If a new baby can't make you update your blog, then not much else can, I would guess. Which is a bit ironic since it was the pregnancy with its associated sickness and fatigue that made me abandon it in the first place... But now that she's here, I want to show her off, of course. She joined our family on September 18, weighing 8 pounds 10 ounces, 20.5 inches long.
The first time they met her, Elsie and Jess had different reactions. Elsie thought she was wonderful, like her new precious little doll. She still thinks that, and often brings me outfits for her from the closet, telling me that she wants her to wear this today. At first Jess was indifferent (as can be seen by his interest in the plugs on the hospital wall), and his first question was, "Where's the other baby?" We're not sure if he thought that all babies have to have a twin, or if he just wasn't that excited with this one. But since then, he has been the most loving big brother around, singing to her when she cries, and insisting that I give her more milk.
These next few pictures are from this past week, so that the family members who haven't seen her for a month can see how much she has changed, now weighing 13 pounds 6 oz.:
And lastly, this is one of my favorite pictures from the pregnancy. I received frequent checks from my 2 year olds to make sure that the baby was okay. They were very interested in the baby the whole time. We found out we were pregnant on their 2nd birthday, and when we told them that I had a baby in my tummy, Jess just looked at me with huge eyes and then yelled, "Get it out!" My favorite quote from Elsie came one time when she was giving my belly kisses, then stopped and looked up at me and asked with concern, "Where's the baby's mommy?" like who could just leave their baby in there. When I tried to explain that I was the baby's mommy, she simply shook her head no.
The results of the kids' efforts.
For their costumes this year, the kids chose the costume that follows their current obsession. Elsie is Sleeping Beauty, as she is fascinated by all things princess. There are times when she will only answer to Sleeping Beauty and will correct you if you refer to her as Elsie, even during prayer. And Jess has been fascinated with Thomas and all trains since last February. So much so that everything he plays with becomes a train, even if it's Elsie's doll stroller. Not a day goes by that he doesn't get to play with his train set.
