Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentines Day
I am feeling a little guilty about this ... it's my job to make sure this type of thing doesn't happen. We were at gymnastics, I had my back turned to Cara (helping Katie) ... she was sitting in her infant carrier safely protected from the commotion around us. A little boy just more than 1 year older than her leaned in, and as I turned around I caught him giving her the sweetest gentle kiss on her lips! She smiled back at him ... Caroline has already had her first kiss! At just 5 months of age (on February 10, 2012) ... hopefully this is not an indication of things to come. I thought I was going to lose my mind - I quickly ended the moment by having little 18 month old Levi back up so I could pick my daughter up! I guess these things happen, and although I feel a little guilty I do know it was innocent and sweet ... how precious that I was there to see it.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Month 5
Aside from a few common cold viruses, 2012 has been off to a good start for our family! Caroline went for her well-baby checkup on January 5th - she weighed 15 pounds 8.5 ounces and measured 26.5 inches long ... On January 12th she moved up into 6-9 month clothing (including her 1st pair of jeans)! Mid-month, while shopping for some much needed pants, it became clear that Katie had moved up from toddler sizes to girls 4-5! Near the end of the month she weighed in at 37.5 pounds. Pushing the girls in our double stroller has become quite a workout!
Caroline's highlights from the month are focused entirely in the field of movement. Our little baby has been found in various locations in her crib at the conclusion of slumber ... on the 25th she was found on her belly for the 1st time at the end of her nap. Cara shocked us on the 14th when she wiggled out of her bouncy seat and moved to the floor where some toys were laying on a blanket. A very determined Cara pushed up on her hands and knees at exactly 4.5 months old, and near the end of the month she was moving around so well that frequently she could be found under furniture. Just days before she turned 5 months she pushed up with fierce resolve and took her first two leg crawls forward; unfortunately her hands have yet to move forward, resulting in her knees meeting her elbows and a face-plant to follow. We do have every confidence that our little Caroline will be crawling by 6 months!
Katelyn has been working hard at so many different things this month. She has begun using manners and can correctly make requests with “please” and show her gratitude with “thank you”. She often needs reminders, but she is trying hard and very cooperative when reminded. Katie has learned how to clean up her toys; her proficiency was made evident at Cara’s well-baby checkup when the appointment concluded and without being asked Katie put every toy back into the basket. We are so proud of her! Naptime is rarely used for actual sleeping these days, but that has not stopped Katie from using this time to impress us. Apparently Katie has taught herself to undress; at naptime’s conclusion she is sometimes found no longer wearing her shirt or pants. It is possible that she becomes hot from all the jumping she does instead of sleeping! Katie’s most impressive accomplishment this month is her ability to recite The Lord’s Pray in its entirety. She has also begun memorizing several Bible verses including book, chapter, and verse. We pray often for God to hide His word in her heart and to shape her heart to look like his … this is evidence that our Great God is answering these prayers!
We are so blessed to have these 2 healthy children that bring us such joy! We love them immensely and I cannot remember a time when we were happier. Sleeping though the night is still a dream, but someday it will happen; and, I know another day will follow when I’ll think back and cry about how quickly my babies have grown. So for now I just try to cherish those sweet midnight smiles and gentle waking cries for food only a Mommy can provide. I’ll sleep later …
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Month 4
December was an exceptionally busy month for our family ... There was a lot to do to get ready for Christmas! We took family pictures for our Christmas card, decorated the house inside and out, hundreds of cookies were baked, and lots of presents were purchased and wrapped. And ... in addition to all the Christmas excitement, Joe and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary!
Both girls accomplished new skills in movement this month. On December 4th I awoke to the sound of Katie trying to open her bedroom door from the inside ... apparently my little monkey figured out how to climb out of her crib! Just a few days later Caroline mastered rolling over from her back to her belly; she spent the remainder of the month becoming proficient at rolling across the floor. Additionally, on December 17th Cara pulled herself forward to a sitting position in her bouncy seat!
