First Week on Our Own

After my mom left I got to adjust to being home on my own with 3 kids while Drew was at work.  Luckily our fence finally got built the week after my mom left, so by the end of the week we had an amazing, fenced in backyard for the kids to play in.  Overall the kids were really good for me, although there were definitely some learning moments for both me and the kids.  For example, the kids had to learn that if I am feeding Eliza I can't help them get a snack or drink until I am done.  I am learning how to balance all three kids and I am learning that if I am going out with the kids it is easiest to put Eliza in a carrier so that I have both hands for the other kids.

I am sure that we will adjust more as time goes on but for now we are doing okay and learning everyday.  It is totally worth it for my kids and I am so glad that Alden and Anders are both totally excited about having a baby sister because it makes things way easier!  It means that they are both excited to try and help if she is crying and they are more understanding if I can't help them right away because she is upset.  I love my little family and I am so grateful that we have made it to this point and I am excited to see what the future brings!

I love getting to sit and hold her but I don't get quite as much time to do that now that I am the only adult home during the day.

Both boys in bed asleep and I can finally cuddle with my peacefully sleeping little girl.

I am loving getting to put dresses on Eliza!  

This dress was my sister's (I think) when she was little.  I love having things from me and my sister to pass on to Eliza!  It is rather big on her but I was really excited for her to get to wear it!

I love that there is at least one moment like this everyday where the boys just want to dote on and love Eliza!

Alden told me I had to take a picture of just Eliza.

Such happy boys and I am so proud that Anders is learning very quickly how to be gentle with his sister.

Such a cutie!

The Tuesday after my mom left we had Eliza's doctors appointment and we were so excited that they said she is doing well enough she doesn't have to be on the oxygen 24/7 anymore!  She still needs it in the carseat and at night but the rest of the time she can be off!  This alone made my life way easier!

It was also exciting to hear that she is now 8 lbs 1 oz.  She is growing so well!

Eliza thinking, "Another picture Mom, really?"

I love how precious she looks!  Alden was so excited to pick out this outfit for Eliza before she came.  He loved it because there was a bow on the hat.  So far this is the only hat she has worn without screaming!

Our fence is done and the boys (and I) are so excited to have a safe outdoor area to play and run around!

Saying Goodbye to Mom

I am so grateful to my amazing mom for coming out and staying for three weeks while we adjusted to having 3 kids.  Not only was she amazingly helpful but I also just like getting to spend time with her.  The kids also love having her around to read stories, take them on walks and play games with them, among other things.  I am so grateful for the family support that we get!  Here are some pictures from our last couple days with my mom!

Eliza loves having her head turned sideways and doesn't like if we try to move it.

Alden loves trying to help Eliza stay calm during tummy time.  I love cuddling my sweet little girl.

Grandma getting one last cuddle with Eliza before she leaves!

I am SO grateful that she came and stayed for so long!

After we got home from the airport the boys wanted to cuddle with Eliza!

I love seeing how much they love her!

So sweet!

Helen Hunt Falls

We decided to go on a little hike on a Saturday morning while my mom was still here.  We really haven't done much exploring since we got to Colorado Springs since I have been pregnant and sick or on bed rest the whole time we have been here.  It is really nice to finally have enough energy to get out and explore some of the beautiful scenery near us.  We decided to go do a short hike at North Cheyenne Canon Park and see a couple different waterfalls.  Helen Hunt Falls was right near the parking lot and then we did a hike up to Silver Cascade Falls.  It was a beautiful (but rather steep) short hike.  The boys both did awesome hiking the trail and I carried Eliza.  I am glad we were able to get out and enjoy more of the beautiful nature here and that my mom was able to go enjoy it with us! 

Eliza is all wrapped up and ready to go with her oxygen on my back.  She didn't want to tuck her head in at first but eventually relaxed and cuddled up to me.

Helen Hunt Falls

Going across the bridge over the falls.

Anders hiked the whole way holding Daddy's hand and Alden did the whole thing by himself, except for a couple really steep places.

Alden watching Silver Cascade Falls.

Looking out over the valley.

Our kids were not very excited about taking a family photo.

Eventually we got them both to look!

Anders enjoying a snack at the top and Eliza enjoying her nap.

My awesome little hiker!

The boys were awesome hiking back down too!  I am so excited to do more exploring and more hiking around here in the future now that Eliza has joined our family.