Stretching: What a Gift To Society

This girl cracks me up. When Clara wakes up from a nap it takes her ten minutes to stretch after being unswaddled.

Sometimes she needs another nap right after, just to recover from all that hard work.

Stretch it out girl!

Stretching: such hard work.

Round two.

Lucy Lately: Big Sister

Lucy has really been in her element as a big sister and "helper" this week. She loves holding Clara and helping her put her pacifier back in her mouth when it falls out. She is even really excited about me teaching her how to change Clara's diaper. (Taking advantage of that while I can!)

It warms my heart to see Lucy hold her with such care and love, and to give her tender kisses her her head. What a special time for us all to enjoy together.

I love my girls!

Lucy enjoying a play date with friends while mom and dad are at the hospital delivering her new baby sister. A great day for Lucy! Pool party, mud pies, juice boxes, and a new baby sister. What could be better?!

Cutie smiler!

Welcome Home...

I always love my stay at the hospital when I have a baby.  I love the yummy food- that I don't even have to prepare myself! I also love the nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals there that take such good care of me and my babies. It's like visiting all my friends!  This visit I packed a giant bag of assorted Ghirardelli chocolate squares to hand out to all the doctors, nurses, etc. who helped me and who visited me as a thank you. It was a great idea!  -Taking care of the people who are taking care of you. Plus, who wouldn't appreciate chocolate and a "thank you"?

*Note: After arriving home from the hospital and eating one of the chocolates myself, I discovered that they had been partly melted and resolidified before unknowingly handing them out to everybody.

If you pack your hospital bag beforehand, make sure to not leave the chocolates in the bag if you leave your bag in the car- in the hot Texas heat.



On Saturday we were discharged and headed home to enjoy the last few moments with Zach's family before they had to head back to Iowa. Lucy was very excited to welcome us and lost no time in requesting to hold her baby sister.

I even got around to updating our Welcome Home sign during a rare double-nap when Lucy and Clara were both asleep.

Welcome home, my darling!

Before

After

Ready to go home!

All buckles.

It's go time!

Lucy welcoming her little sister home.

That drive home- so exhausting!

Lucy loving being a helper and big sister!

Sharing all the secrets.

One last snuggle with Nana before she heads home.

Welcome home from Lucy and Nana. So sweet!

Nothing better than a present waiting for you when you get home!

So cute! Thank you, Alisa! :D 

Announcing our new arrival! Thanks, Nana!

Getting her daily Vitamin D fix.

Enjoying her cozy owl hat from Sasa! 

Smiling, milk-drunk, and loving it.

Snuggle time with Dad.

Dark silky hair in the back.

Hospital Pictures

On Friday my awesome friend Cassie came to visit me and to take some hospital pictures for us. It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed her company and I love how the pictures turned out!

Thank you a million, Cassie! Best baby present ever.

"No pictures, please!"

Apparently she can even make changing a diaper look cute.

Mad because we took the pacifier out.

Trying to console herself by shoving her fist into her mouth.

Me and my girls.

No idea where this came from, or where she learned it.

Handsome dad.

My beautiful family!

The whole gang.


I love these pictures and hope I can have someone come take some at all my future babies births!