Just What the Doctor Ordered

We had a fabulous week in Mexico celebrating the 60th birthdays of my in laws Jim and Judy.  The humidity and warm ocean air were just what Samantha and Carina needed to get rid of those coughs and we all had a great time.  We stayed in a big house with our family of four, Jim and Judy and Dave's sister Molly and her husband Brian.  The house overlooked the ocean and Samantha spent hours building sand castles, jumping the waves and searching for seashells.   Carina went for her first swim in the ocean, not bad for her first two months of life.  My main priority for the week was to sleep and I got very spoiled with the rest I got.  We couldn't have asked for more, the only downside was that our camera died on day one so the only photos I have are from my phone. 
First trip and it was to Mexico!

Beach Beauty

 

Sick and Tired

This will be quick because I've got my hands full! Both of my babies are sick just before a big trip we have planned to Mexico which has just about driven me to a complete meltdown.  Thanks to my mom's help, I've been going to yoga class almost every day which has helped to keep me calm and I *think* everything may work out.

Last Monday Samantha started to cough and was very congested.  After taking her to the doctor we found out she had RSV which is not terribly serious unless an infant gets it.  She had bronchiolitis caused by RSV and a terrible cough.  We did our best to keep the girls separated and the house disinfected but the following Monday night Carina began to cough as well.

Yesterday Carina had her two month check up and unfortunately tested positive for RSV as well.  The doctor did not want to risk giving her the immunizations because they could make her worse.  And he was hopeful that we could still go to Mexico if she doesn't get worse but we just have to wait and see.  If her breathing worsens he advised not taking her anywhere because he said we would just be getting off the plane to take her to the hospital to be on oxygen.  Fingers crossed that we will be able to go on this trip to celebrate the 60th birthdays of my in laws.  

In other news, we have another growing baby and even though she isn't feeling well she smiled at everyone at the doctor even the people who took her lab tests which was endearing.  She is a sweetheart.  Carina's stats are:
Height: 22 1/4 inches - 75 percentile
Weight: 10 pounds 9 ounces - 50 percentile
Head Circ: 15 1/2 inches - 75 percentile

Snuggles and Smiles

It is incredible to me how this early on, there are distinct differences between Samantha and Carina.  Of course I know that every child has their own personality but it is interesting to see them shine in my own children. 

My mom always tells the story of me as a baby fussing and she went into the other room put me down and I stopped crying.  My Aunt Paula asked what she did and my mom said she just put me down.  I cried to be left alone.  This is the story of my life ;)

When Samantha was born she snuggled right up on my chest and held on tight.  Even the nurses commented on how snuggly she was.  She wanted to be close all the time.  My father in law joked that she took so long to crawl because nobody ever put her down, but how could you when she was so cozy when you held her.  Carina on the other hand seems to take after her mom.  On the rare occasions that she cries, I've found that she just wants to be put in her swing.  I feel guilty not to be holding her all the time but often when I try, she wants her space.  When you put her on your chest to snuggle up, instead of nestling in, she pushes her head up to see where she can be put down.

Samantha is a serious kid.  Even as a tiny baby she had a bit of scowl and seemed to be trying to figure it all out. Of course she is a happy child and has fun but she certainly isn't the kid who is the chatting with new people and laughing at the park.  I looked in her baby book and I didn't record a smile until she was 6 weeks old.  Carina on the other hand was giving us big smiles in the hospital.  She is showing me those adorable dimples in the middle of the night when she is getting a diaper change, when she's getting a bath and really any time I tell her hello.  It will be interesting to watch to see if her happy disposition continues.  

I'm hoping the two girls will be able to help each other cuddle up and smile more. And for that matter, I hope they respect each others' space and seriousness as well.  I'll leave you this Friday with one of those smiles I'm talking about, have a great weekend.

Family Adventure

One of Sammy's favorite things to do now is go on adventures.  She puts Daisy in the stroller and heads off in search of something lost or to do something new.  Our adjustment to being a family of four has felt like quite an adventure as well.  I am settling into the sleep deprivation and am feeling pretty good.  I have even mastered how Carina and I can usually get a nap when Samantha naps which is a lifesaver.  Samantha is still having an occasional tantrum but I am not taking them so personally and they are shorter lived.

I imagine it is the hormones but even with the sleepless nights and juggling two kids, I spend a lot of my days thinking of how I would love to have a third.  (Ha - Dave is probably driving to get a vasectomy after reading that.) Don't worry, I just packed up my maternity clothes to take to consignment. It is all happening very quickly though and I already put away newborn clothes because Carina has outgrown them. 

What I really feel is that it is all so absolutely worth it.  Having these two girls in my life makes life incredible and inexplicably fulfilling.  Carina is worth it.  Samantha is worth it. Life is good and I would do it again in a heart beat. I mean seriously, look at them...

Greatma

Everything takes me just a little longer these days, I'm a bit delayed in my news.  However, we had a wonderful visit from family from Oklahoma who came to meet Carina over spring break.  My grandma, Aunt Paula, cousin Margrethe, cousin Jeanine and her two kids Lola and Presley came for a visit.  Samantha had a ball with Lola who is a week older than her. They played and played and we cracked up at them walking around and having conversations with each other.

I am lucky to have family that I love so much and who make a fuss over Carina.  Even when she is the latest of many, many girls - everyone always makes her and us feel special.  Here is my favorite photo of Carina with my grandma, Carina's Greatma. You can see more from their visit here