Snow Day Play!

Exactly one week ago, we were awaiting our first official winter storm of the year.  Last year we had ridiculous amounts of snow and brutally cold temperatures, but for the most part this year we've avoided any serious winter weather.  

I was actually looking forward to a nice coating of the white stuff and the weathermen definitely got it right this time!  We woke up Monday morning to a Winter Wonderland!  Hubby & I were already off work because of President's Day & it was really nice to enjoy an unexpected day home to relax!

Elyse was battling a bit of a cough, but she wanted to go out and play...so we all bundled up and while Nora was napping we headed out to the front yard.  

To be honest, Elyse wasn't really sure what to think about it all...I know that will change as the years go by!  We were literally outside for probably less than 15 minutes--the wind made it super cold, the snow was dry which meant no snowman, and Elyse decided to take her glove off--which resulted in a cold and wet hand.  So...back inside we came!  

We also made our first ever batch of snow ice cream, but Elyse was more interested in adding sprinkles than actually eating it.  No worries...more for Mommy & Daddy to eat! 

 Monday was a fun, relaxing day with no plans but staying inside and watching movies...Tuesday we unfortunately had to head back to work and the real world--but I'll take an unexpected snow day anytime!  And now...the snow can melt and Spring can come, we're getting a little bit of cabin fever around here!

Valentine's Day with Two Sweethearts

Obviously, this was our first Valentine's Day with two sweet girls.  My intentions are always really great for holidays other than Christmas...but honestly life typically happens so sometimes I'm scrambling!  And I've learned to extend myself some grace for not having a Pinterest-worthy holiday celebration for every holiday.

Case in point...I had intentions to make Valentine's Day crafts with Elyse and possibly even Nora, but time just got away from me.  I was proud that Elyse & I at least made Valentine's Day spritz cookies with my new cookie-press.  She was in charge of decorating...and needless to say we had plenty of sprinkles & colored sugar on the floor!  ha!  

This year we hadn't really planned much...and I told Hubby that if we were going to do anything as a couple, he was in charge of planning.  Well...on Thursday he surprised me with dinner plans to a great restaurant in Branson, complete with my mother-in-law coming to the house to watch the girls and put them to bed!  We had a wonderful evening, kept our phones put away except to check to see if Mamaw had called, and ate a delicious dinner at Level 2 Steakhouse.  We were only gone from 6-9, but it was so nice to just get away for a romantic dinner.

 On Saturday morning we had a quick donut breakfast and Elyse headed out with my in-laws to watch my nephew's play basketball.  Hubby volunteered to watch Nora while I headed out to make some birthday returns and spend some birthday money!  I picked up some great things for Spring and now I just can't wait for this snow to melt!!!

We had a quick lunch with my in-laws after they brought Elyse home and then after naps Hubby took all his girls on a date.  We had Mexican food and Froyo before coming home and putting both girls to bed.  Hubby & I finished off the evening with a movie on the couch...a pretty great Valentine's Day if you ask me!

I actually thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with my girls, as a family of four, celebrating how much we all love each other.  And Hubby & I have decided that we may just celebrate every year on February 12!  

Our Princess & the Pea!

One of the big transitions we chose NOT to tackle before Nora was born was moving Elyse to a big girl bed.  She never once tried to climb out, other than that time when she was 10 months old, and since her crib converted into a full size bed we chose to just buy Nora a new crib instead of switching everything around. 

Elyse has been napping in either a queen or king size bed for the past several months with absolutely no problems, so I was hoping that once the time came it would be a smooth transition.  I really didn't have a timeline for it, but back before Christmas Hubby & I decided that we'd try and make the transition sometime in February when mattresses were on sale for President's Day.  This decision was even further confirmed when we realized that some nights Elyse was struggling to fall asleep because there truly wasn't enough room in her crib for her long legs & all her stuffed animal friends!  Hubby even had to remove all of them one night just so she could fall asleep. 

A couple of weeks ago we ordered the mattress and it came in the next week...so last Saturday morning Hubby & I worked to transform our little girl's nursery into a big girl room. 

We pushed one side up against the wall and we have a bedrail on the otherside that we put up for her overnight.  

She looks so little in the huge bed!  

 I didn't change much of anything, except for the size of her bed and buying her new bedding that already matched the decor from her nursery bedding.  A pink & ruffly comforter with princess crown sheets...this little girl couldn't have been more in heaven!  

It's pretty wonderful to be able to cuddle in bed before she goes to sleep reading books and singing songs.  

Yup, that's daddy underneath all of those stuffed animals!  

I really wasn't concerned about the transition and so far, so good.  She stays in bed at night when she goes down and for the most part she has stayed in her bed in the morning.  This morning we did have to take her back at 5:15am, but otherwise she's been great.  I do think we might have to purchase some sort of toddler clock to let her know when it's acceptable for her to come into our room.  

I'm thankful that we waited so long to make this transition, it seems to have made things a lot easier too since she had been napping in a bigger bed for so many months...she's done so great & I just hope that it continues!  

