The first couple of weeks

The first couple of weeks with Violet were exhausting but so wonderful. Having a baby in the winter is a bummer, you are so worried and paranoid about them getting sick and you really feel like you can't leave your house because it's so cold outside. But I have to say I loved having a baby at Christmas time. Christmas meant a little bit more this year having a newborn around. Having my own tiny baby made me reflect more of baby Jesus and Mary and all they went through. Plus having a small baby this time of year brought me back to reality of what truly matters in life. 

Violet has been a fairly content baby. She loves to be held and snuggled. She does have a tendency to be gassy and easily over stimulated which has made for some frustrating, hard times but overall she's pretty pleasant. When she's awake she is quite alert, checking out her world. Violet takes the abounding, constant love from her sister well. She doesn't cry or fuss when Charlotte is constantly trying to hold her, pet her, kiss her, or give her the sniffer. I'm glad Violet has been so chill thus far. Of course nights have been hard, Violet's a newborn. But I think it was easier to get through hard nights this time around knowing they won't last forever and accepting the fact that newborns are hard and fussy. The gassiness is what is so hard. Is it something I ate? Swallowing too much air as she eats? Just the way her little stomach is? Does she have reflux? Always such a guessing game. Luckily things are getting better with her stomach issues. 

I had Violet on a Monday and we left the hospital around noon on Wednesday. Mike and I were so anxious to get home and start our new life as family of four. 

Coming home from the hospital. So tiny. The car seat always seem massive when they are this small. 

It was wonderful to come home from the hospital and have Grandma Carol at our home to help out. Man we were blessed and spoiled for an entire week. She cooked for us, went grocery shopping for us, cleaned and made sure Charlotte was loved and played with. Mike had that week off from work which was also heaven. He was so helpful while I was pretty much sleeping as much as a could and staying in pajamas. Charlotte was so happy to have us home and have her baby sister her. She could not get enough of her baby sister. She still gets so excited each morning to see her. 

Lots of crazy hair, it's already beginning to fall out and she lost a lot. 

Life with Grandma Carol is always better. 

Charlotte only gets to kiss her on the forehead and she takes advantage of that opportunity any chance she gets.

So serious. Sweet hairline too. 

Just introducing our little bug to some technology. We have to make sure she is up to date on everything. 

She wants to hold her ALL. THE. TIME.

Buddies. Let's hope they love each other this much for a long time. 

Twins. I think they look so much alike. Violet even has Mike's hairline. ;)

They love each other so much. I'm not even kidding. One of my most favorite pictures EVER.

After Carol was here for a week and Mike went back to work the following Monday which meant I was on my own with the girls for a few days before my mom came into town. I survived those few days and so did my girls but I was happy and excited for my mom to come. Again we were spoiled. Cooking, cleaning, sleeping, shopping and just having an adult around to hang out with was heaven. Being a mom at times can be lonely so I loved having my mom in Cincinnati ALL TO MYSELF to just chat with, cry to, laugh with. It was awesome. It's one of the perks of living away from family, when they come they are ALL YOURS.  

Grandma Kris and Violet. Violet loves both of her Grandmas. 

That hair kills me. 

Holding Grandma Kris's hand. I'll tell you Violet has had a strong grip from the get go. Even the doctors at the hospital commented on how strong she was. That's my girl! 

Sweet little face. 

Sisters. 

Anyone says you can't spoil an newborn is dead wrong. This little nugget loves to be held. Fine by me. I'll snuggle her all day. Spoil away! 

Yeah, I looked hammered but I've decided I've got to be in more pictures with my girls. I want them to remember that I really tried to play with them and be an involved mama.

Growing and getting bigger. 

Stop taking pictures of me and let me sleep.

The first few weeks flew by. I loved having both of our moms come. It made the adjustment to life with two so much easier. I slept a ton, ate a lot and was feeling more and more like myself by the time both moms had left. I can't believe how different it's been with Violet, compared with Charlotte. I was such an emotional mess with Charlotte. So anxious, nervous and worried about everything! This time around, I of course still worry and want to do my best as a mother but I'm much more calm and able to go with the flow. And so far, no baby blues. Phew. I didn't believe anyone when they told me it was easier the second time around but it certainly has been and I'm so grateful for that. Almost makes me think we just may have more than two kids after all. ;)