This is what Audrey's hair looks like freshly shampooed. Audrey was asleep in my lap this morning after she ate. Abby came up and kissed her on the head. Abby rubbed Audrey's hair and said, "Audrey have pretty hair." Sweet girl!

We need another A

The address for my blog is aaayork, now I guess we need to add another "a." Audrey is now a week old, and she is a wonderful baby. She is completely different than Abby, not only in appearance but also in personality. While Abby was very alert as an infant, Audrey is content to sleep. You know that if her eyes are open that she is hungry! This makes for a lazy day of cuddling and feeding. Nighttime hasn't been too bad because she goes right back to sleep after she eats.

I think I finally got all the baby lotion out of her hair that the hospital nursery put in it. Audrey's hair is sticking up in all directions, so cute! The best part is that she has lots of hair for me to adorn with bows. :D

Before Audrey was born, I was a little nervous about the newborn stage (all those sleepless nights and keeping her happy). However, everything seems easier this time around. I don't know if Audrey is just an easy baby or if I feel more confident as a second-time mom.

Let the Countdown Begin

Two weeks to go! I only plan on working one more week, and having the week before my due date off. I saw the Dr. yesterday, but it wasn't my regular OB. Everything seems fine and normal. I will be glad to see my regular Dr. next Wednesday.

Abby has been sleeping in her new "big girl" room in the toddler bed for the last week. This is such a blessing because I was really worried that we'd have to move her crib into her new room. I didn't want to fight her over the crib eventually becoming Audrey's (even though Audrey will stay in our room in a bassinet for a couple of months). There are still some things that have to be moved between the girls' rooms, but we're almost there. Now I just need a rocking chair for our bedroom for all of the nighttime feedings.

I know they say every pregnancy is different. Every child is different. But, good grief, this pregnancy is different. The last few weeks of my pregnancy with Abby was a cake walk compared to this. However, I know better this time than to wish an earlier delivery. I'm relishing my sleep because new babies cry. I remember wanting to put Abby back because they don't cry in utero!

Pure and Simple Neglect

I really forget about blogging now that there is Facebook. I'm back in the swing of school. Abby is days away from her second birthday, and I am slowly getting ready for Audrey's arrival. Back to school was really rough. I had to unpack and set up my classroom in a new building. Not only was it new to the kids, but we teachers also had to learn a new routine. That meant standing on my feet all day five days a week. Everyday since has gotten a little easier.

Abby has become such a fun little girl. She can count to about 15 by herself, say most of the letters, and knows her colors. She is rarely quiet or still. :) She will also tell any stranger about the "baby in Mommy's tummy." To save myself some grief, we are having her birthday party at McDonald's (the clown as Abby calls it). I just made her a special birthday shirt this morning to wear to her party.

At this point in my pregnancy, I can't imagine getting any bigger. Audrey is huge! She moves all day long too. I have lots of Braxton Hicks contractions in the afternoon, and there are still 5 more weeks to go. I've got everything together at work in anticipation of my maternity leave, but our house is a different story. Very, very slowly we are getting the baby things from the garage. Abby's new room is still in progress, and we'll need to start moving Abby's belongings out of the nursery. Good thing is, Audrey will arrive whether we are ready for her or not.

Sometimes I can't believe our fortune in being blessed with such a sweet daughter. She is usually so good. I'm not trying to brag. Really, I'm just in amazement. Today we went to lunch with a bunch of friends. Abby ate applesauce, mac 'n' cheese, teddy grahams, and milk all by herself with absolutely no mess. She didn't spill anything on her or the table. Her mouth got a little dirty around the edges, but this is huge for us. I can't believe that my baby is using table utensils.

Other evidence:

• She's laying down quietly to go to nap.
• She tells me when she's dirtied her diaper.
• She holds my hand in the parking lot.
• She's getting the concept of "please."

I am thankful, thankful, thankful for this. However, it is very bittersweet. All of this independence means that she's growing up. I know it will make life easier once Audrey gets here, but I want her to stay little much, much longer.

Summer is flying by in a hot frenzy. I'm getting ready for Audrey's arrival in 3 months (agh!) and enjoying the extra time with Abby. Our favorite hangout in this ridiculous heat is the pool. Abby is becoming pretty independent in the shallow end where she can stand up.
I'm not making much progress on Abby's new room, but I can see the end of the quilt I'm making her. The nursery will stay as is for Audrey. However, I have no idea how we will accommodate overnight guests.
Our 6th wedding anniversary is on Sunday. Every year gets sweeter.

Spring Break

I just love not having to wake up to an alarm. Abby is still sleeping later from the time change. It's glorious!

We went to the Cameron Zoo yesterday with friends. Abby really had a good time. She especially liked the monkeys. She would point and say, "Mine, mine!" (which means monkey). Abby also loved the aquariums. I was surprised at how much attention she payed to the animals. She didn't fuss at all the whole time we were there.

I have lots of other fun things for us to do this week with friends. Too bad I have to go back to work next week.

This is a pic of Abby in the "dress up" hat that she loves to put on.