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Elliott had a good two-week appointment… he gained 2x more weight in the past 10 days than he “needed” to gain. Yeah! I feel like, when you’re staying at home with a newborn, a mom’s primary measures of “success” are: the baby’s weight gain, the baby’s sleeping and not having the house a complete disaster area. The first two counteract everything else going on (e.g. post-labor recovery, a messy house, lack of sleep, etc.)

When Natalie got home from preschool, she confirmed the good bill of health.

Strong heartbeat

good pulse too I think… How does this thing work anyhow?

To honor her teacher’s Australian roots, Natalie participated in an Easter bonnet parade at school.

Do you like the flare that my mom added?

Because I do!

Natalie didn’t win any prizes but did receive a participation award. That, lets be honest, is more for Mom since a 2 year old cannot really decorate a hat. So, it’s okay if I eat he chocolate that accompanied her award, right?

One of her best friends had Peeps on his hat, which he ate prior to the parade. Another friend kept asking her mom to add more decorations to her hat because “it was good but not amazing yet”. Gotta love these kids!

Jordan’s Aunt Ann, Kathy’s sister, passed away on Monday, after battling lung cancer for four years. We will miss her dearly. She will especially be remembered for being joyful, strong, optimistic, generous and loving. Here is a special picture of Aunt Ann and Natalie in Chicago last fall…

Jordan will be going to Florida next weekend to celebrate her life and Natalie, Elliott and I will be sending our love from Chicago.

What significant things have happened on March 19?

1917 The Supreme Court upheld the eight-hour work day for railroads.

1918 – The U.S. Congress establishes time zones and approves daylight saving time.

1931 Nevada legalized gambling.

1953 The Academy Awards ceremony was televised for the first time.

1962 – Highly influential artist, Bob Dylan releases his first album, Bob Dylan, on Columbia Records label.

1995 After giving up an attempt to become a major league baseball player, Michael Jodan returned to pro basketball with the Chicago Bulls.

It is also Saint Joseph’s, which is Father’s Day in Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Honduras, and Bolivia.

Elliott also shares a birthday with actor Bruce Willis (1955) and Earl Warren (1891), the 14th Chief Justice.

It is also 3 months after my other favorite day – his big sister Natalie’s birthday. I suppose I have a new favorite number: 19!

Natalie went to a trial dance class. Despite no leotard and the only pink being in her socks, she rocked the party! This girl has moves. She loves dance parties with her Dad, be it in front of the mirror in the living room, while brushing her teeth or when mom is making (eg microwaving) dinner. I am not sure ballet will be her dance of choice, but this is a fun start!

Here’s the continuation of the first Elliott post….

My labor started the previous evening, when Natalie and I were baking pumpkin muffins.

The avid LinvilleUSA readers may remember that I baked cookies while in labor with Natalie.A big thanks to Nana, Poppy, Grandma and Grandpa for taking care of Natalie while we were at the hospital. She was showered with lots of love and super fun activities while we were gone. She also came to visit her little brother at the hospital.

She was eager to point out all of Elliott’s features, from his cheeks to his eyebrows. Elliott also got lots of kisses and pats.

Jordan took Natalie on a trip to the escalator, which allowed for G&G to hold Elliott too…

Nana, Pop and Uncle Alex came to visit later that afternoon too. Unfortunately, Aunt Jira – who is entering her 2nd trimester! – wasn’t feeling well, after a long trip in from Thailand.

We headed back home on Thursday… we couldn’t wait to get home, as our family didn’t feel complete without Natalie with us!

Jordan picked up Natalie from preschool and this is what I heard during their 2 flights up the stairs… “Elliott, I’m coming! Elliott, I’m coming!” Natalie was quick to wash her hands and kiss her baby brother. Jordan suggested they read a book…

I cannot help but chuckle, knowing that Elliott’s first book is “Dora’s Book of Manners,” whereas Natalie’s first book was probably something like “How Do I Love You”. Little Elliott will no doubt be heavily influenced by his big sis.

Natalie was really sweet with Elliott the rest of the night, but a little crabby with Jordan and me… mostly not liking not being carried as much or held in the same way as the baby. So, our night concluded with Elliott lying on Jordan’s chest, while Natalie laid on my side (as my hips could withstand her 30 lbs a lot better than my stomach). Needless to say, that was a short story time!

We feel so incredibly blessed to have two amazing, adorable children and many family and friends sending their love and wishes. Thanks for all your support!

Natalie had a hair cut scheduled on Elliott’s birthday. That got postponed for obvious reasons and Daddy took her on Saturday. She took awhile to settle in on the police car – the same one her friend Molly had chosen. (We showed Natalie a pic to get her geared up for her own visit.)

Peace Peeps!

Elliott William finally decided to make an appearance! He arrived on Tues, March 19 at 10:09 p.m., a week after his due date.

He was 9 lbs, 15 oz (yes – that’s right… an ounce shy of 10 lbs) and 22.25 inches long. Even with being a week late, he was still unexpectedly heavy, which means that he got extra glucose tests for the first 12 hours of life. Nothing to be concerned about though!

A longer post is soon to come but I wanted to get these cute pics up!

Big Sis, thanks for RoRo (robot’s nickname)! He is almost as cuddly as you!

I am ready for a real sister or brother to boss around… Err, I mean play with!