three months

Oh boy, time is slipping away.  Last week, Malaikah hit three months, and I haven't had a minute to blog.  A new computer arrived from my Uncle Tim & Aunt Ellen (thanks again!) so now have no excuse not to blog.  Except for the whole having two kids thing...

Anyway, life is good. Malaikah is growing, healthy and happy.  She survived her first round of shots - not without screaming bloody murder, of course.  At her two month appointment she was already over 12 pounds.  And she isn't slowing down any, either.  We go back to the doctor again next month. Can't wait to see how she's doing.

I think I mentioned before that so many people comment about how easy-going and content she is.  She really is! She's a happy little girl, doesn't cry too much, will go to most anyone (except, it seems, to Grandma.  She's not sad about that at all) and smiles and laughs so easily.  Her laugh just about melts me every time.

Oh and she's a champion sleeper.  I almost hate to mention it because anytime I talked about Kyalo and his sleep (or lack thereof) it changed.  She is generally only waking up once a night, and can often go 7-8 hours before waking to nurse.  This is so very different from my experience with Kyalo that I keep waiting for these glory days to end and for her real sleeping pattern to develop. I'm grateful for every day that she sleeps so long, that's for sure!

 try as I might, I could not get a smile out of her!

And, of course Kyalo wanted some pictures, too.

 Kyalo's expression! 

Because Malaikah is such a good sleeper, and because Kyalo's in school two mornings a week, I have to say the transition to two is going smoothly.  Kyalo loves his sister, but doesn't smother her.  He still pretty much does his own thing.  And then, I'll find him doing this:

He doesn't actually read yet, but quickly memorizes simpler books.  The fact that he 'reads' to her is just so sweet.  I hope he always wants to help her in this way.

We celebrated Thanksgiving here in Maine this year.  My parents came up, friends from church came over, and Malaikah was the best dressed of the bunch.

(Also, we got a turkey from a local farm that was killed the Friday before Thanksgiving. Best turkey we've ever had!)

So, life is good.  Now, I'm off to make a batch of cookies before Kyalo comes home from school. (Have I mentioned how much we all love school??)

On the off chance I don't get back here before next week, Merry Christmas everyone!

two months

Another month gone.  I know it is totally, utterly cliche to say, but boy this time is just zooming by.  I'm realizing just how much I actually enjoy the baby stage, even with the late night feedings and diaper changes and the lack of communication.  I find it generally easier than the stage Kyalo is in right now, that's for sure.  :)

Malaikah is our sweet girl.  So many people have commented about how content she seems - she happily goes to anyone else's arms, and doesn't often fuss or cause problems.  Unless we're settling into an evening of relaxation, of course.  What is it with babies and that kind of radar?

We are on no schedule or routine yet.  I keep thinking it will just naturally happen, but know that's not likely.  She has gone a few nights of 5ish hours of sleep, which is awesome.  And she smiles all the time.  Kyalo and I love making faces at her to make her smile - and it is so sweet to watch Kyalo engage her and be so happy when she smiles at him.  What a good big brother!

This two month marking is extra sweet to me because a mom in the mom's group I was in in NJ lost her baby to SIDS at just 7 weeks.  While I never met her, because of the beauty of Facebook, we were able to cheer each other on during pregnancy, and congratulate each other when our babies were born. Her little boy was just two days older than Malaikah.  I hold onto Malaikah, and Kyalo, a little more tightly these days.

I dug out the big camera yesterday for these photos, and I couldn't possibly narrow the selection down.  I'm only sorta sorry about that.

 Kyalo agreed to hold her, and she wasn't screaming!  Win.

We'll work on eye contact with the camera later

We don't see the doctor til next week (shots! ugh) so I don't know her latest measurements, but it is safe to say she's growing just fine.

Owl's Head and Beyond

A few weeks ago, when it felt more like fall than winter (it is really coming!) we dashed off to see Judy and Neil in Owl's Head, which is on the coast.  It was a sweet time of reconnecting and introducing them to Malaikah.  Corn chowder on their porch for lunch, and then a walk down to the little inlet of ocean that they see from their house.

