The Darlington Family

Asher: 3 Months

2015-07-03T12:36:00.001-07:00

Our little Asher is three months! He has started to be very responsive and interactive with us. If you smile at him, he will smile back. He giggles when you tickle his belly, and he loves chatting. Baby talk is so sweet and and he must really thinks he's communicating something important. When I say "ah-goo" you can see his little brain working and mouth twisting until he can muster up an "ah-goo" and repeat it back with a satisfied smile. He also has turned into a drooly little fellow. He loves blowing spit bubbles and usually has a wet onesie. Lastly, he seems to have gained some discovery and control over his limbs. He likes clasping his hands together and pulling on his shirt. His little legs are always kicking - or running in place as we call it.

Shenanigans

2015-06-26T12:07:00.002-07:00

Summer is in full swing now that Aiden completed preschool. How sweet was his little PK3 class?!

We have kept busy the last few weekends with fun family activities. Now that I am not on bed rest or recovering from delivery we are anxious to explore and enjoy our new town.

Aiden participated in his first triathlon. His age group did a 25m swim, 1/2 mile bike and 1/4 mile run. It was a fantastic event; all the kids were encouraged and cheered on to simply finish and have a good time. Aiden loved every second of the race. Unfortunately, Alexander was green with envy. He was a year too young to register. They told us he could jog aside Aiden to feel included but we had a rookie parental fail when we only brought Aiden's bike. Big time tears. Lesson learned. None the less we will do more races.

Our good friends, the Adreans, visited! We had a blast playing at the beach. Later in the week we joined them for the day at the Magic Kingdom. It was our first trip there (albeit we have visited DisneyLand in California) and had a blast. The boys are getting old enough to enjoy theme parks more and it was fun to have their friends Nicholas and Emily.

My parents also came down for another visit. Their previous trips were busy generously taking care of us with bedrest, moving and a new baby. This time we were finally able to enjoy each other. Jason and my Dad got in a round of golf while my Mom, the boys and I took a river cruise on the Banana and Indian Rivers. The boys loved the boat and we saw quite a few dolphins. My Mom and I also had date night at Painting with a Twist. I had been wanting to do it for years, even though I don't have any artist ability. Boy, they certainly can make an artist out of anyone! It was extra entertaining that we painted a shuttle launch and there was a group of NASA employees. After a little wine, their comments were quite funny.

For me, the highlight of the visit was Gator Golf! We played a round of mini golf near a baby gator pond. After the game we were able to feed and hold the baby alligators. It was a really fun and unique experience.

Asher: Two Months

2015-06-26T11:44:00.001-07:00

Our two month old sweetheart has starting giving us some smiles (that aren't gas induced!) He is a massive flirt and knows how to bat his lashes and flash a toothless smile. Nothing melts my heart more. If it were not for all that dang laundry I could stare at him and tickle his belly all day long. I believe Aiden and Alexander feel the same way, they just love their little brother and its not uncommon for them to fight and fawn over him.

Although Asher is still sleeping most of the day he's starting to be a bit more awake and aware of his surroundings. He loves Jason and usually finds him in the room as gives him a good stare down. It is nice to have a baby that willingly will go to other people, especially Dad. Becoming more aware of his surroundings also means being more aware of his obnoxious big brothers. He is startled awake much more easily by their rambuncious noises then he was just a few weeks ago. Life of a third born in the Darlington house = love and loudness.

Alexander is 3!!!

2015-05-04T12:33:00.001-07:00

Our middle child is now three! To celebrate we took our annual trip to the fire station for a photo AND went to the Kennedy Space Center. Alexander is OBSESSED with outer-space so we had been saving the outing for his birthday. He was NOT disappointed. He was so excited to see the rockets that when we arrived I thought his brain was going to explode! And I have to admit, it is all pretty fascinating. To see actual rocket boosters, a space shuttle and launch pad really does boggle your mind. Aiden kept asking, "is that for real or pretend?" He couldn't believe it was all real, and neither could we! For those who travel to the area it's worth the stop.

