Numero Uno

Paige is one month old! She has finally gained some weight (we struggled to get out of the 5lb range for a few weeks) and is weighing in at 7lbs 6oz (20%) and 20 inches long. She is a good eater, sleeper and an overall happy baby just like her sister was. The only difference we see so far is that Paige is a bit noisier...doesn't take much considering CE was the quietest baby ever! We are thankful that she is gaining weight, her jaundice has finally gone completely away, giving smiles here and there, and is absolutely adored by her big sister. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing, but the "Paigey-pie" nickname is here to stay in Claire's book! Sorry, girlfriend...

Paigey-pie

A few photos of our newest Kruse that I took while we were in the hospital...she looks a lot like her sister, only smaller and with darker hair. She has her daddy's button nose and she's an absolute blessing for our family! We love you and can't wait to see what your future holds, Paige Abigail!

 

 

Paige Abigail

Our sweet miracle was born on October 17 at 6:03pm (weird that Claire was also born on a Wednesday at 6pm, right?!!). She weighed 6 lbs, 6 oz and was 19 1/4 inches long. Labor and delivery brought some unexpected twists and turns, mostly epidural related, but she was delivered in only two pushes once I dilated from 4cm to 10 in just 30 minutes! Recovery after a second baby has already been much quicker...although also a necessity when chasing around a sassy big sister! Paige is working on gaining weight (she was 5lbs 15oz at our weight check last Thursday), so we're hoping to be back up to birth weight by our next check on Wednesday. Claire is adjusting well and finally wanting to hold, burp and kiss miss "Paigey-pie," as she has affectionately named her. I can't wait to see these girls grow up to be best friends. I can't imagine my life without my sister, and I'm so thankful that my girls will have that too. My cup runneth over...

3cm...pitocin is flowing!

 

 

 

Happiest day!

 

 

 

Nine Months...

Someone is ready to be a big sister...nine months and counting!

 

Claire's First Haircut

Goodbye baby mullet, hello big-girl haircut!

Prego update

As is typical with second babies, the craziness of life has sort of overtaken this pregnancy. I'm enjoying and cherishing every second, but also feel like time is flying by! The need for weekly belly photos and meticulous cleaning has gone by the wayside, and with just six or seven weeks until number two arrives, I've started to come to the realization that I need to get my act together, so as to not have a nervous breakdown when I go into labor! So, here are a few belly shots, and a blogger's pledge to myself and cyberspace to face the reality of what the next couple of months has in store for this thankful and blessed momma!

28 weeks (Chesney and McGraw concert)

31 weeks (at CE's second birthday party!)

 

32 weeks (dear friend Katie's baby shower- she's 34 weeks in this pic!)

 

 

33 weeks

 

And just for comparison, here's what I looked like at 33 weeks with Claire-bear:

 

 

Two-year Tribute

Thought I would share CE's age 2 "tribute" photo.  I created one last year for her first birthday, and I love looking back at it and remembering all of the things that she was "into!" Hoping this is a tradition I can keep up on, with all of my munchkins...because as we all know know, time flies by entirely too quickly. It's these small things that I want to cherish forever!

 

 

 

 

Rise and Shine Birthday

We celebrated CE's second birthday this past weekend, rise-and-shine-style! The girl loves anything breakfast, so why not throw a pajama party! Plus, it was pretty darn cute to see the kiddos in their PJ's, and rather simple to plan (a must when you're eight months pregnat!) I have to say, second birthdays are way more fun than firsts! She was so excited to open all of her presents and went around to everyone at the party saying "It's my Happy Birthday!" If you asked her how old she was, the answer was "I'm phree!" Minor detail, right?! She'll be all set for next year, I suppose. Happy Birthday, sweet girl. You bring us more joy than we could have ever imagined, and we can't wait to see just how great of a big sister you will be in just a few weeks.

Complete with casserole, mini muffins, homemade donuts, fruit kabobs, and a cereal bar!

The kids in their PJ's

Waffle cake made by Aunt Annie, yes please!

 

SJ's homemade train table was a big hit

This chick loves Thomas!

 

Cereal Bowl favors

 

 

 

Two years old and thirty-two weeks pregnant!

What a difference a year makes...