The Many Faces of Luke

Photo quality kinda stinks because it was taken with an iPhone. No, not my iPhone, I'm not that cool.

Binky Brothers, Nana, and Lanx

Binky Brothers. We had been on a good streak of Taft only using his binky for sleeping but that's gone out the window as of late. Maybe I'll start fighting the battle again in a month or two. Or three. 

Luke has been very busy lately keeping up with his sleeping schedule. 

See, he's working really hard at getting the whole sleep thing down. 

Awake for a minute. I love those old man, wrinkly eyes.

And back to sleep. 

My mom left today. What a HUGE help she was. We had her for a little over a week and she pretty much took care of Taft's every need. She got to see all his true colors over the week but she still loves him like we do. Aside from all the cooking, cleaning, and playing with Taft that she did, she got up with Taft each morning so both Seth and I could sleep in after being up in the night with Luke. 

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Lanx  and Taft in our "The Shining"-esque apartment building hallway

Lucky for all of us Auntie Lanx is here for the rest of the week. She has already said that she thinks she'll just choose to be an aunt forever but she still likes Taft and Luke a lot. 

T-minus 6 days until Seth and I have to attempt parenting two kids all by ourselves. Yikes.

For Pop, Grammie, and Granddad

because only grandparents really care about a video of a baby sticking out his tongue.

Some Videos

Luke

Meet the world's newest heartbreaker...

Lukas Wilson Herway

12/31/10

4:56 p.m.

7 lbs. 8 oz.

20 inches

The morning started off by walking from our apartment across the street to the hospital. Did you know I have now walked to deliver both my babies because we've literally lived directly across from the hospital both times? We think it's pretty cool. 

My induction was scheduled for 7:30 a.m. We got settled quickly and the morning hours went by really fast. My contractions weren't too bad but I still ended up getting my epidural too early I think. I shouldn't have gotten it as early as I did but the contractions were making me have to go the bathroom and it was a pain to get unhooked from the machines each time. By the late afternoon I was starting to feel sick from the anesthesia and just felt really yucky. Around 4:30 it was finally time to start pushing and at 4:56 Luke graced us with his presence. Seth helped deliver Luke just like he did with Taft. It was of course a miraculous experience impossible to describe. This time around I began crying just while pushing because I knew what was coming. It's such an overwhelming, beautiful experience. I had an absolutely wonderful L&D nurse and my doctor was really great too. 

first picture with dad

My mom and Taft came over shortly after Luke was born. Taft is so sweet and soft with Luke and I think he's going to be a great big brother. He's had a rough couple days with the changes and he's a little sick and a tad overly emotional but he loves to see the baby and is great at being soft with him. 

first family picture

proud nana

ready to go home!

Luke is a sweet, sweet boy. He kind of looks like Taft but also has his own look as well. He's definitely lighter than Taft was and his eyes seem like they might be blue or at least lighter than Taft's. We're so glad he's here and in our family now. 

It's Time

I should be in bed right now but I can't sleep or even begin to settle my mind down to try to sleep. I'M HAVING A BABY TOMORROW!

Today Seth took the day off so we tried to spend some extra fun time with Taft. We took him to the children's museum which normally he loves but since kids are out of school for the holidays it was kind of a zoo. I'm feeling a little guilty about having another baby and that Taft has no idea what's coming. My brain knows I shouldn't feel guilty at all because siblings rock and it's much better to have sibling relationships than to have one-on-one attention from your parents your entire life. Still though, part of me just wishes Taft were a little older so I could explain the huge change that's coming.

My mom got in tonight which is a huge relief. She'll take care of the Taftman until I'm back from the hospital and will stay about a week to help out. Then Auntie Lanx comes to provide additional assistance for about another week. Seth's on-call tomorrow night which in a way sucks but in a way is good timing. We'll both be at the hospital and instead of sleeping in the on-call room he can sleep on the pull-out in my room in Post-Partum.

