Our first baby

I guess you really can't judge a book by its cover.
We thought Alexis was handling the adjustment to life with a new baby quite well.
And, for the most part, she really is.
Though she has started calling for us in the middle of the night.
She wants to come in our room since she knows her sister is there also.
Vic pulled the same stunt with his parents,
and I'm told he snuck into their room until he was about 9.
So, in an effort to nip this in the bud,
we have been hugging her but telling her no and that we'll see her in the morning.
Through sobs last night she wimpered,
"but I just want mommy to snuggle with me so I'm not left out."
Poor thing.
We don't feel too terrible though, as she was fast asleep five minutes later.

Snow day

Supervising while daddy helps out our neighbors

Just when we were beginning to wonder if we'd see any white this winter,
we got our first snowfall over the weekend.
Vic and I were both sick, so it was the perfect excuse to stay close to home
and let Lexi enjoy the winter wonderland.
Ryleigh sat on the sidelines this time around,
but her turn on the sled will come all too soon.

1 Month

It has been a wonderful first month with you, Ryleigh.

Our house feels even more like home now that it's the four of us.

We are much more relaxed, much more confident the second time around.  

And we have a different perspective with you,

after seeing just how quickly your sister went from a newborn to a little girl. 

We now truly understand how important it is to savor this stage (even with its challenges), 

while you are still a sweet, snuggly, sleepy little baby. 

You love to be held, and you handle the chaos of life with a big sister in stride. 

It's hard sitting at home during these long winter days, 

but lucky for us, you sleep most contently when there is background noise. 

So, you are happy as can be as we race to preschool and dance class 

and to play dates and to run errands.

Of course, there are times when friends pick up the big sis, or she's off at school,

and that's when you and I enjoy a few peaceful hours here at the house. 

We're counting our blessings that, so far at least, you are a good sleeper for us.

You go about 4-5 hours at a time overnight, 

though you prefer to fall asleep in our arms or the swing before being placed in your bassinet.
We'll have to work on that somehow. 

We plan to move you to your crib one day soon. 

But for now, we enjoy hearing your little squeaks and sighs from the side of our bed. 

You have really woken up over the past week, engaging with us, making great eye contact,
taking in your surroundings and even given us what look like big grins after a feeding. 

You are gassy, sweet girl. Sorry, but there's no way around it. 

We've been giving you little massages, gripe water and Allimentum during feedings, 

and the combination seems to be keeping you much more comfortable.

Your hair is still pretty dark, and I think you look a lot like your daddy - at least so far. 

And, you could pass for your sister in your newborn pictures, you girls share so many features. 

You are just fitting into your 0-3 month outfits, 

and at your 3 week appointment, you weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces and 20 inches. 

Dr. Cohen said you were alert and thriving - which was music to our ears. 

We are all pretty impressed by your head control. 

When you're up on our shoulders or spending time on your tummy, 

you get that head high into the sky...that'a girl.

We are finding the biggest challenge to be meeting the (often simultaneous) needs 

of a newborn and a 3 year old, 

and getting out the door on any sort of timeline 

takes quite an effort in these early weeks. 

But, we are also reveling in the simple and sweet moments that life with a new baby brings.

Your cheeks get kissed a thousand times a day by all three of us, 

and we could happily snuggle with you all afternoon.

Happy 1 Month, Ryleigh Ann!

First Impressions

According to Ryleigh and her new friends,
playdates are exhausting!

Sisters

Our little ladies have been busy 

getting to know one another over the past two weeks.

 Alexis is a proud big sister, 

and she has already come up with Ryleigh's first nickname - Jutebug.

She races into our room each morning,

asking to hold her little sister. 

 The baby's cries are met with an instant "it's okay",

and the kisses (which must always be on the lips) have been constant.

 We did learn right away 

that we must always keep one hand on the baby.

Alexis loses interest after a few minutes

and, left to her own devices, 

would simply let go of Ryleigh once she's ready to play with something new.

It seems our 3-year-old doesn't quite grasp 

"very fragile" and "zero head control".

So far, though, there has been very little jealousy and no ill will.

In fact, Lexi thinks getting a little sister is a pretty good gig, 

since everyone who comes to meet Ryleigh also comes bearing gifts for her.  

Can't wait to see how this relationship continues to grow!