Best Friends

These two have become the best of friends over the past year. Watching them play and listening to their conversations brings me so much joy. I'm so thankful that Gracie has her cousin Kia. 

This picture was taken before Sunday School a few weeks ago. Neither of them would smile in the class picture, but when we asked them to hug each other, this was the result. Beautiful girls!  

Bedtime at the Weaver House

Doesn't get much sweeter than this!  There's just something about daughters and daddies that makes me happy... especially when it's my daughter and her daddy!

A Newborn Night

I often refer to the nights when Gracie (or Tysie) don't sleep well as 'newborn nights'.  You know, the nights where you have short periods of interrupted sleep, all through the night. Interruptions including, but not limited to... crying, scary dreams, upset tummies, puke, congestion, no reason at all.  

Well, last night my sister-in-law invited me to stay with her for Annabelle's last night in the hospital. I was so happy she asked because I love being able to help and snuggling my newest niece is always a perk!  Brandi and I can chit-chat for hours, and with all the hustle and bustle of the past few days, we hadn't gotten to chat as much. So it was really fun to cath up with each other, too.  As expected, it was a 'newborn night'!  For good reason... since Miss Annabelle is a newborn!  She was so good though, seriously didn't cry at all. A few whimpers, but so very content. Her momma did all the work, so I was just there for moral support. All total, I think B and I got 3-4 hours of sleep. 

Just like when I've stayed with Steph after all of her deliveries, plus my hospital stay with Gracie, I really do forget how tired the 'newborn nights' make you.  Every now and then we still have 'newborn nights' with G, but they are few and far between. But when they pop up, it totally zaps your energy for a bit. 

I'm probably forgetting other obstacles, but right now the only part of having another baby that scares me are the 'newborn nights'.  I know they don't last forever. And I know that in the grand scheme of things, that phase is short, but it is the hardest thing ever when you're going through it. And unfortunately, there's really no getting around it.  

My 'newborn night' adventure from last night was a welcomed experience. I am so happy that Annabelle and I have already had our first sleepover. No complaints from Aunt Kristy!  Plus 'newborn nights' are a lot easier when you know the next night isn't going to be one!  

Graham Cracker's Christmas Tree

Tonight we went over to Grandma Sevedge's house to help decorate the Christmas tree. Ever since my dad died, setting up the tree hasn't been the same and oftentimes my mom doesn't even put one up. This year, Steph and I suggested that the grand kids help Grandma start a new tradition of decorating the tree. And so we did it tonight!  All of us joined the party... Minskys pizza and Christmas decorating. Here are a few pictures from our night. 

Little Gracie, the Christmas Bug, thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of Grandma's 'Baby Jesus' ornaments. She examined each and every one. They are her favorite!  

Annabelle Madison

The newest member of our extended family made her debut yesterday at 1:22 pm. Our niece, Gracie's cousin, Annabelle Madison is a teeny tiny sweet pea, weighing only 5 lbs 15 oz at birth. She's beautiful and cuddly, and totally makes those sweet baby goat noises... which makes me look forward to the itty bitty phase again!

Annabelle and her parents are doing so well. Mommy is recovering from her c-section with no complaint and Daddy couldn't be prouder. Big Cousin Gracie had to miss out on meeting her tonight due to a sore throat and the sniffles. But no worries, they will be the best of friends before we know it!  She did wonder aloud at bedtime last night, "Why does Uncle Chad get my belly?"  After explaining that Uncle Chad loves her and likes to see her giggle, she asked, "Will he still get my belly?"  I reassured her that Uncle Chad will get her belly as long as she will let him, even now that he's a Daddy. It's super sweet how much my girl loves her family.  I hope Annabelle feels that way about Ryan and I someday!  I'm looking forward to another niece to squeeze and smooch and make tons of memories with, for sure!

I could not be happier for Brandi and Chad to receive and experience the blessing they have been praying for.  Annabelle will forever be a reminder of God's infinite wisdom and divine plan.  She is exactly who God intended her to be and arrived exactly when He intended her to.  Comforting. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

We just put our tree up in the basement and the girls wanted to sleep under it for nap time today. After over an hour and a half of playing around and one come to Baby Jesus talk with Gracie (and maybe a spanking, as well) they slept like babes!  They've already asked to sleep there again tomorrow. I'm still deciding if I have enough patience to allow them to make such sweet memories. Momma/Aunt Nerned really needs nap time these days. Maybe I should just tuck them in downstairs and head up to my own bed for some peace and quiet. Not a bad idea?!  

Gracie's excitement this Christmas really is adorable. I'm loving her enthusiasm for Jesus and all things Christmas. Today, I think I just needed a nap myself!  

A Full Weekend

Two family Thanksgiving celebrations, one busy day of Black Friday shopping, two Christmas tree setups, and an independent two year old leave me (and apparently her) feeling like this...