Dear little ladies of mine, Your daddy and I had a date night and by choosing the movie "Men in Tights" your daddy chose his fate. He had to sing you both a song while wearing tights (leggings). See how much he loves you?

Eight weeks old and counting

Ah my sweet Maelyn! You are already 8 weeks old today! You are quickly morphing into quite the little person too. You have begun to coo quite often, and it is absolutely adorable! And in the past few days you have begun to smile, and have been doing it a lot!! It is so nice to see that you're happy, because I really wasn't too sure. You were so crabby with all that gas, but now that I've cut out all dairy (see how much I love you?! I miss my cheese) you are much better. But even without the gas, you still are a finnicky little thing. Poor dad is working a lot right now and only sees you in the evenings, at your crabbiest, and you don't really like when he holds you! But you've been cooing and smiling for him, so he is glad!! WE love you so much and even though everyone says you look just like Colette, daddy and I say not at all! Except when you're sleeping, then you look the exact same! Speaking of Colette, she is really loving on you lately. She shakes the rattle at you, tries to put the pacifier in your mouth (or eye), and sometimes I catch her just fiddling with your toes and finger and staring at you. We all love you so much and look forward to getting to know you more.

Sleeping

Maelyn slept thru the night for the first time last nite. We're staying at my parents while Adam is at his household reunion and she and i just work up (7:00) after going to bed at 10:45! No interruptions!!!! I feel ready to conquer the world.

Cooing

Maelyn began cooing today

Beautiful Chaos

This past Sunday we attempted to get our family photo taken. Wow, what I was thinking trying to get a 15 month old and a 1 month old to cooperate? Only in a perfect world. The whole day was glorious preparing for the shoot. Colette took a great nap, Maelyn ate right before we left...and then we arrived. I guess one day I'll look back and laugh at the half hour (all our photographer could handle) of our girls taking turns screaming. I got some memorable photos myself after the shoot. The title of this post perfectly captures what happened that day, and honestly what composes most of our lives right now. I've been reflecting a lot lately on what it means to be a mother. I feel buried at times by all the menial tasks that make up my day. Does anyone notice or care how many times I do dishes and pick up toys? How does it mean anything when others are clothing the naked, feeding the hungry? Wait a second though, I'm doing that! God has given me such a gift in giving me motherhood. It is such an opportunity to love, to learn humility. I've been finding myself comparing myself to other mothers. Every mommy blogger, or Facebook mother-they have ten children that they homeschool and teach about God and feed all organic, etc. But I don't have to prove that I'm a good mom to them. I am good enough for my children, my husband thinks I'm good enough. God thinks I'm good enough. I have to believe it too. Its not worth it, I'm realizing, trying to live someone else's life. Even if mine is the smallest and most insignificant of lives, if I, I, live it well, than it will have been worth it. God, I give you my life, my chaos, make it and me beautiful.

Saturday just hanging as a family...

Happy 15 month birthday Colette!

Oh Colette, you silly girl, you are 15 months and so much fun!! Your daddy and I look at each other almost daily and ask "how can she be so cute??!" You are SO cute! We love all your little quirks and mannerisms!Celebrating Colette's 15 month birthday and the beginning of fall with a family craft night! We're making our apple cider mugs for this season!Here are mom and dad's finished products. We made them for each other obviously. Adam kept in mind my love for fairies!!

Happy 1 month to our little "Maelelatta"!

I cannot believe our little Maelie is already one month old!! Time goes by so quickly. It blows my mind every time I look at Colette and realize she was your size only a year ago. I'm prepared now for how fast the moments will go and am trying to soak up each one with you. Your daddy was off today which was a special treat for all of us. He woke up and took your big sissy to mass so you and I could sleep in. We surprised them with waffles upon their return! Then we all had a family outing to the Mill Pond and Imagination Station in downtown. We also stopped by at The Natural View Market to get you some Gripe Water for your little tummy. That was your treat since you couldn't participate in the gelato the rest of us got!! You did celebrate by having quite a nice poop though. I'll bet that made you feel good!!