Three of a Kind

Charlotte was 2.5 months old before we were able to get our first set of professional pictures taken of her.  She was in the hospital for the 1st month, and then came home with a wound vac on her chest that made photos a little...well...unsightly?  By almost 3 months, though, she was all healed up and ready to go....and my oh my were we all blown away when we first saw the beautiful images from our session.  The one below quickly became a favorite.  It captured her signature "serious" look, he AMAZING eyes, and hello?  Do I even have to mention the hair??  And look at that little curled finger!  My heart is melting.  

Candace Ann Photography, Sioux Falls

After Harrison was born, I knew that we needed to keep with the tradition of the simple black background shot, and hoped that his "headshot" would capture his personality as well as Charlotte's had.  The kid didn't disappoint!  He flashed us this perfect open-mouthed grin that just screams Harrison.  It just proves that this little boy has been a total ham since day 1!

Amanda Fish Photography, Omaha

And then there was Max.  Sweet, sweet Max with his poor thinning hair, adorable little ears and the sweetest smile ever.  We had to work HARD for those smiles on the day of his session, but looking back on the pictures, it was worth every silly sound and goofy dance.  They turned out SO SO SO good and this picture is 100% Max.  

Samantha Lupo Photography, Omaha

Our 3 kiddos.  All strikingly similar.  All uniquely their own.

This mama has a proud, happy heart.

Maxwell Thane {4 Months}

Four months have passed since we welcomed "Baby Max" into our family.  On one hand it seems like yesterday, yet at the same time I feel like he's been here forever.  Our transition to a family of 4 (+1) was relatively seamless and we feel so blessed to have yet another little boy keeping us on our toes.  

Here's whats been going on in your world this past month, Mr. Max!

ZZZZzzzZZZ:  Mr. Max, you are a total rockstar when it comes to sleep.  You are consistently in bed between 7-7:30 and most mornings we don't hear from you until 6.  When you wake, mama usually comes into your room, changes your pants, gives you a bottle and PUTS YOU BACK TO BED!  Yup, you go BACK to sleep until it's time to go to school.  Its a fantastic little routine.

NomNomNom:  Your hands are constantly in your mouth.  You chew on them throughout the day and usually suck them quietly as you fall asleep at night.  It makes for a whole lot of slobber, but it's pretty adorable slobber.

Lazy Bones:  You still aren't rolling over.  Front-to-back.  Back-to-front.  It's all just too much work when you know someone will eventually get you to where you want to be.  

A Big, Big World:  You're definitely starting to pay closer attention to the world around you.  You are mesmerized by your puppies, adore your big brother, and absolutely love to people watch.   As you soak in more and more of your surroundings, we're starting to see the sweetest little personality emerge from you.  You are quick with a smile and love to tell us lots of stories.  

Summer lovin':  We've been spending lots of time outside now that the weather has finally warmed up. You seem to love the change of scenery after being cooped up all winter.  And while you spend most of your time camped out in the shade, you still get the benefit of some much needed fresh air.  You're still trying to get used to the whole double stroller thing, but when the stars align (good nap/full belly), you really seem to enjoy yourself. 

Stats:  Mommy still needs to schedule your 4 month well-visit (where does the time go?!), so I don't have any "official" updates on height and weight, but its pretty obvious that you're growing like crazy!  You are rockin' some awesome thigh rolls these days, along with a double chin that traps all of your drool.

MishMash:  You For not rolling, you've sure figured out a way to move around your crib.  Most days I find you with your face smooshed up against the crib rails.  You have quite the grip....which you love to test out on my hair.  Speaking of hair...you're is finally starting to fill back out.  No more old man hairline!  

Our 4 month pictures proved to be the most challenging to date.  Max doesn't quite have the strength to sit up on his own, but has enough to propel himself sideways/forwards.  I attempted to take them when Matt was at work one day, and quickly realized that I was out matched.   I couldn't move more than a foot away from him...and at one point he may have somersaulted out of the chair.  Thank God for my cat-like reflexes!  You love your jump-a-roo (or as big brother says "jumpin' in da roo") and to play with your moose.

That smile...!

The reason behind the somersault.  Why bring a giraffe to your mouth when you can take your mouth to the giraffe?

And down we go!  Feet are such a distraction.

Happy 4th month little guy! 

Dreamland

The scene is perfect.  

A little girl sitting in her high chair in the middle of our Sioux Falls backyard.  The grass is emerald green.  The sun is shining.  A gentle breeze blows her fine auburn hair around her face.  She's eating...something we always tried so hard to get her to do.   And she's smiling the most amazing smile.

I don't touch her or talk to her.  I just stand and watch from a distance. 

And then I wake up.

I've had 3 Charlotte dreams in the past 3 years, yet this is the one that I come back to over and over again.  When my mind wants to carry me back to that day.  When the air is sucked out of my lungs and I feel like I'm going to suffocate.  When I feel like the ground might crumble beneath my feet.

Today I need that little girl in the high chair.

This Night.

Tonight I gave in to all of Harrison's bed time stalling techniques....we read countless books, wore "zebra hats," gave horsey rides in bed, tickled, giggled, pointed and named every part of my face a million times, talked about tractors, threw bears overboard and had to rescue them...you name it, we did it. I probably would have stayed there all night had he not picked his nose and tried to feed it to me (multiple times).  

I couldn't say no. I couldn't walk away. 

Tonight my heart is heavy with the knowledge that there is never a guarantee of tomorrow. Snuggle your babies tight. Sneak into their rooms and give them kisses, even if it risks waking them up.   Whisper "I love you" in their little ears even though they're sound asleep. 

