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.

Our holy ritual of getting the "make"

London and I (Marcus) do love our special time of getting the mail. We get it pretty much every day. That used to be a chore -- something we could easily forget -- but with our special time, it's definitely a highlight of both of our days.

It started out with my carrying infant London to the mailbox when he was a wee, immobile lad, out of convenience. Then, when he got a little older, I let him hold the keys. Then, older still, he started walking and was able to stick our key in other people's boxes.

These days, our ritual goes as follows:
- "London, do you want to get the mail?"
- "Make!" (he calls it "make" for some reason... thinking he may combine "mail" with "key")
- He motions to the door. "Keys?"
- I grab the keys, then grab the boy. We walk along the parking lot as he points out cars.
- We approach a sign that says "NO Skateboarding, Bike Riding, etc." He has learned to point to it and say, "NO!!!!" Already reading, eh?
- We get closer to the mailbox and he says, "Hi, Make!"
- I grab the keys and he watches as I get our actual mail.
- Then I set him down and he attempts to open everyone else's boxes.
- When a car goes by, he'll point at it and say "CAR!" or "UH-COCK" (his word for "TRUCK") and as it passes he says, "BYE-BYEEE!"
- He basically does the same thing for any bicyclists or passersby. It's interesting to see who responds to him and who pretends not to notice. If they pretend not to notice, I either say, "They can't hear you," while in earshot, or just address them and say, "Hey, he's saying hi to you!"
- Nowadays I entertain London by jumping off the retaining wall onto the sidewalk nearby. He counts before I jump: "TWO... TWO... TWO!"
- Eventually he gets bored and we go back to the apartment.

This is a constantly evolving thing, and it's really one of the more special times of my day :-)

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!

Diaperless and Dandy(lions)!

On sunny days, we often enjoy going to parks, soaking up the rays and being carefree with one another.

Recently, at Bella Vista Park, London shed his diaper and gave himself some air while he picked dandelions and provoked a wrestling fight with Daddy.

Enjoy the video!

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:

What amazing weather!

We've been really blessed with some fantastic weather lately. We thought April 6 and 7 was good... April 19 and 20 were record-breaking, dancing at around 80 degrees!

Daddy has Mondays off, so we went to Jamison Square Park in Portland's Pearl District to do some splishing and splashing. London loves wading in the fountain water and climbing the terraced fountain steps. There were a lot of other kids around, as you might expect (especially since school wasn't in session that day), but London didn't mind them... and they didn't mind him.

After playing for a while, all four of us went to Ben & Jerry's (and a day before Free Cone Day, darn!) for some waffle cones of cookie dough and mocha chip. Mmmm! What a day! We thank God for these days because they're probably the closest thing to paradise Earth has to offer!

Watch London as he plays in Jamison Park!

LoJo the Hoopster

Some sunny, 70-degree weather means that we are getting out of the house and playing wherever we can! Yesterday we went to Timberline Park, where London got his kicks at the basketball court there. He wasn't satisfied just watching a teenager shoot hoops... he had to show him how it's done, or at least how to hold on to a basketball.

Enjoy this video (and the weather, if you're local)!

The Diaper Change Blues

London doesn't mind diaper changes as much as he used to, but he minds them even less if he's able to play the "la-la" (guitar) while he's tidied up. And now, may we present "The Diaper Change Blues."

Easter fun!

You know, I hate it when people say they've been "too busy to write," but really, it's true.

We had a great Easter... quite busy! I (Marcus) kept busy the week before with rehearsals for our church's production ("The Door"), and Savannah kept busy with -- well -- the kids!

Saturday was a lot of fun at Meinig Park, the wooded wonderland next door to our apartment. London finally was big enough to compete in the Kiwanis Egg Hunt, and as you'll see from the video below, was quite content with his one Tootsie Pop.

Actually, here's a triple-play of Easter videos. You'll see the hunt, London opening his Easter basket from Grandma and Papa Dunn, and a video of me chasing London around the Meinig Park amphitheater (my personal fave)! Enjoy!

First sprinkler run!

When we have a 70-degree day in April, you'd better believe we're going to take advantage of it. A nice, sunny day found London and Daddy in the yard, as London enjoyed his first sprinkler run! Enjoy the video!

Maybe we're done?

We have two gorgeous children, but after a look at www.makemebabies.com, we realize we're pretty lucky -- and that maybe we should stop after two?  Haha, just kidding, but it was fun to see these hideous photos of our would-be kids that were made by combining our pics... (Apparently Marcus' tan tricked the website into thinking he's an African-American.)

