Joyful

I have to say: I quite like - LOVE - our life. To a stranger, there's nothing unique, or extraordinary about it. In fact, it's pretty normal, but still, I want to shout from the mountaintops how much I love our family life. I love the stage Bella is at, I love all the wonder and awe in Elin's eyes, I love where we live, I love our church, I love where we are in our careers - it's all just so good.

ELIN
It's been a month since Elin joined us and I can't quite put my finger on it, but our family feels more...complete. She's so mellow. "They" always say if your first child is tricky, the second is usually easier (and vice versa). She's still sleeping away most of the day, only arousing to quench her thirst and change her underpants. She's packing on the pounds nicely; I'm enjoying the development of rolls on her thighs and her arms. She's pretty much out of her newborn sized attire and almost filling the 0-3 mo. category. I love her increasing awareness. I really enjoy how she looks around as we walk through the house--the wonder & awe.

After a week of searching for childcare, we've found a daycare for her that we're happy with. It's easier this time around to think about daycare, we're more experienced. Having witnessed all the good it's done for Bella and how much she enjoys it, makes it easier to go back to work again. Bella's "BFF", Claire has a newish little sister, too who attends the daycare (she's a couple months older than Elin) and Mindy (their mom) recommends it. When the girls turn one & walking, they'll both go where their big sisters are.

BELLA
Happy to proclaim, she's made the transition back to school this week and has not had any setbacks in the potty department! Woo hoo! It's true (about the potty thing): it just happens, something clicks and they get it. Wish I could've told myself to relax about it.

I really, really enjoyed having Bella home for 3 weeks with us, but I'm also glad she's back in school. She thrives there, in her school routine, learning & playing with her friends. I was beginning to feel like all I was saying to her at home were things like, "Just a minute", "No!" (as she starts to be a little too rough with Elin), or "Not right now, I'm feeding the baby/changing the baby/rocking the baby", etc. Don't get me wrong, Bella was extremely helpful with baby, but it was hard balancing each of their needs well. Plus, it gives me 1 on 1 time with Elin for a few weeks, which she needs as well. Bella was really excited to go back to school and her friends, I'm told, doted over her so much on her first day back - they had really missed her.

CHARLES
Charles resumed his work schedule last week as well and it's really a busy, stressful time for him. The opening of his new emergency department is quickly approaching and it's crunch time. I can see that it's hard for him, trying to balance work & home, so I'm trying to cut him some slack since I'm home.

He's really started working on rebuilding his CJ7 and that gives him great joy. I don't know much about it, but the front wheels are off and there's a new axle involved. Yay?

ME
Again, I'm just happy. Happy to be a mother to two beautiful girls. Happy that the transition from one to two hasn't been that difficult. Happy that our little Town Hall is moving along at a pretty little pace. Life is good.

I had to go into work today to take care of some things (it's true, I can't stay away... I've been responding to emails since week one of my maternity leave) and I brought Elin. Everyone showered us with kind words and compliments (felt really nice). However, there's a lot going on at work and it's hard to be away right now. I'll be jumping into the deep end when I get back!

I can't explain it; I just feel really comfortable in my skin. The ease at which we've brought another child into the world and adjusted to having two is astonishing and is contributing to how great I feel. I'm also without the guilt of going back to work this time. I'm comfortable with the fact that I like having a job and I like what I do. Doesn't mean I love my children any less or that my family isn't my top priority - I'm just the kind of gal that has found a job that is fulfilling & challenging & works with our family life. There are definitely some moms who are super talented at being stay at home moms - they can fill the day with activities, entertain the kiddos all day, come up with crafts, discover places to go - it's just not me. And I'm ok with that. I'm a better mom when I'm working. It feels good to know that.

Maybe I'm just on a hormonal high...

Icing on the Cake...
I've been back in my pre-pregnancy clothes for a couple of weeks... I didn't say that it was easy or that it necessarily looks good... but they're snapped & they're on! Still have a ways to go - can't wait to get more active. (If it could stop raining, I might be able to get out...BUT, rather have rain and 50-60 degree weather than snow!)

Prayer Request...
If you have a moment, please pray for my cousin Joy and her family. They've just had their third, a baby girl named Sophia, at 26 weeks. Joy is home now, but Sophia is steadily making progress in the NICU.