Two Weeks

It's been two weeks that we've been a family of FOUR and I have LOVED every minute of it (even those first two nights)...

What has happened these past two weeks?

Well, the milk man took his sweet time to deliver, so Elin and I suffered through the first few nights on minimal sustenance. We caved and gave 1.5 oz. of formula over the course of the first three days to get by... barely enough to make a difference, but sufficient to snag a solid hour of sleep for both of us. By day 5.5, the milk man decided to show up and our nights significantly improved.

Of course, because of the lack of beverage, Elin lost weight and we did the same song & dance we did with Bella... daily weight checks at the doctors. However, I'm happy to report that on day ten, Elin weighed 8 lbs, 4 oz - almost back to birth weight. Crisis averted.

I've examined every detail, every curve, every line of Elin's face, hands, legs, eyes and all I see is God's perfect design. I can't believe I ever worried about having enough LOVE for this little one - how ridiculous - but I couldn't have known.

She's a very different baby, but the same can be said for Charles and I as we are different this time around as well. We're "experienced", we're more confident, less stressed, less easily shaken, more relaxed and I know Elin feeds into and responds to that. She's pretty mellow so far.

She has Asian eyelashes - also known as practically none - and the few that she has are short, stick-straight, and oh so fine. Charles thinks she looks like my brother in a lot of her expressions. Her skin is a shade darker. Her feet are skinny & long. Her legs are "spindly" (as Papa G describes) whereas Bella's were chubby from the start.

Then there are things that are the same: she smells delicious, she's warm and wonderful to cuddle with, her cry is endearing. Her skin is silky, her eyes are big and dark.

And Big Sister Bella? How is she adjusting?

Well. Very, very well. (But every time I tell someone this, they say, "Well, it's only been 2 weeks. Just wait until she realizes that baby sister is sticking around." Or something like that.) Anyway, Bella has nothing but love for little sister, Elin. She voluntarily and spontaneously declares how much she loves Elin. She wants to hold her and does so pretty well. She doesn't mind when I have to hold her (but every moment I'm not holding her, Bella is quick to hijack my lap). Bella talks constantly about sharing with her and doing things with her. She's always concerned about where she is and why she might be crying. My heart feels like it might burst there's so much love.

I'm also proud to say (but hesitant at the same time) that since we've brought Elin home, Bella has made HUGE strides in the potty training department. She has been in undies since we came home from the hospital and has had very few accidents. The last two days have been flawless even as we've been out and about in public places. In the last two days, we haven't had to remind her - she's now telling us on her own accord. Praise God! We're so proud of her. I'm sure it helps that she is rewarded with trips to the pool with daddy! :) Bribery... I know, we're not proud, but it is working...

Papa Goofy arrived on Tuesday to check out the new bambino; Memaw, Great-Grandma Cora, and Uncle Jake arrived late last night. They've come to spend time with the grandkids, celebrate Bella's 3rd birthday (tomorrow), and baptize Elin on Sunday! Busy weekend!

It's been a wonderful and amazing two weeks. We are so blessed!