It's only been a week . . .

Our lives have changed so much in the last week! It's hard to believe that this time last Thursday, Emma was only minutes old!

When we took Emma to the doctor for her check-up she weighed the same (yeah!).

at one week, here are her stats:
height: 18.5 inches - 10th percentile
weight 6 lbs. 8 oz. - 25th percentile
head circumference: 13.25 inches - 45th percentile

Since we've been home, it has been really interesting (sometimes scary, sometimes funny) to see Lexi adapt to our family of four. She is learning to become more independent. Things that she used to demand I do for her, she now wants to do herself. Exhibit A: getting into the fridge to get her milk cup.

 

"Mom, I can get my own milk!"

To her credit, Lexi has become an awesome helper! She loves to help me take care of Emma by getting things for me or taking things away. If I need a diaper for Emma, Lexi gets it. If I need her pacifier, Lexi gets it. If I need a burp rag . . . you get it - Lexi fetches.

She also likes to put things away when we are done with them. She throws Emma's diapers in the trash for me, and gets pretty upset if I don't let her do it! The other day I asked her to put a couple of pacifiers in the sink for me. I assumed she had done it, but when I went to do laundry later (sidenote: I had completely forgotten that someone so small generates so much laundry!) I found this:

 
pacifiers on the washing machine

Lexi also has some interesting thoughts about her new baby sister. For instance, the first few days we were home, we had lots of people coming around to meet our Emma and when Lexi was asked, "What do you think of your new baby sister?" Lexi said, "I think she kinda stinks." Nice. Really nice.

Lexi was talking to my mom on the phone and I heard Nana ask her if Baby Emma has been crying alot - Lexi said "Baby Emma doesn't cry, Nana, she SQUEAKS!" (that is true - baby girl has a teeny tiny cry but we rarely hear it. She just squeaks when she needs something - it's pretty cute).

Lexi has been getting pretty hyper with all the comings and goings around here and she usually tries to show off for everyone by running around and being loud. I told her to calm down and be quiet. Lulu's response: "But Mom, I'm very happy!"

 
"here, Mom, take her. I'm done!"

Lexi really is adjusting pretty well to the new baby. She isn't too interested in doing much more than helping mom and holding Emma for 3.5 seconds yet, but that's alright. We've got time. The only thing that has been really difficult for me, being home with both girls this week, is learning to become super organized and scheduled. Before Emma was born I was terrified of what would happen if I was feeding Emma and Lexi needed to go potty. I've learned how to synchronize the days events so that I can be available to whoever needs me more (example: make sure Lexi potties BEFORE feeding Emma - really it was a simple solution). It's only been a few days, no major mishaps yet. I'm certain they'll come, though.

AND

There have been a few things that have made my life worth living lately:

1. This contraption (and of course the little girl in it!):

 

She looks a little terrified of the camera here; better get used to it, sister!
Momma LOVES her camera!

2. Lexi singing. She has been singing to herself in bed lately and while she doesn't know tunes to anything, she's got the words down. Her favorite (and mine) is "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" - precious.

3. and this - THIS - is what makes my world go 'round. All my loves. Love is all you need.

 
Lexi, Emma, and Daddy