Two months old

My how time flies! Our sweet lovey Lydia is two months old today. She has morphed over the the last few weeks from newborn to baby. More of her hours are spent awake and she is falling into a nice routine. This couldn't have happened at a better time as I'm going back to work this week. She is a good sleeper, only getting up once in the night. We have mastered our time to minimize how long I'm up and it's all coming together nicely. She is such a happy and content baby never make much of a fuss unless she's hungry, tired, or needs to be changed. Sometimes she cries in her swing but as soon as I pick her up she's settled. Sometimes she just wants to be held. I think she might be a cuddler. She is really beginning to smile more and it's just the cutest thing. I could hold her and watch her all day. I love to see how she changes every day as she's more alert, you can tell she's soaking everything in observing the world around her. 

Grace is starting to learn to be gentile with her little sister but still needs to be closely watched, I see the love Grace has for Lydia and I hope it continues through their kids. I know it won't always be sweet between them, I just pray they come back together as they are today ❤️

Lydia 2 months 

Grace 28 months 

 

It's been three years.

Three years ago today, July 17, 2011 we finally got the good news that I was pregnant. We had been trying for about six months. I was beginning to get very frustrated and had gotten to the point where I couldn't put my whole heart into it. Of course that's when we hit the jackpot. July 17 2011 our lives forever changed and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Summer Adventure: Camping!

Way back in the depths of the cold dark winter we started dreaming of summer. I think it was in February that I dared to make camping reservations for the end of June. While I was 5/6 months pregnant we had no idea what we were asking ourselves to do. 

Once our Lydia was born I seriously contemplated canceling our reservations at Holland State Park, but decided not to. I'm so glad that I trusted my hesitation and that we dared to tent camp with a two year toddler and a five week old. Had anyone else told me they had the same plans I would have thought them crazy (and we probably are a tad nuts for doing it). 

Being on this side of the experience I'm so happy we experimented with the unthinkable. We had our melt down moments but overall it was a great experience filled with memories I will carry with me always. Grace thought it was just so fun sleeping in a tent with her camping bag. She played with friends who came out to enjoy the evening, went to the beach and for a few walks. She had her first S'more and got really dirty. Lydia slept better than she ever has and we enjoyed a number of smiles from her. 

Above all of the wonderful experiences for our girls, Nate and I had the opportunity to really relax. Once the girls were in bed we could sit by the fire without care. There was no pressure or guilt for needing to do anything around the house: fold laundry, dishes, or cleaning of any sort. We were able to sit, talk and enjoy each other's company by campfire. 

As crazy as the whole thing sounded and still does even though we already did it. I'm  so happy we took this opportunity. It was more fun than I could have imagined and I can't wait to do it again.