ENT and more

Today Mason had his ENT appointment to assess his tongue tie. Mason's pediatrician wanted to wait until he was 18 months and speaking before anything was done, but after talking, John and I decided we didn't want to wait until there was a problem that needed to be fixed and put an 18 month old through the stress of getting it fixed so we decided to see the specialist now and get his opinion on the matter. He was very nice and said that Mason had a moderate tongue tie but agreed it should be taken care of now instead of later when the recovery time jumps from a couple of days to a week for older children. Unfortunaly this procedure has to be done as an out patient surgery so on February 17th, Mason have this taken care of. I am already stressed and a wreck but I know we will get through it.

Mason is growing and changing every day. He is eating baby food for dinner and already has preferences. Like a true brother, Mason has joined forces with Austin and hates peas. He does love carrots though. Mason is also not a fan of pears at all. Mason is also almost sitting on his own. He would already have it if he wasn't so grabby and always trying to get stuff out of his reach. He is rolling over non stop and has recently discovered his feet. Mason loves his big brother and lights up and screams whenever Austin decides to give him some attention.

Mason has proven to be VERY attached to his mommy. He has demonstrated this on several occasions of screaming when left with other people while I go out. Hopefully this is a phase that does not last because i am starting to feel a little trapped and do not enjoy when i do get a chance to get out because I am worried about him the whole time. I don't know if I posted this last time but we have conquered the bottle issue and he now takes it whenever we give it to him although he still prefers to nurse.

Austin has become quite the little parrot, repeating whatever he hears. He has now given up his pacifiers and we have not had much of an issue with that. He asked and we tell him they went bye bye and he is a big boy now and usually thats the end of it.

Austin is working on jumping now and is getting pretty good. Its very cute to watch him jump and only lift up one leg. He is always so proud and claps after he performs.

Austin has been practicing going on the potty much more these days. He has even went a few times. Hopefully in the next few months as Mason gets better at entertaining himself, I can focus on this with Austin. For now we are letting him just get used to the idea.

Austin has been doing really well in Tot School. His 1 year old patience is something that we have to work on but he loves it and it always very proud of what he makes or does. Everyday Austin is constantly entertaining us. There is never a day that goes by that he doesn't do something to make us laugh.

Here are some random pictures of the boys

Austin learned to climb in Masons walker himself. 

Austin has no fear which has resulted in a lot of boo boos in our house. The funny thing is Austin hates having band aids on and usually cries harder about that then the actual injury. 

 

Austin loves playing in his closet. 

Just being silly!

This is what happens when Mommy had to give baths while dealing with Mason (which I do not do, thats John's job)

Austin was so tired he fell asleep on his little brother.

I almost forgot how messy it can be when they first start eating!

Laughing at mommy.

One of his favorite things is to look in his toy bucket and take all the toys out.

My angel baby playing with his newly discovered feet

Love the feet

sitting his own

rolling over. He is a pro at it now. 

Passed out in our bed.

Austin now

And Austin a year ago

Our poor Blog....

Oh Blog how we have neglected you! So having two babies, a husband that works two very demanding jobs and just everyday crazy life to deal with doesn't leave much time for blogging. I have every intent to always post but unfortunately the blog has taken a back seat to Facebook. I will make it a goal to blog more updates from now on. With that being said, like I don't have enough going with an 18 month old and 4 month old, I am taking on Tot school and starting another blog where you can follow our attempt at that. I hope to post weekly on that.http://totschooltales.blogspot.com/

Ok now for the updates!

Austin

Austin has to be one of the funniest kids around. He has already developed a little sarcastic sense of humor and goes out of his way to get us to laugh at him. Of course like most toddlers, when he is asked to perform all of these funny things that he does on a daily basis, he clams up and does nothing, but believe me, he is honestly one of the funniest kids around, with a personality that is far bigger then his tiny little body. 

