Falling into Autumn

This week we are going to celebrate Matt's 31st birthday and Fall. Fall is the favorite season in Otto's house. We enjoy crisp weather and apples. I am never happier than sporting my Uggs and hooded sweaters. Matt has already donned his track suits. Some highlights of autumn include:
1.) Apple picking- Honey crisps, galas, Granny Smiths- yum! So far I am planning on making an apple crisp, a pie, apple sauce, and homemade vanilla ice cream.
2.) Pat's games and tailgate parties- Once a week Matt makes a dish from the opponet's city. We started it last year and we decided to continue with the tradition.
3.) Puffy down vest- Matt may poo poo them but Logan and I adore our vests. Warm sweatshirt, stretch gloves, vests, and hats are a must on our trips to the playground on those chilly October days.
4.) Return of our favorite shows- The Office, 30 Rock, Dexter, and Bored to Death=HOORAY. Delicious mind candy.
5.) Halloween in Salem- that is ALL I have to say.
Costumes- check
Vests- check
Otto's pug sweatshirt- check
Let the fall fun begin.

Yawn

Posting on my Blogger app with my feet up- nuff said. Seriously- I am exhausted. I do not remember work to be this tiring. The count down is on for summer vacation (170 school days if you are curious). Weekends are just a mere tease (2 days, blah). Logan and Paige take naps for granted. Mom and dad need the siesta more than they do. As I type this- Matt just passed out in his chair.

School Days School Days

Another school year is upon us. Matt and I have returned to work and the cherubs are in school. Logan and Paige attend Best Friends Learning Center, which they absolutely adore. The teachers and the staff are wonderful-- smart, sassy, and fun. Logan loves all of his teachers and Paige already seems please with her room. Currently there are only four other babies in Paige's class- three other girls and one boy (this certainly was the year of the girls). Apparently Paige is already the class "gabber." Her teachers cannot believe how much she babbles (well they are not too surprise considering who her brother is). Logan loves showing off his new little sister with his classmates. He DID have a moment on Wednesday when Paige class went for a walk; he was confused and thought Paige was not coming back and started to cry. The school year is off to a busy yet sucessful start. Matt and I hope it continues.

Here we come Best Friends- hope you are ready for the Bear and Cupcake

We are ready to learn

New sites that we love

http://dailywag.marthastewart.com/
Oh my- how could I have been a pet owner for so long and not know about Martha's (my domesticated goddess) pet web site- The Daily Wag. Dog biscuit recipes, simple pet craft such as pet waste disposable bag holder, and pictures of Martha's two French Bull Dogs- Sharkey and Francesca- I could spend hours pouring through the site. And, just like on her general site, you can save ideas and recipes.

http://pinterest.com/ottopants/
I became a member of Pinterest to get inspiration for Logan's room. Now- I use it as a way to organize ideas for his space (pictures on that project are coming soon- I promise). Then I began following friends' boards and got even more ideas to use the site. Ottopants is my username but if you have my email address- you can find my boards there. I have eleven in total so far.

http://ottopants.tumblr.com/
Ottopants and Loganbear is the name of Otto's blog. Yes- Otto needed his own blog / tumblr. He has a pug voice that must be heard. He tries to update it every other day but you know how busy he can get.

Mrs. Edward Cullen

Finally, after eight weeks of drool, gumming on fist, and an occasional whimper, Paige has cut her first tooth. Her left canine tooth.

Paige and her new favorite toy, Sophie (best $20 spent at BRU)

On a completely different topic- I just adore Martha Stewart, especially her recipes (Matt made her Vietnamese Grilled Steak subs tonight- delicious). I recently added her widget to my iGoogle page so I now receive the "cookie of the day" recipes. Today's recipe- Paul Bunyan cookies. Submitted by a follow fan, these cookies have everything. Chocolate chips, oats, cinnamon, and raisins- they are as big as their namesake. Cannot wait to try them...maybe tomorrow...

