Marching on

Dear Biscuit & Sparkly Watermelon,

Time continues to march on quickly...I wish I could just slow it all down. You helped me take Sparkly to her pediatrician yesterday. She's 11 pounds, 2.5 ounces and 22.25 inches tall. You were a great help to me, even telling Sparkly to be brave when she got her vaccination. 

We had wonderful visits from friends this week.  The generosity and love of our friends and family continues to make our transition and recovery easier.  Here you are eating dinner from the Felix family.  "I love this dinner!" you said. 

We also spent an hour at Bugfest this weekend, and I had to have some sushi rolls after talking with my friend Rachel. You and Sparkly loved the Sake House's decor. 

Other random moments from our week: 

Dancing for your baby sister- I love it!

She's been smiling at us all week, especially at you. She watches your every move. Today, we three girls had our first laugh together, even Sparkly. I tried to catch a smile, but no luck so far.  

All my love,

Mama

Little things

Dear Biscuit & Sparkly Watermelon,

Here are a few things I'm loving right now:

-Papa calls you Biscuit & Bijou

-the way you nuzzle in with a little head and shoulder shimmy

-your spiky wispy mohawk hair in the middle of the night

-the way your sister constantly checks on you, asks about you, and strokes your cheeks

-the way your tiny hand rests on my arm when I hold you

-all your squeaky noises at night, and grunts, and the way you breathe 

-your smiles and laughs when you sleep 

-how I catch you looking at me unexpectedly all the time

-Biscuit calls you Little Chick and tells you secrets

-your skin and all your squishy rolls, especially your belly 

-that you are much like your sister in many ways

-that you are completely, 100% your own person and so beautifully unique

All my love,

Mama

L'école French School of Raleigh

written September 4, 2013
Dear Biscuit & Sparkly Watermelon,

Wednesday was your first day at L'école. You were so excited!  You woke up at 4am and asked, "Will the kids at my new school be nice?"

Papa, Sparkly & I dropped you off and picked you up- it was a special treat for us all.
L'école is full French immersion.  No English will be spoken by your teachers.  When I explained it to you, you said, "I want to learn to talk like Gammie."

You loved your first day at your new school, especially reading books on the stairs and playing the "monster" game (and your classmates WERE nice)!!

All my love,
Mama

The last time I'll brush my teeth

written September 2, 2013
Dear Biscuit & Sparkly Watermelon,

Magia just walked out the door to leave for the airport. She's been visiting us for over two weeks. I'm not sure we would have survived without her. I don't even know how to thank her for all the cooking, cleaning, playing, distracting, cuddling, sleeping, napping, and most important for me, reassuring, she did while she was here.

You and Papa left Sparkly and me here at home so Magia would have some company at the airport. It is so quiet here at our house.  I brushed my teeth before she left while she held Sparkly. I can't help wondering if it will be the last time I'll  have time to brush them for awhile. You will understand when you have a newborn of your own. 

All my love,

Mama

Three weeks old

Dear Biscuit & Sparkly Watermelon,

You're three weeks old today!  Time is already passing too quickly.  Here's some memories from our week. 

Gram & Grandpa Hope visited. 

Gift from Uncie to the big sister. 

Goodbye kisses. 

Met Gabriella & Theresa

Where's Sparkly?

Lots of late night snuggles

Eleanor turned 2!!

Wants to suck all the time

Bath time!  

You fit right into our family. It's like you were here all along. 

All my love,

Mama 

Big, small, winter, summer

Dear Biscuit & Sparkly Watermelon,

You are two weeks old today!  So big!  Several friends told me how your sister would appear so much older instantly after your birth- boy, were they right. She seems physically bigger.  Her vocabulary seems to have grown. Just look at her...

As for small, look at this tiny ear; with all that (ear) hair!

 

We decided it was winter. Time to bust out the coats, hats and mittens. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of Biscuit in her boat (an empty plastic bin). 

And since it is still summer...handsome Papa picked up his new shades. 

Big or small, hot or cold, I love you. 

All my love,

Mama