I’ll be truthful here. Adjusting to two kids is hard. I’m trying to take it moment by moment, and we are doing pretty good, I’d say. But it is overwhelming to be needed so much. That’s one thing about having kids… you have to give up so much of “you” and “your time”. It is definitely worth it, and as they get older, there’s more down time for you. But right now with the addition of #2 to our family, it feels like between the needs of the two of them and the daily needs of life (meals, dishes, laundry), there’s nothing left over for me. And when Brian is so sweet and offers to take care of them so I can go out and get coffee or whatever, I’d much rather nap, or I get caught up on other things I’ve got to do and before I know it, my window of opportunity to leave has disappeared. That’s the other thing I’d forgotten about having a newborn… there is NO multi-tasking when you have a floppy little baby nursing every 2 hours. You can just sit, snuggle your little one, and make mental lists of all the things you’d like to get done (like writing thank you notes and sending out baby announcements). And two hours later, you find yourself in the glider rocker again, nursing, and the list is the same. I know it’ll improve. I have to be honest, though, and say that adjusting to 2 is HARD. I’m surprised so many venture to have a #3 (or #4 or more!!! Amazing people…)! But then there are the quiet moments like I just had: Josiah dozing, snuggled in my arm, and Analise curled up next to us on the couch. It IS all worth it. Above photo:Our first photo of Analise holding Josiah. We got about 10 pictures, but this is as good as it gets. She was very gentle with him, but when she was done wanting to hold him, she just sort of let him go and sort of dropped him. Thankfully, he was resting on my leg, and I had my hand right there. Below photo: Snuggled up on the couch with my sweet little ones after the patriotic celebration at Brian’s parents church.

All in all, we’re doing pretty well. I’m tired, of course. The sleep deprivation is catching up to me. It wasn’t so bad at first, maybe because my body remembered it from not-too-long-ago with Analise. But we’ve been well taken care of. We’ve had friends from church bring us delicious meals a couple days of each week. Josiah’s 4 weeks old today! He’s awake more, with his sweet wide blue eyes. Analise is doing great. She’s learning to be patient with me when I have my hands full with Josiah, and I’m learning when I can set him down and help her. It’s a balancing act – literally! Below photo: A thoughful Josiah resting on my arm – his favorite place to rest – at the patriotic celebration.

One little side note I have to relate… today’s the first day in about 9 months that I’ve worn non-pregnant non-elastic waist pants:) Small victory, gotta celebrate it. I’m only 7 pounds over what I weighed when I got pregnant with Josiah (still a few more over where I was before A, but we’ll take things one step at a time). Below photo: Anlaise got a new (used) bed! A neighbor of a friend gave it to us. It’s in great condition, and it’s got a dollhouse/bookcase headboard. It’s low to the ground, and we’re hoping that by August or so, she’ll be ready to try sleeping in it. Here’s a picture just after we got it set up, as she’s invited “everyone” (stuffed animals and Josiah) to join her on the bed.

Ok, for the blog-reading faithful, as a reward for listing to my honesty, here’s some pictures of life in the Toone house. Slight disclaimer – they’re not the best, but I think most of you (particularly the far-away grandmas and grandpa!) don’t care and just want to see glimpses of the cute little ones. Below photos: Analise enjoying the baskets of clean laundry. She wanted Josiah to join her:) Lastly, we’re having a hard time keeping Josiah’s pacifier out of Analise’s hands. She thinks her stuffed animals – particularly Ernie – need something to suck on.

Kristine’s dad brought us a cool bike trailer when he came to visit us last week. So far we’ve gotten Analise it into twice. The first time she was shreiking because she didn’t want to wear her helmet even though she really really wanted to ride in the trailer. Today she was a little more compliant and wore her helmet so she got to enjoy a fun ride with me all the way to the grocery store. It’s about 1.5 miles each way with lots of hills. We had fun, but it was hard work pulling her up the hills. Analise was quiet most of the way to the grocery store, but then she had so much fun at the store I didn’t think I was going to be able to get her to leave. I bribed her with the promise of snacks and then she was quite talkative on the way home and had fun rearranging her bear beside her as we were riding.

