Short and Sweet

Mom Murrill has been visiting with us this week and it has been great!  Her help couldn't have come at a better time.  Mark flew to NC again for an interview on Wednesday and it was so nice to have Mom here to help with the girls while he was gone.  It wasn't just nice, it was AMAZING!  I don't know if I could have made it without her.

Here's a pic of Mom Murrill and the girls going for a morning walk while I took a much needed siesta:)

You are probably curious as to why you haven't been seeing tons of amazing photos taken by my new camera.  Well, about that...we took it back.  We weren't completely sold on a Nikon and decided to try a Canon.  That way we can make an educated decision.   I've been stuck using my little point and shoot and the pictures just aren't that great.  Here's a cute one I took of little one today.  She's just so peaceful.

Can you believe that my first born will be two on Wednesday?!!!  It seems impossible.  I didn't order her birthday gift until yesterday!  I really hope it arrives on time.  My mind has been so many other places and really her birthday hasn't been at the top of my list.  I don't even know if we will do anything too exciting.  Maybe cupcakes or something.  Is that horrible?  Here's what she will be getting...

I really think she's going to love it.  I think it's so cute!  She loves "cooking" and when we were at the Nudd's, she spent half of her time playing with Blythe's little kitchen.  

Well, I'm pretty tired and I really need to use my hours wisely.  Better put, I need to be sleeping when I get the chance.  Love to you all!  Here are a few pics I took on my phone this week.  

Not the most flattering, but I sure love my two little ladies! 

 One of my favorites!  Mark reads his Bible on the couch every morning.  I came in the room one day, and there she set reading Daddy's Bible!  So sweet! 

I just wanted to show you the beautiful flowers that Nicole dropped by this week.  Aren't they so lovely?!  

Home Alone

This post was actually written on Monday evening, but I was too exhausted to post it.  Yes, it only takes pushing the "publish post" button, but my exhausted finger couldn't handle it.  I will try to be better at keeping up, but it's hard to make any promises.  Two kids are pretty time consuming!  

Well, today was the day.  The day my parents left and Mark went back to work.  My first day with both girls all day long.  I was very scared leading up to it.  Very scared indeed, but it really went surprisingly well.  Did it go perfectly?  Nope.  Do I feel more confident?  Definitely.  There were times when both girls were screaming their heads off, but it didn't last long and I know, with a little time, we will figure out a schedule and get on track.  I feel pretty good.

My parents' visit was great.  It was so wonderful being together and was awesome having their help with both girls.  Monroe absolutely adores them both and had so much fun with "Nana" and "Papa".  We didn't do anything super exciting.  In fact, we laid pretty low, which was nice.  We did venture to Sabbath School and Church for the first time since Kiki was born.  It was very uneventful!  Rosie did so well.  She sat through all of Sabbath School and colored/drew through most of Church.  It was like she grew up over night.  I was so proud.  The girls wore matching dresses, but I didn't get ONE picture of them. I will have to put them back in them and reenact the whole thing.

On Saturday night, my parents watched both girls so that Mark and I could have a date night.  We never do things like that.  I don't remember the last time Mark and I have had time completely to ourselves and we have decided that with the new one's arrival, we really need to do it more often.  It was so fun.  We ended up painting pottery.  We used to do that pretty often when we lived in Tulsa, so it was great doing it again.  We laughed a lot and just enjoyed each other's company.  I really have a hottie for a husband.  I think it's super easy to stop looking at your spouse that way.  I want to be better at looking at him as the handsome, intelligent, charming man that he is.  I all too often take those things for granted.

After painting, we went to P.F. Changs because we were both craving lettuce wraps.  It was a perfect night.

 Working on my bowl.  

 The master painter!  He really is good.  Mine has so many imperfections and his is absolutely perfect! 

 We wanted them to coordinate.  Can't wait to see how they turn out after they are put in the kiln! 

Isn't he the cutest? :)  

We have been completely blessed by our friends during this transition into parenting two kiddos.  Mike and Melissa surprised us with a giftcard to Panera and catering from Shelley, Kelsey brought by the yummiest dinner of potato soup, salad and bread, and Nicole surprised us with the most beautiful caramel apple pie today.  We have such wonderful friends!

Rosie is doing much better with Sisterhood.  She loves being around Kiki and really can't get enough of her.  She has been so helpful.  Her favorite thing to do is to take all of the dirty diapers to the trash.  She takes her job very seriously.  She is still the loudest child this side of the Mississippi, but we are working on that.

She has taken a renewed interest in milk.  Since sister is constantly drinking milk, she feels that she too must drink milk...constantly.  We are going through cartons like they are water.  If I were you, I would purchase stock in soy milk today.  There will no doubt be a surge in it's worth during the next few weeks.

