Back to COSI & The Park

We headed back to COSI this weekend (here is our first visit) for a little fun and play, and topped the afternoon off at the park.  I love, LOVE the summer!  There are so many things to do and just being able to live outside makes me happy!  Speaking of happy and being outside, I am super impressed with Kate's swinging abilities.  She's two months shy of being three years old and nearly has her "pumps" and "kicks" down.  Girlfriend's got skillz!

I heart this little braid/bow/pony.

Smiling at Daddy-O!

She still looks like my little baby here.

Kate's been loving jumping over a few steps at a time.  I'm not sure where she learned this or what sparked the thrill but it's been a new favorite thing to do.  I typically watch with bated breath.

Running across the bridge with two yellow
plastic balls!

Waiting patiently to "race" them down the slide.

She put them down one at a time!

Learning about moving water!

Once again, without a blue apron.  #oneday

She loved building this water wall.

It was so cute watching her.

And climbing the rock wall.

That little love just melts my heart!

Gettin' some popcorn!

Taste test.

PASSED!  Also, I LOVE this photo!

After naps, we headed to the park to enjoy the hot summer day!

Getting hydrated.  Love the summer flush!

Multi-tasking...

Kate's swingin' skills:

I just love these summer days.

One Month Old

When Maya was born she weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz and was 20" long.  I believe we left the hospital with her weighing 7 lbs. 13 oz., and one month in she is already up to 10 lbs. 13 oz and is now 21 3/4" long!  My baby is growing so fast.  Sigh.  Story of my life.

One month in to being a Mommy of two has been wonderful.  Maya is SUCH AN EASY baby.  I would be willing to wager that she is the world's easiest baby.  Seriously.  She rarely cries.  She is SO alert.  She eats well.  She sleeps incredibly well.  And she is an incredible joy and blessing in our household.

I joke that I'm so glad that she is so easy because this will make politicking for baby #3 that much more convincing to Brian come that time, but it's true.  Having a positive experience this go round will totally make persuading Brian that we should do this again sometime that much easier!  He is so a person that falls back on past experiences to make decisions on future ones.  Thank you, Maya!

I am amazed daily at how wonderful this little love of mine is.  We fell in love instantly when we met her and this past month has been all about adjusting to our new normal.  I've taken the approach this whole month of our normal B.M. (Before Maya) routine with Kate, but I've added our new sidekick, Maya, in.  The sooner we get used to having all of us together, the sooner our transition will not feel like a transition anymore.  And this attitude is working like a charm!

It is totally a combination of Maya being amazingly simple and me also having way more confidence than I did the first go round, but we've pretty much found our normal I'd say.  The first couple weeks were a bit rough, but I am feeling great and Kate has been AWESOME with her little sis and it just makes me so grateful to be living this life.  I get to be the Mommy to these two incredible little girlies.  Somebody pinch me.

At one month we've already seen Maya smile and she is starting to "track" things with her eyes.  She adores her big sister - I mean, Kate tops everything, bar none.  She also LOVES looking at people's faces and contrasting images (like black and white), and going outside.  If ever Maya is a bit fussy, I walk outside and she stops immediately.  She is SO a summer baby!  Last, but not least, she is such a snuggler!  She loves all things soft (blankets, robes, her swing, etc.) and nuzzles her little face into them and it is the cutest thing ever.  I'm not biased.

Her current nicknames include Tiger Cub, Little Love, Maya Papaya, and Maya Miss Papaya (compliments of Kate)!

Maya - 5 days old.  I heart these snuggles!

Maya - 8 days old.  Just a little outdoor snooze!

Maya - 9 days old.  Look at Jackie Bones!

Maya - 9 days old.  More outdoor snuggles!

Maya - 13 days old.  Nuzzling in the swing!

Maya - 14 days old.  Tummy sleeper!

Maya - 14 days old.  So peaceful!

Maya - 14 days old.  Bath time!

Maya - 21 days old.  Nuzzling against softness again!

Maya - 26 days old.  Probably my most favorite photo of the lot!

