Bonding Leave Update

Bonding leave is going really well. I am enjoying every minute of my time off. During the first 8 weeks with Tucker, we decided to keep Owen in school full time except when we've had visitors. Its worked out really well since it's given Owen the chance to stick to his routine and me the chance to focus on Tucker and catch up on rest. Starting on Monday, Owen will stay home two days a week- Monday and Friday. I'm excited.

I usually spend most of the day cuddling/nursing and changing Tucker's diapers. Tucker still sleeps for many hours of the day, sometimes in my arms and sometimes in his pack n play or swing. When the weather is cooperating, I usually take Tucker for a long walk in the late morning and then I do laundry, clean the kitchen, or make/prep dinner. The house is definitely messy most of the time, but we're ok with that for now. In the late afternoon, Tucker and I pick up Owen (usually between 3 and 4) and then play until Daddy gets home. We have an early dinner followed by a couple more hours playing (every couple days we have bath time, too). Quiet time starts between 7:45 and 8:15 on most nights and includes three of four stories and a review of our day or a preview of the coming day. I love this time as it gives me a chance to cuddle close with Owen.

It's hard to pick a favorite time of the day, but I think I have to say that it's when I have a few minutes to hold Tucker and also hug/snuggle with Owen. I also love it when Owen whispers, "goodnight mommy, i love you". And really, every minute snuggling with Tucker is the best!!

I will be off until early June and plan to enjoy every minute. In a couple of weeks, we're taking a trip to Orange and then Kris's sister will be here to spend Easter with us.

Tucker's 2 month doc appt

It's hard to imagine that we've hit the 8 week mark and that on Saturday, Tucker will turn 2 months old. Life has changed like expected; we're happy, busy, and and definitely sleep deprived. Tucker has continued to grow strong and healthy, and Owen has continued to be a very sweet big brother. We have our hands full, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

Tucker's stats:
Weight: 12lbs 13 oz (Owen was 12lbs 2 oz) - both gaining nearly the same during their first two months
Head: 40cm - (Owen was 37 cm)
Height: 22 inches (Owen was 22 inches)
Key milestones: all on track














8 weeks

Happy 1 Month Birthday Tucker!

Yesterday, Tucker turned 1 month old- we can't believe it! Everything is going really well. We are sleep deprived (of course!) but happy. I will work on posting more specifics soon, but to celebrate this milestone, I wanted to post a few pictures!





















4 days













15 days old














3 weeks














4 weeks

1st Appointments

Monday we took Tucker to his first doctor's appoitment and Tuesday we had an appointment with the lactation consultant. Both appoitments were great and very reassuring.

What we learned:
Tucker is healthy! He regained his birth weight after only 5 days.
Tucker is dealing with some gas issues which is normal, but painful.
To deal with the gas, we were shown a number of holds and specific massage techniques to help soothe the babe.
Tucker is getting 3oz of breastmilk per feeding and is latching on like a champ.
For every oz of breastmilk, babies will usually sleep 1 hour (we can now expect Tucker to sleep 3 hours straight which is about his average and if I can stratch out the feedings to be a bit longer, he may sleep longer during the night).
Tucker is great- but we already knew that!

Life is good. Owen continues to be very helpful and sweet, we're figuring out sleep patterns, and so far, Tucker is just a doll. We are happy and just love our boys. We even have a couple more days with Kris at home before he goes back to work!

Coming Home from the hospital & Photos

On Friday afternoon Tucker and I were discharged from the hospital. We couldn't have asked for better care during our hospital stay, but it is nice to be home, figuring out our new life in the comfort of our house.

I am sore and moving slow, but I am able to move and feel better than I did after Owen's birth. Tucker seems to have his days and nights mixed up a bit, but is eating and sleeping well and is just a joy for us. We are in awe and happily enamored with the little guy.

It's great to be a family of four and one of the best parts is definitely watching Owen adjust to his new big brother role. We couldn't have asked for a better transition. Owen has been absolutely wonderful - showing no signs of jealously at all. Instead, he is loving to Tucker and he really seems to enjoy being a helpful big brother. Of course, at least 1/2 the time he thinks Tucker is Jacoby, Colton's little brother. Earlier this morning, Kris took the boys downstairs while I slept in a bit. Daddy said to Owen, uh oh, Tucker needs his pacifier but it's upstairs. Owen said, I'll get it - walked upstairs, grabbed the paci, and took it back downstairs and helped give it to Tucker. Kris assumed that I helped him get the pacifier, but I didn't as I was sound asleep.

We tried to make Friday a special day for Owen. He went to school in his big brother shirt that my aunt gave to Owen for his birthday. Kris and Owen brought cupcakes in for Owen's class and during the day they had a party to celebrate his new big brother status. When he got home from school, Owen opened a gift from Tucker (a box of dress up hats- which is one of Owen's favorite things to play with at school). He loved it!

We've created a photo album that includes pictures from the hospital and home. Enjoy!

Link to pics

Baby's Name is....

We're happy to announce our beautiful boy's name, Tucker Adam Wiseley. We had a hard time choosing this time around - probably because we know so many more kids now than when we did when pregnant with Owen. There are so many great names out there, but once we said Tucker out loud, it just seemed right. We debated a bit on whether or not to choose it, as we were a bit concerned about the obvious nickname that kids may use. But in the end, we dejavascript:void(0)cided the obvious nicknames are just "bad" words and they aren't really personal insults, so we are hoping it won't be a major issue later in life.

More pictures and an update about Owen's adjustment to the baby to follow soon.

Welcome to the world Baby Boy Wiseley

This is Amber and I am happy to report that baby boy Wiseley is doing wonderful, currently sleeping happily in his daddy's arms. I am also doing well. It was a long night and day, but it's great to be able to hold our new baby in our arms.

Hopefully, we will announce his name by tomorrow, but until then, here are his stats:

7 lbs 3 oz
18.5 inches long
13 inches head and chest
12 inches waist

Just to compare, here is a picture of Owen on his birthday.

Owen was 6 lbs 9 oz and 19.5 inches long.