{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A photo [okay, I chose two] - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. via SouleMama

Letter Month 30

Dear Sena,

I'm writing this letter while "wearing" your baby sister in hopes of keeping/getting her to sleep. You, on the other hand are soundly asleep.

The last month has been a sleepless blur for your papa and I as we adjust to life as a family of four and try to remember how to care for a newborn. (It's amazing how much you forget!) You've done so well with the transition, honey. You've watched with interest how we take care of Noa and even took your baby and sat in a little squishy ball last night to bounce her to sleep. Of course, you would like more one-on-one time with everyone, but since grandma Sheree has been here nearly every day we've been able to give you a lot of what you need. Only once in a while do you recommend that we put Noa down.

I know this is a huge shift in your world, yet looking back you may not remember a time when we were a family of three. Your papa and I will however. There are so many amazing moments we've had over the last 2 1/2 years- all of which led us to want to give you a sibling.. and have another child. We feel so incredibly blessed to have you- to watch you as you discover the world, as you learn how to communicate, and as you learn how to convey your needs. (You're pretty good at all of these things.) You are such a light in my day and in your papa's day. So, although this letter was meant to share with you and the world all of your amazing accomplishments this last month- the main one that we're enjoying is that you truly are the best Big Sister Noa could ask for.

We love you honey,
love
mama

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. via SouleMama

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. via SouleMama

And then there were four...

As most of you know, on Sunday morning, October 3rd, our beautiful daughter Noa Corinne made her appearance in the world. I did not have to be induced, and I had a 100% natural labor. It was the most intense 11 hours I've ever experienced (especially the last 90 minutes where we barely skated into the hospital..) and obviously incredibly worthwhile. Noa was 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 20 inches long- so smaller then Sena even though she was technically "late". I mean, what's late anyway?

The first few days, when we were in the hospital were tough, on everyone. Sena was confused and we missed her terribly.. but since we've been home it has been a pretty smooth transition. Sena has done remarkably well and clearly loves her baby sister. One morning when we had a doctor's appointment with Noa, Sena pretended to be pregnant and even "had her baby pop out of her belly." This morning she was "teaching" her how to drink her milk and her water. There are also moments where our heart just swells watching how loving she is. Noa was crying in the car and we told Sena it was because Noa was hungry. Sena said to Noa, "I'm sorry baby sister." We told Sena she didn't need to be sorry and she responded, "but I am."

On a more humorous or humbling note, we went to the farm on Thursday (with four-day-old Noa and Sena). I went to the stand with Sena and the gal who has seen me swell with this pregnancy didn't realize I wasn't pregnant anymore:
Farm gal: The apple cider isn't pasteurized- just so you know.
Me: Okay.
Farm gal: I thought you'd want to know since you're pregnant and all.
Me: Oh, actually, I'm not pregnant anymore. (GEEZ, DO I REALLY LOOK THAT BIG?) My daughter was born on Sunday. She's in the car.
Farm gal, clearly embarrassed: Oh! Can I see her?

Here are a few pictures of the last week..

October 1st

Well today is the day I thought this baby might arrive, although I kind of forgot about it until recently. I'm only two days "overdue" but feeling much more anxious as each day comes and goes. I'm not horribly uncomfortable but I am very tired, and wonder each day as I have pseudo-contractions if this is going to be "it." Anyway, if anyone has any guesses as to when baby wants to arrive feel free to share. Hopefully before Monday?