Maya - One month old.  Snug as a bug!

In not so absolutely wonderful facts about Maya's first month, it appears that we've been dealing with some projectile vomiting episodes.  These started when she was one week old and happen randomly 30-90 minutes after she's eaten.  I think it's because my let down is pretty fast and perhaps she just gets too much for her little tummy?  Nonetheless, the pediatrician has assured us this is normal and not to worry since she is clearly gaining weight and is acting fine otherwise.  That's hard for me though.  I just feel so bad for my sweet little girlie.

We also had about an hour of inconsolable crying after her shots today from the doctor but she calmed down and got in a good nap and after another ice cube tray dinner we celebrated Maya's one month by heading for a walk around the block for some fresh air!  We just can't get enough of the great outdoors this summer!  The weather has been fantastic!

One month check-up.  How adorable is Kate
with her little hand on Maya's head?!

Mommy gets adorned with stickers.

Kate enjoys a snack while I feed Maya in the
car after her appointment.

Sweetest little love after her one month check-up
and a sticker on her arm from Big Sis!

Ice cube tray dinner again.  I think Kate thinks
dinner is supposed to be served in these trays.
I'll have to inform her of what they are really used for.

Our walk around the block.  Two arms, two girls,
full heart.

I've so been enjoying having Maya here with us.  The snuggles are my absolute favorite!  It feels incredible to have her in my arms.  I can hardly believe it's already been a month.

I Want To Remember Everything

I'm just going to get right to the point here: I don't know if we are going to have any more kids.

Brian is very confident that two is a good, solid, strong number for our family.  I, on the other hand, just don't know.  SO MANY people have told me that I'll "feel done" having kids.  Well, I don't "feel done".  It's hard for me to think that Maya is my last baby.  With that being said, however, and with the whole should we have another baby semi-sorta being out of our control anyway, I have always approached Miss Maya as my last baby because I just don't know what the future holds.

You see, I've been reveling in all things newborn baby and not taking a single one of them for granted.  Seriously.  I want to remember everything about how it feels to have a brand new baby because, in my opinion, there is nothing better in this world.

I started making a list of all the things that I want to remember while we were at the hospital (here and here) with Maya, and have added to it while at home.  So many of them I had forgotten about with newborn baby Kate.  When Maya gets up in the middle of the night, I am cherishing those one on one moments, knowing that as each day passes that is one day closer to when she won't want as many snuggles.

So, without further ado, here is my list of everything I want to remember so far:

Baby Soft
-There is that expression, "as soft as a baby's bottom".  But new babies, you see, are soft all over.  From the tops of their heads to the tips of their toes, they are silky, smooth, perfectly soft, and you can't help but snuggle with them at.all.times.  I love this feeling.

The Amazement
-New babies have just entered a whole new world, completely unknown to that of the previous womb world they had been living in.  I frequently see Maya looking around with big, wide eyes, almost with an amazed look on her face, as she learns about this new world around her.  It's incredible to me to think that every single thing is something completely new to her.  It really puts a new perspective on things and while this look does appear fearful at times, I still love it and love the way I can easily comfort my brand new babe should she be scared.

The Flutters
-Along with learning about the world around them, new babies are learning how to survive in this new world too.  I had completely forgotten about the "fluttered" breathing with new baby Kate.  At this hospital, Maya did this quite frequently though she hasn't done it much since day three or so.  It's like she takes a breath in, and in, and in again before she realizes that she just needs to let it out, as if you were trying to take a breath while sobbing uncontrollably.  It's that whole learning to breathe thing.  She does it while she's breastfeeding too and sometimes even takes a moment to look around at this new world.  I love this too.

Breastfeeding
-Speaking of breastfeeding, I love being able to provide my baby with perfect nutrients and nourishment for her body.  This amazes me and I am so proud of my body for being able to do this.  I love breastfeeding and have always had positive experiences with it.

