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.       

Early days.

He's truly an extraordinary dad, willing to help with anything.

The first morning home together.

If we are learning anything with two littles in the house it's breath, laugh and improvise.  And to let lots of things go.  It's truly a lesson that my type A Virgo self could benefit from. And truly some days being in pajamas all day is quite lovely (and necessary).  

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.  

Our Girls.

Chloe a few weeks shy of 3 years and one week old Remy.

 

Coming home.

After one night hospital stay we drove home and snuck in the front door and I could hear the last words of my dad reading Chloe a bedtime story.  I walked upstairs and peeked my head in to see Chloe sleeping soundly.  I'm pretty certain our heads hit the pillow within minutes of arriving home.  A few hours later Remy woke in a loud cry and I heard Chloe's feet hit the floor running.  Upon entering our room she squealed, "Mommy, there is a baby in here!"  Kevin and I couldn't stop giggling about her reaction.  I think we were pretty delirious too.  We spent the next 3 hours huddled together. Chloe checking out her tiny fingers, her teeny toes and talking a mile a minute about her baby sister.

In the days that followed she would proudly announce to each visitor who came, "Here is our baby!".  And inside my heart swelled to ridiculous proportions.

And they became sisters.

Everything people say is true, seeing my girls meet for the first time was a new kind of joy.  Chloe's quiet, calm entrance to our birth room made me realize she knew what a big moment this was.  And then she climbed into my lap and I felt at home again.  Us four all together.

Welcome, Remy Mae.

On Monday, August 12 at 4:04am our littlest daughter was born.  With a squeal she was placed on my chest and took her first breaths while I held her in my arms.  It was just as I had dreamed it would happen.  Weighing 7lb. 6oz. and stretching out at 19 1/12 inches, her tiny body was pink, healthy and strong.

After a couple days of prodromal labor and 22 hours of "real" labor, her arrival, as I announced was "sweet relief" and so much more, that I don't even have words for.  She was born with a full head of dark hair, just as I did had when I was born.

We named her Remy Mae.  Remy- French (like Chloe) and Mae, with the relation to spring and all things growing.  And now, we have two little french flowers.  TWO as in-we. have. kids.  Every time I say, "the girls", it blows my mind.

Three months (gulp) have now passed.  I better get back to blogging so we can document such sweet time.  We've been savoring it and surviving it, day-by-day, often hour-by-hour. Postpartum recovery, around the clock nursing and a very active toddler.  Oh boy, sometimes I (we) really feel in over our heads.  But really, no one prepares you for the amount of love you feel for your babies.  It's extraordinary.  I can't keep myself from snuggling her, closing my eyes tight and wishing I could make time stand still.

So with a long overdue post, welcome to the beautiful world my dear Remy.  You've already have captured our hearts.

(For those who were following my birthing journey, yes, I was able to VBAC.  With the help of supportive doctors, the encouragement of my sweet doula and the dearest husband who coached me through labor.  I was so encouraged and best of all, I got to hold her within seconds of being born.  The best reward ever.)

She's here. (and nearly a month old)

Well, I'll spare you the whiney details of late pregnancy aches, pains, sleepless nights and the anticipation of labor...lucky for you, we can skip all that, because our sweet baby girl is here!
Now, let me find the proper photos and words to appropriately welcome our tiniest love.  I will tell you this much, love is in the air.