Kyla Annelle - 2 months

 This beautiful gift from God is only two months old, but is as big as Elias was at 4 months! She is healthy and happy, quick to give smiles and make new friends. Her cheerfulness is so helpful as I tend to fight "the baby blues" during month 3 and 4 of postpartum. I'm loving this girl and seeing her budding personality form.

Safety First with Siblings

Elias Dean dearly loves his sister.
He really does.
I don't doubt it.
A scenario repeated itself throughout the day for the first month. It went something like this:
I set Kyla on her play mat.
Elias: "Awww, Kyla baby. Baby cute. I hug baby. Kiss baby."
Then one big bear hug and a slobbery kiss on her check and....
WWWAAAAAA!!

You get the picture.
So we've finally moved Kyla's play mat into a pack 'n' play. That way both children can enjoy their toys while I'm cooking dinner, and I don't have to worry that "survival of the fittest" will take its course in this household.  

Hamming it up in the pack 'n' play mesh.

Kyla seems quite pleased with the arrangement. I think she even smiles in the video posted below.

Elias has also become increasingly aware that his birthday is coming up at the end of October. Therefore he wants to celebrate everyone's birthday.  Apparently, he thought putting stickers on Kyla's forehead was a fitting way to celebrate her. You can hear him say near the end of the video, "Happy Dirthday!" Love this boy!

Speaking Hindanish

I have been contemplating the possible repercussions of allowing myself to speak Hindi and Spanish to my kids. That may sound all good in theory, I studied both languages for about four years and phrases come easily to my mind throughout the day. Here's my problem though. My brain has the two languages so "in-meshed" (is that a word?) that they come out mixed together. I have begun to call this language of mine, Hindanish. (And my autocorrect automatically spells it for me, so it must be a "thing").  ;) 

Sentences my mouth would indubitably spew out, with no filter, would be the following: 

To Kyla when she's crying. 

क्या हुा, chica? (What's wrong, girly?)

To Elias throughout the day. 

आ जा, Elías, rápido! (Come on, Elías, hurry)

Quieres खाना? (Want some food?)

So my question is: do I allow my mouth to speak the language my brain is forming? Or will I be scarring my children's language development for the rest of their life?

More than likely I will allow myself to begin this new language speaking with my kids for two reasons. 

1- I'm too tired these days to have much of a filter as to which language to pick (English, Hindi, Spanish).

2- I love these languages and enjoy the mental stimulation of speaking them. 

So...advice or no advice, I guess my mind is already made up.

 शायद estoy पागल.. (Maybe I'm crazy...)

....ओर शायद नहीं (...and maybe I'm not)

Hasta luego. (See ya later) 

Elias' First Year in Pictures

It's hard to believe that Elias will be two years old on October 29. 

I love his cheery personality, and looking back on his first year's monthly pictures made me even more excited to see how Kyla grows and develops in the coming months.

 

23-month picture.

Newborn

Month 1

Month 2

Month 3

Month 4

Month 5

Month 6

Month 7

Month 8

Month 9

Month 10

Month 11

Month 12

Apple Picking

Elias loves tractors, pulling wagons, and being outside. He talks about his cousins incessantly. He enjoys eating apples (especially with peanut butter).
So taking him to Tuttle's apple orchard to pick apples with Grace, Emmett and Lizzy made his day on Wednesday. Unfortunately Claire and Suz couldn't make it.

"Tractor, Mommy, tractor!"

"I drive tractor"

wagon ride through the orchard

Lizzy laid back for an almost-nap

After picking apples (Jonathons, of course!), we let the kids play in the children's area for a little while before we headed home.

sand. front loader. truck. best boy toys ever!

Emmett and Lizzy

Of course, I had to take a picture of Elias in the pig!

One Month with Kyla

Kyla has been with us, well, more than a month - 6 weeks to be exact. I've thoroughly enjoyed her! She took to nursing right away, which made it easy this time around. Although I had mastitis for a few (very long!) days, it cleared up, and has been smooth sailing since.
It was empowering and also faith building to have mastitis. My mom was out of town at the time, and other family members were busy that week. So I had to trust God for the strength to be a mother, prepare meals, and also rest. I found that truth in the verse I know so well, "My strength is made perfect in your weakness."

This lovely little girl is a joy, and her brother dotes on her.

Elias loves to hold her. He'll come up to me with arms spread out saying, "I hold it!"

Birth Announcement Photo sent to immediate family

Elias is always hamming it up for the camera, and even during Kyla's photo shoot he wanted me to take his picture.

one-month-old girlie!

About 4 weeks here.

 There's a big change in Kyla from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. She gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks and already has rolls on her chubby legs. Elias didn't have that, so it's kinda cute, but something I'm not used to at all.

Me thinks that is a social smile. 6 weeks old here.

Meeting Grandpa and Grandma Witzig

Kyla Annelle, 

You met your great grandpa and grandma Witzig tonight. Grandpa was turning 97, so we met them at the Beefhouse for a family celebration. 

My favorite part of the evening was after we had tried to take a good picture of you, Elias and the great grandparents. 

You spontaneously looked up at grandma, and gave her this adorable grin. 

I'm sure that blessed Grandma and warmed her heart. 

I always hope to be like my grandma Witzig when I grow up. And it's so sweet to have a picture of you looking up at her. My prayer for you is that you can become a woman of faith and mercy, like her. 

Thank you for making our night so memorable, Little Nell.

I love you! 

Your adoring mommy