Two weeks with two children

We are approaching the two-week mark of having two children. In ways, it is vastly easier this time around. In other ways, I forgot just how hard it is to take care of an infant (particularly the night duty). My parents came last Thursday. Dad stayed through Sunday and Mom flew home yesterday. It was amazing to have them here. They are so adept at spoiling us. Between Dad's great cooking and Mom's cleaning and baby care, I could be set for life. Yesterday, when I dropped my Mom off at the airport, I couldn't help but cry. Every time my parents go I realize how far away we live and I get emotional. As I was driving away, Hallie told me "Mommy, you are very, very sad." "Yes, I miss my Mommy!" I replied. She was so sympathetic. She told me: "It's okay, Mommy! I understand with you. I wanna see Grandpa." She was such a sweet little friend-- wise beyond her years. She made me feel better. When my Mom flies away I lose a little part of me. But I am so blessed to have two daughters to share that same bond with. And what an additional blessing that my oldest is bright enough to give me pep talks even though she is only two and a half.

Chris and I feel so lucky lately. We have this sweet little family, we are purchasing our first home, and we have each other to top it off. We went for a drive in our new neighborhood the other day and I was stunned when I saw Hallie's elementary school. It was surreal. I stared at the building where my little one would leave my home and step into kindergarten. It was almost too much for my postpartum emotions to handle. :) We really love our new neighborhood. It has nice pathways that wind throughout the track and a very nice little park. During the warm months, I will be able to walk Hallie to school and back. I love that we are so close to the schools, church, and all the grocery stores and other shopping.

Hallie has done so well with welcoming our new family member. It has been such a natural transition (which says so much about her innate ability to be loving and caring). Sometimes, Hallie is a little "gifted" for her own good. She often tries our patience with her words. But, that is part of growing up and expressing her independence. So, we will take that small trial because it is coupled with all her other amazing traits.

Claire is really fun. It is refreshing to have a teeny baby around again. We are enjoying getting to know her. Even though she isn't smiling yet, since birth it is obvious when she is excited about something. She is thrilled when Mommy, Daddy, or Hallie give her attention. Her eyes get big, her breathing pace increases, and her face assumes the most peaceful, angelic state. It is a sight to behold. She is very particular about her feeding time. I must (and I mean must) change her diaper before she starts to eat. Otherwise, she absolutely cannot focus. I also must burp her not once. Not even twice. She needs to be burped at least four times throughout the feeding. And it is essential that I not forgot to change her again halfway through her feeding. It is so funny to me that such a little one can have so many "particulars" already.
with Grandpa 4-26-09
proud parents 4-26-09
watching Tinker Bell with Grandpa
flowers from Chris' work
4-29-09
so cute
4-28-09
sisters 4-28-09
Traci came to visit 4-27-09
Daddy time 4-30-09
4-29-09



4-30-09