I am always amazed when I do these quarterly posts how much has happened and how much Alexander has changed in such a short time!
Xander's half birthday was Dec, 21st while Nana and Papa were here in Norway. We had a wonderful time with them and after they left we all had a bit of the winter blues. Thankfully we had some amazing snowy days in January to brighten things up a bit!
February rolled in, the snow melted, and Xander was sick for almost 2.5 weeks straight! First it was the stomach bug, then it was an upper respiratory infection. He missed a ton of school and we spent a lot of time resting on the couch watching "vroom vroom" videos on YouTube. Unfortunately, gone are the days when he will cuddle when he's sick . Now he just gets REALLY crabby! It's no fun for anyone in his near vicinity! I call it Toddler Man Flu!
It was still quite dark in February so instead of playing outside in the evenings we spent a lot of family time in the kitchen. Arthur and I perfected our home made flour tortilla recipe under Xander's watchful eye. He did a great job helping roll out the dough.
Oh dear, allow me to explain this next (future blackmail) picture. So in February, Norwegians celebrate Carnival. Not exactly sure why as there isn't exactly a huge Brazilian population here. Anyway, the kids all dress up and participate in festivities at school. So Xander wasn't digging his original costume so the barnehage put him in a spare costume they drug up from who knows where. And OMG!!! Could it be any more inappropriate!? I laughed so hard when they showed us the pictures. Apparently he is dressed as Lumpy the Elephant. But all I can see is that TERRIBLE trunk! Y'all will see this picture again in 16 years during his graduation slide show! Bahahaha!!!
As March approached, we started to get the last bit of baby preparations underway. Xander enjoyed testing out some of the new baby gear. He knows how to turn the new swing off and on...not exactly a good thing!
With my due date quickly approaching I had difficulty lifting Xander so Arthur took him to school in the mornings. Xander loves getting ready with his Dada in the mornings. They brush their teeth together, do their hair, and I even over heard Xander "trimming his beard" one morning! Haha!
It's amazing how much this kid has learned in the last few months! He likes to count although his favorite number is "TWO!" He can identify and name all his colors and many shapes. He will spend 15 minutes just putting all the blocks into the shape sorter box. I'm amazed by his ability to concentrate! He likes to "read" books to us by imitating our intonation. His favorite book to read is "That's Not My Bunny!" He has just started to use some two word phrases ("dada go", "bye bye mama".) I've said it before but I LOVE watching his language grow! It absolutely fascinates me :)
Along with his speech, Xander's style of play has also evolved a lot in the last 3 months. We bought him a ton of legos for Christmas and he likes building them into the tallest towers ever and then knocking them down (of course.) But he's also started doing imaginative play like building cars and driving them around making various engine noises. He picked up a toy block the other day, brought it to his ear and said "Hello!" pretending to talk on the phone.
We made a very conscious effort while I was pregnant to give Xander as much quality attention as possible knowing that the days of him being an only child were quickly coming to an end. The morning before I went into labor we decided to bring Xander down into our bed for some books and cuddles. Yeah right! Really it was WWF wrestling toddler style. Don't let the serene look on Arthur's face fool you...there's a good chance he had just been head-butted right before this picture was taken.
A major milestone these last few months...Xander's first selfie!
The other major milestone...Xander became a big brother! We took a video of Xander's first introduction to Benjamin. At first it seemed like Xander was totally uninterested in the the little baby bundle on the bed. In fact, I think he thought it was a toy. Then Benjamin made a little baby noise in his sleep and Xander's eyes got SO BIG! I think that was the moment he realized it was real...and maybe all this talk about a baby started to make a little more sense to him. From day 1, and every day since, he LOVES holding Benjamin. Of course, he also likes popping the pacifier out of his mouth once he's sleeping and trying to touch his eyeballs when he's awake...ugh! Sorry B!
Man Xander, you are just the coolest kid! You're playful and loud and ornery and loveable and creative and your giggles are just infectious! We love you so very much and are so proud of the little boy and big brother that you are growing into.
Next stop...2 years! Pray for this mommy. There will be tears!
Baby Benjamin is one month old today! We are slowly adjusting to life with 2 under 2 (!!!!) Looking back on this month I can't believe how busy we've been!
Benjamin met his older brother Alexander when he was less than one day old. Alexander was a little underwhelmed and Benjamin slept through the entire encounter so it's safe to say it wasn't exactly a monumental experience for either of them. That being said, Arthur and I sure had fun taking pictures of our two perfect boys and seeing them together for the first time!
For his first 2-3 weeks Benjamin would only sleep on his tummy or side in our bed. As you can imagine that made it impossible for us to sleep. He would sleep in spurts on Arthur's chest and when Arthur was too exhausted he would sleep next to me while he nursed. Needless to say I'm glad that he's already grown out of that! Now he sleeps swaddled in his own bassinet next to our bed.