Kyalo and Judy had a great time collecting rocks and looking at the ocean.  Maybe some day we'll get back and go kayaking with them!

 Judy had lots of quality time with Malaikah

 I wouldn't mind being back in that location right now!

 one of my favorite shots from the day, thanks Dexter!

They don't call the area (and neighboring town) 'rockland' for nothing!

 Kyalo got a ride in a wheelbarrow.  

This was a lovely little day trip for us.  I look forward to getting back there in warmer days and exploring the area more.  Plus, there's a restaurant in town there that was voted best breakfast in New England.  Obviously, we need to check that out!

Our days are flying by...tomorrow Malaikah hits 8 weeks!  Here are some pics of the goings-on around here...

Kyalo's really started taking a liking to drawing.  We've got his masterpieces EVERYWHERE.  Who wants one?  It is so fun to watch the progression of his ability, and his creativity.  He's pretty much perfected the pumpkin patch.  But I like seeing his people (creatures?) the best.

He's really loving to Malaikah...will often run up and kiss her, always asks how she's doing, etc.  His timing for when he wants to hold her could be improved, however, as it is almost always when she's starving!  Still, he looks pleased with life here.

sweet girl

The transition from one to two hasn't been too bad -- certainly not as challenging as I envisioned.  The days are full, and for the most part we're into a good routine/rhythm.  I do find it challenging to get everything done (like blogging!) but I really can't complain.  Even in the hard days my heart is full and I have much to be grateful about.  

Now, I'm off to tackle some chores.  Hope to be around here more often! 

a fall weekend

One of the perks of living in Maine is the natural beauty that surrounds us on all sides.  We've had some pretty spectacular weather (hello, days in the 70s) which has meant taking full advantage of being outside.  Cool, rainy weather is upon us now, and I think the glory days are behind us.

Two weekends ago we filled our tank to the fullest: apple picking, pumpkin fest, and a visit to friends on the ocean.  Foliage and sea, what could be better?

On our way to apple picking with Gayle and Lucas, Kyalo said, 'The last time we went apple picking was with Rua in New Jersey.'  He was absolutely right - we went apple picking in New Jersey with part of our 'fab four' group of friends from school.  He was just under 18 months.  His memory never fails to amaze me!

The orchard we went to was not that far away.  But the stunning views were astonishing after driving through tree-lined roads.

I mean, seriously

could this apple be any more perfect?

Here's our happy apple-pickin' guy with the beautiful view behind him. (Thanks to Gayle for grabbing this shot - I was in the car with Malaikah at this point, I think).

After apple picking we headed down to the farm stand for apple cider and donuts, and their amazing play structures.  I think the boys would have happily played all day.  

that smile. . . 

The next day was c-o-l-d but we headed out to a nearby Pumpkin Patch for the usual activities of bounce houses, corn mazes (my first one! fun), hay rides and pumpkin picking.  

Then on Sunday we dashed over to Owl's Head for a visit with Judy and Neil.  I'll get those pictures up another day, but wanted to share a few more fall-ish pictures...

Last week we had glorious weather, and so Gayle called me one afternoon to tell me that they were at the park across from our house.  Since Kyalo was in bed for nap, but not sleeping, we ditched the nap and headed over there.  The boys had so much fun playing in the leaves.  

happy boys

Let me just say, leaves and Kyalo's hair do not mix.  It was quite the ordeal (for Dexter) to get all the leaf crumbs and twigs out of his hair...and the bathroom looked like a tree died in there.  Well worth it though, for those smiles.

visitors

Having a new born, a new job, and a new house mean that there are plenty of reasons to come visit. Since Malaikah was born, we've been fortunate to have a few visitors - and more are coming in the next ten days.  I think everyone's trying to get their visiting in before the snow comes.  Then we're on our own - or we'll do our own visiting. . .if you live in warmer climes, of course.

