Happy 3rd Birthday, Lexi-Lulu!

Where has the time GONE? Seriously, I cannot believe that my Alexis is three years old! 

3rd birthday - 2011

2nd Birthday - 2010 

1st birthday - 2009

1 day old - 2008

For her birthday, June 22nd, we kept things pretty mellow. Grandma Kay was here for the week to help out with the girls, so she got to celebrate with us on Wednesday night and stay with Emma during the day so I could take Lexi out for a special day. 

After Lexi (finally) woke up on her birthday , we went out shopping in the morning. For lunch, Lexi got a special treat - she LOVES Sonic chicken strips and I was an awesome mom and let her have a chocolate shake with her lunch

. 

After her nap, I took her to the pool for an hour.  (I know she looks like she's pouting, but she just didn't want to have her picture taken - she was having a good day, I promise!)

That night we had cherry-vanilla cupcakes that Lexi and I had made earlier. Lexi is really good at making cupcakes. 

The "special plate" is a long-standing Dunaway family tradition. Growing up, if it was your birthday or a special occasion, you got to eat off the "special plate" at dinner. My sister gave Paul and I our own as a wedding present. 

On Saturday, we continued the birthday celebration by taking Lexi to Build-a-Bear. She LOVED it and we LOVED watching her pick out her special bear. In true Lexi-naming-style, the bear's name started off as Bell, then became Tinkerbell, but seems to have finally settled on Toby (which is a darling name, but I'm not sure the name and the dress really go, what do you think?)

AND Lexi's 3 year checkup stats:

height: 37.5 inches - 51st percentile
weight: 32 pounds - 60th percentile

Father's Day 2011

Happy Father's Day! 

We kept things pretty low-key around the Holding House for Father's Day this year. Emma Josephine (or Emma Jelly-Beans as Lexi calls her) decided she needed to be up from 2 a.m. until 5 a.m. that morning and that kept the rest of us up as well. Mommy and Daddy took shifts trying to persuade the little lady to sleep, and Lexi showed her displeasure by getting up to slam her door closed around 4 a.m. (I don't blame her. I'm not one for having my sleep messed with, either!)

So Sunday morning (late Sunday morning) we had breakfast and took the girls to the pool. It was a perfect day and there was a breeze and lots of shade for Emma to hang out in.

I found this awesome website (Tiny Prints) and had this card made for Paul from the girls:

And just because they are cutie-pies: 

Emma 

5 1/2 weeks

 Lexi styled herself here, by the way!

In case you were wondering . . .

. . . and I'm sure you were not. 

Things are C-R-A-Z-Y around this house with a hyper-active (almost) 3year old and a 1 month old. Our typical day begins around 6:30 when Emma wakes up hungry and ends around 11 when Emma finally falls asleep. In between is a blur most days. However, I have noticed a trend in my thought patterns: 

 - Why can't I manage to get all three of us downstairs before 9 a.m.?

 - What do you mean it is 11:00? I haven't had breakfast yet.

 - why won't Lexi pull down her own underwear to go to the bathroom? I know she CAN, she just WON'T!  

 - Will they kick her out of preschool for this? No, she'll get kicked out of preschool for being a diva.

 - Aren't newborns supposed to sleep 20 hours a day? Mine doesn't. 

 - Lexi - SERIOUSLY? How can it take you an hour and half to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and orange slices? SERIOUSLY!

 - Why does my 3 year old insist on wearing a nightgown to nap? 

 - I have GOT to remember to sew the clothes on to the Barbie dolls today!

 - OK - both girls are occupied or sleeping - time to make a list of what needs done around here . . . nevermind. I'm needed. 

 - How is it possible that I do laundry every single day? 

 - Emma is the noisiest little thing. 

 - Would it be inappropriate to watch Real Housewives of New Jersey with Lexi in the room? yeah, probably. darn. 

 - Lexi's napping. Emma is . . . not. sigh. 

 - How can I get people to knock instead of ring the doorbell without being rude or hanging up a tacky sign? 

 - Have I brushed my teeth today? I know I showered.

 - I don't get this 'Bubble Guppies" show - how can fish go camping?

 - When was the last time I left the house?

 - How is it 5:00? I haven't had breakfast yet.

Emma's 1 month stats:

 - height: 20 inches (10th percentile)

 - weight: 9 lbs. 4 oz (51st percentile)

 - head circumference: 14.5 inches (71st percentile) 

she's short and round. like a pooh bear.

What are you doing?

Lexi's new favorite thing to do is ask me, "What are you DOING?"

At first, I thought, "wow, she is really interested in what is going on around her!"

Ten minutes later, I realized she was just doing it for attention. I would be doing simple things - like taking a drink of water and her little voice starts up "What are you DOING?" 

This quickly became extremely annoying, so at first I ignored her (I know, I'm an awesome mom, right?). That didn't phase her - she just asked louder and more frequently. So I started telling her something else - if I was doing the dishes and she asked, I would tell her I was reading a book. This confused her for a bit, and I got about 30 minutes of peace. Then she started coming back at me with, "No, Mommy, you doing the dishes" (See, she does know what I'm doing, she is just attention deprived). 

Sigh. Any suggestions? 

 More Lexi-related stress: Nana and Papa brought over a Barbie house chock-full of accessories shortly after Emma was born. This has been both a blessing and a curse. The teacher side of me realizes how wonderful it is that Lexi will sit and play (and play and play) with the Barbie house for hours (literally - hours at a time!) when she would otherwise probably be watching TV or asking me "What are you DOING?" for the 347th time today. 

Her imagination is incredible - the Barbies conversations with each other often border on the hysterical. In just the last few days, I have overheard the Barbies "talking" (Lexi talking for them) about coupons and how much they "love 'em", going to Target (but Ken-doll couldn't come, he had to stay home because he was naughty and had to go to quiet time), and having a party. Adorbs. 