Also, I went for a bike ride the other day and took a video of the climb up Shades Mountain which I do on my commute home from work. For some reason, the audio is “off-speed” so my voice sounds high pitch and a little bit fast. It’s too big of a file to download, but you can probably stream it using your broadband connection by clicking the picture below:

This is my dilemma. It seems that both my babies are intense “suckers”. They need to suck to go to sleep and comfort themselves. Honestly, no offense to those who use them, but I just hate pacifiers. I don’t like how they look like a plug. But it takes a while for babies to learn to get their thumb in their mouths. Analise didn’t start sucking her own thumb until about a month or 6 weeks old. We tried a pacifier – in desperation – with her, but she would suck so hard it would just pop right out. We didn’t have the patience to keep putting it in, especially when we were trying to get some rest, too. She sucked on my pinky when she needed to, and eventually found her thumb.
Now, I know that thumb-sucking is a hard habit to break. I suppose we’ll deal with that down the road, and maybe I’ll change my opinion. But pacifiers seem so hard to keep track of and to keep clean (yes, thumbs are hard to keep clean too, but I feel somewhat less in control of keeping them clean… doesn’t make sense, but I can’t explain any better!).
But in desperation these past few days, I’ve been using a pacifier with Josiah. Thankfully, the hospital sent us home with 2. It’s definitely been needed, and I’m sort of resigning myself to him being addicted to it, though we have a “thumb sucking lesson” each day as I try to loosen his tight little fist to get his thumb free to suck. He prefers my finger to his. He’s grudgingly accepted the pacifier for the moment.
Anyway, the end of this story is kind of funny. (Besides the fact that God is teaching me not to make up my mind about how I’m going to do things ahead of time!) Yesterday, I found 2 tiny ants inside Josiah’s pacifier. GROSS. No idea where they came from, and it looks impossible to get in there. I’m baffled. Anyway, I wasn’t going to use it again, of course, and we had lost the other. We managed through the night, but today has been a struggle to get Josiah to comfort himself. Thankfully, Brian just came home with not one, not two, but three pacifiers. Guess we’re on board the pacifier boat for a while. I’ll keep you posted…

Well, I started a blog on Thursday and again on Friday about how we’re managing on our own (since my mom left on Thursday – have I mentioned that yet? I can’t remember…), but most of it is null by now. There have been ups and downs, good moments and bad moments. Let’s just say that I’m praying often for grace and patience. It’s definitelyl easier when there are as many adults around as children… or more!
Josiah is as handsome as ever. I’d post pictures, but my brain is a little foggy right now, and I should go grab a quick nap. He has been awake more, which is nice, since we get to see his handsome blue eyes looking at us. But he’s had frequent tummy aches after eating, and I feel bad that I can’t make him feel better. He needs to burp for a good half an hour after eating, and I feel like it’s not leaving me with much time that he doesn’t need to be held. He also seems to be startling himself awake very easily. Today he’s not slept much at all, so I just tried swaddling him to see if that’ll help. At night, he’s very restless in his bassinett in our room, but he’s sleeping really well in the Boppy pillow or the swing. We’ll figure things out… I remember that we struggled a bit when Analise was about 3 weeks old, but adjusted pretty quickly. *fingers crossed* that the same happens here.
Ok, gonna go grab a rest, and maybe I’ll come back when I’ve got something fun – like pictures or a sweet/funny story – to relate.

I was the victim of a hit and run accident on Friday on my way home from a meeting at Birmingham Southern. Fortunately, I’m OK. The first picture above shows what is left of my bike. The front fork was sheered in two cutting through the bicycle computer wire attached to the front wheel. Fortunately, I think I was airborne as soon as the car hit my front wheel and my leg may have hit the car with a glancing blow because it is the sorest part of my body. I did a complete flip as I saw the ground spin 360 degrees before landing flat on my back cushioned by a loaded backpack containing shoes and clothes from the meeting I had just been to at Birmingham Southern University. I also somehow managed to bruise both sides of my other leg which never came into contact with the car.

