Happy Baby!

Sophie was smiling up a storm this morning.

Sisters

Some moments from Saturday morning.

Sophie Smiles

My Daddy says I am a "loaf of bread," but look what I can do!

Daddy's Girls

I realized we didn't have any pictures of Kent with his 2 daughters. They love to play superheroes. Maddie is usually Superman, and Sophie is known as "Barf Girl."

The Girls

We did Christmas portraits at the mall today. Madeline did great, but Sophie did not enjoy the experience. We were able to get a couple good shots that we'll send out with cards this year. It was an experience for me, getting both girls into to dresses, keeping them clean, fed, happy, cooperative, and patient. We were on time, but of course, the studio was running late. Sophie will be boarding her first flight next week during the busy holiday travel season to spend Thanksgiving on the east coast. Wish us luck!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty in Pink

Here's Sophie in her favortite spot, the papasan chair. She loves it! Sophie will be 6 weeks old tomorrow, and she's looking more like Maddie did as a baby (as least to me) each day. She has started smiling, but I haven't been able to capture it on film yet. Last night, she only woke up once between her 8:00 pm feeding and 5:30 this morning. I hope, hope, hope the trend continues.

What Sophie's Up To . . .

What has she been up to? Hmmmm, let's see . . . turning 1 month old, eating every 2 and a half to 3 hours with a 4 and a half hour stretch at night, and taking a bath each night (the doctor said not to bathe her every day, but I LOVE it too much and can't resist). She's awake more during the day, is more alert, and looks around more. I think I've seen a few liitle smiles playing at the corners of her mouth, can't wait to see a big, for sure one in the next couple of weeks. Other than that, she's been keeping me quite busy along with her big sister. The two have ganged up and outnumbered me a couple of times!

What Maddie's Up to . . .

She's been very active, always moving, and on the go. She's been making big messes in our very little, seems to be shrinking home, going to the park, playing with Andrew, and catching up on cartoons. She's going to preschool 3 mornings a week ( thank goodness for that!) and keeping Mommy very, very busy. Oh yeah, she's as sweet as ever!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from our family to yours!

Sophie's First Halloween

Would someone please wake her up? Sophie wore Maddie's first Halloween costume last night. It was a bit big on her, but I thought she looked pretty cute.

Snow White

Madeline was Snow White this year. I was so happy when she decided on this costume because her first two choices were either Spiderman or a Power Ranger. She loved wearing the costume, especially the red shoes Grandma Shirley got for her. We all had so much fun trick or treating last night. I thought we'd only go to a couple of houses, but Maddie was so thrilled with the getting lots of candy concept we were out for over an hour.

Halloween Street Fair

Maddie and Andrew got to try out their costumes and trick or treating skills last Saturday when Natalie and I took them to a neighborhood fair. Snow White and Thomas the Train loved the jumper so much they went in twice.

Happy Birthday

On October 27th, I turned 32 (Yikes!). We had a lovely quiet evening at home, my favorite place to be. I got flowers, candy, and yummy margaritas. The best gift of all was time with my family.

Sophie is now three weeks old. She has more wakeful periods, but continues to be a very good baby. She has become quite a good little eater, too.

Pumpkin Carving

The Halloween festivities at our house have begun. Yesterday, Kent and Maddie carved our pumpkin. Our pumpkin actually has two faces because Maddie thought the first one Kent carved was too scary.

Grandparents

We had a wonderful visit with Grandpa Ralph and Grandma Shirley this week. We went to the pumpkin patch, Chuck E. Cheese, and out to dinner a couple of times. Madeline loved every second she spent with her grandparents. As did Sophie who got lots of snuggles, too. We tried a new Mexican restaurant last night (A+) and had cake in honor of my 32nd birthday.

Baby's First Bath

Sophie had her first bath last night. She is such a joy. I couldn't believe she didn't cry, but actually closed her eyes in complete relaxation when I put her in the warm water. Do babies get any better than this? Sometimes I think I should pinch myself, she is such a dream. My birthday is Friday, and I already told Kent, no presents. I have everything I want.

Morning Moments

I really love mornings with my family. What a nice change it is to be able to spend a few hours in our jammies and snuggling rather than rushing around and heading to work at dark thirty in the morning. These are my favorite moments.

Story Time

Madeline's book order arrived last Friday. On Saturday, she read her books to Sophie. Too sweet! We are going to have to invest in a video camera ASAP! We're missing too many moments on tape!

