28 years young.

Hendrix's new favorite thing to announce is, "I have two babies, mama!" He usually pulls that one out while I'm nursing Roscoe and cuddling him at the same time. He'll sit back and say it as though he's realizing it for the first time, "I have two babies, mama!" Sometimes, he says it more like a question, "I have two babies mama?!" as though he's trying on the idea for size, moving around in his new role as a sibling.

I find myself whispering that to myself in the middle of the night between feedings. I curl up with my pillow after laying a perfect, sighing Roscoe down in his bassinet, in awe of my new life. "I have two babies. Two babies..."

In a lot of ways, I can barely reflect on the past year, because so much of it is all about this. I have two babies. My boys are my whole world. I am happier than I have ever been; I feel more at home in my skin than ever before. Life is so good.

A year ago, as I wrote this, Roscoe was a mere possibility, a conversation. Now he's here. My little boy, my family. I have two babies. There's not much else to tell right now; I am so blessed.

Roscoe Everett!

My little champ is already a week old! I can't believe that's possible. Roscoe is right now the joy of our life. He's absolute magic. I had no idea what to expect welcoming another member to this family, and I have to say, it's just right. He is meant for us, so perfect. He is our family.

His birth was intense. I'll be working on his birth story for a while, I'm sure. Things of note? I had my membranes swept at 10:30 in the morning on March 8th, and he was in my arms by 9:15 that night. It was back labor again. It was absolutely intense. My voice is still hoarse. I terrified most of the other people on the birthing floor. But? It was all natural, not even a tylenol. I died with love right away.

Hendrix loves his little brother. He does. Watching them meet was absolutely amazing.

It hasn't been easy. I can't tell you how much I wish I had 4 arms. Hendrix has been my EVERYTHING for the past 2 and a half years. There isn't a whimper that hasn't been answered immediately by me. And now, there's another whimperer in my house. As a matter of fact, he's kind of a screamer. He can't help it, really. That has been so hard to watch Hendrix deal with. As a matter of fact, I feel like I'm going through it with him. There has been a lot more melt-downs. He's become more aggressive. He's been fighting sleep like a ninja. It's everything you read about, you try to prepare yourself for, but there's nothing like experiencing it. Obviously, it has been breaking my heart. Last night, Eric walked Roscoe to sleep while I rocked Hendo, whispering a million love notes into his ears. He just kept kissing me and saying, "Yove you so much, mommy." I cried and cried after he fell asleep.

Think they look alike?

Obviously this is such a short season in our family. I'll blink and these boys will be fighting over the video game controller. But I so want to do right by the both of them. I want to love them both fully, to give them everything they need to feel whole and safe. For now, I have to remind myself that I'm doing all I can, and trust that all the love I've given and am giving Henry will help him to deal with this transition, and come out of it an even more confident and secure little 2 year old.

GAH. So, there's all that. I love my boys so much. There aren't words. We are so blessed.

Roscoe Everett

March 8th, 2012

7 pounds, 7 ounces

19 1/2 inches

perfect.

keepin' it real

I want to write about this picture, even though all I want to do is sleep, and I feel like crying-- I need to write about it. Today was one of those days. One of those "miss your child's nap window" days. One of those "lose your temper and feel like a terrible mother days." It's not easy, being a full time attachment parent. It's not. And now, with this little one coming (taking his precious time, but coming), I'm starting to feel all out of sorts and intimidated by the idea that soon and very soon, I will be juggling a newborn and a very high need toddler. That's scary, exciting, but scary.

Today, Henry fought his nap for 2 full hours. We tried everything: a drive, books, television, breathing, rocking, massage... nothing was working. All the while, here I am, 39 weeks pregnant, feeling nauseous, emotional and exhausted, trying to keep my cool. It was a terrible scenario, to be honest. But that's why I need to write about it, because you know what? He's asleep now. I put a little terror in the car and within 2 min, he became the little angel you see above. Then, I came home, and I put him in his bed, and he sighed the most perfect sigh and everything was right with the world again.

You know what? There will be more days like today, but then, I'm going to blink, and my little 2 year old is going to be in school. He wont be home with me all the time, and eventually, he'll be off on his own entirely. And you know what? I'd probably trade one of those future lonely (yet peaceful) afternoons for this crazy one.

So, I'm posting to remind myself that Henry will eventually go to sleep. I need to stop, breathe and cherish even these tough moments, because they are fleeting, Now, I need to take a nap. I can go all nesting crazy on those dishes later.

38 weeks!

I've honestly been meaning to update more, but MY GOODNESS, have I been busy. I can't believe it, but this kid has stayed in utero longer than his big brother! I honestly did not think I would go as long this time, but it looks as though this child is NEVER LEAVING MY WOMB. Leap Day baby? :)

How far along? 38 weeks, 2 days

Maternity clothes? If the clothes I'm wearing don't say "maternity" on them somewhere, I'm probably embarrassing someone...

Stretch marks? Oh they have arrived in full force.

Sleep: I'm honestly sleeping well!

Best moment this week: Picking up my brother at the train station and realizing that he will really be here for Roscoe's birth. It was a last minute plan for him to come, and I couldn't be happier to have one of my favorite people on earth here. Most likely, he'll be with Hendo when I give birth, which means that my Mother In Law will hopefully be able to be in the room! So happy!