So what happened? That’s the second picture. I was riding my bike on Montevallo Rd heading south in the direction pointed by the green arrow. I was riding with the flow of traffic several feet from the shoulder as I had just passed through an intersection and wanted to be as visible as possible. (Note: if you ride too close to the shoulder, this reduces your visibility to motorists who are typically looking at the center of the traffic lane for cars.) The car which hit me was traveling north in the direction pointed by the red arrow. The yellow arrow indicates the entrance to a Shell gas station. This is where the accident occurred. The car traveling north must not have seen me or must have assumed that I was going to yield to him as he was making a left turn into a gas station. I don’t know. Judging by the angle and speed with which he was trying to enter the gas station, it was clear that he was trying to cut in front of me (or perhaps a car behind me?) to get into the gas station. I was going about 20mph and the car heading north was going possibly the same speed. I had no time to react. I didn’t even see him until his car was coming almost head on into me in my lane. I knew that he was going to hit me and there was absolutely nothing I could do but tuck and roll as soon as I was flying through the air. I remember several things very vividly about the moment of impact and the first 30 seconds afterwards:

1. Seeing the driver and the car coming almost straight at me in my lane
2. Hearing one or two people screaming close by in the parking lot of the gas station simultaneously …
3. … as I was flying through the air and seeing horizontal flip through 360 degrees
4. Being conscious and waiting for the moment of impact with the ground
5. Assessing whether I was hurt instantly after impact with the ground
6. Getting up almost immediately and approaching the car which hit me to find out what on earth had just happened
7. The driver mouthing the word “sorry” through a closed window
8. Finally and most importantly, 1D3303Y, the license plate number of the car as he drove off

The gas station was full of people, and three different people actually saw the whole thing. A young man and his mother (I think she may have been the one screaming) were first to reach me, and then another man named Paul who saw the accident dialed 911 and handed me the phone so I could give them the license plate number right as the guy was practically peeling out of the gas station. Paul stayed with me until the police came to make sure I was OK and to let me use his cell phone to call someone to come pick me up. He even called me later that evening to make sure I was OK. Paul, you are awesome. Thanks so much man!

When the police came, they took down all the information and said a hit-and-run detective should be contacting me shortly. The policewoman seemed to think that because I got the license plate number, they should be able to track down the person and hold him accountable for what he did.

I first called Kristine to let her know I was OK and to see if she could come pick me up, but she had never been to this part of Birmingham, and it wasn’t exactly easy to give instructions on how to get there. So she suggested I have my dad come pick me up. I called him and he came over, but by now it was rush hour traffic and it seemed like it was forever before he made it. Paul had already left, so I had to ask a couple people at the very busy gas station if I could borrow their phone to call and direct him how to get here in case he was lost. He made it and we made it home.

So right now I’m not sure if my bike is fixable. At first glance, it looks like at a minimum the front fork and front wheel (and bike computer) need replacing. That will cost at least $500. But the rest of the bike needs to be examined very carefully to make sure there aren’t any cracks or stress fractures caused by the impact with the car. My insurance company has already told me they won’t pay for any damages to my bike because “it’s not a vehicle and even if it was it would have to have its own policy.” I’m very disappointed with them, even if it is impressive how quickly they got back to me after we called them yesterday.

I got my Specialized Allez into working condition and rode it this morning. I felt pretty good, but cut the ride short when my left leg (the one that hit the car) started throbbing and feeling all the bumps in the road. Here’s some pictures from the ride.

View of Samford University from Hwy 31 at the crest of Shades Mountain

View of Ruffner Mountain from the same spot

Though it is a day late, I can’t forget to mention that yesterday, June 28th, was our 3rd wedding anniversary. So much has happened in three years! I’ve got such sweet memories of our wedding day… you can recap the whole event – even watch it on video – here: http://www.toonesalive.com/wedding/.