I'm Growing!

Sophie had her two week check up today, and she's doing great! Her weight is up to 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and she is 20 inches long. She is a really good baby. She sleeps a lot and rarely cries. Dr. Kim says I can let her sleep up to 5 hours without a feeding at night now, so we'll see how she does. We can also give her a bath tonight, something Madeline has been looking forward to helping with.

A Couple of Cuties!

This was too cute to keep to myself! I can't believe how quiet the house is. I was anticipating a bit of chaos with a new little person in our home, but Sophie is such a calm baby. I usually have to wake her up for feedings during the day.

Pumpkin Patch

While Kent and Adam watched Sophie and football (of course!), Mom, Jessie, Madeline, and I went to the pumpkin patch. There was a jumper, climbing toys, a tractor, goats, chickens, sheep, horses, roasted corn, hotdogs, popcorn, caramel apples, and tons of pumpkins. Maddie chose one for herself and a little one for Sophie.

Grandma Connie

My mom has been with us since Tuesday, and it has been super great to have an extra set of hands and so much extra love around. Madeline and Sophie have enjoyed every minute of her visit, as have Kent and I. We even went to happy hour last night without the kids while mom babysat, something we have not done in at least a year.

First Outings

Grandma Connie purchased a new stroller for us and assembled it, too. Maddie can either sit or stand on the back, and she can get on and off easily. We also went to Griffith Park last Thursday so Maddie could ride the ponies and the train. I fed Sophie while Madeline, Grandma, and Daddy took the train ride.

Baby Bonding

Big Sister Madeline

Maddie is an amazing big sister. She has adjusted beautifully to having a baby sister in the house (so far!). It helps that Sophie is a very quiet and sleepy baby (again, so far) who doesn't demand too much yet. Madeline loves to help hold and feed her now that her cough and cold seem to be on the mend. I feel so blessed and lucky.

Baby Sophie

Here you can really see how fair and light haired Sophie is. She seems so small to us in her 0-3 month clothing. When we took her to the see her doctor on Monday, she was down to 6 pounds, 9 ounces ( a normal weight loss according to her doctor). So far, she seems to take after Grandma Shirley. She likes to eat very slowly and has long narrow feet.

First Morning at Home

I took this picture on Monday morning, our first morning together. Our home seemed so warm and complete with Sophie, Madeline, and their wonderful Daddy.

More Pictures of Beautiful Girls!

Here Kent caught Sophie in an alert state. She really hasn't opened her eyes much so far. She has been such a sleeper. She loved being held by Carrie and didn't utter a peep all afternoon.

Look At My Girls!

I still can't believe we have been blessed with 2 sweet, beautiful, healthy girls! Madeline and Sophie's meeting was one of the most precious moments of my life. Maddie was so excited to show Sophie the card she made her and the one she picked out at the store. (You'll notice Kent and Maddie are wearing SARS type masks. That's because they have both been really sick.)

Pictures From the Afternoon of Oct. 6, 2006

Here's a quick run down of the day: They started my induction drugs at about 11:30 am, checked me at 1:30 (5 cm.), checked me at 2:15 (7 cm.), checked me at 2:25 (8cm), the Dr. checked me at 2:30 and said let's go! Sophie was born at 2:47. Guess those pitocen drugs worked pretty well. Too bad though, my epidural didn't. Kent still can't believe I had such bad luck with pain medication twice now. It did suck, but at least it was a super fast labor. I am pretty sure we're done with 2!

Welcome Sophie!

Sophie Nicole arrived today, October 6, 2006 at 2:47 P.M. Her birth was attended by Mommy, Daddy, and Aunt Jessie. She weighed in at 7 pounds and 1 ounce and 19.5 inches long.

Baby Gets a Birthday!

Looks like we'll be having the baby tomorrow! The doctor is still a bit concerned about the baby's growth pattern, and the meconium during Maddie's birth. So, I am scheduled to go to the hospital at 7:00 am tomorrow morning to be induced. Hoping for a smooth delivery, and praying for a healthy baby. I'll update as soon as I can!

It's a . . .

BOY! It's a boy and a boy for Jessie and Carrie who both had their big ultrasounds today. Congratulations Jessie and Adam! Congratulations Carrie and Lyman! We can't wait to meet those sweet little guys!