2 Weeks with Baby Sis Lillian

Lillian has been part of our family now for a little over two weeks. Our new bigger family is starting to get back to a new normal.  Mommy had a check up and things are healing very nicely.  Still limited physical activity for another 4 weeks! Yikes.  Miss Lilly had her 2 week check also.  She is thriving.  Up 1lb since birth and sitting at 70th percentile for height and 30th for weight. 

Brother Charlie is  doing great too. He is facinated by breastfeeding, and likes to try it with his own baby doll.  His new favorite thing to say to Sis when she is crying is  "Wow, baby Sister....WOW".  I guess he thinks she is really loud. :)

               Daddy is getting sleep when he can! And soaking in the baby girl snuggles. Aw!



How is the baby sleeping?

How is she eating?

How is Charlie doing?

We have been getting these three questions a lot lately. So, how is Lilly sleeping? She is a great sleeper! Doug and I are completely shocked at our good luck. She sleeps in  four-hour chunks at night (which after feeding and diapering allows Doug three solid hours of sleep!) It is heavenly. I love this kid!

Lilly and I are breastfeeding, and it is going well.  She is a great eater, and already passed her birth weight. Maybe we will finally have a baby with a little meat on her bones.

Charlie! What a good Big Brother.  He is adjusting as well as I would expect any 2.5 year old. We have had a few meltdowns, but Charlie is gentle, loving, and very helpful.  We are finding out that if we start the day with special Mommy/Charlie time that the rest of the day is better for everyone.

Long story short...We are ALL doing GREAT!

Happy Birthday Little Lilly

After 39 weeks of pregnancy, two dislocated hips, one fainting spell at the park, one car accident, two trips to the emergency room, and plenty of sleepless night...Lillian Elizabeth Helsel joined our family in the most peaceful c-section on January 12th, 2012 (1/12/2012, pretty neat b-day!).

Doug and I enjoyed a fancy dinner out the night before our daughters birth at Sakura here in Flagstaff.  The next morning we drove to the hospital at 5:30am for a 7:30am c-section.  After being prepped and meeting all the doctors, nurses, and techs on our service I took the birthday march down the hall to the operating room. Doug waited outside on the "Daddy Bench" while I received my spinal.  Doug was then escorted in to join me. Our anesthesiologist asked me "Do you like music?" I said, sure.  So he turned on a little birthday music and the surgery began. Moments later she was born to the tune of "stand by me" by John Lennon. It was magical.  She is magical. 

Lilly was born at 8:46am
Has brown hair and deep blue eyes
7lbs 3oz
19inches long

She is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever laid eyes on.  Her big brother is adjusting very well.  He likes to hold her, kiss her goodnight, and sign her Frosty the Snowman when she cries.  Both Doug and I feel truely blessed to have two amazing children.

Big Brother in the Morning

Lillian Elizabeth Helsel will be born in morning! Our C-section is scheduled for 7:30am. That means today is my last day as a parent of just one. So, Charlie and I made a day of it. We met up with friends at the local Aquaplex (9 months pregnant in a swimsuit! Yikes) Then went to McDonalds for lunch, and had TCBY yogurt for dessert. Tonight Daddy and I are toasting to this next chapter in our life with a fancy, just the two if us dinner. We are calling it our last supper. :) Lily, I cannot wait to meet you. I am selfishly wanting you to look like me. Mommy is ready to count your fingers and toes, and see your Daddy hold you in a pink blanket. You are also getting the worlds greatest big brother. He is funny, smart, and super cute. He cannot wait to take you to the aquaplex!

Baby Lily is 8 Days Away!

Oh.My.Goodness. I am going to be a mother of two in 8 days. I am nervous, anxious, excited, and curious. What does this little one look like? How hard is two children just under 3 years old? Can I survive on no sleep again? But, I cannot wait to hold her, snuggle her, and see Doug holding a little pink bundle in his arms. My girlfriend, Elizabeth Garcia, took these lovely maternity pictures for me. I love them. Here are a few of my favorites!

Merry Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas to all! We had a wonderful 3 day Christmas marathon. First, we celebrated "Christmas" on Christmas eve with the Wheeler side of the family. We shared gifts and were able to attend Christmas eve mass together. We then came home to our house and ate an amazing Christmas meal. On Christmas morning we went to the Helsel's house to open even more gifts.  We had a relaxing and fun day.  Then, on day #3 Aunt Sue (from Denver) and Uncle Jon (from Virginia) came to visit.  Susie had never even met Charlie in person before!  And again....Charlie was showered with gifts.  What a spoiled little boy. 

Charlie also got to go sledding with cousin Liberty.  They both are dare devils and loved going fast with their Dads.