The First Week

Well, it's Thursday, which means our little Ivy Soleil is a week old.

First impressions? This transition from two to three isn't as abrupt a collision as we expected. I think that's the case for two reasons. First, London and Liberty are pretty much a package deal. They do everything together, which makes keeping them happy and entertained easier than you'd think. Second, Ivy is small, quiet and immobile. I have a feeling the day she starts crawling is the day the impact will start to be felt.

Or maybe not! We're just thankful that we all are, for the most part, pretty relaxed and proceeding with a sense of normalcy. It isn't hunker-down time, and the past week certainly has shown that!

On Friday, Savannah's birthday, we left the hospital and went across the street for Savannah's birthday lunch of fondue and schnitzel at Gustav's. We then went home to our kids, who were happy to see us (all three of us). It was a great, first night.

On Saturday, we just lounged around the house, a day that ended with a fun trip to Fred Meyer to buy the kids miniature versions of the Pillow Pets they already have. They are big fans.

On Sunday, we had lunch at Grandma Nomi's house, and introduced Ivy to Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Hurt.

When we were released from the hospital, Ivy was classified as having upper-moderate jaundice, and the doctor told me to have her come in for a new PKU test (heel stick) at the Sunnyside lab on Sunday. But then, in our release papers, it said to bring her in Saturday (we were released Friday). Because Savannah's milk came in so soon and Ivy was eating/pooping/peeing so well, we decided to wait until our prescheduled Monday momma/baby checkup.

Of course, everything was awesome. Ivy weighed in at just 2.5 ounces below her birth weight. (This is just four days after she was born; babies are supposed to get back to birth weight by 2 WEEKS!) Her jaundice level was low enough that doctors said the bilirubin was no longer a potential problem. She's been a phenomenal baby at every stage! After the appointment, we all went to the East Portland Community Center for open playtime, which was awesome! Lots of cars, balls and a trampoline!

On Tuesday, Savannah led (that's right -- LED!) her MOPS group at East Hill. I and the kids hopped on the MAX for a fun (and at times, scary) train ride to the Washington Park Zoo, where Savannah and Ivy later joined us. On a day that was predicted to be rainy and cold, we enjoyed a nearly abandoned park. And it's not like we were alone at a rainy zoo -- the weather was dry, and the sun even came out! It was a great day, but people certainly questioned our sanity, having Savannah so active so soon after giving birth.

Wednesday wasn't much different. Savannah and Ivy attended the Damascus Christian MOMS Group there while I took the Ls to open play time at the Sandy Community Center. They had fun with the cars, slides and other toys, and when I wasn't playing with them or hovering over them, I was awkwardly soaking in the weirdness of being the only dad there. After nap time, the day ended with a trip to Wal-Mart to get some much-needed groceries and our NEWEST child -- a brand-new Canon Digital Rebel camera! Look for some amazing pictures soon!

Sleep hasn't been great, but not because of our youngest -- it's because of our OLDEST! London has been night waking one to two times a night, bursting into our room at all hours of the night. That's been difficult, because the process to calm him down and put him back to bed is an involved one each time. Twice this week I've fallen asleep in his bed while trying to lull him back to sleep. Not quite sure what to do about all that.

In summary, it's like Ivy has always been a part of our family. She just fits right in. She is tremendously curious, the coziest cuddler and full of love. You can just tell. I've read about how dads -- not just moms -- have oxytocin release when they cuddle with baby. Man, that oxytocin is some GOOD stuff! It's addictive! I joke with Savannah that Ivy is my little drug.

Great visitors today

Today was a great day of visitors, rest and bonding. Ivy has slept a lot today, still tuckered out by her 12:24 a.m. entrance.

