{Alyvia Nicole}

Alyvia

2 Months 1 Week

We blessed Ms. Alyvia last weekend. It was a wonderful relaxing day. We missed our parents, grandparents, and all those in between, but we are so thankful for the family that joined us.

Lyvie looked perfect :) Thanks to her Grandma's who made sure she had all the right things.

Her dress was especially special because I wore it at my blessing almost 30 years ago.

Thankfully she was an angel for the blessing. She's an easy baby and a little bit of heaven in our home.

A (horrible) family picture.

We were lucky enough to have Destry and Loni and their girls stay with us for a quick visit. We took them down town to see the Cherry Blossoms and had lots of fun just being together. This could be THE cutest picture of the kids we've ever captured (missing Alyvia who was asleep in the stroller...it was a bit chilly). Thanks for coming!!

{Fun...and lots of it!}

We've been having a few beautiful days here and there and we've been having some really yucky ones. We made the best of both! We took Jonas to the Port Discovery Museum in Baltimore last Friday. It was lots of fun! Jonas had a great time and was VERY worn out when we got home.

Its safe to say the "Water Works" room was his favorite. He loves water and I think he could have stayed in this room all night.

Blocks + Water= One Happy Jonas Boy!

Here he is standing in the train car. It had a whistle that the kids were blowing, and it was loud...very loud. He didn't know what it was at first and was a little scared.

A giant Light-Bright in the Tot Trails room kept him entertained for a while. He mostly carried the light pegs around. This is from his Autism as well. Constantly carrying something around with him gives him a sense of safety and security since often, Autistic children don't have sense of their bodies and its surroundings. We have differing opinions about wether to let him hold objects, or to take them away. We haven't decided which route we will take with that challenge quite yet.

Evidence that he really did have a fun time. I would take him back again and again. (Especially on the $2 Friday nights!)

We also took Jonas and his friend, Barrick, to the Adventure Park in Germantown last week. Its a VERY big playground and after a little warming up...the boys had fun. Look how hard Jonas had played-his little cheeks are red, red, red! It was pretty warm that day though.

Jonas, Devin, and Barrick (Devin surprised us and stayed home on Monday...so fun to have a Dad day!)

Dad and Jonas (AKA BFF's)

We also got Jonas' official diagnosis this week. He is indeed on the Autism spectrum. He presents as a mild to moderate case. We were in no way surprised to hear his results. It was, in fact, a relief to learn a little bit about what is coming in our future-although children change. It was great to hear that we are doing just about exactly what the Dr. would recommend and that Jonas is showing great progress from the services he is getting. What a relief to know that he is healthy, happy, and that someday this life will not be a challenge for him. That someday he will be perfected-we all will. Devin and I joke all the time that everyone is probably a little Autistic because everyone has their little quirks-some are just a little more obvious or severe. Jonas is still perfect to me-don't get me wrong...he's a stinker sometimes...but he's our stinker..and we're so blessed to call him ours.

{Hard Work}

I've said before that I don't really love the newborn stage. I don't hate it, but its hard-for everyone. The baby is confused, the family is in an uproar from the new baby, and the Mom (who sets the mood for everyone..right?). That's not so say I am not in love with my kids...or that I want them to hurry and grow up and leave my alone. Not at all. I tell Jonas all the time that he can live with me for forever and he doesn't have to go on a mission. (I realize I am in for a rude awakening with this one.) I love my kids. They truly are miracles, precious gifts, and they bring Devin and I so much joy. Its funny how different their personalities are. Jonas is quite content to be alone, doesn't really want/need attention, and is generally happy to do his own thing. This is partly to blame on his Autism, but its also just his nature. He's happy with just playing alone. Alyvia is SOCIAL. She's already showing us that she would prefer someone to be by her all the time. She likes it best when we talk to her, and cries if she can hear people and doesn't think we are paying attention. Its ever more evident to me that boys and girls are very different to raise :)

Alyvia started smiling a few weeks ago...but it is HARD WORK to get her to give you a really good smile. She has to be full, dry, and not sleepy. That's the only way she will give you that cute little gummy smile. We love it though, so we comply to her stipulations.

Like I said, as long as you are talking to her, she is a happy girl!

I like the half smile too. I feel like she takes pitty on me for making myself look like an idiot to get her to smile.

