Charlotte - Week 2

Charlotte continues to be a joy and a wonderful addition to our family. She has such a sweet spirit and you can just tell she can't wait to smile. She's been a lot more alert over the past week and is just taking everything in. She is very patient with her big sister and endures the many "holding sessions" complete with smothering kisses, too hard squeezes and shrieks in the ear. The one good thing is that she's learned to sleep through anything!

Charlotte had her first dr. appointment last Thursday and she was perfectly healthy but was only weighing in at 7lbs, 4 oz - which the dr. said wasn't enough weight gain. She has another appointment next week just to be sure she's gaining enough, she's supposed to gain 1 oz/day! She definitely feels heavier to me so I'm sure she'll pass the next appointment with flying colors.

Big sister Ruby is doing much better with the big adjustment. We still have our challenging moments or afternoons but at least they aren't full challenging days anymore. :) Ruby has started going to school on M-W-F until 2:30 now instead of until noon and she loves it. It also has given Mommy and Charlotte a little more bonding time.

Charlotte has been here for 2 weeks now and we haven't had to cook a meal yet! Our friends and neighbors have been so wonderful and generous and we've had a hot meal delivered just about every day since we've been home! We couldn't ask for better friends.

First bath.

Milk coma.
Just thought this was a neat comparison. This is Ruby at 3 weeks.

Storytime.

Playtime! Taking it all in.

Holding Charlotte for a few quick minutes before heading off to school.

Sleeping through the torture.

Getting so tall!

Being silly before school.

Charlotte - Week 1

Charlotte Mackay was born on Wednesday, September 15th at 8:03am. She weighed in at 7lbs, 14 oz and was 20 inches long. She looks exactly like Doug and very similar to Ruby when she was born. The whole c-section process went so smoothly and we couldn't be happier with the hospital and staff. A really great experience over all. I'm recovering MUCH quicker with this c-section than I did with Ruby and am feeling pretty great one week out.

Auntie Em came and stayed with Ruby while we were in the hospital and it was a life-saver. Ruby was so excited to spend time with Em and it just put Doug and I at so much ease to know Ruby was being so well taken care of. Thank you Auntie Em, we love you and appreciate you so much.

Charlotte is one chill baby. She is laid back and content, a great eater and marathon sleeper! I guess she knew she had to be the calm one with big sister Ruby already here to runs the show. We are so in love with Charlotte already and are cherishing every moment of her being this small.

The first couple of days back home were a bit challenging with Ruby but the past couple of days have really been great. Rubes is a great big sister and always wants to hold and cuddle and kiss her baby sister. She's always right there to pass me the wipes and diapers or go get me the burp cloth or give Charlotte a pacifier, if she wants it or not :). She really is doing great. Today was my first day home alone with both of the girls and it went really well. I'm finding it amazing what I can do while breast-feeding, like give Ruby a bath. :)

We can't wait to see what Charlotte's personality is going to be like but so far she seems like a "go with the flow" kind of gal. She's very sweet and just loves watching the mobile on her pack 'n play. We can't wait to watch you grow Charlotte! xoxo

Welcome to the world, baby girl!

Proud Mommy and Daddy.

So small and sweet.

You forget how small they are until you see them with their Daddies.

Cuddles with Mommy.

Ruby and Charlotte meet.

Love at first sight.

"Daddy, give her back - she's MINE!"

Sisters.

Melts my heart.

A proud and very loved Auntie Em.

Sorry babe, had to add this. Doug just HAD to try out my leg compressions.
Hehe.

Sneaking a last cuddle before we head home.

Rubes is excited to FINALLY bring baby sister home!

Can we go yet?

Chilling out with Charlie.

Watching her mobile.

Ruby likes to hold Charlotte. A lot.

So tiny.

The End of an Era

Well, this is our last post as a family of 3! It's been a wonderful, wonderful 3 years with Rubes and we hope we never forget how precious every moment was with just her. Along with the sentimental feelings come the feelings of excitement and joy for our new little girl who will be joining us tomorrow morning! We can't wait to see what she looks like, what her personality is like and how she'll fit in to our little family. We're thinking she'll be the laid back one. :)

Auntie Em arrived this morning and Ruby is just beside herself with joy. She's so excited to spend the rest of the week with Em's undivided attention. She's VERY excited about her baby sister whom she's still insisting we name Arthur and seems to understand the whole process. We know she'll be the best big sister.

Thanks to everyone who followed this blog over the past years. I'm planning on doing a weekly update for our newest little peanut for the first year like I did with Ruby and continue this as more of a family blog as well. Love to you all!!

xoxo
Julia, Doug & Ruby (for the last time)

What finger painting when Daddy's in charge looks like.

She's quite creative.

Painting a "sisters" picture frame.

Daddy and Rubes at the bowling alley.

Our dancing queen.

AUNTIE EM IS HERE!!!

Here are a few pictures from our maternity photo shoot.