{her}story.

R and I first began talking about expanding our family on our 4th anniversary, on a snowy night, at a restaurant on 32nd Street. It's one of my favorite memories of R and I. I went out shortly after to B&N to look for the perfect journal to begin chronicling the journey to babyhood... and found this little number. I loved the birds, the burlap, and the blue--it seemed like a nice neutral book. And I liked the idea of growing our little nest when I looked at this book.

The first few entries were mostly about how I was trying to get healthier, and my thoughts on pregnancy... By June, we were expecting, and I was so happy I had a place to write down what I was thinking and feeling.

I also tried to include little mementos, like this grocery list.

"PTest" was of course, a pregnancy test--the very one we found out about Liv with. :) Now I'll always remember we made enchiladas that night for dinner, haha.

When we began talking about baby #2, I naturally went back to the bookstore and chose another book--red and turquoise this time.  My hope is that both my girls will see how treasured they are, and have been, before I even knew they were being knit together! I want them to know what was going on in our lives then, and also how I responded to pregnancy--a nice reference guide for when they have their own little ones someday. {Liv's book was an awesome reference for me to compare my second one to--I forgot more than I thought I would, and each were so different.}

More memorabilia... Most friends guessed we were going to have a boy the second time around...

So, I filled up every page in Olivia's book on Nov. 1, the night before little Natalie was born. All 20 months of our time alone together. Funny how that worked out... It meant a lot to me as it was very much symoblic of a new chapter starting in our lives! I need to get another book for her, but am trying to also focus on filling up Natalie's book.

I write all of this to say--I don't know how many things we'll pass down through the years and to future generations, but there is something sacred about letters and journals and handwriting and paper memories pasted in a simple book. Even if the girls aren't as gaga over this stuff as I am, they'll know I was uber gaga over them, and that's what matters.

my little natalie.

Natalie Beatriz arrived on Wednesday, November 2. She weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz, and was 20 in. long. I am loving having two little girls at home--my little women. :)

So, I had a feeling baby would be a little early, but I didn't think she would time things almost identically to her sister. I began having contractions around 1:30AM--the same time as when I went into labor with Olivia, and exactly 20 months later. (Olivia's birthday is March 2.) We drove to the hospital at 3am during a snowstorm--along with 14 other couples who delivered around the same time!! You don't know how much I heard about barometric pressure that day... :) After 15 hours, Natalie came into this world!  The joy and relief of seeing her little face those seconds after she was born is something I will never forget. She looked so much like Olivia, I couldn't believe it.

Natalie: Nov. 2, 2011

Olivia: March 2, 2010

Liv has definitely been adjusting to having a little sis around, and is doing great.  She's been getting to know Natalie on her own terms--either she is all about her, wanting to help and give her little hugs and pats on the head, or she is happy doing her own thing and does not want to give her hugs or anything of the sort, and will say a curt "no." if you ask. I appreciate her honesty! She did help me give her a bottle today, and it was precious to see her face light up when I asked if she wanted to feed the baby.  I'm proud of her for taking things so well!

We are tired, but friends and family are taking good care of us--thank you, especially to those who have been feeding us! There's not much that beats a home-cooked meal (or pumpkin bread, yum) when you're exhausted and can't think straight.

I was telling R the other night that I feel my heart expanding every day that I spend with these girlies.  Growing as I get to know my little Natalie, and growing as I see my oldest adjust to a new little sis and love her, too.  Things are different, but in a most wonderful way.

passing the time...with bubbles.

Oh, the simple things.

39 1/2 weeks.

Waiting for a baby is no easy feat--every time I get in the car, I think "yup, I'll probably go into labor on my way to the grocery store..." Or I'll feel the familiar tightening of braxton-hicks contractions and my eyes will dart to the clock, wondering if it's the real deal and not just practice.  Nothing yet, besides lots of practice, but we're getting closer. (My official due date is Nov. 5th.) It kind of feels like waiting for Christmas morning... all day!

I'm glad I have little Liv to wait with me. I tell her that we're going to meet little sister soon, and she'll smile--but I can't wait to see how she really reacts when she meets the baby for the first time, and she realizes we're bringing her home with us! I'm praying that transition goes well--R and I are going to do our best to help Liv with the change. If you have any suggestions that worked for you, I'm all ears. :)

[My big girl and me, after taking her to the park this weekend. Soon we'll have two to take, two to smile with in pictures, two to love! Can't wait.]

it's officially fall.

Yup; right now, the trees are being pushed around by some crazy wind, and leaves are everywhere, crinkling down the street and flying over the fences. Even Dex is happier observing the backyard from the back door instead of going outside. I am so excited for cooler weather and a reason to bundle up again...!

Last Sunday, we went to Cider Days, an annual event in our area where you can press your own cider, buy tasty carnival food, watch tractor pulls, enjoy music, kiddie rides, etc.  Even though Liv was completely wiped after the nursery at church, she found her second wind and enjoyed the afternoon dancing to country music and petting some animals in the petting zoo.

The cider was delicious--we left with two bottles (although we didn't press them ourselves). I've always thought of cider as being apple juice seasoned with cinnamon and cloves, not just juice squeezed from particular kinds of apples... Now I know. Good stuff.

Next week: the pumpkin patch. Probably one of my favorite places to go during the whoooooole year.