I'm kind of in denial about all the negative post-partum effects that are coming my way. I HATED the physical recovery with Taft and for some reason I just keep thinking it won't be nearly as bad this time. Let's hope I'm right. I just remember the day after feeling like I had literally been hit by a semi-truck. For some reason my back was so so sore I couldn't stand up right. I won't even mention all the other physical effects that seemed to last forever and I thought surely I would die from. My mom asked if I was worried about anything i.e. not getting much sleep. I've thought about this a little but at the same time I just keep thinking I'm a pro or something and it's going to be a piece of cake. I'm totally out of my mind.

I need to get myself sleepy because I have an early curtain time tomorrow morning. I think I'll take a hot bath, make some tea, and watch an episode or two of Friends.

Nighty night. I'll report back in a day or two. Be prepared for a seriously cute baby boy.

Our Christmas

Like I said in a previous post, we tried to take advantage of as much free holiday stuff as Seth's schedule permitted. Lucky for us, Seth was able to take two days in addition to Christmas Eve and Christmas off. Christmas Eve afternoon downtown was offering free carriage rides. I stood in line for about an hour while Seth kept Taft entertained walking around the mall and outside. Taft loved the 5 minute ride and flipped when we had to leave.

Carolers!

We came home to have a nice dinner with just our little family, opened our Christmas pjs, broke out the C. Kay Cummings chocolates, put Taft to bed, then read the Christmas story and started to watch The Nativity Story movie but got too sleepy about 20 minutes into it. It's a good thing we went to bed early because Taft woke up at 5!! He's been doing that for about two weeks now and it's really getting old. But since it was Christmas morning I was happy to be awake to get the present opening started!

What a haul! 

Christmas morning was really fun with Taft. He really liked his gifts although I think he was definitely overwhelmed. We were several hours into the morning and he still had presents he hadn't opened. I made my first ever cinnamon rolls FROM SCRATCH. Probably the most ambitious thing I've ever made. I used Pioneer Woman's recipe and they were pretty bomb if I do say so myself. I probably could have cooked them a tad longer to get the middles done a little more but they were still really good. We took some to a friend later in the day and he texted Seth the following: "Tell Heidi those cinnamon rolls blew my mind." Why thank you. (I share this information because usually I'm not a very good cook). We skyped with my family later in the morning, had a conference call with the Herways and Missionary Steve-O. In the evening we had a huge Christmas meal with a few of our friends who also stayed around for the holiday.

Christmas Sunday - I'm as big as a freaking house.

Handsome Bow Tie Little Boy

We had a great, great Christmas and although we missed family we really enjoyed having it just our tiny family this year. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Now here comes  a New Year and a New Baby!

Merry Christmas!

Oh Shut Up

Around 3:00 p.m. this afternoon after noticing a nearly empty package of Keebler Grasshopper cookies Seth started the following conversation:

Seth: "How come the box of cookies is practically gone?"
Me: "Because I ate them."
Seth: "When did you buy them?"
Me: "Last night."

I have a weakness and it's mint chocolate cookies...Grasshoppers, Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies, Trader Joe's Joe Joe's.  I consumed nearly an entire box of Keebler Grasshoppers by myself in less than 24 hours. What? I'm pregnant. And Taft had some (like 3) too.

If you ever make me mad and want to make it back into my good graces again all you really need to do is give me a package of the aforementioned cookies and you'll be golden.

Tis the Season to be Sick

Last Saturday we had our two only Christmas parties that Seth would be available for scheduled for the same night- our ward party and Seth's work party. As luck would have it, Taft came down with his worst bug ever the same day which lasted until about Wednesday. We missed our parties and were super duper bummed out about it. I felt really bad for Taft but also had a short pity party for myself as well. It's different being away from family during the holidays, it's the first Christmas since being married that we'll be spending it with just our little family. I'm actually really looking forward to Christmas Eve and Christmas morning just us. We have been trying to do as much holiday stuff as Seth's schedule allows though and it's been really fun.  Last Sunday we thought Taft was maybe feeling a little better so we took a evening drive to Coeur d'Alene to see the light display in the harbor. These were our favorites:

Wednesday night we went to a free Christmas concert that was advertised in the paper. We knew it was put on by middle and high schoolers but we laughed as we left when we felt like we were probably the only people there who didn't actually know one of the students. 

One of the residents in Seth's group is having a party tomorrow night but Seth has to miss it because he's on call. Bummer. Taft and I are still planning to go. 

