Brooking's Children's Museum

Sully and I tagged along with my mom, Maggie, Isaac, Anna and Hudson last Friday on a trip to The Children's Museum in Brookings. I didn't anticipate Sully getting a ton out of the trip due to his young age, but I was pleasantly proven wrong. He was an excellent traveler (he slept the entire hour to and from Brookings) and was his usual smiling self the entire time we were there. 

We spent the first hour in this huge open room, filled with a mock farm (chicken coop, corn stalks, a windmill, and all). We followed that up with lunch, and then a couple more hours of playing. All of the kids (and adults) had a great fun filled day. 

Some of Sully's highlights included chewing on toy corn cobs, chewing on fake flowers, and chewing on the life size light bright pieces. He left his fair share of drool behind, thanks to those fabulous teeth (numbers 7 and 8 arrived this weekend as well). He loved to watch his older cousins play, and couldn't get enough snuggles from Maggie and Grandma Banana. 

Below are a few photos from the day. 

Here piggy piggy!

Wagon rides with Anna. 

Light Bright. 

Sully and Isaac. 

Sully and Grandma Banana

Mama and Sully.

Old Dogs, New Tricks

We did it! We lasted an entire five days away from Sullivan. We were tempted at times to catch an earlier flight home to snuggle with our little buddy, but we refrained. I will admit, each day got a bit easier, but we didn't miss him any less. We would spend the last 30 minutes of each day looking through photos of Sully, then turn in to bed knowing we were one day closer to seeing him (and excited about another full night of sleep ahead of us).

We had a great time. We booked the trip with intentions of going to ski school, but when I woke up on Monday morning, I felt like I had been hit by a truck, a truck which contained very little oxygen. Turns out I had a touch of the old altitude flu and there was no way I was up for a day of skiing. So, we decided to look into "take it easy" alternatives. We settled on a drive to Hot Sulphur Springs, CO, about an hour and a half from Breckenridge. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was amazing. We pulled up to this little natural hot springs spot and Dave exited the car with his book in tow, "this isn't really for me, Suz, but you take your time." Two (plus) hours later, I was hinting that I was ready to go, and Dave was asking for five more minutes. It was an unexpected pleasant and relaxing day.

We went to ski school on Tuesday afternoon. We were both anxious about what the day would entail, it was technically Dave's first time skiing, and he was really nervous about broken bones or something worse. We had a really good and patient instructor by the name of Chris. He was just what we needed, Dave a bit more than me, but I definitely benefitted from the slow and cautious pace. We started out on the bunny hill and ended on the slopes. It was really nice to be beginners together, neither of us had our expectations set too high, and were very considerate of each other's concerns. Plus, it never hurts to have a built in cheerleader (even if the cheers come for something as simple as getting off the chair lift, or being able to take off your skis without a major tumble).

We woke up on Wednesday morning with much different attitudes, Dave was so excited to hit the slopes again. He was excited to practice what he had learned the previous day. We had a great second day, boarding and departing the ski lift with ease and gliding peacefully down the slopes (not flawless, and definitely not fast, but our butts remained snowless when we finished for the day) we considered it a success. It turns out you actually can teach a couple of old dogs a few new tricks! We stayed in on Wednesday evening and enjoyed hot tubbing, a light dinner, and a bottle of wine. While we were eating, Dave brought up the travel world that had just opened up for us, now that we ski and all ;). I responded with the obvious, "do you know how much it would cost to take an entire family skiing?". Dave didn't miss a beat and says "Suz, my entire life is about delayed gratification, so yes, I know how much it will cost, and it will be worth it." True that, Dave...I cant wait, we will be the slowest, but safest family on the slopes!

We got home on Thursday afternoon and had never been so excited to walk (jog) down the main terminal in Sioux Falls. We had strategized the day before about the fastest way to get home: Dave would go get the car while I waited for the luggage, we would be home in no time. Our homecoming was exactly what we had hoped, Sullivan looked from me to Dave, and back and forth again with loud giggles and screams. He was as happy to see us as we were to see him, what an incredible feeling.