Having grown 2.5 inches in the past month Cara measured 26 inches tall and weighed in at 14 pounds 3 ounces. Just like her big sister she's at the 100th percentile for growth! No wonder Cara still wakes up hungry during the night. In preparation for our Christmas pictures Katie had her hair cut for the 2nd time ever. I cannot believe what a little lady our Katie is becoming ... she is so beautiful! Our girls are growing up way too fast.
We encountered the confusion of others as we tried to avoid all things Santa and instead focused on the birth of baby Jesus. We experienced God's love on December 14th when unexpectedly the lady in front of me in line at the grocery store turned around and paid for all our groceries! Our family enjoyed the specialness of Cara's 1st Christmas, and Kate struggled to open her mountain of presents this year (which included this year's hottest toy - the Fisher-Price Zoo and almost ALL the Zoo Talkers animals. Thanks to Grandma's business travels that led her to the Toys R Us that had them in Salt Lake City, Utah!) Although Caroline slept though it; Katie and Mommy enjoyed the 1st snow of the season. To continue her tradition Katie knocked over the Christmas tree again this year. Since it was after the holiday we packed it way immediately following a necessary time-out.
Amidst all the happy holiday memories we made, our favorite memory of the month was not related to Christmas or winter. On the evening of December 3rd Joe and I witnessed the most beautiful moment between our girls: Katie walked into Cara's room and Caroline gave her the biggest smile, and then Kate gave Cara a hug and kiss for the 1st time ever! It was an incredible feeling to watch my girls love each other ... just thinking about it still brings tears to my eyes.
I love my girls so much and am looking forward to things slowing down a little so that I can just enjoy them! My New Year's resolution ... more time for snuggles and reading - relaxing playtime with my kids.
Both girls accomplished new skills in movement this month. On December 4th I awoke to the sound of Katie trying to open her bedroom door from the inside ... apparently my little monkey figured out how to climb out of her crib! Just a few days later Caroline mastered rolling over from her back to her belly; she spent the remainder of the month becoming proficient at rolling across the floor. Additionally, on December 17th Cara pulled herself forward to a sitting position in her bouncy seat!
Having grown 2.5 inches in the past month Cara measured 26 inches tall and weighed in at 14 pounds 3 ounces. Just like her big sister she's at the 100th percentile for growth! No wonder Cara still wakes up hungry during the night. In preparation for our Christmas pictures Katie had her hair cut for the 2nd time ever. I cannot believe what a little lady our Katie is becoming ... she is so beautiful! Our girls are growing up way too fast.
We encountered the confusion of others as we tried to avoid all things Santa and instead focused on the birth of baby Jesus. We experienced God's love on December 14th when unexpectedly the lady in front of me in line at the grocery store turned around and paid for all our groceries! Our family enjoyed the specialness of Cara's 1st Christmas, and Kate struggled to open her mountain of presents this year (which included this year's hottest toy - the Fisher-Price Zoo and almost ALL the Zoo Talkers animals. Thanks to Grandma's business travels that led her to the Toys R Us that had them in Salt Lake City, Utah!) Although Caroline slept though it; Katie and Mommy enjoyed the 1st snow of the season. To continue her tradition Katie knocked over the Christmas tree again this year. Since it was after the holiday we packed it way immediately following a necessary time-out.
Amidst all the happy holiday memories we made, our favorite memory of the month was not related to Christmas or winter. On the evening of December 3rd Joe and I witnessed the most beautiful moment between our girls: Katie walked into Cara's room and Caroline gave her the biggest smile, and then Kate gave Cara a hug and kiss for the 1st time ever! It was an incredible feeling to watch my girls love each other ... just thinking about it still brings tears to my eyes.