Ok, so the flip side of this is: 

it's unbelievably messy.
and is currently being housed in my living room.
which is right inside the front door.

Emma continues to be a doll - Lexi is learning to tolerate her more and more and also wants to know what Emma is DOING. That answer is usually easier - sleeping, eating, looking, getting her diaper changed. Not much variation in that routine.

easy as 1,2,3 (weeks old)

Can you believe that Emma is three weeks old? Sure, you can. I can't, though. 

At her two week checkup last Thursday (sorry for being a week behind) her stats were: 

height: 19 inches - 5th percentile
weight: 7 lbs 7.6 oz - 25th percentile 

 head circumference: 13 3/4 in - 50th percentile 

She is doing great! Maybe the only thing that gets tiring is that she wants to be held and snuggled all the time.

all. 

the. 

time. 

Seriously, this little lady is spoiled. With Lexi, she only wanted to be held a max of 2 hours a day. Emma is the opposite. I get two hours a day when she will deign to sleep in her crib. In general, I love it. Lexi was such an anti-snuggler, that I do love having my baby girl curled up against me all day. 

Some days, though, it makes life really difficult. On Wednesday nights, Paul sails. Which means he gets home from work, changes, kisses the girls, and is back out the door within 7 minutes. Last night was the first time he was able to go since Emma was born. I thought I'd be fine. I was wrong. 

Emma was being Emma, wanting to be held. Lexi was being Lexi, wanting more attention and her usual routine. Unfortunately, the night ended in tears from both girls. Emma because I had to put her down during Lexi's bath. Lexi because her bath was short and efficient, not the usual 30 minute playtime.

Momma was tired. Daddy was out. The girls were cranky. But we survived. 

Next week, however, I'm calling in Wednesday night reinforcements!

Look what Paul can do!

Paul decided to attempt some baking this afternoon, and made homemade soft pretzels. 

 That'll do, Pig. That'll do.

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

Baby Emma

 
Emma Josephine Holding

born: May 12th 2011
weight: 6 lbs 8 oz
height: 19 inches

Emma was born Thursday May 12th at 11:34 a.m. I was scheduled to be induced that morning, 1 week before our due date since Lexi was so big (8 lbs 12 oz), and we didn't want this baby to get as large. We got to the hospital at 6:30, started the induction process at 7:30 and by 9:30 I was ready (i.e. nearly begging) for an epidural.

When the did the epidural the first time, around 10:00, it only blocked my right side. Since I preferred to be numb on both sides, they REdid the epidural and by 11:00 I was completely numb.

By 11:00, I was also ready to have the baby, apparently. No one had anticipated that I would progress THAT quickly and our doctor barely made it into the room in time to deliver Emma.

We had a little bit of a scare shortly before delivery. With every contraction, Emma's heart rate would drop drastically. Thankfully she was delivered very quickly (about 9 minutes) and within a few (excruciatingly long and emotional) moments, she was crying and her heart rate was back up. Apparently, she had the cord wrapped around her arm and would pull on it with every contraction, causing her heart rate to drop. She is healthy and fine, but it was a scary, terrifying moment for Mom and Dad.

We named her Emma because that was the only first name we both liked. Josephine has multiple meanings - Paul's dad's middle name is Joseph, and my aunt's middle name is Jo - we felt Josephine was a nice way to incorporate both our family names.

We've been home for a few days and everything is going well. She is a sweet, snuggly, LITTLE (ok, little to US - remember Lexi was almost 9 pounds) girl and big sister Lexi loves to hold Emma and give her kisses.

Bangs, Beautiful Toes, and Best Buddies

My little girl is about to become a BIG sister in a matter of days. With a title that important in her future, it was also time to do something about the crazy mop of flyaway curls adorning her darling head.

I can't bring myself to cut the curls themselves yet - they are wispy and crazy and SUPER curly when it's hot, but I love them. However, Lexi is constantly (CONSTANTLY) pushing her little fingers up against her hair to keep it out of her eyes and face. So, I took a very professional pair of kitchen scissors to the front of her hairline, and I don't think I did a bad job, personally. My baby is now a big girl!

Also, to add to the 'Big-Girl-ness" Lexi let me paint her toenails. This shot shows off the true dichotomy of her nature - she LOVED her pink toenails, and doesn't this particular shade of fuchsia go well with the scrapes and bruises on her legs from being such a rough and tumble little kid? She can't make up her mind whether to be a tomboy (she loves to run and play and chase and dive) or a girlie-girl (she loves anything pink, sparkly, princesses, and playing dress-up). I'm very much ok with her dual-nature, it's just sort of amusing.

And last - the two partners in crime (aka everything). When we took Roxy in to the vet for her checkup (sidenote: this dog is almost 6 years old? How did that happen?) we found out she had gained 7 pounds!!!! The vet asked what had changed about her diet and lifestyle, and we said nothing, we just have a three year old and . . . oh yeah, Roxy's been getting slipped some major table scraps over the last few months. She even had a spot on the back of her neck with strawberry jelly on it at that moment - exhibit A, people! So, Roxy's on a diet and we are trying to be more vigilant about the amount of peanut butter and jelly she gets slipped. Either way, those few extra pounds have solidified Lexi's place as number #1 in Roxy's heart - which is ok with me, too.

Running out of time

WOW - where has the time gone? March and April have flown by as we are hastily preparing for the arrival of our next baby girl. Even though I think, "I really really need to update the blog" almost nightly, it has yet to be my priority. So here are a few photos to get you by until I can find something else:

HOUSE of BOUNCE - Cousin Ethan's 2nd Birthday

Walking with Grandpa:

Showing baby sister some love: