four months

I know it is cliche, and totally over done, but seriously: how has it already been four months since Malaikah entered our lives?  And of course, how has it only been four months?  She continues to be a sweet, content, happy little girl and we love her so much.  She is a super sleeper - sometimes napping 3+ hours (!!!) and already giving me long stretches at night.  After the challenges, and sleep deprived months (years) with Kyalo, this feels like a real blessing to me!

Malaikah is happy - smiling and giggling all the time, contrary to what the photos here will tell you.  In fact, I have many friends who have asked me, 'does she ever cry?'.  Yes, yes she does.  When she's very hungry and I can't get to her in time she lets it be known!  But really, she is a joy to have around because I can plop her anywhere and she will generally stay there without fuss for a while.

She does have a pretty good stare down, and sometimes she can't be bothered to smile for your antics, which of course just makes people work harder.  We think she's going to be an intense, intelligent little girl.  And that just means trouble for us when she's older.

 See what I mean about a stare-down?  At least she has good eye contact!

And, of course Kyalo wanted in on the pictures.  And of course he was still in his jammies!  He does wear regular clothes occasionally, I promise.

We head to the doctor for another round of shots and a weigh in next week. I always love seeing how she's grown and learning how she's doing!  I think she's busting out of this 'Kenya' T-Shirt already, so it is a good thing Grandma is going there on Friday and can get me some more (and no, I'm not jealous at all about this, why do you ask??).

My aunt Marg sent me a beautiful hand-knit sweater shortly after Malaikah was born.  She was still so tiny it seemed huge and I was sure she wouldn't wear it for months.  Yet suddenly, when I looked at it yesterday, it didn't look so big, so I tried it on her, and what do you know, it fit perfectly!

proof that she does cry, see?

Isn't it beautiful?  Thanks Marg!

Now, for some fuzzy iPhone photos from the past month.  Sorry for the photo overload!

 big brother kisses.  he loves her so!

 rosy cheeks to kiss!

 another hand-me-down from Kyalo.  Answer: yes.

 Kyalo doesn't even read yet, but he likes to read to Maliakah.  Is there anything better?

this is totally out of focus but gives you a good idea of her big big smile.  Often when I get her in the crib this is the face that greets me.  Makes the day so much brighter!

sitting up in the grocery cart already (with some good propping on either side, of course).  Kyalo wore this sweater when he was a baby, and I'm so happy that I can use it again.  I'm not so happy about below zero degree days, though!

So, are hearts are very full.  The days are going so fast.  (the whole, 'the days are long, the years are short' adage doesn't seem to apply right now, for this stage. I wish it would slow down!).

Hoping to stop by here again soon...

Christmas 2014

We had a lovely, low-key Christmas. With no snow to play in for Kyalo it barely felt like a 'proper' Christmas, but we managed to have fun.  He got lots of good workouts on the Big Wheel bike we keep at my parents' house.

Before too much time passed, and we entered the New Year, I wanted to get a few pictures up from our day.

 I think this is my favorite picture of Malaikah to date! Those eyes! That chin! 

A friend gave me this awesome dress for Malaikah that her daughter wore.  She was, without a doubt, the best dressed of us all!

Kyalo was looking pretty handsome himself, but wasn't totally cooperative with the whole picture-taking concept.

 his grumpy face!

 but he can smile, too

We even got a picture of just Dexter and me, by the Christmas Wreath (no tree, sadly)

And Grandma with Malaikah

December 25, 2014

we're out of focus, but isn't that a lot like life :)

These days are precious and sacred and as exhausting/frustrating/overwhelming as they can be, I am thankful for this little family of mine. If I blink, the kids will be off to college.

Happy New Year!

baby giggles

I tried to upload this video the other day but was having technical difficulties.  It is nice to have friends who can solve all our technical problems!

Malaikah has the sweetest little laugh.  I thought I'd share.  Maybe it'll brighten someone's day.  It always brightens mine.

:)

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.