Update:  Monroe has kind of taken a step backward.  She still loves Sissy, but she has started throwing some really naughty fits.  Usually when she is tired.  We are hoping that with discipline and more sleep we can get these under control quickly. 


McKinley is the sweetest baby.  I can't get enough of her.  I am working on getting some pictures made of her.  Hopefully very soon.  She is just adorable and oh so tiny.  She's just perfect.  I can't wait for you all to meet her.

I will leave you with some pics I've been meaning to post.  They are all of Rosie.  I will do a whole post on Kiki really soon!

 Kelsey came over and braided Rosie's hair!  So cute:) 

 Having fun with Kelsey!  Isn't Rosie looking like such a big girl?!  She's so tall.  

 Mark and I had fun trying to "feather" Monroe's hair into a lovely 80's look.  I love her pose here.  Mark said it is very "George Castanza".  

 Monroe's signature smile!  

We tried hot rollers today for the first time.  It's part of being a woman in my family.  I guess she's come of age.  

Never too late to nest...

Girlie came early and my nesting instinct never quite kicked in.  In fact, I think I had a "messy everything up really good" instinct that came in there at the end.  When I brought McKinley home, I was pretty sad that my house wasn't as tip top as I had hoped.  Well, luckily nesting has hit me with a vengeance.  I'm so glad to have my mom here, because she watches Monroe and I can clean, clean, clean!!!

I spent hours on our bathroom yesterday.  It is spotless and completely disinfected.  I think it is cleaner than when they built it.  It feels so good to have that done.  It's been a thorn in my side for a really long time.  It was embarrassing, but once again, not enough to make me do anything about it.  Now, I find myself going in to the bathroom just to admire.  I know that's weird, but it really is lovely and smells so fresh.  

I also spent some time on the kitchen floor.  I am going to work on the wood floors today and try to clean out a few of my drawers.  Hopefully, I will get all my goals met.  

I don't know if I have ever mentioned it, but I am a small scale hoarder and I really want to stop.  Some days I get the urge to throw everything away, but that goes quickly.  When I go through my stash of stuff I come upon things from grade school, high school and college.  I just can't seem to let go.  They all represent memories for me and it seems horrible to throw away a memory.  I do feel very overwhelmed by all of the useless stuff we have.  Stuff we haven't used in years, but for some reason I can't tear away from myself.  So anyway, in the next few weeks, I am going to try and really scale back.  I want to live more simply and uncluttered.  I don't need 300 pairs of shoes when I only wear about 30.  I don't need 20 white undershirts when I really only like a few.  I just have to keep thinking logically and I think I can do it.  I especially want to get all of our things in order in case we move.  I would hate to have to pack and then turn around and unpack junk!  

Another thing on the agenda is to get some pics of the girls.  Hopefully with my parents help, it can be accomplished.  I am so glad they are here to help.  They have been wonderful and made life so much easier.  Rosie seems to be doing better, but definitely is A LOT more emotional than normal.  She breaks down pretty easily, so I really have to watch her nap schedule, etc. 

I weighed myself today and that's another goal I have to add to the old list.  I have lost some weight, but I have a ten pounds left to be at my pre-preg weight, not that I was super content with the start weight.  I really am trying to not overeat and to make sure I am staying active.  I really don't have to try and stay active.  The girls do a good job at that one:)

Well,  I better start working on my "TO DO's".  Hopefully, I can report to you tonight that I was able to accomplish at least few of the items.   

Showered with Love!

Yesterday was quite a day.  It was my first time alone with both girls.  That part was fine.  It was when my mom called and said she made it on the flight she didn't think she would and would be in Chicago in an hour, that threw me a bit.  I had to get myself and two girls ready, fed, etc. and it was pretty nuts.

I was able to get there, albeit a little late, but I got there.  I was never so happy to see my mom than then.  We had a great afternoon and I even was able to get a nap in while mom watched Monroe.

When Mark got home from work, he took Monroe.  Mom, McKinley and I headed off to Jen's house for my shower.  It was absolutely amazing and I feel totally and utterly loved.  All of the hosts were awesome, especially my incredible sis-in-law, Melissa.  That girl is something else and the most generous person around.

The location was perfect.  The weather was perfect.  The food was perfect.  It was just great.  Here are a few pics from the shower...

 Jen in her amazing backyard.  I wish I would have gotten pictures of the food at the start.  I totally forgot until later to take any!  

 The generous gifts! 

 Melissa did an awesome job on the decor! 

I had decided that I wasn't going to post pics of the presents, but I just had to!  The outfits are so cute that I had to share.  I can't wait to dress little miss in them! 

 The amazing present pile!  I won't have to get diapers/wipes for months!!!  

 Love the matching outfits!! 

 Cutest little outfits! 

 More adorable clothing!

 And more...

And more! 

 Kelsey knitted McKinley leg warmers and gloves.  So special! 

 Some things from my Tulsa crew!

