two months || nine weeks

At two month, our little dolly girl...

... had four shots and some congestion at her two month appointment. She didn't love the shots, but doesn't seem bothered by the little cold her big sister passed along.

... weighs in at 11 lbs and 8 oz and is 23 inches long. We've got a healthy growing baby girl.

... likes to eat and sleep. She is still sleeping wonderfully at night {typically up once for a feeding}, but sometimes likes to fight sleep during the day.

... she likes to eat, be held, smile and coo stories to anyone who will listen, play with the rings and butterflies in her bouncy seat, go on walks, watch sister at the park, and read books.

We can't get enough of her.

our little Valentines

Matt and I have never been big Valentine's Day celebrators.

Many years ago when we were young & dating we celebrated,

but when we married two weeks before the annual holiday, 

we decided that celebrating our anniversary was a much better way to celebrate our love.

But having two sweet girls gives us a million reasons to celebrate,

and Valentine's Day is just another opportunity to do so.

This year we geared up for the big day by doing some heart inspired crafts with Lauren and made some special treats. 

But Saturday was when our real celebration started. 

We took the girls to Sesame Street Live.

Obviously this was Lauren's special outing, but Caroline attended and did amazing.

Lauren was so excited about seeing Elmo and Abby Cadabby. 

Can't you tell?

The show ran a little on the long side and Lauren,

along with most of the toddlers in the arena,

got a little antsy at the end.

But she was pretty excited when Dad bought her an Elmo/Cookie Monster balloon at intermission. 

Sunday, Valentine's Day, Lauren made a special trip with Mom to the grocery store and got to choose her own donut.

We enjoyed a brunch at home and spent the day hanging out in the playroom together. 

For dinner, we were inspired by Lauren's friend, Daniel Tiger,

and made heart shaped pizzas.

Lauren loves being in the kitchen and this simple little family activity brought our little girl so much joy. 

These sweet girls with smiles like that,

are so easy to love,

it feels like Valentine's Day everyday*

*almost everyday {wink, wink}

8 weeks

At 8 weeks, our darling little daughter...

... is 8 weeks! Seriously. How did that happen? Despite my 'wisdom' of how fast it goes, it still goes fast. And oh how she has changed these past 8 weeks.

... is a good little gal. She is so wonderful for us when we are out and about and is still only feeding once through the night, sometimes surprising us with a full night sleep.

... likes to eat, likes the Mama Roo on a faster speed, enjoys looking at things that light up and play music, and smiles at her sister. Those smiles are coming easier and easier.

... makes us all so happy.

seven weeks

At seven weeks, our precious dolly girl...

... is growing. She's getting bigger and changing all the time. Oh, how fast it goes.
... is showing smiles, although we have to work for them.
... has a sister who is in love. This week their favorite activity is to sing 'Row Row Row Your Boat' which mom has to observe carefully because Lauren sings the 'library version' which involves the clapping of hands. She kindly grabs her sisters hands and claps them gently {that's the goal} down the stream.
... is totally content going along for the ride. Our lives are beginning to resume to a busier pace with more things on the calendar and being out and about. Last weekend we had a fun little Saturday out and about. Caroline was perfect.

But we already knew that.

Big Sister

We've shared a lot about our sweet addition Caroline,
but theres been another addition in the house.

We've got a big sister here.

The last six weeks have been a lot.
We celebrated the holidays,
had both sets of grandparents visit,
and welcomed another human to our little family.

That's a lot going on for anyone.
Especially a two year old.


After our visitors left we experienced some 'growing pains'
as Lauren adjusted to her new role as Big Sister.
Uncharacteristic fits...
meaning more than usual
difficulty listening to directions...
she was totally testing us
and even some hitting/kicking...
only mom was on the receiving end.



It made for a hard couple of weeks.
We knew our sweet girl was overwhelmed with all that was happening,
yet didn't have the ability to truly express her feelings.
So it came out in all the wrong ways.
Not to mention,
she's two.
So frankly, she could have totally intended to express herself that way.



Matt and I felt challenged as parents and did our best to remain calm
and stick to our proverbial 'guns' as to what our expectations of Lauren's behavior were.
We're also learning to pick and choose our battles. 



I am happy to say the past two weeks have been much better.
Lauren is back to her happy, helping, listening, yet still busy and strong willed self.
We seem to be more in a routine and peace has been restored...
for now.

In the aftermath of said 'growing pains',
Matt and I are both making a conscious effort to get some one on one time with Lauren.
Lauren has been attending gymnastics on Saturday mornings with dad
and going on special errands,
from oil changes and lunch
to Lowe's trips.



Lauren and I have been making special treats in the kitchen
and having tea parties while sister naps.
We're also making sure Lauren gets to continue activities that she enjoys,
dance, gymnastics, trips to the park and the library.

One of the things that makes me my heart the happiest is that throughout the last six weeks,
even at her 'worst',
Lauren has shown nothing but love and adoration for her little sister.

She holds her,
she speaks to her in soft tones,
and she is full of positive affirmations for her sister as she points out all of her 'pretty' features.
Pretty hair, Caroline. Pretty eyes, Caroline.
Pretty dress, Caroline. Pretty belly button, Caroline.
I believe I've mentioned this before, but it really is so sweet.
And something this mama doesn't want to forget.



I'm not naive. (pause, or maybe I am?)
I know that it's not all cake pops and and sweet sister poses from here on out.
There will be more challenging times ahead as we navigate parenting two girls...
but in this moment,
I just want to treasure the image of my two daughters sitting together and the sweet sound of a proud big sister's voice whispering softly to her little sister.

six weeks

At six weeks, our sweet Caroline...

...is beginning to coo a bit. She can also be heard growling, which she has done since she came into our lives six weeks ago.
... is strong. She lifts that little head during tummy time and puts weight on her little legs and does squats for us.
... sleeps. In fact, last night she slept through the night. But before you begin hating on the girl who has a babe sleeping through the night at six weeks {seriously!} please know that I did not sleep through the night. Because I have another child who doesn't...
...is making our hearts grow even more as she shows us the very beginning of a smile. Oh, be still my heart.

five weeks

In the last five weeks, we've fallen in love with this girls...

... facial expressions. So many faces and those eyes. Those eyes are going to tell stories all by themselves.

... love of sleep. I've been afraid to even mention it, but I've got myself a good sleeper. I didn't realize how "opposite of good sleeper" Lauren was as a babe, until Caroline. Let's just say I get up once a night. Amazing.

... appetite. That being said, she does get her fill during the day. But I'm more than happy to help her maintain that double chin and get up less in the wee morning hours.

... content demeanor. She's generally a very content babe. And so far she's been a great little gal on the go. Shopping, running errands, driving, walks, all activities she is totally cool with, That's my kinda girl.

... snuggles. She's a great little snuggler and we are eating it up.  In fact, I am eating it up right this moment. She's snuggled right into me as I type.