27 September 2007

47c

This post is a 3 pronger.

See new pictures below.

Jackism:

They are learning about pets at school. Each child was supposed to talk about their pet. My kid said sadly: "I don't have a pet. I have a Baby Rex."

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B up close.

B and Ga

47a

The boys.
Jack and Freddie the day before the baby arrived.

Brennan sleeping -- during the day, of course.


Daddy and Brennan sleeping.

24 September 2007

46


Brennan and Daddy @ the hospital.

I will try to post updated pictures periodically. Of course, this shot is already two weeks old... today.

I took 5 rolls of film to Target this weekend to get developed. 99 percent of it were shots taken by Jack. Maybe I should post them here. That way you can see the world from the eyes of a 3-year-old. There are a lot of nostril shots and crotches ... $50 worth of crotch shots. I was really happy to open those shots. Really happy.

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Brennan getting burped.

Soon after he spit up all over his grandmother.

19 September 2007

44

So we're a week in, and things seem to be going well. We finally figured out the digital camera that we got when Jack was born and I even was able to download the shots on my computer.

Whoo-hoo! Welcome to the year 2000 -- or earlier.

Soon, I will be posting a test. How well do you know the Rexs? (Rexes?)

The pictures on the camera were from Jack's first week of life. I still have the same outfit so I will be dressing Brennan and it's up to you to choose: Jack or Brennan?

The similarities are staggering. So, as soon as I get that little project complete (maybe this weekend?) I will want to see some traffic and feedback and maybe even a comment or two posted on this blog.

Brennan has been a fantastic baby so far. He barely cries, only when he's in need. He's a great sleeper -- last night he went to bed around 12:30 and got up at 9:15 this morning. We fed, he cooed and looked around for about an hour and now he's conked out on the couch again.

Jack is doing so-so with the whole not-an-only-child-anymore life change. He's been nothing but sweet to his Baby Rex, but he's not acting himself in other aspects. When people come over, he's a monkey and climbs all over, showing off. He's not listening really well right now and he's got a short fuse. But I would guess it would be difficult to go from the center of attention to an older version. Stina dedicated the entire weekend to Jack loving and that helped. And Ma has tried to keep him entertained.

Yesterday was his first day back to preschool and it wasn't the best drop off. He made me ride along, and Daddy was going to take him in. But when arrived, he flipped out and wanted me to come to. Normally, that wouldn't be a big deal except I was in my PJs and unbrushed. I had been breastfeeding the baby when I jumped in the car to go. I didn't even have shoes on -- slippers.

But when your 3-year-old is panicked, and his eyes are filled with tears, you make sacrifices. You allow yourself to look like an arse, and stumble into school to make him feel better. And yes, I felt like a complete ARse. Of course, his teachers all knew I had just had a baby but still.

As soon as Jack walked in, the kids surrounded him practically cheering that he was back. Jack is the man apparently in his class. When he wasn't paying attention, Daddy and I slipped out.

And of course, I felt bad all afternoon for doing it that way. And when I called his teacher to check up on him (yes, I am a little neurotic) his teacher said he was absolutely fine. When he noticed I was gone, he just said, "Hey, where's my Mama?" and she told him him home taking care of the baby. And he said, "OK." And that, was that. He ate his entire lunch, took a nap and was a great kid for her. (Why can't he do any of these things for me, I wonder?!)

11 September 2007

43


Day 2, about 30 minutes after circumcision.
He took it like a champ. Daddy felt really, really bad.



Baby Rex has finally arrived. And his name is Brennan Fredrick. Brennan is my Nana's maiden name, Fredrick after Ga. Jack was named after his Papa. So both my boys are representing their grandparents and our family heritage. I really think that's important.

This is the end of Journeys with Jack as we know it. I haven't decided if I am blend both my son's lives or if I am going to have two separate blogs to represent them. I am perfectly aware that this is a struggle I am going to have for the rest of my life.

My whole life I wanted boys -- and now I have 'em.

Brennan is perfect in every way. He's still a little swollen from his fast delivery. But everything is perfect. And everyone who meets him thinks he's gorgeous. (Of course.) Big Brother Jack was thrilled to meet him. He quickly let us know he still plans to call him "My Baby Rex" and then he noticed my fun bed and crazy remote and wanted to watch TV. Don't worry, Ga got it all on camera. Typical boy.

I am super tired but thrilled. We are so unbelievably lucky to be blessed with such children. It just overwhelms me.

The labor was far from easy but I just don't know how many details I want reveal online. Let me just say, it was hard. Very hard. Oh my gosh I want to die hard. And there were no drugs.

More pictures to come when we figure out how to download.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers.

05 September 2007

42

It's official. Baby Rex will arrive next week. We go in the hospital Sunday night @ 5 p.m. and hopefully he'll decide to come out sometime between the ninth and 10th.

We went to the doctor's office today -- everything looks good. I am dilated a fingertip. So, that's good. I am starting off with a little lead.

This time next week, we'll be a family of four -- hopefully on day two.