a belated birth announcement

I'm a bit late on the birth announcement!  What can I say...life is a bit busier now. 

Anyway, thank goodness for shutterfly.  They make things so easy (and so cute)!

So here is Bailey's official "I'm here!"

Initially Girl Baby Announcements

Personalized cards for babies, Valentines, Easter and Mother's Day.

View the entire collection of cards.

moments

Some say that your first and your third kids are the hardest or invite the biggest amount of change in your life.  They say the second isn't so hard because you still have 2 hands (one for each child) and after 3, you should have it down. 

Personally, one was an adjustment for me and so is two.  Just because I have 2 hands doesn't mean both are always readily available.  I had forgotten how time consuming the newborn stage was.  When there's only one, that's just what you do...dedicate your time to that one child and occasionally clean the house or get a few minutes of your favorite soap in while the one is sleeping.  

Now with two, I'm trying to figure out how to give Bailey all the attention she requires and make sure Emmy gets mommy time as well.  Rarely do the two sleep at the same time so there isn't a lot time for cleaning or even me catching a few zzzz's.  Emmy likes to be held when I hold Bailey and she "NEEDS" a drink or her stool or a snack each time I sit down to feed Bailey it seems.  

I'm still trying to figure out why people say two isn't a real big change from one.

Then there's moments like these...

...when Emmy just wants to hold or love Bailey and I can tell she is so proud to be a big sister.  These are the moments I'll be cherishing.  These are the moments when I forget how much sleep I didn't get the night before, how far behind I am on laundry or how many dishes are piled in my sink.  These are the moments I sit down and just enjoy my girls and silently give a prayer of gratitude for my wonderful life!

the "b-chain"

Emmy loves things that are out of the ordinary.  If you want her to smile or laugh all you have to do is put a shoe on your head, hold a cup to your mouth with only your teeth...or put her binkie on one of the rings from Bailey's floor gym!

I did it once and now that's where she likes her binkies.  I call it her "b-chain."  At night we have her pick one for bed but come morning she wants that one put back with the rest. 

She walks around the house with this silly collection of binkies dangling from her mouth.  She'll take one out and switch every now and again - for a new flavor?

I thought we'd be done with the binkies by now, but I guess it's too much fun to carry them around like this.  Besides, I don't have the heart to take this comfort away from her right now with all the changes Bailey has brought into our life and routine. 

One day they'll be gone.  One by one they will disappear from the blue ring.

Until then, I get to smile and laugh at my little girl and her "b-chain!"

seeing double

When Bailey was born Brian and I agreed right off that she looked like Emmy.  It wasn't until I got out a few of Emmy's baby pictures that I realized just how much alike they really do look! 

I better make sure I label these photos as I print them.  It doesn't help that Bailey wears Emmy's "hand-me-downs" either.  I can see photo confusion down the road already.

Aren't these two darling little sleeping beauties!

life with 2

Things around here are pretty busy.  I am loving having two little girls but they keep me going, actually...Bailey is pretty mellow and it's Emmy that keeps me busy.  I love it though. 

Bailey is such a good baby.  I know we were blessed with such a mild child because Emmy, like I said, keeps us on our toes.  Bailey rarely cries and does A LOT of sleeping.  I only wish more of that was at night.  I can't remember, do babies just figure that one out or should I be doing something?  Funny, the things you forget. 

I won't say having two kids under 2 is easy.  It isn't.  But it is is manageable.  Emmy has gotten a little on the needy side this last week, but who can blame her?  She is such a good little helper though and I know she loves Bailey already.  Emmy helps me put a blanket on Bailey, brings me a burp cloth and gently helps me burp her, she holds Bailey's little hand and sings "ashes, ashes (ring-around-the-rosies), she helped me give Bailey a bath the other day and she likes to lay or sit by Bailey.  Each day it's something new with Emmy and I love watching her sweet little spirit shine through as she loves on Bailey.  I'm not wishing my girls to grow up fast, but I am so happy they have one another and am excited to see them grow up together.



I am SO BLESSED to have wonderful family around that have given me so much love, help and encouragement.  I don't know what I'd do without them.  I am grateful for amazing friends who have called to say hi, talk through things with me, provided delicious meals and have even offered to watch Emmy for a few hours if I need some time with just one. 

One week down and eternity with these two darling girls to go!  I'm loving it.

Bailey Kaye

She's here and she's beautiful! 

Bailey Kaye was born Thursday, February 24 at 8:04pm.

7lb. 15 oz. and 20.5 in. long.  She's bigger than her big sister was! 

We are all doing well and settling in. 

I am so blessed.

tomorrow?

Tomorrow could be the day.  Tomorrow could mark the arrival of baby girl #2.  Tomorrow our family of three could turn to four.  Tomorrow.  WOW!

We'll see how what the doc says...it's either home after my appointment or to the hospital.  I'm nervous.  I think it's been harder for me to get ready for #2 than it was for #1 for some reason.  I should know what to expect right?  I should know what I need...but I don't. 

I am very anxious to meet this sweet little girl and can't wait for Emmy to meet her also, but I'm scared.  Will I be a good mom to two kids?  Will Emmy be mad at me because she doesn't get all the attention anymore?  How are we going to juggle naps and feeding?  Sounds silly, but I worry about these things and SO MUCH MORE! 

So, here's to tomorrow...we'll see what it brings.

happy day of love

Valentine's, love letters and a special "pink" breakfast...

That's how we started our love day today! 

Hope you all have a wonderful one!