What a Cutie!

August 27th, 2008 by Rachel

Annalise is showing off some of her sweet gifts from Aunt Flo-nessa (the same one who gave Josiah a leash–that was never used in public, but still provides much entertainment at home.)

I’m enjoying having girly stuff! If I just had more time to sew…

Bathtime

August 19th, 2008 by Rachel

Five Weeks

July 2nd, 2008 by Rachel

Annalise is already five weeks old. In some ways, I feel like she’s been with us forever. I guess less sleep makes for longer weeks. I’m glad Thomas is keeping things interesting on this blog, because all you are going to get from me is baby stuff.

First smiles this weekend

Her hair curls when wet, just like Josiah’s did as a babe.

Enough already!

Does God Love Mullets?

June 28th, 2008 by Rachel

I’m thinking that He just might. Both of our kids have been born with them, a hairstyle of choice perhaps? Or maybe this is what I get for all the mullet-spotting Bethany and I did in college.

Josiah about a month old:

Annalise about a month old:

Picture Post

June 19th, 2008 by Rachel

It’s amazing how little “free” time you have with a newborn who needs to be held most of the time! Here are some pictures from the past week, enjoy!

Annalise is a very alert baby when she is awake. She is awake for 45 minutes to an hour at a time, then must be bounced/rocked/swayed to sleep or she screams. Her favorite things are swaddling, nursing, being held and bouncing.

Josiah loves his sister. It’s precious to see how excited he is when she flails around and touches him or holds his hand. He is a great helper by getting pacifiers and burp cloths.

Happy Family

Josiah is keeping himself busy during nursing and bouncing sessions. Glue is his favorite this week, thanks to Grandma Mary’s gift of buttons and shiny stars.

One of Annalise’s favorite places

Two Weeks with Annalise

June 10th, 2008 by Rachel

Two weeks ago, I went for a walk and thought that I would probably go into labor today, June 10th. Little did I know that sweet little Annalise would make her arrival the next day. We were definitely surprised and had many things left to do before her arrival, but I can’t imagine not having her around these past two weeks. She is such a sweet little baby.

Being a sweet little baby, she sleeps a lot, nurses a lot and always poops right after she’s fallen asleep. She has had quite a few visitors, and we have been so blessed by all of the meals and girl clothes we’ve been given and loaned.

And I must say that I have the absolute sweetest bunch of friends I could ever have! I missed my baby shower by one day, which I lamented about during labor. Our little playgroup moms have gotten together and done a small shower for each of the new moms. They surprised me today with a double stroller as a big gift. Can you believe it? I cried I was so touched. Long story, but I had made a “baby wishlist” page here on the site and had listed a double stroller in case anyone in our family was feeling generous and wanted to give us a big gift. I totally didn’t expect those sweet gals to give us one - ladies, thank you so much! Okay, back to Annalise stuff…

She looks a lot like Josiah did as a newborn, but his hair was darker. A comparison shot of Josiah, but about 3 weeks old:

Speaking of Josiah, he sure loves his sister and tells everyone, “Our baby came out!” He is adjusting to our new normal, and detoxing from all the added attention he received the past two weeks.

He also loves the birthing pool, almost as much as I did when I was in labor. It’s been a big treat for him almost every afternoon.

Lastly, I feel great! I can’t believe how quickly I recovered this time. The day after she was born, I felt better than I did before I gave birth. No tears, no soreness, nothing. The postpartum care I’ve received from my midwife is also one of the best parts of homebirthing.

Annalise Pictures & Birth Story

May 30th, 2008 by Rachel

Birth Story

The music is “With My Own Hands” by Jack Johnson and Ben Harper, from the Curious George soundtrack.