Going on Four Months

Paige will be four months next week while we are on vacation. Yesterday we had a wellness visit with Dr. A. Paige stats at four months are:

Weight- 14.1 lbs
Height- 21 inches

She's on mark with all her milestones and we got the o.k. to try solids. After much deliberation, Matt and I decided Paige's first solid food will be banana (Dr. A said cereal has no nutritional value and since Paige was showing interested in eating, skip it and go straight to the good stuff). So today I whipped up a banana puree and PDiddy gobbled it up.

Banana Face

Katie's Banana Puree Recipe: One Banana

2oz of formula

One drop of lemon juice (to prevent from browning)

Cut up banana and place in the food processor and pulse

Slowly pour formula in until desire consistency

You can freeze the remaining puree in ice cube trays.

Potty Trained=CoCo Keys

We got the Bear to use a toilet instead of a diaper (well during the day, at night he still wears an overnight). As his reward, we took Logan and his cousin Tuffer to CoCo Keys for the morning and early afternoon. For those who are not aware, CoCo Keys is a small indoor water park. It is part of the Ferncroft Hotel in Danvers (not a hundred percent sure that is the name of the hotel but I am too lazy to Google anything this moment). Very cute and very clean- I can definitely see us going back later (maybe an excursion during one of the winter breaks, perhaps for a half birthday- which we do celebrate at Otto's House). During the summer months the park opens at ten. I recommend going as soon as it opens; you have a nice hour- hour and a half before camp groups invade and the park is not to crowded. There were some babies there, however the Cupcake stayed with Nanny because it was a day to celebrate Logan's accomplishment with Mommy AND Daddy (a rarity with a fur brother and baby sister). Logan and Tuffer had a blast- they enjoyed several trips down various water slides, a relaxing float down the lazy river, and splashes in the shallow pool. Logan chatted it up with several new friends- including a very friendly Japanese family, several Y campers, and a lifeguard- about his new acquired skill and the types of undergarments he dons. Mommy and Daddy even got to partake in the Adults only hot tub (and thanks to the CoCo Keys staff- it stayed adults only).

The Bear splashing down the water slide

Showing us that paying for swim lessons is a good investment

Cousins, Best Friends, Great Kids- Couldn't ask for better

Cerasale-Messina Men- Wild and Crazy Dudes (missing from photo- Uncle Chris and Otto)

Paige

For some reason I had the hardest time coming up with a title for this entry. I tried to come up with something meaningful and symbolic. There were a couple of phrases I liked but didn't love and in the end, I felt that her name was perfect for this post. It is, after all, about her. Paige is 3 months old today. Actually- she is 13 weeks but today is July 11th so it is 3 months after her birthday. There are so many things I wanted to share with this post but after reading several birth stories and knowing so many preggos that are going to give birth soon (and a couple for the first time)- I thought I would share Paige's birth story. I never got around to posting one and today seems like an excellent day to post.

Paige's birth was in almost every way different than Logan's. With Logan- everything was quick and full of surprises (maybe because he was my first). I went in to the hospital with minor contractions at 1 AM and I was holding my boy by 7:30 AM. The cupcake was almost methodical. Perfect for Type A parents (though I did enjoy the element of surprise with the Bear). Her story starts a few weeks before she arrived. To preface- my feet started to swell before I knew I was pregnant with my girl (it was my first pregnancy symptom) so by the end- my feet and ankles were huge. My OBGYN and midwife were very impress with their sizes. They were not impress with my blood pressure. My blood pressure was higher than they wanted it and three weeks before Paige arrived, I was going to L&D two - three times a week for NST and ultrasounds (to check her size- any bigger than 8lbs, I couldn't deliver her naturally). I even had to get a day off of work for complete bed rest (and a twenty four hour urine test, ew). On April 8th- I went in for an ultra sound and the tech proclaim she was under 7lbs. This made me a tad skeptical because I was BIG. The ultrasound tech said she has only been off an ounce or two and I was looking at a natural delivery as long as I didn't go past 42 weeks (I was 39 weeks). After the ultrasound, I went for my weekly appointment with my OBGYN. My stats were looking better so I was hoping we can skip the NST and sail onto my desire due date- April 16th (the very start of April vacation). Dr. C had another vision for me- inducing. I was stable, the baby was good size, and I was swollen to capacity. The cupcake was cooked. Dr. C said it made sense to go while I was stable, I would be at 39 weeks, and the baby was a good size. It made me nervous but if my doctor said it was time- then it was time. She gave me the due date of April 11th and the order to show up at 11:00.

