Happy Halloween

Mason just hanging out, waiting to go trick or treating. My little pumpkin.

We were only able to visit one house on our street....Brandon wasn't too fond of trick or treating this year. Luckily our neighbor (it's his wife's favorite holiday) really decorates for the occasion. I think next year we will compete with them for most festive house on the block!!!
I was quite surprised with how few people (houses) participate in Halloween (at least in our area). I suppose next year we may be one of those households....since we have two kids but I'd like to think that we would still find a way to go door to door and be back to hand out candy. We were able to hand out candy the rest of the evening to the cute kids in the neighborhood before getting the kiddos ready for bed. Hopefully next year we will be able to do a little more for Halloween.

Halloween Eve

Doesn't Brandon look too cute dressed as a little fisherman for Halloween. I wasn't too impressed with the halloween costumes for Brandon this year. I was on a mission to find a costume that didn't require a head piece or hat...he still isn't too fond of wearing hats but I was able to get a picture with the fisherman hat on!

Hanging out

Brandon has been super interested in the infant toys since we got them out. He thinks it's so funny to try to lay on the playmat like Mason. Mason is a good sport and shares his space well with his big brother.
A big thank you to Aunt Kim for the cool hand-me-down horse.
Just being adorable.

This is what I will miss the most as Mason grows.

MD appointments

This past few days have been full of doctor appointments for Mason. He was circumcised yesterday by Dr. Barmatz. The procedure went well and Mason doesn't seemed bothered at all today. It's too bad our insurance views the procedure as cosmetic, it would have been nice to have had it taken care of before we left the hospital (we had the same issue with Brandon) versus having to schedule all these additional appointments.
Today Mason had his 2 week follow up with Dr. Gloudemans. Thankfully for me, he doesn't get any vaccinations until his 2 month appointment. He has gained just over one and a half pounds since his three day check up! He is 8 lbs, 12 ounces (staying around the 50 percentile) and is still in the 75 percentile for height (~21 1/2 inches).
Much to my dismay, Mason is still getting up every 2-3 hours at night (too bad he takes such lengthy naps during the day...which we are working on correcting), I think he is trying to see how little sleep I can get before I completely lose it! So far we haven't disturbed Brandon at night, thankfully.

More pics

Couldn't resist taking a few photos of Mason, resting so comfortable in just his diaper.
Mason and Monkey, 2 weeks old already!!! I was finally able snap a picture of Mason and the Monkey while Brandon was playing (since he is quite protective of his monkey).
Mason has crazy hair, especially after bath-time. Kevin couldn't resist combing his hair to make it stand on end last night. To note, his hair is still standing on end today!

Brandon and I have gotten into the habit of watching Giada, "Everyday Italian", after lunch. he absolutely loves her, calling out her name during the show. It's too cute.

Good day

Although the day is not yet over, I am having a great day at home with both kids. I was a little worried about our first day alone together however so far it has been really good. Brandon has been occupied by Play-doh and I have been busy trying to keep Mason awake. I still can't believe how different my confidence level is this time around (not yet confident or foolish enough to take them anywhere by myself).
I may not feel the same by Thursday afternoon....

Day with the Grandparents

Grandpa Ray (my Grandfather) loves to interact with all the great-grand kids. He and Brandon spent time looking at his garden, climbing the trees, and rough-housing in the grass.
My Dad was down to visit us this weekend. Brandon got new snow boots for this winter, hopefully we can go up to visit my Dad when it snows!
Grandpa Ray has the best toys! Chloe and Brandon were taking a tour of the backyard in the hummer (not as cool as Uncle Johnny's), with Grandpa Ray close behind to help. Makes me wish we had a bigger backyard for Brandon and Mason to play in.

Grandpa and Mason

My boys

My boys....Brandon is really getting interested in Mason. He often wants to "hold him", but only for a brief moment, until something else catches his attention.
Notice the pacifier? This kiddo will actually take a pacifier. It helps soothe him and I am okay with that for a couple of months.....since Kevin is back to work and I am home with the two of them. In retrospect, I sometimes miss the simplicity of what I though was a chaotic life with just one child.....but I wouldn't change a thing as "this to shall pass".
Mason and I spend a lot of time trying to nap together, I think he really likes to snuggle up to me (which means I don't sleep well. Too bad he doesn't have longer sleep intervals at night. I really miss a good night's sleep....which will hopefully return when I return to work!

Diane gave Brandon some big boy underwear to help encourage the potty training process, still not quite there but I think he is getting more receptive to the idea.

