Bicycles and Soccer Balls

The last two weeks have been eventful in the Topolski household. Of course we had a new addition to the family, or endearing Oliver. Jerry took the last few weeks off to be with me and the baby and it was really nice having the company. On Friday, Ania returned from camp and will be staying with us for the next month. I will be happy to have the company.

My sweet first born started soccer two weeks ago. I was a little trepidatious as he was not interested in the sportball class we singed him up for last spring. But for whatever reason he seems to like soccer. He loves running and likes to overtake the other kids. He is also a good foot taller than the other children in his class. This past weekend Pat and Avery came to watch the Tman in action. I am sure Avery is ready to join him any day now!

We also put training wheels on Truman's bike and tired teaching him how to ride it. He also really seemed to like it and hopefully we will take him out a few more times this week so that he can get the hang of it.

Truman last weekend was helping his dad clean the pool and he must have been helping him for a good half hour. I was so worried and was hoping that Jerry would put on his life jacket. Next thing I hear is two large splashes, Truman had fallen in the pool and Jerry jumped in to catch him. I was expecting a lot of tears, instead Truman exclaimed to us that he wanted to go swimming. The fall did not invoke any fear. Jerry and I have made a deal that from now on he will wear his life jacket when near the pool.

Welcome Oliver!

Jerry, Truman and I welcomed Oliver Henri Topolski into the world on Saturday July 11th at 11:05am. Oliver weighed a delicate 9 lbs 5oz. Both Olie and I are doing well and were discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon. We are happy to be at home!

Truman is adjusting well to his little brother and is very concerned when he is crying. Yesterday at dinner Truman thought that Olie should be eating dinner with us too. I tried to explain to him that Oliver only drinks milk right now, but Truman wasn't buying it! Hopefully Truman will continue to be sweet with his brother, a mother can hope.

So far Oliver is eating and sleeping well and hopefully he will continue to do both! My fingers are crossed. Second time parenthood definitely feels different and I am not sure if is because Oliver is different, or Jerry and I are different parents having experienced all of this before. Regardless, I am so happy and so in love with my new son!

Potty Time

Jerry and I decided we should try to start potty training Truman before the next little bundle arrives. We spent part of one weekend at home and only let Truman wear underwear. We had accident after accident and we were feeling defeated. Less than a few weeks later we are fully potty trained (well at least at home). Truman has woken up with a dry diaper every morning for almost two weeks. Today we were out and about and he held his pee for 3 1/2 hours until we got home (he refused to pee on a public toilet!). I am so proud. Everyone told me that it would happen when he was ready and it is so true!

This morning, Tina and I brought our boys to get some photos taken and I think by the end of the session (which wasn't that long) we both were completely stressed out...but not stressed out enough, since we decided to take them to lunch. I have to say both kids were well behaved, it was just the last few minutes when things started to get a little wild!

Today was also the first day of my maternity leave...our new addition arrives in 12 days, I can't believe it. This will probably be my last post until then. I am planning to spend the next week and a half as selfishly as I can. I am looking forward to spending time with myself, Jerry and Truman and make the most of these few days together. However, I am also counting down the days to meet our new baby!