Elyse's Day Out

Not long after Nora was born, my precious mother-in-law made a priceless suggestion.  "You know," she said, "once Nora starts taking a bottle, I'd be more than happy to keep her if you want to have some quality time with just Elyse." 

 

With the craziness of the holidays and also just enjoying our time at home, time slipped away from us and before I knew it, it was the week before I was supposed to head back to work.  However, we had one day that would work for us and I quickly snatched it up.  I wanted the day to be all about Elyse so I planned some of her favorite things, and a new activity as well. 

First up, we headed to an educational store so I could look at a few things...but Elyse also got to play with their train table, which honestly probably ranks near the top of her list for favorite things to do.  If we had more room I would totally buy our girly girl a train set! 

 

Next up was what I was most excited, but yet the most nervous about.  I made appointments for us to have pedicures at this place that has butterfly chairs for little girls and a huge Little Mermaid mural on one wall.  I honestly didn't know how Elyse would do...sometimes she is so super shy around strangers and even a little hesitant when it's a new situation.  To make her feel as comfortable as possible, I let Elyse pick out our paint colors...pink for her and purple for me.

And she totally surprised me...she sat there like a big girl and even engaged with the "nice lady" who painted her toes bright pink and added white flowers on her big toe! And when she was done, she stayed put so they would dry while they finished up with me. 

After pedicures, we headed to chicken nuggets with the slide aka Chickfila.  Her choice, but certainly not one that I was going to argue with!  We love us some Chickfila!  Of course we also took some time to play on the slide.  

After lunch we headed to ToysRUs to spend a gift card she got for Christmas. She honestly wasn't all that concerned with bringing something home...she just enjoyed herself looking at the Disney princess aisle and admiring all the princesses. Before we left we hopped in the truck at the front of the store for a quick ride...and I honestly couldn't believe how big my little girl looked! 

She finally made her choice (with a little budget help from Momma) and came home with...7 handheld Disney princesses. She couldn't have been happier. 

I'm thankful that I only planned for us to be gone until naptime...I'm not sure she could have taken much more as she passed out on me in the car. 

 

We had such a fabulous day, and I was so thankful to my mother-in-law for giving us the chance to have a day to ourselves.  This little girl first made me a momma and I'm so grateful for every moment I get to spend with her.  She truly makes me a better person and has taught me things I never would have learned on my own.  With Nora's arrival I was slightly nervous about how the transition would go, but she has handled things smoothly & effortlessly and we never missed a beat. 

 

Thank you sweet girl, for being my first born and teaching me more than I could ever teach you. 



Nora Kay Love ~ 2 Months

And on the same day that I headed back to work with my part-time responsibilities, Nora turned 2 months old.  I honestly cannot believe how fast time is passing! 

Weight:  We went in for her 2 month well-check just a few hours ago and we're officially at 11 lbs, 6 oz and 22 3/4" long.  Elyse only weighed 9 lbs 14 oz at her two month!  I knew that Nora was bigger, but she's definitely packing on the pounds (or at least ounces)!  She has been wearing size 1 diapers for quite some time now and has some pretty significant chubby rolls forming on her thighs!

Clothes:  We're pretty much completely done with newborn clothes...unless her momma fails to pack the right size and we have to scrunch her little legs into a newborn sleeper.  Of course, not that I would have any experience in that!  I haven't packed away any of her newborn stuff quite yet...we'll see when I actually get motivated to get that done. 

Food:  Yeah, obviously this girl could give lessons on how to eat!  She is still eating great, and has learned to take a bottle of pumped milk just as well.  My milk supply seems to have finally leveled off and while I still think I'm producing enough for at least two babies...Nora doesn't seem to be choking and gagging anymore which is a great improvement.  She's having somewhere between 6-7 feedings a day and is taking 2.5-3.5 oz at each feeding. 

Sleep:  Oh man, I hate to even talk about this.  First off....this girl has not figured out the bliss of a LONG nap.  She goes down incredibly easy, sleeps for 45 minutes, wakes up, and I typically can get her to go back down but sometimes that involves me rocking or holding her for the remainder of the nap.  However...I'm not about to complain about her napping because this girl is a rockstar when it comes to her overnight sleep.  She eats her last meal about 8:00 in the evening and then had found a pretty good routine of waking once to eat during the night and then sleeping until 6:30-7:00.  However, these last two nights she has slept ALL night!  Woohoo!  Elyse did this a bit around this same age but it didn't last...let's hope this time around is different!

                                                 

Activity:  We're definitely getting more activity these days.  She LOVES laying on her piano mat looking at a little mirror and also just laying on the ground looking up at the ceiling fans.  She seems to need sufficient activity for her naps to work at all, so I try not to hold her more than necessary...but it's so hard not to. We're also still working on tummy time, but that's still a work in progress. 

