swimming lessons

A few weeks back Benjamin took a few swimming lessons with his daycare.

It was a bit different then the other swimming lessons he did before because this time it was outside and second it was with a stranger and not his mom. So the first day he cried and cried and cried..the poor girl..I wanted to offer her ear plugs or something ..he was so loud but she insisted that he stayed in the water and just continue with the lesson.  Then the very next day, he only cried for half of the lesson..he cheered up when she let him splash her.. Then the third day only five minutes and by the forth he was racing to the pool!

He did very well by the last few days.. jumping in the water and swimming on his own. I took a few videos and he loves watching them on my phone saying "splash" and "jump".

Olivia at one month

What can I say about this little girl who has stolen our hearts. I remember saying to Josh while I was still pregnant.. I was not sure how I could love another child as much as I love Ben ...How foolish I was..

She is the sweetest little girl I have ever laid eyes on.. from day one she has been easy to please..

She loves to sleep, she nurses well and really only pouts when she is upset. Unless she is really hungry then she will cry but is easily redirected once offered food. She doesn't mind when Benjamin is all over her trying to hug and kiss her. And she had her first smiles only three weeks after being born.

Dresden Ex.

Every year there is a fair that comes to town..

yes, even in the small town of Dresden.

This year was the first year we actually went and as small as it was Benjamin seemed to have a good time..

He was a little scared at first of all the rides but once he got on them he kept asking for more..

First Bath and more pictures!

Olivia had her first bath 5 days after she was born.. I guess it is good for a newborns skin to not bath them for several days.. although I am sure they didn't mean to wait five days..lol..

 As you can see she cried through the entire bath..but since then she has grown to love them!

I attepmted to take a  few newborn photos..clearly I need a better camera

 My favourite part of having a newborn.. all the cuddles and snuggles..

 not the greatest picture of Olivia but it pretty much sums of the way Benjamin feels about his little sister

 bad dream?

A few more pictures

Brotherly love

family visit

The day after Olivia was born I was feeling pretty great, so we took a little trip to Sarnia and met up with my brother and his family for Canada Day. It was the first time in a few years the four of us had gotten together, so it was pretty special.

While my mom and sister were down we tried to keep busy.. I really loved having them both down, even if they didn't get along much lol jk! I can't even put it words how much it meant to me (and Josh)  to have had them here for her birth and for all their help around the house and with Benjamin! I am truly blessed to have such amazing people in my life..I just wish they lived closer together..it just reminds me how much I miss them everyday!

ready to race!

INTRODUCING....Baby OLIVIA

Finally .. I know... this post is LONG over due..

I will start off by saying how lucky I am to have had both my mother and my sister at both of our children's birth. It was an experience I don't think I could have done with out either one of them there. Also my mother in law.. she was a HUGE help with Benjamin..Thank you to you three special woman in my life!

Now on to the birth.. I won't go into too many details but let me tell you that it was nothing like the first time around. Although it was painful and I didn't have any form of drugs.. I look back thinking I wouldn't do it any other way. We decided to go with a midwife this time and it was one of the best decisions we have ever made.. they made a world of a difference and I am so thankful for there services and support.

I was overdue by two days when I decided to go for acupuncture.. I had a lot of "false" labour contractions and since I am pretty certain acupuncture put me into labour the first time around I thought I should try it again.. sure enough the second day of acupuncture I had strong contractions leaving the place. That night they continued on and off waking up at 9 am to them being pretty consistent getting stronger and longer and closer together. We ended up going to the hospital in Chatham around 11...and finding out I was only 4 cent. Around 1230 I made it to 5 and I decided to have them break my water. After that it seemed to go by so fast.. I went into the jet tub and they started to come hard and fast.. sure enough I had enough and had to lay down.. At this time I was only 8 and felt this was going to take forever.. I started doubting myself thinking I have 10 more hours of this I couldn't do it anymore.. Just when I was yelling for drugs.. it was 3:02pm and I needed to push.. the midwife doubted me a little but sure enough it was go time....

9 minutes into pushing the midwife told me to open my eyes, and listen to her carefully..the cord is around her neck and I need to push NOW.... two minutes later, I had her by the head pulling her to my chest..crying and all.. she was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen... ( along side Benjamin)..And at this point I was in heaven .. a feeling I never felt with Benjamin ( due to being on pain killers) Total bliss seeing your baby for the first time after nine months wondering who she was.

Benjamin and Theresa, were there shortly after her birth.. Benjamin was so excited.. he came running up and kissed her..most precious moment ever.. just melted my heart to see the love in his eyes..

Although she didn't have a name until the next day 10 minutes before leaving the hospital.. it was the only name we could agree on and it seemed to just suit her perfectly...

Olivia Anne Childs

8lbs 5oz.

Born at 3:13pm

June 30th, 2012