We had some great visitors today. Grandpa "Hey" Steve was the first to stop by -- for the second baby in a row -- this morning, followed by Grandma Nomi (my mom). Next came our family friends Mary Kay and Jeramie Larson, and then Pastor Arlin Hill from East Hill, who came to visit and pray for Ivy and us. Then my best friend Jeff Schroeder, his very pregnant wife Amber, and his mom, Jackie. Then the Hathcock Five was joined by the Dunn Five, as Savannah's brother, sister and parents came, bringing London and Liberty to meet their new little sister for the first time.

Thanks to everyone who came out today, for everyone who sent their well wishes on Facebook, by phone and by text, and for everyone else who has been praying for us! It's been a great day! We just need Ivy to wake up a little bit more so she can eat and then pee!

Here's our first family photo:

Ice, Ice ... Baby?

Well, here we are, in the final hours of February 2011, and our little Ivy still isn't here. For the first time, we're sailing in the uncharted waters of post-term pregnancy. Today, Monday, Feb. 28, is two days past Ivy's due date, and still no imminent signs.

Not that it's a bad thing. This week has had its share of weather scares. Earlier in the week, the news channels got all abuzz about the coming SNOWPOCALYPSE, calling for massive snowfall in the Portland area, which means mega-massive snowfall up here at the 1,000-foot level. We indeed got snow -- and were praying that Ivy wouldn't come, and she didn't. But the snow wasn't THAT bad, anyway.

Over the last week, I've tried ALL the "home remedies" to induce labor, the most popular being the consumption of spicy foods. In the last week I've taken Savannah to Five Guys Burgers & Fries three times, each netting her a large portion of Cajun-style spicy fries. No go.

Despite being worried about the weather earlier in the week (I was out Wednesday and half of Thursday), the biggest worries should have come today, as we got about a foot of snow out of nowhere. (Where were the Snowpocalypse Doomsday Prognosticators THEN?) It was weird, though. I had that peace that surpasses all understanding sweep over me, and I knew that Ivy wouldn't show up during this most inauspicious of times. (That said, I did go to Howcast and get a crash course in baby delivery were the need to arise, because we weren't going ANYWHERE.)

That peace really allowed me to enjoy the day. It started off with me and London getting doughnuts at Joe's, as I noticed the heavy rains turned into snain (snow-rain mix), and then into full-on snow. We played and played upstairs with the Little People farm toys, and then had a leisurely lunch while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. During the kids' nap, Savannah rested while I sat in my recliner working for NewReleaseTuesday.com and watching the flakes come down. After nap, I took London and Liberty outside to play in the snow. We built a snowman, threw snowballs and trudged down the street to the park to swing and slide in the snow.

The snow event came as our groceries essentially ran out. Fortunately, the snow had turned into a citywide slurpee by the time 7 p.m. rolled around, so I was able to slide my way around Sandy to pick up a snow day pizza for dinner. It was overall a good day, because I was able to enjoy it with full assurance that everything was going to be OK.

What happens next? We don't know! We're still trying to come to terms with the fact that we're having a March baby! Any guesses when Ivy will make her grand appearance? Will she come of her own accord, or will we eventually have to evict her?

And... we're back

So, it's been a good... uh... year since we last updated the Hathcock Family blog. Needless to say, life with two TODDLERS leaves little time for updating the blog. They like to push all the buttons on the keyboard, or they ask to watch "Dora" or "Diego" or "Dinosaur Train" or just "a moooovieee."

The reason we're getting back into the swing of things with the blog is that we're going to be adding our third (and final) addition to the family, Ms. Ivy Soleil Hathcock, any day now. I was just reading about the awesome story that surrounded Liberty's birth just two years ago. (I saw "awesome" not because it was all good -- it wasn't -- but because it truly is a memorable one.)

Over the past few weeks, all our energy has gone towards getting ready for Ivy, and for getting over illnesses. Poor Liberty, in the mix of it all, didn't have a birthday party (yet?) and had a fairly subdued birthday -- although I don't know if you'd call Chuck E. Cheese and a fondue dinner "subdued" for a two-year-old.

