Note

Drew wrote me her first note. She sat this next to my sewing machine while I was working on something and said, "I love you mommy." Made my day.

Kids

Aren't my kids sweet? I have loved referring to them as "the kids" in plural form. It makes me feel old and mature. (Even though I am in shock that I will be turning 28 this year and should definitely stop the process of trying to feel older.)

Having plural children is a whole new ball game. This morning I put Nash back to bed at 5:45am and was only starting to lose consciousness again when at 6:00am Drew is pulling at my arm for a bowl of Lucky Charms. I keep trying to remind myself that someday I will get a good night's sleep again.

And even though it is crazier, I am enjoying this postpartum weirdness more than the last time. Postpartum weirdness is defined by me as major lack of sleep, up and down emotions, trying to find a new "normal", and choosing between a wardrobe of baggy maternity jeans or tight pre-maternity shorts that won't budge over my hips. I've had to resort to stretchy skirts.

Even though I haven't figured out what is the new "normal", I think we might have the sweetest little baby on our hands ever. He is laid back and cool as the other side of the pillow. Even when his sister is constantly in his face, kissing and mugging on him. I envy his patience with her.

I am enjoying it more because I am not pining for sleep-filled nights, clothes that fit me (well maybe I am), and for Nash to reach all the next little milestones. Because I am almost 100 percent certain all those things will eventually come. Just trying to ride this wave of crazy and enjoy "the kids" and life for what it is right now.

But Lucky Charms at 6:00am has got to stop.

Nash

Nash was born last Thursday night, all 8 pounds and 4 ounces of him. He is the best thing ever. So far he reminds me of the koala bears we saw last month at the Phoenix zoo... he sleeps for about 20 hours a day and is the best cuddler imaginable. Between the three of us he is constantly hugged, kissed, and loved on. We are so happy to have him!

Baby

What have we been up to? Drew has been getting pedis and I am somehow trying to prepare for a new baby this week.

Everyone asks if Drew understands about the new baby and if she is excited. Well she has been counting down the days till her baby brother comes for the last couple weeks with squeals of joy like it will be Christmas. And she is obsessed with her baby cousin Otto so I know she loves the idea of a baby. Unlike Otto, I try to remind her that this baby is going to live in our house and be with us ALL the time. It is possible that he might take some attention away from her. Or get in the way of her managing day to day affairs around here.

She will be a great big sister though. The other day she shared her most prized treasure, her white old blanket, with her 6-week old cousin. I had a sweet vision of what a loving sister she will be. She then impatiently demanded of the infant that he say thank you to her. "Otto, say thank you." So... she has a lot to learn still about babies. But at least she will be teaching her brother and cousin to be polite.

Me? I am thrilled to meet the little guy.

Garden

A few weeks ago we planted our garden. We have planted a bazilion things in our yards since we moved in almost two years ago. Either because we don't really know what we are doing or because we live in the land of scorching sun and clay dirt, a lot of it dies. I personally have a poisonous touch and kill most living things under my care. Drew and Jason should count themselves lucky.



We planted onions, carrots, potatoes, peas, peppers, cucumbers, watermelon, and our most successful crop from the past, giant sunflowers.



Drew must have the magical touch. She had her hands on every seed or bulb and everything is coming up really good so far. Or maybe it is her beautiful sign work that is encouraging the plants...

My Nephew

The sweetest little baby boy came into our family in the wee hours of Monday morning. My arms are hurting looking at these pictures because I want to hold my nephew again. He is an angel.



My sister's whole delivery process and the arrival of a perfect little baby gave me mixed feelings about my own impending due date (still about 6 weeks).

a. I can hardly wait until those newborn fingers and toes are all mine

b. Regarding labor and delivery, I can definitely wait



Uhh... but those fingers and toes.



Drew absolutely loves her little cousin. She talks about him all the time. She is going to love being a big sister.



Welcome to the family little O. And happy birthday today mom! Our kids are so lucky to have such a wonderful grandma.

Dance Class

Few things make Drew as happy as when she is in dance class. Or me for that matter. I can't tell who enjoys it more.



She has no fear or shyness and wants to be in the front of the class for everything. This backs up my theory that she will be a Hermione when she starts school.



She likes tap the best and loves to practice in our kitchen. I keep telling her that one of these days I am going to get out my old tap shoes and see if they fit. I picture the image though of a 7-month pregnant woman flapping around in small tap shoes though and I resist the urge. Plus we will have to try on all my old dance costumes and I know I won't be fitting in those for a while.



How could you not love watching this?



Last week not even a bloody lip could stop this girl from dancing. For one who milks even the smallest scratch or blemish, that is saying something.



Love it.