Luke at Home

As promised, some pictures capturing life at home these past 3 weeks. Enjoy! Luke leaving the hospital
A favorite position for both Luke and Daddy
Getting to know Papa. I think I heard something about Canada and fishing....

One of the many adorable outfits sent by Great-Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Connie. The shirt says "Chick Magnet". Too precious.
Luke in his Barcalounger
A close-up with eyes open. Another blue-eyed kid!

Spa time with Nana
Very relaxed after a fresh bath
Ready for a run. I mean, how adorable are these shoes?!
A smile for the camera!

Eat your heart out Michael Jordan

SO....what has Jane been up to this whole time, besides touching her brother?!

Check her out!

Finally getting to ride in her car outside with Grandpaul
Building her first snowman and loving it
Storytime with Papa and Daddy

Jane is obsessed with my spices. Most people have a spice rack, or spice drawer. I, however, have a spice cardboard box that my daughter loves.
She carries them around all the time. She favors Nutmeg and Rosemary.
Jane and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! She loves this sweater so much, as you can tell by her face. This picture is kinda scary looking, but she was just excited we let her wear the sweater around the house.
There are no words for this picture - I just love it so much.
Another reading session with Nana

Jane meets Luke

I apologize for the delay in postings; I have all the best intentions of posting every few days, but even with lots of help the last few weeks, I still don't seem to have the time or energy for all the downloading, uploading, and posting! However, we have been taking pictures like crazy and promise to eventually get them all up here - thank you for your patience and great comments - they are especially encouraging to this very tired mama!

Life at home has changed dramatically for everyone, especially little Ms. Jane. She is doing very well at being a big sister, although it started off a bit rocky. She immediately understood who "Luke" was and has been extremely interested in all things Luke the past 2 weeks. At first, she was very whiney and had us both worried, but then about a week ago, her 2nd top tooth popped through her gums and she has been a whole new gal. She loves (loves is an absolute understatement) to touch her little brother and cannot walk past him in his bouncy seat, or laying on the ottoman without touching him. She picks up things she identifies as his (his stray sock, or blanket) and immediately "gives" them to him. And by "gives" I really mean kinda throws onto him. Normally this isn't a huge deal, except when she tries to share her toys, ie a large plastic school bus, with him and nearly knocks him out. Don't worry, my motherly instincts kicked in and I saw it coming before he had bruises on his face. She loves giving him kisses (translation: putting her forehead on his head) and we are still patiently working on the concept of "gentle". At first she cried whenever he cried, but has now learned that he is ok and just getting his diaper changed or needing to be held. We have been very impressed so far with how she has handled the transition to her new role, and we are taking bets that her first word is "Luke". Although very sleep-deprived, Evan and I are enjoying the 2 of them and think they will be great playmates....well, most of the time anyway! First day home from the hospital - already lots of touching

I can't tell if this is a smile on her face or a smirk?!

She especially loves the head region for touching She can't seem to get enough, even when he is out of reach and sleeping!

Still touching...

She did not like when mommy told her to "be gentle".
She is very much interested in sitting in Luke's froggy seat, sometimes even when he is in it.

First thing on Jane's to-do list in the morning: find Luke and touch him.
We tried our best for this staged picture, but Jane wasn't really in a sharing mood

Although this picture is blurry, it is one of my favorites. A rare time we actually let her "hold" him and she seems happy, and ironically, so does he!

Small Town Livin'

*Just a short break from the baby updates - don't worry, more pics and videos to come soon!

Despite living in Rochester 5+ years now, I somehow still find myself bewildered, in a good way (most of the time), at the differences in living in a small town vs. a larger city. Although I've acclimated quite nicely, I still smile at some of the experiences/conversations I have on a regular basis. Here are a few of the most recent ones:

1. A Trip to the BMV
About a month ago, I had to make a trip to the BMV to get a new license plate for our van. Typically, in most other cities, there would be nothing exciting or unique about such an outing. However, I forgot that a trip to any local merchant in Rochester, could result in something unexpected. This trip was no different. I sat in the lobby waiting for my number to be called, and when it was, I sat down at the counter to request my new plate. The clerk was was very polite, and began entering information into her computer. A few minutes had passed, when out of nowhere I hear "My parents were dear friends with Bob and Elaine". Huh? I look up at the clerk, still entering information into her computer, and not looking at me. I had to quickly evaluate the situation: no other customers were around, was she talking to me?, Bob and Elaine - Evan's grandparents, she must have read "Gottschalk" on my license, and then launched into conversation, all the while diligently typing away, not looking at me. I had to quickly respond, realizing yes, she was talking to me. I politely responded, which, naturally then led to a full-blown conversation relative to Evan's family. I updated the clerk on Grandpa's continued good health after surgery, and that they were in Florida, but eager to come back this way when the weather warms up. Then, out of nowhere, she tells me her daughter works for Evan at First Federal (note: we hadn't mentioned Evan once) and that she really enjoys it. Then proceeds to ask me about my due date (obviously pregnant) and didn't I have a little one at home? Um, why yes, yes I do. We finished our BMV-business and politely said our good-byes and good wishes in the coming new year. I walked to my car, somewhat surprised, but only for a minute, then smiled to myself wondering why I thought a trip to the BMV would be "normal".

