Hello Again (Summer 2011)

Hello old friend. So much has happened since we last spoke: summer. A darn good one. We hiked, biked, bug collected, berry picked, picnicked, travelled...and wore ourselves completely ragged from fun.*

And since fun was the priority, non-essentials were neglected: our home was a disaster, we didn't eat enough vegetables, and I totally neglected this blog. Which is a shame, since I should have better documented the many memories we created.

But we've said a bittersweet goodbye to summer. Riley is back to school, life has calmed down a bit, and we're settling into a new routine. (Like waking up well before eight!) So maybe you'll see me here more often.

Meanwhile, enjoy our summer highlights:

*I should also mention this summer's milestones: Riley turned five, Wilco mastered mobility, and Matt and I celebrated ten years of marriage!

Pinchable

My friend once observed that most babies have a particular feature that people are drawn to. Her daughter, for example, had big beautiful eyes.

With Riley, it was (and still is) the hair.

And Wilco? It's these delicious cheeks.

Mister Baby

That's what we call this kid. And maybe it's the oxytocin talking, but I just can't get enough of him.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Before Wilco was born, I had no idea how Riley would react to having another kid around. She'd gotten kinda spoiled with attention after four years alone with us.

Now, five months into this sibling thing, it's safe to say she's loving it. Still. To say she adores her brother would be an understatement. Obsessed might be the better word choice.

But it's been amusing to see how fuzzy the line is between affection and torture. (And fortunately, the boy's a good sport.)

Happy Christmas

This kid has been smiling for awhile now...but today was the first time we actually took the time to capture it on camera.

Merry Christmas from one jolly little elf!

Christmas Comes Early

Riley can change diapers unassisted.

Merry Christmas to me!

The Scoop

The birth

I had three wishes going into the birth of this baby:

1. Per Matt (and his work schedule), baby would come between October 1 and October 10.
2. Baby would come on its own (so I wouldn't have to be induced).
3. I would spend as much time laboring at home as possible.

Outcome:

1. Baby came a day ahead of Matt's schedule. But everything worked out fine. Matt's big project just shipped one day late, and of course the client was ok when he told them why.
2. Yay! Baby cooperated!
3. My water ruptured late at night. I knew if I called the hospital, they'd tell me to come right in, so I stalled a bit...until there was more gushing. My parents got a 1 a.m. phone call to stay with Riley, and we headed to the hospital, where I spent the entire labor process. But I was just so happy baby was coming on its own that I didn't mind revamping my original plan. And despite not laboring at home, the entire process went exactly how I wanted it to. (Except, of course, a lot more painful...)

The name

Once upon a time, I read this news article about a little Dutch boy named Wilco Conradi. When I told Matt about the article, he liked the name so much he decided we should consider it if we ever had a boy. Eight years later, it was still at the top of our list. And since it's a Dutch name, and Matt has Dutch roots, we figured why not.

Of course, here in the states, Wilco is used many other ways: it's a band name, an Oregon-based farm supply co-op, and the last name of the main character in Space Quest. But my personal favorite? In two-way radio lingo, it's the abbreviated version of "Will comply." What mother wouldn't want that namesake?

As for Joel, it's a family name, now five generations strong.

The sister

The biggest surprise of all has been Riley's reaction. She adores her brother. She was positively giddy his first few days of his life. And even now that the newness has worn off, she still loves doting on him, fetching his stuff for me, and gagging while I change his poopy diapers.

The recovery

Going great. It helps that little Wilco is very agreeable. And that I've been able to sleep in every morning. And I that haven't cooked meals, grocery shopped, or done any laundry, thanks to tons of help from friends and family. So yeah, I've been spoiled. Ask me again in a few weeks...

Welcome

Wilco Joel Richards

Born September 30, 2010 at 3:55 p.m.

7 lb 13 oz, 20.5 inches long

We're all excited he's here. Even her: