Christmas Week

We left on the Tuesday before Christmas to go to my parent's house for a week. The trip actually went very well....for traveling with 3 young kids! :) It was a great week....fun & relaxing. On Christmas Eve, we talked Noni into letting us open 1 present(which turned into 3!). Drew opened for everyone...Ava ran around...Pres had no idea what was going on!

On Christmas Day, we got up(not too early this year...I'm sure next year will be different!) & watched as Ava & Drew saw what Santa had brought them. They had a blast playing with their new toys. Then we opened presents. We always open one at a time from youngest to oldest. Drew continued with opening everyone's presents...for a while. He got tired of it after a bit & began to play. Ava STILL has not opened a single gift..in fact one of hers didn't get opened until Saturday! Also, Dandy had rented a bouncy house for the week(we were supposed to have one at the birthday party that got moved inside). It rained much of the time we were there, but on Christmas Day it was beautiful(if cold) & the kids LOVED bouncing...Ava especially loved when Aunt Jess bounced with her!

Monday the Aggies played in the Independence Bowl which was in Shreveport. Since that's not too far from where my parents live, Jeremy & I decided we should go. It was a lot of fun...though VERY cold...and (of course) we lost. But, we had a good time & were glad we went!



Tuesday, we headed back to Austin. It was a long trip back, and it was sad to leave, but it's always nice to be home.

Thanks, Noni & Dandy, for everything! We love you!

Birthday/Christmas

Since Granny, Papa, Aunt Amy & Uncle Will(Jeremy's family) weren't able to come to the birthday party, they came (minus Will, who will be visiting this weekend) the next weekend to have a birthday + Christmas celebration. Drew, as usual, was very interested in opening all the gifts...Ava, not so much. Here are a few pics from that day:

Stats

Yesterday, I pretty much spent the day at the pediatrician's office. Ava & Drew had their 2 year well-check in the morning...came home for lunch & naps....then back to the doctor with Presley for her 2 month appointment.

AVA: 30# (85%) 35 3/4in (90%)
DREW: 31# (80%) 34 1/2 in (50%)---I don't think this is entirely accurate, as he was very squirmy when the nurse tried to measure it. I'm pretty sure they are much closer in height!

PRESLEY: 12#2oz (76%) *up from 9#4oz at 2 wks!! 24 1/2in (95%) *she's already in 6 mos clothing!!

All of them got at least 1 shot(more for Pres) :( & the doctor was very happy with all of them. Drew & Ava don't go back for a whole year(well, I'm sure will be in plenty for sick visits!) & Pres will go back in 2 mos.

Birthday Party

A couple of months ago(in the midst of having a baby!), I realized I needed to plan a birthday party for Ava & Drew. After thinking about it, I knew I didn't want to go too crazy...I mean, they're not going to remember it, right!? So, it was just going to be a big playdate...Ava & Drew's friends & family. And it was going to be outside....in Texas, that's a possibility in December! :) So, we had everything in order...got them a fun new climber(Christmas/Bday present) put together, rented a bouncy house, had lists of things to get ready. It was going to be great. Then we woke up Saturday morning & not only is it cold(which still could have been ok), but it's drizzling. By 9:00, we knew it had to be moved inside. Even if the sun had come out, the backyard would not have been dry by 3:00.

It turned out great. The kids had fun, the cake was good & Drew loved opening the presents(Ava didn't want to, so Drew got to open hers too!).

Visit w/ Santa

Last Wednesday, we decided to take the kids to see Santa. We talked about it all morning as we got ready & drove to the mall. Both were very excited, with Drew exclaiming "Sana" all the way. While we waited in line, they were very happy & enjoyed looking at all the decorations. Then....it's our turn....and they saw what they had to do. And no more words are really necessary! This picture says it all:

Happy 2nd Birthday Ava & Drew

Ava & Drew started off their birthday going to the mall with Noni & Dandy to get their 2 yr pictures taken. I don't think the picture session went as well as we would have hoped, but they sure looked cute on their way out the door! (Thank you, Noni, for our new jackets & hats!)

While they were gone, Jeremy & I began getting the house ready for the party--which was supposed to be outside, but had to be moved in because of the rain & cold...more on that in a later post.