We had our first false alarm tonight, Feb. 16, as Savannah began to feel some strong contractions and her body cleaned itself out. We've all put in our bets as to when Ivy will come on the scene. Savannah thinks it will be Monday, Feb. 21 -- President's Day -- and I've predicted it will be tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 18. The funny thing about that is that Savannah's baby shower is scheduled for this Saturday, the 19th. We'll see what happens!

This is where we'll post everything once stuff starts happening (and even if it doesn't)!

Christmas is here!?

Wow, we can hardly believe another Christmas fast approaches. It's been a while since we've been on here, but as we've learned, there's really not a lot of time for writing blogs when you're chasing two little ones around!

Quick recap. Liberty is talking, saying "dada", "mama", "more" and "baby." She's also crawling! London says all sorts of words now, and is quite an athlete, singer, theologian and comedian. We had Aunt Stephanie out here the week before Thanksgiving, which was a nice treat. She just ate up little Liberty!

We had fun this past weekend going out to Albers Tree Farm just north of Sandy, as we do every year, to cut down the perfect tree. It's funny; the first time we went out there it was just Sav and I. The second time, same thing. The third time, we had a newborn baby boy. The fourth time, we had a pregnant mama and a 14-month-old. Now, it's all four of us!

We were excited that because of our new house and its 10-foot ceilings we were able to get an awesome, tall tree. Pictures of that are coming soon, but enjoy this family pic of us as we descended the hill into the tree area at Albers Farm.

Merry Christmas to all!

Halfy birthday, Liberty!

Can you believe it -- Liberty is SIX MONTHS OLD today!

In some ways, it feels like she still just got here. In other ways, it feels like she's always been here. Regardless, she's such a precious part of our lives: so calm, cheerful, sensitive and delicate. She fully embraces the Haven part of her name, bringing peace to everyone she meets.

To celebrate her "halfy birthday," please enjoy this video of Liberty trying her first bites of solid food!

Father's Day

I (Marcus) am so thankful to be a dad. London and Liberty are what I'm most proud of in my life, and I couldn't be happier to be their father. God has filled my cup indeed!

Today was a great, busy day. It started with Fatherfest at East Hill, where I took pictures for the archives and had fun talking with friends. Then it was off to Flying Pie, where we got our usual pizza meal deal. Then we scurried downtown and Savannah and I sat and talked in a Smart Park while the kids slept in the car. When they woke up, we walked around Pioneer Place and got some yummy buffalo wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (I'd never been there before). Then we saw "UP," which was a challenge given our two tired children, but it was a great movie nonetheless.

A great day. I have to say, it doesn't compare to last year, though, when we found out Savannah was pregnant with a baby who ended up being Liberty. I had given her a dollar store pregnancy test as a joke last year, and forced her to take it. Boy, were we surprised when it came out positive!

Similarly, this year, our good friends Josh and Angela found out THIS Father's Day that they are having their second baby! What a special day to receive such special news!

One quick, funny story from today: London was dipping celery in ranch dressing at Buffalo Wild Wings, when all of the sudden, he plunged his hands into the ramekin and started spreading the dressing all over his hands and arms. We were wondering what he was doing, but Savannah figured it out quickly: He thought the Ranch was sunscreen! Let's just hope he doesn't start eating SPF-50!

Liberty's coming into her own

Our little princess is really starting to respond to us. We can't believe how big she's getting, and how much she's learning. She likes to talk to Mom and Dad from time to time, and even will laugh when Daddy tickles her. Watch the video below to see her react to Daddy:

New family pics!

Wow, it's been a few weeks, huh?

Well, would you believe we've been busy making videos and taking pictures? You don't believe it? Well, check these new family photos out, taken on Mother's Day. The studio-style one is from the free pictures taken at East Hill; the other was taken at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens. Enjoy!

Even more Easter fun!