I love my girls so much and am looking forward to things slowing down a little so that I can just enjoy them! My New Year's resolution ... more time for snuggles and reading - relaxing playtime with my kids.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Month 3
Averaging out at the 80th percentile; Caroline weighed in at 12 pounds 7 ounces and measured 23.5 inches long at her November 1st well-baby visit. By the time Thanksgiving rolled around Cara was weighing more than our turkey this year - over 13.2 pounds! She's growing almost as quickly as Katie, but being below the 100th percentile has allowed more time for her to wear some of my favorite outfits ... that makes this Mommy very happy! Cara did outgrow her 0-3 month clothes this month and she moved into size 2 diapers. After discovering sometime last month that Katie's proper clothing size is 4T, I'm hoping Caroline continues to grow just a little bit slower. Recently I was reviewing pictures from the past year and realized that sometime between May and August Katie grew into a preschooler ... still just 2 in September she is so tall and mature, and oh so smart! I am completely amazed my her.
Staying healthy and getting sleep have been our biggest obstacles this month. Katie no longer takes routine naps, but on rare occasion both girls have been known to nap at the same time. Caroline has struggled with sleeping though the night ... it has been a very tired month for me, on November 20th I accidentally tried to put Katie to bed at 6:25pm. Most recently I discovered that Cara does not need to be changed every time she wakes up during the night - this definitely helps me get back to bed faster! Katie was on antibiotics at the beginning of the month for an ear infection, and she has been congested and feeling kinda yucky on and off for weeks. On a positive note - I think she finally kicked that bug and we're onto a healthier December. Cara had congestion and a little cough as well, but we count ourselves blessed that it didn't develop into anything more serious for either of our girls!
Caroline moved across the hall into her own nursery this month. This was a big change for me, but it has worked out very well for all of us! She is learning to sleep well in her crib and we have begun an official bedtime routine ... snuggles, story time, and prayers (just like Katie). Joe and I have been able to split up responsibilities in this area; however, both girls always get hugs and kisses from both of us. Have I mentioned I adore my little girls?! Katie is learning to clean up; this month she has begun putting her used sippy cups and nap time bottles in the kitchen sink without always being asked. Additionally, she can clean up all her alphabet blocks, on her own, before bedtime if we work to clean her room together. I am so proud!
On the 18th Katie stood up and did her 1st somersault completely on her own. Then on the 28th Caroline rolled over from her belly to her back! I think we've got 2 gymnasts growing up in this house - ha. Cara became interested in toys this month - grabbing rattles and shaking them, and Kate has discovered a love of Dora music on CD. It's nice not to have the TV on as often, and when it's off I don't hear begging to watch. Katie knows how to press the play button on the CD player and she has been spending long hours in the playroom downstairs deep in imaginative play! Everyday life gets a little easier and everyday I love my girls just a little more. They are so beautiful and such special gifts from God! I am so thankful.
*The girls took their 1st professional picture together this month. Happy Thanksgiving!
Staying healthy and getting sleep have been our biggest obstacles this month. Katie no longer takes routine naps, but on rare occasion both girls have been known to nap at the same time. Caroline has struggled with sleeping though the night ... it has been a very tired month for me, on November 20th I accidentally tried to put Katie to bed at 6:25pm. Most recently I discovered that Cara does not need to be changed every time she wakes up during the night - this definitely helps me get back to bed faster! Katie was on antibiotics at the beginning of the month for an ear infection, and she has been congested and feeling kinda yucky on and off for weeks. On a positive note - I think she finally kicked that bug and we're onto a healthier December. Cara had congestion and a little cough as well, but we count ourselves blessed that it didn't develop into anything more serious for either of our girls!
Caroline moved across the hall into her own nursery this month. This was a big change for me, but it has worked out very well for all of us! She is learning to sleep well in her crib and we have begun an official bedtime routine ... snuggles, story time, and prayers (just like Katie). Joe and I have been able to split up responsibilities in this area; however, both girls always get hugs and kisses from both of us. Have I mentioned I adore my little girls?! Katie is learning to clean up; this month she has begun putting her used sippy cups and nap time bottles in the kitchen sink without always being asked. Additionally, she can clean up all her alphabet blocks, on her own, before bedtime if we work to clean her room together. I am so proud!
