Our sweet, Remy Mae.

Yesterday our tiniest turned ONE.  And over the last year we've been learning about life with two. And I've decided that there isn't a way to balance it all, but you just do the best you can.  Then when you make mistakes you dust yourself off and try the best you can, again.  It's been a beautiful, challenging, learning, heart-opening, sleepless and giggle-inducing year. 

I've been away from my blog mostly because I haven't worked out my timing to get everyone napping at the same time.  Or when they are I'm hustling around the house to tidy up or sitting down with a glass of wine once everyone is in bed.  But, I tell you, babies, I love them.  It's pretty heartbreaking that the newborn stage is over, we officially as of August 1st have a walker.  And as of today, she is climbing everything.  Let's just say she's been keeping me on my toes.  

Our Remy Mae, you have such a sweet nature and calm presence.  Your once chocolate colored hair is now light, long and wispy.  Your puckered lips are beginning to make the funniest expressions as you learn new sounds. Your favorite place to be is in my arms. While from time to time, it's worn me out; but I can't tell you how sweet it is to feel so utterly loved by you.  

You think your big sister is the funniest person around and you enjoy having her entertain you with her exuberance.  It's so fun to watch your sister relationship develop and I was so proud today as Chloe called you her best friend.  If there is anything I know about sisterhood, it is that the bond is so deep.  (For the record, brothers are pretty great ,too.) You are showing so much affection toward daddy as the months go on.  You crawl across the house and squeal with delight when he comes home at the end of the day and you are so happy when he dances with you in the kitchen.  And if anyone can get you to eat your veggies it's daddy.  He knows all the funny sounds and silly faces that get  you interested in exactly what we've dished up for dinner.  

You've gone from a sleepy newborn to a curious toddler and frankly, the cliche is true, I'm not quite sure where the time went.  But, I'm making a vow: to slow down, savor the moments and to not think too much and simply embrace life as it unfolds.  (And to blog more.)  

It's a joy to be your Mama and a gift to call you my daughter.       

Me and the girls.

My first day at home with two.  Kevin is now self employed so, he returned to work the following Monday after Remy was born.  To be honest, I had no time for the apprehension to build.  We just dove into daily postpartum life of rest, recovery and how do I juggle two babies at once.  In these early days I'm most thankful for growing patience, prayer, plentiful food and let's be really honest moments when no one is crying.  Because oh those hormones, and adjustments can be a beast some days. Breath in, breath out.    

 

First Bath.

Because these moments are too sweet to not document.  Here is me and Chloe giving Remy her first bath.  It's been nearly 4 months now, so this was way back in September.  I tell you, we are still adjusting to a new home, new baby, new career.  I'm playing catch up so these moments don't slip by too fast.  I'm certainly taking photos daily so stay with me.  (wink) And, yes I really am as tired as I look, and it's all worth it.

Chloe was so proud to be my helper.  

Bun still baking...

...and I've been so absent on documenting, at least on my blog here.  I'll give you a recap, because I want to remember these special days.  Days while our baby bloom (a.k.a. baby sister) is growing, kicking, stretching my belly and heart in new ways.

I had a waist...it's hard to remember.  15 weeks pregnant.  

Hello, baby girl!

This book was no help...but I think we are getting closer.

Shaken Iced Passion Tea, unsweetened yet so fruity.

Like with my first pregnancy, I can't get enough watermelon.

Afternoons in the grass.

Nesting err, shopping.

In Sedona on our way for a date.

Stripetastic.

Visits to the OB.

27 weeks here.

As the weeks to my "due date" narrow, I'm finding myself so amazed that soon I will have two daughters and another little one to love up.  I'm not sure why, but my pregnancy seems so surreal this time.  Perhaps, it's because my days are so full that sometimes I catch myself forgetting.  Then at the end of the day I lay in bed and ponder all the changes to come.

12 weeks to go.  Welcome, third trimester.  I've had the nesting urge for quite a while now and I'm sure a lot of it is because I can't actually nest until a few weeks when we are in our new home.  Yep, next week we will be packed up and temporarily in a hotel.  We'll be there about 8 days until Kevin is officially done with his final contribution to the project here at the end of the month.  We ought to be pretty busy these next few weeks.

The discomfort of third trimester has arrived so moving is a welcomed and exciting distraction to keep my mind off of the waiting game.  And before I know it, I can spend my sleepless nights decorating and unpacking the nursery before our little one arrives.  Oh, the nesting, I love the nesting.

A new home, new career, new baby, this ought to be a very exciting summer.

Mother's Day weekend, 2013.

It's a GIRL!

Yesterday's ultrasound revealed a healthy baby girl. Chloe is thrilled to be getting the little sister she's been requesting from day one.  It was so fun to share the reveal moment as a little family at the doctors office yesterday. Watching little limbs move back and forth on the monitor and listen to that beautiful strong heartbeat. That is the part that gets me a bit misty every time. Mr. Locklin might have been a bit misty, too. What can we say, we love these girls.  It's exciting to think that come August we will have a pair of sisters.  Yay!

And then we splashed!

Kevin with his darling Aunt Sheryl.

It was a simple party with a couple of our local friends.  Summer in Arizona is too hot to be anywhere but in the water.  And a splash party is so much more relaxing for parents of non-swimmers.  We had so much fun playing at the Scottsdale Quarter and had a light lunch and cupcake before every one was ready for a long afternoon nap.  What a great way to spend the day.

We are so happy to have met a few great friends.  I'm certain we'll be friends for many years to come.