One of his favorite "shows" to put on for John and I are dancing to his favorite song "Single Ladies" by Beyonce (not the most christian song I know, but totally worth it when he has John and I cracking up watching him dance). Put this song on and the kid goes crazy. He cant help put dance and march around. He hears music and starts dancing away. He has a very unique style of dance (guessing he gets this from daddy) with moves that typically include marching very dramatically, a nice little move I like to call his "sumo wrestler" (I am sure you can imagine this one) and recently head banging and waving his hands in the air. Tonight he was mastering his twirl but still has some work on that one. Austin recently visited the doctor due to being very sick. He now weights 24 lbs and continues to grow like a weed. He had a horrible cold and a slight ear infection, which he was put on antibiotics and starting feeling better within a few days. He is now just getting over his cold. Austin is repeating EVERYTHING now. Just yesterday he repeated his whole alphabet after John. His pronunciation is not the best but I am sure that will come. He still has his own language when taking to you or on the phone. Words that he says on his own are: Ball (more about this later), water (wawa), Mason (maymay), bat, snack, go, bye, hi, ride, down, up, cookie, milk, juice, shoe, boot, bear, baby, no (nana), papa,Kacie. I am sure there are more but these are the ones that I know he says without being told to. Everything else he will say if he is asked to identify something. Austin also can identify all parts of his body when asked. He can do it on himself and other people. He especially likes to show off his tongue. Austin can tell you the sounds of some animals also. He knows duck, cow, dog, frog, pig, and lion. The other day Austin also said his first sentence. He told me "Dada at work".

Austin's current favorite activities are putting on peoples shoes. He loves to walk around in daddy's shoes, telling me the whole time that they are Dada's. He LOVES LOVES LOVES to stand at the counter on a kitchen chair and play with his play food, bowls and water. Wawa is his favorite and many tantrums are when he his told no. He likes to pour it back and forth. Lets just say, my floor around that around that area is washed everyday thanks to Austin. He still loves Barney and Yo Gabba Gabba but has added Sesame Street to his TV list. Austin is truly obsessed with brushing his teeth. He knows the sign for brush and whenever anyone is even close to the bathroom, he is right there signing and saying brush over and over again until you let him. This happens about 10 times a day. He has gotten better and will put the tooth brush away without a tantrum. Austin is completely in his toddler bed now and has been for awhile. He is awesome about not getting out of his bed at all, not that we would mind if he wanted to hang out in his room and play a little in the morning. I often wake up to hearing Austin sitting him bed singing. He still loves his bear and anything else he can treat like a baby. After a brief separation for about a week, he had a wonderful reunion with his teddy and was so excited to see him. Teddy now gets the honor of being dressed up in Masons Michigan snow suite everyday. Some random things about Austin: He is now 7:30 because he was a monster every morning. He takes one nap a day most of the time unless I can tell he needs a morning one. He usually goes down about 12:30-1 for anywhere from 1 1/2 hours to 3. He is my little dare devil and climbs on everything. He can get on all the kitchen chairs and living room furniture himself. He likes to sit on his little table and look out the window. He now favorite thing is to stand on John or my back and balance himself. All in all Austin is a great kid. He goes with the flow and has the normal toddler meltdowns. He is very smart and organized in his own way. He likes things a specific way and does not like if you change them. He often will rearrange things at my moms house if he does not like were she puts things. Everyday is a new adventure with in that is filled with frustration and laughter. 

Mason

Mason has been a challenge, but we are working through it. He truly is a happy baby that just likes to be center of attention. After months of trying to get him to take a bottle, we are happy to report that he is taking one without much a problem. He doesn't get one often but when he does, he takes it without a fight. He hasn't been sleeping as much as he needs to during the day, mostly thanks to his noisy big brother, so he has been fussier then I would like. He is my little chunky monkey baby. He is already starting to outgrow 3-6 month clothing and with lots of room, fits into 6 month or 6-9 months. At his 4 month visit he was 14 lbs which is right on track, he just has more meat on his bones the Austin did at this age. We did find out he has a tongue tie which explains a lot. We have an appointment with the ENT on Feb. 2nd to find out what can and should be done. Mason is also a very active baby. He already wants to go go go. When he is sitting on your lap, he will propel himself off so you have to hold on tight. He loves to stand and if he is laid down on the floor, he can move himself all over just by rolling back and forth. He is working on sitting up and is almost there. He even tries to sit up by himself when laid down. Again he is afraid to miss anything that might happen. Staying true to my little men, he is already teething. I say this is a very broad sense, because Austin also started at 3 months but didn't cut teeth until 6. Mason is drooling up a storm and chomping away on everything and anything. He has started baby food off and on, but gets gassy from it so we are making this a much slower process then with Austin who was on stage 3 food by 6 months. Sleeping at night has been for the most part good, other then for the past week or so. He goes to bed by 8 and would get up to eat at about 4 then back down to about 7 when is brother would wake him. Lately though he has been getting up almost every 2-3 hours. Hopefully he will go back to normal soon, but with me staying home now, its not as bad.