On the 18th Katie stood up and did her 1st somersault completely on her own. Then on the 28th Caroline rolled over from her belly to her back! I think we've got 2 gymnasts growing up in this house - ha. Cara became interested in toys this month - grabbing rattles and shaking them, and Kate has discovered a love of Dora music on CD. It's nice not to have the TV on as often, and when it's off I don't hear begging to watch. Katie knows how to press the play button on the CD player and she has been spending long hours in the playroom downstairs deep in imaginative play! Everyday life gets a little easier and everyday I love my girls just a little more. They are so beautiful and such special gifts from God! I am so thankful.
*The girls took their 1st professional picture together this month. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Month 2
My sweet baby Cara is already 2 months; how quickly this time has gone. Things around here are moving pretty fast these days. There are a lot of diapers, feedings, and waking hours ... there are also a lot of snuggles, smiles, and giggles! This past week Caroline began sleeping 7 hours at night. What a difference this has made for me; it's amazing what a few more hours of consecutive rest can do for one's concentration and patience! I even got both girls to take a nap at the same time on Monday ... so we're starting to figure things out. I however squandered my down time on laundry and preparing dinner.
Our little girl had her 2nd well-baby doctor appointment today. She is doing wonderfully and she's perfectly healthy. A little smaller than her sister was at 2 months ... she's only 12.7 pounds and 23.5 inches, at the 85th and 75th percentile respectively. Consequently, we're getting a little more wear out of those 0-3 month clothes. Developmentally she's doing all the expected things: giggling, grasping objects, and tracking movement. She is a delightfully easy baby, happy most of the time. She prefers to fuss when something is needed. Crying is reserved for serious problems like a blanket or hat accidentally covering her eyes. It was so sad to watch her cry while getting the Hib vaccination today! She was not as easily consoled as Katie had been, but she was definitely much happier when I picked her up for some post-shot snuggles. To be honest I needed the snuggles as much as she did.
Life with our littlest girl has been full of blessings. There's a special peace that comes from holding my baby and snuggling before bed. The lost sleep and fatigue are so worth it when matched with baby smiles and giggles. Caroline actually sleeps quite peacefully and has continued to sleep in our room since her 1st day; however, I know it's almost time for her to move across the hall. She's doing such a good job sleeping, averaging 6-7 hour stretches, it's the perfect time to transition her into her crib. I was in such a hurry to get that room set up for her just right, and now I find myself reluctant to let her use it. Sadly, I know how quickly this time passes ... so I'm trying to hold onto it a little tighter this time around.
This month has been full of firsts: first pumpkin patch visit, first parade (SIU Homecoming), first playgroup, and first Halloween. I had my first experience taking both girls grocery shopping and I also managed to get all 3 of us out the door in under 20 minutes to arrive on-time for an appointment. All-in-all we are settling nicely into our new life together. Things are definitely busier than before when it was just Katie, but life is more exciting and fun too! All my fears and concerns have been put to rest. Caroline has brought so much joy to my life and I love her more everyday!
It is such an incredible experience to have 2 little girls so close in age, yet at different places in life entirely. Katie is my bundle of energy, making me laugh, and learning so much that I can't help but be incredibly proud. Cara is that soft place I go to rest at the end of the day when the house is quiet and I need to relax. Her sweet coos and the faint scent of baby shampoo lull me to sleep at night. When I was pregnant my biggest prayer was that this baby, who I now know as Caroline, would be just as wonderful as her big sister ... and she is! My prayers have been answered and I couldn't be more thankful for my two little girls.
