Mariah's High School Graduation

Receiving her diploma

At her open house (Reed is in the foreground)

My cousin and goddaughter, Mariah, graduated from high school on June 12th. She was the same age when Dru was born as I was when she was born. I get teary everytime I think about how proud I am of her and the thought of her going away to college. For those who don't know her she is a beautiful, high achieving, extremely smart, genuine young woman. We can't wait to see where she'll go from here!!

Leo: week 7

What a charmer!

Leo got his first membership card today, his YMCA card! I had to wake him up to get his picture taken for it so he wasn't pleased. Oh well, it turned out pretty cute anyway :)

Leo: week 6

It's been an eventful few weeks. I won't go into all the details of the most traumatic situation but in a nutshell, Dru brought home lice from daycare. It was extremely horrifying and stressful. Treating Dru, us, the house and combing through Dru's hair almost everyday proved to be a battle I don't want to endure ever again! I am pretty confident now that we conquered it. If anyone needs to know how to handle lice in your kids/home, feel free to ask me. Julie told me I had to quit researching info online because it was just making me more crazy :)

Leo: 5 weeks

Leo is SMILING!!! It sure seems like a small milestone, but when he smiles I just melt! He is very interactive and will "talk" to you when you get him in a good mood. I am looking forward to him laughing but am enjoying the smiles greatly in the meantime.

Leo: 4 weeks

During a walk on a chilly June day

Leo had a rough start but has improved immensely on the medicine for reflux. He rarely spits up and can drink his bottle with only an occasional issue. The time seems to be going by so much faster than with Dru. I'm not sure if that's because Dru keeps me so busy or because I know this will be the last time we'll have a newborn. Apparently Julie and I are struggling with forgetfulness. We both have lost our wallets and I have forgotten 2 doctor appointments. I can only hope we regain our focus very soon!!

Dru - more pics at 18 months

Leo weeks 2 & 3

Leo - week 2

Leo - week 3

Reflux

Leo was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (AKA: GERD or reflux). This became our final obstacle we couldn't overcome in the breastfeeding battle. In order for Leo to have the same "food" for every feeding we needed to switch to 100% formula. I had to put aside my own pride, frustration and disappointment and think of what was best for Leo's tummy. He is doing well on the medication and formula feedings. He rarely spits up and though seems uncomfortable at times can be consoled fairly quickly.

He has been a superb sleeper. This past Tuesday night he slept for 8 hours!! AMAZING! I guess he and Dru got the sleeping gene from me :) We have been very lucky!