Learning to cook...

With the new addition to our family, I have tried to create an activity that Kayla and I can do together without Christian. Something that "big" kids can only do. So, at least once a week, the two of us venture into the kitchen to create something tasty. Our first cooking lesson was strawberry cupcakes. Kayla had a good time helping me stir and of course licking the spoons.

Let me help!!

That looks good!

YUMMY!!!

The new way to clean the counter top.

Two weeks into it...

It has been two weeks since Christian's arrival. If I said that everything has been great, I would be lying. Having a two year old and a newborn has been challenging. I have had so much help from family and friends. It has been a blessing. Even though there have been moments were I thought I would loose it, I would not change anything. Christian has been a blessing. He is definitely a cuddle bug. He wants to be help all the time. He loves to sleep on my chest. This makes it very difficult for me to sleep, but it is better then the alternative (crying all night). He lets you (and ever one else know when he is not happy). That is the Schneider in him.

Kayla is adjusting to the changes. She enjoys helping Mommy out and sharing her toys with him. When he cries, she lets me know that the baby needs to eat. She loves to help change his diaper and has to have hers changed on the changing table when I am done with him. She has had her moments were she wants me to put the baby to sleep so that I can spend time with me. If someone else tries to comfort or pick up Christian, she gets upset and explains to them "My baby!" She is already a protective big sister.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Summer Days

Jon went out and bought Kayla a small swimming pool while I was in the hospital last week. It has been a big hit. Kayla loves the pool!!! Everday she asks for her blue diapers (swim diapers). I cant wait to be able to play with her in the pool. For now, Jon and those helping me out are enjoying the summer fun.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christian Blake Schneider

Christian is here!!!

Born: May 26, 2008 at 10:59a.m

Weight: 9.7 oz. (big boy!)

Length: 20.5 in
(More to follow. Mommy needs to take a nap.)

Latest update on The Schneider Family....

I apologize that I have not updated the blog sight. Life at our house has been crazy. For those of you that don't know, Jon has been traveling during the week, the house is up on the market, and a new baby in less then 4 weeks. Monday through Fridays is just Kayla and I. It has been difficult not having Jon here. However, we are all hanging in there. As my pregnancy gets closer and closer to the end, I am having to rely more and more on neighbors and family. Mary and my dad have been a blessing. They have helped us out so much during this period. Our neighbors have also been great. Going to run a simple errand (going to the grocery store to get milk) is a chore in itself with being pregnant and having a toddler. They are always eagerly willing to watch Kayla as I speed off to get the milk or dog food. I will have to say mentally this transition is probably harder on Jon. Kayla, putting the house on the market, taking care of the dogs and myself gives me little time to really sit down and think about how much I miss Jon. Jon, on the other hand, is in a hotel all weekend by himself. Then on the weekend, Kayla only wants Daddy. It is so sweet to watch them together. However, I know it makes it difficult to leave Sunday nights. Soon, this will all be over with and a new chapter in our life will begin. A new baby boy and moving. Jon and I keep asking ourselves, "what did we do? new job, moving, new baby all at once!! are we crazy?" However, we all both know that once things settle down it will all be worth it.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Two More Months Until the "Terrible 2's"

Our little girl is growing so fast. I cant believe that in two months, Kayla will be two. Everyday she amazes me. Last week while eating breakfast, she started counting her grapes. I could not believe it, 1 through 10. It is amazing the things they pick up. Now Kayla is not a big singer, just like her Mommy. I try to have her sing some of her favorite songs. Instead, she likes to dance and act them out. Some of her favorite songs are..."This little light of mine", "If you're happy and you know it" (she actually shouts "Amen" on the third chorus), "Henry the Octopus" by The Wiggles and of course her favorite "I love you, You love me". Kayla loves craft time. We create so many fun things at home (like her wonderful crown). At Mother's Day Out, the teacher tells me that Kayla gets so excited when it is craft time and informs everyone "My turn!". I guess this should not surprise me since I enjoy crafts as well. Kayla is also into her baby dolls. She enjoys taking care of them (feeding, taking them on stroller rides, making sure they are happy). With Jon being gone during the week, Kayla has turned into a real little Daddy's girl. During the weekend it is all about Daddy.

A preview of our new addition to the family

On Monday, we got to see a video and 3D pictures of our soon to be new addition to the family. Before the scheduled appointment, our little man decided to take a nap. I was worried at first that he would be sleeping but he woke up just in time to say hello. He kept grabbing the umbilical cord and playing with it. Several times we caught him grabbing his foot and trying to suck on it. He opened his eyes and grinned for us. It was so amazing. We were not able to get very many good shots since he kept moving the umbilical cord in front of his face and since he kept moving so much that it was difficult for the technician to focus. However, we enjoyed seeing the little guy. Kayla was able to look on the big screen TV and see her baby brother. That was neat. Several times she pointed and said "Baby!" Barbara, Jon's mother, came with us. She really enjoyed seeing her future grandchild. I am glad she was able to share this experience with us.

I cant believe in less then 10 weeks, a new addition to our family will be here. I don't know if I am more excited or scared. A two year old and a new born...what was I thinking. I know that it will be wonderful and I am looking forward to all the adventures we have ahead of us.