Hot Sulphur Springs

At the top of Peak 8.

The only way down ;).

Dave mastering the permanent 'pizza slice.'

Weeee!

Ski lift ride. 

Baldy Bear with Baldy Dave.

Dave and I had been planning a get away for this particular week since shortly after Sullivan was born. We had high hopes of a big adventure to somewhere warm and tropical, surrounded by beautiful sand beaches. As the time neared, I found myself completely avoiding the trip topic altogether. It was a no brainer, I didn't want to leave Sully, especially to go somewhere as far as the Caribbean, which took a long time to get to, and a long time to get home from. So, we started looking at other options. We decided on Breckenridge, CO, and ski school. It was easy to get to, and in an emergency, we could get home within 12 hours.

The few days leading up to the trip were incredibly hard for me. I would be playing with Sully and start to think about having to say goodbye to him, and the tears would start. I would choke them back, move on to something else, a few hours later, the same emotions would take over. What a vicious cycle! Fast forward three days to departure day. Sonia and Amy came over to meet each other (as they are job sharing this week) and to run through a few things before we left. I caught myself stalling and wishing time would just hold still. Then we left, drove to the airport almost in silence as we both had tears streaming down our faces. We pulled it together and enjoyed a romantic airport lunch before boarding our plane to Denver. It felt like the airline had strategically placed babies in every row surrounding ours. Some well behaved ones and some not-so-well behaved ones, but none quite as adorable as our little Sullivan. It was a quick easy flight and we landed in Denver. As we were waiting for the tram to take us to baggage claim, Dave mentioned it. "Wow, there sure were a lot of kids on that flight, it sure makes me think of Sullivan, gosh I miss him." Followed by "well, at least there wont be any babies in Breckenridge." I smirk, and say "no babies in Breckenridge? Dream on!" We continue on, collect our luggage, find our rental car, and head towards the mountains. Its amazing how quickly everything seems to go, and how it feels to have a free hand, as opposed to traveling with a little one.

We settled in to our cabin (which is on Baldy Bear Mountain, about 10 minutes from Breckenridge), and set out on our quest for dinner (and the second half of the Super Bowl). We found a great little burger spot called Mother Load. As we were placing our order, we notice a cute trio walk in. A mother, father, and baby boy, about the exact same size as Sully, doing similar things: smiling, screeching, being carried around the restaurant by dad, then mom (while each of them take turns eating in solitude). We are both staring at separate times, avoiding that particular topic of conversation because we both know exactly what the other is thinking and how the other is feeling, and the gap in each other's heart. Finally, one of us breaks the ice. We spend the rest of the dinner talking and smiling about our favorite things about our little boy. On our way out, we stopped to ask the couple about their son and complimented them on how adorable he is. We snuck in a few details of our own adorable little guy, then left the restaurant with full bellies and happy hearts.

We are both feeling much better today. We had a good night's sleep and are enjoying a quite morning together in this darling little cabin. Although we miss our little buddy like crazy, we have some fun things planned and know we will be home before we know it. We are going to soak up every ounce of each other, and then get home and completely spoil Sully with all of the love and attention we have.

Our traditional tulip bouquet for the week.

Dave and I on the patio.

Baldy Dave & Baldy Bear Cabin.

Ollieworld

Sullivan, (sometimes) Kenzie, (sometimes) Dave and I packed up and moved out to the Oliver's for the week. Maggie and Jeff went to Costa Rica with some friends and I volunteered to watch her kids. What a week it has been. The first four nights were difficult as Sullivan had a hard time settling in to the pack and play I had set up in Maggie and Jeff's closet. There are different noises and things going on our here, so I can't fault him for the transition, but it made for long days. The final two nights went much better. The week was filled with lots of fun, a little frustration; hours of playing, minutes of discipline; tons of sweets, and a few veggies.

