What Jude is up to...

Well, these pictures are pretty self explanatory! Hmmm, I see Mommy and she must have something she can do for me...feed me , entertain me, give me attention... I must get it. Watch my strategy, it works everytime.

1) Pull on her pants.

2)Whine or cry, either one is effective.

3)Show a facial expression that means, 'I won't stop until you do something'.

4) If that doesn't work, employ cuteness. Say 'mommy' in a way that melts her heart.

To prove this strategy works, I have documented an example of the final result.

I won, hee hee!!

Hope all is well!

Love,

Jude (written by Mommy)

Second child syndrome...

I've been trying to take some cute pictures of Prisca in her adorable outfits but...

...her older brother seems to want to capture the show. He is used to the camera being for his beautiful smile only.

He likes to try to hold the camera or make sure he is in the picture too. Can't really blame him, he is pretty cute! :)

Prisca, even though she can't talk, seemed to be pretty clear with her expressions that this was her time to shine!

I finally got some cute ones and have been trying to take them when she has on her cute outfits.

'Mom, I hate this hat!'

'Why are you making me wear it!'

Yea girls! Check out my bad black bow!!

This is my absolute favorite one so far. It looks like her and it captures her new beautiful smile! It absolutely melts my heart!

We are doing well and continue to enjoy our children. It is neat to just sit back and watch them grow. It seems so fast sometimes!

Much love,

Mackenzi (and gang)

Prisca Mae...

My beautiful baby girl is growing up. I can't believe how fast things are going. She is awake more and smiling alot. Jude giggles when she looks at him and smiles, it is cute.

She will be 7 weeks tomorrow and I can't believe it! Next week we will get her first set of shots and before I know it she will be walking and talking! Aaah. She is a welcomed part of our family and we love her.

Pacifer or thumb? That remains to be the question...or like Jude neither. I had to help her get her thumb in this situation. She tries and tries but can't usually get it. Sometimes the pacifer works but I am unwilling to keep putting it back in when she spits it out and wakes up. I know, mean Mom! :)

One last thing. I love this picture but it is also Jude when he was around Prisca's age. Do you think they look similar? I do but I don't think they look exactly the same.

That's it for now...

Much love,

Mackenzi

It snowed in the south...

Jude tried to figure out what all the white stuff was.

Saturday we had snow come to Memphis and Jude didn't know what was going on. He looked out the window and kept pointing at it with a confused look on his face. We took him out and he just felt it and giggled. He didn't want to walk into it.

Jude has really started being more engaging on the phone...

This conversation took place after his nap on Tuesday with his Nonna. They were singing and making animal noises. Jude also has begun saying 'Nonna' so my mom tries to get him to say it over and over. It is pretty cute!

Priscila continues to sleep but has more wake time, is cooing a bunch and I think is beginning to smile sometimes!

Well, that's all for now!

Tootles,

Mackenzi :)

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 :)