Ready for their party:

Wow....just Wow!

I can hardly believe that Presley is 2 mos old today. Time is flying way too fast. In only 6 days my 1st babies will be 2--it's just crazy! But, back to Pres. She is a wonderful baby, much like her big sister was. She really only cries when she's hungry & sleeps very well...only waking once or twice to eat. She is VERY long...her 2 mos well check isn't until next week, so I don't have her stats yet, but she is already wearing 3-6 mos clothes because of her length! Drew still thinks she's the best & Ava has become a lot more interested in her....often 'talking' about her in her language(all I understand is 'Pess').

Drew at work

Adorable Ava

Separate, independent play

It's a good thing we have a big playroom. Not only is it a great place for running & horsey rides, but it's also perfect when the kids need to be separated(whether by choice or force!;)).
Tuesday morning, Ava wanted the ball pit & Drew wanted the blocks. Generally, I try not to have both of these things out at once, since the pieces end up all over the place, but they asked so sweetly..... And they actually were pretty good about staying on their 'side' of the room.

Presley's smiles

Presley smiled for the 1st time about 3 weeks ago. Her 1st smile was at Drew while he was 'helping' her on tummy time. Now she smiles quite often. It's just difficult to catch on camera without some help!

Presley Rae at 1 month

Wow, has it already been a month!? The time has just flown by. I guess having a newborn & chasing 2 toddlers around will do that! ;) We're all settling in pretty well. Ava really seems to be warming up to Pres & Drew absolutely loves her.
Presley is a pretty laid back baby. She sleeps well at night & has started to have more awake time during the day. The only crying we hear is when she's hungry. She likes to swing & watch Ava & Drew....she always has a smile for Drew when he does tummy time w/ her! :)
We had her 1 month well check yesterday day. She is 9#2oz(50%) & 23 in(95%). That's a little over a pound heavier than her birthweight & 2 inches longer!! She's already outgrown all her newborn sized clothes & any 3 month onesies(lengthwise!).

Finally, some pics w/ Ava & Presley

Ava has been slowly warming up to Presley over the last couple of weeks. She will now come close enough to look at her, tells her goodnight('bye') & will blow her a kiss. She also no longer avoids Jeremy or I if we are holding her. Unfortunately, during the week, it is difficult for me to take pics of her & Pres...can't really leave the one month old in the care of the toddlers! ;) But, today w/ Jeremy home, we were able to get several good pics:

Pumpkin Patch

Today was such a beautiful day that we decided to head out to Sweetberry Farm in Marble Falls. It was our 1st outing w/ all 3 kids....maybe not the easiest place to go, but we did it. 1st, we went through the kiddie maze. Drew LOVED it. He led the way to the bell at the end. Ava was a little nervous about not being able to see around her, so ended up getting daddy to carry her. (Pres slept in the stroller.)
Next, we went to look at the pumpkins. I had hoped to get a pic of all 3 kids together...BUT, Ava got upset about something(we have no idea what) & cried & wouldn't go near them...Presley was asleep. But, Drew had a blast w/ them. He was determined to pick up every one there...that is, until he spotted the horses!
So, yes, we had to ride the horses. We sat Drew on one to see if he'd like it & it was a little too big for him..So, mommy got to ride too! :) Drew spent the whole time telling me & the lady leading us about the horsey's, the trees & some other stuff we couldn't quite understand. ;) It was a lot of fun & fortunately Ava calmed down enough to ride too. She actually appeared to enjoy it more than Drew...she actually smiled!
After that we decided to call it a day & find a place to eat! Hopefully next year, Ava will enjoy it more!

What a good big brother...

showing Presley that tummy time isn't that bad:
resting w/ little sis:
sharing his cows with Pres:

Early birthday present

Yesterday, Ava & Drew received an early birthday present from Noni & Dandy: the Neat & Tidy Cottage!! Dandy & Uncle Casey got it put together while the kids napped. They love it!! I think their favorite part is the doorbell that actually rings(that's not going to drive mom crazy!;)) & the phone...which also makes noise, but we haven't put batteries in it yet!

Thanks Noni & Dandy!! We love you.

