All Alayna

I thought that I would add some pictures of Alayna without her big sister. These all were taken when Maddie was not around since she wants to be in every picture with Alayna. When I look at these, I can't believe how big Alayna is now and how much she has changed. She is starting to smile at us (and I don't think it's just gas). It melts my heart every time she smiles back at me.

Going shopping with mommy.



Taking a little rest.


Sweet girl!


Smiling at her daddy and big sister.

Photo Shoot

Maddie wanted me to take pictures of her with Alayna. After I took one, she would say "one more." We ended up with 10 pictures by the end. It was so funny and she was loving it. However, I am not sure how much Alayna liked it. Here are 3 of the pictures from our sister photo shoot.

Big Boy

Yes, Maddie has declared herself a "big boy". Maddie and I were talking about baby Layna so I asked her if she was baby Maddie. She replies "I no baby, I a big boy". I say "you're a big girl". To which she replies "no I a big boy". I guess that is what happens when she goes to day care with 4 boys her age or older and only 1 girl her age. I thought it was really funny! Here is a picture of our "big boy".

Just Because....

Look Mom - no hands!


I could stare at this face all day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

My attempt of getting a Valentine's Day picture of both the girls.
We hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day!

The Girls

A few new pictures of the girls!

Just look at that face!


Maddie enjoying mommy's birthday cake (she suddenly likes cake)

Chocolate face!

Taken right before Maddie landed a lip kiss on Alayna.

Madelyn or Alayna?

What do you think Madelyn or Alayna?

Obsessed

We think that Maddie might have a slight obsession with her baby sister. She is right by Alayna's side any chance she gets. Maddie really tries to help, especially when baby sister is crying. She loves to sing to her sister, talk to her, kiss her, touch her and pretend to tickle her. It is so sweet except the times that we finally get Alayna to sleep and Maddie goes running over screaming "baby Layna" or goes over to Alayna and rubs her head saying "baby cute".

"Baby Layna"

Here are some recent pictures of "baby Layna" - as Maddie calls her.

Couldn't resist

I couldn't resist adding this picture. It was so cute to see Maddie taking care of her little baby and sitting in Alayna's chair. It is her new favorite place to relax. Luckily Maddie has not tried to sit in it when Alayna has been in the chair.

I am blessed

I wanted to share some pictures of my beautiful family. I feel so blessed everyday to be a part of all of their lives. I am one lucky lady!

Alayna's Stats

Alayna had her 2 week appointment yesterday. She is now 19 3/4 inches long, which means she has grown 1/4 of an inch. Our biggest surprise was her weight. Our little piggy now weighs 8 pounds and 6 ounces. The doctor said that they only expect infants to be back to their birth weight by the 2 week check up. Her birth weight was 6 pounds 13 ounces. So she has gained about 25 ounces since she was born. I guess we know that Alayna is getting plenty to eat! Here is a recent picture of our little one.

"Baby Cute"

That is what Maddie says all day long about Alayna. She loves her baby sister so much. She wants to hold her and she is always rubbing Alayna's head. She asks about her every morning when she gets up and says "night, night Alayna" every night. It is just too cute to see them together.

Maddie "holding" her sister


Alayna hanging out


What a sweet face


Almost a smile


All bundled up

Maddie Meets Alayna

Our New Addition

Even though today (January 18th) was the new baby's due date, she joined our family a few days early. Alayna Marie was born on January 15th at 12:14 AM. Big sister Maddie had told us that her new sibling was going to be born on January 14th (she didn't "tell" us but picked the date twice on a calendar). When they decided to induce me on the 14th, Jon was thinking that Maddie should do all his betting :-) Unfortunately we were 14 minutes late of Maddie's prediction. However, we were blessed to have Alayna join our lives on any day.
She is a very good baby and is a little piggy. Big sister, Maddie is so protective of her baby sister. She loves to be near her, and help feed and burp Alyana.
We are all so thrilled that baby Alayna is finally with us.

Our Little Singer

Maddie Facts

Here are some facts about Madelyn.....

~she has a very sweet and gentle personality
~she is an includer. She will make sure that everyone is included in what she is doing but it must be on her terms :-)
~she is very caring. As I am struggling to get my pregnant self off the floor, Maddie asks "You stuck Mommy?" and always tries to help me up.
~she is a little chatterbox.
~she loves Dora, Diego and Mickey Mouse
~she loves getting in the bath but hates getting out.
~after waiting for almost 2 years, she does have hair. And it is curly, especially when it gets wet.

~she loves to sing. Her favorties are Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and the Dora theme song.
~she loves to dance - she gets her moves from her mommy :-)
~her smile and laugh are contagious.

~We never get tired of her hugs and kisses, her saying "love you mommy" or "love you dada". We feel so blessed everyday to have her as our daughter.
We Love You so much Maddie!

Christmas time!

We had a great Christmas. Despite not being able to travel and see all of our families, we did have the grandparents and Aunt Mary visit us. Maddie loved having them all come play with her. After months of shying away from both her Papas, she played with them both, let them hold her, gave them kisses and sat on their laps. We all got a lot of nice gifts and really enjoyed spending time with our families. Next time we see everyone, we will have a new family member!

Our Christmas tree just after Santa visited.


Maddie and Grandma


Maddie and Papa (yes, she IS sitting on Papa's lap)


After many years they still dress alike - how cute!


Maddie and Grandma looking at the Dora musical book for the 100th time.


Maddie and one of her favorite gifts - her bracelets.


Maddie and her absolute favorite gift - talking Dora backpack. (thanks Papa Wayne)


Looking for more gifts.