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. 

Unexpected Surprises!

Ok so as most of you know, I was not due with our precious little Mason John until September 14, 2009 but was going to have a planned c-section on 9-9-09. We were all pretty excited about the date and were getting everything ready for the big day. John and I already had babysitters lined up, were in the process of getting our basement cleaned to move most of Austin's toys downstairs since they have overtaken our living room, and were planning on making a trip to the diaper store today to get the last minute diaper supplies that we need. Needless to say all of our plans for the next couple of weeks have come to a hault.

On Friday, I had my regular appointment in the morning, my dad was with Austin at our house. In the office I was having a non-stress test and the babies heart beat was dipping a little. The doctor said that it was probably nothing but she wanted to send me to the hospital to be monitored a little longer instead of having me sit in their office for a few hours. She said they would monitor my progress and then they might give me a stress test, which would consist of giving me some pitocin to start contractions and see how the baby reacted. Since I had been in the hospital so many times with Austin before he was actually born, I really thought nothing of this and was not concerned at all. I didn't even go right to the hospital, I first went home to explain to my dad and pack up a few things so he could take Austin to his house for the afternoon, again expecting to only be at the hospital a few hours max. Since John was at school, it was also very hard for me to get ahold of him. I was again not too concerned because I thought this would be like so many times before where I spent the day there and then they sent me home.

I finally did get ahold of John but told him not to rush home and I would text him updates. I arrived at the hospital around 10 and they hooked my up to the monitors. I relaxed and watched TV while the baby was being monitored. During this time I was telling John not to come home until we knew something for sure. Around 10:30 a.m. they decided to give me pitocin to start some contractions. This concerned me a little bit but never did I think I was going to have the baby that day! At this point we decided John should come home just in case.

I was joking the whole time with the nurse about the pitocin because I was on the highest dose with Austin for 3 days and never even had enough pain to take medicine. I was very skeptical that it would even work. Well boy was I wrong. Within a few minutes I was having strong enough contractions that I was very uncomfortable. During this time I still didn't know what was going on but started to get a little worried when whoever walked in the room would ask when I ate last. Finally after some very strong contractions, they shut the pitocin off and the doctor informed me that my doctor wanted to deliver the baby today. I was so surprised I didn't even know what to think. They ensured me that in terms of the baby's size and everything he was OK to be born at 37 weeks but he might have some breathing trouble being so early and it being a c-section.

So I called John up and told him the news. He was almost to the hospital. We were told the c-section would take place around 3 p.m. We were both so in shock... here we were, thinking we still had a week and a half, nothing packed, nothing prepared and we were going be having a baby in a few hours. At this point it was time to make phone calls and try to get some things together. First order of business a camera! Our camera was of course at home but not only that completely dead. Luckily John's mom was going to bring one. My mom was going to go to our house and get our video camera and a few items for me but most would have to wait until later when John could get there.

As it came closer to 3 we found out that they were extremely busy that day and had many c-sections. Because mine was not an emergency per say, I got bumped which pushed the time back even further. We finally got the time of around 5:30 p.m. we would be having ours. At this point it was safe for John to run home and get enough stuff for us and Austin.

So needless to say it was a very long day at the hospital, and silly me never ate before my doctors appointment at 8:30 that morning so I was starving and was not even allowed ice chips. around 5:45, John got dressed and they took me into the room where I had my spinal block. It was not that bad which I was happy about. I did get really nauseous for a few seconds but they took care of that right away. During the c-section it seemed to take forever for them to get Mason out. At one point I heard my doctor say she needed help. Come to find out, our little Mason had the cord wrapped around his neck 3 times! This is why he was not handling contractions well and would not have made it another week if I was having contractions off and on.

So at 6:17 our precious Mason John McMahon came into this world, weighing 7 lbs 1 oz and measuring 19 1/2 inches long. He did not have any trouble breathing and had a healthy cry right from the beginning. Because it was my second c-section it took a little longer to stitch me up, and then it was off to the recovery room.

When I was wheeled in holding Mason, I was greeted by John and Austin. I was so happy. We were excited to spend time as just a family of four before all the visitors came in. To our amazement, Austin did great. He was a little scared by be and everything looked up but he did want to see his brother. After some family time, everyone came in to see the new addition and finally learn his name which had been kept a secret for the entire pregnancy.

Unfortunately after a few visitors, I got extremely sick and was unable to even open my eyes. I was extremely nauseous and extremely itchy. I had to just lay there with my eyes close. This made me sad because I was not even able to nurse or hold Mason that night. Daddy came to the rescue though and gave Mason his first bottle and was able to give him all the cuddles he needed that night.

After some medicine and a good night sleep (yes I said sleep, our little man slept for almost 5 hours the first night) I was all better and ready to jump into mommy mode. Luckily since this all happened on a Friday, John was able to spend the whole weekend with me at the hospital.

Mason has been doing wonderful. He is slightly jaundice which we went through with Austin so its not as scary this time around. Austin is absolutely loving his little brother and can not be more excited to see him. John brought Austin to the hospital each day for a couple of hours and Austin loved to touch and look at his baby brother. We definitely can say he has not missed being at home with us when he has had Grammy and Papa all to himself.

We were able to leave the hospital on Sunday, which surprised the doctors and nurses that I was doing so well after a repeat c-section. Was was anxious to get home and see Austin. It seemed like he grew up so much while I was in the hospital and I missed being around him. Fortunately we are able to stay with my parents for a couple of weeks while I recover since John has to go right back to work. This has been a huge help since I am unable to drive or lift Austin for at least a week.

There are some definite differences between Austin and Mason that we have noticed right away. Austin had strong McMahon features right from birth, Mason seems to resemble more of me this time. He still looks a lot like John and Austin but its not as noticeable as Austin who is still a mini John. Mason also has very dark almost black hair and well as we all know Austin was bald and is now just working on getting some very blonde hair. Mason is a little more sensitive then Austin was in terms of being picked up and held. Mason also is still working on nursing. He tends to like to nurse for about 5 minutes and then sleep. Austin was a champ right from the beginning. Both boys are wonderful sleepers. Austin was 4 hours right from birth and Mason is following suit at 4-5 hours also. Mason of course is bigger and fits into newborn clothes. Austin was so tiny he was in preemie for about a month.

All in all it has been a wonderful transition. Austin is doing better then expected and each day he is making us laugh at his new and wacky personality. He is very helpful with Mason and already bringing him his pacifier, bottle or whatever else we need. Today he was also helping me burp Mason. We just continue to encourage him to play an active role in the baby and cheer and clap whenever he does something nice. He loves kissing Mason and patting him. I cant wait to see the two grow up and interact with each other as Mason gets bigger.

We are planning on returning home sometime next week as long as some of my pain is gone. We are going to the cloth diapering store tomorrow and I am so excited to start using them. Mason has been in one and it was so cute on him.

Hopefully with 2 baby boys running around I will be able to update more next week.