until later in the evening. I just love this picture of Jack and Daddy walking to the festivities.

A few games before Trick-or-Treating begins. And by the way, this is not cheating, he's only 2.

Gotta fuel up for the big night. Jack must have asked 10 times 'where the hot dog stand was?'. Apparently it did not disappoint once we found it.

And let the Trick-or-Treating begin...

This was Jack's reaction after he came back from that first house...do you think he enjoyed Halloween night?