introducing...

Meet the newest member of the fam! Sofia decided to make an appearance on March 1rst at 5:46pm. She weighed 8 1/2 lbs and was 19.75 inches long. I can't believe it's already been over 3 weeks since she's been home! Things are settling down around here and we are starting to get into a rhythm of sorts...if you can call being sleep deprived and brain dead a "rhythm". But seriously, things are going way better than I thought they would be and Sofia is such a good little baby.

We've been so lucky with all the help our friends and family have given us. Our moms came to the rescue at the hospital (Siena almost had a front row seat to the birth- talk about traumatizing a 4 yr old!), my friends brought us dinners, and my sister did everything around the house and kept me sane for the last 2 weeks. She left yesterday so now we are officially on our own... dun dun duuuuunnnnnn. Now I actually have to start cooking and cleaning again-ugh.

Siena is loving her role as a big sis... as long as it doesn't interfere with her busy schedule of playing and causing trouble. Her favorite thing is picking clothes out for the baby to wear... and since Sofia needs about 500 outfits changes a day it's working out pretty good!

Up next... a recap of the fabulous and crazy past 2 weeks with my sis and nephews!

weekends rock

This is what I have been waking up to almost every Saturday morning.Siena and the man making breakfast... like full on eggs, bacon, pancakes, toast, and coffee (can you tell how happy the last one makes me?)It's the most amazing new tradition because it means that 1. I got to sleep in AND 2. I can eat a ginormous amount of food without having to lift a finger to make it!

Sometimes he even cleans up... I know...something crazy is going on out here.

suprise!

Last week someone actually had the nerve to surprise me...can you believe it!?! I know...me and surprises usually don't mix, however, this was such a nice surprise, I actually didn't mind at all. Some of the gals threw me a surprise baby shower! It was suppose to just be a regular playdate but it was all a ruse... I think Siena was as shocked as I was. When they opened the door and yelled surprise she turned around and high-tailed it back to the car! We had a soup and salad bar and some amazing cupcakes- which I ate about half a dozen of (I'm allowed it's my shower). They also surprised me with a video chat with my bff in Russia... which of course left me bawling because apparently that is what hormonal pregnant women do...ugh. It was such a nice day and now I feel like we are officially ready for baby to make an appearance. Yes- I am giving the baby permission to come. I have control issues- did you seriously think I'd be ok with her coming any old times she pleases??? Ok I like the "illusion" of control...don't judge.

happy v-day

We love Valentine's day around here. I love it because it's an excuse to decorate the house and make a bunch of random crafts, and Siena loves it because everything is pink! We decided to have a party again this year as sort of our last big hurrah before the newest shrimp arrives in a few weeks. We decorated treats, exchanges valentines, made crafts, and ate a bunch of food- it was a little crazy at times (20 kids will do that I guess) but so much fun! Luckily, I have amazing friends who helped clean up before everyone took off....and I left everything else for B to clean up later...happy valentines day honey!!!! I know how much vacuuming rocks your world!

tea time

I'm a complete sucker when it comes to crafting. Everyone knows this about me but especially my daughter. She gets these crazy 4 yr. old ideas in her head and then says "mom, can you make _________ for me!!!!!" and I, being the complete sucker that I am, always say yes. These days it has become a little more challenging- like when she decided she needed a Cinderella dress for the "ball". Couldn't I just whip one up for her???? I can't ever say no because she completely loves everything I make her. She does the whole " MOM! It's perfect!!!!!! Just what I always wanted!" Seriously. Her exact words. This kid has me down to a science.So the latest project: A tablecloth and matching napkins for her tea set. This only took about 10 minutes and was totally mindless (thank you serger!) The fact that it kept her busy for about an hour (so I could work on something else I've been trying to finish) made it worth it.... and the fact that I got to see her in that hat- she tells me it's only for tea parties.

notes to me

Dear Self,

I'd like to remind you of a few things that I think you may have forgotten in the past few weeks.

1. You are 8 months pregnant. Painting, climbing ladders, scrubbing baseboards, and heavy lifting are suppose to be done by others. Please stop doing them!


2. These are only 24 hours in the day. That is suppose to include sleeping and resting. There are not 24 workable hours in the day.


3. Just because you like to work on projects doesn't mean you should plan so many that it is impossible to get them all done before the baby comes. I know making all the bedding, curtains, and recovering the chair seemed like a good idea 3 months ago... it really wasn't.


4. It's ok to feel hormonal. Not so ok to act hormonal.


5. Everything will work out. It always does. Haven't you learned this by now!

month in a whirl

This blog feels exactly like what our lives have been like- as in the last month and a half disappeared without a trace! I blinked and Christmas was over along with the better part of January. Seriously?!?! So here is quick recap of all the winter craziness....

We went to a "Holiday Spectacular" (how could we resist something called that!) at The Springs Preserve. Siena got to ride a reindeer, put in a good word with Santa, and eat about a lb and a half of candy. I did "help" finish her cotton candy... being the good mother that I am.

We made cookies... about 15 times...

Went up to the snow for some sledding and snow angel making.

Saw Disney on Ice. This is the only picture I have of us there because Siena kept telling me to "take a picture of that princess!" We were like the princess paparazzi so I basically have 200 photos of people I don't know, dancing around in costumes. hmmmm...

I turned 29! Ok I just rolled my eyes when I typed that exclamation point. I'm not excited. Next year is 30. How.did.this.happen. Sorry no pictures- I hadn't put my teeth in or drank my Metamucil yet.

Brandon actually dressed up for Christmas. I had to document this because it is the only time all year (besides when he comes home from work) that he isn't wearing a holey t-shirt.

This was the first year Siena was super excited about Christmas morning. We had so much fun and she got WAY too much stuff!

I woke up to look out my window and see this! Seriously crazy snow storm at our house.

We made homemade peppermint marshmallows. They were amazing-ly delicious. Hot chocolate may never be the same. I only mention this because it was a sticky, irritating mess, and I need to remind myself that the end result was worth it. It was.

I'm sure there are about 50 other things I am forgetting. It's safe to say we had an amazing holiday, loved seeing all of our families, and are counting down the days till December is back!!