Lucy One Month

Dear Lucy,

Have you really been with us for one month already?!  The time has just been flying by.  You are such a sweet addition to our family.  You have been the best thing for your little sister.  I love seeing the two of you together.  There is so much love for you in our home.  You are already teaching us so much and helping me become the mama that I need to be.  When you are awake your eyes are open big and wide.  You are so aware of your surroundings and love to be talked to.  You are not a fan of being left alone, especially when awake.  You prefer to be held, walked around with and bounced.  Most of the things that worked for your sister do not work for you.  We have found out pretty quickly that you do not like to be swaddled.  If we keep your arms out then you are much happier.  You are also not a fan of the binky.  We tried about every binky imaginable.  Luckily you take a bottle pretty well.  You are getting better and better at nursing every day, which makes things a lot easier.  When you get the hang of things, you sure know how to guzzle.  I believe you are going to be a chunky monkey in no time.  Your cheeks lay perfectly on your chest and you have the most adorable double chin developing.  I can't help but kiss your plump cheeks every chance I get.  The rolls on your arms are so yummy and you have the cutest thighs ever.  They already have definition.  You get that from your daddy's side.  Speaking of your daddy, you have his dimples.  When you smile your entire face lights up.  You have two deep dimples that anyone would be jealous to have, especially your mama.  Your hair is extremely fluffy and oh so cute.  I think you might even keep some of it.  You have started sleeping three to four hours each night, which is oh so appreciated by your parents.  You love sleeping with your hands by your face.  You look like an angel when you sleep.  You have the tiniest feet that I just can't get enough of, in fact you are tiny everywhere.  You are still wearing newborn diapers and newborn clothing.  It's funny because you are putting on plenty of weight.  Surprisingly enough you love tummy time.  You have even fallen asleep because it somehow relaxes you.  Whenever you are fussy I lay you on your belly and you seem to calm down.  You constantly make us laugh when you go cross eyed, which is pretty often.  You also purse your lips together and make the cutest pucker face.  We call you our little Blue Steel. 

We love everything about you baby girl and feel so blessed to be your parents.  Thank you for being the perfect addition to our family.  We look forward to watching you grow and develop.

Love,

Your mama and papa.

Lucy's Blessing Day

Yesterday was such a special day.  Tyson was able to bless our sweet Lucy in our ward.  We woke up to rain and a power outage, but we weren't about to let that ruin her day.  I felt my dads presence first thing when I woke up.  I deeply cherish the days were I am surrounded by his love and know that he is there, even though I cannot see him. 

We luckily made it out the door, just in the knick of time.  We are a bit of a circus getting out the door, but we managed with extra hands.  As we drove to the chapel I glanced over at Tyson and immediately had a feeling of gratitude rush over me.  I am so thankful that my husband honors his priesthood and is able to bless my children.  This is something I do not take for granted.

Tyson gave a beautiful blessing were the spirit was felt.  Lucy looked adorable in her dress that my mother made.  I tell her often how amazing I think she is, but I don't think she will ever realize how much I adore everything her hands have made.  Lucy's blessing dress was even more beautiful than I could have imagined.  I so appreciate the time, energy and thought that went into every stitch.  We were worried it wasn't going to fit, but were pleasantly surprised when it fit like a glove.

^^^ My arms are full, but my heart is overflowing. ^^^

My mom and sister made the drive back to California after just being here.  It meant everything to have them there.  I felt incredibly spoiled to have had them both here so often these past couple of months.

^^^ P posing with here favorite treat. YAYA, otherwise known as gum.  Where this girl comes up with her words, I will never know. ^^^

^^^ I absolutely love this little family of mine. ^^^

^^^ Lucy with her amazing grandparents. ^^^

^^^ Great grandma Betty. ^^^

^^^ Aunt Cara and Uncle John. ^^^

We had a brunch over at our house following the blessing.  There were so many people who helped pull it off.  My good friends Megan and Josh even made the drive from Riverside.  We were all up late Saturday night baking and cleaning.  My dear friend Ellie came over and made endless amounts of delicious orange rolls.  My friend Kim's mom made the most scrumptious pumpkin bread that night as well.  Everything turned out wonderfully.  Who doesn't enjoy orange rolls, doughnuts, breakfast casserole, fruit, pumpkin bread, and chocolate milk.

^^^ P along with the other kiddos were in doughnut heaven. ^^^

^^^ My mom was a gem and held Lucy the entire weekend. ^^^

^^^ Meg's and JC, I don't know what I would do without these friends of mine. ^^^

Lucy's blessing day will always hold a special place in my heart.  I am so thankful for everyone who came and supported us and am happy that the weather turned out perfect as well.

Fresh Air

I have finally started to feel somewhat human again.  I am thinking the one month mark is the magic time allotment for recovering from a c-section and adjusting to two kiddos.  I am still wandering around in my sweats and barely remembering to brush my teeth each day, but no longer feel like the hunchback of Notre Dame.  My swelling is finally starting to go down and I can walk around the store without wanting to grab one of those scooters to get me back to my car.  I have yet to attempt to take my two girls out on my own, but progress is being made.  I have even started picking P up.  I realize I am not supposed to pick up more than 10 lbs. but honestly who can keep that up for six weeks.  I feel lucky I was able to go three.  It has honestly been the best thing for me.  I have finally started feeling a sense of independence from doing so.  

In other happy news, FALL has arrived and I couldn't be more happy about this.  If you know me, this is my all time favorite time of year.  I honestly feel like a new person each time fall makes its way.  I have already been to Starbucks countless times to get my fix of their pumpkin spice steamer.  It is seriously amazing!  I have been stocking up on all things pumpkin and have even pulled out the Halloween decor.  I couldn't help myself! 

To make things even better the weather has finally dropped.  While perusing through Costco last night I had to borrow a sweater, to help myself from freezing.  We slept with the windows open and enjoyed the cool breeze.  This morning P and I were finally able to bust out the sidewalk chalk without dripping with sweat.  I love watching her scribble all over the cement.  I'm pretty sure I could never tire of seeing her artwork.

^^^ Please note P's painted toe nails.  Tyson wins the award for best daddy. ^^^

 YAY for FALL and YAY for feeling human again!  We are on the up and up around here.

Lucy's Nursery

Lucy's nursery has been a work in progress, where I have added little touches here and there, as I'm sure I will continue to do so as time goes by.  Penelope is currently sleeping in her room until we make the transition from crib to big girl bed.  She is just breaking it in for little sis.  

Lucy's nursery is an eclectic mix of things left over from P's old nursery, mixed with a few new items.  That old green chair has been a challenge to decorate around, but is too comfy to get rid of and has too many memories wrapped up into it.  I'm sure I will continue to pass it along form nursery to nursery, until we're done having babies.  

I love everything about a nursery.  It's where those restless nights are spent, mixed with fond memories of story time, family prayer, and where I believe dreams are first made.  

^^^ My sweet friend Jess painted this watercolor print for Lucy.  That girl has talent. ^^^

^^^ I have really enjoyed all of the storage space this changing table has to offer.  Two babies in diapers makes for much needed space. ^^^

^^^ I have loved showcasing both of my girls blessing dresses in their nurseries. ^^^

^^^ One of my favorite paintings of all time. ^^^

I look forward to the many memories that will be shared in this room!

crib // changing table // striped throw // faux sheepskin // ruffle curtains // striped crib sheet //star pillow // bla bla dolls // zinc wall letters // knitted pouf // picture ledge // nativity print // wire basket // pom pom garland (yours truly) // chair (thrifted) // quilt & blessing dress (my mother)