That weekend was the last time our family was a family of four. After the doctor gave me my due date- I felt much more like my non pregnant self so I was able to enjoy are time together. We spent it together, doing our typical weekend routine- Gymboree, Target trip, even the playground on Saturday afternoon (it was a very nice day). When Monday the 11th came, Matt drove Logan to school (donning his Big Brother tshirt) and waited for my mom to arrive- feet up, TV on for one last guilt free viewing of Teen Mom 2. Mom arrived and off to L&D. We registered at 11 on the dot, and we got settled into our room. Around 12, the nurses came into my room to do my intake and to put in my IV. Shortly after they started my intake, my water broke (on its own). I was thrilled and I ask if we can delay the piticon and let nature take its course. Contrations did start but were irregular and not strong at all (I had more intense Braxton Hicks). After a couple of hours of small progress, I was talked into a small dosage of piticon. Around the same time, nurses changed shift and we got a new and wonderful nurse, Melissa. Not that my other nurses were terrible (although one of them told me I probably shouldn't get an epidural because I didn't get one with Logan) but Melissa stayed in the room with us and was like "hey, even though you are giving birth, lets talk about fun stuff like TV and shopping). She took my mind off of the contractions that were getting stronger but still manageable. Around 4:30, Dr. C came in and check my progress. Since I didn't dilate since my intake, Dr. C didn't think my water broke completely. Dr. C needed to finish the job and after that- my contraction became regular and painful. The pain was odd- my left side just felt crampy but my right size was racked with pain from my hip all the way up to my molar. I lasted until 6. Here is where I want to say, I never yelled once from any pain and Matt can vouched for me. I asked for Melissa to check it see if I made any progress (no) then I asked for my epidural. One painful half hour later, I was numb from the waist down. Melissa (a mother of two girls and supporter of epidurals) was impressed I lasted as long as I did AND was glad I got one because she said my contractions were very strong and one on top of each other.

The epidural helped me relax. I was tensing up during contractions and it was preventing me from dilating. Dr. C came to check me at 8 and gave me the go ahead to push in about 30 minutes. The only downside of the epidural was my dead weight legs. Oye- poor Matt. Around 8:30- Melissa had me do a practice push. Half way through my push- Melissa told me to stop because she was literally right there (and Melissa did not want to be the one to deliver Paige). Melissa quickly got Dr. C and by 8:40, I was pushing again. And at 8:45- Paige made her appearance and quickly settled on top of my chest.

Although their labors were difference- the after labor experience was exactly the same. Both children were able to go skin to skin with me and I felt the same unconditional love for both. Love you Paigey Cakes! Thanks for a wonderful three months.

Happy Eight Weeks Cupcake

The Eight Weeker, Matt, and Otto (Logan refused to be in the picture)

I know I am beautiful

And a couple pictures of some other people I adore:

Logan was totally into a silly face picture (still cannot believe he is going to be three at the end of the month)

My oldest baby

Holy Month Batman

We cannot believe how fast May flew by (and how busy)... Where do I begin--

Otto turned four on May 4th. Our oldest baby celebrated with some cake, new toys, and a glorious new Bruins collar. He now has a collar for each Boston sports team.

Paige turned one month on May 11th. Our Cupcake is more beautiful and alert with each day. She is just as easy going as the Bear was at this age. In fact, she started "talking" (cooing) to us. She smiles when you smile at her which is just lovely.

