Monday, October 14, 2013

Introducing...

Rachel.  Our newest niece.  She was born at the end of July and this is a picture of her at 2 weeks old when Jonah and I flew out to help and be with this cute family.

(This whole post is with cell phone pictures.  Sorry.)


She is such a tiny little thing born only 5lbs 6oz.   And she was late!  My sister had quite the birthing experience but everything turned out just fine.  She was overdue and just like G, she was scheduled to get induced that day and then went into labor on her own.  When her contractions got extra yucky, she got an epidural but it didn't work.  While they were trying to figure that out, Rachel wasn't descending the way she should.  She seemed stuck and with each contraction, they could tell she was in distress.  Dr. decided an emergency C-section would be best.  Within just a few minutes, they had her out and it was an inspired decision because the cord was wrapped around her neck and had 2 knots.  She had expelled muconium (politest way to put it) but luckily had not aspirated any of it yet.  So with this complicated start, Rachel came into this world healthy and strong. Truly a blessing.



Her nickname became Spidermonkey due to her...well, look at her. :)

 

There is something about holding a newborn, or a sleeping baby, that I love. It calms me and I was in need of a baby fix, so this week was great.
 
 
This is Genevieve, only 20 months older than her baby sister.  Geoff, the father, has a theory that this cutest-chunk-of-a-girl-ever, depleted the uterus of all it's nutrients, leaving nothing for her sister letting Rachel come is at a tiny 5lbs. 
 



It took me a few days but I actually won Genevieve over!  This was the girl last Thanksgiving that literally did not leave her mother's hip and cried whenever someone looked at her.  Literally.   But by the end of this week, she was dancing with me, kissing me, letting me get her down from her highchair and getting her up from her naps.  Miracles!  I was so sad to leave because I knew she would not remember me when I see her next time at Christmas.  I figured I am going to have to "50 First Dates" her and make her fall in love with me all over again every time we see each other!  It's worth it!


Katherine and Jonah are about 1 1/2 years apart.  Both have what I call very alpha personalities and I was worried we would spend the week breaking up fights for power.


But they played phenomenally all week!  They are both into imagination/dress up games and it was hilarious to see them try to combine their two versions of play.  The vocabulary of each was completely different.  They would go off fighting in battle and while Katherine would be the Princess Fairy riding off to find her Prince Charming, Jonah would be the Robot Commander slaying the evil minions to find his crystal fractals.


But they adjusted to each other and had a great time.


Which was awesome for Amanda and I. While I cuddled with the baby, Amanda could slowly get back on her feet.  It was perfect. :) 

I also discovered that Jonah is a true northwest boy and had a breakdown every time we went outside.  He could not handle the heat and had a tantrum until the car's air conditioning was on full blast.  I have to admit Phoenix in August is not my idea of perfect weather, but I loved the sun and cherished every moment. 

I am so glad we could go out there while Aaron and Lucas held down the fort.  It was a wonderful week with my dear sister and brother and their adorable girls.  Cannot wait to see how they have all grown come December!



Peace. I'm out.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Should I be worried?

Jonah and I put up Halloween decorations and decided to make ghosts to add to our door.


Jonah was adamant, "Each ghost is spewing burning acid from their mouths to melt the rats and their homes to doom."
Uhhh.....