Any time Benjamin is behind held Xander also wants to crawl up in our laps and cuddle him too. I don't think it's a jealously thing...yet. He's just very curious about this new little baby and loves being close to him.
One of the things I spent a lot of time worrying about while I was pregnant was if I would have similar issues with low supply that I had with Xander. I did lots of skin-to-skin with him in the first few days, and nurse on demand, even if that means he's nursing every 30 mins (which he does some days.) I am so very proud to say he seems to be gaining weight like a champ! He weighed as much at 3 weeks as Xander weighed at 2 months! Praying that this upward trend continues. Just look at that little belly :)
Benjamin had many very difficult, fussy days this month where he has needed near constant cuddles. I think a lot of that had to do with some tummy troubles. Thankfully, Arthur had most of March off to help! I made some diet changes and he seems to be doing much better and is more content now.
Benjamin attended his first social gathering this month. We had dinner with some of our American friends here. Our brood of kiddos has grown from 3 to 7 in just the last few months! We've all been productive here in Norway! And there's my youngest...already needing to be front and center!
Benjamin took his first plane ride this month. We traveled to Oslo to apply for his American passport. He still has a long way to go to catch up with how many flights Alexander has been on, but he sure set the bar high! He was so good and slept almost the entire trip. So much easier than a busy toddler!
Baby Benjamin, thank you for joining our little family. You are so loved and we are so thankful to have you here! We can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
It's possible that having a baby in the car might be every pregnant woman's worst fear. I think it was a reasonable worry for me in particular based on a few factors - 1) My labor with with Alexander was relatively quick for a first born and 2) If fast labors are genetic then baby Benjamin hit the jackpot - both Arthur's mother and mine actually DID give birth to our younger brothers in the car! So why was I driving alone, 30 minutes away from home on the day I went into labor...
My entire pregnancy Benjamin was measuring "big"...meaning the size of my belly didn't correspond to the projected due date based on my cycle. I had no health issues, the pregnancy was progressing normally, and according to my ultrasounds he wasn't fat, just long. Even so, my OB was predicting a baby as much as 2 lbs bigger than Alexander! But I knew my body and this baby just didn't feel that much bigger. In fact, I had a hypothesis that this baby wasn't bigger but older. Arthur and I had a running bet that I would go into labor either March 7th or 8th. And I told anyone who asked that I thought I would have this baby before my doctor's predicted due date of March 15th. A bit of an unwise approach, I began to think, as I entered into the last few weeks of my pregnancy. What if I DIDN'T have him before the 15th? Or even worse, what if I went past the 15th!? Would I have a 10 lb baby!? So of course, like any woman in her last month of pregnancy...I tried to stop obsessing about when it would happen and just go about my life. Which is why that afternoon I decided to head out alone to run an errand about 30 mins away from home.
About 10 minutes after I left the house I had my first labor contraction. I looked at the clock, 4:29 PM, but didn't turn around. I thought it could have been a strong Braxton-Hicks. But 10 minutes later I had another one. And another one 10 minutes later, this time stronger. I decided at that point that I should probably head home. The contractions kept coming and I kept an eye on the clock...10 minutes apart each time. And then I called Arthur. I think I said something along the lines of "I'm about 90% sure I've started labor contractions so you might want to get Xander some dinner in case we have to leave tonight." As you can imagine, Arthur was NOT very pleased with me for driving around while having contractions!
When I got home we sat down to dinner with Xander. Arthur made our traditional Sunday night pizza but I wasn't feeling like eating much so I had a piece of peanut butter toast. I figured if I was going into labor it would be wise to have something in me for energy. As with my first labor, I was concerned about getting to the hospital too soon. But the contractions started to ramp up quickly and I knew that it was probably time. Arthur gave Xander a quick bath, put him to bed, and called our friend Laila to spend the night with Xander. I was bent over the car, breathing through a contraction when she arrived and I was so grateful to see her because I knew I wouldn't have to worry about Xander any more!
Saying goodnight to Xander as we were about to leave for the hospital.
Don't let that smile fool you...I was having contractions during this picture!
As we headed to the hospital I remember asking Arthur between contractions, "Do you think we're going too soon?" I was terrified they'd turn me away for some reason. Arthur just laughed at me. I guess it was obvious to him that we were definitely NOT too soon. When we arrived Arthur wheeled me up to the natural birth floor, the same floor we had Alexander only 19 month prior! It was comforting to be in a familiar environment this time. Much to my relief, I was admitted around 8:30 PM. It took about 30 minutes for us to get into our room and the contractions were INTENSE while I waited.