It’s been an amazing adventure alongside you, Brian. You’re an awesome husband, father, and friend, and I’m so very blessed that God brought us together. Thanks for staying up half the night to make me a beautiful anniversary present. I love you so much!

Yes, it’s that time of night AGAIN. But I couldn’t let today, June 29th, pass without posting a birthday wish for my sweet Analise. My little girl is two years old today! I can’t believe it… Seems like just yesterday that Brian and I were celebrating our first anniversary in the hospital in Davis, waiting for Analise to be born. She’s grown up so much! I can’t believe what a little girl she’s turning into! We celebrated this evening with Brian’s parents and brother. We have some cute pictures that Brian was in the middle of resizing to post, but I think sleep deprivation has caught up to him, as he’s asleep on the couch with Josiah. Anyway, I think Analise had a lovely day. I know we had a wonderful day celebrating her. I know that looking back on how time has passed on your own birthday is fun, but it’s a whole different perspective when it’s your child. You can’t believe how much “life” has happened, how much they’ve grown, and at this age, how much they’ve changed into a little person. It’s amazing. It definitely tugs at your heart.

I’ll sign off, but hopefully Brian or I will get some pictures up tomorrow. Oh! And the professional pictures from Tuesday turned out great – you’ll see them soon as well. Blessings!

It’s that time of night again… I should be in bed now that Josiah is calling it a night, but I’m going to post a few tidbits before I forget them.

Bwackas and Boppas
As we’ve mentioned before, Analise named Brian’s mom, Beverly, “Bwacka”, and Brian’s dad, “Boppa” in liew of Grandma and Grandpa. When my mom arrived, she started calling her “Grandma Sandy” and sometimes, “Bwacka Sandy”. She’ll even call Beverly “Grandma” sometimes now. My dad arrived last week, and Analise immediately named him “Poppa Dale”. She took an immediate liking to him, which was so sweet. Since he left yesterday, she’s been asking, “Where’s the Poppa Dale?” (She has a fun way of asking where people are, for example, “Where’s the Mommy? Where’s the Boppa?” It’s very, very cute.) Anyway, she’s missed Poppa Dale. Last night was a first: We always say our prayers before she goes to bed, and we ask her who she wants to thank Jesus for. She’s only ever said Boppa and Bwacka until last night. Her first request was Poppa Dale and Grandma Sandy. My heart just melts. I wish my parents lived closer to enjoy her more!

Mothering a little boy
I’m a slow learner. I’d been warned of the ability of boy babies to “spray” at any time that they were diaperless. But our first 5 days with Josiah were event-free, and I got a bit lax. At the doctor’s when he was 5 days old, I had just taken his diaper off and was lifting him from the examining table to the scale when I got wet. All over me, the car seat, the floor and the examining table. Ag! The nurse chuckled and told me she’s more surprised if it DOESN’T happen. I was cleaning Josiah up on the changing table, thinking I had a minute before the doctor came in, I got sprayed AGAIN, just as the doctor walked in. I was so embarrassed, covered in pee and trying to keep from getting wet. Our doctor couldn’t believe this was my first “incident”, and he related that he was sprayed when his son was 5 minutes old!! I’ve since been sprayed countless times, and I don’t feel like I’m getting any better preventing/avoiding. Brian doesn’t understand why I can’t keep from getting wet or keep things covered, but he’s only changed a fraction of the diapers since we came home from the hospital. His time will come, I’m sure. I’m hoping I’m going to get better at this. Any suggestions from the moms of boys out there? I know you’re reading this!

Growing!
Today was Josiah’s 2 week appointment (at 16 days old). He already weighs 8lbs 11oz! He was 7lbs 11 oz when he was born, dropped to 7lbs 3oz when we left the hospital, and at 4 days old, he was back up to 7lbs 9oz. That means he’s put on 18 oz (1lb 2 oz) in less than 2 weeks! It’s no wonder, given that he wants to eat every 1 1/2, or even less. We’ve had a couple days of fussiness, and it’s been hard to make him happy… except when he’s sucking on me. Today’s been better, so we’ll keep taking things one day at a time.

