Daddies Are Silly

Here is a little video of Lucy and M making their usual mischief...

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

A Case of Toddler

Lately, Lucy has had a serious Case of Toddler. What this means:

1. She will no longer sit in the front seat of a shopping cart. If we decide to put her there, she throws a fit until we can distract her with something interesting.

2. She does not like to hold our hands when walking in public. If we try to hold hands with her, she goes boneless and crumples to the ground, so that we have to peel her off the sidewalk.

3. She has become extremely opinionated about everything, from what she eats to what outfit she wants to wear. I let her pick out some new shoes for the beach, and - of course - she chose pink jellies, which she now refuses to take off.

Modeling her new pink jellies...

4. On any given day, Lucy may or may not nap. 

5. Lucy's bedtime routine has become an Olympic sport. Imagine trying to wrestle a cat into a pair of pajamas. And then trying to brush said cat's teeth while she keeps her mouth clamped tightly shut. Because that's basically what it's like putting Lucy to bed.

6. On the bright side, this phase is a lot of fun. Lucy has a huge imagination, and she is constantly making us laugh with her strange observations. Some of my favorite new Lucy-isms:

- "Cute": Lucy uses the word "cute" about as liberally as a fourteen-year-old girl. Everything is cute. Her shoes are cute. Babies are cute. The rock she finds on the ground is cute. 

- "Oh my gosh.": Lucy likes to say, "Oh my gosh," if she finds something particularly embarrassing or challenging. If she is having trouble opening a baggie of snacks, she might mutter, "Oh my gosh," under her breath. I'm sure she gets this from me, which made me realize how much I must utter the phrase on a daily basis. This child is twenty-three months going on twenty-three years.

- "I do it self.": This is Lucy's most favorite sentence. 

With this new phase come new challenges and struggles. Sure, there are days that I get frustrated and lose my patience. But I also enjoy seeing Lucy gain confidence and independence. I love watching her learn and think and use her imagination. She isn't going to be a toddler forever, so I have to savor these days while I can. 

A Letter to My Second Daughter

Hello Baby,

Right now, you are wiggling around inside of me, and it is the greatest feeling in the world. I am so excited to meet you, and I can't believe we are already halfway through this journey. I can tell by your little picture that you are very adorable. I can't wait for the day that I get to hold you in my arms and see your sweet, little eyes peering up at me. Meanwhile, stay inside me as long as you like (erm... maybe just until August), growing healthy and strong. 

Let me tell you a little bit about this family of yours. You did not get to choose us, and I'm sure there will be times you will want to disown us, but hopefully, you will like us most of the time. Your father is fun and silly. He makes the best scrambled eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches on the planet. He is a really good husband and father, and he loves being a daddy to little girls. He will read you books about princesses and have tea parties with you and your sister. He gives the best advice, and he will cheer you up if you are having a bad day. He will be your counselor, co-conspirator, and cuddle partner. You'll like him a lot.

Your sister, Lucy, is a little ball of energy. She loves to read books and sing songs and "run around". She is also extremely affectionate, and she gives the best cuddles in the world. She already loves you so much, baby. She has a picture of you that the ultrasound tech gave her, and she carries it around with her and looks at it all the time. She calls you "Girl Baby". I hope that the two of you are always close, that you share a wonderful, beautiful bond.

And then, there's me, your undeserving mama. You are a dream come true for me, and I feel so grateful to have the privilege of being a mother to two, precious little daughters. There is so much I want to say to you, but I think this very wise woman sums it up well:

“My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.” 
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

I love you, Baby Girl. We can't wait to meet you!

Love,

Your Family

Lucy's Announcement...

Yesterday, we had our ultrasound appointment. It was so amazing to see our baby, healthy and active and growing! What a beautiful gift, to see that little face and hear that precious, little heartbeat. We also learned the sex. I thought I would let Lucy tell you...

Obviously, we are all very excited! Most of all, I am just thankful for a healthy baby. Thank you for all of your prayers!

19 Weeks

Today, I'm 19 weeks! It's hard to believe that I am almost halfway through my pregnancy already.

As I was taking these pictures, Lucy kept opening and closing the door (where my full-length mirror hangs), making it impossible to get a really good photo. Oh well. Life with a toddler. 

At 19 weeks, baby is about the size of a tomato, 1/2 a pound and 6 inches long. Speaking of tomatoes, did I mention I crave tomatoes like a crazy person? I want them all. the. time. 

Today, we are going to have our ultrasound and find out the sex. I'm so excited! Hopefully, baby won't decide to cross his legs or something. 

18 Weeks

I need to clean my mirror...

As baby grows, my bump is getting much more pronounced. It is definitely obvious I'm pregnant now, which is nice. I am officially out of the "looks like a food baby" phase. The downside is that pants are no longer comfortable. Looks like black leggings or dresses from here on out.

At 18 weeks, baby is the size of a sweet potato, about 5 oz. and 5.5 inches long. He (or she) has been moving a lot, mostly at night or in the early morning when I am lying in bed. I have not had many pregnancy symptoms - just a little heartburn in the evenings after dinner. This baby may not be as hairy as Lucy was. Maybe we will get a little bald, blonde baby this time. 

Have a great week!

Interviews with Lucy

Lucy is at a really fun age. She is becoming more verbal, and she is starting to form memories. I thought it would be funny to "interview" her from time to time, to ask her questions about her life and record her answers. It's amazing the details she can recall, things that I can't even remember sometimes.

I conducted this first "interview" this morning at breakfast. Lucy just woke up, so it took her a little while to start talking.

Next time, I will try interviewing her a little later in the day, when she is feeling a little more chatty.