We finally got into our room around 9 PM and let our midwife know that I wanted to labor and possibly give birth in the tub. I tried the tub with Xander's labor but only stayed in for about 30 minutes. But I really wanted to try to have a water birth this time...for many reasons. So Arthur ran the bath for me and I got in. Oh man, the hot water felt amazing. The room was quiet and dark and our midwife basically stayed out of the way. I got the impression that she felt like we knew what we were doing. She was around if we needed her but otherwise she was really in the background. I really liked that!
View from our 7th floor room. If it was day
you would be able to see the fjord in the distance.
I can't say enough about how wonderful it was this time to labor in the water. It felt safe, and because it was so big there was only really one side where people could reach me. About 45 minutes after getting in the water I felt the urge to push. Arthur alerted the midwife who, true to form, quietly and calmly showed up with 2 other midwives. While giving birth in the water is allowed at the hospital there are a few precautions that must be taken and only a certain midwives that feel comfortable with this type of birth. But I feel like they trusted me to know what to do...and I trusted them too.
Our room and tub shortly after Benjamin was born
After 7 loooooooong minutes of pushing he was here! I was shocked that it went that fast, to be honest. They laid him on my chest and he was perfect. And he was loud! He came out with a voice and an opinion! Although he was born 9 days earlier than his predicted due date, he was only 1.5 hours earlier than the due date I had predicted! And although he was born quickly, at least he waiting until we got to the hospital!
At this point, we were just in bliss that he was finally here. I was quickly rinsed off and wrapped in warm, clean clothes and then crawled into bed with my little newborn. Arthur laid in bed with us and we marveled at our perfect son.
Benjamin Terry Stautzenberger
born March 6
Stavanger, Norway
3.99 kg ~ 51 cm
Read about Alexander's birth story here: Part 1 and Part 2
It's been a while since I've posted anything that didn't have to do with updates on Xander or baby #2. But I had to share a quick post with pictures from our recent snow days. It's a gorgeous, sunny day here now but after the holidays were over in January we were all dreading dealing with another dark and wet month! Boy did we luck out this year :)
When I first pictured our life in Norway I imagined it would involve A LOT of snow! But that's not exactly been the case. We live on the southwestern coast of the country which is actually known more for it's copious amounts of precipitation in the form of rain. This time of year is typically dark, cold, and dreary so having snow on the ground for much of January was such a bright and welcome sight!
Xander had so much fun playing out in the snow almost every day.
He loved sound his boots made when he stomped.
Thank goodness his mom bought him these amazing warm, waterproof gloves with soft fleece on the inside. Too bad he REFUSED to wear them and instead would only wear his thin, fabric mittens that did nothing to keep the cold out! I have no idea where this kid gets his stubborn streak...
Crunching in the snow
Making snow balls to throw at Dada :)
I mean...is there anything more lovely than snow and sunshine!?
Making his first snow angel!
Afterschool snow selfies with Dada
There is a word here in Norway that doesn't really have a direct translation into English. "Koselig" means that warm, loved, secure feeling you get snuggling up on a cold winter day with candles, and blankets, and people you love. Our January, and the weeks of beautiful snow, was totally koselig! :)
Before I start this post, I just want to take the opportunity to thank you guys for being my cheerleaders throughout this pregnancy. You may not realize it, but I'm pretty selective who I share our little family blog with (the Facebook posts are only shared with a restricted list of friends). So if you're reading this, it's because I know you've got my back. So thank you!!! Thank you for the prayers, the messages, the "just because" checking in's, the shoulder(s) to cry on, and the unwavering encouragement. It really has meant so very much to me. I'm grateful for each and every one of you special people in my life and in the lives of my children. OK...Mushy is OVER...time for the post :)
How many weeks: 35 today (YAY! I'm posting on time!)
What size is baby: honeydew melon, 18 inches and 5.25 lbs
Movement: Fortunately, he's been head down now for some time now. Unfortunately, that means consistent feet in the ribs. It's interesting to me that he doesn't seem to be as much of the mover and shaker that Xander was at this point...is that foreshadowing that #2 is going to be our "chill" kid? Occasionally I get what Arthur and I call "Alien Belly" which is just random body parts pushing waaaaaay out of my tummy. Usually it's a baby butt lol. And hiccups every night like clock-work...just like his big brother.
New symptoms: Pregnancy hunger has returned! Usually it's just around dinnertime and because I'm lucky enough to be married a world class chef that usually means I get second helpings of some pretty delicious and healthy food. Last night it was curried cauliflower, soy and honey glazed salmon, and roasted asparagus spears.
Cravings: Still sugar...get in my belly!
