My grandma is my daughter...

Halle's been talking lately about her "grandma." She calls my mom, Nana, and Brian's mom, Mimaw. So I asked her who her grandma was and she said, "my grandma is my daughter. She's at school." So I'm not sure who this mysterious "grandma" is, but I thought it was funny. She's got it on the brain because she's had so much grandma time lately! Brian's parents came last week to help out with the girls and us. It was great to have them here. I think Halle's been awful spoiled and misses the extra playmates. This week, reality set in, as I'm getting into the swing of things with the kiddos all by myself. This week has been crazy for Brian with various meetings, and funerals, and such, so I've been pretty much on my own. I love seeing Halle as a big sister, being such a big helper, and I love every moment with Lily.






Lily was 3 weeks old yesterday. She still mostly sleeps, but when she's awake- oh those blue eyes are too precious!

Thanks Mom!

Saturday my Mom left to head back to Chicago after being here through Christmas and for Lily's surprise arrival. I'm so thankful that things worked out the way they did with Lily's timing. My mom was able to be here for us to go to the hospital unexpectedly to have little Lily. She was such a huge help the whole first week we were home with the 2 girls. On her last day here, we wanted to do something special for "big sister," so we took Halle to a place called the Wiggle Room. It is a fun play area for kids around Halle's age. My mom was such a good sport climbing through all of the tunnels and things for the kids with Halle. It was so much fun to watch Halle having such a good time and us doing something for her with all that's gone on with Lily. Thanks Mom for being here- we love you so much!








And Lily continues to be a great baby. She's looking more and more like Halle did. I've resolved the fact that both of our children look nothing like me! She actually was scheduled to arrive today! It's so weird to think about if today was her birthday. I'm soooooo glad she came when she did. And I'm so thankful that you would never know she was 3 weeks early- she was a big girl and perfectly healthy! Her big sister loves her very much and always wants to put a pacifier in her mouth!

Baby girl

This is really what Lily is like most of the time. We have been home for 2 full days now and are adjusting to life with 2 kiddos. Thankfully my mom is here around the clock helping with whatever needs to be done- mostly entertaining Halle. Lily has just been the best baby- rarely crying, perfectly content most of the time. She seems most upset when she's being changed, or if she's really hungry. I'm so thankful for her cooperative demeanor, especially as I recover from surgery and try to stay attentive to Halle. It still almost doesn't seem real that she's really here and that one week ago, she was still in my belly! We love our little Lily girl!

Surprise!

Here we are on Christmas and right afterwards, after having a wonderful holiday with my whole family here. My mom decided to stay 2 extra days because I was having such a hard time- so uncomfortable and just to help out more with Halle. And it was a good thing, because after a whole night of contractions...




We went to the hospital and 2 hours later, Lily arrived! We had a c-section 3 weeks prior to my due date. It was wonderful and perfect and couldn't have gone any better! Lily Faye was born at 9:58 am, weighing in at 7 lbs, 5 oz. 20 inches long, 13 3/4 inch head.







She's wonderful and perfect and eating so well!






She's loved sooo much! Halle just adores her and loves holding her, and kissing her and snuggling with her. She's not been to sure about mom in the hospital hooked up to all sorts of things, but she's enjoyed extra attention from grandparents and visitors. I am recovering pretty well and will go home tomorrow! We're so thankful that Lily arrived safe and healthy and that the timing worked out perfect with my Mom visiting. I am so relieved to not be pregnant anymore and am figuring out life with 2 girls. So Happy New Year and we are excited for life to begin with our family of 4!












Here's Halle's first glimpse of her sister, Lily...