Personality:  Our gassy, fussy little girl has made drastic improvements now that we've got my milk supply under control.  She truly only fusses when she's tired or super hungry...and once she gives into her tired eyes, she's much happier.  She has also learned that a pacifier can have some great soothing effects, so we keep these nearby.  She's starting to give us those adorable gummy grins and is responding with some seriously precious cooing...I can't hardly stand it!   

Likes:
Rocking.  I'm so thankful that we purchased two new rocker-recliners before she arrived.  She loves to rock and this seems to be the easiest way to soothe her during her few & far between fussy periods. 

Elyse.  She is really starting to interact with Elyse and watch her every move.  I know this is only going to increase drastically in the coming weeks and months and it's absolutely precious to watch. 

Bathtime.  This is an easy way to keep her awake or make her happy for a few moments before her nighttime feeding.  I'm thankful that she doesn't seem to mind bathtime. 

Her Momma. Yup, she's a momma's girl and I'm perfectly okay with that! 

Dislikes:

Clothing Changes.  She doesn't really mind the diaper changes anymore, it's just the true clothing changes that she doesn't like.  And I honestly can't blame her.  We keep her so warm and cuddly that when it's time to change clothes I'm sure she gets quite chilly laying on her changing pad! 

Nasal Aspirator.  With the cold, dry air of the winter she's pretty much had a runny nose since she was born. Which means we get to use the nasal aspirator or the Nose Frieda quite frequently...baby girl is NOT A FAN!

Elyse & Nora: As I mentioned above their relationship continues to grow and grow.  Elyse is a big helper and I'm so thankful that she's as independent as she is.  We're having to work with Elyse on not messing with Nora while she sleeps...but other than that she's been great.   

2 Month Milestones:

First Smile on Camera--01/13/2015

First Bottle Out--01/21/2015

First Babysitting Experience with Papa & Gigi--01/24/2015

Project 365: January

And just like that, almost a month has passed since I blogged.  And if I'm being completely honest, it's been that same period of time since I've actually sat down at a computer and typed.  Phones and iPads are nearby most all the time and actually sitting at a computer isn't anything that ranks high on the list of priorities...but as of tomorrow, that's about to change.  Tomorrow I'll be heading back to work, in the same part-time roll I had before Nora arrived.  

Nora arrived on December 2, and really between the newborn fog and the holidays...December is a blur!  January we hit our stride with normal life as a family of 4 and I couldn't be happier!

And while there are so many other things to document, namely Nora being 2 months old tomorrow...WHAT!?!?  And my feelings on heading back to work...I decided to play a quick game of catchup via my iPhone pictures and Instagram Project 365.  So, hold on, there's a whole lot of cuteness about to come your way, thanks to two precious girls who have stolen my heart completely!  

 We helped Nora learn how to play the piano...

We celebrated surviving the first month of Nora's life...

We spent time with our cousins...

We took lots of baths, and I promise...we enjoyed most of them...

We did laundry.  LOTS of little girl laundry.  

We spent time with Papa & Gigi...

We were just too cute for words...

See...more cuteness from Queen Elsa...

More baths with the Bath King...Daddy!...

We spent lots of days at home and never got out of our jammies...

We had dinner with Cousin Harper...

We all acted silly and like big kids...

We slept in Momma's arms and Momma loved every moment...

We dressed up like Sheriff Callie to eat donuts at Mamaw's house...

We built gigantic towers of blocks...

We had lots of smiles and lots of comparison talk about how much the girls look alike...

We had playdates with friends that ended up with passed out kiddos...

We watched movies and Momma marveled at what a beautiful little girl this one has become...

And at how fast this one is changing...

We started sitting like a lady to read coloring books...

We got lots of snuggles from Momma...

And maybe even more snuggles from big sister...

Momma started working out again and headed back to Zumba class...

We found some new favorite outfits...

And we fell in love all over again with baby jeggings, baby fingers, and baby socks...

Momma had a girls' night out with her besties...

And we enjoyed a few sweet treats after we successfully had both girls in bed...

We dressed up in adorable clothes and made faces that made our hearts melt...

We had family nights out for dinner...complete with Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches...

Papa & Gigi watched BOTH girls while Momma & Daddy had a date night...

And I fell more in love with this man as he became the daddy to another beautiful little girl...

We played our own version of Where's Waldo?...

We started grinning and smiling more than just when we had gas...

We watched movies and read stories and played games and spent our days learning our new normal...

And we enjoyed an unseasonably warm day by venturing out to the park...

Momma wore Nora while Elyse burned off some serious cabin fever...

Momma & Elyse had a date day complete with pedicures, lunch at Chickfila and a trip to ToysRUs...

We spent some time at Gigi's house...but she also got a break for awhile before taking back over as babysitter...

We bought Elyse a big-girl bed (to be installed in a week or so when it comes in)...

And we went to Bears games to cheer on Mommy's alma mater...

This month has been full of great joys...and obviously some difficult times as well.  However, I'm so thankful for these last 31 days with my girls.  I wouldn't trade it for the world!