Loren's First Weeks

Our first weeks with baby Loren were simply beautiful. 

We soaked up every minute in our own little baby heaven. 

Miley has been in love since the moment Loren arrived, as if she had her own new little personal pet. Wherever Loren is, Miley is sure to be found not too far behind. 

Miley has already given Loren little nicknames like "Little Sweetie Pie" and comments so dearly that she looks like a baby turtle. :)

Loren sure has a way with Miley... Keeping her calm and mild. One look at Loren can send a feisty attitude right out the window, replacing it with gentle tenderness. 

Baby Magic. 

Miley can not hold Loren enough. It's so precious to see how much she loves having her here with us.

We are so proud of this big sis! 

Recovery for me was and is slow but steady. I feel so great to be free of pregnancy, but have to remind myself, and allow myself to slow down and rest. The first week was a little rough, but I've slowly felt stronger and better each day since.

Mi's has been my greatest helper, and is right there with me to adore every yawn, stretch, and funny newborn face Loren makes. The three of us are loving all this girl time together. Just and I can hardly believe we have DAUGHTERS! Loving every minute of it!

We ventured out just a few times. I'm always so worried about Loren every second. Is she buckled in right? Is she too warm, too cold, comfortable, happy? I'll even stop to listen for her breathing. Life is so fragile with this little newborn, and my baby skills are more than a little rusty.
Most of these newborn days I felt like I was moving in slowmotion, with responsibilities whirling all around me. It's been busy with our three. A good busy, but also, a little nuts. Often times I feels like my head is no longer attached to my body. But I am sure we will adjust well in time.
 I always have a few hurtles to jump when it comes to feeding my babies, which takes a great deal of time plus physical and emotional energy. Thankfully, I had the help of mom first, and then Justin in the following weeks so I could focus in on just me and the baby. I can't get enough of this baby girl.

I love our quiet times together when I can gaze into her eyes and feel of her spirit and who she is as I get to know her. Loren is a little angel. I truly feel as if I am in the presence of angels just being near her. She is growing quickly... right before our very eyes.

Mom was the greatest help. I could never say it enough. I'll always treasure these choice moments and memories of mom in my home helping me with my newborn babies. She brings a whole new level to the joy felt at this special time.

During mom's stay we joked, giving her the nickname of "The Elf on the Shelf." It seemed that no matter where we turned she had something magically whipped up, and cleaned up. It seemed like no one ever saw her doing all this magic, yet it was around every corner. We enjoyed her delicious cooking, and had no shame putting on a few extra lbs. "Don't Judge" turned out to be the common phrase we would say to one another as we would down carrot cake for breakfast, and feast on warm homemade rolls for lunch... and then again for dinner... ;)
 Mom prepped me with everything I would need for when she had to leave. I cried my little eyes out when she had to go. Her trip went way too fast. I didn't want her to stay with us to be over. We both felt the pain in our separation. Mom says she feels like she left me in the North Pole... and I tell her that is exactly where I feel like I have been all this time! Thankfully she stocked our freezer with more of her homemade rolls, so we could drown our sorrows with them after her departure. ;) Couldn't be more grateful for all she did for us, and loved having her here!

Justin took over completely during his holiday break. Entertaining the kids, running all the errands, stocking and cleaning the house, leaving me confident knowing all is taken care as he returns to school. I wouldn't have made it a day without him. He has been extremely supportive and helpful as I've gone through many ups and downs from one day to the next. He has done a marvelous job of keeping our home functioning (which is a big job) and never with a complaint. He more than stepped up to the plate, and we were spoiled with how well we were looked after. I'm so thankful to this sweet companion of mine. I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

Poor Scotlin ended up with the flu the first couple weeks Loren was home. It was hard to gage what he thought of the baby and all of the changes with him not feeling well. A few times Justin and I thought he seemed different and might be needing a little extra TLC from mom and dad. We made an effort to take time out for  reading more stories to him, getting down on his level to listen to him, talking with him, and showing him extra attention. 

The first week He stomped around like a dinosaur and told us he wanted baby Loren back in Mommy's tummy. By week two he had a change of heart, creating a sweet little moment I'll remember...

He came to me while I was holding and rocking the baby asking if he could join us on my lap. He crawled up next to the baby, and together we talked about her admiring and counting her toes, and talking about her little movements. Scotlin stroked her head and softly said to me, "I want baby Loren to stay." Since then he has been a very sweet and concerned big brother. Immediately he runs to her aid if ever he hears her crying saying "she needs her brother!" He and Miley often argue over who's turn it is to rock her, hold her, or give her her binki. It sure has been nice having these two eager helpers! 

And it's even more precious to see how much they love this new baby sis!