opposites?

I knew I few things about Zach's personality before he was born. I knew, for example, that he would be a relatively good sleeper and he would spit up on occasion. How did I know? Because I just knew that he would be the opposite child from my first! All of my tried and true ways with dealing with Noah were going to have to be tweaked with this second little one. Just when you think you've got this parenting thing under control... oh, you don't. I figured this would be true when I was pregnant. Just look at my birth stories! Complete reversal of each other.

So, how are my boys different? Zach's a pretty easy-going baby. He sleeps for long-ish stretches (for a newborn!), and doesn't cry when you put him down. Noah needed a lot of attention. I was constantly baby-wearing Noah around the apartment and trying to keep things quiet for him so that he wouldn't be disturbed. He loved his swing, and spent a lot of naps there. Zach is often contentedly in the pack-n-play in the middle of the house where Noah is loudly dancing to music or playing with toys. He doesn't like the swing, yet. On the other hand, as a baby, Noah never spit up or needed to burp during feedings. With Zach, I'm constantly having to burp him through his feedings. He spits up a bit so I have to be careful not to leave him on the couch without something under him.

How are they the same? They are both awesome boys whom we care so much about. They are both bigger babies (Noah was 8lbs. 12oz. and Zach was 9lbs 3oz.) so they are often compared to older children. They both smiled at just a few days old, and they both love their pacifiers!

Noah at 4 Weeks

Zach at 4 Weeks

How much of these differences/similarities are because of who they are or how we as parents have matured in our parenting from one child to two? I know that we are more laid back with Zach, but I don't think that is the sole reason that he is more of a laid back baby. It will be interesting to see how much they are alike/different as Zach's personality emerges in the next year. I can't wait. It will be fun to have two little boys running around. But, Zach, please don't grow up too fast! I know I'm going to miss these baby days.

conviction and prayer

With so many blessings and sorrow in life, I don't know how it is that I struggle to pray. We have so much to be thankful for right now. We have two beautiful sons, a home, a job, and wonderful families. We also have sorrows. We know people who are struggling with disease, job-loss, financial problems, and danger overseas. You would think with all these things on our hearts that prayer would come naturally. After all, we can't do everything on our own. But we do have a Heavenly Father that loves us and hears our prayers. He is worthy to be worshiped, and He desires that we come to Him with both our praises and our troubles. It's not that I don't pray; I do. My mind, however, doesn't seem to stay focused for very long on one thing - I'm constantly multi-tasking. As good as that can be, prayer is one of those things that can't easily be fitted around all the other things that I'm doing. It needs time of its own.

I've been thinking about this for a long time, but not really sure what I should do about it. However, things kinda came to a head this week. First, our pastor talked about things that you might be convicted about but not actually doing anything about - and prayer was mentioned. I knew that was something I struggled with. Then, on top of that, our playgroup at church decided that this fall we are going to go through this book on prayer. The first thing I thought when I saw that we were going to be reading it is, "Great, now I'm really going to have to do something about this prayer thing." Not only am I going to be reminded about it constantly by discussing this book with other Christian moms I know, but I'm going to be held accountable!

This is going to be a difficult season, but praise God who provides the things that we need in order to do His will even when we struggle.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

broach family time

We were very fortunate to have Alisha's mom here for about a month during which Zach was born. She came up from San Diego about a week (almost to the hour) before the birth, and was here for 3 weeks afterwards enjoying both Noah and her newest grandson. Her help was invaluable around the house and with watching Noah while we were busy with getting to know Zach! Alisha's dad and brother, Nate, were also able to make it up here during her mom's last week so it was good family time all around. Loren was already up here in Washington as he is working a contracting gig for Bungie. Here are some pictures of our time:

Special Time with Grandma




At the Ballard Locks:




At the neighborhood park:






At the Seattle Aquarium:












Backyard Fun:




Edmonds Beach:




Zach at Home:




And finally, in closing, here's the entire fam:

brothers