Memorial Day Weekend

Over Memorial Day Weekend, we headed to Aaron and Jacque's annual race party. Alice LOVED the pool (whew!). However, it is very heated and much like bath water. We'll see how she reacts to Papa's unheated pool. I loved watching Andy and Alice splash around together. Everyone enjoyed meeting Audrey and commented on how much she looks like Alice when Alice was a baby.






Tiffany and baby Audrey

Alice and Sadie hanging out together

Ceclia pushing Alice on the swing

Just Because

she's such a cutie!

The Weekend

I'm so excited about my new camera! I have a lot to learn, but it's been fun experimenting with all the settings. It's great having a camera that takes fast pictures -- especially when you're taking pictures of children -- it really helps to get the shot before they get distracted:) Anyway, we had a great weekend hanging out with the family. Alice is still being the BEST big sister! She loves to give Audrey lots of love and attention. Here are some pictures from our weekend:


"Lub you baby Audrey"

Audrey and Papa



A wheelbarrow ride from Papa's house

Sharing her big girl bed with Audrey

Poor Stella . . .

During our playdate with the Ahlfeld girls, an unexpected knock at the door from my neighbor caught me off-guard. Stella had been hit by a car, and of course I thought the worst; however, Stella is one tough (and very lucky) westie. The vet cleared her of any broken bones, just a big bump to her back hip and lots of bruising. She is hobbling around but hanging in there! Now, we need to try to once again "stella proof" the fence. Poor little thing! We're so thankful she's okay . . .

Such as sad face :(

Playdate with the Ahlfeld girls

Emily and her two little girls came up to visit on Friday. Alice and Blythe played so well together (minus Alice not always willing to share her toys). The rest of the weekend Alice has been asking, "Where Blythe and Baby Reis go?"

Kisses for the little siters



Reis and Audrey

Cousins

Our first night back from the hospital, my mom, Andy's parents, Jay, Cait, and baby Sophie all came over for pizza and cake to celebrate my upcoming birthday. Alice really enjoyed being the big sis/cousin and taking care of all the babies. I'm so proud of Alice and how sweet and kind she's been to her baby sister :)

Big Sis and Little Sis

pst. . . Audrey, let me tell you a secret. . .


little feet

Sophie and Audrey are exactly 5 weeks apart. . . I know they will be so close as they grow up together :)

Beautiful Baby

Andy and I headed for the hospital at 5:00 am on Tuesday morning. Once we arrived at Clarian, we were admitted to a triage room to prepare for the c-section. My mom and dad arrived around 6:30, and we were ready to head into the operating room at 7:30. 30 minutes later, at 8:00 on the dot, Audrey arrived all pink and screaming like a healthy baby! The doctor made a comment that this baby was much bigger than my last (according to my old scar), and we were all surprised that she was 8 lbs, 6 oz, and 21 inches! I quickly learned there is a HUGE difference between a 36 week 6 lb baby and a 39 week 8 1/2 pound baby. Audrey needed to take a bottle right after birth due to her low blood sugar, and she gulped it right down! She is a great eater and sleeper (so far. . . fingers crossed!).

After delivery, we spent 2 hours in recovery where I was able to hold her skin on skin. It's amazing to think she is the same human being living inside me for over 9 months and now she is here ready to be loved unconditionally.

Andy's parents arrived with Alice in the early afternoon. As always, I was worried about Alice and how she would react, and as always, Alice showed me how I always overreact! We took Audrey out of the baby holder in the hospital room, and Alice first told me to "put her away" (meaning back into the baby holder). Hilarious! Then, she smothered her with kisses and pointed out her eyes, nose, and toes. Since then, she's been a wonderful big sister asking immediately after her nap, "Where's baby Audrey?" She told Andy and I today that Audrey could sleep in a crib in her room next to her big girl bed, and she would share it with her:) I think we'll be able to put the crib back up in the girl's room this weekend without worrying about a relapse from Alice.

We had many visitors in the hospital. The first night I was a bit out of it and things were a little bit blurry, but we loved seeing our friends and family.

Now we are home and settled in. Andy is off work this week so we're taking it easy and just hanging out as a family. Here are lots of pics from the big day! Enjoy!

Audrey's first picture!


what a big girl!


Recovering after Audrey's arrival

Time with Daddy (notice the special good luck shirt!) This shirt was worn the first time I met Andy, at Alice's birth, and now for Audrey's big day.

Grammy walking Alice in to meet her little sister

kisses for Audrey



Emily visits

TT visits

Nana and Papa

Uncle Jay, Auntie Cait , and cousing Sophie brought pizza for dinner



Uncle Tommie and Aunt Brandie

Time with Grammy

fast asleep . . .

wide awake . . .