More Henry

This blog entry is dedicated to our sweet little guy, Henry. It seems that his sister tends to steal the camera sometimes with all her crazy antics, but we don't want our readers to miss the exciting Henry moments either. He will be one whole month old tomorrow and I can hardly believe it. I remember my first month as a first time mom with Maggie was really really hard and long. There were a lot of firsts and unknowns for me. Don't get me wrong I treasure those times with my first born, but it's just different this time around. My precious second child's first month has been so pleasant, albeit my personal sleep ratio from both times is about the same, but I know what to expect with him. Well, that plus he is a very sweet tempered and easy going little baby boy. And, we are so thankful for him.
Here is our little guy doing what he loves best, sleeping and more specifically in his swing. He loves it, which helps when I need my hands free.
Henry, like his sister was, is not a huge fan of tummy time. Ususally within the first minute of putting him on his tummy he will roll onto his back. So, we keep putting him back on his tummy and this is always a tad frusterating for the wee lad.
You lookin' at me?

you snooze you lose

Maggie pulled her first sister prank on Henry last week. He fell asleep during tummy time and Maggie decided his back made a great canvas for her stickers. And, then today I found one of her diapers in the freezer. What am I going to do with these two pranksters.

The prankster hard at work arranging her stickers just so.

Maggie experienced her first real trick or treating gig this week. She took to it like a pro especially when people started dropping strange items in her bucket. We toured our neighborhood early in the day.

And, then we headed over to the Dyers house for some chili and more trick or treating. We met up with a cute little elephant and lady bug in our efforts.
Here let me straighten these for you Cals. And, no we didn't even plan these perfectly coordinated little bug outfits.
Henry decided that trick or treating was best left to the big kids and instead retreated to his Gram's arms.

Maggie also trick or treated on november first because we missed a stop the day before and boy was she glad we did.

Also, this week Henry got to experience the powers of all four grandparents in one location. What a treat! We met up in Rock Hill for some Outback and baby drooling.
Being a big sister certainly has its perks as Maggie has come to find out. Here she is with her new tea set (courtesy of the Ackermans). We think she might have spiked Elmo's cup.
Saturday we finally had to say goodbye to Grams and Dog. We had such a fun week with them here and can't wait until the next time we get to see them.

puzzle time

I just had to post this video of my brilliant 19 month old daughter. She decided that as a big sister she needed to up her toddler skills and put this puzzle together. Henry is already taking notes in the background. Maggie has so much knowledge to share.

Love at first sight

Henry's little life just gets better and better. This week he got to meet two very special people, Grams and Dog (grandpa). They are here for the week helping us acclimate to life with two children and we are so thankful they are here. But, I have a feeling that's not the only reason they came. Here are a few photos from the initial meet and greet.

This ones for you Grandma and Poppa!

The new and improved cousin shot!

Henry and Nanny McMaggie

Henry has been such a sweet addition to our family. We all love him so much and are so thankful he is finally here. One member of our family is especially in love with her new brother. She has taken up her family responsibilities since "Nee-Nee's" arrival by throwing away dirty diapers, bringing paci's, diapers and other needs to mommy and daddy when asked all in an effort to help take care of her new brother. She's even fed Henry a bottle and today she attempted to put his pacifier in his mouth without being asked (we'll have to keep an eye out as she gets more creative in her nannying skills). But, so far it has been fun seeing them interact.

Maggie takes her
nannying skills very seriously and often practices with her baby dolls.
Henry's bilirubin (sp?) was a little high when we took him for some blood work a week ago, so the doctor had us treat him with 24 hour formula feeding (something to do with high hormones in breast milk), so Maggie got a chance to feed a bottle to him and she absolutely loved it. She was so gentle with him and paid such careful attention it was really sweet. And, Henry took a bottle like a champ and his bilirubin level has come back down, although he is still a tad yellow but he wears it well.

Maggie coaches Henry in some "tummy time."

Grandma and Poppa with one of their favorite grandsons.


Big sister having some fun with daddy at Monkey Joe's (Poppa's treat!)
Henry meets one of his favorite aunts!

Maggie enjoying some air time with Uncle John.

Maggie and her cousin"Bro-bee" (Brody) have been joined at the hip. They are really sweet to watch ...there's a lot of cuteness going 'round!
Our precious little Henry Lewis enjoying his Grandma's arms.

Henry's first bath. He didn't really enjoy the body washing portion of his bath. As you can see from his concerned look in this picture.

He's more of a head massage kind of guy. He practically fell asleep during this part. But, that has sort of been his personality. He is really laid back and so sweet. He really has been a blessing to us...God is so good and we cherish His precious children.

Sweet Henry

Okay so now that my (Carrie) world is settling down a bit allow me to tell the story of little Henry's arrival. In the wee morning of October 7th I thought something felt a little different and as it turns out I was in the early stages of labor. I was induced with Maggie so I wasn't real sure if my labor was real or false. Since I had changed my OB appointment to the 8th (I was sure he wasn't coming on his due date) I headed to Bible study instead of to the doctors that fateful day. After Bible study Maggie and I headed over to the Hunts house for some lunch and I still wasn't sure if I was actually in labor. We tried to count between contractions but they were pretty irregular and seemed to flare up when I moved which to me sort of sounded like false labor. So, even though Melissa offered to take Maggie so I could sort through things, I refused (sure I wasn't really in labor on my due date) and headed home for Maggie's nap. After Maggie's nap the "contractions" got a little more intense...okay a lot more intense, and of course I was still in denial. However, I did manage to put the delivery plan into action and called Grandma, doctor, husband, Hunts in that order. (note: Tyler was in the loop the entire day and hence above order should not discount his importance in our plan of action). By the time Jake arrived I was barely able to move between contractions AND at this point I am convinced that I am actually in labor. Tyler showed up shortly thereafter and we headed to the hospital. Timing the contractions all the while, which were 3...2...1 minute apart as we got closer. When we finally got there I was 9cm and ready for action. The only thing keeping me from having Henry taxi style was the fact that my water hadn't broken. So, needless to say Henry was born a very short while after we arrived at the hospital. What a way to make an entrance. So this is what we know about our little guy so far. First, he likes to be on time to important events (i.e. being born right on his due date). Secondly, he is absolutely adorable and quite possibly the sweetest little baby boy on the planet. Thirdly, it is impossible not to fall head over heels in love with this little man when you meet him. And of course we know without a doubt that he is a precious precious gift from the Lord to us. We are so thankful for his safe arrival into this world and into our family. The Lord has been so good to our family and has blessed us with a healthy beautiful little boy. I was a little unsure at first if I could love Maggie's brother the way I loved/love her, but it is incredible how your love doesn't divide it multiplies! It helps me to understand just a little bit more of how our Father can love all of His children individually and perfectly.