Has it been a month already?

Happy birthday to me!

I'm going to try to take pictures like this on a monthly basis. It will be fun to see how big she grows in relation to the basket she's laying in!

Also, we have Lily's first doctor appointment on Wednesday, so I'll add her stats and health updates after that :)

UPDATE: 11 LBS 1 OZ, 22 INCHES AT DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT. THAT IS 95% AND 90% FOR WEIGHT AND HEIGHT :) BIG, HAPPY, HEALTHY GIRL!

Mother's Day, etc.

Just like the past 3 (?) years, we spent Mother's Day with the Maruszaks, Bowdens and Mom & Dad at Avery Ranch, enjoying a wonderful brunch. Every year, we seem to need a bigger table because there are more kids! Even with an infant & 3 year old, it was very "doable" and relaxing.

Lily celebrated her 3 week birthday this past Friday! She has begun focusing on things more frequently and especially likes to watch TV with her big brother. She is definitely a talker and is constantly making noises- she even snores! **Crossing my fingers** she still only cries when she is really mad :)

So far, the hardest part of having 2 kids is when both need/want my attention at once. If I'm nursing Lily and Wade has to go potty, it's pretty difficult to be in both places at once. This weekend, Mark went away with some friends, so Mom came to stay with us for a couple days. I'm pretty sure if she hadn't been here, I would be wearing the same clothes as when he left, I'd not have showered and I'd be starving! Meals, naptimes and finding a good time to bathe was pretty challenging. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. Otherwise, you may want to avoid me for awhile since I'll probably be malnourished and stinky.

Pretty girl :)

Both kids apparently LOVE Toy Story 

 Super hard to hear (and no picture, because it was dark & 4:30 in the morning), but this is evidence of Lily snoring

3 Generations of Brooks'-

Pam (Brooks) Kludt, Audra Brooks Maruszak & Lilian Brooks Maruszak

Happy Mother's Day!

Making homemade pizza with Dad

At first it was "delicious," then it was "not my favorite"

Growing up (and out)!

Happy 2 week birthday to Lily!

So far, at birth, Lily weighed 8 lbs, 14 oz
At her 1 week check up, she weighed 9 lbs
At her 2 week check up, she weighed 9 lbs, 10oz

At 2 weeks, she should have gained back all the weight she lost after birth. But, since she eats CONSTANTLY, she has already put on almost a pound! I'm pretty sure most of it has gone straight to her cheeks. The ones on her face, Mom ;)

She's a very content, happy little girl. She sleeps in good chunks most nights, giving me anywhere from 2-4 hours of straight sleep before she wakes up, realizing that she's STARVING! When she wakes up, she just talks and coos for a while, eventually sounding a little frantic, but never really crying. She isn't startled by the loud noises and banging around our house, even sleeping through her brother playing and yelling.

Speaking of big brother, Wade's coping fairly well. We have our good days and bad, definitely pushing the limits most days. Most days he's pretty sure we need to leave Luly at Uuma and Papa's house, but other times he helps give her a bath, or holds her or tells her that it's ok when she's crying. Eventually it will all even out I'm sure :)

Here are a few pictures I've taken over the last 2 weeks:

She loves her baths, as long as the temperature is just right.

Not too hot & not too cold :)

Just hanging out with his little sis.

Sleeping in the same cradle that both her big brother & mommy slept in!

Pretty little girl, all dressed up!

That hat is so cute! Thanks Aunt Shelly (Brooks) :
)

First car ride, out like a light

Welcome little Lily!

Finally... at 40 weeks, 3 days!
On Friday morning, Mark and I headed out to our 8 am chiropractor appointment. The doctor had been promising for my last 3 visits to "shake things up" with no success! This time, however, I did feel a few cramps during my adjustment. As I was waiting for Mark to finish, I texted Brielle to let her know I was feeling something a little different, if not very extreme. She said to keep her informed and she'd head my way if needed.

On our way home, we stopped to pick up doughnuts and I had to stop and wait out a stronger contraction. We got our doughnuts and headed home, thinking if things kept progressing, today might be the day! I texted Brielle again, and she let me know she was already on her way, just to check things out :)

We got home and started to enjoy breakfast with my parents when my contractions started getting stronger. I let Dad and Mark know and they kicked into gear getting Wade ready to head over to Maryanne's house for the duration of his sister's birth. Apparently, while I was getting into the bathtub to try and relax, Mark/Dad panic ensued trying to get Wade packed and out the door (forgetting the actual bag I already had packed for him)  :)

Might away, mom began making up the bed (according to my trusty handbook), then Brielle got to our house around 9:30 and Maryanne arrived shortly after. Brielle listened to the baby's heartbeat (which sounded good) and began setting up the birthing tub I wanted to try out. My contractions kept getting closer together and stronger and before I knew it I felt the urge to push. Mark ran to get Brielle (who had just finished setting up the birthing tub, of course) and soon little Lily made her appearance right into my arms!

She had a little trouble breathing at first and needed some help to get started. Since she was born so quickly, the liquid and gunk that is usually squeezed out during labor was still in Lily's lungs. After Brielle managed to suction most of it out, she took her first breath and let out a sweet little cry. She was quite blue at first and gave us all a scare, but quickly pinked up and became perfect! We moved out of the tub and to bed, where she instantly opened her eyes and began to suck on her hands. She came out starving and hasn't quit eating since! Brielle checked her over and offered for Mark to cut the cord, he declined so Nene got to do the honors :)

Lilian Brooks Maruszak was born at home on Friday, April 27th at 10:26 am. She was 8 lbs 14 oz (surprising everyone) and 20 inches long. Everyone is doing well and enjoying our new little bundle :)

Still a little blue, even after she pinked up quite a bit

Official measurement- 20 inches long

Lily and Daddy

Nene and Lily

Uuma and Lily

Big brother Wade holding his sister

Papa K. and Lily

Day 2- getting footprinted

Wide-eyed little girl

So cozy

**Thanks to Mom and Maryanne for their support and taking pictures all during labor, I couldn't ask for a better mother and mother-in-law!**