Look-A-Like

When a baby is first born, it's sometimes difficult to see who the baby looks like. Mom? Dad? Brother? When Reed was born, Brad and I both thought he looked like Drew. He definitely is his own little man, but we could see so much of Drew in him. There are moments, too, when I see glimpses of my brothers, so the Clifton genes haven't been totally ignored! Everyday we see little changes in Reed, observing that he looks bigger or more alert or just different than the day before. There are moments, too, when I walk past Reed and have to do a double take because Reed looks so much like Drew! See for yourself...

Reed at 10 days old

Drew at 2 1/2 weeks old

Mama's Boy

It's hard to share mommy with someone else when you've had her all to yourself for two years. Drew's been having some tough moments as the big brother. A few examples are...

Drew doesn't like feeding time. We can usually convince him to sit beside me and "help"...notice how close he needs to be!

For someone not wanting his own diaper changed, Drew doesn't want me to change Reed's either.

I'm sure all of this is normal, as we all adjust to having two babes in the house. Drew is still very attentive to Reed, especially when he's crying, and he doesn't shy away from giving him affection. He would just prefer it if I didn't! At least Drew hasn't said anything yet about wanting to send Reed back!

Reed is already two weeks old. It's hard to remember how things were when Drew was first born, but a few observations we've already made: Reed is more owly than Drew. Drew didn't get a pacifier until 6 weeks old; Reed got his on day 3. Reed doesn't have the cute little newborn cry; he downright screams. He prefers not to be naked and hates having his diaper changed, although that seems to be improving. The time he spends awake is lengthening, and during that time, he seems to be more content than upset. He and I had a few difficult nights, as he decided that 2am was a good time to be awake. The last couple nights he's done better, so I will choose to be optimistic that he's figured out that sleep is good when it's dark outside!

Regardless of these challenges, I wouldn't trade this for the world. Life with my boys...couldn't be much sweeter!

Brotherly Love

Drew is adjusting to being a big brother the best way a 2 year old knows how. He's attentive to Reed's needs, especially when he's crying, and instructs me to go take care of him. Then, as soon as I'm taking care of Reed, Drew tells me he needs something. (Go figure!) He's very affectionate towards Reed, making sure he gives him good-night kisses, and is very polite when Reed is sleeping in his bouncy seat, saying "excuse me, Reed" when he walks around him. The boys' grandparents have been here since Reed was born, so the real test will be Wednesday when it's just the four of us!

Reed visited the doctor this morning for his first well-baby check. He's gaining weight, tipping the scales at 8 lbs 11 oz (he was down to 8 lbs 9 oz when he left the hospital). He has just a bit of jaundice, which is not concerning, and should clear up in the next few days. His heart and lungs sound great, and he's off to a healthy start, eating 2 ounces of formula every 3 hours. Next appointment will be at 2 months.

Our thanks to all of you for your prayers and well wishes. As you can see, we're pretty happy with our newest addition, and are looking forward to this next step in our family's adventure!

Welcome to the World!

Reed Donald Vander Waal

Born Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 2:32pm

8 pounds, 13 ounces

20 1/2 inches long

Mommy, Baby and Daddy are all doing well!

Name Game

Kids say the darndest things, don't they??

As I blogged about earlier, Drew has learned his name, as well as mom's and dad's. When asked, "What's your name?" he'll say "Drew Robert Vander Waal." Drew has also taken up the habit of disciplining Luci like mom and dad do. He'll tell Luci to get off the couch and push her away when she tries to share in his snack. Tonight at dinner, Luci was jumping up at the table trying to snatch a bit of Drew's pizza when Drew says, very sternly and with a furrowed brow, "Luci Robert, get down!"

Too funny!!

The "Girls" Have It

Our "official" baby poll has closed, and it looks like, by a very slight margin, many of you think Baby #2 is a girl. Unfortunately for you and for us, we'll be waiting a bit longer to find out...

Back to the doctor today for my 38 week check. Our appointment began with an ultrasound as the specialist we saw a few months ago suggested a remeasure of the baby's size around this time. Two weeks ago when I scheduled today's appointment, I talked with my doctor about the possibility of inducing should we discover that the baby is "reaching the limitations of my pelvis." Today's results were bittersweet. Baby looks great. Absolutely nothing concerning...including his/her size. Baby's estimated weight is 7 lbs 11 oz, and his/her head, which was measuring so large a few months ago, has slowed down in growth and is measuring about 39 1/2 weeks. Why bittersweet, you ask? I am overjoyed that baby looks so great and that everything is leveling out; however, I was very much looking forward to not being pregnant after tomorrow! Ah well...now we shall rely on mother nature. :)

Although my doctor did not find reason to induce early, he did give me full permission to go into labor. Gee thanks, doc, but I don't think I'm the one you have to tell that to! My next appointment is scheduled for next Monday, unless, of course, Baby wants to come sooner.