We enjoyed conference this weekend. I think we can all agree that the messages were perfect for each of us. There was something said in every talk that I needed to hear. I am so thankful for General Authorities who follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and for a loving Heavenly Father who knows what each of us needs.

Devin got the tent out of the attic and set it up for Jonas. He loves tents. He asks for a tent every night when we put him to bed. (His idea of a tent is his Buzz Lightyear blanket draped over the top of his crib.) Jonas was a great helper.

We watched the last session of conference together in the tent. It was so much fun!

Devin setting up the tent was the icing on Jonas' little cake. He gave Dad knuckles several times to tell him what a great BFF Dad is.

Devin left his phone on the couch one night. It has a touch screen. Jonas uses it for a mirror. I guess he thought he was pretty cute because he laughed and laughed at Devin's phone. I love how he holds it so close to his face.

Here he is saying cheese. It still looks like he is in pain when he says it. We're working on that

Ms. Alyvia went to the Dr. this last week. She weighed in at 9 lbs 9 ozs. She's growing nicely and is in the 50% for everything. Great news for a once preemie. I love this little half smile she gave me.

She was scheduled for shots this visit. I decided to do a "relaxed vaccination schedule" with her. I know there is so much research proving that Autism is not caused by giving kids vaccinations, but I am still just a little paranoid. Our pediatrician was on board with us spreading them out a bit more. She's wonderful.

We're still enjoying having this little one in our home. Its fun to watch them learn and grow. I like that I kind of know what to expect now that I have done this before and I am a lot more relaxed about things. I try to enjoy things more-even the late nights, blow out diapers, and the smell of spit up. Its truly an honor to get to have these little spirits in our home...even when they are hard work.

{Just in case...}

...I forgot to send this anyone. I tried to remember everyone-but I'm sure we missed someone along the way. Here is Alyvia's birth announcement. My cousin Crystal designed them for me and I love them!

{Changing}

...a few things are changing at our house...

Alyvia (although still little) is growing, growing, growing! We weighed her a few weeks ago and she had made it to 8 lbs. Pretty exciting since she is almost 8 weeks!

We get mixed reviews about whom she looks like. Jonas? Nicole? Devin? I say Jonas....seriously take out the bow and put her in blue and she is a very feminine Jonas.

Jonas has had some changes too. He's eating a little better. He's talking A LOT more. (although you have to live with him to understand what he is saying..still...they are words people!!!) He's mastered a lot of new things in his schooling very quickly and we are very excited for all the progress he is making. He will be starting Speech Therapy this week, and a once a week preschool in May. All very good directions for our Jonas Boy.

Since the weather is changing (as in everyday its different-really Mother Nature..just pick a season and stick with it for a while!) we've been spending more time outside. Jonas loves all things that have to do with the Park! He can even say Park (Paka)

One thing for sure that hasn't changed is who Jonas' BFF is. I try and I try...

Jonas is still into sticks...and collecting them. I love how he looks like Noah or something with his walking stick. I don't know how he even picked it up!

Jonas still enjoys watching a "Shhhhow" in the morning-perched in his spot on the couch. He's really into movies right now. I know every line of all 3 Toy Story movies, Cars, and Despicable Me. Its awesome.

I hope this is a preview of their future together. Jonas never touches her unless we tell him to give Alyvia a kiss. He rarely acknowledges her existence. I know most parents pray that their older kids will be soft with the younger ones....and we do too, but we also hope that Jonas will learn to interact a little with is Sister. For now though...I'm OK with him closing his eyes every time we put her near him.

{Whew}

It turns out that having TWO kids has taken some getting used to it. I'd say we have improved, but we're not experts for sure. I also know that Heavenly Father is far wiser than we are. I could NOT handle multiples!!

A common scene at our house. Someone laying with Alyvia-and Jonas getting all up in our faces. He likes to be right where we are.

Jonas and Alyvia got a new ride. I have been coveting this stroller since I found out we were having another baby. We got a killer deal on a brand new one (thank you Craigslist!). Jonas seems to love it. I can't wait for Alyvia to be able to ride a bit more comfortably. She rides behind Jonas with the bassinet part laid flat. I'm sure she is comfy...but it makes me a bit nervous. Anyway--we hope to get a lot of miles out this stroller!!

