Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Easter 2013

I love this holiday to reflect on Jesus Christ and his gift to us. It is neat to hear the girls talk about it, and realize they actually do catch on to more than I think (often discussed when they think I’m not listening). They love watching the church videos about the events. Seoul’s favorite video is actually the Crucifixion. I love their love of the gospel and Jesus Christ.

Of course we had the traditional activities. This year we went to Hope Village again and I was so frustrated. I totally thought we were on time but missed the egg hunts for both girls! Last year they started late and had a few minutes between the age groups. This year they started right on the dot and started one hunt right after another. With my urging Seoul went with the next age group but got intimidated so she only got a few eggs. Our friends were nice enough to share a couple pieces of their candy!

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We went to Cutsforth’s Thriftway for the annual Easter Bunny photo. The line was long so the girls had plenty of time to see what was going on and be prepped they would be sitting with the Easter Bunny. No tears!

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They give out little goody bags and this is what happened immediately, then this in the car:

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On Easter Sunday the girls found their baskets and had their egg hunt. We keep it simple but they love it! We love to see their joy and enthusiasm!

These are their Easter dresses I made this year. I didn’t get a great picture of them together to show off the dresses. I let the girls choose the fabric and they chose different. At least they are the same style.

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After a lovely Church, we headed to my brother’s for a fantastic Easter dinner. We all gorged ourselves, I think!

We did a random photo shoot and here are the many pictures. I love my family so much! We are goofy and fun! Seoul and Sydney are so photogenic but they are not fans of being in front of a camera.

and the adventures begin…

Seoul being the maternal, older sister that she is… protecting the new baby from the impetuous. younger sister. But oh, how they love her! Lots of holding and loving and gazing in this household. And through it all, she sleeps…
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As I reflect on the months since Sierra has joined our family, I feel so lucky to have the transition I did. Both Seoul and Sydney are so loving and gentle with the baby. Before she came I thought I would NEVER leave Sydney alone with her, but she has proven to be a little caretaker in her own way… bringing little toys and singing her songs and even trying to get her to take the binkie. I feel pretty comfortable letting the girls play and take care of her while I am moving about the house or showering. They still love on her so much and are so concerned about “their baby.”
I love it!

{April 2013}

Kelley’s joke

The first night home from the hospital Kelley thought he would be funny and post this picture on Facebook with the caption: Good night Sierra!

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I LOVE the comments… not really looking and saying something, then doing a double take and having to comment again on their mistake. Kelley is such a goof!

(By the way, this doll was a gift… and it is probably bigger than Sierra. The head certainly is!)

But here she is really.

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

day 3 - time to go home!

The anticipated check out time of 11:00 AM came and went. I was pretty antsy and ready to leave. Sierra's blood sugars weren't quite where they needed to be consistently so there was even talk of keeping her another night! I cheered her on as much as I could, nursed her often, and just prayed we could go home today as a family.

Finally we did in the afternoon! Time to start real life... I'm glad it went better than the preparation for a new baby did. Kelley brought down the car seat from the attic. It was not fresh, unfortunately. The straps were in the wrong spot because Sydney had used it last. We are grateful for my sweet sister-in-law who washed the newborn clothes for us. People probably thought we were first-time parents as I struggled with moving the straps as the car was running. Poor 3rd child!

Ready to take my baby girl home!

Getting a little rest in the big bed as we wait to find out if we can go home today.
Just waiting...

She may have been a bit larger at birth but that newborn outfit is still big on her.
All bundled up and ready to go!

Little head, big hat.

Whew - the parents got the car seat in OK. Time to snooze because that was hard work!

Elated that we are ready to leave the hospital. Nobody was around to take a photo of all three of us. Again, poor 3rd child! Haha!

"Daddy, I missed you!!"

"This is my baby!" The first thing Seoul said as she walked in the door was, "Where is my baby? I missed her!" No love for the mommy or daddy.

Getting started early sleeping on daddy's chest.

First sleep in the cradle from Grandma Salway.