Josephine

We welcomed our daughter, Josephine Scout Ayres Bock, into the world on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 11:40 pm after a quick but intense labor of just over 3 hours. She weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and was 18.7" long. We love her already!

Oli has been doing well despite all of the change. He calls her "baby Josie" and reminds himself to be "gentle" with her. Too cute.

proud big brother

It's hard to believe she's 11 days old already. The past week and a half have been pretty exhausting but we're all doing well and adjusting to our new family of 4. As cheesy as it sounds, I feel complete.

Dear baby

Dear baby aka #2,

I have now been pregnant for 41 weeks and 3 days. Because it's not unusual to give birth 2-3 weeks early, that means we've been expecting you "any day now" for about a month! In that time, the leaves have turned and are starting to fall and the weather has turned cool and crisp. I was just telling your dad today that it's been a little nuts to be on high alert for so long, wondering if each day is the day or just another day. While it is nerve wracking, I've also found that it feels a little like each day is the last day. Last day to...
... go out to eat relatively easily.
... go out anywhere relatively easily.
... take a long bath with Oli.
... lounge on the couch and watch TV with your dad after Oli falls asleep.
... get a (nearly) full night's sleep.
It's been good to just live life a little slower for awhile. But, we are getting increasingly anxious and excited to meet you. Any day now would be great!

xoxo, Mom

Dear Oliver, at age 2

Dear Oliver,

At two years old, you are awesome! Full of energy, inquisitive, funny, smart, sensitive, cute, and affectionate. You are talking so much now and it has been so fun to hear what you're thinking. You repeat a lot of things we say but recently have started saying complete sentences you came up with on your own ("I want to stay", "I need more bubbles"). You love playing with your dad. Favorites include jumping on the bed ("jump dad!") and having Chris skip while he holds you. It is so cute to see you with your hair flying and a huge smile or giggle. You also love reading stories and your dad and I take turns reading to you every day before nap and bedtime.

You've started singing in the last month or so. Your favorites right now are the Yo Gabba Gabba cd's we have, which you request every time we get in the car. You have a lot of the songs memorized and will sing along - so cute! You also like the songs from your swimming class along with some kids songs we sing at home (Ring Around the Rosie's, Abc song, etc.).

Of course this age doesn't come without its' challenges. You're experiencing a lot of emotions and still learning how to manage them all so you have moments of flailing on the floor or in our arms or throwing food or utensils at the table. Your communication skills are really good but there are still times that we can't understand you and that makes you pretty frustrated. We try to be patient with you, but there are times when we are all emotional. In ways we are learning right along with you!

I go into your room every night after you've fallen asleep to check on you. Sometimes you've fallen asleep on top of some books so I'll move those, other times I want to cover you up with your blanket, put my hand on your chest or back to feel your breathing, or just watch you while you sleep. So cute and peaceful.

I can't wait to see how you respond to the new baby. I hope you will have a blast growing up with your little sister or brother. I'm sure there will be ups and downs, but your dad and I love having siblings and are hoping you will love your new sib too. I'm nervous about having to split my time between you and the new baby, but I hope you always know I love you. These first few years with just you, me, and your dad have been so special.

I'm also excited to see how you change and what stays the same as you get older. It's been so amazing to watch you grow up so far Oli. Although sometimes I want to hold you close and hope that you stay my little guy forever, I also can't wait for you to learn new things and have new experiences. One of my favorite things is watching you do, see, or try something new. You make me so proud and happy and I love being your mom!

I love you with all my heart,
Mom

p.s. Here are a few of my favorite photos of the two of us from your first two years. xoxo

41 weeks

Not much to say except... I'm still pregnant! Today marks 41 weeks. The good news is that the baby is going to arrive soon - this week must be it! Aside from the constant wondering if each day is the day, I'm feeling pretty good. My appetite has decreased some so I'm eating smaller meals, but recently I haven't had any other issues aside from getting up a few times at night and generally feeling tired. Also, tying my shoes is nearly impossible. Most of this pregnancy has been documented with my iphone, but I asked Chris to take a photo this week before I'm bump-less. This one was taken at 40 weeks and 1 day. 

And my last (I hope!) weekly phone pics.

We're ready to meet this little one. Come on out baby!

Apple picking x 2

October has been good to us. Despite the fact that we're still waiting for the baby to arrive, we've managed to fit in a lot of fun activities. This month we've already been apple picking not once, but twice! The first was on a gorgeous, warm sunny day. We went to Afton Apple Orchard, a new orchard to us. In addition to apple picking, there were also tons of raspberries to pick and they had an amazing playground and a petting zoo. We had a blast!

Then just last weekend we decided on a whim to take a drive out to Maple Leaf Orchard. 

Fall

While we have been waiting for baby #2, we've been enjoying the fall weather and our time together. I'm working at home this semester so it's been really nice to get more time in with my boys. 

We've been doing a fair amount of baking and Oliver has had fun helping out with the mixing, peering in the oven while things are baking, and of course eating the finished product. His favorite so far has probably been the chocolate chip cookies, although he has yet to try the pumpkin bread we made earlier today (first of the season!).