Two Weeks

Two weeks have gone by, and in some ways it feels like forever and that Lily has always been a part of this family and in other ways, the time has flown by and I can't believe that two weeks ago today I was giving birth!! It's been a good week- we took Tripp to school and managed to get there mostly on time, we've had some good naps and good awake time. She loves to eat, a lot and often and when I feel like a human 24-7 diner, I have to remind myself that it won't always be like this. We went to the doctor this week for a weight check, and apparently we both win some kind of award because she gained a pound in a week (I think average is 4-8 ounces)! She left the hospital at 8 lbs 15 ozs and when we went to the doctor a week later, she was 9lbs 15 ozs. I am quite proud of ourselves, if I do say so myself. Now if only having a big baby would mean long stretches of sleeping at night....I have yet to experience that pleasure.

James and Steph came this weekend to meet their little niece, and we had a great time. They cooked some delicious food, provided great entertainment for Tripp and helped out in other ways around the house (like raking leaves and re-hanging a curtain I accidentally pulled from the wall). We were sad they had to go this morning but looking forward to them being back in just about 5 weeks for Christmas. It really does make such a difference to have people visit and help out. It is hard sometimes not to get totally overwhelmed by the day to day of taking care of a baby and a toddler and feeling like you do not have the time or energy to do anything else. So having some good company, good food, and extra laughter does a lot to make your soul feel refreshed!!

Lily also got to meet her great grandfather, and she was the youngest baby he has ever held (including his own kids)! Her middle name is his last name, and both my grandmother and grandfather Green were (and still are) a big part of my life. So while I wish my grandmom could have held her too, it means a lot that he got to meet her and spend some good time together.

I find myself struggling not to wish away this time. It is incredibly nice knowing that there is a time coming when I will sleep again, when I won't always be the only one who can feed her, when I will do my hair again, not smell like milk all the time, and when all the diapering, burping, crying will turn to more playing, laughing, and smiling. But I find myself sometimes focusing more on that than on enjoying these moments together now. I know I will never get them back so I want to try to cherish them, but it is hard for me to do that when this isn't exactly my favorite phase in life. But I just continue to pray that God will give me the strength and grace I need for each day and that I can enjoy sweet time with both my kids through this busy phase of life!

Tripp continues to love his little sister and is quite in tune to her. Last night we were eating dinner, all 7 of us around the table. Everyone was talking and having a good time and it was hard to hear anything else. But all of a sudden Tripp piped up, "Baby Lily's crying, someone better go get her." I had not heard anything at all but sure enough, after a few seconds, I heard her cry and went to get her. He likes to make sure we are on top of things and taking good care of his little sister. He loves to give her kisses and gentle pats on the head. The other day, right at nap time when I was reading to Tripp, Lily was laying on the ground next to us. She started getting a little fussy and he just reached out and held her hand. She was completely content and quiet after that. It was such a sweet moment between the two of them!

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving and Nelson's birthday this week! I am also very happy he only has a three day work week!

That's all for now!