4 weeks and counting

Snack time!

I love my little brother

Austin hanging out in Mason's swing

Mac and cheese face

Austin also had to try out the basinet

My new double stroller so we can all go for walks

My little men

Mason with a full belly for once. 

Helping mommy give Mason a bath

Today Mason is 4 weeks old. It is so amazing that we have already made it 4 weeks. Looking back I am not sure how I got here or survived this long but luckily each day is getting easier and better. Mason is changing so much. Its hard to believe that two children from the same parents can be so different. I think the biggest misconception that new parents have is that their second is going to be just like their first. That could not be more false. Austin was the poster child for perfect babies. He slept 4-5 hours right away, was sleeping through the night by 2 months, nursed like a champ on schedule and without any fussing, and was very laid back and just went with the flow. Mason on the other hand has proven to be more of a challenge. He is a good baby and we are very lucky but compared to Austin he is a lot more work. Mason seems to be more needy then Austin every was. He likes to be held and the minute you put him down he wakes up and thinks he wants to nurse. I am sure this is a comfort thing but at 3 a.m. its hard to be understanding. Aside from the physical differences of having dark bluish grey eyes and dark brown hair (yes at least one of our children was born with hair!) compared to Austins bright blue eyes and blonde hair (when he finally grew some at a year old), Mason likes to eat all day long. He is a snacker and eats enough to make his belly happy and then wants to go back for more a few minutes later. He is also much bigger then Austin. At 4 weeks old Austin was just growing out of preemie clothes and able to fit into newborn clothes. Mason on the other hand is already done with newborn clothes and fitting nicely into 0-3 month clothes. 

Mason is starting to stay awake more, not by his choice but in efforts to make sure he sleeps at night. he is starting to get on more of a routine which is nice. He usually goes down to bed at about 8 (same as Austin) and will sleep his longest stretch until about 2. He will then wake up around 5-5:30. He is still having trouble going back to sleep after his nighttime feedings. John and I both think he has some stomach issues. Gas drops do not seem to be helping much. The good thing is he likes to be held but does not cry. Mason is also smiling and giggling more often. It is very sweet to see your sleeping baby giggling. 

Austin is becoming quite the little helper. He loved to go get me things when I ask. He also like to check on his brother whenever he makes any type of noise. He is cutting some more teeth so he has not been feeling very good and sleeping a lot. We have gotten him to start sleeping to about 7 which is way better then 6. All in all we are all adjusting. 

Weekend News

This weekend was a big one for our little McMahon boys... since Austin is now a big brother we decided to upgrade him to a booster seat at the restaurant. He did very well once food was placed in front of him. He loved the fact he was a big boy sitting at the table with mommy and daddy.  This was also Mason's first trip to a restaurant... Apple Bee's thanks to our church who gave us a gift card. Mason also had his first trip away from mommy. John decided to give me a much needed break on Friday and took the boys to Aunt Anne's house for a family party. I remember the first time Austin was taken away from me, John brought him to Anne's house to see his parent. I was a nervous wreck. I think in the 2 hours John had Austin I called at least 3 times to check on him. Funny how things are so different this time. I was not worried at all this time around and got to work doing things that I can't when Austin is around. I only called once and this time it was to see what time they would be home. 

John was also super husband yesterday and took care of Austin all day so I could get some much needed sleep. I basically slept all day only getting up to feed Mason. It was very needed to get me through another long week of John's meeting and working late at his other job.

Today we are headed for the doctors for both of the boys. Nothing serious. Masons belly button is oozing a little since his cord fell off. The doctor just put some sort of liquid on it to stop that. Austin we think might have an ear infection. He has been putting his finger in his ear  a lot and waking up crying numerous times at night. It would be just teething too so we are going to check it out. 

Each day at home is getting better and more enjoyable for me. We are all starting to get into a routine. I look forward being able to be home to watch my little men grow. 

The Best Big Brother

Checking on his little brother for the 100th time. 

We were all a little nervous to how Austin would handle having a newborn around since he is so young himself but we couldn't ask for a better big brother for Mason. At 14 months Austin has already taken on the protective big brother role. He LOVES Mason so much so he literally checks on him every 5 minutes. The other day I had an appointment and I took Mason with me. Austin was sleeping when I left. My dad said the first thing he did was look for his brother when he got up. When I came home he was very concerned and had to make sure I took Mason out of the car seat and did not take him anywhere again. He understand that Mason is a baby and whenever he talks to Mason he uses his very high sweet voice. He loves to kiss his brother and does this many times throughout the day without being told. He likes to rub his head and hold his hand also. Austin has been very helpful in getting Mason's pacifier, blanket and even diapers when I ask. 

Holding his little brother is one of his favorite activities now and he proudly sits on the couch with his brother on his lap. When you take Mason away Austin holds out his hands and asks for more. He likes to "carry" his brother also around the house with the help of mommy. It is very sweet when he puts out his little hands and wraps them around Mason. 

There has been some jealousy but not is a bad way. It has actually made me and Austin closer. He was becoming so independent and not having time to sit and cuddle with me any more but now when Mason is sleeping, he will crawl up on the couch and just sit and snuggle. He will even sit next to me if I am feeding Mason and lay his head on my shoulder. I am loving every minute of this and cherish my special time with him. 

We continue to praise Austin whenever he interacts with Mason so that he feels part of this change in our lives. He is working on being gentle and tends pull or rub to hard sometimes but we don't yell but redirect his attention. We have only had a few incidents where Austin has hit or tried to hit Mason and that was because he wanted to help and got mad at me. Austin was labeled a pacifier taker at daycare and I can see why now. Its not that he wants Mason's pacifier but he just doesn't want Mason to have it all the time. He likes to put it in Mason's mouth and then take it out again which is frustrating to our new addition. 

As for me I am taking longer then I thought to adjust to my new career. Staying home is one adjustment but throw in a very active 14 month old, a newborn, recovering from an operation, lack of sleep, and now no car (John's is currently out of commission for a short while so he has mine) and the frustration tends to build up. I love being with my boys and each day does get a little easier as I start to feel better and adjust to little sleep but now having a car has thrown a loop into process. I am looking forward to getting the baby carrier I ordered so that I can interact and keep up with Austin while still keeping Mason close.