Newborn Photos

2015-05-04T12:13:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

2015-05-04T11:59:00.002-07:00

Asher: One Month

2015-05-04T11:58:00.004-07:00

I never thought I'd be writing these first year monthly updates again but here we go...

Our first month as a family of five has been lovely. Between living with my parents in Minnesota for a month, having Jason's sister live with us during my "bedrest" for two months and then my family visiting after Asher's birth; it seems like an empty house now that everyone cleared out. But I am enjoying just us.

So far three kids seems the same as two. But it's not fair to judge yet as Asher is so young and his needs are few. He seems more like an extra handbag or accessory at this point!

Asher is a pretty sweet and mellow baby. It took him about two weeks to find his voice, and even still he does not cry often. Although I will admit, unless he is nursing, he does prefer his Dad. He is relativity awake for a one month old (possibly as the noise of his big brothers is hard to ignore) and will look us in the eyes and watch the boys play. He, like most babies, does not like tummy time but does well lifting his head while on our chests. He is most happy outside in the fresh air listening to the waves (spoiled baby alert) and at night during story time, snuggling in the bean bags with Aiden and Alex.

Asher is very loved by his brothers. Almost too loved, they don't give him much space. I have to be very careful to never leave them in a room alone with him or he will get smothered or they will try to pick him up. Alex and Aiden have also starting playing "baby" and enjoy being in the nursery mocking Asher and goofing around with his stuff. I am pleasantly surprised they have not acted out against the amount of attention diverted to Asher. Although I am aware that may not last!

Until next month...

Introducing Asher Kore Darlington

2015-03-31T08:24:00.004-07:00

Monday, March 30th, our third son, Asher Kore Darlington joined the world! 6 pounds 12 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Born at 1:01pm EST.

Welcome to the world Asher!

The question of the day; yes, we did make it to the hospital! With Alexander's home birth and my bedrest we decided it would be safest to induce at 38 weeks. I'm glad we didn't wait any longer as I was feeling a bit different over the weekend and even more so Monday morning. When we arrived to Holmes Regional the monitors were already showing some uterine irritation. At 7am I started a slow pitocin drip. Around 10:45am Dr. Wolk ruptured my water. I labored on my own for about two hours after that before deciding on an epidural. Unfortunately by the time it was placed and before it was fully effective, it was time to push. Shortly thereafter our beautiful boy was born!

All in all it was a safe and healthy delivery. Sweet Asher was wrapped up a bit in his cord but it was quickly resolved. We also did have a difficult time delivering the placenta and became nervous I would be heading to the OR. That process was not comfortable needless to say but luckily also was finally resolved. I am now able to rest and heal happily.

Jason, as always, was a great birthing partner. I love watching him become a Dad again. Big brothers Aiden and Alexander were able to visit on Asher's birthday. Aiden was happy to see me but wanted to go home shortly after he arrived. He was not comfortable in the hospital and had similar feelings when Alex was born. Alexander however, is our baby lover and was enthralled with Asher. Such a tender moment to watch him kiss him and whisper, "I love you baby brother."

This photo makes me giggle. It pretty much captures the first meeting of three brothers.

These first few days are my favorite. The newborn phase goes quickly so I'm trying to eat up every moment. I still cannot believe I have my very own family of FIVE! We're officially out numbered folks.

Life on Bedrest

2015-02-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

Well... I have been on bedrest almost a week now, and I must say it is HARD! I don't know how women stay on bedrest for weeks and weeks. Hopefully that is not what is in store for me, although I will do anything to keep this baby in longer.

Jason's sister, Tania, flew in from Los Angeles just hours after the accident to pretty much take over my Stay at Home Mom duties. Literally, she is doing everything for us; cooking, cleaning, shopping, driving and caring for the boys. It is really hard to ask for help and allow someone to do things for you, but she is doing a great job and makes it easy considering the circumstances.

