Back in the 'swim' of things...

Owen & Liam had a super fun swim date this morning! Here's the line up: Noble w/ Liam, Owen, Parker, and Austin. These boys had a blast!

Owen taking in the scene from the safety of his wagon! I decided it was easier to pack the wagon full of everything I needed for these boys than any other way of transport that I could come up with. So...the wagon piled in the car, too! Upon arrival, Megan asked if the key to handling two kids is a wagon...I think, "yes"!!
Liam posing in the wagon for a pre-first-swim photo! He borrowed his swimwear from Austin...thank you!!
Me and my two boys!!! Liam seemed to enjoy his first dip in the pool! I think I have another water-lover on my hands!! If so, then next summer will be so much fun!!

Owen heading over for a pool-side snack.

Noble loving on Liam. Noble is facinated with Liam. He spent a good bit of the play date hanging out with the littlest guy! When we decided to head over to the park, Noble wanted to confirm that Liam was coming, too, before he decided whether he would go. Liam will have two big boys looking out for him on the playground when he gets bigger... lucky fellow!

Owen watching Noble watching Liam ;-) At least Owen doesn't mind sharing his baby! Owen did head over right after this to give Liam a hug, but then returned to snacks. Priorities, people!

Austin pulling Parker and Noble in the wagon.

Owen in the swing. He loves to swing. He stays in the swing about 40% of the time we are at the park. Even when all of his friends are gathered around doing other things. It will be fun when he is big enough to go on his own power so I can swing with him...I love the swings, too!!

Liam having a post-swim snooze in the shade. The wagon proved to be a useful bassinet, too!

What a super fun morning!!!

Liam is one month old today!!!!

I cannot believe that it is July 29th already and that my baby boy is one whole month old! Liam had a very fussy day today. He was either sleeping (which he did do a lot) or crying. So, sadly {pun intended} the scale photo is true-to-the-day.


This month, he has gained a whopping 3 pounds!! He weighs in at 10 pounds and 2 ounces. His brother was 10 pounds 12 ounces. So...Liam is gaining on him! They are only 10 ounces apart now--at birth, there were 12 ounces between them. Go Liam Go!!!


We were able to "celebrate" Liam's 1 month birthday with some quality one-on-one time together from 1:30 - 5:00 am this morning ;-) See how sleepy he isn't in the photo below? I should have turned the camera on myself so that you could see the contrast?

Liam is the sweetest little baby and just melts my heart. Liam is a snuggle bug. This little one loves to be cuddled and will cry just 'cause he wants to be held. Owen....he only cried if he was hungry. Once full, he could do with or without you. He was content to lay on an activity mat, in a bouncer, in the Boppy, you name it. Not Liam. Maybe Liam knows he is Baby Number 2 and is looking out for himself and claiming mama time...

Liam loves his baths. I let him stay in there just as long as he likes. It must be nice to have that diaper off!! I have been giving him one every evening since he enjoys them so much.

Liam has one of the two cutest pouty faces I've ever seen ;-)

He has started really tracking faces. He looks me in the eye and coos....it is really cute. He has started trying to watch Owen dart around...Owen is a bit to fast for him ;0

Liam is a wiggle worm. This kid moves! If the positioner isn't in the bed, he will not be found in the same place I left him. Never! During tummy time, he scoots. Seriously...he crawls like a crab. Owen didn't crawl 'til he was 6 or 7 months old ;-) Go Liam Go!

I love this little man so much!!! He is such a joy and has made our family more complete.

While Liam was turning one month old, big brother Owen was shooting some hoops. This kid has some serious skills. I mean...look at his follow through?

and his reach!

Poor kid...he probably won't be tall enough to land a basketball scholarship at a good school....darn genetics.

Bubbles.

I confirmed today that among the greatest joys in life is that of teaching your child. I realize that in the whole scheme of things, blowing bubbles really isn't that big of a deal. Learning new words, learning to walk, learning to eat with a spoon...all of those are far more useful skills and all things that I have had a part in teaching Owen. But, for some reason, teaching him today to blow bubbles gave me more joy than any of those things have so far.
Maybe its because he picked it up so fast.

Perhaps because his joy was so transparent.

Could be that the bubbles are tangible proof that he did it!

His huge eyes looking at his creation had a lot to do with it ;-)

It is probably because he was so proud of himself and couldn't wait to blow "more, more, bubbles, mama"....

Whatever it was, I was so proud, so caught in the moment, and so happy that he was able to accomplish this task! I was blowing the bubbles for him one moment...asked him if he wanted to learn how...showed him what to do... a few fumbled attempts and about 2 minutes later... he was doing it.

All that bubble blowing made him thirsty! Good thing we'd been to Sonic and he had his Owen-sized-Sprite.

What fun!

{Thought this of Tobie and Owen was sweet. They do love each other.}

Can't leave Liam out of the post!!! He wasn't awake for the bubble blowing; but, he did spend some time trying to figure out what his big brother was doing... LOVE this face!!