 Obviously there were moms there, because I received the comfiest jammies and chocolate!  They know what a new mom needs! 

 No one forgot Rosie in all of this!  She has loved all of the special books, toys, etc.  McKinley got Monroe the little play cookware set in the top right corner.  She seemed pleased that her little sis knew her so well.  

It took mom and me practically all day to put everything away!  What a blessing to have such wonderful, loving, and generous friends!  We are definitely blessed!  Kiki slept through the whole event.  She does that a lot...sleep.  Here's a kind of blurry pic of my little sleeping beauty.  I can't tell you enough how much I adore this little kiddo.  She's just the sweetest little person.  

My other little lady is doing much better.  I do think she might be getting her two year molars.  That would account for changes in sleep pattern/grumpiness.  It is probably a nice mix of both.  I'm glad to see that she seems to be doing better, though.  What an answer to prayer!!!

Tomorrow I'm really going to try and figure out my new camera.  At this point I feel very overwhelmed. There are so many buttons, etc. that I don't know that to do first.  I need to sit down with the manual and the internet and learn this puppy.  Hopefully I will be putting out amazing pictures before you know it. 

Tonight, Mark and I took Rosie on a ride in the girl's new wagon!!!  That was definitely Monroe's favorite thing from the shower.  Thanks Murrill's!  We all love it!  Rosie sang at the top of her lungs the whole time.  It was hilarious.

On Sunday night, our washer broke.  Of all times!!!  I have so much laundry to do.  I never thought that the tiniest little person could contribute such a large amount to our laundry pile, but she sure does.  We have someone coming tomorrow afternoon.  I am praying it's an easy fix, because I really need to do some laundry!!! 

Well, I am exhausted.  I doubt any of this makes sense, but you will probably need to bear with me for awhile.  Thanks!  Love you! 

So, one of us isn't too happy...

Well, it's 2:19 am and we have a screaming yelling crazy toddler on our hands.  She woke up and came walking into our room.  I took her back to her room and laid with her for awhile, but when I tried to get up, she went into the craziest horrible fit.  There was kicking and screaming and gnashing of teeth.  I have never heard her scream that loud and there was no way to calm her down.  I tried to lay her back down, but there was no having it.  If I went to the door, she ran after me and would open the door.  Mark came to help and he tried to calm her down to no avail.  Her cry was beyond excruciating and there was still no calming her.

We were at a loss.  Mark finally just kept rocking her (through her fighting) and telling her he loved her.  I came and set beside him and did the same.  She broke free and came into my arms.  She held me so tight.  It literally broke my heart.  I have been trying so hard to help her feel extra loved during this time, but apparently I'm not doing a good enough job.  She just wanted to be held by me.   I finally had to go and pump and I can still hear her crying upstairs.  

Please pray for Rosie and for us.  Help us to find ways to make her feel special and unique, while incorporating McKinley into the family.  We also really would love to have some sleep.  Thanks!  Love you all!

Home, Happy, Healthy

Wow!  It's been a crazy last few days.  We definitely feel so blessed to have Rosie and McKinley home together.

Carseat test at the hospital!  She passed!!! 

Our first car ride as a four person family!  Wow we are blessed...and we need a minivan:) 

McKinley's last day in the hospital.  I had no idea she would be coming home with us later that afternoon.  She's so cuddly.

McKinley is absolutely perfect.  She is just so tiny and such a sweet little person.  I have to admit, I had totally forgotten how tiny babies are.  Rosie still seemed so small to me until this kid came along.  Changing her diaper is one of the scariest things.  Mark and I both dread doing it.  Her legs and bottom are so tiny that it completely freaks us out.

I definitely feel a lot more laid back about everything, though.  I don't get nervous when she cries, etc.  I know things will be fine.  It's wonderful what a little experience under your belt will give you.  But, am I nervous about being alone with both of the girls?  Yes, completely and utterly terrified.  I have no experience in that regard and I really don't know what to expect.

The baby blues came on strong yesterday.  I was weepy pretty much all day.  Mark has been laughing at me because we will be having a normal conversation and I will just start crying.  I'm talking full on tears for no reason.  I remember doing the same thing after Rosie was born.  Luckily, Mark is so understanding and is being very supportive.  I also have wonderful family and friends that don't mind listening either.

Monroe did very well the first night with the new kiddo.  The second night?  Not so much.  She threw a huge tantrum when we put her to bed.  I really think that she was over tired, but it was not a good sight.  She has also become the loudest almost 2-year-old around.  It's like everything she says must be yelled for fear she won't be heard.  This can be a bit aggravating when a person is say, sleeping!  She is the loudest when McKinley is around.  I have really had to train myself not to get upset, but lovingly talk to her about it.  It's almost annoying!!!