Along with bedrest, our new house is under minor construction. We are giving a few areas a facelift. With everything going on, we considered postponing the work but we have a very unique opportunity where we have an empty home where floors can be replaced and a messes can be made. As I cannot unpack the few items we do have here, it oddly feels like "nesting" to me (even though it is dang noisy!). I will be sure to post before and after photos.

My days are pretty much spent in bed, literally. Instead of our previous plan of blow up mattresses while we wait for beds to arrive from California I got spoiled with a brand new Tempur-pedic. Jason (okay me) got a new TV. I am trying to be useful by doing taxes, catching up on emails and scrapbooking on Shutterfly. Feeling productive makes the bedrest more tolerable. Also, the ocean view outside my room does not hurt; a dolphin just swam by as I write this!! A true dream come true to live here.

Jason has been doing well. It is obviously a lot more work for him having a new job with myself out of commission but does a great job picking up the slack. The boys are happy too but they do notice my absence and have been extra clingy and needy when we read books and cuddle. I am surprised how much they understand the bedrest. Whenever I get up Aiden asks my why I am walking. Alex likes to talk to the baby and tells him "stay in Mommy's belly" and "grow up more before you come out." Both are excited for a new bother but Alex is especially affectionate towards my little bump.

A Bump in the Road; Prayers Please

2015-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

Things were looking mighty good for the Darlington Clan earlier this week. We closed on our new house!! Home sweet home. The boys and I have had an excellent time exploring and both are loving school. Aiden has even stopped crying at drop off, a first in two years. But this past week we got some not so ideal news regarding my pregnancy. I went in to meet my OBGYN for the first time and discovered that I was already dialing at just 29 week and was put on bedrest. After a detailed ultrasound and more testing showing the baby was very healthy we decided a "modified" bedrest would suffice. This means no picking up or playing with the kids, no walks, doing chores or evening getting groceries. Basically I could take the kids to school and relax in the house. After initially thinking I would be on full bedrest, this sounded very do-able (with super hero help from Jason). However, Tuesday afternoon I was driving home from a doctors appointment with the boys when I was side-swiped. Aiden and Alex, thankfully, were unharmed. I unfortunately starting having contractions from the accident and was admitted to the local hospital. I was given a round of drugs to stop the contractions and a dose of steroids to help the baby's lungs develop should I not be able to stay pregnant. As of right now, the contractions have stopped and the baby is doing well. I am hoping to return home soon, but when I do I will be on 100% bedrest and only able to walk to use the restroom, take a shower, or join the dinner table. I am hoping that after a few weeks of "normality" I can go back to a "modified" bedrest. This situation is not ideal but is especially not ideal being in a new town with no friends and family - and - in a new house with our items still in Los Angeles. But really, you cannot complain about paper plates and sleeping bags when you just want a healthy and full term baby. A few days ago I would have been irritated by the kids whining or fighting, but right now, sitting in the hospital, I would give anything to take them to the park. Its unfortunate that it can take such circumstances to make your truly appreciate the simple yet important things in life. Fortunately, my sister in law, Tania, flew in just hours after the accident to take care of the kids while Jason works and I stay off my feet. I don't know what we would do with out her! Last week, I also connected with another local Mom who already dropped off a meal. I have only met her twice, so the generosity and friendship is unbelievable. In general, the community here is amazing and supportive, regardless of my newness to it. For that, I am thankful. Prayers please that this baby stays put for a few more week and that I don't go stir crazy on bedrest!!!

Exploring Melbroune

2015-01-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

It has been one week of living in Florida. Jason is doing well at work and is enjoying the new office and staff. Meanwhile, the boys and I have been busy exploring the area and starting school. While they are happy as can be, I am feeling slightly homesick for my friends and home in Glendale. Being pregnant and wanting to nest I am ready to have a permanent "home." My normal day isn't going to any office but being a housewife, and without an actual house I am feeling a bit off kilter. None the less, I am liking it here.

The boys were able to watch their first rocket launch from the beach near the condo we are renting. The rocket was the Atlas V and was bringing a military satellite into orbit. There seems to be about one launch a month from Cape Canaveral, we are excited to view more.