It was so sad to have Taft so sick all week. He slept a ton, hardly ate anything, and rarely smiled for two or three days straight. Although, he did have a spurt of energy and sillyness and had fun taking pictures in photobooth with this Russia hat on.

In Baby Number 2 news, I have an induction scheduled for Dec. 31st! My mom gets into town the night of the 30th and then the next day we should have a new baby. I am to the very, very, VERY uncomfortable stage of this pregnancy and I am so so glad we have an end date set. 

I Rest My Case

You want to know why I have never and will never snorkel or scuba dive as long as I live?

Red Sea Shark Attacks: Killing Spree Puzzles Scientists

Leavenworth

A few hours away from Spokane is a little Bavarian town called Leavenworth. Seth saw somewhere online that it's rated one of the best places to spend Christmas. This past weekend (in honor of my birthday) Leavenworth started their Christmas festival. We went Sunday for the street lighting ceremony and arrival of Saint Nikolaus. It was very Christmas-y and a great way to start off the holiday season.

Leavenworth definitely had a very German feel, complete with brats and kraut and even the Christmas spinny-pyramid things! Although it kinda bummed me out that we won't be spending Christmas in Belgium or anywhere in Europe for that matter for a very long time if ever. Bummer.

 We stayed the night in Leavenworth at a condo-type thing and Seth made a yummy birthday dinner complete with my favorite sugar cookie in place of a cake. Apparently Taft was very excited for the salad.

Life is Good

Basket of grapes, Mom's headband, Cars Couch, and watching Thomas the Train. Life is good.

Thanksgiving

My family came in to town for Thanksgiving and it was awesome. Despite terrible driving conditions, car problems, and pass closures everyone made it in safely by Wednesday evening. Taft was spoiled right away by getting to open two early Christmas presents from his grandparents- the Cars DVD so he no longer watches it in segments on YouTube and a Cars couch to become a couch potato on. He was in heaven.

We started off Thanksgiving morning with a Turkey Trot at our favorite park. I accidentally donated my camera in our bag of canned goods. Oops. My mom and I walked with Taft in the stroller while the rest of the crew ran the course. Taft was bundled up nice and warm in his new-to-him snowsuit from his cousin Brauer. At the end of the Trot Taft went sledding for the first time in his life. He was a fan.

My mom and I cooked Thanksgiving dinner together the rest of the day. I'd never made anything for Thanksgiving before and I was surprised and very happy with how things turned out. I was a bit worried because the night before I had messed up cookies and two pies. Everything else turned out just fine though. Everyone totally scarfed their food in like 15 minutes and we hardly talked about what we were grateful for, but I think it was clear that everyone was at least grateful for good food.

The rest of the weekend was spent lounging around, shopping, more eating, BYU v. Utah game watching, Forgotten Carols, a visit to Santa, and an early birthday celebration for yours truly.

I can't believe how much Seth looks like a Redneck and MAN I am looking old these days

Give Taft candy and he will love you forever

It was so great to have our entire family together. We hadn't all be together since February which is a first for our family. Up until February we've all always lived within 30 minutes of each other and now it's just my parents and Lanx in Utah, then the rest of us are in different states. We probably won't all be together again until my brother's wedding next August. It's weird that we're all growing up and getting our own lives.

Taylor was the last family member to leave on Monday. Taft cried when she left and then I got teary too when I walked back into our apartment and the coat rack was empty and I realized everyone really was gone and I wouldn't see everyone together for quite a while. I think Taft and I have sunk into somewhat of a depression this week but we have LOTS to look forward to in the next month! One month from today is my due date! I bought some newborn diapers today and opened them up. I forgot how teeny-tiny they are. We can't wait for our new little baby to get here.

Movember

This mustached man is my husband Seth. Doesn't he look like he could be a cop? Or a truck driver? Or a Nascar fan?

Seth participated in Movember to show his support for men's cancer (testicular and prostate) awareness. He growed and flowed his mustache all month long. He shaved it all off today and I'm not going to lie, it wasn't the saddest day of my life. As handsome of a Mo Bro that he makes I'm glad to have my smooth-faced husband back.