Only Two Weeks Post-Partum-Seriously??

Well It really does not matter what I write on our blog because I dont think people look at it anymore. So this ones for Codi. This is a picture that I took of the two best ladies in my life. (Sorry mom and mom in law, but both of you have officially been lowered in ranking since the newbie arrived.) This was 2 weeks after Kendell was born, on the day that we blessed her.

Can I say how hot my wife looks?? Seriously two weeks??

4 weeks

4 WEEKS?!? How is my newborn 4 weeks already?!? Time is just flying by! She is a wonderful, sweet baby and we love her to pieces!! Sometimes I have to be referee to make sure the boys aren't loving her too much, but I'm just glad they are so thrilled to have her here. Xander, especially, just can't get enough of her! He is constantly telling me "Ohh.... mommy, our baby girl is soo cute!" He loves her, and loves being near her. He's a great helper and very gentle. The other day she started to cry and when Blayne said "Mommy, baby need you." Xander said "No, she need me." He jumped up, ran over, and said to her "It's okay baby, Xander's here." He then began singing our lullaby to her and placing a pacifier in her mouth. She immediately calmed down and just smiled back at him. It was such a precious moment. Blayne doesn't invade her space as much as Xander but he does think she's "sooo cute!" and loves her.
She, as you can tell from the picture above, she seems to be another Daddy fan. I thought I might get lucky with her and have one child who is a Mommy's girl, but just like her brothers.... it's all about daddy. I've caught her grinning while he holds her more than a few times and often when he speaks she quickly turns her head his way. Oh well, I guess I can't blame them I'm a Daddy fan too! She loves her brothers and Daddy, and LOVES to be held. I'm guessing that having 2 1/2 weeks of adults continually taking turns, and anxious over who gets to hold you next, will do that to you. But why wouldn't we want to hold this sweetheart?!?



So far the only thing she seems to dislike is tummy time and rolls herself to her back almost immediately after I place her on her belly. She has a remarkably strong neck so I'm not too worried about enforcing tummy time.
Things so far have been going quite well, besides the lack of sleep, and I just can't wait to see how things progress as we take on the challenge of being a family of five. However... with the help of my other nuggets and their fabulous daddy I have a feeling things will go quite smoothly.

Day 1

So today is my first official day all alone with the kids..... let's see if I survive. (Especially after getting only 3 hours of sleep)

It's currently 12:20pm and earlier I was successful in getting all four of us (myself included) fed, bathed, and dressed before 11:00am. I'm going to consider that success #1, and breathe a big sigh of relief.
At this moment Kendell is laying quietly in her pack and play checking out her surroundings, after being fed and having awake time, hopefully she'll dose off when the boys take their naps and we can all take an afternoon nap together. The boys and I are finishing up our own lunches and then it's off to read stories, sing songs, and **cross those fingers for me** then nap time. Other than Kendell having a hard time realizing the difference between day and night and occasionally having crying fits that cut into my sleepy time, things have gone well so far. The boys are really being good listeners and good helpers, of course... this could just be the calm before the storm, but I'm hoping it's behavior that is here to stay. After all, they really are good boys most of the time.
We have had a few moments of tears (both the boys and me) with the realization that Popa and Nana Kendell really are gone. You would think that 2 1/2 weeks would have lasted longer instead of flying by the way that it did.
We really were spoiled while they were here, and loved every minute we were able to spend with them. I'm sure they were happy to get home and no longer have the jobs of "Nanny" and "Manny" but they were gracious enough not to let it show while they were here. Hopefully within the 2 1/2 weeks they spent with us here my subconscious picked up on what to do to be a good parent because they are definitely two of the best! I don't know how I got lucky enough to have them as my parents but I'm forever grateful for that blessing.
Thankfully, our kids got the wonderful blessing of having Zach as a dad and I was lucky enough to snag him as a husband, I don't think another man could do all that Zach does half as well. Well, lunch time is over. Time to see if a nap is in our near future. **Cross the fingers, cross the fingers....**


Until the next post giving the details and pictures of the last few weeks, enjoy this adorable photo of Xander and Kendell (he absolutely adores her).

SHE'S HERE!!!!!

KENDELL GRACE BECK




has finally arrived!!!!

She came June 15, 2011 at 12:13 pm. She weighed 9 lbs 3 oz. and measured 21 inches. She looks like her daddy and brother Xander, and has a good amount of dark hair. Zachary is keeping his fingers crossed that his wish will come true and her dark hair is here to stay.
She is the sweetest little girl and FYI.... she is not chubby, fat, chunky, or rolled..... she's just healthy. Her brother's already adore her, and her parents are thrilled to have her here.
Although it took forever for her to decide to make her entrance (you've read my posts the last few weeks), when she did, mommy only had to push three times and out she came. Right now we're just adjusting to our new life and enjoying our sweet little girl.

What was that?!?

Lately the boys have been blowing Zach and I away with the words and phrases that have been coming out of their mouths. They just seem to be growing up so quickly and understanding things that I really didn't think they could possibly comprehend. So without further ado.... I bring you the latest addition of "isms".

XANDER-ISMS:



A few days ago while riding in the car I was telling Zach my latest uncomfortable pregnancy moment. I had been with the boys when a lady approached me, began asking me questions about my pregnancy, and then with BOTH HANDS began rubbing my belly. Zach gave a chuckle and replied: "You're kidding me! She actually did that?" Me: "Yes, can you believe it?" Then from the back of the car came a little voice that said "Uhh.. Awkward!" Shocked and surprised, Zach and I turned to each other mouths gaping wide and began laughing. Yep, my little Xander had just said the word awkward, and actually used it correctly. Apparently mommy has been using that word a little too much lately, but let's be honest... people do and say some really awkward and strange things to pregnant ladies.