Of course, we have spent plenty of time at parks and the beach. They are incredibly happy playing in the sand and makes parenting easy. I hope they never tire of it!

We also discovered the Brevard Zoo. Although smaller than, it blows the LA Zoo away. It is very kid friendly in terms of viewing the animals and hands on activities. You can feed (and get slobbered on by) the giraffes, kayak with rhinos, zip line, ride a train, play at the splash pad or tree house and of course attend the petting area.

Aiden had his first day of school at Holy Name. How cute is he is his little uniform?! Per the usual, he was whiney and clingy at drop off (Yep, after two years of school he still cries). Alex is not old enough to attend yet (next year) but will be going to the Mom's Day Out program they have on campus three days a week while Aiden is in class. I wasn't planning on taking him this week but when I showed him his room he was really happy and said goodbye to me! All of the teachers at Holy Name are fantastic and welcoming, we really lucked out in joining the community.

It has been a BIG first week! Until next time...

We have arrived!

2015-01-19T16:52:00.001-08:00

FINALLY! After much anticipation we have arrived to Florida. We left Los Angeles shortly before Christmas and spent an interim month living with my parents in Minnesota for the holidays. I have not been in Minneapolis for this extended period of a time since college, so it was nice. A special thanks for my parents for taking us in and allowing us to invade their space!

We are currently renting a short term condo until we have access to a permanent home. The boys are doing okay with the move. Aiden has a greater understanding and therefore is more accepting and excited. He says he misses California but likes Florida. Alexander has had a bit of a rough time. With the house being packed, travel and stress between Jason and me, he's not exactly a happy camper. But he seems to be doing better everyday and hopefully life will become more stable for him soon. They also start school this week which should add some normality.

The question of the season has been, "what is your new address," and unfortunately I have not had an answer. Finding a home in Florida has been quite rocky. A few months back we found what Jason considered to be his dream home. We put an offer in on the house and it was accepted; with one hitch, the sale was contingent on the closing of our home in Glendale. We thought this contingency would be no problem since we too had accepted an offer on our home. But after two long and stressful months of being in contract, the sale of our LA home fell through. We had to let Jason's dream home on the river go. With just four weeks until our arrival to Florida and the birth of our third son shortly thereafter we were scrambling for a new option. After owning our last two homes, we felt we would not be satisfied renting, yet wanted to make sure such a big purchase was right. We came across a listing of a home directly on the beach and while it was not originally what we thought we were looking for, we couldn't pass up the opportunity of living on the ocean. So we put an offer in on the house - sight unseen! The owners accepted our offer and we quickly jetted down to Florida to look at the property. Indeed, we loved it and are moving forward, with no contingencies. Home sweet home. We are hoping for a successful and on time closing this week. Our drama in finding a home has me feeling a bit pessimistic, so fingers crossed it works out. In the meanwhile, we are not moving our belongings out of our California home. Until it sells, we want to keep it furnished and staged. Bare basics for now. Wish us luck on both fronts!

Merry Christmas!

2015-01-01T20:29:00.001-08:00

Goodbye California

2014-11-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read that right. We are saying goodbye to California. With deep emotion I would like to announce that we are moving to Florida. Jason has taken a new job and is joining a wonderful medical group. His first day is mid January but we expect to move sometime in mid December, depending on the sale of our current home.

Our new nieghborhood!

Can't complain with this local Floridian view.

I moved to California almost 14 years ago to attend Pepperdine and have been here ever since. Minnesota will always be home, but California will be too. Even with the hopes of returning to Minnesota someday I honest never foresaw ourselves leaving Los Angeles. As we spread the news friends, it seems to be unamamous that most people did not see this move coming either. But with a fantastic opportunity for Jason we are excited to begin a new chapter in our lives.

