Project 366: Days 43-49

"A baby girl is one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a little extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in your world today." - Unknown

43.365 The day before we had our new baby, we celebrated a day for just our little family, the last time it would be just us 3, doing things you love to do. We had planned to go to the Botanical Conservatory, but it was closed, so we went to the mall where we perused books at Barnes & Noble, rode the carousel twice (you chose an elephant and a horse), ate Thai noodles at the food court, and your favorite part where you just ran joyously through the hallway, completely unaware that the next day you would be a big sister.

44.365 "Way up high in the apple tree. Two little apples smiling at me." Our favorite part is when the apples smile and we put our hands over our eyes like goggles and put our heads together so that our "goggles" touch. Then we giggle and giggle. My mommy taught me that little rhyme and now I tell it to you. And someday, you may just giggle over apple goggles with your daughter too.

45.365 We went to the hospital at 5:30am, and by 7:55am, we welcomed our second daughter into this world. Mommy and Daddy got to see you right away via a clear drape. They took you briefly to clean you up, and I could hear you screaming and screaming, a healthy set of lungs. But the moment they laid you on me, you stopped crying and snuggled up to me, not making a sound. It was amazing. You are amazing.

46.366 You are a very chill baby. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Your nurses would walk in and say "Is this the best eater in the maternity ward that I've been hearing about?" You've got a reputation.

47.365 We wanted you to be the very first to meet your baby sister, so after your nap, Daddy drove home and picked you up. We had prepped you about what was going to happen, but we didn't really think you'd understand. When Daddy carried you into the hospital room and showed you your little sister, you knew exactly who she was and said "Sister!" I was so happy that you were excited about her, and my Mommy heart filled with love.

48.366 You already love your little sister, and you often poke at her and say "Sister" or "Baby." You are such a big helper already, and you often check in on her.

49.365 This is the swing you slept in for far too long because of your aspirating problems. You were always fascinated by the lights and the dancing lambs, even as a newborn. When you saw it again, I found you on all fours in the swing, and you were furious that I made you get out. Whenever your sister is in it, you point at the lambs and yell "Sheep! Sheep! Baaaaa!!"