Happy Accident

Sweet Girls,

I have always considered you two as blessings. I have always dreamed of being a mother. I never could've imagined how wonderful it would actually be. If I thought I knew love before, I certainly know love now. The love that your Daddy and I have for you is overwhelming. I feel as if my heart could burst when I think of it. I cherish so many moments with each of you, together and separately. Sweet times of snuggling, giggling, playing, sleeping. Even the more challenging days are better with you two.
All this to say, I came to a really awesome realization this week. I have known, and been very vocal about, the fact that Stella was not planned. Sure, we planned for a second child, just not quite so soon. I have truly enjoyed the craziness our lives have been since Stella entered our family. I have always viewed it as craziness. That's what you do when you have two babies in diapers. One running around and getting into everything, the other requiring more time and attention as they are a "just" a baby.
This week, I realized that I wouldn't change the timing one bit. Here is a glimpse into why...

...You two girls are BEST friends. You love one another. It is a love that is so pure and unassuming. Genuine love. You drive each other crazy. You scream and steal toys and get cranky with one another. But then, you hug one another. Jewel gives Stella kisses, all the time. Stella I'm sure would return the kisses, but right now she saves them all for Mommy. (Yay!)

I love that you girls will grow up together. So closely. Stella, at 10 months now, is already walking. Sure, it's mummy-like and wobbley, but it is walking. I am positive that Stella is walking to be more like her sister. Jewel brags that she teaches Stella things. So cute.

Almost every night, you two girls take a bath together. You play in the bubbles. Splash the water. Wash away any arguements or fussiness you've had with one another during the day. Then you snuggle into your "jamas" and Stella drinks her milk for bedtime. Every single time, Jewel hugs and kisses Stella on the forehead.

My heart swells. I love you girls more than I can express to you in words.

I love our family. Happy accident and all.

Love always and all ways,

Your Mama

My Sweet Babies,

Our lives have been CRAZY these past couple of months. I have been very busy with my new job, which has had me working full-time (not ideal). It has been a challenge as I have really missed being at home with you two.
Jewel, you are such a delight. You are learning so much these days. You love to sing, for example, "a, b, c, d, e, f, g, now I know my a, b, c, d, e, f, g, now I know my..." You get the point. It is an adorable, never-ending song. It is nearing Christmas time, and you absolutely love seeing "Christmas stars" all around, which are actually Christmas lights.Your excitement is thrilling.
Stella, you have recently learned to crawl! You have been at full speed throughout the house for the last two weeks or so. Along with that, you've figured out how to pull up and stand. You are so happy, all the time.
It is such a pleasure to be your Mommy. Both of you are so special to me and I am so thankful for you.
We are going to Disney World in a couple of days with Daddy! I am so excited to see what you two think. I will have lots to write about when we get home!!

I love you always and all ways!

Mama

My sweet Jewel & Stella,

Two weeks ago, I officially started working my dream job. Hopefully, by the time you two are able to read this, I will still be a Labor & Delivery nurse. I absolutely love it. I have been a nurse for the past two years, but I was working in the hospital with very sick people. I wasn't where I wanted to be.
This week, through a terrible event at work, I am reminded of just how thankful I am for my two girls. You are such an overwhelming blessing. I love you more than you could ever imagine. My first "dream job" in life was to be a mother. So really, you two are a dream come true. After my rough day at work, I came home and just watched you two sleep. Today, I gave each of you probably two thousand kisses.

Jewel - 2 years and 3 months old   Stella - 6 months old

I just wanted to be sure you two girls know how thankful I am for you. You are truly a gift from God. I am so happy to be your Mama.

Love always and all ways,

Mama Bear

My Dear Daughters,

This blog is for you. You two girls are the greatest blessings of my life. I have so many things I want to tell you. So many funny and crazy and exhausting things you do, and I want to be sure you know about them. I don't want to forget a single thing, and this is the best way I can document for you. I'll be playing catch-up, but I'll do my best to fill you in on all the things that make you two girls so awesome.

Jewel Audrey - July 08, 2010

 Jewel, our first delightful and sunshine-filled girl. You are so stinkin' sweet and fun. This is a picture of me and you minutes after you were born. You had finally calmed down. You came out with your arms swinging and mouth wide open- screaming! Your Daddy and Nana were right beside me when you were born. Dr. Roberts (a rockstar) delivered you, and labor was pretty breezey, compared to what it could've been.


Stella Adley - April 13, 2012

Stella, you were immediately a calm and sweet baby. A great sleeper. A big smiler. You are such a big fan of your big sister, and she loves on you as often as I will let her. By the time this picture was taken, you were an hour or two old, but still brand new. Labor with you was long, more than 24 hours, and I was exhausted. But, nothing could stifle my excitement about meeting you. Dr. Jennelle delivered you. Daddy and Nana were there, just like with your big sister. Toward the end of my pregnancy, you decided you didn't like standing on your head. Dr. Roberts had to flip you around from the outside! Painful for Mama, but worth it!

Here are your stats:
Jewel 7lbs. 6oz. 20 inches; born at 39 weeks and 4 days gestation.
Stella 9lbs. 1oz. 21 inches; born at 39 weeks and 5 days gestation.

                       

                             38 weeks - Jewel                                                          38 weeks - Stella

I am so thankful to be your Mama, both of you. I can't imagine my life without either one of you. I look forward to reflecting back on the really fun things about your lives and little reasons that make me love you so much more.

Love always and all ways,
Mama

                                                                      October 2012