Hello JJ!

Uncle JJ came up to meet Hazel and spend a long weekend with the family.  Sloane was beyond thrilled to see Jared.  She spent the few days after his departure waking up in the morning and from her naps yelling his name in the hopes that he would still be here and now asks to call him at least five times a day.  JJ came to the house for a visit one afternoon, then we had dinner at my parents and a bbq at Matt and Nikka's the next night.  It was so fun to all be together and watch the kids play. 

An artist at work

Sometimes, when inspiration strikes, you have to drop everything and focus on your craft....

Lucky me

I've had lots of time to reflect recently with Hazel's birth, Mother's day, and my birthday all falling within two weeks of each other.  I'm overwhelmed with happiness when I think about my family and how much I love these three.  32 isn't at all bad knowing I'm exactly where I want to be at this point in my life.  I'm one lucky mama and wife.

Hazel's friends

Hazel's been a busy gal meeting all of her family and friends.  We are so thankful for all of the support from the people we love the most.  Visits, well wishes, dinners, babysitting, etc.  A quick recap.

My dad arrived to the hospital just as we were heading up to the post partum room and got to meet his newest granddaughter.  When we got to our room there was about 45 minutes left until the end of visiting hours and there were some anxious cousins who stopped by for a visit.  Joia, Bailey, Lola, Adam, Melissa, Lucy and Owen all came to say hello.

The next day Papa and Grandma (and Sloane) came to meet Hazel along with Amy, Jason and Peter.  Peter and Hazel were born just two weeks apart!

Suzanne stopped back up to say hello and see Sloane.

Any Mimi and Bobba came back for another snuggle.

Hazel passed her hearing test,...

got to snuggle with dad,...

then we got word that we were clear to head home!

We texted our family and friends who were planning to visit the hospital that evening and told them to meet us at our place.  We had a full house....grandma, papa, Matt, Nikka, Mayson, Max, Miles, Nicole, Bob, Nicki and Brian.  Sloane was happy to be reunited with her sister and reveling in all of the attention from her guests.  It was a little chaotic and not many pictures were taken.

We've had many other visitors and fun family outings over the last few weeks and I'm sad we haven't taken more pictures.  Second child syndrome is already kicking in.  I promise we will be better, Hazel!

Big Sister

By the time we moved to our post partum room it was past Sloane's bedtime so we decided that she would come and meet her new sister the next day.  That morning she burst into the room with her usual fervor and was beyond thrilled to meet "baby sissy."  She was excited to give Hazel the red and gray bunny rabbit that she had picked out for her then quickly claimed it for her own.  Apparently that was more exciting than the Elmo doll that Hazel gave to her (she's obsessed with the little red monster).  We were thrilled at Sloane's reaction to her sister, realized that we had a long way to go with "gentle touches", and crossed our fingers she wouldn't try to smother her new sister once we got home....