Russell is 1 month old

A lot of my blogging friends do a much better job of this, but I'll give it a try.

Russell, you are 1 month old today. Where has the time gone? You have changed our life forever. You love to eat and sleep, and have grown quite a bit since you first arrived. You love to be held and cuddled, and your favorite place to sleep is anywhere someone will hold you. You are the laid back child, and adapt to anything that comes your way. You get numerous kisses each day from your big sister, and you take all her hugging in stride. We love you, and can't wait for you to grow even more!

He must be growing because I pulled out his Carter's 3 month clothes today -- which is not really a huge deal, because Carter's does run small (all of you new moms out there should know this) but its still weird to think that he is already growing out of some of this clothes!

Here are some pictures from today:

Success with the Vest

As with most toddlers, Meredith can be pretty opinionated in words and actions. Aunt Liz got her this adorable vest for Christmas, but she pretty much refused to wear it -- or when she did she would break out into a horrible crying fit. Well, I guess momma did something right and I finally got pictures. Thanks Liz for the outfit -- I think its a keeper!

Parties and Pigtails

Wow - what a busy two weeks it has been! I hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas and a very festive new year. Here is an update on our holiday happenings.

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday. I don't have too many pictures, but once I get some from the rest of the family I'll try to post them. For some reason I always seemed to have a baby or a toddler in my hands:) Sharon hosted a wonderful Cookie Decorating Party for the kids a few days before Christmas, and a fun time was had by all. Chefs Meredith and Matt had lots of fun, while Russell just looked from a far. Leslie and Patrick came and visited little Russ the next day, and we had a good time catching up with them. Thanks for playing ball with Meredith, as well as stopping by to see us! We made it up to church for Christmas Eve service, and Matt and I were amazed at how well both of our children did during the service. Meredith amazed us with her restraint and the first real peep out of her was after the Lord's Supper (so, pretty much the end of the service) when she declared "All Done." Matt even commented that we should have more little kiddos to fill up the pews .... my thoughts, slow down, buddy:) After that, on to Christmas at the Davis' for food and presents.

Christmas morning was a brunch at our house with grandparents. I think Meredith was a little overwhelmed. She ended up going into her playhouse, and not coming out to open presents. However, she did like the presents after they were opened. On to Christmas lunch with the Lipsey family -- so more food and presents. Finally got to make it back home, and the whole family pretty much crashed. I'm tired just writing about it!

We just spend New Years in the house after picking up some Texas Roadhouse grub. I didn't actually stay up for the ball dropping, but I was up at 2 AM with Russell. Does that count?

The kids and I are getting adjusted to life with dad at work, and other family getting back to their own lives. I've found that I've become even more scheduled than before --- probably helps that Russell really seems to thrive on the Eat - Play - Sleep cycle. I've also caved and added another laundry day -- but its probably better than running 4 loads in one day.

Russell had his first office Pediatrician visit this past week. 9 lb 3 oz and 21.5 inches. Matt is wondering when, and not if, he is going to be bigger than his big sister. He's still an excellent baby, although he has picked up an evening fussy period. However, when he sleeps for 3-4 hour stretches at night, I can't complain too much.

Meredith has been a little mimic these past couple of weeks. Liz got her to start saying "That's nice." So now everything is "That's nice" or "That's sweet." Matt and I are also enjoying her new verbal skills of "Out, please" "Up, please" an "Read, please." It's much better than the grunting phase that she had been using to communicate with us. We have also been playing with her hair these past couple of days. Lot's of pigtails and ponytails. Our little baby girl seems so much more grown up!

That's about it for now! Here are some pictures of the past couple of weeks.

Cookie Party

Russell - 12 Days Old

Meredith "helping" with Tummy Time

Pigtails

Pretty Funny

This made me laugh. I'll be sure to update soon! It's been a busy couple of weeks.

The First Week Home with Russ

What a busy week it has been! So, we got home from the hospital last weekend and started our new life as a family of four. Matt was able to take off work last week, which made things a lot easier on Rachel and made for a fun week for Ms. Meredith. She may be disappointed when its just her, Russ, and Momma come Wednesday.

Meredith is adjusting well to being a big sister. She loves to give Russ kisses and hugs, and wants to "hold" him whenever she gets a chance. Russ has continued to be a very easy going baby. Still doesn't like diaper changes or being naked, but is pretty content either being held, in his cradle or just laying down looking at everyone. Hopefully he will continue to be such a laid back kid.

Here are some pictures from our first week at home. Thanks for your continued prayers!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Meredith pointing out "Eyes, Nose, Mouth....."

Can't Forget about Tummy Time!

Hey, this bath thing isn't so bad.....

Well, maybe it is!

Welcome Baby Russell

Hello Family and Friends,

Today the Lipsey family welcomed its newest member -- Russell Steven!

Here are the statistics:
8 lb 2 oz
21 inches long
born at 8:28 AM

Russell seems to be a very content little baby. He sleeps well in his swaddle, has been nursing well (as long as he's not tired), and the only time we've seen him get upset is when his diaper needs changing.

Thank you for your prayers and we'll keep you updated on things. Here are some pictures from today.

It's a Mystery

As I sit here typing, I am amazed at how different my two kids are from each other. No -- I still haven't had dear sweet Russell yet, and now I'm beginning to understand those of you who had to wait patiently for your children to decide to come out into the world. Maybe this is a sign that Russell will be more of a procrastinator, like his parents, and maybe will like to sleep in and not be a rooster like his big sister? Or maybe he realizes that its cold outside, and is trying to just stay inside where its warm. So many questions, buts its good to know that the end is in sight and we will meet our newest family member soon.

Nothing new to report in Lipseyland. We are almost done with our office remodel. It's amazing how much of our office is now toy storage! Other than that, just trying to keep busy.

Thanks for your prayers, and we'll keep you informed on how things are going.