a few things

Roscoe is almost 16 weeks old. That can't be right, but it is. He's the sweetest human being I've ever met. Absolutely magical. I still stare into his face and can't believe it's real.

Henry is becoming this true kid, all full of grit and fun. He's creative, explosive, fascinating and kind. He's started sleeping in his own bed-- all night, by himself. I feel like that is some sort of miracle. He'll tell you stories, if you ask him. They're usually full of Avengers, bad guys and righted wrongs. This stage is so much fun.

As always, I feel like time is slipping through my fingers. I need to slow down; I confess I'm not doing a good job of doing that lately. Breathe. Pray. Forgive. Move forward. Get better. The usual.

Hendo Quotes...

"I've got a present for ya! It's a poopy!!!" 

"I'm not Iron Man! I'm Captain America, and I have a shield!"

"Who cares anyway?"

"You've got a cookie mommy?! That's nice! I can have one, too, right?!"

Basket Boy!

So, I found this on Pinterest, and I HAD TO DO IT. Mostly, because it looked insanely easy. I always have a full basket of clothes! 

Of course, who knew this kid would almost be out of the basket already!? 

              

                                2 weeks                                                              8 weeks

Things are going beautifully here. Being a mama of two has been a surprisingly simple transition for me. I thought it would be so much tougher, but I've found that being calm and trusting myself gets me pretty far. It gets me through grocery stores and even to the park! :)

Hendo has been doing so much better. Lately, I've turned around to find Henry bending over Roscoe saying, "Hey, yittle brodder! I yove you!" It's pretty much the best.

Soule Mama "this moment"

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

2 Baby Boys

Hendo just told me, "I'm a tall baby, mama!" And I'd have to say, this is the truth. The whole fascinated with the baby/ jealous of the baby/ still wants to be a baby thing is still in full swing around here. And you know what? That is okay! I'm in no rush to have this kid growing up on me. He can stay little as far as I'm concerned.

I talked with a mom when I was probably 4 months pregnant with Roscoe, "OH MY GOD," she told me, "TWO IS IMPOSSIBLE!" The conversation was completely negative, all about her awful experiences, lack of alone time and overall stress. Even then, I said, "Well, I'm so sorry to hear that! I just have faith that it's going to be awesome."And you know what? I think it is what you make it, BABY! 

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.