Anna is a pistol, she is 100% two, but is also the sweetest little girl in the city. She has her favorite activities, like taking tubbys, requesting candy (at 8am), strolling here baby, and talking to Sully. The first thing she would say in the morning as I would take her out of her crib was "Hi Sully!" in the sweetest morning voice I have ever heard. It was almost like she was instantly happy when she realized that yes, Sullivan was still here, for the most part. At times she would get a bit territorial with me and want me to hold her when I had Sully, but fortunately, she was easily coaxed into another activity. She has been missing her mama and daddy, drawing them in pictures, requesting me to draw them in pictures, and saying "mama bye bye, daddy bye bye" every morning. She will be so excited when Maggie is the one to get her tomorrow morning.

Isaac was a champ. He is the best big cousin in the world. He loves having Sully here and takes advantage of it every second of the day. The only way I could get him to go anywhere with anyone was to send Sullivan along. He picks him up, sings to him, talks to him, plays the ipad with him, takes tubbys with him, and sits as close as he can to him at the dinner table. This morning it was only Isaac and Sullivan eating breakfast before Isaac had school (Anna was still sleeping), and Isaac said, "Suzie!! Sylvan just said '5 plus 5 equals ten!'" He was so proud of him. I told Isaac his parents would be home tonight and he got really quiet. I asked what was up and he said, "but I'm not ready for you guys to go home yet." We have been brainstorming about ways to spend more time together on a regular basis ;).

I taught Isaac a couple of small things this week that he is so excited to show his parents. He learned that the short hand on my watch tells you what hour it is, he isn't quite there with the longer hand, but we are working on it. I also showed him how to change the garbage can bag. It is actually really fun! You pull out the new bag, put your hands just so, and wiggle wiggle shake shake until it is fully expanded. He was so proud of himself when he was able to do it all by himself yesterday. I told him that could be his new chore, he liked the sound of that.

Dave and my mom were also a big helps this week. Dave came out every evening through bed time at least, and stayed over night on the weekend. Its amazing how just one other person makes the job so much more doable. We took all three kids swimming on Sunday at the gym and it was a lot of work, probably worth it in the end, but a lot of work. We both want more kids, so this week was great practice. My mom was the chauffeur, carting the kids to school, Miss Jaspers, music class, and even took Isaac to the Children's Museum in Brookings with Cappy and Owen on Friday. Big thanks to both of them for keeping me sane :).

I had a dream last night that I did weeks and weeks of training and just completed a somewhat impossible feat, I had climbed this incredible mountain. People were stopping me in streets asking about my experience and wondered what my inspiration was. I woke up wondering what inspired that dream, then I remembered what my week was like and realized the irony. I have successfully completed the climb and Im almost home.

Here are a few photos from the fun and busy week.

Tubby time

Anna and Sully rocking.

Anna banana.

Breakfast

Playing ball.

Snack time with my main 4 year old.

Sweet Sullivan.

Best Buddys. 

1:1

Maggie and Jeff were hoping to schedule a winter trip last fall, but were having a hard time with child care, so I willingly volunteered, considering I feel like Isaac and Anna are more like siblings to Sully rather than cousins. In anticipation of a busy week ahead, I made sure to spend lots of quiet quality time with Sullivan yesterday, before heading over to the Oliver's.

Mag and Jeff left early this morning, we are strapped in for a wild and (hopefully not) sleepless week ahead. Dave will help when he can, and my mom will, too. I will blog when I get home, and life returns to our normal. 

Below is a picture of Sullivan practicing some tummy time in our quiet little house.

