Independence

I'm at a crossroads these days with Taj.  Daily I debate in my head how much to let him explore his environment and how much I try to control the mess I KNOW he will make.  Today I decided to relax (or rather sit and see how long it would take Rob to intervene) and let him explore.  We were at the OB's office and they recently got a new water cooler.  When you are there every month and then every week, you notice these slight differences.  And so did Taj.  At first it was cute watching Rob and Taj drink their water, but whenever Rob refilled Taj's water cup he made him close his eyes so he wouldn't learn the secret to how water magically got into his cup.  Sadly, that only lasted so long. 

A guy came in with his wife and you can tell he's not chasing a toddler around in his spare time because he let out the big secret. Taj studied this guy and quickly learned just what button to push to have water flowing into his cup and else where. I would like to add, Taj isn't the best at drinking from a cup because of my issues with controlling my environment.  Therefore we choose to keep things nice and clean...ie. sippy cups.

Once Taj learned the button, he was over at the water cooler every 10 seconds to fill up his cup with a sip of water. By the time we were done Taj had water covering the front of his shirt.  Of course with exploration, there is mess.   Taj ended up dumping small (although it felt large) portion of his water out on the floor and yelled "mess" although Rob swears his heard Taj say "shit."  Ironically that is what Rob yelled as soon as he got up to intervene.

Family Photos

Our friend Rachel Sutherland does photography and gifted us with some beautiful family photos.

We thought we'd share

Stats

FYI... I am typing this one handed because I'm holding Brij. Oh the skills you relearn with a newborn. Today was Brij's 2 week appointment and he's doing great. He eats like a champ and because of that he now weights 8 lbs 15 oz.  Everyone seemed really impressed.  I guess it's normal to regain your birth weight by 2 weeks, but instead Brij has gained a pound and then some. Brij also has grown an inch and is now 21 inches tall...not that he ever shows us his height.  Mainly his favorite position is curled in a ball against our chest.  Also a fun fact is that Brij is going to have a killer outie belly button.  I was worried they didn't clamp the cord right at the hospital because it just looks a little funny. Instead the doctor says his belly button is all based upon how it developed in utero.  According to our MD his is going to be sporting a cute outie belly button for the summer...that is whenever his cord actually falls off.  We are still waiting.

Taj continues  to be a great older brother for the most part.  He has his moments and during these times Daddy disciplines Taj using Thomas the Train language.  When Taj is being "a cheeky little fellow" and not obeying us, R. gets "very cross" just like Sir Topham Hatt.  Silly I know, but Taj responds really well to Thomas. Overall though, he's very quick to help out and shows a healthy interest in Brij.

Brij Sean

 Brij Sean Munjal arrived May 31, 2011at 2:17pm weighing 7lbs 14 oz and 19 3/4 inches

I know R. will probably do a more official post, but I thought that it would be nice to get something up to let everyone know of Brij's arrival.  For the past 2 years I've been wanting so badly to have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).  Taj's birth was a bit dramatic.  After 24 hours of labor, Taj was delivered with an emergency C-section due to the cord being around his neck.  It was very difficult for me to not have a natural birth with Taj but in the end, it was also a very necessary thing and life saving thing for him. Since his birth, I assumed I'd be having a VBAC with my next child and didn't consider the other option of a scheduled c-section, although I always knew it was possible.

With Brij, we decided to try the VBAC but if for some reason I didn't spontaneously go into labor, R and I agreed to do a scheduled c-section 4 days after my due date. During the last few weeks leading up to Brij's birth, we prayed constantly to God asking that I have a VBAC if Brij or my safety wouldn't be compromised. And in the last few weeks we tried everything recommeded to help encourage him to come out.  The day before his birth I walked 4 miles and we tried accupressure.  I had been having regular contractions for a while, but they were only Braxton Hicks contractions and nothing that materialized into anything like real labor.  Monday night was hard for me and I ended up breaking down to R. while we did my pre-op stuff the night before. I was still hoping that God would help me go into labor that night....but sadly no such luck. My boys just love my uterus too much to leave it on time if not ever it seems.

Tuesday morning R's brother Sean and his gf Zoe watched Taj for us and we headed to the hospital.  It's a weird feeling walking into the hospital without any pain or discomfort and knowing you'll be walking out with your baby.  There was no rushing, no real anxiety or fear upon arrival.  Just us parking the car and walking in calmly.  Or as calmly as possible knowing what's going to happen.

Everyone at the hospital here was so wonderful and gentle.  The c-section went as planned with no drama.  During the beginning of the c-section, I remember the doctor saying that we made the best choice because my uterus was "paper thin" and that I wouldn't have lasted another day or 2.  In the end, God did reveal to us that he was in control the whole time and there was a good reason my body never went into labor.  I won't go into the scary facts about uterine rupture and VBACs, but according to my doctor, that would probably have happened.  Thankfully Brij arrived safely.  I am recovering well. And in the end, R and I got 4 days in the hospital to enjoy Brij, each other, and sneak in the luxury of a TV. =) 

 Uncle Sean holding Brij

 Brij and I before we leave the hospital

 The cutest smile

Brij and his daddy

 Taj not sure what he thinks of Brij's bellybutton

Ackward family picture, but all of us together