It will be hard to leave to our house in Glendale. We have strong memories here and I dislike saying goodbye to the spot smack dab in the middle of our lawn where sweet Alexander was born. We purchased the house just three years ago with the hopes it would be our forever home. The property was a foreclosure and we put in a lot of love and renovations. For those of you who were never able to visit, you can see the current MLS photos below and the before photos here. I was seven months pregnant with Alexander when we moved to El Arbolita Drive and I will be six when we move to Florida. There is something about getting pregnant that makes us go into "reverse nesting." I would be lying if I said this move wasn't stressful.

Putting the materialism of the home aside, we are immensely sad to leave behind Jason's family and our amazing network of friends. I wish I could write something eloquent to express my feelings on the relationships we will miss, but I cannot put it into words. All I can say is that I love you all. Thank you for your constant support and generosity. Southern California would not have been home without you.

Upon writing this I realize my words may seem pessimistic, but they are not intended to be. Even with all we leave behind, I am confident our future in Florida will be bright.

Off to a new adventure...

Disney's California Adventure

2014-10-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

On Aiden's actual fourth birthday we took a trip down to Anaheim to visit Disney's California Adventure. My sister, Stephanie, and her family were in town and joined us, the boys loved having their cousin, Calvin, with them. We had a much better experience then Disneyland the previous year (which was a blast but the lines were overwhelming). Going on a weekday certainly helped us beat the crowds, but we found California Adventure to be slightly more toddler friendly. The boys were tall enough to go on almost all of the rides and Cars Land was fantastic. Aiden was also big enough this year to go on the Tower of Terror! As you can see by the look on his face in a photo below, he was terrified!! He said he didn't like it but just a few days later said he wanted to go back and try again.

Fiesta Forty

2014-10-23T19:00:00.003-07:00

Jason is turning the BIG 4-0 on October 25!!! Last weekend we hosted a fiesta themed party for him in our home. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate the old man and especially to those who contributed to his roast! Sooo many great photos by Omar to share!

Happy FOURTH Birthday Aiden!

2014-10-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

I thought I was done throwing birthday parties for the boys, but now that Aiden is older and attending parties of friends, he begged for his own. He also was very specific on what he wanted - a Paw Patrol themed party at Chuck E Cheese. Since Chuck E Cheese meant I didn't have to clean my house for guests, I happily agreed! There was some active participation required for the birthday boy; like dancing on stage and going in the ticket booth blaster... in which the clever boy picked up the 1000 ticket voucher. Go Aiden! I am always surprised by how my once shy Aiden has become so social and outgoing. All in all, I would say the party was a success as we had two kids cry when they had to leave and Aiden had a fantastic time. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate our little dude turning FOUR!

Baby #3

2014-10-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

For those who have not yet heard the news... we are expecting our third child this April! It's a BOY!

Boys will be Boys

2014-10-02T15:34:00.001-07:00

Life with little boys = never a dull moment...

This summer Alexander was running with a toy (one of those plush turtle's that project stars onto the ceiling) tripped, fell and sliced above his brow through the muscle down to the bone. It was awful! We ended up in the emergency room and needed to call a plastic surgeon to do the repair. Luckily, he is great now with just a little Harry Potter scar.

This past weekend Aiden and Alexander bumped heads while rough housing. Somehow Alexander's head survived but Aiden's two front teeth did not. His top right was pushed into his gums and the left broke in half inside the gum line. Over time the right tooth should descend back down. As for his left, for some unknown reason it has stayed securely put. Should we be able to avoid the common side effect of an infection, we will be able to avoid pulling it. Fingers crossed!! I am proud of Aiden for how brave and willing he was to take an x-ray and have the dentist examine his mouth. Now if only he was not running circles around the house again so quickly!

It is horrible all the "what if's" that go through your head as a parent. "What if" he had fallen just a little harder, or closer to his eye, or this or that?! I could drive myself nuts with worst case scenarios. But at the end of the day I feel blessed to have two HEALTHY, rough, rambunctious yet sweet little boys who keep me on my toes.

First Camping Trip

2014-09-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

This past July my parents, Jason and I took the boys on their first camping trip! I was a little nervous but it was a huge success!! I was really excited to share a favorite childhood spot with Jason and the boys and am thrilled they loved it as much as I do! How can you not like climbing rocks, campfires, s'mores and lighthouses!?!

SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE

PEBBLE BEACH

ENJOYING OUR CAMPSITE

BEAUTIFUL LAKE SUPERIOR AND GOOSEBERRY FALLS

A Catch up on Summer

2014-09-17T16:17:00.002-07:00

We had a busy summer as usual. Most of the highlights were from time spent in Minnesota. We took two trips:

In July we visited for our cousin's wedding, the birth of Griffin Thurling, Fourth of July and a camping trip on Lake Superior (which deserves its own separate post to follow). Phew!!

LAURA AND NICK'S WEDDING:

FOURTH OF JULY:

Our Second trip was to celebrate my parents wedding anniversary! Since there are so many grandkids now a dinner out would be impossible, so we enjoyed a private chef and a cooking class. It was a blast! We also got to pick apples and check out the State Fair.

APPLE PICKING:

MINNESOTA STATE FAIR:

THE BOYS LOVE FISHING ON LAKE ZUMBRA:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!:

Locally we have enjoyed friends, the beach, and lots of swimming in our pool after the completion of swim lessons. Aiden can now swim a full stretch on his own! Alex is still working on overcoming his fear of the pool but did great.

Griffin Spencer Thurling

2014-09-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

I am embarrassingly delayed in announcing the birth of GRIFFIN SPENCER THURLING! My middle sister, Stephanie, and her husband, Trevor, welcomed their second son in June. That makes FIVE grand kids in 3.5 years for my parents!!! I was lucky enough to make in back to Minnesota to meet Griffin shortly after his birth. How cute is he?!

Back to School

2014-09-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

It seems summer has come to an end (even though it is 100+ degrees in Los Angeles right now) and both boys are in school. They are in separate schools, which is a slight pain, but for the best.

Aiden continues to attend his Spanish Immersion Preschool five days a week in the mornings. And he STILL cries everyday at drop off. He loves school and is happy everyday when I pick up him, but he is a Momma's boy and puts on a good show. It can be a little stressful. Maybe by high school he will stop the tears?!

Alexander is not yet old enough to attend the Spanish program so we placed him at St. Georges in La Canada twice a week for three hours. So far he is doing well. He does not cry at drop off like Aiden but is certainly not excited to go either. He must be having fun though as he comes home soaking wet, full of sand and covered in paint.

PSA: Alexander Allergies

2014-09-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Alexander has suffered from severe eczema for as long as I can remember. He scratches until he bleeds and always appears puffy and uncomfortable. After over a year of trips to the pediatrician and dermatologist we decided it was time to visit an allergist. Alex had two scratch tests and it turns out he is allergic to:

- peanuts
- all tree nuts
- avocado
- tomato
- eggs
- life threateningly allergic to cashews

We already knew he was allergic to eggs and cashews because of the classic hives and so forth. But, the other foods came as a complete shock as he eats them all on a daily basis with no immediate reaction. Apparently, his reaction to eating these foods is eczema. It has been about two months since we have cut these foods out of our diet (and it was not easy to do!) and he skin does appear improved.

We are hoping he will grow out of some of these allergies and are being very strict on his diet. The more often you consume a food you are allergic to the stronger your body makes that association. The longer you go without the food, the weaker the association becomes and the more likely you are to overcome the allergy. We will retest in one year.

For those of you reading this blog, please be aware and courteous of Alexander's allergies. Especially CASHEWS. We now always have two epi pens within arms reach of Alexander.

Father's Day 2014

2014-06-18T16:23:00.002-07:00

To celebrate Jason and Father's Day we took an afternoon train from the Fillmore Station. It was an one hour ride with a BBQ lunch to a quirky destination where there were bunnies, goats and chickens for the boys to look at. After our little stop we enjoyed desert and another hour return back to the station. Although it was a long ride at times, the boys had a blast and never stopped looking out the window. It is pretty exciting, even as a grown up, to travel on a real train!