Weaning Woes

Life in the Munce Household has taken a recent wrong turn, in the sleep department, that is. We had recently mastered sleeping through the night and then I decided to throw Sully for a loop by weaning him from breastfeeding. What a challenge this has been! I had mentally and emotionally prepared to start weaning at the first of the year in hopes to be done around the first week in February (Sullivan will be about 8 months old). I have lots of milk frozen in our freezer, so Im anticipating that we will get a bit more time out of it if I stretch it out (formula and breast milk cocktails). With a little help from a (very generous) friend (Leanne, I love ya), I should have no problems making it until Sullivan is about one year old. Although the thought of giving him at least 50 percent breast milk does give me great peace of mind, it has been majorly emotional for me, not to mention the physical hurdles as well.

I pondered wether or not to even blog about such a personal topic, but like the rest of my topics, I wanted to put my thoughts and feelings in writing.

When I was pregnant, the way I planned to feed Sullivan was a no brainer; nurse, nurse, nurse! for at least 6 months, then I will wean. Six months came and went and there was no way I was ready to stop. It is so convenient, no preparation needed. Oh yes, and the bond everyone talks about, how remarkable that is. The sweet sound of my little baby sighing, completely relaxed with his arms spread out above his head, satisfaction with every gulp he takes. These are the things I will miss the most. Tears are rolling down my face as I type. Sullivan has actually made the transition to the bottle quite well. It does help that Dave has given him one a few times each week since he has been about one month old. That part is a relief. But I think he misses me, which explains why we have spent most of the nights awake together since I have started the process. I am down to one feeding in the day time, and nursing when he needs to at night. I think I will be on target as far as my anticipated final date is concerned. With the approaching of the final date comes excitement for 'freedom,' but also sadness for what I will miss.

I will end this somewhat sad entry with a few happy things. I am thankful that I have been able to nurse Sullivan, that I didn't have any major setbacks, and that it came so easy for both of us. I'm happy that by the time I am completely done nursing, we will be through the majority of the flu season. I am grateful for a friend (one of my favorites) with a baby about Sullivan's age who is helping me to double my milk supply (do you have any idea what it costs to FedEx milk from Minneapolis to Sioux Falls in a short enough time to keep it frozen? Wow! Dave, don't quit your day job :)).   I feel a sense of accomplishment in Sullivan's numerous thigh, knee, and foot rolls, and the cellulite in his tummy, arms, and neck, and last, but not least, his chubby cheeks.

Below are a few pictures of my chubby baby, all thanks to me :).

Staycation

There is no question that our lives have been nonstop since Sullivan's arrival. It may be more accurate to say that our lives have been nonstop since we met. It seems like we have been in a hurry to get to everything. We had our first date, engagement, wedding, and a pregnancy all within one year. Wow, what a year that was. Unfortunately that pregnancy didn't pan out as we had anticipated, which was devastating at the time, but now that we have Sully, we can't imagine it any other way. It has been great to go go go, but I find myself looking forward to downtime as much as anything else these days.

Dave had the latter half of this week off and after our New York experience, there was no way in heck I was going anywhere. So, we stayed put. It has been a great week to catch up. We have done some enjoyable family things, such as coffee dates, dates with both of Sullivan's grandmas, two stroller rides (while the weather stayed mild), two dates with each other (sans Sully), and even a trip to Mitchell to see Sully's Great Grandpa (where we discovered tooth # 5 and 6, he almost has a mouth full!). We were also able to do some maintenance things that repeatedly fall to the bottom of list, such as servicing both cars, work competencies, a flu shot for Sully, and loads of laundry. Yes, I can think of more enjoyable ways to spend my time, but it is a great feeling to cross some things off of the old 'to do' list.

It has been great to have Dave around for the daily grind. Although I know he hates to hear it, I think we will have more staycations in our future, as long as we have babies, that is. I have had a great week and actually look forward to the next one.

Below are some photos from the week.

Mmmmm, apples.

Sully in his hand me down jammies,
thanks, Isaac and and Anna!

All bundled up to take Kenzie for a walk. 

Sullivan and Great Grandpa Wally admiring each other. 

Smiles for Grandma Helen.

Bath time for our big boy.