Ben and his favorite toy (and a cupcake)

Mom made cupcakes last night - Ben got a little treat after dinner!

Ben loves the remote -he has even managed to make the tv do things we didn't know were possible. This has proved somewhat frustrating for Chris and myself as we have to try and undo whatever he programmed the television to do. He even knows how to set the DVR!

Quinn's 1st week at home

Learning to use the pacifier - Mom needs a break!

Sleeping....again

So big!

Mom and Quinn catching a little nap at Grandma and Grandpa's travel trailer

Dad and Quinn practicing some tummy time!

We made it past the first week! Chris was able to take the week off to spend time at home. He started staining the deck and made quite a bit a progress. My parents came over everyday to help with the boys and my dad built two gates to put on the deck so we don't have to worry about someone taking a tumble down the stairs. Quinn is nursing well - already gained back 2 ounces and is sleeping relatively well at night also. The weather is not cooperating all that well yet but we have been able to get outside a little. Hopefully that will change soon as we get closer to May!

Big Brother Ben

At the hospital

At home with Dad

Ben helping Quinn with tummy time

Giving encouragement to his little bro!

Ben is taking to his new "Big Brother" role really well. He likes to try and "help" with Quinn - he brings Quinn his pacifier, blanket, and whatever else he can think of. He comes and lays by Quinn when he is crying and tries to cuddle him. The best part is when he gives Quinn kisses - he does that all the time. We are still trying to learn to be gentle - sometimes the loving and kisses get a little rough!

Quinn - Day 2

Mom and the boys - Ben was happy to sit next to Quinn!

Ben checking out Quinn - he liked the bulb aspirator in Quinn's bassinet.

Grandpa and Quinn resting - they both had their right hands on their heads!

The Mighty Quinn getting a change of clothing.

Mom having some cuddle time after a feeding - I loved it!

Quinn continues to be a wonderful baby. He is now officially 38 hours old and has charmed everyone he's met. He spent the day with Mom and Dad and entertained a few visitors. Grandma and Grandpa were back along with Grandma Collen, Uncle Mike, and cousins Sam and Jake. He had a few medical tests and slept and nursed. Dad went home to spend some time with Ben and brought him back up to the hospital to visit his new little brother. He seemed much more interested and was very gentle with him. We are going home tomorrow and are excited to get settled in. I miss Benjamin terribly and can't wait to spend some time with him and Quinn!

Welcome Quinn Christopher Kollasch

Mom meeting Mr. Quinn for the first time.

Dad and Quinn

Mom and her boys

Quinn ready for his first feeding

Grandma Sharon and her newest grandson

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Quinn Christopher Kollasch! Quinn was born April 17th, 2009 at 6:49 am. He weighed 8 pounds and was 21 inches long. Mom, Dad, and Big Brother Benjamin are all well and happy to finally have Quinn here. My labor went much better this time - I only had to push for about 20 minutes this time compared to 3 hours with Ben! I went into labor on Thursday night while playing cribbage with my Dad at their travel trailer. I started having some pretty strong contractions and laid down to see if they would subside. Chris and Ben were at Kindermusik class and Chris called about 7:15 pm to tell me they were on their way home. My mom told him I was having contractions about 10 minutes apart. Chris made it home from class in record time and we called the hospital to see if we should come in. Since we live about 20 minutes from the hospital, they told us to head in just in case things progressed too fast. My mom went to our house to get our things and my Dad took Benjamin home. We arrived at the hospital around 8:30 pm and I was dilated to 5 cm and my contractions were about 5 minutes apart. Chris did an excellent job of driving to the hospital with me in labor - very impressive! I was admitted to the hospital and received my epidural after we got settled into the birthing room. My mom arrived and we were all ready for Quinn's arrival. Unfortunately, the epidural stalled my progress and we ended up having a pretty uneventful night. I dilated to 6 cm and Quinn finally dropped down enough for the doctor to break my water at 5:40 am. After that there was no stopping Quinn as I dilated to 10 and was ready to start pushing at 6:30 am. Quinn officially arrived at 6:49! He was beautiful and perfect. Since he made such a rapid exit, he ended up with some fluid in his lungs that didn't have a chance to be "squeezed" out by going through the birth canal. He was having to work a little too hard to breathe so he was taken to the Level II nursery for monitoring. I did get a chance to hold him and Chris went with him to the nursery. Thankfully he was able to be brought back to our room by 8:30 am to nurse. Grandma Sharon, Chris, and I also had a chance to get some cuddle time in before he had to go back to the nursery. Chris and I took the opportunity to shower and get something to eat. Grandpa and Big Brother Benjamin arrived and Quinn was able to leave the nursery to meet everyone. Ben wasn't too sure what was going on at first but I was so happy to see him and give him lots of hugs and kisses. He was curious about Quinn but was more interested in the ice cream Dad was eating.

We are scheduled to leave the hospital Sunday morning. Quinn is doing excellent and is nursing like a champ. He looks just like Ben and we are truly blessed to have two wonderful sons. It is also wonderful to have my parents here. My mom was an amazing support during Quinn's delivery and Grandpa is Ben's best friend. Stay tuned for more updates soon!

Pregnancy Update

As we enter April (although that's hard to tell right now in MN as we are expecting snow tomorrow!), the arrival of Baby Quinn is getting closer and closer. For the most part this has been a thankfully uneventful pregnancy. A couple of weeks ago I began having some headaches that didn't go away and a few blood pressure readings that were a bit on the high side. After some prodding by my husband, I went in to see my doctor and after many tests and lots of monitoring, I have been diagnosed with moderate pre-eclampsia. I am lucky in the fact that my situation was caught very early. Right now I am about 36 1/2 weeks and my doctor is comfortable letting nature take its course. I have been put on bed rest which means no more work and lots of time bonding with my couch and animals during the day. My blood pressure is on the high side but getting a bit better as I rest. I am hoping to make it to 38 weeks. I go to the doctor every few days and was 2 cm dilated on my last visit this past Wednesday. We also had an ultrasound and Baby Quinn is right where he is supposed to be in weight and size. He seems to be very comfortable and not under any stress at all. My parents arrived in MN last night and the Airstream is now parked outside the house. It is a great relief for both Chris and I now that they are here. My husband has been absolutely wonderful - not that he wasn't before!! I am truly blessed to have him in my life. Now that my parents are here, we decided to have Ben in daycare only part-time so they can get a good Ben-fix. We still want Ben to have somewhat of his normal routine so he will be attending daycare 2 days a week. He seems to enjoy himself there and I don't want him to lose that comfort level. Thanks to everyone who has called, emailed, ect., we really appreciate all the offers to help and kind words. We'll keep you updated!!