Luther: 2 weeks old

The first 2 weeks of Luther's life flew by. (He's already 3 weeks old tomorrow!) 

Between our stay in the hospital, having my parents here, Tom taking four days off, his parents arriving for a week, visits from friends and family, Sissy's 4th birthday celebration(s), and meeting Uncle Greg who was in town on business - we sure packed a lot in in those first 14 days! 

Luther....

Survived a 12-hour watch of his blood sugars while we were in the hospital "due to his size." (Heel prick before each feeding and mandatory feeding every three hours. It was basically pretty annoying and all for nothing.)

Lost his umbilical cord at only 5 days old.

Went to church and received his first rose.

Has slept through vacuuming (in the same room) and a very loud Vitamix.

Absolutely nailed his newborn session at 8 days old. One of my sweetest babies ever. Mommy was really dreading it because it's a lot of work even when it's not your OWN newborn, and was so thankful to have daddy home to help!

Sleeps in the pack-n-play set up in the living room during the day and the Rock-N-Play or my arms at night (hence my aching back and neck...)

Doesn't mind being kissed 1,485 times a day. (Could be more than that...you should feel the softness of those cheeks!)

Finds baths quite relaxing. (Agreed!)

Can be calmed down with a paci, and even hold it in pretty well.

Has had three 5-hour stretches at night already and multiple 3 and 4-hour ones! We've also had a handful of "rough" nights where he has been wide awake and fussy at the most inopportune times (until 12:15, 12:45, and 2:00 one morning) so we've been trying to figure out what we can do to avoid thaaaaaat...

Does NOT like to be hungry.

Has a very high-pitched, dramatic cry. Truth be told, it's not always possible to get to him immediately or as quickly as he'd probably prefer. 

Is still in newborn diapers and wearing newborn and some 0-3 month clothes (although they're big on him.)

Loves snuggling with his head right.up.under mommy's chin.

Nurses for anywhere between 6 and 20 minutes and usually only on one side. 

Has gotten a lot of compliments on his name.

Quickly won over the affection of both sets of grandparent's who stayed with us and helped tremendously with the transition.

Is a veeery popular topic of conversation where ever we go. 

Has no shortage of people who already love him immensely. 

Including this tired mommy! :)

Luther Thomas has arrived!

It is with great joy that we announce that Luther Thomas made his debut Tuesday, March 10th, 2015 at 10:19 am weighing 9 pounds and measuring 22.25 inches long. Our "little peanut" turned out to be a pretty big little boy! (My jaw dropped when I heard his measurements!)

Luther at only 20 minutes old...

24 hours old...

He's been here just under two weeks already and in the little time I have available, I find myself just staring at him in disbelief. I'm coveting the hours and hours and hours I had on maternity leave with Gwendolyn where I could sit and hold her and just be still and take her in. (So basically before anyone else needed me.) Things are certainly different when you have multiple children! Even so, I'm trying to soak him in when I can, which is sometimes at 3:30 am. He'll be done nursing and I just know I should reswaddle and put him back in bed, but it's.just.so.hard. This time is so fleeting, and my heart soars and breaks at the same time for all the changes that take place so rapidly. My emotions can't keep up. Part of me wishes that the rest of life could just be put on pause for a good month of two (or three) and little Luther and I could just snuggle day in and day out and re-enter the world when we're good and ready. Of course, he'd stay 12 days old as well. If only....

Tom reminded me the other night that our ultimate goal as parents is to see our children grow up and become servants of the Lord, so I'm trying to keep a healthy - Heavenward - perspective, but it's not easy when your newborn is quickly outgrowing newborn sleepers! (Couldn't they stay in those longer than just a few weeks?!) I think it also helps that now I have two bigger kids who have shown me all that there is to look forward to and enjoy in the stages to come...like hearing "I love you" for the first time, listening to their bedtime prayers, and watching their emerging personalities come forth.

These hours and days are demanding and tiring yet incredible all at the same time. Gwendolyn and Conrad are doing really well (and sleeping in!), which is such a blessing. They love their new brother and are so kind and gentle with him. It's been great having help as well! My parents were here and stayed with the big kids while we enjoyed our time in the hospital, and then Tom was home for a few days, and now his parents are here until the end of the week (currently out getting groceries...I could get used to this!) Gwendolyn and Conrad are getting a lot of love and attention, which I know will be more difficult when it's just mommy at home during the day. Like other changes in life, we'll adjust. Eventually.

We're very much in love over here. I have so much on my heart to share and get out, and hopefully time will allow for that soon so I don't burst. We haven't known Luther for very long, but in some crazy way, it seems he's always been here. And it's true, that actually he has in a way. The Lord knew about him before the beginning of time including every detail of his adorable little face, and the Lord knows exactly what his future holds as well. I dream of all that he'll become and all the joy that his precious life will bring to our family and this home. I dream about his relationship with his siblings, and pray it's long-lasting, fruitful, filled with grace, mercy, joy, and immense love.

Immense love.

That's what I think of when I think of our Luther Thomas. 