Presley at 2 weeks

We had Presley's 2 wk well-check yesterday. The dr said she was perfect--which, of course, we already knew! She had gained 1 lb since her last appt--above her birth weight!! She now weighs 8#4oz(45%) & is 22 1/4in long(95%). Our baby girl is very long!
Ava & Drew got back on Thursday. They both seemed to remember her---Drew is talking to her & 'checking' on her more & more. Ava is still a little indifferent, but I'm sure she'll warm up soon! :)

Update & pics from the last week

We are doing really well. Presley, after staying awake all night the 1st 2 nights home, has settled into a pretty good sleep routine that results in mom getting about 6-8 hrs of sleep! :) Ava & Drew have been keeping dad on his toes...one night, all 3 ended up in the guest bed together(it's only a double--was quite cute!). Jeremy is doing great as "Mr Mom"...from making breakfast to changing & washing diapers to bathtime & bedtime. I am so appreciative of him!! Drew is very interested in Presley & loves to look at her & talk to her. Ava...not so much. The only time she really acknowledges her is when she cries...then Ava cries too! I'm feeling good & trying not to overdo it...difficult, I know.

Here are a few pics from the last few days. Somehow I'm always the one taking pics & never get in any.

Next week, Ava & Drew go to my parent's for a few days, while Jeremy goes back to work. It'll be quite strange to have just one baby around! ;) Hopefully, I'll be ready when Ava & Drew get back...b/c the week after that...I'M ON MY OWN! Aagh! :)

First days at home

We came home from the hospital on Thursday & it's been quite an adjustment. Thankfully, Noni & Dandy were here to take care of Drew & Ava, so Jeremy & I could get used to having a newborn around again. Ava & Drew don't quite know what to think of Presley....they just kind of look at her from a distance, but don't want to get too close. Hopefully they'll warm up to her soon! Here are a few pics from Presley's first days:

It's a GIRL!

Meet Presley Rae Meier
b. Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 2:34pm
8lb 0oz & 21in

Presley has dark brown hair(!) & blue eyes. I'll try to post some more pics soon.

New horsey & last pic...

Ava got the pink pony for Christmas & they have both loved it. Lately, with their newfound freedom(roaming the house), they have wanted to ride it all around the house. Only problem: just one pony. Drew's answer was to start 'riding' Raffi through the house(the rocking giraffe). Unfortunately, that scratches up the wood floors quite a bit! So, I decided, since we're 'leaving them' for the next few days, I'd get them another pony. They were very excited & immediately started racing through the house!

And here is our last picture as a family of 4. Ava & Drew don't care to have their picture taken lately...especially when there's a new toy & Noni & Dandy involved...so this is the best we could do. But, I think it's cute!

Too close?

On Sunday, Ava & Drew got close to watch the Cowboys game. Not sure how comfortable that could be! :)

Couch potatoes & Playing in the rain

Saturday was a day for sitting on the couch watching football & playing in the rain.

Ava after playing outside in the rain:

Last day as a family of 4..

Or what *should* have been ....

I had big plans for Thursday: breakfast & play at Jungle Java in the morning; naps for the kids & work/errands in the afternoon; then, dinner w/ my mom & dad.

INSTEAD.... we did go to breakfast, then Drew & I spent 1 1/2 hrs at the drs office to get the dreaded diagnosis: swine flu! Got a RX for both kiddos, since Ava had already been coughing, then called my drs office--I was also having some symptoms. To be on the safe side, my dr suggested rescheduling the c-section to Tuesday & starting me on Tamiflu. We then spent the rest of the afternoon trying to keep 2 kids that didn't feel good happy, rested & hydrated.

Of course, I wanted to do what was best for the baby...but, am kind of sad today not to be holding him/her(& STILL not knowing boy or girl! ;)). Fortunately, it seems that we caught it early enough & the tamiflu is working quickly. The kids seem to feel great...w/ just the occasional cough. I'm a little worse off, but still just a little achy w/ a cough....and impatient for Tuesday to get here! :)
Here are a couple of pics from our 'last' breakfast out:

Ava did not want her picture taken!

And resting on the couch today w/ Dad:

Playing together

I just love that Ava & Drew can play-without fighting-sometimes. Not exactly sure what game they are playing, they certainly seem to be having fun.