Miss Anything? Alcohol. Honestly. We had a cook out the other night, and I wanted a Corona so badly!

Baby Projects You're working on? I did a little bit of work on his scrapbook!

Movement: Much slower now, but I get some really serious kick action now and then!

Food cravings: CHEESE AND ICE CREAM. Not together.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. I've honestly felt pretty great this week.

Have you started to show yet: Heck yes.

Gender: DUDE!

Labour Signs: Braxton Hicks is my middle name.
Belly Button in or out? Slowly becoming an outie! Does that mean the turkey is done?

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: I am that crazy pregnant girl FOR SURE.

Looking forward to: HOLDING THIS PRECIOUS CHILD IN MY ARMS FOREVER.

the flu.

Hendrix spent most of Tuesday tossing his breakfast, lunch, dinner etc... He didn't pass urine all day. So, we spent Tuesday night in the ER waiting on doctors while Hendo miraculously kept fluid down (of course, right after we were checked in). Wednesday, Eric stayed home and helped me take care of Hen, who was honestly doing a lot better.

Then, Thursday morning, Hendo puked all over on our way back from the donut shop (he requested sprinkles, okay!? Who am I to say no?). So, we got ourselves down to the doctor's office. While waiting, I started to feel insanely nauseous. I planned to go grocery shopping for all things BRAT diet, but instead, I found myself puking into a blue bag (while holding Hendo) in the parking lot. Thank GOD my MIL was with me, because my whole world was stars, and I had no strength in me at all.

Eric came home from work, after picking up Zofran for Hendo and me, an insane amount of Gatorade and disinfectant wipes. And then, the contractions started... I mean, tough ones. The doctor insisted that I go in (even though they were not consistent). At the hospital, they were registering roughly 4 min apart at varying consistencies. It was so scary sitting in that room worrying that I might go into labor before feeling ready (I really have to get some stuff together if I feel well enough this weekend). They gave me the option of going home to rehydrate or staying there and getting an IV. Uh, no brainer, HOME PLEASE.

Though this has in no way been fun, I'm counting the positives. I have gotten some INSANE amounts of cuddle time in with Hendo. We've pretty much been watching movies and reading books in bed non-stop. This morning, he woke up and started to rub my cheeks and say, "Mama feel better?" Also, one amazing thing about our little trip to labor and delivery is that we got to hear a birth! The nurse left the door open when she discharged us and we very clearly heard a little one's entry into the world complete with mom's scream, the dad's loud, "Oh, boy!!!," and the first cry. It was such a nice reminder of the amazing experience we have ahead of us. Now, to just get to feeling better...

34 weeks (almost)

keepin' it green.

How far along? 33 weeks, 5 days

Maternity clothes?I tried to do a better job of getting dressed this week. :)

Stretch marks? None popping up yet!

Sleep: Well, I didn't sleep last night. I'm having a lot of trouble rolling over or getting comfortable at all for that matter. I think I got up 3 times to go to the bathroom last night. INSANE.

Best moment this week: Henry laying down next to me and rubbing my belly while saying, "Hi, Paco!" Then, "Come now?"

Miss Anything? Being able to walk without pain!

Baby Projects You're working on? I've started packing our bags for the hospital. I also got all the cloth diapers stripped and ready!

Movement: He's been head down for probably the last week. He's still moving, but mostly just stretching. Today, I could feel his little fingers moving. SO COOL.

Food cravings: Burritos and anything gummy. Also, ALL FOOD.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Getting up too quickly.

Have you started to show yet: Heck yes.

Gender: DUDE!

Labour Signs: Braxton Hicks have been getting to me lately. One practically doubled me over the other day! I'm really wondering how different labor will be (assuming I don't go through back labor again...)
Belly Button in or out? Innie!

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: I've had some moodiness lately. The other day, Eric asked me if I needed to leave for a break, but that only served to make me more testy. I think I'm going to have to start putting myself in time outs if I can't control my crazy.

Looking forward to: Are you kidding me? ROSCOE. Roscoe. Roscoe. Roscoe. Roscoe!

What to do with Leftover Spaghetti!

I don't know about you, but EVERY. TIME . I make pasta, I make too much. Now, I don't mind eating leftovers, but you don't always want to eat the same thing you just ate.

Enter: SPAGHETTI PIE!!!!

INGREDIENTS

• 6 oz. spaghetti, cooked
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 3/4 cup (3 oz.) Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Parmesan Cheese, divided

• 1 cup Sargento® Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
• 1 cup pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup (2 oz.) Sargento®ChefStyle Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

DIRECTIONS

• 1

  Toss spaghetti with olive oil in large bowl. Stir in eggs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour spaghetti mixture into greased 10-inch pie plate; form into a crust.

• 2

  Spoon Ricotta cheese over spaghetti crust. Top with pasta sauce. Bake in preheated 350°F oven 25 minutes. Top with Mozzarella cheese. Bake 5 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cool 10 minutes before cutting.

I found quite a few recipes, some that called for ricotta cheese and some that called for cottage cheese. I only had a 1/2 cup of ricotta, but I had a ton of cottage. So, I spread the ricotta on half of the crust and cottage on the other. It turned out PERFECTLY. It was all the cheesy goodness this pregnant lady needed. And hey, I used up my leftovers!