I love him with all of my being. 

Every inch of him. 

His high pitched cry. 

(Sometimes for no reason, but other than to remind us all he's here.)

His super soft squishy cheeks.

His hairy back and shoulders.

His big bright eyes.

His dark hair. (What there is of it.)

His button nose.

His little lips.

His quiet little burps.

And baby breath.

And the different faces he makes when he's sleeping.

His hairline. 

His incredible soft hands.

His little fingernails.

And itty bitty toenails.

And long fingers.

And big feet.

And long, skinny legs.

The way he sighs when sleeping.

His goose noises when nursing....just like his brother made.

His yawns.

His contentedness.

The way he fits so perfectly under my chin.

His "slow blinks."

The way he prefers to have both arms up when he's laying on my chest.

His short eyelashes.

His adorable hiccups.

The way his bottom feels in a diaper (squish).

How he squirms when I rub his back.

How delicious he smells after a bath.

The way he loves the sound machine.

How relaxed he is once fed and changed.

The way he furrows his brow.

His knees.

And elbows.

And shoulders.

And knuckles.

(All so little and miniature!)

His warmth.

His adorable leg rolls when his legs are bent.

His breath on my neck in the middle of the night.

Being cheek to cheek.

The way his forehead wrinkles when his eyes are open.

Seeing him with his brother and sister.

His three, four, even five (it's happened twice!) hour sleep stretches.

The way he looks in clothes.

...and in his car seat.

...and in his daddy's arms.

I think he's just wonderful. Simply incredible.

And I'm so thankful that God picked me to be his mommy.

Three kids.

Three healthy, beautiful, loving kids.

We're so blessed.

With all my heart, I say thank you, Lord.

More to come...

40 weeks with baby #3

Well.....yesterday was due date day! One of my all-time favorite days. I'm one of those crazy weird pregnant woman who would rather never go early and always go late. So far I've gotten my wish with all three. I just feel like going early would completely catch me off guard. I love surprises, but not a surprise like that. Ha. If you make it to your due date or any day beyond, you really have no excuse but to be ready. Like we are. I mean, there will always be more I wish we could get done, but we've also enjoyed the extra time as a family of four, the extra rest, the extra time to prepare, the extra days for temps to warm up (woohoo!), etc. It's an exciting time at the Barntsen house to say the least!

We made it through the one weekend my birth photographer had a conflict AND daylight savings so that was a big relief. Every night when I go to bed I think "this could be it" but Conrad's labor started at 3:30 pm and he was born 4 hours later soooo.....perhaps it'll be another labor that starts in the morning or afternoon (which I'd just love.)

Tom told me today that he's ready for the waiting to be over and he wants to move on to the next stage. Has he forgotten what it's like having a newborn?! :) He'll soon be reminded I guess. I'm doing wonderful though all things considering, and honestly can't believe how great I've been feeling. I think there are a lot more people praying for us than I realize!

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 40 weeks as of yesterday!

Weight gain: 25 lbs as of last Tuesday. Next appointment is tomorrow.

Appointment update: My appt went well last week! They're exciting because I get to hear that sweet heartbeat and it's always fun to talk about the baby, but since I opt not to be checked, I'm not really learning much else. Head is still down. Heartbeat was 130-135. Measuring 138 weeks. And she's thinking baby will be right around 8-ish lbs just based on what she can feel outside the tummy. It'll be interesting to see how accurate she is!

The midwives have taken great care of me once again, and I look forward to every appointment (although a couple with the kids tagging along in freezing temps were rough.) I'm looking forward to seeing who is on call once the big day arrives!

Gender: According to a little baby poll I took of friends and family, girl guesses are winning 8 to 9! We were also given some fantastic name suggestions. Eight people still have a chance at the correct birth date. (Three of them are for today, March 9th though.) 

Wonder who will win the "Luxurious Trip to Woodbury, MN" for guessing the most accurately!? :)

dun dun dun

Sleep: If I avoid drinking water 2 hours before bed, take a bath, and position a pillow juuuust perfectly I'll be comfortable for a little while. Until it's time to switch positions.

Last night was not great. My glorious nap yesterday threw my sleep off so I laid there for what seemed like forever. And between the baby moving like crazy, braxton hicks contractions, crazy dreams, and Gwendolyn calling out for "water", I don't really know how much sleep I even got. I woke up this morning veeeery tired, but nothing that a little coffee and fresh air didn't help improve.

Message to baby:

The end is near! Any day now, and I can hardly believe it. I'll admit I'm nervous for how all the details will fall into place, but I know I should just take those nerves and anxious thoughts to God who promises to go before us and walk beside us the entire way. His word says to fear not because He is with us. We're praying for His overwhelming peace and joy to surround in these exciting days, as well as continued health for you. He's been so faithful to us. 

Will you have hair?

Who will you look like?

What day will be your birth day?

How much will you weigh?

How and what time will you come into this world?

What will your name be?

What color eyes will you have?

What will your temperament be like?

and most importantly...

How well will you sleep?!