Snuggles
-This may go hand in hand with "Baby Soft" above but brand new babies are perfect for snuggling.  I mean, I don't necessarily know that I'll cuddle someone else's brand new baby like I do my own, but my own gets all the snuggles she wants from me and possibly those that she doesn't want!  They are just so warm and so soft and curl up so perfectly in the nook of your body.  I didn't dare sleep with newborn baby Kate but have several times fallen asleep with newborn baby Maya and slept with her in my arms.  I have even taken her out of her bassinet, while she was sleeping, to get a few more snuggles.  You see, I am really don't want to miss out if, for some reason, she is my last baby.  I love these snuggles.

The Cry
-New babies, at least the two new babies that I have had the experience of birthing, are still finding their voices when they are first born.  With that being said, their "cry" is just the sweetest!  I remember Kate kind of sounding like a pterodactyl.  There was no noise and then out of nowhere was this dinosaur cry.  We have nicknamed Maya, Tiger Cub, because her little cry is so dainty and adorable.  I wish I had a video of it but I don't think I do.  I love this little sound.

Perfection
-I have used this word more than once to describe newborn babies in this post but that is exactly what they are to me: perfect.  Every thing about them is just so darling.  They are so innocent and pure and ... perfect.  I have no other words.  I love their newness.

Skin to Skin
-It is so important to provide that skin to skin for new babies and it feels incredible.  I feel like skin to skin is so infrequent in the adult world.  I mean, other than the intimacy you share with your significant other, there is NO skin to skin with the adult world.  But with a new baby, skin to skin is preferred and Maya loves her some skin to skin with her Mommy.  I love this.

Kisses
-This probably goes hand in hand with "Baby Soft" and "Snuggles" but the kisses.  Oh.My.Word.  The kisses.  They are the sweetest, softest, gentlest kisses you've ever given and they are amazing.  I can't stop kissing that sweet girl of mine and I love it.

The Gentleness
-Everything newborn baby is so gentle.  They way you hold them, or move them, or change their diaper, or love on them - it's all so gentle.  In a few short months, changing a diaper will be like gator wrestling, but brand new babes have it done gently and it just warms your heart.  I love the gentleness.

The Tinyness
-Before we had Maya, Kate was so little to me.  But then we had Maya and brought her home and I distinctly remember feeling like Kate was like a 50 lb. sack of potatoes.  You forget how teensy tiny new babes are because they just grow so fast.  But they are so small, SO SMALL.  Their hands and feet and nose and ears and EVERYTHING is just so tiny (and kissable for that matter!).  It is truly a wonder.  And I love the tinyness.

The Baby Sounds
-Before talking comes cooing and before cooing comes baby sounds.  The cooing and baby sounds stages are just so adorable, especially when your babe makes these little noises while just barely sleeping.  I mean, seriously.  I'm a sucker for some baby sounds.  I love them.

The Wriggles
-New babies wriggle sometimes.  I'm not sure if they are trying to get comfortable or just stretching from being restricted in the womb for the last few months but they wriggle!  And those little moving limbs and head and body are the sweetest.  I love the little wriggles of my baby in my arms.

The Yawns
-New baby yawns are the biggest yawns ever.  And, for that matter, they are also the cutest, most adorable, and sweetest too.  And the fact that they can fall asleep so quickly after letting out one of those big yawns is just heart melting.  I mean, yes, I'm in love.  Totally, completely, utterly in love.

New Baby Smell
-Brand new babes smell amazing.  Everything about them is sweet, even their poo.  And I never thought I'd be one to say that I like the smell of poo.  I can't help but keep this little love close to me when I have her in my arms and I love every scent about her newness.

Their Warmth
-How are our wee ones so warm?!  Seriously.  I'm cold at all times and this little tiny baby of mine is so warm.  I suppose this is one of the factors that makes them so snuggly - their bodies are so warm...and soft...and snuggly...and perfect.  Getting the gist here?!  I love their warmth.

Palmolive Baby
If ever I need to get back to my new baby stage or want a trip down memory lane, I just need a grab a bottle of this stuff and start washing with it.  It takes me right back to my days with Baby Kate and here I am using it again.  It is ALL BABY to me and I love that.

