May 25, 2013
Grace Rose
Aunt Cheri and Uncle Michael sent us "Grace Rose" plants for the birth of Graceyn. We planted them by the playhouse in the garden and are so excited that they have started to bloom. They are beautiful and a great tribute to our wonderfully precious little girl that we brought into the world on March 5th.
May 22, 2013
Dinner at the Club
We went to the club for Wednesday night dinner as a family. Gracie was a great dinner guest. She slept most of the time in my arms which are moments that I really treasure.
Mommy and the littlest!
Sleeping beauty
May 15, 2013
Splash Pad Fun
Warm weather brings lots of fun summer activities. One of the many things to do in the area is the splash pad that they have at Victoria Gardens. It is a great way to cool off on a warm day. Brylie loved playing with her friend Cash in the water. They would watch and wait intently when the water would stop and then laugh when it reappeared and splashed them. Such fun to watch the smiles, excitement and laughter.
May 10, 2013
What I Have Learned So Far...
It is amazing to me how having kids is a continuous learning process. Things have been going relatively smoothly and I have learned so much about who I am, myself a wife, myself as a mother, my two girls, and our family dynamics. I am really enjoying the journey that we are on and all that we learn along the way. Below is a brief list of some of the things that I have learned in the past several months.
1. I have learned that your heart grows more than I could have imagined with each child. It seemed strange and almost impossible to me prior to having 2 kids that I could have more room in my heart for more children, but then something magical happened. As soon as Gracie entered our family my heart expanded exponentially. I now know that when the family grows so does the love within it.
2. I have learned that the transition from 1 to 2 kids proved to be less challenging than I was anticipating. I don't know if this is a result of some of the challenges that I experienced with Brylie, or if now have a better idea of what to expect. Either way I am pleasantly surprised by the confidence that I am experiencing the second time around.
3. I have learned that there is much more stuff with two children. Between the car seats, double stroller, diaper bag, extra clothes, front pack and snacks our car is packed and in a constant state of disarray.
4. I have learned that getting out of the house also takes considerably more time. This may have something to do with #3. We are getting into the swing of things and I have learned to just allot more time to getting out of the house.
5. I have learned that the bond of sisters in present even at the youngest ages. Brylie is attentive to Gracie and her needs. She is very loving and sweet with her. Gracie is always searching for Brylie and when they make eye contact Gracie lights up. I am so happy that they have each other.
6. I have learned that moments are fleeting and how important it is to try and stay cognizant of the present moment. Even when you are in a challenging stage, age or phase I have learned that it won't last forever.
7. I have learned or rather I have always known but the 2nd definitely reinforced the fact that I couldn't do this without my wonderful husband. He is an amazing partner and I am thankful for his help, support and love. I feel fortunate that he makes it possible for me to be able to stay home and care for our girls.
8. I have learned how much older and bigger Brylie seems now that we have a baby in the house.
9. I have learned that even though we have 2 girls that it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be able to wear the same clothes. I assumed that Gracie would be able to wear all of Brylie's hand me down clothes until I realized that they born around different seasons.
10. I have learned that laundry is ENDLESS.
11. I have learned that things start feeling smaller with 2 children. The car, the bed and my clothes are just a few examples of things that have felt the increase in family size.
12. I have learned that I am more competent than I had imagined with two. I feel empowered, capable and much more in control. There is a certain feeling of "I got this" that I now have. This is not to say that there are moments when I need a little break or help, but over all I feel in control and in love with my family.
13. I have learned that my love for being a mother doesn't mean that I have it all together or that I do it all right. It means that despite my shortcomings and challenges that my joy of having these girls is always my driving force and what brings me so much happiness. I try not to let the tasks, to-do's and the outside expectations rob me of what I believe is truly important. The most important thing for me is that my family feels loved, valued and happy. I may fall behind on cleaning and laundry, I may have to occasionally call in back up for dinner, I may rely on coffee a little more than I should, I may have moments of frustration, and I may go days without doing my hair or wearing anything other that lounge clothes but the absolute truth is that these kids are loved beyond my comprehension. They are the guiding light in even my foggiest of days and manage to make my life feel meaningful, joyful and purposeful. The saying "I may not have it all, but together we have it all" could not be more true with my beautiful family!!
1. I have learned that your heart grows more than I could have imagined with each child. It seemed strange and almost impossible to me prior to having 2 kids that I could have more room in my heart for more children, but then something magical happened. As soon as Gracie entered our family my heart expanded exponentially. I now know that when the family grows so does the love within it.
2. I have learned that the transition from 1 to 2 kids proved to be less challenging than I was anticipating. I don't know if this is a result of some of the challenges that I experienced with Brylie, or if now have a better idea of what to expect. Either way I am pleasantly surprised by the confidence that I am experiencing the second time around.