John

John has been working A LOT these days. He is loving his teaching job and putting together a lot of great stuff for the school. The distance is a little difficult because by the time you add traffic, its an hour commute home. Along with teaching he is still working at his other job a couple days a week so needless to say, he is a busy man. 

AND THEN THERE IS ME

For the most part I am doing great. Some days I am ready to turn in my mom card and lock myself in a room. I love staying home with Austin and Mason and aside having my daily schedule controlled by a toddler and baby, I wouldn't change it for the world. 

Merry Christmas from the McMahons

Due to some McMahon budget cuts, we decided not to send out very many Christmas cards. We still love you and want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas.

Fall Update and pictures

Painting pumpkins at Plaster Playhouse

Austins new favorite activity sorting his magnetic letters

Austin and daddy all dressed up as hockey players for the october birthdays

We attended Candy Town at Grace again this year. Austin had so much fun playing all the games. Mason also had a great time sleeping through the whole thing. Thanks to Candy Town I have more candy then I need!!

Austin taking his football when we were trying to take Mason's 2 month pictures. He loves his brother but not enough to share his toys yet.

Mason is starting to stay awake more during the day. For the most part he is a very happy baby. He has also graduated to the big boy bath tub. 

Austin in need of a haircut

Mason's 2 month picture

Cheese!!!!

This past Sunday we decided to make a quick trip to the cider mill for some fresh cider and donuts. 

First trip to the cider mill

Mason and Mommy

Cheers!!

 Austin and Mommy

Baby Genius or Proud Mama!

These past couple of weeks, Austin has been like a sponge and has been amazing John and I each day with things that he can now do or can identify. He can now identify his hair, mouth/teeth, nose, eyes, hands and toes. He can also identify them on other people when asked. He saying so many words its hard to keep up with him. We are now working on putting more then one word together but I have not heard him do that yet. He absorbs everything John and I tell him and usually can learn it after one try. He can also identify the sun, birds, balloons, clouds, and many animals like cows, pigs, and dogs in pictures and on tv. He has become such a good helper and can follow simple instructions when told to do something. Today he even got to told his bother all by himself (with mommy close by) and he loved it. He is slowly mastering the spoon and fork and can successfully feed himself mashed potatoes and oatmeal. His current favorite show is Barney with Yo Gabba Gabba in a very close second. He has been attempting to finally eat peas and carrots which is a huge accomplishment. Both boys have been getting over their first colds of the year and Austin finally cut his top two eye teeth and is now working on a set of molars. 

Mason is also becoming more of a baby and less of a newborn. He has great head control when he is not tired and is spending more time awake during the day. He is not yet sleeping through the night but I have a feeling that has a lot to do with the fact we can not get him to take a bottle so he is not filling his belly enough to sleep longer then 5-6 hrs. We are also still battling some colicky spells. Hopefully he will grow out of these soon. 

Busy Busy Month!

Well October is proving to be a very busy month for us McMahons! We have John's 27th birthday and lots and lots of activities going on. Here are a bunch of updated pictures of the boys.

Austin at his first visit to Chuck E Cheese

Mason using his high chair for the first time.

So sleepy from all the playing and looking around

Austin looking out our bedroom for birds which are his current obsession. 

Austin and his favorite book... our Dave Ramsey Financial Peace book

Austin at Jungle Java

Since we teaching Austin the art of sharing, when he wanted a turn in Mason's jumper, we let him. Little did we know he would love it and now spend a few times a day playing in it.

Captain Blanky to the rescue!!!