Mason's 1st bath

Kevin and I are getting the hang of "tag-team" parenting. He helped Brandon take his bath while I gave Mason his first bath at home. I have to say, my confidence level is so much higher this time around. Mason did great, he didn't even shed a tear, he actually seemed to like the sponge bath. I can't wait for the crazy belly button stump to fall off.
I think Brandon is starting to feel the effects of not being the center of attention all the time, he is more needy than usual. All to be expected, I know!

Grumbles-Craig Wedding

Brandon humoring us and spending a few moments holding Mason. Brandon really hasn't paid much attention to Mason, only if he is crying, then he says in a pitful voice, "hurting".
I was able to be in Cathy and Kurt's wedding after all, only three days after giving birth! I am so happy for them and we wish them the best that life has to offer. Isn't she a beatiful bride.

Cathy & Kurt Craig

Happy Birthday Mason!!!!

Mason James Payne was born at 9:39am on October 12, 2010. He was 7 lbs, 13 ounces and 21.5 inches long.
Dr. Gillaspy and Mason.

Brandon wans't too sure about being with us at the hospital however did take a little interest in Mason. Thank you so much to Diane for taking time off of work to watch Brandon while we were at the hospital.

Welcome to the family Mason!!!!

Labor day continued

Kevin and I went to work in the mid-day, I just couldn't stand sitting around the house waiting for things to happen. Well, I got my wish. My co-worker, Cathy, had to drive me home after my contractions got to be ~5 minutes apart at work. Kevin met me at home and we went to the hospital ~5pm with contractions still around 4-5 minutes apart. I was admitted ~7pm at 5 cm dilated and hoping to have the baby tonight.

Labor day

Labor day @ 39 weeks, 4 days??? This baby may not share a birthday with anyone after all.

I awoke ~2:30am this morning with what I though was a stomach ache however when it went away and kept reoccuring every ~12 minutes, I figured labor was starting. So much for my water breaking again. Here we are ~7:10am, with contractions every ~6-9 minutes. The contractions aren't too bad and honestly, I'm not too sure when we should head to the birthing center....I don't want to have this baby without an epidural but I don't want to be sent home either!!!

We will keep everyone posted on the progress and with lots of pictures of our little guy...who will remain nameless until we see his little face.

Agua Linda Farm

Our first trip to the Agua Linda farm was fun, Brandon had a blast on the hayride and roaming around the petting zoo.


I actually made it into a picture!!! Our last picture as a family of three...

Happy Birthday to Grandma Payne!!!! We had a great breakfast with Great-Grandma Dudley to celebrate before going to pick our pumpkin this year.

39 weeks

For all those wondering, still prego at 39 weeks + 1 day!!!! Still only 1cm dilated and no more progress than last week. I'll admit, I thought things would have happened like last time but I guess this little guy is too comfortable (unlike me!) in there.
The anticipation of the arrival of this baby is starting to make me anxious. Will my water break again? Will it happen in public this time? Will I have to be induced after my due date? Am I going to have another large baby, especially if he arrives after my due date? Just some insight into the thoughts that are swirling around inside my head.
We will keep everyone posted...

Evening Success

It finally occured to us to allow Brandon to stand at the sink (thanks to the step-stool) and look into the mirror while we brush his teeth. No crying, barely any resistance, and he actually opens his mouth!!! What a nice change.
He has also started to tell us he is ready for bed for the night or for nap time. It's too cute, he'll look over at you and say, "Night-Night" and it is usually before we are ready to put him down. Just be sure you have a wooby (or two), and a few stuffed animals to surrround him! I'm just hoping that he will continue to be a good night sleeper when the baby arrives (and cries at night).

Enchanted Hollow

We finally finished the baby's room this weekend. I still want to put up the matching wall decals that go with the bedding set but that will happen on my next day off. The set is called Enchanted Hollow, and I absolutely fell in love with it the minute I saw it! I know, how appropriate, an outdoor theme....except for the hand-me-down mobile (thanks to Brandon).

We have been blessed with hand-me-down furniture from Kevin's family and a crib from my cousin, Kim!!! My mom gave us the changing pad, maybe it will keep this baby occupied during diaper changes (as he gets older). Thanks to everyone.
I can't believe how small the newborn size diapers are, I actually had to ask Kevin if Brandon was ever small enough to wear them (he was and did wear them but only for a short time)!!! It seems crazy to think how small he was then since now he is wearing size 5 diapers!!!!