Sleep: Yeah...no. This isn't really happening for me this time. Not sure why I'm having trouble sleeping but I seem to have a lot of just general insomnia. At least I'll be used to it when the baby comes!
Rings on/off: on...but barely
Best memory of the week: Getting more baby items for him ready. We now have a crib (for his room) and a cradle (for our room). We've also got a baby "command station" in our room that just needs to be stocked with Xander's handmedowns! This week we also received an incredibly thoughtful gift from a friend of ours here...the softest, cuddliest, baby blanket embroidered with his name and a scripture (thank you again Sandy!!!) Since we didn't decide on Xander's name until shortly after he was born we didn't have any personalized items for him. But this one has had a name picked out almost from the start so it's so fun to have some special things ready and waiting for his arrival!
Looking forward to: NOT BEING PREGNANT ANYMORE! Seriously though, I'm very aware that being able to grow and healthy child inside my body is an incredible gift. However, my body does not handle pregnancy all that well. And while I'm not one of those women that loves being pregnant, I am still trying to make as many memories of these last few weeks as I can because I know this will be the last time I ever feel what this feels like. Although it's a little bittersweet, I really am ready to be done with this stage of my life and move on to being an active healthy mommy to TWO busy, crazy little boys!
This was the first Christmas in my life that I haven't gone "home". Although, now that I'm an adult with a family of my own, the concept of "home" has gotten a little confusing. Where is home really? Home is where I'm from, where I was born, grew up, and where all my family and closest friends are. Home is also where Arthur is from and where his family is. Home used to be our cozy little place in Denton. Well, now home for us is in Norway. And although we missed family terribly and the hustle and bustle of an American holiday, it was nice to have a quiet, peaceful holiday without any jet-lag!
I was so impressed that Xander's class had a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments that the kids helped hang. Keep in mind these kids are aged 1.5 to 3 years old. They said the kids were all good and didn't mess with the tree at all! Xander is in the grey shirt...the one messing with the tree :)
His class also had the equivalent of a Christmas party, called a Julebord.The kids were allowed to pick out what they wanted, family style, and serve themselves. As usual Xander had seconds and thirds. I never worry about this kid going hungry. I only worry how we will afford his teenage years!
Xander had so much fun decorating the tree with us. He's at this incredible stage where he loves to help. So if we can figure out a task that he can do independently (like taking ornaments from me to Arthur) he is a happy boy.
Only one ornament was broken in during tree decorating and it was Arthur who broke it! Can't believe my little guy was barely crawling last Christmas and this Christmas he picked out ornaments and hung them all by himself! He can say "tree" and of course is not happy when we forget to turn the lights on. He cracks me up because he will count down to the lights turning on "two two TWO" and then cover his eyes when we switch them on as if they are incredibly bright. Always a bit of drama with this one!
Another great thing about this age is that we took Xander to the toy store with us when we went Christmas shopping for him. He had no clue that the cool dump truck and bouncy balls he picked out were some of his Christmas presents. He was so good in the store and Arthur had so much fun figuring out the perfect dump truck for his little boy!
Christmas morning takes on a completely different meaning when you've got an excited toddler. I have to say, I was so excited to have Christmas with Xander this year that I was the one waking up at 5 AM! Although he is still too young to really understand what Christmas is, it didn't take him long to realize that there was a lot of cool new stuff from him under that bright Christmas tree. We were SO blessed by friends and family who really surprised us by showering our little family with love and thoughtful gifts! Thank you all for your kindness!
One of the gifts we were most excited about was Xander's play kitchen. He can now cook in the kitchen while his dad cooks! He can say "stir", "whisk", "mix" and knows the proper tools for chopping and baking. He even puts dishes into his pretend oven and will bend down to check if they are ready by peeking in the little window. His imagination and creativity is so much fun to watch! I sometimes wonder if we are raising a little chef!
The tradition in our family is the youngest passes out the gifts to everyone. Xander's new play shopping cart was extremely helpful in this task!
Each time Xander opened a gift he wanted to play with it. In fact, he loved everything he got so much that it took him 3 days to get through all his gifts. I can honestly say that he was grateful and excited about everything he got this year. Even if he had no idea what it was he would say "WHOA!!!" and hold it up for us. My brother, Uncle Mason, got him one of the coolest gifts. A bag of toy cars. This little video shows just how excited he was :)
And you certainty can't have a Christmas without a fabulous Christmas spread. Arthur and my mom, our extraordinary chefs. made us a wonderful meal...fried turkey and gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing and apple crumble a la mode for dessert!
If the saying is true, that "home is where the heart is", then home is with these lovely folks!
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you got to spend it with those that make your heart feel joyful and loved!