Jonas is still his happy little self. He hasn't been upset by Alyvia being part of our family. He is patient when he needs to be (mostly), and he doesn't bother her either.

HOWEVER

He has been causing quite a bit of trouble. This lotion bottle was on the table today..and he got the lid off. Needless to say, we smelled baby clean all day at our house.

This picture is from Sunday. This incident was not as easily cleaned up. I left my make-up bag in the bathroom sink in my room. It was zipped up. Jonas was watching a "shhhhhow" as he calls it while I was in Alyvia's room pumping. (This feeling like a dairy cow is not my favorite) Jonas was a little quiet, so I called his name. He answered, so I figured he was ok. WRONG. He got my make-up bag, unzipped it and opened my foundation. Needless to say his clothes, my carpet, and my bed were now a shade of ivory. I laughed though because he had three or four streaks on his face. He knew what he was doing! I did manage to get it out of his clothes. The carpet is a different story. Glad we are renting!

Alyvia turned one month on Sunday. I can't believe it has been a month...but I also feel like I have been waking up in the night for like 6 months now. I think we are getting the hang of things, and bless this cute little one for only getting up every 4-4 1/2 hours. She knows Mama needs her sleep!

She is getting bigger, and to me she has changed so much from her first days in the NICU.

She looks so much like Jonas, and Devin. I swear she mine. Someone made a comment about her being the mailman's child-but our mailman has REALLY dark skin :) Guess she got something from me.

I attempted to take some pictures of the kids together for Valentine cards. It was....not good. Jonas looks like he is in pain in this picture. He's not. He's saying Cheese.

This was my favorite. He really is soft with her. I told him to be careful with her head. This is what I got. (sigh) Someday I will have adorable pictures of them together but for now, I am just working on keeping Lyv alive :)

{Breathtaking}

I can't praise my friend Diana enough for her talent. Its not enough to say Thank You. These pictures are timeless treasures to me. I am so thankful that she is willing to share her talent. This is the best shower gift ever. I love you Di-thanks again for sharing your talent!!

Our Baby Girl

Alyvia Nicole Ure

January 27, 2011

5 lbs 14 oz 19 inches

7:36 P.M.

Alyvia's first (decent) picture.

Just hanging out.

All the tubes and wires on our teeny tiny girl.

Finally time to go home.

Big car seat for such a little one.

Ms. Alyvia made her debut on the 27th. It was a special day for our family. Not only was it Jonas' half birthday, it was also Devin's birthday. I don't know if Devin cared too much for having to share his special day with his wife in labor. We were given an option...sort of. The Dr. asked.."how about the 27th?" I looked at Devin and he said..."Fine with me." So off we went at 7:AM. This time around I progressed much faster than I did with Jonas. I won't go into details...because they are my memories and I want to keep them. But all in all it was a great experience. Alyvia was worth the three weeks of bedrest, the headaches, the heartburn, and everything in between. (That's not to say I am in a rush to remember it all again)

After Alyvia was born the nurse noticed that she was breathing really shallow. She watched her, and tried to suction her out really well, but still her breathing seemed "off" to the nurse. So she called the NICU and they sent a nurse down to watch her. She was keeping her Oxygen up pretty good for a few minutes, and then it would drop a bit low...and then come back up again. It was all pretty hectic for a bit. Not scary hectic, just crazy. So off they wheeled my 58 minute old baby to the NICU..where she stayed for 6 days. Now, I realize that 6 days is nothing compared to what many other babies and parents go through...but for me, it was hard. The back and forth was hard. The leaving her at the hospital was hard. The sleepless nights were hard. The knowing that Jonas had no idea what was going on, was hard.

After the bubble C-Pap machine, and a few days on regular oxygen, a biliblanket, an umbilical IV, and lots and lots of blood work, Alyvia was released on Wednesday, February 2nd. It was a great day! Perhaps the best part of the day was when we got home. We showed Alyvia to Jonas and said.."Jonas, what is this?" He says..."A Baby". Then he gave her kisses (which is so cute-he puts his little lips on her head and then after he pulls away he makes the kiss sound). We brought him home a stethoscope...it was a huge hit.

Thank Goodness for answers to prayers, for a family who is willing to help, for friends who care, and call just to make sure we are ok, and most of all Thank Goodness for Eternal Families, and that ours is one of them.