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| The happy siblings. |
Wow, what a whirlwind these last several months have been! Time has just flown by. These two little ones are sure keeping me busy.
As you all know, Tanner Jacob Grow (aka "TJ") was born at 9:38 p.m. on July 10, 2013 (one day before his due date) at UC Davis Hospital. My water broke that morning, and a couple hours later my contractions started. I got to the hospital, and they said I'd probably deliver him late that night, 9-10ish. I thought, that seems so far away! But lo and behold, they were right (I guess they do know what they're talking about after all!). Everything progressed wonderfully, and without any major complications. It was a natural birth, and although very difficult and exhausting, it was a wonderful and spiritual experience. One day, I hope to find the time to write down his full birth story, but this will do for now.
It was an amazing experience to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). To give birth the way it was intended. It was like an out-of-body experience...magical almost. I can't explain it any other way. He was perfect. A little angel just like I expected he would be. Kylie met him the day after he was born, and was a little indifferent to him. Once he arrived home, she immediately took a liking to him. She would cuddle alongside him, and touch him softly, and kiss his head. There were (and are) moments of jealousy, which I totally expected. It's difficult, but totally normal.
We are lucky enough to have a nephew born to Tami's family, little Gabriel, and a niece, Gabriella, born to Stacy and Paul's family all within a month of each other. These cousins are sure to be best buds.
Truth be told, these have been the most difficult last 5 months. Having a colicky newborn and an over-active toddler has definitely taken it's toll on me. I have been stressed, hormonal, sleepy, and overly sensitive. I guess all these things are normal too, it's just an adjustment period I suppose. Everyone tells me to enjoy these days before they are gone. So every time I am trying to cook dinner, and the baby is crying or Kylie is tugging at my pant leg, instead of getting frustrated (which in turn angers her), I try to make the best of it: strap the baby on the baby carrier, and let her help me cook. It always means more mess to take care of later, but at least she's happy. See...I AM learning!! I have had tons of help from my wonderful family, mostly my mom and mother in law. You guys are awesome, and we are so lucky to have you in our lives!
Well, here are some pics of the goings on in our family since Tanner's birth. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. We have created some fun memories, and I hope they will realize in the future what great lengths we as parents go to to provide fun experiences for them. I know I sure do. Thank you mom and dad :)
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| So happy together! |
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| Snug as a bug in a rug! |
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Kylie's 2nd Birthday party. Everything was "Yo Gabba Gabba" theme.
She loved it! |
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| Proud momma moment. |
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| The cousins at her party. |
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Their first Halloween together.
Kylie as Audrey Hepburn ("Holly Golightly"),
and TJ as a cow. |
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| His first time to the beach. Bodega Bay. |
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| Playing in the sand. Every 2 year old's favorite thing to do. |
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TJ with cousin Gabriella.
Their first time together at Apple Hill. |
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| Family pic at Apple Ridge Farms |
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Our trip to visit the Matos' family.
We love our cousins, and they love us too! |
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| TJ & Gabriel. Double trouble. |
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| Friends |
