Five Things

The other day I had "one of those days" and learned that there are certain things that can make all the difference as I adjust to life as a mommy of two:

= my mom. Showing up at just the right time to lend an extra hand and provide warm company. Love you!








= Panera bread. Spinach artichoke sandwhich and cheese broccoli soup satisfy the soul. :) (again, thanks mom!).




= Baby Bjorn carrier. Pulled it out of the closet and was reminded of how this is one of the best inventions of baby gear ever created! Perfect for those days where life doesn't stop but Wyatt just wants to be held and constantly moving.





= Keys. Specifically, keys to our bathroom and our bedroom (where Wyatt sleeps in his bassinet). Resorting to locking these doors has come after multiple attempts at things like trying to stop a busy toddler (aka Teagan) from climbing in Wyatt's bed, opening bottles of gas drops, diaper cream, and lotion, and pouring water from the toilet onto the living room floor. :)

= my friend, Colleen. God woke her up to send me a note of encouragement and wisdom about this whole adjustment exactly when I needed to read it. Reminded me that these first few months are like a fourth trimester of pregnancy as Wyatt adjusts to life outside of the womb and as I adjust and heal, physically, hormonally etc. from pregnancy and delivery and with very little sleep. I can't expect to be Supermom right now and that's okay (but maybe soon?). :)

I sure am exhausted but I'm loving every minute...both the peace and the chaos. I know one day I'll look back and miss these days because they go by so fast! (PS. Gotta go....Wyatt's crying, Teagan's suppose to be napping but is calling my name, and Bailey just threw up on the carpet. Lovely!).

First Week

We've officially survived our first week home as a family of four! :) In spite of a full week of work for Tim, a busy wedding weekend (congrats Sara and Scott!), saying "good-bye" to uninterrupted sleep, a few moments of craziness, and the typical emotional ups and downs that life (and hormonal) changes can bring, we've had a good "first week" and have been so grateful for your prayers!

Wyatt is doing so well and is such a sweetie pateetie! Our hearts are overflowing with love...that scary, really vulnerable kind of love like a piece of your heart is walking outside of your body...for our lil' boy. He has blessed us with his snuggles and his content temperament and is getting better at getting his days and nights straight although he seems to prefer being held my Mommy over sleeping in his bassinet. I'm not complaining too much but am looking forward to a time when getting a full night of sleep is attainable. :)

Cuddle time with Mommy and Daddy at the hospital.


Teagan's first time holding her baby brother.

Wyatt in his "take home" outfit. :)

Leaving the hospital.

Thanks to Mike and Jess for making our homecoming memorable! :)

First bath at home.

First "tummy time" on the mat.

First family walk! :)

I've been so blessed with the support from my wonderful mom while Tim is at work each day. This has been great not only from an emotional standpoint but a physical one as well since I'm on a lifting and holding restriction (nothing heavier than Wyatt) for 4- 6 weeks. The most difficult part of this is not being able to lift Teagan and relying on help for things that were a part of our normal routine before. I wish I didn't have to deal with this, especially b/c it adds more confusion to Teagan along with everything else that has changed, but I am reminded that "this too shall pass" and she won't even remember these days. Nonetheless, it's amazing how helpful an extra set of hands has been this past week as I recover from the surgery and dedicate time to bond with my sweet lil' boy while adjusting to life as a mom of two! On the flipside, I am grateful for a husband who continues to work hard and provide for us each day though ideally he would like to have taken time off and been at home with us during this transition. We've learned that sometimes what is 'ideal" just simply can't be reality and we are making the best of it. We love you Tim/Daddy!

Teagan LOVES her baby brother! She has tried a few times to say his name but prefers to just say "baby." We think she is adjusting well to life with him around although you can tell at times she is a little jealous of the attention and can become a little restless/defiant. She seems to really enjoy climbing in Wyatt's baby swing or his bassinet and putting his pacifier in her mouth. :) She loves to give him kisses and hold him but can be a little too aggressive sometimes...as expected for a 20 month old with a lot of energy. :) Though it seems at times that our interactions with her can easily be overwhelmed by all the "be gentle!" "no touch!" and "that's baby Wyatt's, not yours," etc., we continue to make a conscious effort of praising her and uplifting her as a big girl/sister. We're proud of her for how well she is doing amidst the changes but we're eager for life to settle into a "new normal" for all of us.

Our sweet Wyatt.

Wyatt Alan Keeler

We joyfully announce the arrival of our lil' cowboy, Wyatt Alan Keeler. We welcomed him into our arms on Friday morning at 7:51am. He weighed 7lbs 8oz. 20inches long. We thank you all so much for your prayers and praise God that everything went well for both Wyatt and Brooke. Our hearts are overflowing with love for this gift that God has blessed us with. Here is a little slideshow (with music) of our family that I put together while Brooke and Wyatt were resting. In order to view it properly please use the little "play" button at the bottom of the show instead of the large "play" button off to the side. Enjoy

September 4th, 2009

View more presentations from brookekeeler.