It's Your Special Day!

Dearest Lilly,

Today you are TWO! Hooray! What a special little girl you are. Your mommy and daddy love you so much, we can't begin to put it into words. You have brightened our world and have changed our lives forever. Our love for you is endless. I am so honored and humbled to be your mommy. I hope we always will have the special relationship that we have now. You are so special and so many people love you so very much. Not only are you beautiful, but more importantly, you are so incredibly sweet. You have such a presence about you, and you are only two!! We love you Sweetie!

Happy Happy Birthday!!

Favorites:

Food: Spaghetti or Chicken Nuggets

Toy: Does Dirt count?!

Book: your Jungle Book that makes noises

Movie: "Monkey Show!" or "Monster Movie!" (aka: Baby Einstein & Monsters Inc. or Nightmare Before Christmas)

Other Favorites: Going to the park, Snuggling in Mommy & Daddy's bed, wrestling with Daddy, Playing outside in the dirt, Looking for bugs, going to Nana & Papas house, Dora & Diego, getting in the bath, your blankie, Cooper.

Things I Have Learned

Last week, I learned some things. One of them was brought to my attention from my husband. Apparently, I am the "Wicked Witch of the West", when I am running low on sleep. Its hard to get some rest with this darling little thing around...

Another thing: Claire's very fussy time starts around 8:00 at night and lasts until bed time. Sometimes, WAY past bed time...like say 2:00 in the morning. Lets just be thankful that has only happened once. Pretty sure that was when I turned into the "Wicked Witch".

Another thing: We watched Monsters Inc. this weekend, since Lilly is OBSESSED with Monsters or anything "Scawy". She is exactly like "Boo" in that movie. It made Anton and I laugh because of how much she reminded us of our Lilly. And, I will tell you what, Lilly is getting to be FUNNY! Her 2 year old personality can be very trying at times, but she is so much fun to have around. She makes me laugh all the time! I can't believe she is turning TWO this week!

Life with Claire

01. This little one is a dream child. I am telling you what, she is the easiest baby! Most nights I am only having to get up once with her. No complaining here!

02. Still can't figure out who she looks like. She is very much a little stranger.

03. Lilly is growing more and more fond of her little sister. At least now she acknowledges that she exists!

04. I needed to be somewhere this morning at 11:00. I started getting "ready" around 9:00. Life with two is a TAD more hectic!

05. I feel completely overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness for the blessing of being a mother.

Cherry Tree

My favorite tree in the yard has bloomed! I can't get over how darling the blossoms are. I love that we have finally broken winters back. I welcome spring with open arms!

Silly Lilly!

Lilly is slowly getting back to herself. She is still a little unsure of leaving my side...meltdowns are bound to happen if she thinks I am dropping her off anywhere. But, other than that, she is slowly but surely getting used to this whole "baby sister" thing. Here is her showing me her "silly face" she learned last night.

And, I snapped this picture of her the other night while she was doing her favorite thing...watching a show in mommy and daddy's bed before going 'night night'. I think it is such a cute picture of her.

I promise to post pictures of Claire next!

Family of 4!

Claire: We could not have asked for an easier, sweeter baby in the world. This time around, it feels like night and day. She eats amazing, she sleeps great, and she is so sweet. I can honestly say, from both me and Anton, we are so absolutely smitten and in love. We can't believe we created such a beautiful healthy little girl. What a blessing.

Lilly: She has done great with the baby, but has been struggling a bit with me because I "abandoned" her for a few days. Today, we played hard outside looking for "bugs!", we read books, watched movies and snuggled on the couch. It was just what she needed. I can tell she is slowly but surely getting back to herself. My heart was broken for her though, I am not going to lie.

Anton: I don't know what to say about this man. He could NOT have been any better through everything. Helping me through a painful labor, being amazing with Lilly, and now watching him with Claire is more than my heart can handle. I am so lucky to have him.

Me: I am recovering amazingly well. The labor was super quick, but very painful until my second dose of my epidural kicked in...which was right as I was beginning to push. Ouch! I have had one great big emotional breakdown, which lasted about two hours. Poor Anton. I couldn't handle watching Lilly be so sad. To see her world turn so upside down has been really hard for me. Every time she cries...so do I. My mom has been with us everyday, therefore, Lilly has been taken good care of. When Nana went to leave today, Lilly cried so hard for her to come back. So, guess what....we sat and cried together. I guess that makes two emotional breakdowns. But, I must say, I am doing so much better than I could have ever hoped for!

Introducing!!