Party of 3

Almost 10 days into the transition and doing ok. Both of my kids are more whiny, most especially Jordan. But other than that, this transition is MUCH better than going from 1 to 2.

So far Isabel is quite a pleasant baby. Doesn't cry much unless really hungry. Getting on schedule has been a little harder than I remember. I'm a big believer in eating, staying awake, and then sleeping in order to get your baby on schedule. She's been going 4-6 hours between feedings and it's been freaking me out. Jordan was on a 2 hour cycle and ate a ton. I think it freaks me out mostly because she's so small. But as a friend reminded me yesterday, I guess I won't worry about as long as she's wetting diapers and growing.

I have a friend, Kati, that is the awesomest quilter! She's got me going to a quilting group that I love. She is so creative, and inspires me. Well, I was the very LUCKY recipient of one of her blankets, and I LOVE it!!! Thank you Kati.

Bed time wind down...

Stop and smell the roses

Stop and smell the roses. Looking at this top picture does not make me stop and think of the smell of roses. Actually, quite a different flavor. I was trying (and near failing) to breast feed Isabel when Aaron comes in the room and declares "Jordan got the toilet dirty. Come and see." I told Aaron I'd go in a minute, and then I heard noises from the bathroom that made me decide to go and see right away. This is only a small part of the poop devastation that Jordan did in the bathroom.

Soooo, Isabel didn't quite finish her feeding. It took a lot of wipes, lysol, and hand washing to clean up. But as I was doing so, I had the thought: Look on the bright side of things. So I decided that instead of feeling frustrated by the endlessly smeared poop, I would just be happy I had the opportunity to have a clean bathroom. And I have to say it looks really good now (until the next time one of the boys goes to the bathroom).

So today I'm grateful for a clean bathroom. I'm also grateful that I have two active, happy boys, grateful that going from 2 to 3 isn't quite as bad as the transition from 1 to 2. I'm also very grateful to my friend Sabrina who has had my boys over to play at her house the last few mornings so that I could get some rest!!!!
And I'm also grateful that Heavenly Father gave me one of his beautiful daughters to love, nourish, and teach. What a blessing!

Baby Bimba is here!

Our little girl was finally born! Her name is... Isabel Maryann Palmieri

Friday night I went into labor. My contractions were 5 mins apart and lasting 2 mins each. I called my sister and had her come over about 1 a.m. I woke up Paolo and made him call in sick to work. We grabbed our bag and were on the way out the door when my contractions stopped. I waited about an hour and I started having them again, but not as often. After another they stopped again. Ugh! At least if you hurt that bad you get a baby out of it. So I woke up my sister for nothing.

Saturday about 7 p.m. my water broke. And yes- it really feels like you just wet your pants! So we called my sister again. I got the kids a bath and in bed early. My very nice neighbor came over while Maureen was coming, and we went to the hospital about 8:30 p.m. By then I was having really good contractions. 2 hours later our cute, small baby was born.

Best delivery I've ever had. 2 contractions worth of pushing and slid out by herself. I didn't tear or anything. Thank heavens for small babies! She was only 6 lbs 3 oz, and 18 inches long. Welcome to the family Isabel!

I think she looks a lot like Jordan.
Aaron and Jordan love their little sister. She was mawled with hugs and kisses. Poor thing.
Exhausted but happy to not be 9 months pregnant!
Welcome home.

Trouble Maker in Chief

Jordan is in love with his dad! Everything Paolo does, Jordan wants to do too. This means EVERYTHING! He loved shaving with dad.
Jordan has turned into quite the 2 year old too! Hitting is a huge problem. He's also learned how to climb out of his crib and is fighting nap/bed time. I've had to put the baby handle on the inside of his door so he can't escape.

This morning I was in the living room and heard what sounded like a shower, but coming from the kitchen. He had just finished pouring a whole liter of juice onto the table that was showering onto the chairs and floors. That took A LOT of paper towels!

He also loves to climb onto the sinks in the bathroom and wash his hands and feet for hours if you let him. What would I do without this kiddo?

Mission Reunion

My mission president had a mission reunion mid-July. They've been called to serve in West Africa for the church, and it was 10 years this July that they've been home. I'm so glad that I was able to go and see them. Lee and Jane Curtis have had a profound effect on my life and I'm so grateful for them. I'm also so grateful for the time I had to serve as a missionary in Italy. My life will never be the same again!

A few random pictures. Probably our last trip to the zoo since our zoo pass expired at the end of the month.

One of my mission companions got married this week. Yeah for marriage!
Jordan's face is typical of one he makes quite often lately.