Natalie Pics (week 1-6)

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2 weeks

3 weeks

4 weeks

1 month (9/12/13)

5 weeks

6 weeks

Apple Picking

A few weeks ago (Friday the 13th to be exact), we headed out to Tuken's Farm to pick some apples. Having never done this before, I was excited. I have to admit that although it was fun, it wasn't quite as idyllic as I had imagined it would be (we had a few middle-of-the-orchard meltdowns). We ended up with about 20 apples altogether, some of which we shared and some of which we ate and made this delicious applesauce with. Here are some pictures of the fun!

Olivia Goes to Preschool

We've had a lot of big changes around here lately...adding a new baby to the family and Olivia starting preschool! It's hard to believe she's getting so big. Her first day of preschool was September 3rd and much to my relief, there were no tears when we dropped her off. 

I had a lot of anxiety in the week leading up to school starting about how it would go. I felt a little sad too about sending her off. Granted, it's only twice a week for 2 hrs and 20 min, but I suppose it was just the reality that she's growing up sinking in. I had imagined the drama that would ensue when we left her at her classroom door...her crying and begging us not to leave, me crying and trying to drag myself away. The reality was that we gave her a hug and kiss and told her we loved her, she said goodbye, and we walked off down the hallway like it was no big deal. I love when this happens. Expect the worst, hope for the best I always say...ha ha! Here are some pictures of our big girl on her first day! :)

"Mom, take my picture here{the stairwell} because
when I get to my classroom, I'm going to play."

The First Week as a Family of Four

With the birth of a second child, it seems you get back to your "normal life" more quickly because you have to, but also because you want to. We left the hospital around 11:30 a.m on Tuesday - just over 30 hours after Natalie was born. We could have stayed another night, but we were eager to get home to Olivia. The adjustment has gone much smoother than I imagined it would. I suppose feeling more confident (and less nervous) about how to care for a newborn the second time around helps. Olivia is a great big sister. She is very loving and helpful and not the least bit jealous (which I had worried she might be). 

Here are some pictures from Natalie's first week of life, starting with a picture of Natalie and I right before we left the hospital.

Here's Natalie coming home for the first time. It was a beautiful, fall-like day.

The proud big sister greeted us at the door.

Aunt Sarah was here the whole week which was really nice.

On Wednesday, wanting to get out, get some fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful weather, we headed to Lincoln Park Pond. Olivia rode her bike around the pond with Yusaku, while Natalie and I rested on a bench and watched them.

Natalie spent most of her time sleeping, occasionally waking up to eat or look around.

Olivia loves to hug and kiss and look at her baby sister. She also likes to help us get diapers or clothes for her and holds her hand and soothes her when she is crying. She's a great big sister!

Leslee came to visit and brought us food. :)

Here's a picture of her first bath at home. She was not a fan! She seemed to like her second bath a few days later, but unfortunately I didn't capture it on film.

On Friday, we had high tea with my family up at Central Perc. It was a beautiful day and we sat outside to eat! It was delicious. Here are a few pics from that.

On Saturday morning, we headed up to the Oakwood Farmer's Market and then had lunch with my family at our house before Sarah had to head back to Chicago. Later that day, Olivia, Natalie, my mom, and I headed up to the Oakwood High School stadium to watch Yusaku play in the alumni soccer game. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from that either, but the alumni actually won, which was pretty exciting! :)

Kelly, Luke, Ella and Isaac came to visit us on the Sunday.

Later in the day on Sunday, we headed to the Ice Cream Social. It was fun to get out and see a lot of people we know. The picture below is from the Ice Cream Social.

In the picture below, Natalie is one week old.

All three of us girls. :)

It was a pretty busy and exciting first week as a family of four!