Lyla's Baby Blessing

We had Lyla's baby blessing today.  It turned out to be a beautiful day.  We had some friends and family come join us and how grateful we are to them for coming out and supporting us.  We are truly blessed to have Ms Lyla Kay in our home and we know she will be an amazing daughter and sister.

 She was about done by the time we were finished taking pictures.  After her blessing we had a nice little lunch with everyone.  Since we had family out we also celebrated Everett's birthday.  I love watching his facial expressions now.  He truly gets excited about everything!

I just wish I was quick enough to catch all his expressions when opening the presents.  We are truly grateful to be blessed with the family we have.  It has been so fun being closer to family and having them be able to come to these little events and gatherings.

Sisters

When I was pregnant with Jacquelyn I kinda wanted a boy so Everett could have a little brother and they'd become best friends.  Then with this pregnancy I honestly wanted a boy cause Jacquelyn is a little diva and I wasn't quite sure I was prepared for another.  Well the Lord knows what we needed in our little family and I am so very grateful for that!  Now Jacquelyn has a sweet little sister that she loves and adores.  She is constantly telling me when Lyla's awake, or asleep, or crying.  She will go up to her and just start talking away to her.  I truly hope they grow up to be close and examples for each other.  It's so fun to see Jacquelyn interact with Lyla now that I hope that bond continues to grow.

 As usual Jacquelyn playing with Lyla's face, or squishing her cheeks. 

1st Day of Pre-K

 Today was Everett's first day of Pre-K.  It seems a little strange that he's old enough to be going to school.  We've been talking about this day for awhile and he has grown more and more excited.  WHen I woke him up and told him what day it was he got the biggest smile on his face.

The elementary school here offers a pre-k program.  When I first heard about it I was really excited until I learned it was an all day class.  I don't know why but it made me a little nervous.  It shouldn't have since 7 months ago he was going to day care all day.  Anyway, after some thought and discussion we decided he needed it.  This kid needs learning and social interaction and I wasn't giving him enough.  He definitely needs more interaction then what he gets from his mom and sister everyday.

When it was time to get ready to go both Everett and Jacquelyn were pretty excited to go.  Poor little girl thought she was going too.  I felt bad that we had to leave her.

After getting to his class room I was getting more excited for him.  I went to take pictures of him, but he was ready for me to leave.  When I went to say bye his teacher even said "Everett don't you need to say bye to your mom?"  HE just looked at me like come on mom go on already.    Jacquelyn has been pretty bored and every once in awhile will ask "where everett?".  I know he is going to have a blast and learn so much.

1 Month

Our little Miss Lyla is 1 month old today!  Time really does go by so fast.  I keep thinking it'll slow down at some point, but it sure doesn't.  I feel like she is still tiny, but then I look at her newborn pictures and can really see how much she's grown.  We've had so much fun with her this past month.  IT feels like she's always been here.  The kids adore her.  Todd and I can't get enough of her.  She has truly been a blessing to our family. Here are some things she's up to at a month:

Smiling

Starting to make more cooing sounds

Staying up more

Always moving

Loves to lay on her stomach

Loves to cuddle

Sleeps like a frog with her legs tucked up under her belly

Following voices

Smiles

Lyla has started smiling.  It's not just a gassy smile anymore, but full on smiles!

The other day I was taking pictures and within seconds her expressions would change.  I love this stage when you can catch so many faces.

 

And then while taking pictures she'll get distracted

 Because someone is getting her attention

TUmmy Time

 When Lyla has tummy time it usually starts like this and either ends up like this

 getting smothered in kisses, or

 she ends up asleep.

Spoiling a Newborn

My doctor told me you can't spoil a newborn.  But I'm not too sure about that! This little girl already knows what she wants.  She loves being held, but not in the cradle position.  She either has to be looking out or on your chest.  When getting her to sleep she'll be on her chest and I slowly move her to her bed.  That doesn't last long.  With in a few minutes she's crying and the minute I pick her up shes done.  Oh well I'll enjoy these nightly cuddle sessions for now!

Moose Hat

When Everett was a month old my Dad got him this moose hat from Yellowstone. When we were getting things ready for the baby I was getting both boy and girl newborn outfits set out so we would have them all ready for when we found out if we were having a boy or girl.  During the process Everett found this hat and ended up staying out and not being put back.  He'll every once and awhile put it on, but today he just had to wear it while we went on a bike ride.  He thinks it fits, and apparently he thinks it will protect him.  He doesn't understand it was meant to keep his little newborn head warm.  He just kept telling me "It'll keep me safe mom".  Oh ok Everett!

Getting Ready for Church

We had our first Sunday back in our own ward today.  The kids were all dressed and ready while we were waiting to go so of course I had to get pictures.

Of course we cant take pictures without the silly faces.

 And of course we have to catch a picture with Lyla crying.  Everett is so cute, the minute she starts to cry he starts singing trying to calm her down.

Girl in Training

Jacquelyn's already in training for getting older.  She came out of my closet walking around with heels and a phone to hear ear just chatting away.  Seriously she was having a full on conversation.  WE love this crazy girl!

Our Time at Grammy & Grandpa's

To help me recover my parents took Everett and Jacquelyn for a week and then I came and joined them for a week.  After Todd dropped me off he headed back after church last Sunday so he could go back to work.  I am so lucky for my parents and all they did to help our family.  I don't think I could have done it without all they did.  It was so nice to have extra time and help, but it was also nice to get back home and finally be our new family of 5.

Jacquelyn was completely different the second time she got to see Lyla.  She did not want to put her down!

 

 Everett always wanted to hold her too.  When she'd start crying he'd start singing to her.  Here he was singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  While he was singing she stopped crying and he was so excited. "Look mom she stopped!"

 We had a few rough nights toward the end of Jacquelyn.  She would be up all night.  I was texting Todd on one of the nights and Jacquelyn wanted to send a picture so this was it.

 Everett and Jacquelyn love our little Lyla.