You never know what tomorrow will bring. 

Purple Eggs {May 2014}

Here we are, 22 days into May.

 Two "hard(er)" days behind us.

One of the hardest looming just over a week away.

We've made it through the past 22 days with relative grace.  Yes, there have been tears along the way and quiet moments moments of grief, but there have also been lots of smiles, conversations with our boys about their special angel in Heaven, and love....SO MUCH LOVE...coming our direction from all of you.  God continues to bless us with "purple eggs"...and they couldn't be coming at a better time.

The "purplest" of all purple eggs:  Mother's Day with my boys (all 3 of them!)

Hilarious day-to-day moments with Sir Harrison--

like finding a handful of rocks in his shoe!

Early morning giggles over breakfast.

Love for our little girl covering some very special rocks.

Our new Pygmy hippo.  He/She lives at the zoo, but a memorial made in Charlotte's name pretty much makes him ours, right?  Harrison loves to look at "ChaCha's hippoooo" and can't wait to go visit. 

First blooms on a very special tree.

 Moments that remind me of how blessed we are to be back in Omaha closer to family.

These smiles - Enough said.
 A butterfly Barbie left behind by some of the sweetest girls I know.

 A surprise birthday breakfast, complete with coffee, "cake," and candles delivered to my work.

Our birthday tradition...cupcakes, candles and a little "Happy Birthday."

 Balloons sent to sweet Charlotte in Heaven (or to the moon if you ask Harrison).  

Not 20 minutes later she sent us the most amazing thank you.  

There is no doubt in my mind that Charlotte has had her hand in each and every one of these moments.  Whether through a look in her brother's eyes that reminds us of her, a perfectly timed "Charlotte song" on the radio, or the most perfect rainbow I've ever seen - she is with us.  Every day.  Every moment.  Always.

Thank you, God, for purple eggs.

Four, Four, Four

May 14, 2010.  I had every reason to be terrified.

First time mom-to-be.
A baby with a dropping heart rate.
A wild goose chase to find my husband.
A 3 hour drive to be closer to the hospital that would give our baby a chance at life.
News that I needed an urgent c-section.

All on top of a CHD diagnosis and the unknowns that come with it.

But then this happened....

And in that moment, nothing else really mattered.

Happy 4th birthday, Sweet Charlotte.  I wish more than anything that you were here with us today, celebrating your special day in the park with your brothers.  I'm sure that as a spunky 4 year old you would be bossing them around like all good big sisters do!  Instead, we'll be blowing out your candles on our own, blowing bubbles and sending you balloons to play with in Heaven.  I hope you like them!

I love you, baby girl.  Forever and Always.  Beyond words or explanation.

Maxwell Thane {3 Months}

Three months old already?  I know, I know....between 3 kiddos I've probably said "I can't believe they are "X" months old already" about 100 times, but it's so true.  Time just flies.  Before I know it, Harry and Max will be moving out, leaving their mama behind in a puddle of her own tears wondering "how the heck is it possible!?"  Ok, so I might be jumping the gun just a little bit, but holy cow, time needs to slow the heck down!

Month #3 was an exciting one in the Ritchie home, full of lots of changes for sweet Max.  Looking at him from last month to now, he hardly looks like the same little boy.  His cheeks have bulked up, his hair has thinned out (haha!), and his personality is REALLY starting to shine!  

{Maxo McSmiles}  This sweet little kiddo has some pretty awesome smiles going on lately.  He loves face-to-face time and always flashes his killer grin when he's talked to.  We've also been getting lots of giggles....they MELT me!

{ZZZZzzzzZZZZ}  Early on in the month we were on a pretty consistent sleep schedule at night.  Max was down by 7:30-ish and would sleep until around 4.  At that point he'd have a bottle and go right back to sleep until 7.  Well...since his big move from the bassinet to the crib, things have gotten a little hairy.  Now instead of a 4am cuddle, he's opting for one at 2.  Mom's not a huge fan and hopes that it is short-lived.  

{Chunk}  Our little tiny babe is officially growing like a weed.  These days he's rocking a double chin and has the most amazing thigh rolls (why are they so cute on babies and not grown women??)  He has a long torso like his PopPop and as a result, has been wearing 6 month onesies. 

{Papa Paul}  The kid has my dad's ears.  Enough said.

{Bump on a Log}  Unlike his big brother who decided to roll from his belly to his back at 2 weeks, Max prefers to be....well....lazy.  He gets himself about half way over and then just decides that it's way too much work.  Silly boy.

{Daycare}  I didn't mention it in his 2 month post - probably because I was too depressed about it - but Max is officially a daycare kid.  Really though, we know he's in great hands.  So far he's doing great other than some napping issues.  He gets to see Harrison throughout the day and is already making some little friends.  

{Miscellaneous}  He's obsessed with his hands, extremely impatient when he's hungry, and is turning into a splashing machine in the bathtub. He loves to watch his brother (and his puppies) run around the living room and to spend time outside in his bouncy seat.  Occasionally his big brother sprays him with the hose.  THAT, he doesn't love.  

Maxwell Thane {3 Months}

Cutie McMaxer

All was going well until he found his feet down there.  Then he had no interest in mommy or her camera!

And then, like last month and the month before that, he spit-up on himself to tell me he was finished.

Obligatory rug photo.  Love.

Oh sweet Max, you melt my heart a little bit more each and every day.  We love you so much and can't wait to see what month #4 has in store for us!