Our little girl had her 2nd well-baby doctor appointment today. She is doing wonderfully and she's perfectly healthy. A little smaller than her sister was at 2 months ... she's only 12.7 pounds and 23.5 inches, at the 85th and 75th percentile respectively. Consequently, we're getting a little more wear out of those 0-3 month clothes. Developmentally she's doing all the expected things: giggling, grasping objects, and tracking movement. She is a delightfully easy baby, happy most of the time. She prefers to fuss when something is needed. Crying is reserved for serious problems like a blanket or hat accidentally covering her eyes. It was so sad to watch her cry while getting the Hib vaccination today! She was not as easily consoled as Katie had been, but she was definitely much happier when I picked her up for some post-shot snuggles. To be honest I needed the snuggles as much as she did.
Life with our littlest girl has been full of blessings. There's a special peace that comes from holding my baby and snuggling before bed. The lost sleep and fatigue are so worth it when matched with baby smiles and giggles. Caroline actually sleeps quite peacefully and has continued to sleep in our room since her 1st day; however, I know it's almost time for her to move across the hall. She's doing such a good job sleeping, averaging 6-7 hour stretches, it's the perfect time to transition her into her crib. I was in such a hurry to get that room set up for her just right, and now I find myself reluctant to let her use it. Sadly, I know how quickly this time passes ... so I'm trying to hold onto it a little tighter this time around.
This month has been full of firsts: first pumpkin patch visit, first parade (SIU Homecoming), first playgroup, and first Halloween. I had my first experience taking both girls grocery shopping and I also managed to get all 3 of us out the door in under 20 minutes to arrive on-time for an appointment. All-in-all we are settling nicely into our new life together. Things are definitely busier than before when it was just Katie, but life is more exciting and fun too! All my fears and concerns have been put to rest. Caroline has brought so much joy to my life and I love her more everyday!
It is such an incredible experience to have 2 little girls so close in age, yet at different places in life entirely. Katie is my bundle of energy, making me laugh, and learning so much that I can't help but be incredibly proud. Cara is that soft place I go to rest at the end of the day when the house is quiet and I need to relax. Her sweet coos and the faint scent of baby shampoo lull me to sleep at night. When I was pregnant my biggest prayer was that this baby, who I now know as Caroline, would be just as wonderful as her big sister ... and she is! My prayers have been answered and I couldn't be more thankful for my two little girls.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sleep
Two nights ago I got my worst night of sleep since Cara's arrival ... and really I still shouldn't be complaining. She is only just over 1 month and on a semi-regular basis I get 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I went to sleep around 11:30pm and she wanted to eat at 1:30am, then we went back to sleep from 2:30am until 5 or 5:30am. Back to bed around 6:30am and Joe got up with Katie so I could get some extra rest, but Cara had me back up by 7:45am! It was a rough night and an exhausting stressful day followed.
Last night Caroline and I ventured out to Target after 7pm, and I was questioning this decision the whole way there as she fussed in her car seat for nearly the entire drive. Just moments before arriving at our destination my sweet baby fell asleep. Unfortunately opening the car door and moving her infant carrier was enough for her to awaken and begin fussing again. During our shopping trip her disposition went from fussy to all out crying with tears running down her cheeks. After snuggling her close while I attempted to shop, and a quick diaper change, the tears subsided. She however was not too happy about getting back into the car to drive home, but she did fall asleep quickly.
At 10:30pm Joe and I both decided we were too tired to stay awake ... Caroline had other plans! Joe went to sleep and I returned to the living room with Cara where she continued to eat like a little bear preparing for hibernation. An hour later we joined Joe in the land of slumber and just before I fell asleep I prayed, "God please let me get some real sleep tonight - 5 hours would be great." I awoke to Cara's sweet awaking baby noises at 5:30am! I got sleep, real sleep, 6 consecutive hours of sleep! I can't remember the last time I got this much sleep all at once ... God is SO good! Right now as I write this my little baby is sound asleep again and I could be sleeping too, but I'm just too excited ... I had to write it all down. Today is going to be a good day!