Then a day later as we sat talking at the table after dinner Xander climbed up into Zach's lap and I made the comment about how interesting it is that we have two boys who are basically miniature carbon copies of each of us. Zach turned to Xander and asked "Are you a little mini version of me?" to which he received the reply "Yes, but if I keep eating and sleeping, then I will wake up and be as BIG as you some day daddy." To which Zach replied "You mean you'll be as tall as daddy right 'cause daddy isn't BIG is he?" "Well, if you don't eat your 'vegebles' and 'ex-ersize' then you will be BIG daddy." Let's just say that Zach and I both skipped out on dessert that night.


BLAYNE-ISMS:



Blayne's "isms" may not have been as shocking as Xander's but they sure have been heart melting.

On Saturday morning Zach came walking into the kitchen for breakfast and received quite the warm welcome...
Blayne: "Oh Daddy, you look so handsome!"
Then on Sunday morning when I came into the front room I was met with....
Blayne: "Aww... that dress so cute." and "Your hair so pretty mommy."
Basically, giving us the best start to a day anyone could ask for. Who wouldn't want their own personal affirmation specialist?

So, our little boys are growing up and taking our breath away daily. They continually surprise me with their intelligence, their compassion, their wit, and imaginations (they currently have a slight obsession with cowboys- thanks Feifel goes West).

I can't wait to hear the "isms" that will come out of their mouths when this little girl finally decides to make her appearance.

39 weeks....

AND NO END IN SIGHT. UGH.......


We have come to the conclusion that I had better get used to looking at this large belly because apparently this little girl has decided to stay in as long as possible. For the last few weeks I continue to have long, strong contractions that get my hopes up and then quickly come to an abrupt end. It's like she's playing a never ending game of "Psych!!" just to mess with me. All morning long and throughout church I was having contraction after contraction. Then, as soon as we got home, they became very sparse and our hopes were dashed once again.
They boys are even beginning to get frustrated as the time when Nana and Papa will be coming keeps getting further and further away. They have even begun praying that "Nana and Papa will get here soon." or that they can "go to Nana and Papa's house instead." Last night while talking on the phone with my parents I believe they asked when they were coming about 15 times. (I hear you boys... I can hardly wait myself!!)
Basically Zach and I have decided that these last few weeks have been just a very large lesson in Patience and Trust in the Lord for the both of us, but to be honest.... Zach is handling this lesson with much more grace than I am. He has been absolutely fabulous and mega supportive. He not only listens to my whining and complaining, but then asks what he can do to help or simply does something like begins rubbing my feet/legs. He doesn't complain that the house is gross, or that the meals have been a little lacking, and even though he may be tired after a long day of work.... he is always ready and willing to do anything for or with the boys.
Yeah, HE'S THE BEST!!

The countdown...

We are officially down to 25 days and counting!!!

Yep, pretty soon we'll be able to meet our newest little bundle of joy! While the countdown slowly makes progress we've done a few things to get ourselves ready for her arrival....

** A BABY SHOWER!! **
Yep, thanks to some fabulous friends of mine here, I was treated to a baby shower at the fabulous Cherry Berry Yogurt Bar!
The day was beautiful and the set up out on the patio was adorable! We had some great food, some delicious Yogurt, and a great time! Thanks ladies for all the lovely gifts and for taking such great care of me and my little family!!




~ Also, a BIG thanks to all of my wonderful family and friends in other states who have gone out of their way to send some sweet gifts for our precious little lady!! We can't wait to see her in all of the adorable little outfits, and use all of the wonderful little "mommy helpers" (slings, boppy covers, etc...). ~

** SPEAKING OF GIFTS **
I don't know how... but I am blessed to have amazingly talented siblings and friends who can make and do just about anything! So... I have decided to highlight two of these talented people who have sent me some amazing hand made baby items for our little sweetheart!

First off.... my fabulous sister Kim. Having Kim as a sister has always been a blessing and now she's blessing the life of my little one with a beautiful bird mobile.


It initially came looking a little different, but sadly someone got their naughty little hands on it and almost ruined it. Thankfully, my amazingly wonderful husband came to the rescue and we were able to save the beautiful birds. Check out her Etsy site, Peekaboo monkey, to see all of her amazingly adorable hand made items!

Secondly... my great friend Bekah. Bekah reminds me a lot of my sister Kim. They are both beautiful, intelligent, talented women who can make just about anything they see or put their minds to. Seriously while living next to Bekah in Oklahoma I think I felt my "woman points" melting away every time I stood next to her. Thankfully though my little girl is being blessed by Bekah's talents with these adorable items.
#1: An adorable reversible car seat cover:

#2: And a fabulously convenient diaper changing pad:

Check out her adorable Etsy site, Humble Pie Originals, to get your own fabulous baby gifts!

** NURSERY SET UP **
Last, but not least, we are making the finishing touches to our little ones nursery. We've still got a little left to do, but this is how it's going so far.....







Well, that's all I have to share for now. Hopefully, the countdown will pass quickly and we'll be able to show you pictures of our newest addition soon!
Thanks again everyone for everything! It's greatly appreciated!!