One of "those" kids

So we had Chase in the ER on Friday night for 6 hours. I got there at 3 in the afternoon and was quickly taken back and thought maybe I would actually get out a little sooner this time! No- there was an emergency with another baby and we didn't end up getting home until 9 PM. To make a long story short, Chase woke up Friday morning with green, bloody poops. The doctor (who wasn't very impressive by the way) thinks that Chase has an allergy to milk and/or soy and if I want to keep breastfeeding I have to eliminate ALL DAIRY and SOY products otherwise switch him to a special formula for "allergic kids." First of all, do you know how hard it is to eliminate both of those ingredients????? Soy is in just about everything that is packaged, and I'm not just talking about the bad stuff (cheetos, cookies, etc) but it is in whole wheat bread, etc. Dairy is in many things you wouldn't think either including some lunchmeats, spaghetti sauces etc. So basically, my diet is limited to homemade breads, meat, fruit, and veggies- definitely a better way to eat- I agree- but can I do this?! I really don't know at the moment. I definitely don't have a lot of time to be baking with my 2 busy boys now. So- I am trying to decide if I will continue breastfeeding or just switch to formula. When I lean toward the formula the guilt sets in that I know breastmilk is best and shouldn't I give Chase the same health benefits as I did Josh?! Anyways- I needed a vent session. We return to the doctor today. They gave us a special Sunday appt with a pediatrician at the hospital. I'll be able to ask more questions there. I'm hoping there's some way to pinpoint if it is dairy or soy or both. We'll see. Wish us luck! Good thing he's cute otherwise I wouldn't think of giving up my Friday Night Pizza! Oh- did I mention that Cheese is my favorite food?!

Mothers Day

Mike did it again. He completely spoiled me rotten on Mothers Day! It was really nice to feel so loved and appreciated! I love you Mike! Here is a rundown of my day!

Mike got up with Josh so Chase and I could sleep until 7:30!!
I woke up to a breakfast of Cinnamon Streusel Cake and Scrambled eggs- yum!
Mike got me these beautiful handcarved vases for our living room. They are made here in Hawaii out of Mango wood. I saw these a few weeks ago while we were at the swap meet and he remembered exactly what I had pointed out!
He also got me some hair combs that I saw an infomercial on TV for- again he was listening!!! What a sweetie!
He didn't let me do any housework and pretty much took over with the boys so I could relax!
After the boys went to bed we enjoyed a dinner of grilled salmon, rice, salad, and Lemon Meringue Pie!

What a great day! Thanks Mike for loving me so much!

Do you think they look alike?

The top picture is Chase at 3 weeks, the bottom picture is Joshua at 1 week. We think Joshua looks like a Briggs and Chase is going to favor the Barnum side. Two good lookin boys!

Catching up with pics from Mom's visit

My mom was a godsend when she was here! We are so thankful for all of her help with cooking, cleaning, taking care of kids so we could nap, and especially for being Joshua's personal playmate for a lot of the time she was here! We also want to thank her for spoiling the kids with presents and us with an awesome centerpiece for our table- as if she hasn't done enough already! I have the greatest mother!!!!! We love you!!!

Just a quick explanation of some pics. While she was here we visited the DOLE pineapple plantation where we rode on a train through the pineapple fields, we visited the NOrth Shore where the temple is located and had a picnic on the beach, we went to the Swap Meet a few times- where they sell all kinds of Hawaiian souvenirs for great prices, we visited Bellows Recreation area- one of the most beautiful beaches we've seen, and I can't remember what else! We had a great time and are looking forward to seeing Grandma again in June and this time she's bringing Grandpa with her!

3 weeks Old!

We can't believe Chase will be a month old this coming Saturday! SO far his hair has stayed a dark brown, and I cam convinced that he is going to have bright blue eyes! We think he's a pretty handsome guy!

More pics of Chase

Wow- Life has certainly changed again since little Chase has come home! Some days are CRAZY and some are very manageable and enjoyable! I am feeling great, and Chase is getting on a pretty regular schedule! Joshua is still a little jealous, but does love his brother. He gives him frequent hugs and kisses, and then tries to rip his arms off-TOUGH LOVE! I also have caught him trying to feed Chase on a few occasions. The first week he was home he stuck a chunk of banana bread in his mouth, and today I caught him trying to feed him a cheese cracker- oh what a good helper he is! I have to make sure I'm on top of my game all the time- which can be tough when you are sleep deprived!