Evan had his first "solid" food on Saturday! We mixed rice cereal with mama's milk and he seemed to take to it quickly. After a few moments of confusion and pushing it out of his mouth, he realized that it belonged in his tummy and finished the entire serving. I have a feeling Evan is off to a great start and a lifetime of fabulous eating!
This was the most fun I've had since before being pregnant with Evan! We started off with a date night on Friday and went out for Sushi. We had some fabulous roll with strawberry on top. Then we went to Max's Wine Bar to use the gift card that Lance has been toting around since last Father's Day. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and brought one home. It was great conversation over a cheese plate. Then we remembered that Blue October was the next night and we hadn't gotten any tickets! Lance had to find some on Craigslist and drove downtown late Friday night to get them. Saturday we hit Sazon for some authentic Mexican food on the way to the concert. Lo and behold, we ran into Amma and Papa, who must have been following us! The concert was great fun and BO played all of our favorites!
If that wasn't enough, the next day was Mother's Day and Lance let me take a nap while he did the dishes and took care of the boys! When I woke up from my nap Benjamin handed me a homemade card and said, "Happy Mother's Day!". It was the first time that he has said this (since he wasn't talking that much last year), and I was incredibly touched. He later said it again spontaneously. Later that evening we packed up the boys and headed for dinner at the Four Seasons. When we got there Amma, Papa, Granmom, Grandad, and Mamaw were waiting for us. The dinner was FABULOUS, perhaps one of the best meals of my life. To top it all off, the boys were very well behaved during the 3-hour dinner. We had so much fun (and so much wine) that we even thought we might want to have another baby ;)
Its always great when daddy finally comes home after a long day. Benjamin just gets so excited, and so do I. I don't think Evan has figured it out yet, but I'm sure he will in the next few months. It is so beautiful to see Lance with his two boys, and I know he is very proud of them!
As Evan's 4-month birthday has come, I have begun to feel even more adjusted to my new life. I have tried on once uncomfortable new shoes, and they are now beginning to mold to my feet. Since Evan has been sleeping 10 or more hours at night on a more regular basis, I feel much more energetic and have more to invest in activities other than those geared toward just getting through the day. For instance, I did join a mother's group (South Austin Fun Moms) and went out for dinner with a few of the ladies last week. I plan to make it for more activities in the coming weeks. I have also gained more confidence in outings with the boys, and was particularly proud of a trip to Costco last Friday. Let me tell you, Friday at noontime that store is totally hopping! Benjamin and I got our haircut on Monday. It was my first since before Evan was born and it was badly needed! Pam, a family friend for over 20 years, came to our house and was able to cut our hair under the pergola on a beautiful spring day!
Benjamin returned to school 2 days per week. I posted this picture of him in his cute outfit before heading off to school. He seems happy about it and I think it is really going to work for all of us. It gives me a little more time for myself when Evan naps, and a little more time to spend bonding with Evan. Benjamin gets a chance to make friends and to prepare for school. He feels comfortable and safe with Brandi and David and we are very thankful for that. We trust that this is a very positive environment for him, and the daycare was recently voted best in Central Texas by a local TV station!
I almost forgot an important part of the new life. I have begun exercising again and I am doing the "30 Day Shred" workout program by Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser show). It really kicks your ****! The great thing about it is the short length of the program- only about 25 min, which really helps me to fit it in to the daily routine. Yes, it is daily, and I plan to follow through with it. I will update my progress periodically.
I'm sure it will have its ups and downs and everything won't always go according to plan, but I really am starting to enjoy staying at home with 2 boys and I pray every day that I am the best mom that I can be.
Evan turned four months old on Monday! It really feels like he is officially out of his new babyhood. He really enjoys to be in the Einstein now, albeit for a limited amount of time. He has started to turn the little wheels and he loves listening to the music and animal sounds. Evan is captivated by his big brother and studies his every move, waiting to join in the fun. He is a sweet little boy who is a wonderful addition to our family.
Evan is still sleeping really well but has put up a bit of a fight going down for naps and his nighttime sleep. I guess he is just more aware of being a part of the environment and doesn't want to miss anything. When he does go to sleep (usually after a few reassurances) he has been sleeping for about 10-11 hours at night without waking! He will usually take a long 2-hour nap in the morning, and on rare occasions, a second long nap around midday.
I can't wait to see how Evan evolves over the next few months!