We took a lot of pictures and a lot of video this Easter, and we'd be remiss if we didn't give Liberty a little more camera time, nor if we didn't show the new drum set our apartment managers bought London.

So here are two more videos for your enjoyment! Check 'em out!

PawPaw and Gran visit!

Well, we've been busy this past week, as PawPaw Larry and Granny Debra came for a visit from Dalton, Georgia. They came to see Liberty for the first time, and to play with London lots! We went swimming, played instruments, went out to eat, read books and threw balls. London and Liberty took to their Georgia grandparents quite well!

Here are a few looks at what we did! Enjoy the videos!

And... we're back!

Wow... sorry! We've been gone for a little bit, due in part to the fact that we weren't able to find our camera -- the source of all our media -- and the fact that Mama Bear was stricken with the flu.

But the camera's found, Savvy's all better, and we're back!

Here's a little peek into how London is more and more warming up to his sister.

Just one perk of having a little sister

London has discovered that having a little sister has its advantages... one being that he can get some mad air in Liberty's bouncer. Liberty's not too keen on the bouncer quite yet, so London's keeping it warm for her as he propels himself into the air.

London learned a new word tonight: popcorn. And he also learned that he really likes the kettle corn variety of microwave popcorn. He couldn't stop eating it! Kept saying "more" and doing the baby sign language for it.

Savannah's been sick the past few days, so Daddy and London have been enjoying some quality time together while Mom and Libby rest.

Check out the video!

London's latest antics

London's doing SO much better these days. His appetite is back with a vengeance, and he is back to his happy, Tasmanian Devil self.

He never ceases to keep us laughing, whether it's the way he says "Hi-eeee!" to everyone who walks by, the way he says "ball" with a Southern accent (it sounds more like "bawl"), or the way he flirts with every lady who walks by (but then says "NO" to the less-attractive ones when they flirt back).

Daddy got to film his first video with both babies last week, but of course London stole the show while Liberty napped. This boy just can't stick to a script! Check out the video below!

22 second cousins (and no first cousins?)

I (Marcus) was thinking about cousins tonight. There is a very real possibility that London and Liberty could grow up without any full first cousins -- a major departure from my and Savannah's experience.

On my mom's side, I have six cousins. On my dad's side, I have three. Savannah has two-dozen!

My older half-sister, Stephanie, has twins -- Kennedy and Foster -- who live in Nashville. They are, for all intents and purposes, my kids' cousins. Although technically, they aren't full first cousins... they are half-first cousins, because Stephanie is my half-sister.

Same is true for my little half-sister, Shannon. If she has children someday, they probably will be quite a bit younger than my two (they BETTER had be... she's only 18!), and they will still be half-first cousins.

Our only hope is for Savannah's full-blooded brother and/or sister to have children, which only time will tell. Otherwise, London and Liberty will have to enjoy the company of their 22 second cousins (the children of our first cousins). Nineteen of those are from Savannah's side, and of those, about a half-dozen of those will be in the age range to play with London and Liberty when we all visit Idaho.

But really, in the end, kids don't care if their cousins are "first", "half-first" or "second" cousins! They just want someone to play with.

Daddy's "sweet" girl

We went to Liberty's two-week appointment today, and, to our pleasant surprise, learned that our little darling not only has gained back her birth weight, but she has exceeded it! Yep, she's packing on the pounds. Woo hoo!

She has a couple periods a day when she's really alert and will look you in the eye, grin and punch the air. She makes the cutest faces and grunt noises.

I (Marcus) apparently don't have a very large vocabulary when it comes to Liberty. The word "sweet" appears in this less-than-two-minute video four times.

Calming (and chowing) down!

Things are settling down around here at the Hathcock cave.

London's appetite slowly is returning. Liberty's is increasing. London's still having some difficulty sharing Mom, but for the most part has returned to his happy-go-lucky self. He has, however, become an anti-homebody, regularly toddling to our front door and banging on it to go for a walk or out on an errand. Outings make him happy.