Enjoy the slideshow!

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 fatherly instincts

During bathtime, London showed us that he's been paying attention as we've taken care of sister Liberty. He loves to say the word "baby," and during bathtime tonight, showed us that he knows how to handle a little one of his own. I kept trying to get him to do the "top-top, bottom-bottom, middle-middle-middle" burping song from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but he only did it to himself briefly.

Watch our son be fatherly! It's hilarious! (Sorry about the green "blinks" -- not sure what caused those...)

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!

Bathtime fun!

London really enjoys his baths. Chillin' in his special baby mini-bath, London enjoys playing with his special water toys -- the coolest of which is a wind-up turtle -- and splashing around.

We took a few minutes during our bath tonight to show you how much he loves to splash around. Mommy tries to play tug-of-war with him -- which usually makes him explode with giggles -- but the game goes totally awry.

At one point, when London is asked to wave to everybody, he says, "I did."

Enjoy the video!

(Oh, and of course, we're still waiting for Liberty. We're 39 weeks today! I would be saying "C'mon already" if not for the fact that I've come down with the cold. I can wait a few days to get better before she comes!)

Three minutes with London (and Liberty update)

Yep, still waiting!

Went to the doctor Monday afternoon, only to discover that Liberty is bobbing up and down in the womb, making predicting her birth extremely difficult. (Apparently this is normal for second-borns.) Since Savannah's prelabor episode Saturday morning, all's been pretty quiet, except for some unusual back pain.

So, we're just waiting!

Of course, around here, waiting doesn't mean inactivity. Oh no... not with London Josiah! If you ever wanted to see what just three minutes of entertaining our cute little gremlin is like, check out this video we shot tonight.

Liberty: Any day now!

Well, Liberty is on her way!

See the countdown clock in the upper right hand corner? It says how long until Liberty's due date, Feb. 7.

Well, she's probably not going to wait that long. Doc says Savannah's probably going to go early, and by the looks of things, I'm guessing that our girl's going to be here within a WEEK!

Check out these signs of imminent labor. Savannah's got all of these but the water breaking.

Even as I type this Wednesday night, Savannah's having some short contractions within a decent amount of time. We're really excited, but not 100 percent prepared (as in, totally packed with a complete birth plan...)!

London, still, is unaware that his fancy-free days of only-childdom are coming to an end. Today he blew me a kiss when I asked him to over the phone. He's been playing with an old stethoscope (Dr. London) and is learning new words every day. On this video below, he even says "I don't know" for the first time.

Enjoy!

What happens at Grandma's, stays at Grandma's, apparently.

Well, our first night away without London went off without a hitch. Savannah and I (Marcus) enjoyed a fantastic time at McMenamins Edgefield, watching "Madagascar 2" in the theater pub, playing rousing games of UNO and table shuffleboard, and listening to the wild wind whip through the trees.

Meanwhile, London, Grandma Nomi and Grandpa Steve played games, ran around and chowed down. London also went to sleep without a problem and visited Great-Grandma and Grandpa Hurt at their house.

That's about all we know.

Grandma Nomi and London repeatedly said, "What happens at Grandma's STAYS at Grandma's..." and from the looks of this video, London is keeping pretty tight-lipped! :-)

London is STEAMED!

You don't want to get our little beasty MAD! He growls!

Three weeks to go!

We had our 36/37-week appointment for Liberty today, and all's looking well. The doc (a midwife, really) says she weighs about 6 lbs, 12 ounces (and maybe as heavy as 7 lbs)! Now, keep in mind, London weighed 7 lbs, 10.8 ounces! Savannah's body is getting ready, too, although not as fast as it was first time around. But it's all good -- the doc says her body will catch up easily once labor starts -- which really could be ANY day! Holy cow!

London was a happy handful at the clinic today, and daddy had to take him into the lobby to play with an inflated rubber glove that made a nice makeshift balloon/soccer ball. It was hilarious to watch the little man run after the glove, fall on it, grab it, and lose it -- only to repeat the process indefinitely.

He also has been quite the flirt this week. He tends to single out ladies who work in the food service industry. The quickest way to a man's heart must be through his stomach indeed, because London makes eyebrows at these ladies and screams at them until they pay attention to him. Then he grins and coos and pours on the charm. Where did he learn this!?

Mom and Dad are going to have a night alone this weekend, which also gives Grandma Nomi a test drive for when they watch London during Liberty's birth. It should be a fun, learning experience for all.

That's it for now! Love ya!