Daddy Love

Jump!

This is Brooklynn's favorite game. (Well, one of them.) I think she especially loves it because she only plays it with Daddy. I was watching them the other day and just had to capture it on camera. Watch how FAR she jumps. (That is my sarcasm.) It's so cute, she makes such a production and barely leaves her stool. She loves it, though. Whatever makes her laugh and smile is fine with me. :)

Brooklynn's New Phone

Brooklynn has been playing with her new "foot phone"...perhaps she has it confused with an "eye phone"??

Peekaru

Here we are modelling the Peekaru Fleece Baby Carrier Cover. I LOVE it. I am so excited to finally get to use it. Josh got it for me for my birthday back in JUNE and I tried it with Brooklynn but it was so hot all summer, and then by fall I was way too pregnant to have her in the sling anymore. So now we use it all the time. It's great because Gabby doesn't have to put on extra clothes for outside, I throw this over her and the Moby Wrap (or Baby K'Tan...or any other carrier) and we're off and toasty warm. Thanks again, Josh! Maybe I'll let you borrow it one of these days. :)

Also, Brooklynn stays happy. She can play to her heart's content outside. Today we were getting ready and she brought it to me like, "here, Mommy. We're going outside."

Sisterhood

Brooklynn is adjusting a little more every day to having a baby sister around here. She thinks Gabby is HER baby, and I think she gets mad at me when I try to do anything for her. Letting her hold her and feed her occasionally is helping her feel like she's in charge. When we let her hold her she loves it for about 10 seconds. She gives her a kiss, makes sure to point to her feet and then straightens out her body like, "GET THIS THING OFF OF ME!" And then we're done. It's a love/hate relationship with those two already.

Here they are in their cousin's matching pajamas. They are so cute and snuggly. It's amazing how well I had to plan this picture. The timing of when to get Gabby dressed because she HATES to get changed, and also when she was awake, combined with messy Brooklynn who gets everything dirty very quickly...it was weeks in the making, people! 

Hearing Test

Gabby had to get a second hearing test because she didn't pass the first one. I thought I would document how much she enjoyed it. :)

(You are supposed to have a very calm or sleeping baby for this test, so I thought it was extra humorous.)

We actually got her hooked up and then I nursed her and she did fall asleep...and she passed the second time. She just gets this upset instantly when she is hungry. Just like her Mommy much?

Gabby--2 weeks

Gabby is pretty easy going but she really hates to: 

• not be eating 
• Be poopy or wet 
• Be changed (diaper OR clothes) 
• not be held

She eats so much that one of her new nicknames is "Grubriella" I also call her Gabs, Crabriella (when she is crying) and sometimes I shorten Grubriella to just Grubs. Hey, it makes me laugh to myself which helps me keep my sanity which helps me get through this very demanding period of newborn. 

We've actually figured out that if I keep her in the Moby Wrap all morning, she sleeps and I can play with Brooklynn. So far this week we have gone outside most of the morning because it's been so nice. I'm not looking forward to the cold coming back next week. Then I either take a nap with Gabby in the afternoon, or I put her back in the Moby. Very very occasionally I can trick her and actually put her down for a nap. Most of the time this lasts for about 5 minutes and she gets mad at me that I put her down. I'm trying to cherish this time, I know pretty soon she will outgrow it and I'll be sad she doesn't let me hold her when she sleeps anymore.

We've also figured out that she can breastfeed lying down! So I do this at night and she eventually falls asleep and I don't have to move her. This has been SUCH an amazing revelation. Brooklynn never could do this, so at first it didn't occur to me to try. I would nurse her, she'd fall asleep and then I'd put her down (just like I used to do with Brooke) and then she would wake up. REPEAT seven times in a row and then make Josh take over. This new way is so much easier. Thanks, Gabby! My life is so much better now. And I love all the extra sleep I'm getting.

We also have learned that Gabby LOVES to sleep on her stomach. I know, I know....these days this is a major no-no. So I do it just at nap time and only then does she actually sleep. She's right next to me so I keep an eye on her and then I'm finally able to put her down. I let her sleep on her side at night since she nurses lying down. 

And, sweet Gabby dear. Your sister Brooklynn finally broke the "nice to her sister" routine and slapped you in the head. On Valentine's Day. I find the whole situation somewhat ironic. Don't worry, Brooklynn got in big trouble. You were eating so you weren't even phased by the entire thing. I'm glad you're proving to be a tough girl so far.

Gabby's First Sunday at Church

Gabby made her debut at church on Sunday. She slept the entire time.

Brooklynn thought they put the Valentine's chocolates out JUST for her. We are continually amazed at how she can make such a complete mess from one tiny piece of chocolate.

Who Does Gabby Look Like?

So I can see both of us in little Gabby. I think she is a pretty good mix. When I first saw her I thought she looked a little like Brooklynn, with a scrunchier face (like mine). Then I saw this picture of Josh and I was completely floored...they are little twins. I'm still not sure. Maybe she is just a good mix. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

To my three Valentines: I love you so much.