Brothers

Highlights:

• Dean prying Maddux's newborn fist open and placing a toy motorcycle in his tiny palm.
• Watching Dean lie down next to Maddux and explore his little fingers and toes, pat the top of his head, and take interest in this new little wonder.
• When they are both napping at the same time, and in particular when it is on either side of me.
• When they are both awake--I love my little boys!

Lows:

• Dean deciding that now is an ideal time to practice his theatrical terrible twos tantrums.
• Taking Dean's cars away when he threw them at Maddux.  What can I expect though when he's grown up playing with a rough and tumble dog and playing means throwing?  And Dean just likes to throw things.  Anything, anytime, anywhere.

Good thing he's cute!

p.s.  Maddux doesn't really sleep on a laundry basket.  promise.

Maddux!

 Maddux Ray Christiansen

born March 12 @ 6:59 a.m.

6 lbs. 8 oz.

19 1/2 in.

 Surprise! Maddux decided to show up three weeks early!  Our original due date was April 2nd.  I was already dialated 3 cm. at my 36 week appointment and at my 37th I was 4 cm.  The doctor was sure I wasn't going to make it to my next weekly appointment.  I continued to feel cramping and pressure throughout the day so I actually went and bought diapers, did some laundry, and packed a bag.  Luke and I went to the hospital around 4 a.m. and Maddux showed up just before 7 a.m.  Once I was at the hospital and had reached 7 cm the doctor thought I would have another 1-3 hours to go.  Having had Dean come pretty fast I knew differently.  15 minutes later I called the nurses and doctor back in, I was ready to push.  The delivery was pretty fast and easy and then Luke and I got to snuggle in and enjoy our baby boy.  We had breakfast brought in and Maddux nursed for over an hour!  After that we moved out of the delivery room and into the recovery room where there was a nice hot bath waiting.  Soooo nice. 
Maddux is doing great--he's eating, and pooping, like crazy and putting on weight.  He's already lost his umbilical cord stump and has his "big boy" belly button.  I am amazed at how much easier this recovery has been compared to the first time around with Dean.  I've only had to take a couple Tylenol just a few times.  I had no idea recoveries could be like this!  Honestly the worst thing has been my inexplicable chapped lips--but I'll take that any day!  I don't even feel as knocked-out tired as I thought I would, but honestly I'm probably just used to less sleep anyway.

 Dean has been great.  He hasn't minded me holding or nursing the baby and loves to look at him and point out his nose, ect...The hardest thing is when I have to tell him that I can't pick him up--he isn't too crazy about that.

 Dean is convinced that where there is a mouth there should be a pacifier.  Maddux isn't too sure about that.

 I was pretty relaxed and laid back with Dean as a baby, but I love that I am even more so with baby #2.  I haven't cracked open a baby book, or stressed out about a nursing schedule, or about any other little thing.  One benefit to babies close together is how easy it is to get back into "baby mode." 

Sweet Maddipie.  We are crazy in love with him.