2. Our Mailman Shane
When we moved to our house on Maples Ct. we didn't realize that we would be treated to the world's friendliest mailman. Now, he is the same mailman as Evan's parents, so he did know us perse, or at least Evan, that is. A few weeks ago, I was pulling into my garage, on the phone with a work friend, when I noticed Shane had pulled up and was getting out of his truck, a sign that he had a package too large for the mailbox. Not thinking anything of it, I quickly asked my friend to hold on while I said hi and received the package. I forgot he was the world's friendliest mailman, who just so happens to think Jane is the world's cutest little girl (I tend to agree). As he walked up, he said hello, then launched into a litany of questions about Jane. How is she doing? Is she keeping us busy? Does she like the snow? etc. I, of course, answered all his questions, wished him a good day and then went back to my conversation, where my friend immediately said, "was that your mailman?! How does he even know Jane, doesn't he just drop your mail off in your mailbox?" We both had a good laugh about it, as I realized I had gotten so accustomed to conversations with Shane, all about Jane, that it didn't even seem weird to me!

Then, 3 days ago, Evan was home and Shane came to the door and the conversations continued. He asked about Jane and Evan said she was good, but that she was at his mom's house, and he immediately responded, "Oh, that's right, it's Wednesday". I'm pretty sure that startled Evan that our mailman knows our weekly babysitting routine. He then proceeded to tell Evan that the first time he saw Jane at his mom's house she was a little shy, but the next time she raced to the door with one shoe on and one shoe off, and tried to hand him her other shoe. That must have done him in, because now he loves talking about her and saying hi! He told Evan she reminds him of his daughter at that age, and that he loves getting to know the kids on his route and when she gets older he'll be sure to bring her crayons and stuff. I just have to smile.

3. Are you Evan?
If Evan and I had a dollar for everytime we are asked, "Are you Steve's son?", "Are you Evan?", "Did you marry Evan?", "Are you related to the realtor?" I think we'd both retire comfortably at age 30. This happened yet again at the hospital a few days ago. Luke had to have a Biliruben test done to make sure any signs of jaundice were fading. As we are sitting at the registration desk, one of the volunteers comes over to take our paperwork to the lab. As she is looking at Luke (who had the hospital bracelet around his car seat), she stands up and looks at Evan and says, quote, "Are you Evan? Do you know who I am?" Um. Give Evan credit that he was, as usual, polite as ever, and said, that no, he did not unfortunately. She stated her name was "something Collins" (we can't remember - lack of sleep!) and that she was church friends with his parents from long ago, and that she last saw him when he was like 5 or 6 years old. Wow, impressive memory!

Awww.

Finally, a picture with his eyes open.

We are adjusting to life at home with 2 kiddos, and have more fun pics to post from our first week, but couldn't resist quickly uploading this gem.

Stay tuned!

Luke Day Two

We are continuing to have a great time with our son. He is eating and sleeping very well, and got a clean bill of health from the pediatrician this morning. He sleeps a lot and makes just a few small noises every now and again to let us know he is still here. Here are some pictures from day 2! Look at those skinny legs - just like Uncle Joel! He actually does have muscle definition in his thighs...how is that possible?!
Compared to Evan's slipper. He is so long, but I'm afraid the slipper may actually be wider than him!

He has a very little head; tried to capture that here with a photo of Evan's wallet for comparison

He doesn't have his eyes open very much but we managed to get one; they look a bit cross-eyed, but they are not. Still cannot tell what color exactly they will be

A fun day of visitors, starting with Nana and Grandpaul! Jane has been keeping these 2 very busy from what we hear!

Luke doesn't really resemble Jane much (yet), but we did catch him in her signature pose early today - ankles crossed! Look at those feet!

Just relaxing on mommy's bed

He loved this little car fleece get-up. He fell asleep instantly for hours!

A very proud mama. (His hair looks blond, but it is actually fairly dark)

A visit with Aunt Leslie

Fitting very snuggly in Papa's arms. Still sleeping......

Three generations of Gottschalk men. Why do I see hours of fishing in their future?!

Luke Robert Gottschalk

Born today at 2:30a.m. in Logansport, IN Height: 22" Weight: 6lbs 15oz Enjoy!