Emily and Annie

    Things are definitely different around our house with the precious addition of Annie Sarah. Different but better for sure. Emily is adjusting (all of us are) well to her little sister. She has become much sweeter in her interactions with Annie and less aggressive. That is an answer to prayer. She wants to love on her all the time, give her a paci-even if she is sound asleep she really wants to push it in Annie's mouth, hold her, touch her feet and toes, and read her books. One thing she does NOT want to do is say 'Annie'. It is the funniest thing because she has yet to say Annie consistently. Jeffery got her to say it once and my mother in law too, but no consistency because Emily, for now anyway, prefers to call her 'baby'. We say 'Annie', she says, 'Baby', over and over and over. Funny girl because I know that she is capable of saying it. I have enjoyed getting used to the days at home with two little girls. It is not as intimidating as I thought and has been an easier transition. I feared that Emily would feel neglected or left out because of added attention that must be given to Annie, but it really hasn't seemed to bother her. I guess I'd forgotten how much a new baby sleeps and is content to do just that for hours at a time. So while Annie sleeps in her swing, or her lamb seat, or wherever, Emily and I can still carry on with the things and routine we are used to. 

     Annie is still doing great. She sleeps alot throughout the day still but has about 2-3 hours total of good awake time a day. During that time we talk to her, read her stories, go outside (only for a few minutes though in this heat), listen to music, and play with big sister's toys. She sleeps great at night so far. She always sleeps a three hour stretch at least-but often she stretches it to four hours. So I am great with that. She is a good eater as evidenced by her one week weight last week at the Dr. of 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Up from her birth weight of 7.1, Dr. Stagg says she is doing just great. She was slightly jaundiced but nothing too high to really worry about. She has been spending a few hours in her diaper in the window getting a little sun-therapy to help with that. I can tell it is getting better. We will visit the Dr. again this week to see where we are now. 

     Emily is going to start going to 'school' this week! Really just mothers day out at KidFirst at our church starting Thursday. She is used to the facility from being there at the nursery, but will have different teachers with her than those she is familiar with. It will be fun and good for her to have interaction with other kids her age and to have a consistent routine of going. I am looking forward also to having a day of 'alone time' with my sweet Annie. It will be a good change for Emily. 

     

     My heart really is full and my home is filled with joy because of the great gift we've been given with our second daughter. What a blessing and a constant reminder of God's love over us. 

Window-Sun bathing beauty

I love catching these first little smiles

Being a patient, big girl at the Pedi Clinic

It actually rained here over the weekend, not a whole lot, but pretty hard for about 30 minutes. We are thankful for every drop and continue to faithfully trust that God will send more.

Emily loved it, she had a BIG time splashing in, riding her scooter in, and even drinking the rain water!

Annie's first trip to Sunday Morning church-Pretty in Pink

Sisters. Love. 

That's all He had to say

John 12:47-50
The Message (MSG)
 47-50"If anyone hears what I am saying and doesn't take it seriously, I don't reject him. I didn't come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I'm saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. I'm not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That's all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you."

I don't normally read from The Message translation but today wanted to reread what our pastor shared last night and decided to see how The Message said it. I was reminded in the above verses of how our God is so not dependent upon us but still chooses to bless us and show his favor to those who seek him. He came to save, not to condemn. He came to share love not to spread dissension. He came to fulfill that which the Father God had commanded him to do. And that's all he had to say!

A new baby...a new adventure

Annie Sarah Crabb

August 12, 2011 at 4:43 pm

7 pounds 1 ounce and 20 inches long

She is here and she is such a sweet blessing to our family already. Thankful for God's protection bringing her into the world. It was a long day, but a good day. We are very thankful

Our first 'Family of FOUR' picture

Happy Mama

Showing her baby sister off at home. Proud Emily. 

This is what she likes to do most all day...she is very calm and peaceful. Annie is a good eater and a good sleeper. I feel very blessed. The transition from one to two has been alot smoother than I anticipated. Thanks to so many who prayed over this transition in our lives. God is faithful to answer our prayers. I am feeling good and adjusting well. I have much more energy than I thought. Jeffery, of course, is in love with his newest girl. So sweet. He is a big help but also has been able to get back to work during this busy time there. I am thankful for his dedication to taking care of this family. Emily is not sure day to day what to think about Annie. She has figured out now that Annie is here to stay and definitely a part of us now, but she has to be watched VERY closely around her. I know she doesn't mean to be too aggressive, she just is. So its repetition of 'be sweet Emily', 'soft love Emily', 'NO NO NO Emily'...you get the idea. But I'm sure she will get better and better with Annie as the days go by. 

Still the prettiest blue eyed girl I know.