Big Announcement(s)

Having a new baby is exciting and nothing can top that, but we do have news that comes awfully close.

But first, I have iPhone picture to share. We baked in honor of our big surprise.

Baking

Chocolate Chip Cookies from scratch

Chloe is taking swimming lessons. She took Mommy and Me when she was around two, but that wasn't really helping her much so we dropped out of the class. This year we signed up for lessons through the city. I'm not involved at all other than walking her to the pool. The class is two weeks long (Monday through Thursday). She just completed her first week. There were no tears! She loves it. If only I could convince her to stop playing on the steps of the pool while the teachers are talking.  Three year olds just don't have the same priorities as adults.

She loves making silly faces for the camera.

Kenzie and I waiting on Chloe.

You can see the back of Chloe's head.

Chloe is starting preschool this fall. Mark's work offers tuition assistance for daycare, so we are going to put her in school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is super excited. She's been asking to go to school for months now. I think it's because she enjoys Sunday school so much when we actually make it to church. I'm excited for her to be able to play with other kids her age. That's all we are trying to accomplish by enrolling her. She needs more stimulation that I can provide with a new baby at home.

This brings me to my announcement...Mark is changing jobs, again. (Thus, the tuition assistance.) We both loved ebay/PayPal. They were a great company to work for and he is sad to leave. But, another opportunity was presented and it was too good to pass up. He will be working for Facebook starting in August! I can't believe that when we started dating that Facebook was a startup in Cambridge, MA. We had just signed up for accounts and had no idea what it would turn into nor that it would be paying our bills some 8 years later. I also can't believe the CEO of Mark's new company is younger than us! Makes me feel old. Anyway, I'm super excited for my husband!

Our life as a family of four

has been super fun and a little hectic.

We took Mackenzie to her first baseball game.

We went to the pool with some friends.

We played dress up. Chloe said she has to "go to the beach in style."

We got our first black eye. I hit Chloe with the shopping cart. Talk about mommy guilt...

This was a few days later...

We took a nap!

We went to backyard bible club. Chloe is the one running around and not sitting still with the other kids. In her defense, the club is designed for Kindergarden through 4th grade. She is a little young for it.

We try and play outside.

Mackenzie - 1 Month

Mackenzie,

It's July 11, 2013 and you are one month old today! It has been a very busy month. We've had lots of company, your first holiday (Fourth of July) and your first outing (a quick trip to Target).

We've also learned a lot about you. I was correct in my assessment of your personality even prior to your birth. You are so very laid back! You are going to be more like your Dad. (Mom and Chloe are more tightly wound). You rarely cry and you sleep a lot. The most difficulty you've given me so far is your disdain for burping. You hate and seem to fight against it so much that it's taken (a few times) three hours to get you back to sleep after a night feeding.

4 weeks 1 day old - 1 month

Weight - 11# 1oz. (93%)

Height - 22.5" (96%)

Head Cir. - 38.5 (96%)

You are a healthy girl. You've gained over 3 pounds and grown 2.5 inches in 4 weeks...that has to be painful. I can't believe the change in 3 weeks time.

one week old.

You sleep around 4 hour stretches at night. I'm getting up with you 2-3 times a night. I am looking forward to longer stretches. I think you may have made cooing noises a few times. Until they get more deliberate, it's hard to tell.  I can't wait for you to smile. You have the most adorable dimples...like Dad. When you smile they are much more noticeable.

You slept through your first bath. I'm not kidding. You didn't open your eyes or cry at all. I couldn't believe it! You seem to really enjoy bath time. You also enjoy tummy time. So much in fact, you fall asleep during it. I'm not sure how you will ever strengthen your neck by sleeping through your exercise! You do have a pretty strong neck already though and can hold your head up for a while before face planting into my chest.

We went to the doctor today for your 1 month check up. You received your second Hep B vaccine and you took it like a champ! You only cried for a split second. You are so chill! Your big sister is awfully worried about your boo-boo. Chloe received a doctor prescribed sticker for your pain and suffering.

We love you, Mackenzie!

The Oklahoma crew with Aunt Ellen (from D.C.) and Uncle Ben (from Alaska).

Aunt E spoiling Chloe.

Granny didn't want to put Mackenzie down. 

Chloe looks nervous about Uncle Ben holding baby Kenzie.
Don't worry Chloe. If he can handle jumping out of a plane, he's capable of holding a newborn.

Chloe has been such a big help. We haven't really seen much regression from her. She did color on the carpet the other day and she has been talking back and giving attitude. But, I'm 95% sure these are unrelated to the new baby. I think it's just her normal 3 year old independence asserting itself. The coloring on the carpet can be attributed to the fact that I can't watch her 100% of the time now and stop it before it happens. The one thing that seems to really upset C is when Mackenzie takes a bath. As far as Chloe is concerned, it's her bathtub. I'm hoping to start bathing them together, soon.

If Mackenzie cries, Chloe tells me to 'pick her up' or 'feed her.' If Mark is holding Mackenzie and she cries, Chloe is very concerned that Dad is the reason and tells him to 'stop' or 'leave my sister alone.' C loves showing Mackenzie her toys and talking to her.

Having two kids is certainly an adjustment. I think overall we are adjusting well. It helps that Mackenzie is such an easy baby and Chloe's maturity lets her be a tremendous help.  I do have a little mommy guilt now that all my time isn't devoted to C. But, I think it makes our 1 on 1 moments so much sweeter.

I love this face!

I love this face, too!

Similar facial expressions. Sisters for sure!