Sweet and Sour
This is the best description of my Analise. She’s as sweet and snuggly as ever, funny and lively, full of chatter about any and everything. But she’s had a few sour moments that we’re thinking are the “terrible twos” starting a few days early. She’s still been very sweet with Josiah, and I’m so thankful she’s been so good about sharing us and adjusting to him. She seems to have woken up with a new concept yesterday, though… “Mine!” In the last two days, she’s been telling us quite strongly that things are hers. Hopefully, we can gently learning about sharing and move onto the next fun phase. Tomorrow should be a good day – we’ve got an appointment for 2-year photos! I hope we’ll be able to catch some beautiful Analise smiles, and I’ll get a chance to post them tomorrow.

Purses and Diaper Bags
I just realized something. You know that you’re moving up in the parent ranks when there are more diaper bags than purses in your house. Our “purse/diaper bag” table has 1 purse, 3 diaper bags and 1 kid activity bag. The sad thing is that the purse doesn’t have anything of value in it… it’s all in the diaper bags. Makes life very confusing when you’re trying to grab the kids, the bags and lastly whatever you need!

My Public Service Announcement
Lastly, I’ll share my little lesson from the past week. In the hospital, the pediatrician noticed that Josiah has a small birthmark on his low back over his spine. Sometimes birthmarks like that can indicate a problem in the spine, like spina bifida or a “tethered cord”. He didn’t think that was the case since this wasn’t a birthmark typical of that, but we scheduled an ultrasound of the lower spine just to be sure. It was a simple painless procedure last week, and Josiah slept through it. I, though, had a feeling things weren’t right. Something my untrained eye saw on the ultrasound made me very worried, and the ultrasound tech said that we’d have to wait to talk to the doctor (today) about the results. This was Wednesday, and today’s appointment felt like ages away. I normally don’t stress out very easily, but I was STRESSED out about this. I spent the entire weekend preparing myself for the bad news. I was already blaming myself, too, thinking about the times I hadn’t taken my prenatal vitamins due to my miserable morning/all day sickness, and how that could be the reason something was wrong. (Prenatal vitamins are especially important in the first trimester, when the spinal cord is developing. Folic acid has been shown to decrease the number of spinal cord defects.) Needless to say, everything was just fine at our appointment today. The doctor said that everything had shown up as normal on the ultrasound, much to my relief. I’m embarrassed to admit that I let myself get so consumed by worry. I know God has things in control, and whatever the outcome was, He would have walked with us. I was reminded firsthand how much believing God is a mental battle in the face of our circumstances. We have to CHOOSE to believe that God is God and He is good. The other lesson to take away from this is TAKE YOUR PRENATAL VITAMINS… no matter how queasy you are with morning sickness.

I should really be heading to bed right now. Josiah has had a long day, and we all had a long night. It’s almost 10pm, and he just finally drifted off to sleep (or rather, sucked himself to sleep, after eating nearly ever hour since 4pm). He’s been crying quite a bit like his tummy hurts and he’s only dozed off and on all afternoon. Hopefully, he’s sleeping soundly for a few hours now, and as soon as I post these few pictures, I’m going to sleep while I can.

I know that there are people checking in for pictures, though, and we want to keep the blog-faithful happy! Here’s a few from the past week for you!

The first is the little handsome man on the softest fleece blanket EVER. My sister, Anna, and her husband, Hal, made it for Josiah. I just love fleece blankets. The next two are my parents and their cute grandkids and Brian’s parents and grandkids. We were lucky to snag these 2 pictures (the best of about 15 tries each!) after a dinner out last night. The last is one of my new favorite pictures, taken just today. Enjoy! Hope I get a half an hour or so tomorrow to blog some more!