I'm sure there will be more things that I want to remember.  It's incredible how quickly many of these things change even after your baby is just a few days old.  Should Maya be our last baby (it hurts even typing those words), I know that I have truly cherished each and every moment with her.

Perhaps that is one other difference between first time Mommy's and subsequent Mommy's.  I remember being up at night with Kate and just hoping that she would fall back asleep soon because I was SO exhausted.  This go round, I look forward to my late night/early morning dates with Maya and get kind of bummed when she sleeps for an extended period of time.

Ok, I'm obsessed.  She's my baby, and I love her more than I have the words to describe, and I hope being able to look back at this list takes me back to her newborn days.  Because, after all, I want to remember everything.

Snuggling, smelling, kissing, loving on my
sweetest little Maya.

I love you, sweet baby girl.

The Splash Park

On our way to the Hot Air Balloon Festival Viewing yesterday, we passed this Splash Park that Brian had heard good things about.  Since it was a great summer Saturday, weather wise, we decided to try it out!

Kate was a little timid at first but then warmed up and was all over it!  I imagine this will be a popular stop for us come future summers!

Getting her feet wet!

Just taking it one step at a time!

And then one hop at a time!

Then there was this running game where she would
run from Brian in the red to me in the shade!

But it wasn't just a normal run...

...it was a crazy, arm-flailing run as you will
witness in the video below!

Our little splasher!

Maya enjoyed a little nap in the shade in her stroller while all the shenanigans were going on!

Hot Air Balloon Festival

There was a hot air balloon festival in Marysville, OH and we decided on an impromptu trip to check it out.  Marysville is approximately 40 minutes from Columbus, so we made sure Maya was fed and as comfy as possible before we left since we've learned that she loathes her car seat.

When we drove up near the festival, there was a whole slew of people parking near the train tracks and watching from a distance.  We decided this would be a good extent of "festival" for our new family of four and high tailed it up to the tracks.  We sat and watched the balloons in the distance.

I got to snuggle with both of my girlies.  In that moment on the perfect summer night there was nothing that could be better.

My Mama heart swelled with pride from these two little loves and having them both in my arms was like being able to feel how much I love them.

Hot air balloons from the other side of the tracks.

It just doesn't get much better than this.

I think I was made to be a Mama.

Because the love that I have for these two
little girls defies all love I have ever known.

Family of four HABF selfie.

Me and my littlest love.

We were thankful that we stayed on the po' side of the tracks for the festival for on this summer night they only lit the hot air balloons, they didn't actually send them up in the air.  What a let down.

Now we know for next time.

Bathing Beauties

Maya's umbilical cord healed a couple days ago so I've started giving her a bath at night when I give Kate a bath.  Maya has been using our infant tub that we used with Kate and Kate has been so intrigued.  Tonight she said she wanted to get in the tub with Maya, and since I have been very conscious of this new relationship, I am really trying not to thwart Kate's attempts to get to know her newest Little Sis.  The first time Mommy in me would never allow a toddler in our INFANT tub with my brand new infant...

...The second time Mommy in me has loosened up a bit!

I explained to Kate that we needed to be very, VERY gentle with Maya and that the tub was going to be very small for both of them.  Even when I suggested that she sit in the big tub, she insisted on sitting in the infant tub with Maya.  I'm starting to see the light on the horizon - these two are going to be inseparable.  Two peas in a pod, I tell ya!

Maya already adores her big sister so Kate hopped in and it was their first official bath together.  It only took 2.5 weeks!

Little Sis looking for Big Sis!  You gettin' in or what?!

Big Sis lathers up the wash cloth and even wants to help bathe!
Bless her heart.

Maya says, "You're not really gonna pick me up, are you?!"

Kate says, "No, Little Sis, I was just making sure you were comfy."

Kate has such a warm, caring heart and it is so evident in these
photos.

Once Sister Bear was through with her bath she got dressed and
snuggled into the bouncy seat...

...where she promptly fell asleep.
She's a sucker for a warm bath and a cozy
blanket just like her Mama!

I absolutely adore this sisterly love and it's only just begun!