The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I'm pretty sure I had a post titled this exact same thing last year. I don't know what it is about this time of the year that makes me so happy! Maybe it's the red cups from Starbucks...maybe it's the little elf named Ivy that has taken up residence in our house...maybe it's the pure joy that exudes from my three year old right now. Experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child is magical. Jani is loving everything that this season has to offer. We kicked it all off with Holiday Hoopla and went downtown to welcome Santa. Unfortunately my battery to my camera was dead so I cannot document this event. It was the first really cold night and we refused to let that stop us. So many of our friends didn't go because of the cold but we did not stay away. We bundled Mallory up, put Jani in her Cuddle Duds, and headed down for cocoa and Santa. Since then, we've had lots of discussions with Jani about Jesus, Santa, and how this whole thing will go down. Integrating everything into the Christmas story has been interesting but Jani seems to be just as excited about Jesus' birthday as she is about Santa coming.

In Mallory news, we have another wonderful baby. Sleep deprivation is non existent! If I'm sleep deprived it's my own fault...or Pinterest's fault!! Right now, she goes to bed around 9 and sleep until 5 or 6. Some mornings she'll sleep later but that's been her pattern. Then she eats and goes right back to bed until I have to wake her to go to daycare. On the weekends, she tends to sleep until 9 or 10! She's adjusted very well to daycare and Jani loves having her there. Being back at work has been an adjustment but I'm finding my groove back. Pumping is time consuming but I'm committed to doing this for a year for Mallory. I see it as one thing I can do for my girl :) She's been smiling like crazy and loves watching the Christmas tree and her big sister. We've so enjoyed having two girls. They definitely keep us on our toes!!

A Little Behind...

My last post was right after Mallory was born. Now it's almost a month later and we've settled in nicely as a family of four. I know this may get harder when I'm back at work or when Mallory becomes mobile  but going to two kids hasn't been that bad! Doug and I do a pretty good job of splitting our time and if anything we're feeling like we don't talk much....but we know this too shall pass and we'll miss these baby days.

I'm nearing the end of maternity leave...only three more weeks with my girl. I trying not to think about it. I know she'll be in good hands but I've so enjoyed these newborn days!

In other news, Jani turned three last week! Hard to believe she has become such a big girl!! I interviewed her and got quite the responses. I'll leave you with her answers!!

How old are you? 3
What makes you happy? When I hug you
What is your favorite thing to eat? Clementines
What is your favorite color? Purple and pink
What is your favorite TV show? DocMcstuffins
What is your favorite movie? Cinderella
What is your favorite book? Dora
What is your favorite song? The ABC's
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Blow bubbles
What is your favorite thing to do inside? Play with toys
What do you like to do with mommy? Get icee's at Target
What do you like to do with daddy? Go to Walmart
What is your favorite store? Target
Who are your friends? Sydney, Maddie, Lauren, Libby...I can't list them all, Mom!
What is your fav thing to wear? Princess dress
What do you want to be when you grow up? Loopsy lopsa

Our New Addition

The waiting is over. Last week, we welcomed Mallory Helen Wilkinson into our family. Her birth was a little different than Jani's. Similar in that I was induced...different in that she came faster and her birth ending up being all natural. It was a mildly traumatic experience but worth every scream and cry that came out of my mouth! I never thought I'd be strong enough to go through the birthing process without drugs but I proved myself wrong.

She has fit seamlessly into our family. Jani loves being a big sister, Doug loves having another little girl to love, and I love knowing I've been blessed with another wonderful little human to care for. Doug and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in the hospital with her. We had lots of visitors and felt like we had a little mini-vacation, despite the whole recovering from the birthing process thing! We arrived home Thursday and have been making the adjustment at home. Mallory is a pretty easy baby so far. She eats...and sleeps...and eats...and sleeps.

We are so very blessed.

The Final Days

There's something to be said about feeling content. Feeling content where we are at in life, feeling content professionally, and feeling content with myself. It's a good feeling. It brings comfort. It allows me to worry less (which is still a lot since I am a worry wart at heart) and it allows me to sit back and enjoy. We've enjoyed tailgates and cool nights. I've gotten lots of first grade hugs and 2 year old cuddles at night. Doug and I even had the chance to spend a Sunday cleaning, going out for breakfast, and enjoying each others company.

But something I learned in school is that there's also something to be said about discontent. About the feeling that something isn't right, that something needs to change. The only way things can get better or life can evolve is for something to change.

Boys and girls...change is a comin'!! We are so ready to welcome this little girl into the world. The house is ready, we have a name, and Jani is elated to become a big sister. I'm not quite there yet at school, but I know by the end of the week I'll be there. I'm not sure I've quite wrapped my head around the fact that we are going from a family of three to a family of four but I am so excited to do so. I came to the realization that I just haven't documented this pregnancy as well as I did Jani's. I convinced Doug to get behind the camera and try to get some belly pics. We also conned a good friend into taking some of the three of us. Now she can officially come. The belly has been documented. Commence Operation Baby #2 :)

Jani's Year 2 Photo Book

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2 Years Later...