We Don't Have a Pink Tractor

For those that remember, during Tyson's first year we religiously took his picture on his green John Deere Tractor each month to track his growth. Unfortunately for Mila, Tyson isn't willing to share his tractor and we're not willing to purchase a pink one. Second child syndrome starting already.

In lieu of the pink tractor, we opted for stickers that will display how old she is each month on her onesie. We're pretty sure she'd rather have the pink tractor. Don't worry-we're starting a second savings account for her that will pay for any therapy and/or the pink tractor in due time.

For your viewing pleasure, here are her one month pictures:

We think she is growing much faster than Tyson ever did. Unfortunately, we didn't take a picture of her in a 0 month onesie when we first brought her home from the hospital so we have no way of tracking this for sure. Again, second child syndrome.

Mila is One Month Old

Dear Mila,

Today you turn one month old and again I am amazed at the fact that time can go so simultaneously fast and slow when you have a newborn.

One month ago I waited patiently to hold you in my arms and see your precious face. Today I know how you like be held, the squeaky noises you make while you fall asleep, the spot on your forehead that you like me to rub, and the distinctive cry you make right before you drift off.

I hesitate to write this down for fear that I might jinx something, but you are a good baby. You sleep! And therefore I sleep! Currently you have one 4 to 5 hour stretch followed by two 3 to 4 hour stretches each night. When you get up to eat, you're efficient (which I like to attribute to you being a female). You eat and go back to sleep in 30 minutes flat. We're still working on establishing a schedule during the day, but the night time routine alone has saved my sanity time and time again.

I am happy to report that you have shown your dramatic flair to prove you are my daughter. You don't cry often, but when you do-you be sure to make it known that you're upset. The pain! The despair!

You hate your carseat. I see the above face often while you are in it.

You love the boobs. Sorry, but man can you eat. As a result of loving the boobs, you are growing like a weed. Most of your newborn clothes will be packed away soon. I will cry.

You're excelling at tummy time. You have some amazing neck control for a one month old.

Your first month home with us has been everything I imagined. We are so lucky to have two healthy and beautiful little kids. Each time I hold you I am overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed that you are here. You are beautiful. You are loved. I am lucky.

Happy One Month Birthday, little girl!

Love,

Mommy

Terrible Twos

Despite being blessed with the world's best big brother, we're still having our fair share of terrible two moments. Take a look at this gem:

He's upset because I won't pick him up and put him on top of the fridge "just one time." His face looked like this for nothing short of twenty minutes. Be thankful you can't hear the accompanying cries.

People say three is worse than two. If that's true, we're investing in wine. And earplugs.

Becoming a Big Brother

If I was a betting woman, I would have placed money on Tyson not doing well with his transition to big brother. Sure, he was excited about the baby coming out of Mommy's tummy, but once the baby came home and he realized  you couldn't put it in the toy box when you got sick of it, I was pretty sure he'd tell me to put it back.

Since I had no intentions of putting her back (God, can you imagine??), I mentally cringed a little when I imagined his transition.

I guess I didn't give him enough credit.

He's pretty much the most amazing big brother a two year old can be.

He gets me diapers and burp cloths. He talks to Mila and kisses her.  She cries and he quickly says, "It's ok, Mila." He tells her he loves her before bed each night. He tries to play with her, feed her bottles and change her.

Sure, there have been moments of jealousy and a few temper tantrums (including one over not being able to wear Mila's pink headband-a moment his Daddy was incredibly proud of), but mostly? It's been like this: 

An amazing big brother and a cute little sister. I can't wait to watch their friendship grow.

Mila Jane

We welcomed Mila Jane into the world on Friday, February 24th at 8:50 AM. The delivery was fast and amazing. I'll save the gory details for when I come down from my newborn baby high. In the meantime, my first letter to my baby girl....

Mila (Precious and Dear One) Jane, 7 lbs 2 oz, 20.5 inches long

Dear Mila,

Happy Birthday, love.

I'll be honest and admit I had doubts that it could be as amazing the second time around. I was worried your birthday wouldn't rock me to the core like Tyson's did. 

Turns out I was silly and a little bit stupid.

I still can't find the words to adequately explain the way my heart swelled when I held you for the first time. I'm certain it must have doubled in size in that minute. You were here. Safe & healthy. After a year of serious prayers, I was rewarded in the best way possible. We are lucky. We are blessed.

And the nine months of questioning if you really were a girl? 

Wasted time. Despite how much you resemble your big brother, you are a girl in every sense of the word. You are beautiful. You have long fingernails and a curly head of hair that already falls down your neck.  Your feet are dainty. Your cries are soft and sweet. I'm happy to report that we're still waiting for your dramatic side to make an appearance as proof that you aren't just a girl, but my baby girl.

I am so happy. I am tired, a bit overwhelmed, but I am so, so happy.

I love you baby girl. Welcome to the family and happy birthday.

Love,

Mommy