Illness, praise God, has left us, and now, nearly two weeks after Liberty was born, we're finally able to focus on getting into a rhythm. We asked ourselves tonight, "How much more would we have it together if we would have been home since Feb. 6?" Probably lots more... oh well!

We really have felt supported by our friends and family, who all have lent a hand. On Friday, Savannah's cousin Mary made us a delicious chili dinner with salad and brownies. On Sunday, our good friend Alexis made us a wonderful chicken and noodles dish (I'm not a cook, so I couldn't tell you what it was... but it involved angel hair) a salad, some yummy carrot (cup)cakes and a sweet card. More food's coming our way tomorrow!

Here's some food for thought: a video of little Liberty in her bouncer! She's such a sweetie!

Sick and heart-sick on V-Day

Going to Kaiser Permanente's urgent care seems to be a new Hathcock family Saturday tradition!

London hasn't been too interested in eating anything except his FIRST FOOD (if you know what I mean... OK, if you don't: breast milk) since last Saturday night. He vomited last Sunday morning while staying at Grandma Nomi's, and continued to be sick.

We figured out it was norovirus when the rest of us (except for Liberty, thank God) caught the bug. Although the rest of us seemed to shake it, London never really did, and never got his appetite back.

Wednesday was the last time he threw up ... until today ... Valentine's Day. Taking that, his nonexistent appetite and the fact that some red-tinged liquid (blood?) appeared in his diaper on three occasions led us to the only Kaiser urgent care open on Saturday night: Interstate Ave. -- that's North Portland, folks.

They took some blood and asked questions and really decided that London has two different things going on: He's still recovering from norovirus (or suffering from it), and is psychologically adjusting to Liberty's presence.

That makes a lot of sense to me (Marcus). London is his normal, happy, energetic, flirty, zany self when it's just you and him. Grandma Nomi came over today and he was animated. He and I went around Sandy on some errands and he was a hoot to everyone he met. When he got home, the difference was like night and day. He was inconsolable.

The nurse practitioner said that during major changes like this, children revert to earlier stages to try to cope. She said that had London been older and was potty trained, he would be back in diapers. It's a process, and not an easy one. Poor little fella.

While we were waiting to leave urgent care in the middle of Portland on Valentine's night (and as I was thinking of the glass of wine I'd have upon getting home), we had what I think was a bit of a breakthru. I held Liberty up close to London, and let them interact.

He was such a gentleman. Of his own accord, he rubbed her belly and head gently, he said a cheery "Hi!" to her, and he blew her kisses. It was really sweet. I think we just need to give him the ability to understand that she doesn't just mean something to us -- she means something to HIM, too.

We're going to arrange a few more of these little play dates ... just as soon as we're sure he's kicked the evil bug.

London and Liberty

We're home again... finally.

I (Marcus) went back to work today for my first half-day, a scenario I will repeat throughout next week to ease the transition back into the "normal" routine.

Our little guy, though, isn't transitioning so well. He's had a few meltdowns since getting home. It's hard for him to see Mom and Dad's attention divided between him and this new, mysterious invader. That's been tough on him, emotionally, and when you throw in his getting over norovirus, it's no wonder he's not eating too well. We're hoping and praying his appetite returns soon.

Liberty's doing quite well. She needs to go poo a little more, but other than that, she's happy and healthy... cooing and alert.

London actually is somewhat fascinated by Liberty when he isn't jealous of her. Check out this video of some of their first moments together. I like it when he squawks at her. The very first time he saw her, he actually made the noise he makes for a monkey, telling us he thought she was a monkey. He loses interest pretty fast, but we know they'll be great friends when they can actually play together.

Watch this!

Norovirus

As if the past week wasn't bad enough... we all have norovirus, except for Liberty. Lots of people getting physically ill. My mom and stepdad got it, too. Pray that little Liberty doesn't get it.