Last night Caroline and I ventured out to Target after 7pm, and I was questioning this decision the whole way there as she fussed in her car seat for nearly the entire drive. Just moments before arriving at our destination my sweet baby fell asleep. Unfortunately opening the car door and moving her infant carrier was enough for her to awaken and begin fussing again. During our shopping trip her disposition went from fussy to all out crying with tears running down her cheeks. After snuggling her close while I attempted to shop, and a quick diaper change, the tears subsided. She however was not too happy about getting back into the car to drive home, but she did fall asleep quickly.
At 10:30pm Joe and I both decided we were too tired to stay awake ... Caroline had other plans! Joe went to sleep and I returned to the living room with Cara where she continued to eat like a little bear preparing for hibernation. An hour later we joined Joe in the land of slumber and just before I fell asleep I prayed, "God please let me get some real sleep tonight - 5 hours would be great." I awoke to Cara's sweet awaking baby noises at 5:30am! I got sleep, real sleep, 6 consecutive hours of sleep! I can't remember the last time I got this much sleep all at once ... God is SO good! Right now as I write this my little baby is sound asleep again and I could be sleeping too, but I'm just too excited ... I had to write it all down. Today is going to be a good day!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Month 1
Cara is already growing so fast. Just like her big sister she makes Mommy & Daddy SO happy - we are such proud parents of 2 amazing little girls! Caroline is a smiley baby ... she gives us big grins and already giggles on rare occasion. She has been responding to my voice and smile since her 1st week. She's really quite amazing!
What a wonderful sleeper she is! Cara will sleep anywhere from 3-5 hours at a time during the night ... how nice for me to be clearheaded during the day. She naps great during the day as well; however, Katie gave up napping this month. We have kept our routine, all of us take some quiet rest time for a couple hours every afternoon. Katie just chooses to use her crib as a trampoline instead of sleeping. All-in-all it's still a very nice opportunity for everyone to recharge and get ready for our evening activities.
We are all slowly setting into our new life as a family of 4 ... although things are much busier, they are also a lot more fun. The girls are still getting to know each other, but we are moving forward everyday with some of the most tender moments that warm my heart as a Mommy. Katie has made attempts to share her blankets with Cara; however she then tries to lay down on top of the blankets and baby Caroline. We say "gentle" and "be careful" a lot these days, but her intentions are purely good. Most recently I prompted Katie, and looking right at Cara she said "Hi Cara!" The bonding, although slow, is sweet.
I know life will just continue to get better as things get easier. I love my girls and still cannot believe just how blessed I am. I look forward with great anticipation to the future ... family game nights, camping out, and running races together. For now I'll just drink in that sweet smell of our littlest child sleeping peacefully on my chest, and be content with the fact that Katie is sleeping equally peacefully in her crib. Life is good!
What a wonderful sleeper she is! Cara will sleep anywhere from 3-5 hours at a time during the night ... how nice for me to be clearheaded during the day. She naps great during the day as well; however, Katie gave up napping this month. We have kept our routine, all of us take some quiet rest time for a couple hours every afternoon. Katie just chooses to use her crib as a trampoline instead of sleeping. All-in-all it's still a very nice opportunity for everyone to recharge and get ready for our evening activities.
We are all slowly setting into our new life as a family of 4 ... although things are much busier, they are also a lot more fun. The girls are still getting to know each other, but we are moving forward everyday with some of the most tender moments that warm my heart as a Mommy. Katie has made attempts to share her blankets with Cara; however she then tries to lay down on top of the blankets and baby Caroline. We say "gentle" and "be careful" a lot these days, but her intentions are purely good. Most recently I prompted Katie, and looking right at Cara she said "Hi Cara!" The bonding, although slow, is sweet.
I know life will just continue to get better as things get easier. I love my girls and still cannot believe just how blessed I am. I look forward with great anticipation to the future ... family game nights, camping out, and running races together. For now I'll just drink in that sweet smell of our littlest child sleeping peacefully on my chest, and be content with the fact that Katie is sleeping equally peacefully in her crib. Life is good!
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