At 19 Months Old...

She is our pretty, pretty princess and she knows it. 

Lucy Mills,

you are getting more and more fun everyday.  You have certainly reverted back to being a mama's girl, but I believe it's because our days together have made us best buds.  We play, run errands, read books, eat meals, sing songs, and pretty much do everything together.  

While you cry when we part ways at the gym or church nursery, you do have fun and are all smiles when I return to pick you up. 

You are growing more independent when it comes to getting dressed.  You will go to your dresser and pull out pants or socks or shoes and work diligently to put them on all by yourself.

However, your first - child, perfectionist personality quickly gets irritated when you realize you need some help. Poor baby. 

You still love McClain...just not when I hold him.  You decide you always want mama to hold you right when buddy happens to be in my arms.  Good thing I have two arms. 

You love to help {and I use that term loosely} clean up.  Not so much when it comes to picking up your toys, but more so when you can use something "fun."  Hey, I can take all the help I can get! 

When I go to put you in your crib at night, you rub and pat my shoulder and say "nite, nite Mama." Pure preciousness.


Even on the hard days my love, you are a joy. 

It's Worth It

His eyes softly close and his little body finds comfort snuggled against my chest.  Moments earlier he was fighting sleep, and now all 12 pounds of him cradled in my arms has found rest.  Hopefully until the morning. 
His sister has never liked being rocked to sleep, but he wants nothing more.  So I rock him.  I rock him and hold him close and think about what a blessing his little life is to us.  As exhausted as I am and as much as my own bed beckons me, I can not bring myself to leave this moment.  My sleep can wait.  This is worth it.

Earlier in the day, the constant "hey mama," and "mama, hold" from my first born makes me wonder how anything around the house will get done.  Doesn't she know there are floors to clean, laundry to fold, food to be cooked, and emails to be returned? 
No.  She does not.  
All she knows is she wants her mother's undivided attention.  So I sit down on the floor, she crawls in my lap, and I give it to her.  
My to do list can wait.  She is worth it.  This is worth it.

"Maybe I will never sleep past 7:00 in the morning and maybe I will never have time to brush my hair and maybe I will never be able to eat a full meal without getting up and down a million times.  It’s worth it.  Maybe it will always take me twice as long to do everything and maybe I will never have a really clean house and maybe my days of staying out late with friends are over.  It’s worth it.  Anything I have to give up is worth just that one minute when they look at me and call me, “Mama,” when those little hands grab mine and those big eyes look at me as if I hold the keys to the world.  It’s worth it." -Katie Davis

Motherhood has taught me that my life is not my own.  And you know what...it's worth it. I have gained so much more than I have to give up.  These precious children are worth it.

A Man After My Own Heart

I was wrong guessing the gender on both of my babies.  I thought Lucy Mills would be a boy, and I was certain McClain was a girl. 
When it came time to guess baby #2's gender, I assumed that since my first was a girl and I also came from a family of two girls, naturally I would raise two girls. Wrong-o.

I can remember being on the phone with my mom and telling her that even though I did not know what to expect in having a son, I just had the feeling that this little man was going to be the love of my life.  (Second to his daddy of course).

Let me tell you, I can not get over his sweetness.  When we gaze at each other, he flirts at me with his eyes and his entire face lights up with a smile.  I am honored to be this little boy's mama.

Oh, how I want to make time stand still.  I cherish these days with my sweet, sweet McClain. 

The Bumbo

Guess who sat in the bumbo seat for the first time today? 

This guy! 

At first I thought he was going to be too little for it, but as it turns out, he was just the right size.  Travis made sure to capture the moment on video for us.

Lucy Mills and Maggie were a great support system for their favorite Super Buddy.

It's hard work holding that big ol' head up, so a nap shortly followed this new endeavor.  

And with McClain sleeping, big sister had an opportunity to swoop in and try out the baby bumbo.

She's grown just a little since she was last in it...

A Girl on the Run

We went to a nearby park to let Lucy Mills enjoy the playground last weekend.  She was not overly impressed with the playground itself, but she sure loved being outside.  She ran around all afternoon and had the best time.

Lindsay was around for all the fun.

So were Maggie and McClain.

This wasn't Lucy Mills' first trip to this particular park...remember this? 
Lucy Mills at 3 months old

She is growing up way too fast.

Bedtime Buddies

In the afternoons when Lucy Mills gets up from her nap, she likes for me to put "babee" in the bed with her.  From the looks of it McClain likes it too! 

Sometimes she shows him her toys. 

And sometimes they just look at each other. 

But most of the time she gives him kisses. 

I hope that McClain always looks up to her. 

And that she always looks out for him.

I'm sure there will be times they battle it out with each other; but I hope they come back to the tenderness that has been here since the beginning. 

3 Months

 My precious boy is 3 months old today.  

McClain, you are such a special part of our lives and I can not imagine life without you.  You are a delight to take care of, flashing me smiles whenever I feed you, change your diaper, or just talk to you.  Whenever Daddy is in the room, you turn your head towards the direction of his voice.  Loud noises don't seem to phase you - I guess that comes with the territory of having a big sister that is a ball of energy.  You are consistently sleeping through the night now, which makes for a very happy mommy and daddy. 

Your personality seems to be laid back and content.  You enjoy your crib mobile, your play yard, and rides in the stroller.  And snuggling with mommy of course. :) 

You are such a handsome little fella.  Sometimes baby boys have a "pretty" look to them and it's hard to tell if the baby is a boy or girl.  Well there is no question about you McClain - you look every bit a stud. 

I know I say this time and time again, but I LOVE having a boy.  McClain, you can't even talk yet but your eyes and smile say it all.

You adore Lucy Mills.  You smile every time she comes around and you like to watch her to see what she is up to.  

You found your hand this month.  Staring at your little fist entertains you for hours!

Happy 3 months McClain. You are one in a million.

The Trusty Blanket

Lucy Mills has had this pink blankie from her Grandmother since she was born.  It has been a staple during nap time or just whenever some extra comfort is needed.  

Whenever she gets hurt or is just tired, she says "bankie?" and then plops herself on top of it for a good thumb sucking.

Have you ever seen a child suck her thumb with all four fingers pointing up? Must be a Lucy Mills original.

 We sure do love our blankie!

This is how we roll...

at snack time.

Get

every

last

bite. 

Playtime With My Babes

I pulled out one of the toys that Lucy Mills liked as an infant so McClain could start enjoying it.  

"Hey Mom, where's that thing been??"

And enjoy it he does! 

Lucy Mills was a sweet sister and showed him how to make the animals "dance."

Such a cutie!

Lucy Mills quickly became more interested in Daddy's sunglasses.  She knows she is too cool for school in these shades! 

These two are so fun!