Francis was able to squeeze a visit in to us after a couple of weeks in the US for conferences and other medical stuff.  Of course, he started in San Diego, so a trip to RURAL Maine after that was a bit of a let down.  Good thing we had a baby to entice him!  The visit was short, and sweet, and fairly slow-paced since I was 10 days from my C-Section.   But we did the usual things - lots of cups of chai, he got a hike in to see the beautiful Maine views, a nice dinner with the families of the dental clinic, and of course, a bit of baseball with Kyalo.  And of course, we didn't get any pictures until they were loading up the car to head to the airport.

One of these days, I hope, we will be all together again.  If only flying to Kenya as a family of four wasn't such an ordeal!

The next visitors are a couple I've known my whole life. My mom was pregnant with me the same time Lynn was pregnant with their daughter, Alisa.  They have a son the same age as my brother.  We only lived in the same city for a few years, but the friendships have remained strong despite the years and the distance. Bas and Lynn are retired now, and are traveling across the country in a little camper, seeing the sites and reconnecting with friends and family from their past.  After their visit, Dexter started researching campers.  Maybe some day we'll do a similar cross-country trek.  Having visitors in town who knew me as a toddler makes for some interesting story-telling...and of course, only the horror stories were told.  (Unless, there are ONLY horror stories?)

 Kyalo wasn't in a picture-taking mood, clearly

Malaikah was actually awake!

The nice thing about visitors is that you can get whole-family photos.

It is fun having visitors pop in on us.  We are on a main road that cuts through Maine, so it is easy for people to be passing by (on their way to NH or the mountains).  Next to come are friends Judy and Neil, and my aunt Ellen from Baltimore comes next week.

Any one else?

One month

Here we go again, with the monthly photo updates.  Except that life is a little busier these days, and I'm finding it hard to get out the 'real' camera much.  So, poor Malaikah, she's stuck with fly by iPhone photos.  I'll try to get better about getting more regular photos and posts up.

Last Friday, Malaikah turned one month which is truly hard to believe.  Already the newness of having her around is wearing off, and it just feels normal to have another baby in the house.  She's growing rapidly, and already phasing out of that squishy newborn stage.  It is a little heartbreaking, these fleeting moments of motherhood.  I'm trying to treasure them as best I can, but even still, it is zipping right on by.

I took her for her one month check up yesterday.  Can I just say how wonderful it feels to finally have a *real* pediatrician?  One who (gasp) takes appointments, who sits and talks with me about any concerns I have, and who weighs and measures without my having to ask?  After struggling for three years with Kyalo, this feels like a major step forward.  Can't wait to get Kyalo an appointment for his 4 year check up.  It is a whole new world we've entered! One more thing to be grateful for.

I digress.

As I look at these pictures, I realize I didn't get full-body shots on her one month.  I'll try again next month.

 October 10, 2014

October 14, 2014

Length: 20 1/2 inches (15th %)

Weight: 10 pounds 1 ounce (60th %)  

She's chunked right up, gaining close to two pounds in a little over two weeks.  Good work, little girl.

So, she eats A LOT, obviously.  She sleeps great in the day, but we're struggling right now at night.  Many nights I'll wake up and realize I feel asleep nursing her, or she's wide awake for an hour at a time, or I just give up and keep her in bed with us.  None of this is ideal, but I'm exhausted, so do what I can.

She is a good, easy, contented baby so far as I can tell in these five (today!) weeks she's been with us.  It is a bit surprising since she was non-stop movement in utero. I was sure it would be the same once the baby was born.  Not so much (yet, anyway) it turns out.

10 days after she was born, we had the joy of hosting our friend, Francis, again.  He flew in to Boston so we had a night in Essex with my folks.   He was eager to meet Malaikah!

9.20.2014

Why do you insist on living SO FAR AWAY?

It was great to see him.  I have a few more shots to share another time.

People have asked how Kyalo's adjusted to having a sister.  He's really doing great! In fact, after so much transition this summer, I think he's settling down and taking life easier.  Mostly he can ignore Malaikah because she still sleeps so much.  Every now and then he'll show interest in her, and want to hold her.

October 3, 2014

(Kyal turned 3 1/2!)

So maybe I should have propped her head up?  His smile was so radiant, I couldn't resist.

All in all, life is good! We feel richly blessed.