Miranda’s First Bath
Miranda lost her umbilical cord stump last week, and was ready for her first “official” tub bath today.* A fitting milestone as today she is 3 weeks old! Halfway through the bath, Meema remarked that it really does take a village. So true! Natalie was a big helper, (Miranda’s feet are really, really clean!) Meema assisted with equipment and rinsing, and PopPop took these lovely photos.
Miranda isn’t so sure at first
Happier… ….with a warm wash cloth over her belly
I think she likes it!
Natalie helped wash her feet Miranda seemed to love having her hair washed.
Big rinse No tears at all!
So cold!! She definitely did not like coming out of the warm bath into the cold air.
Hello there! Miranda’s hair is curly when wet!
Happy to be warm and dressed!
* I say “official” because when Miranda was just 1 week old, she did have a poopsplosion to huge that it required being rinsed off. Wipes could not have handled that amount of poop. But for Miranda’s privacy’s sake, we didn’t take pictures of that. Aren’t you glad?
Rising to the Occasion
Big Sister Natalie Natalie is proving to be an awesome big sister. Before Miranda was born, we had been worried about her regressing in any number of areas: sleep, potty, eating, etc. We worried about jealousy and Natalie acting out to get attention or out of confusion, frustration, and anger. We worried about her insisting on Mommy’s attention while I was nursing or otherwise attending to the baby. Our heads were filled with stories of older siblings trying to sell or throw out their new, unwelcome family members.
But like the strong, amazing girl she’s always been, Natalie has accepted the challenge of becoming a big sister with grace and enthusiasm. She has been willing to share her toys, loves to hug and kiss Miranda, and wants to be involved in taking care of her. In fact, the only times Natalie has gotten upset haven’t been when she’s not getting attention. Rather, she gets upset if we deny her access to her sister, i.e. “Miranda just fell asleep, so now isn’t a good time to hug her.”
What’s even more impressive to us is that Natalie seems to be embracing not only that she has a baby sister, but that she is, in fact, a big girl. Instead of regressing, she’s become even more independent in terms of the potty, eating, and playing. She’s been sleeping in her bed all night almost every night. Miranda is only 3 weeks old, and so far we’ve loved watching Natalie’s relationship with her sister develop, as well as see her growing maturity.
Rocking out Notice her pajama shirt says "I like to be LOUD!"
Best Dad & Husband
Chris, as always, is the best dad and husband ever. This was not an easy pregnancy for me and he picked up the parenting and housework slack without complaining. Since Miranda was born, he’s been taking care of me and Natalie while managing to keep the house clean and organized (not to mention work at his demanding job). Friends have remarked about how well-rested I look, and it’s because I have a husband who is so wonderful. Natalie, Miranda, and I are very lucky!! We love you, Chris.
Cuddling with Daddy
Chris tries out the new beco Multi-tasking!!
Bedtime Stories
Grandpa and Miranda 
Aunt Kary with her nieces 
Jodi and Jason visit It takes a village…
We are incredibly lucky to live near such supportive family. Making the transition from a family of three to a family of four was certainly a group effort! When I decided it was time to go to the hospital at 4 am Tuesday morning, Grandma was kind enough to come over despite the freezing temperatures and obscene hour. Then Meema and Pop Pop took over staying with Natalie while Grandma went to work. They took Natalie shopping, as we had given Natalie the important job of picking out a coming home outfit for her baby sister. We were hoping to be released from the hospital on Wednesday, but the blizzard prevented us from coming home.
Blizzard! The view from our hospital room the day after Miranda was born, 2/10/10.
So the three grandparents took turns watching Natalie and she had a sleep-over at Grandma’s house. Thursday morning Grandma walked Natalie to meet Pop Pop halfway between our houses as the cars were blanketed with snow and the roads weren’t clear yet. Grandma tells us that Natalie insisted on walking (as opposed to being carried) saying “but I have my snow boots on!” Grandma let her try and as she sunk in up to her waist, Natalie admitted, “this snow is too big for me!” Pop Pop had the unfortunate job of clearing the 14+ inches of snow that fell so we would be able to walk in the house.
Driving home 
Meema and Pop Pop with their Granddaughters
Grandma love We are so grateful for everyone’s hard work and willingness to give their time and energy to us, as always! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!