Austin at Trunk or Treat. This is becoming one of our favorite events to go to during the fall. We love spending time with Dan, Katie and Nate at their church! Austin this year is Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba, one of his favorite shows. 

Nate and Austin

Austin and Mason (Mason was a giraffe)

Today Austin got his very own toddler bed. This is him sound asleep for the first time. We will see how the night goes. 

 

Jungle Java

On Friday Austin, Mason and I headed to Farmington Hills to go to Jungle Java. I have been searching for fun places to take Austin that are indoors so he can get all his energy out. Jungle Java is a very cool coffee place that has a huge play place for kids and then a smaller toddler section. They have different types of coffee drinks along with snacks and lunch items. We had such a good time even though it was a long drive especially in rain. Austin played in the toddler area although he really wanted to go on the bog play place but because I had Mason I was not able to take him. After playing, Austin and I sat on one of the big comfy couches and had a yummy lunch. Austin had an awesome pretzel grilled cheese sandwich and chocolate mike and I had an avocado turkey sandwich. Austin was a little intimidated by all the kids running around and even though the toddler area was supposed to be 3 or younger, some bigger kids kept wondering in there. Aside from that he did really well playing and even mastered climbing up the play place and going down the slide himself. Everyday he is turning more into a toddler and becoming less of a baby. 

We are proud to report that he has not even attempted to hit his little brother in a few weeks. For awhile whenever Austin got angry at us for not letting him do something he would try to hit Austin. Now there is nothing but love between the two boys. Austin is absolutely obsessed with his baby brother. If Mason even makes a peep, Austin drops what he is doing and runs (literally) to see what is wrong. If Mason is crying, Austin will rub is head or try to put his pacifier in his mouth. Austin is so concerned with Mason that one night after Austin went to bed, I went in to check on him. He was in a dead sleep and Mason who was in our room started to cry. Without even opening his eyes, Austin lifted his little and and pointed in Masons direction and in his cute high pitched baby voice said "brother". It was very sweet that even in his sleep, Austin was concerned Mason was crying. Mason also loves Austin and has started smiling when Austin talks to him or comes up to him for a kiss. Hopefully this loving relationship will continue. 

Austin has been making some big accomplishments. He can now go down the stairs on his stomach without much of a problem. He loves when one of us is upstairs and one downstair so he can go back and forth. He is currently obsessed with birds and screams birds whenever he sees any. His favorite are geese which we have a lot over here. He loves every night when they fly over making lots of noise. John and him would run out side and he would scream with excitement. Austin is saying so much its hard to keep up with what words he can say. He still will not talk on demand or repeat what you say. We catch what we catch. Some words we have heard him say lately are lunch, bird, brother, chucke (when we went to chuck e cheese), juice, keys, car, and shoe. He can also sign please, more, and eat. He had his 15 month check up and is growing like a weed. He is 32 inches tall already. He screamed the whole time from getting weighed to getting his shots. Luckily Papa came with us since Mason had his appointment also.

Mason is also growing like a weed. At his one month appointment he was 10 lbs and 22 inches tall already. He is a much bigger baby then Austin was at this point. He is already wearing some 3-6 clothes! His recent accomplishments have been getting control over his head, smiling when he is talked to and sitting by himself in his bebe pod seat. We are still working on sleeping and eating. Mason still likes to eat just enough to make himself happy and not fill himself up so he always wants to eat. He is sleeping ok at night. He was sleeping 5-6 hrs but lately it has been 3. I do not mind as long as he goes right back to sleep which he has been doing the past couple of nights. In the beginning he was staying up for over an hour after eating so although he is getting up more, its a huge improvement. Mason has also decided he does not like bottles unless he is starving. We are both still trying to figure each other out but we are getting there. We do know he likes to sleep on his side as Austin did and he loves his pacifier. 

Cloth diapering has been going good. We are slowly starting to build up our stash of diapers. We have figured out what we like and what we don't like. I love it and get very excited when I get more diapers in the mail. Right now we have more in Austin's size so I have cloth diapering him lately and its working well. We are adjusting for naps and bedtime but overall I love it and it saves us money.

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.