Can't wait to see what we learn tomorrow! Owen is a sponge these days!!!

Owen's Sweet Face & Liam's Update from our Doctor Visit

I caught some fun facial expressions this afternoon while we were playing with bubbles in the house (what else do you do on a rainy day?). Thought I would share....

I LOVE this one. I have it on Facebook for friends to guess what he is doing...so, I won't spoil it by telling you here. But, how funny is this face?? And, no, he isn't eating anything sour (Val) or imitating a pig that will later become the pork he eats for dinner (Sherry)! Keep guessing! And, it isn't related to the bubbles...

Since my family is in Alaska and I can't call with an update...here it is for you if you are able to get on the Internet like you thought... Took Liam to the doctor today to discuss his illness over the weekend. But, first, I will report that he now weighs 10 pounds 1 ounce....he has gained 3 pounds in 4 weeks! I know I can post numbers like that myself ... but, wow, little (or not so) man!!! Grammie, I did ask the doc your question, and he said to keep on feeding him!

Anyway. The cultures still aren't back, so we don't know for sure what caused him to be sick. But, it is one of two things. Either his kidneys or urinary tract are not functioning 100% and he has a Urinary Tract Infection {and, yes, the doc said he would throw up with this--seems unrelated to me, but I don't have a PhD...} OR he has Daddy Q and Owen's stomach virus. We should no for sure tomorrow.

Fam, have fun in Alaska! Wish we were there with all of you!!!

Wow, what a week....

This has been a rough week. Daddy Q sick on Monday, Owen's twisted ankle on Tuesday, Owen sick on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday spent caring for a less-than-100%-Owen, and then there was yesterday....

Owen fell and bumped his head...hard. He got a knot the size of a silver dollar. Called the doc...put ice on it...he was fine. Trip to ER avoided.

And then, Liam got sick. Really sick considering how small his tiny tummy is. So, another call to the doc...and, we landed ourselves in the ER. Poor fellow.

It was rough for him. They had to insert a catheter to take a urine sample, draw blood from his tiny veins, insert an IV, and take Xrays of his chest. Apparently, even thought he stomach virus was making its way through our house, they have to rule out tons of other things that can occur in babies his age that cause projectile vomit. An IV of fluids and four hours of mama walking around the room later...he finally relaxed enough to rest.

He has an infection of some sort. We go to the doctor tomorrow to confirm he is on the mend and to get an official diagnosis. Man...being in the ER with a 4 week old baby is scary stuff. I am so glad that he is doing better now.

On another note, Daddy Q took his first over night trip since we've had Liam tonight. I managed; but, boy was it a rough one. Liam still isn't 100% and was up and fussy from 5 until 9:30. I managed to get Owen fed {Liam dozed off for about 30 minutes} and bathed during this time; but, it wasn't easy. Didn't get Owen to bed until 10PM. Yikes. I hope that next week when I do this again on my own, it goes better!

Well, I am off to read the blogs I follow and then to sleep! Here's to a better week this week--one that doesn't entail so many sicknesses and injuries!!

Getting so big so fast....

I finished reading through the Parent's Handbook for Owen's Mother's Day Out program that starts in September. I can't beleive September will be here in six weeks or so...unreal how time flies! Anyhow, he needs a toddler backpack and lunch sack. So...Mama Q got on the internet to find the perfect ones for Owen. They arrived today!

Owen put the lunch sack over his shoulder and said "Bye, bye, Mama" then walked to the door. I think he is copying what I do when we leave (grab the diaper bag and tell him to say good bye to Bubba, DaDa, whatever..."). Anyway. It made me chuckle and, at the same time, wish that he wasn't getting so big so fast....

Here is a random shot from while we were out playing with sidewalk chalk.

Off to care for Liam who I hear calling me!

Twisted.

There are a lot of things in the Quinlan house that are twisted at the moment. Here's the run down: 1. Twisted Ankle... that's what the doc diagnosed Owen with yesterday. Poor little guy was limping and having trouble standing on it. Took him to the doc, who confirmed he twisted it. So, after some Motrin, a sucker, and instructions not to hang out at the park for a couple of days, Owen was on the mend. And then, he was struck with a... 2. Twisted Tummy... that's right. The illness that plagued Daddy Q found its way to Owen. Oh my goodness. We were hanging out with the neighbors, when all of a sudden, Owen looked over at me, called "Mama," started whimpering, and then....projectile vomited FIVE times. Thank goodness we were outside... He continued being sick for the next 4 hours. On me, on his bed, the guest bed, the twin bed in his room... never did we make it to the plastic infant tub I set next to the bed for just this purpose. The stuff came fast. Thankfully, he is better today!
3. Twisted Days and Nights... not sure if "twisted" is the right word; or, maybe "non-distinguishable" would be more appropriate. Oh, Liam. I love seeing your bright eyes, sweet little cooing lips, and just all-around hanging out with you. But, can we do more of that during the day time and a little bit less at night??!? Thanks, bud!

