Another Tough Girl

Considering this is the first post after Christmas, it would likely be assumed that this would be about Kaelyn's first Christmas and Emma's third Christmas (but first Christmas of having a better concept of the joy of unwrapping gifts), however, we are not done celebrating Christmas so that post will come later. Being that we have much family to visit for the holidays, we have to spread it out over a few days, and this weekend will be celebrating with Grammie and Grand-faajaa. So Christmas post is yet to come... ;) 

This post will be about our second brave and tough girl, Kaelyn! Today she had her four month appointment which, as we know, comes with immunization shots :( With Emma, she was always a pretty tough girl and I always expected her to be a trooper at her doctor appointments. Kaelyn, I've always described as my sensitive baby and quite honestly, expected her to not take the shots very well. I was ready sit in the corner and cry with her after the shots were administered. I even gave Emma a pep talk when we were walking into the doctor's office, telling her that sissy is going to get shots and will cry so we have to hold her hand and make her feel better. Emma was ready to fill this big sister role. As we sit and wait for the nurse, I distract Kaelyn with smiles. Then the nurse comes in. She administers the first shot as I smile and make baby talk in Kaelyn's face. Kaelyn continues to smile completely unphased by the first shot. Nurse goes to the second leg and administers the second shot and warns me that she WILL cry with this one because it stings. I again am in Kaelyn's face to distract her. She fusses for about a second, gives me a dirty look and then sticks her thumb in her mouth like nothing! I was so impressed with her. 

She is measuring 14 pounds, 25 inches long and developmentally on target! There is some concern with what is called "nystagmus" (constant involuntary movement) in both eyes and turns out she has a small optic nerve (this was diagnosed in November) so we have to take her in for an MRI in January. But, unless the MRI comes up with something more, I won't be writing a lot about that. I, naturally, have my concerns and apprehensions but we are all keeping a positive mind set! She is beautiful, happy and by all other accounts, healthy! Emma absolutely adores her little sister and she is a great big sister! 

Waiting for the nurse to give her shots

After her shots

Emma putting make up on in the morning with Mommy

Little Puma Girl!! 

Sisters = BFF's :)

As planned, we decked our halls this past weekend. The house is filled with Christmas decor and spirit. When we began to decorate, Emma went down for her usual nap. She slept a couple hours and during that time mommy and daddy were able to put the lights on the Christmas tree and finish up the other decorations through the house. When I brought Emma downstairs upon waking, her face lit up at all the new things to see and enjoy. I put her down to "explore" and as she is taking it all in, she runs to Kaelyn who is swinging in her swing. In the most excited and spirited tone, she says "SISSY!!!" as if she is trying to show sissy all there is to see and to share the experience with her. That moment was just a sneak peak to their sisterhood and friendship to come. My heart just melted and I was filled with complete joy. Such an awesome sight and feeling that could never be replaced.

It was an absolutely wonderful day all the way around with Grammie, Grand-faajaa, Auntie Jenny, Uncle Robbie, and Uncle Chad joining in on the fun. Daddy hung all of the garland inside and out and then proceeded to take pictures (of which I will post in at a later date with all of our Christmas pictures).

Oh, and to top off the excitement, Kaelyn officially rolled over to her belly!! She gets to her belly and gets so frustrated trying to roll back on her back but it will be no time before she's mastered that as well... they grow too fast!!

Love my family beyond words...

Emma having her own fun at the Christmas Tree farm...she's not afraid to get dirty :)

Our littlest Christmas helper

The Christmas tree (don't mind Emma in her panties... she's a free spirit) ;) 

'Tis the Season!

This holiday season consists of many important firsts for us; most notably, Kaelyn's FIRST Thanksgiving and Christmas!! And Emma's First Thanksgiving and Christmas with her baby sister! And I will count this year as our official first Christmas in our new home (since last year we were still very much in the middle of moving).

Being the holidays, I am generally more cheery than usual just because I love all that it brings; the fall and soon to be winter weather, the beautiful lights, the delicious foods, the Christmas trees, the spirit of generosity and giving but most importantly, the gathering of family, close and extended alike. I absolutely enjoy getting together with family and look forward to the holidays when we can all take a little break from our work schedules and usual day to day schedules and genuinely enjoy each other's company.

This weekend, being our first Christmas as a family of four, and our first Christmas in our new home, we are beginning to Deck the Halls! I have been talking to Emma about it all week with so much excitement I can hardly hold it in. I decided that I wanted to start traditions with the girls and this year we are starting an Advent Calendar. It will include on each of the 25 days of Christmas, hanging a new ornament for each day and engaging in a Christmas themed activity; some big, some simple, but nonetheless filled with the spirit of the holidays.

Amid this excitement of the holidays, next week Emma turns two years old!!! I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I remember her first Christmas at just 3 weeks old like it was yesterday. I am looking forward to her excitement for this year's Christmas morning as she comes down the stairs and sees what "Santa" has brought for her and lil sissy. But moreso, I am excited to teach her about the holidays, the spirit of giving and the joys of being surrounded by family. We are blessed with such wonderful family on both sides and I want for Emma and Kaelyn to embrace the closeness and appreciate the time we have with everyone. Emma absolutely adores her aunts, uncles, cousins, Grammie and Grand-faaja already...not to mention her extended family. I only want those bonds to grow and get stronger.

So to kick of the season, we went and visited Santa Claus with Grammie and Grand-faaja last weekend and naturally to take pictures with him. Emma, being swarmed by her personal "paparazzi" (me mainly) since she came home from the hospital has become anti pictures and doesn't like to sit and pose for the camera anymore. To get her in the pic, mommy had to join in. Not my best, and definitely not planned for, but the girls look adorable as always, and Kaelyn is so peacefully asleep that she never even woke up once during the photo and Santa insisted on taking a "sleeping photo" with her.

Happy Holidays!! :)

Halloween... a little late

I wanted to share some pictures of Emma in her halloween costume this year. We didn't dress Kaelyn up because she was much too small for most of the costumes, plus I wasn't going to take her out and about so we just got her some halloween themed outfits ;)

Here are some pictures of Halloween and also of Emma at the pumkin patch with Grammie and Grand-faaja... daddy is behind the camera :)

Just sharing some recent pics of the girls

I just can't get enough of these girls!!! Too much fun...