Kaylee and I were talking that people always worry about whether there will be enough love for two kids and they fret that the new one will be left out.  That hasn't been a problem at all.  I am struggling with not pulling my hair out with the shenanigans of the first born.  Don't get me wrong, she is the sweetest.  She says and does the most adorable things and I love her like crazy. I just have to realize that she's going through a lot right now.  We all are!  I am finding special moments to read to her and hold her and love on her.  Hopefully things settle down really soon.  Of course, McKinley only arrived in our home on Saturday evening, so there are bound to be some hiccups along the way.

Sister love!  Rosie is pretty much in love.  She loves being close to her. 

Today I am taking Kiki for her labs and to her first well baby visit.  They need to test her bilirubin to make sure her jaundice is coming down.  I really hope it is.  She has been eating and pooping like she's getting paid for it, so there's a good chance we are doing well.

Last night was the first night that I was on full duty.  Nursing has been a struggle, but it's going a lot better than the last time.  She's still so tiny that she gets very worn out and gives up on breast feeding.  Last night actually went better than any other time.  After about ten minutes on each side, she did end up getting aggravated, and I just supplemented with a bottle of breastmilk for the rest.  I really want to get this breastfeeding thing down to an art because I'm about worn out from breastfeeding, pumping, and then feeding the bottle.  It takes forever and in the middle of the night, not so much fun.  Hopefully as she gets stronger, it will fall into place.  I'm just going to keep trying.

I have to be honest, Mark took Rosie to Shelley's for me today.  We decided that labs and doctor's appointment would go a little smoother with just the one kid.  It definitely was so much easier.  How did I ever think I was busy and exhausted after Monroe was born?  I remember thinking that those first few weeks with her were the hardest of my life.  I wonder now what I was thinking.

I couldn't have asked for a more productive day today.  Infants are so low key!  God really does give us infants first for a reason.  If all of a sudden we had a two year old we might fall over dead.  They take so much energy and time.  

****************************

So it's later tonight.  Kiki's doctor's appointment went well.  I am using a different pediatrician with Kiki than I use with Monroe.  I love Rosie's pediatrician, but she is so hard to get in to.  I thought I would try the doctor they recommended at the hospital to see what I think.  He is a neonatologist that specializes in preterm babies.  He seems very good, although he is an older Asian gentleman and I couldn't understand half of what he said.  I had to do a lot of my own interpretations.  I also had to say, "What was that you said?" about twenty times over the course of the visit.  You could tell he was very smart though, and he was also very good with babies, so I'll stick it out.  Her bilirubin was up, but not enough to worry him.  When I asked her percentages he said, "tiny", which made me laugh.  It turns out that she is in the 3rd percentile for everything.  I guess that means there's pretty much nowhere to go but up:)   She did have to get a shot today.  She didn't care for that one bit.  She can get so mad.  I have a hard time not laughing at her when she gets so angry.  It's so funny coming out of such a tiny little thing.

This evening Melissa and the boys came over to meet McKinley.  It was great to see them.  Mason is absolutely enamored with her.  He wanted to hold her and did such a good job.  He was so gentle and caring.

A proud big cousin! 

 Both my girls, love their Auntie Melissa! 

Love this one! 

Tomorrow is McKinley's baby shower!  We decided to go ahead with it and I'm so excited to see everyone and for everyone to meet her.  I'll be sure to take pictures.

Since we are on the subject of pictures...Guess who got surprised with a brand spankin' new camera today?????  Me!!!  Mark came home with it and blew me away.  I couldn't believe it.  I can't wait to try it out.  Talk about the best push present ever!  I am so happy:)

Shelley sent an amazing gift home with Monroe...DINNER!  Yummy, Yummy, Yummy Dinner!  It was an amazing meal of veggie meatballs, garlic mashed potatoes, corn and green beans.  It was so nice not to have to worry about dinner tonight.  I got home pretty late from the doctor's appointment and it would have been tough to make it happen any way.  Thank you, Shelley Maletin for being you:)

Well, I better run.  I need to get to bed because pretty soon, I will need to be up again!  Oh, the joys of motherhood.  It really is amazing!  I'm still working on a Delivery Post to tell all of the gory details of how it all went down.  Well, not so much gory, but descriptive.

Oh, I almost forgot...my mom comes tomorrow!  I am so excited for her to get here.  It will be so wonderful to have the help and I really can't wait for her to meet McKinley.

Love you all!

The Many Faces of McKinley Joy

 Off of the Nasal Cannula!  Yay for breathing all on her own! 

 Daddy holding Kiki (nickname given by Max) for the first time

 Her "rug" cracks me up!  It looks a lot better after her bath. 

 First Bottle Feed this morning

 I love those little lips! 

 Kisses from Daddy!

 Mommy is still pretty puffy, but REALLY HAPPY! 

 Her "grumpy" face. 

 Bonding

 All we need now is Monroe to join us!