Hopefully, things at our house get straightened out soon ;-)

Now...since I have some time, I will update you on what's going on with the boys.

Here, Owen is calling his blanket as one would call a dog. He is at the bottom of the stairs yelling "Khak-i"--that's what he calls "blankie". Hilarious! He also "calls" Bubba (makes sense), crackers, and agua.
Owen is starting to talk in sentences. I am so loving this!!! Two favorites are...

"Where did it go?" ... and then once he finds said object ... "Right there."

AND

"Do you see?" This evening in the yard, an airplane was flying overhead and he said "Airplane, Mama. Do you see? Do you see?" and pointed.

Liam loves his bath time. He is so content in the tub that I make it last as long as the water stays warm! The doc said yesterday that we can take him into the pool now. I think he just might like that! Next week, we may venture out there when I can find some other moms to go with!!
Owen is back to loving his bath. He went through a spell during all of the time family was here of not liking it again. But, tonight, we had a good 15 minute bath or so. Yay!

Owen gets the most reading done in the bath. I think its because he can't go anywhere else! But, we spent most of bath practicing words. Some new ones he is saying this week are: boat, airplane, hippo, lion {complete with a "roar"}, elephant, Popsicle, bicycle, and rabbit. I think he is adding a good 3 - 5 words to his vocab a day. Its pretty fun to listen to him say them!

And last, Owen got some new jammies that will go with his big boy room! I have finally decided how to decorate the boy's rooms. Owen is getting a sports ball theme (if you want to see the bedding, click here). Liam, is getting a "Monkey See, Monkey Do" room....it was discontinued so there isn't a link for it, but the fellow at Pottery Barn Kids called all over Texas and found the various pieces for me still in stock in some of the stores. I will post a pic once I get it going. The colors are pale blue, orange, chocolate, and ivory. I am feeling ready to start them now, but will hold off another month or so to ensure we are in a good routine with Owen before we rock his world with another change.

I am having so much fun with these boys. Even with Owen being sick today, we had a great day. I love having my two boys. Life feels even more complete now that Liam is here. He is such a joy and is a very easy baby just like his brother was. Daddy Q asked me yesterday if I was ready to add Baby Q3 to the family....I said "yes"! But, I think we will wait at least a few months ;-)

i think i can, i think i can, i think i can...

...that was the phrase repeated over and over today after my Aunt Dona and Cousin Hunter left this morning!! Thank you so, SO, much for everything. Especially...last night!!
{we tried for a photo of Great Aunt Dona with both boys...}

Last night, Daddy Q got sick...really, really sick. AND, Owen decided that after 3 nights of being put to bed by someone other than mom or dad, he really needed mom or dad ... for TWO hours. AND, Liam decided that he couldn't settle down enough to nurse, sleep, or even just hang in my arms...unless we were walking. So, from 11PM to 11:45 ish, we walked up and down the street.

So, while I was up putting a very upset Owen to bed, and Dona was feeding a very hungry Liam, and Hunter was massaging Gerard's cramping legs in between bouts of vomiting... I was losing confidence that I could do this without help. Calgone...where the heck were you last night when I wanted to be "taken away?"

But, alas, today came, and Dona and Hunter had to go. So, after 3 weeks of help from my family, I found myself with my two babies and a sick, but better enough to care for himself, husband. And, I have to say, the day went well. Thankfully!! I really needed it to go well and am so glad it did. I know they won't all be this easy...but...I sure needed this one to so that I could build confidence!!

Owen, Liam, and I met Erin and Noble at the park! FUN! Those boys missed each other so much!!! Then, we stayed for lunch. YUM! Then, we came home and Owen took a 3 1/2 hour nap, while Liam took a 3 hour nap, while I did a few chores and took a 2 hour nap. YAY!

After an early dinner...we took the double stroller for a spin. Owen LOVED strolling next to his "bay-bee." He was so cute!!!!!!

The boys!

We took about a 20 minute walk and then went to the small park in the neighborhood. Owen wanted to give Liam a bite of his Nutra-Grain bar. He held the whole bar out to Liam. I explained that Liam is too little to eat the same as Owen. So...Owen looked at me and Liam, and then broke off a smaller piece of the bar for Liam. So sweet!! I hated to tell him that Liam still wasn't big enough for that and that he only "eats" milk for now...

Owen enjoyed playing, but was ready to get back in the stroller after only about 15 minutes...

Then, tonight, we played on the back porch for a while. I got both Liam and Owen bathed and in their jammies. And, got Owen settled for bed! Success! Daddy Q had to calm a fussy Owen that is still a little out of sorts and didn't stay in bed after I laid him down so that I could feed Owen again. But, all in all, Success!

Liam just fell asleep (I've been typing with only one hand ;-). So....

I am off to bed.