Happy Heart Day

Girls,

Your mommy has always loved Valentine's Day.
Cards, conversation hearts, heart shaped boxes of chocolate and, of course, flowers.
What's not to like?
Who cares if it's simply a "Hallmark Holiday"? It sure is a sweet one.
In high school, we were able to send carnations
to friends and "significant others" that were delivered during class.
It was so much fun, especially since your dad was my Valentine even back then!
So, I was super excited for the big day to come this year.
I found adorable Valentine's for your preschool class, Alexis.

Your name was hidden under the little scratch off circle...how creative.
You helped me stuff each one into an envelope and put stickers on the back.
We walked up and down the aisles of CVS, picking out just the right treat for your little friends
(Mini M&M's - your Nanny would be so proud of your selection).
You made a cute little "Love Monster" at school to collect all your cards in,
and I was invited to the preschool party.

All the cards and goodies were handed out, heart shaped cookies were passed around,
pictures were taken, and then it was dance party time.

Ms. Sue turned on the radio, and you all started "dancing".
Just when it could not have gotten any cuter,
you took my hand and had me dance along with you.

Then, your daddy pulled out all the stops...
he came through the door that night with flowers for his girls
- two pink roses for you and one purple rose for your little sister.
But the best gift of all?
Well, there's simply no question.
Without a doubt, it was that Ryleigh was home to enjoy the holiday.
Our hearts were very happy, indeed!

Valentine's Video

She sure loves her daddy, especially on Valentine's Day

2 Months

Ryleigh-

Happy 2 Months sweet girl!

And wow, what a month is has been. It didn't got exactly as planned, that's for sure.

First up was the reflux. I knew about silent reflux from a girlfriend in town. And after a few days of you arching your back during feedings, squirming afterwards, crying when we laid you on your back to change your diaper, and finishing bottle after bottle with no spit ups, I knew you had it. Dr. Cohen quickly agreed, and we started to figure out how to work through it. We changed your diaper before each feeding, we held you upright for a while after each one, we started you on a reflux medicine, and soon you were happily sleeping six and seven hour stretches at night.

Not long after, the virus hit. With a sister in preschool, winter germs and two tired parents, it was bound to happen...we all got sick. And despite our best efforts, we spread the germs to you. I took you to the pediatrician, just to be cautious, and she sent us straight to the hospital...where we spent the next three nights. You had a fever, you were very congested, you weren't eating and you were laboring to breathe. We stayed with you around the clock, taking turns, welcoming all of your grandparents who dropped everything to come help.

We celebrated when we were able to take you home. We wore face masks around the house, we washed our hands like crazy, we kept you in your room (and away from your big sister), but just two days later, the coughing started (and it wouldn't stop). So back to the hospital we went. What a trooper you are, Ryleigh. Our brave little girl who dealt beautifully with the oxygen in your nose, who handled the iv in stride, who had doctors and nurses poking and prodding you every time you got comfortable, who relied on us to help clear your nose and your mouth every time you coughed. It was quite a nightmare, and we felt so bad for you, so helpless. What a perfect Valentine's Day present it was to bring you back home!

So, yes, this month didn't quite go as planned. But, you know what...there were some pretty wonderful moments also. Like when you gave us your first smile. You now give your daddy and I these adorable gummy grins when you see us. You raise your right eyebrow when you hear our voices, your eyes follow us as we walk around the room, you love to have us sing and talk to you, you have begun to give us little coos in return, you are still our snuggler. And you are strong. You have great tone and great head control. You are so squirmy and active. We can't look away for a second, as it seems like you might just start rolling. You are starting to develop a predictable eat, play, sleep routine. You eat like a champ. You enjoy warm baths and love to be massaged. And you handle your pesky (but loving) big sister in stride. So, in a month filled with quite a bit of sour, we will only focus on the sweet.

We love you so much Ryleigh Ann. Happy 2 Months! Now, here's hoping that all the months to follow bring good health and much happiness to our sweet baby girl!

Ryleigh's birth announcement

Our good friend Stephanie created these beautiful announcements to help introduce Ryleigh.
We love the final result!

and the back

Meet the family

Ryleigh has had a busy few weeks meeting the extended family.
She slept through many of the visits, but we're certain she was thrilled all the same.

Nanny and Grandpa Mike

Grandpa Tom

 

Aunt Wendy, Courtney and Matt

Doesn't she look like a great babysitter-in-training?

Uncle John

Aunt Terry

She has been busy making friends too!

Like the Cilento ladies

and The Bartletts

(there's our newest babysitter Chloe)

and the big kids on NYE

along with their parents

Cam and Beth

(Ella was busy playing with Lexi)