:)

So many things to look forward to. I know I'll miss carrying you and the joys of being pregnant (which right now seem to be completely blocking most of the difficult parts of being pregnant in my emotional hormonal mind) but it'll be so wonderful to hold you in our arms and kiss your precious cheeks. 

I call first dibs.

Any moment now. My heart may explode.

I can't wait to meet you.

Love,

Mommy

Christmas 2015 Festivities

Girlfriend's Brunch!

First up in our month of celebrating the wonderful holidays was my Christmas brunch with a few close girlfriends. It was so great to have everyone together again since I skipped it last year to host one for some neighborhood women. It never fails to be a wonderful time!

Candy sleds I made...

There's nothing like girl conversation around a table of food and drink!

Those two kiddos couldn't help but be a part of the action.

Helping Erin open her present.

Super pumped about my Starbucks gift card!!

Miss Kathy's Daycare Party!

As if she doesn't already do enough, Kathy goes and hosts a party for all of her daycare families. Santa even comes and we get to eat pizza and subs and eat cupcakes. She's just wonderful, and it's fun to catch up with the other parents.

The entire crew!

The kids with their toys from Kathy - she nailed it!

Gwendolyn and Serena - friends since they were just three months old!

This was the gift the kids made for all of their parent's...I always LOVE opening these up and seeing what Kathy comes up with.

Barntsen Family Christmas!

Unfortunately, Tom got sick two days before we were to leave for Christmas with his family and stayed sick almost the entire time we were there. :( It was a huge bummer, and he missed out on pretty much everything and really only started feeling better on our last day. Oh, the horrible timing sometimes! The kids however didn't miss a beat and had the time of their lives with their cousins.

I convinced daddy to turn Conrad's car seat around for our week of traveling. He loved the new view and ability to watch movies with Sissy!

BFFs playing with dolls and wearing their matching vests...

Grant is so loving and great with little kids...Conrad had a new buddy!

These two are hilarious together. Can't even handle it.

Me and my Tenny!

Papa and Mimi took all FIVE (minus the baby) kids to the ZOO by themselves. No easy feat!

Gwendolyn and Conrad enjoying the zoo...

The girls in their matching jam jams - adorable!

Who is pumped for Christmas pj's and movie night?!?!

THESE GUYS!

(I would have been too if you had seen their giant box of candy options!! So fun!) 

It's crazy to think that Conrad will be Lukey's age at Christmas next year.

Just a few presents...

#blessed

Reading the note left by Santa the next morning....

The wonder of being a child at Christmas...

Time to open PRESENTS!

Gwendolyn's cookie decorating skills greatly improved over the last 365 days...

(I was napping while they decorated, but I heard there was a lot of finger licking going on. Don't blame her one bit.)

Watching movies on Mimi and Papa's bed...

Merry Christmas from the Barntsen 4.5!!

Let's hit the road to Okobojiiiiiii!

Sinclair Family Christmas!

Upon unloading our hotel cart and settling into our room....we hit the pool!

He kills me in his swim diaper.

Conrad wasn't so sure about swimming UNTIL he met a little girl the same age and then the two of them kind of just followed each other around for awhile. He discovered that his body can float when he kept his hands on the ground in the kiddie section, which he thought was pretty cool. It was fun to see him learn something new and his whole demeanor changed when we were in the water park (he cried when we left, for instance.)

Mmmm.....grapefruit juice.

Homemade gift exchange time!

This year I gave away a mini family photography session stuffed in a jar filled with chocolate and Tom gave rein-beer. 

Get it?

Beer bottles decorated as reindeer.

Knowing the talent in the family from previous years, we had low expectations for how our gifts would be received, BUT they were both widely popular! :) Finally we nail it!

Dad's homemade gift this year was a fabulous coffee table made from an old trunk.

Scott and Nikki scored my gift cert!

Of course it HAD to be Noah who opened the beer of all gifts (and people!) It was pretty hilarious.

Here's what everyone made...

Nikki: homemade cards

Scott: homemade pottery

Dad: coffee table

Mom: a cooler filled with frozen meals

Brent and Sara: Mission style candle holder

Robert and Becca: two pieces of artwork made from old barn wood

Again, this may have been the best year yet....everyone's work was outstanding!

Here's what we all went home with...

Conrad had us up earlier than the rest of the condo crew so we hung out in our room for awhile watching cartoons, of course.

She is such a snuggler.

Playing with her new Polly Pockets from Aunt Becca

Love this boy!

Weston had told Conrad not to touch his guys and Conrad actually listened!

But he reeeeally wanted to play with just one....

Breakfast....

And then it's time to open presents!!

We decided to have each of the kiddos sit up front and each open one gift at a time so it was more controlled mass chaos. Worked out great because the adults could actually see what they all got! And they all waited so patiently for their turns. 

"I've always wanted this," she told me of her new (vintage) buggy and porcelain doll.

I think everyone looks pretty happy with what they got!

Their reactions to opening $50 from Grandma and Grandpa...

Merry Christmas from us!

Better late than never. :)