3. I have learned that there is much more stuff with two children. Between the car seats, double stroller, diaper bag, extra clothes, front pack and snacks our car is packed and in a constant state of disarray.
4. I have learned that getting out of the house also takes considerably more time. This may have something to do with #3. We are getting into the swing of things and I have learned to just allot more time to getting out of the house.
5. I have learned that the bond of sisters in present even at the youngest ages. Brylie is attentive to Gracie and her needs. She is very loving and sweet with her. Gracie is always searching for Brylie and when they make eye contact Gracie lights up. I am so happy that they have each other.
6. I have learned that moments are fleeting and how important it is to try and stay cognizant of the present moment. Even when you are in a challenging stage, age or phase I have learned that it won't last forever.
7. I have learned or rather I have always known but the 2nd definitely reinforced the fact that I couldn't do this without my wonderful husband. He is an amazing partner and I am thankful for his help, support and love. I feel fortunate that he makes it possible for me to be able to stay home and care for our girls.
8. I have learned how much older and bigger Brylie seems now that we have a baby in the house.
9. I have learned that even though we have 2 girls that it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be able to wear the same clothes. I assumed that Gracie would be able to wear all of Brylie's hand me down clothes until I realized that they born around different seasons.
10. I have learned that laundry is ENDLESS.
11. I have learned that things start feeling smaller with 2 children. The car, the bed and my clothes are just a few examples of things that have felt the increase in family size.
12. I have learned that I am more competent than I had imagined with two. I feel empowered, capable and much more in control. There is a certain feeling of "I got this" that I now have. This is not to say that there are moments when I need a little break or help, but over all I feel in control and in love with my family.
13. I have learned that my love for being a mother doesn't mean that I have it all together or that I do it all right. It means that despite my shortcomings and challenges that my joy of having these girls is always my driving force and what brings me so much happiness. I try not to let the tasks, to-do's and the outside expectations rob me of what I believe is truly important. The most important thing for me is that my family feels loved, valued and happy. I may fall behind on cleaning and laundry, I may have to occasionally call in back up for dinner, I may rely on coffee a little more than I should, I may have moments of frustration, and I may go days without doing my hair or wearing anything other that lounge clothes but the absolute truth is that these kids are loved beyond my comprehension. They are the guiding light in even my foggiest of days and manage to make my life feel meaningful, joyful and purposeful. The saying "I may not have it all, but together we have it all" could not be more true with my beautiful family!!
May 6, 2013
4 Generations
There is something very special about the honor of having a picture with 4 generations of ladies. It is memorable because of the legacy that is imprinted on each of us. Each one of us are responsible for raising a generation to follow. I realize how so much of who I am as a mother and a woman comes from the teachings from my own mom and that the same goes for her. I look at my two small daughters and realize that I too have the important task of laying the foundation for who they are to become in the future. Leaving a legacy for my children is part of what drives me as a mother. My children are a tangible legacy of my most treasured job. It is my hope that Nick and I raise kids that are confident, grateful, passionate, joyful, kind, loving and that know and love God. It is a great honor and privilege to be my girls mother and to be a part of these generation of women. I am thankful for my mother and my grandmother and for what they have taught me about life. I look forward to see how my girls will manage in this big crazy world and who they will become. I am comforted to know that they have the strength, knowledge and love from these women and many more family and friends to help guide them. It is no surprise to those who know me that I greatly value my family. My family has helped shape who I am and I feel so fortunate for each one them. Family is the cornerstone of who I am and what I believe to be important in life. In addition to the family I have grown with I was lucky enough to marry into an amazing family almost 6 years ago. I am thrilled to have the unique opportunity to teach our kids the importance and immense value of being an integral part of strong families. Grateful for the 4 generations and for all the many family and friends who have helped to guide me and help to create a legacy of love for my children.
4 Generations
Mymouse, Mima, Gracie, and Brylie in the back
Mymouse holding Gracie for the 1st time.
I love this picture. It looks as if Mymouse is telling Gracie all about life, and that she is listening lovingly and attentively.
May 5, 2013
2 Months
It seems so cliche but truly every month goes by so fast. It is hard to believe that our baby is 2 months old. Gracie is growing up so fast and is such a happy and loving baby.
At her 2 month appointment she weighed 13lbs 11oz (98th percentile) was 22 1/2 inches long (54th percentile) and her head measured 15 3/4 inches around (80th percentile).
Likes: Gracie likes being carried in the front pack. She falls asleep within minutes of being in it. It is comforting for both of us to have that closeness.
Dislikes: As to be expected Gracie was not a fan of her 2 month shots. She cried for a few minutes while at the doctors office, but continued to be a little fussy upon returning home. After taking a warm bath and nursing all was better and she was able to get a good nights sleep.
Tender Moments: Gracie has started smiling back. There is something about a big toothless grin that smiles right back at you that makes my day. She has also started to find her voice. Those little coos are just way too adorable.
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