The many faces of my children...

Many of you have been asking about more pictures...so here they are. My kids at their daily activities. Priscila sleeping and sleeping some more.

Hanging out...she can't do much but she looks cute doing it. :)

Trying to survive her brothers kisses and attacks.

Here's Jude eating (and wearing) his daily oatmeal.

Looking at books in his rocking chair which is a new activity that he likes doing. It looks fake I know, but he really does that.

Sleeping...which Mommy loves!

And being cool, it's a hard job but somebody has got to do it around here!

Here are just a few good ones...

We are doing well and enjoying family life in a more full sense. Two kids definitely feels different. We aren't just a couple with a child but we are a family. Hard to explain but we love it!!

Hope all is well!

Much love,

Mackenzi (and family)

Nonna was here...

Mom came to Memphis to meet Priscila for the first time. Priscila was 1 1/2 weeks old when she first met her Nonna.

Jude and Nonna love to do all sorts of activities. This is them looking out our front door as I went and got the mail. It was great to have Mom here to help care for Jude so that I could focus on recovering and also adjusting to Priscila. As you can see, Mom was pretty busy while she was here...

Making meatloaf...adding a little drool.

Trying Lauchlin's pickled jalepanos from his garden.

Reading tons of books and learning animal noises.

Giving bathes...

Daddy is also enjoying his 2 kids. Priscila's arrival has increased Daddy and Jude time incredibly due to Mommy being busy. They seem to be enjoying it and definitely getting closer as a result. Jude loves watching his Daddy and laughing at him.

Priscila is still sleepy alot. She is getting on a better schedule at night which I am definitely wanting and needing. Due to how uncomfortable and tired I was at the end of my pregnancy, having to get up at night with Priscila and then going all day with the 2 kids is actually easier. I am enjoying not being pregnant...I can bend over easily and carry Jude on my hip etc. etc. :)

Well, that is the update for now.

In His Grip,

Mackenzi

30 minutes of sweet little boy snuggle...

Jude, Priscila and I are completing our first full week by ourselves except for Monday morning when my Mom was still here (pics to come from that visit). It has been a really good week even though I have not been getting much sleep. Coffee is wonderful!

I have been struggling a bit with trying to spend quality time with both of my children during the day. Time with an infant is always a bit challenging. What do you do with them except hold them and look back at them. But, I have been trying to be intentional about that because it is easy to just focus on Jude as long as she isn't crying.

Jude has seemed to be especially needy and attention seeking. Which makes sense with a new sister in the picture. I just read yesterday that developmentally this month toddlers naturally are striving for more attention anyway. Great timing to also add a sibling....well, God was in control of that one!

Yesterday though, Jude woke up from his nap fussy and just seemed to want to be held. Priscila was sleeping so I just held and snuggled with Jude for a 1/2 hour. It was so wonderful. I love my little boy and felt so grateful to be home with him and to be able to give him that gift. After that, it seemed like his love tank was full and he was content the rest of the afternoon. Mothering in those moments is incredibly gratifying!!

Just thought I would share this little joy! Like I said, pictures from Nonna's visit will soon follow!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Mackenzi :)

A great week at home...

We had a wonderful week together as a family this past week! Lauchlin was able to have off all week to help with the adjustment to 2 kids. We kept saying to each other 'wierd, we are a family of four'. It was neat to see he and Jude do some more bonding and Jude really started going to Lauchlin for hugs and help more than me. That was neat to see.Priscila didn't like her first bath very much but does look alot more fresh. She goes back to the doctor tomorrow.

Here she is sunbathing to get rid of any jaundice she has. She is a 'big' baby but still so small!

What a little princess! I really am enjoying having a girl and having so much pink around!

Thought you might like to see some more pictures of her, we love her!!

Affectionately,

Mackenzi
(for the family)