Paige holding one of her newborn pictures- even she cannot believe how much she has changed

Paige with one of my Rainbow Bright dolls

Cupcake at One Month!
Paige will be Two Months next Saturday- yikes, where does the time go.

Speaking of time flying by, Logan is working on his last month in Toddler Two and will be moving onto Preschool in the Fall. We are planning on keeping him at Best Friends simply because Best Friends has been so wonderful to us over the past three years. Logan has been thriving since going there. We cannot believe how much he absorbs. Last month he learned about insects and can tell you all about the life cycle of a butterfly.

Symmetric Butterfly

Caterpillar

Happy Three Weeks Paige!

We have a couple of events happen this week.

1st- Paige is three weeks old today. We went to the doctors on Thursday. The Cupcake is weighing in at an even 8 pounds. She has amazing control of her head and is becoming more alert each day.

2nd- OttoPants 4th birthday is on Wednesday! Old Bones!

Our IPhoto is being a problem but I was able to upload a video using Flipshare.

Logan is cheering up a very fussy Paige.

Happy Easter

I have an confession to make- I allowed Logan to have Nerds for breakfast this morning. He did have a half of a banana and whole wheat bagel during brunch so do not call the police on us just yet.

Paige's first holiday was tasteful yet simple. Brunch with the Messinas then late lunch / dinner with the Cerasales. Both affairs had their own Easter egg hunt so Logan has enough candy to last him until the end of May.

Happy One Week Birthday Paige

What a week!

Bertha

Paige had her first physical with our doctor on Friday. She left the hospital on Thursday weighing 7lbs. 5oz (five ounces less than her birth weight). By Friday morning she weighed 7lbs. 8 oz. Yup- she gained 3 ounces in a day. She is sucking back those bottles (she is already taking 4 ounces a feeding, and eating almost every 3-4 hours). Our pedie was very impress with how calm she is AND how strong. I told him she is a brute. Really- we should have named her Bertha!

Logan LOVES his little sister- he is very attentive to her, especially when she is in her swing (which, like Logan, she loves). Every time the music stops, Logan goes and turns it back on for her. Logan also loves the big brother gifts our friends and family are bringing him. Thanks to everyone for including Logan. It is helping ease the blow for him and making him realize that having a little sis isn't all that bad.

Logan opening his big brother gift from Deb- Hot Wheels!

So far we are keeping everything low key. Matt is off for April vacation so he and Logan will be home again this week. This weekend- the Nannys and the Yia Yia came for a visit. Paige got to meet one of her great grandmothers- Great Nanny (Matt's grandmother) AKA "Other Nanny" (that is what Logan calls her as well as Matt's Aunt Mary, Deb (a family friend), and of course Nanny (Matt's mom). Yia Yia (my mom) and Auntie D also came by for a visit on Saturday night. Three cheers for family for bringing some desperately needed snack food into this house (we were grasping at straws). Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory and nachos. Yum.

Logan, Paige, and beloved Auntie D! Paige with Great Nanny

Family of Five

Today was our first day home with Paige. Honestly- it was not as hard as I thought it would be. Beverly Hospital was pretty quick with getting us out (I don't blame them, Paige and I DID get to stay an extra day and with all the April babies coming, I think they needed the room). Currently, the Cupcake is weighing in at 7lbs. 5 oz- only losing 5 oz from her original birth weight. Eat on Paige.

Paige made her first public appearance wearing the pink and black pokadot outfit Nanny bought for her way back in November (when we first found out Baby ZXY was a she). Topped off with the purple flowered beanie Mommy got for her off of Etsy.

Logan was very excited that Paige was coming home today (and Mommy). He has been a wonderful help. He made lunch with Matt and even set the table for lunch and dinner. Nap time for him was a little trying... However Paige kicked butt sleeping a stretch of three hours (in her bassinet). Logan redeem himself by helping me walk a neglected Otto. I have to say, Otto has been a good boy. He seems to like Paige- he didn't want to leave her side when we just put her down to sleep.