Dear Lena

Dear Lena,

You're almost 2 weeks old sweet baby girl! We still can't believe you're here and we haven't even met your due date yet! These days have flown by as we spend our days getting to know each other and finding a new rhythm as a family of four.  Emmeline adores you and has recently started asking to hold you, to rock you, to cuddle and kiss you.  You still have your days and nights backwards but its ok, we're working on that.  You're still so tiny, not even seven pounds yet and so all our newborn clothes seem too big.  But you are starting to observe your home a bit more and have met the cats and heard the piano.  You hold your head up like a champ.  Yesterday we went for our first walk at the park and took our third trip out and about. You finally met your cousins on the Kleeman side and look forward to meeting everyone else soon.  Keep growing little Lena and may God bless you always. 

One Week New

Happy One Week Birthday sweet baby Lena!! How we love you already! You seem to be a calm snuggly baby who loves to be swaddled and held. You are so tiny and Emmie seems like such a big girl beside you.  We're so thankful you are here Lena Sue!

Lena's first days

She is here

Lena Susan arrived a bit unexpectedly on Monday May 19th in the evening after 4.5 hours of labor.  She was 6 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 inches long.  Everyone is doing well and we are rejoicing in the gift of life in our new wee lady.  Lena means "Child of Light" and is also a reference to Mary Magdalene, who was healed by Jesus and brought the good news of His resurrection to the disciples.  Her middle name comes from her paternal grandmother, "Oma" Sue Dieffenbach.

Little Lena is two days old

Emmie is proving to be a loving big sister already!

Gatherings and trips

We've kicked off summer with our first fire-pit gathering with friends and children.  Days before our friends welcomed their second daughter (and we welcome ours) into the world their sisters had fun splashing and playing, then later watching firelight.  It'll be fun having four little girls to grow up together.  We also had a great little field trip to the Upper Schuylkill Wildlife Center where Emmie was so exited to see owls, foxes, donkeys, hawks, turtles, frogs and chickens.  

Summertime?

Here are a few pictures to document the warm summertime weather we've been enjoying this last week.  The days have been filled with bubbles, side walk chalk, slides, water, bathing suits, bird watching, rocking on the porch and lots of bare feet.  As we wait for little sister's arrival we are thankful for beautiful weather, new sprouts in the vegetable garden and our little Emmeline. 

36 Weeks

Dear Baby girl.

They say you are small for your 36 weeks and 2 days but I think you're just right and you feel rather large to Momma just now. You're a funny little stinker, sleeping a lot when the docs want to monitor your movement but moving so much when its time to sleep.  You had us going last Saturday when we thought it was really time to head to the hospital. But then you decided to wait a while.  I think we're ready on the outside world, ready to hold you and meet you. Emmie is practicing everyday with diapers and rocking the swing, with pushing the stroller and pretend nursing.  The diapers are washed and your room is almost ready. Momma can't see her feet anymore and Emmie can hardly sit on my lap anymore.

Spring is finally here.  But I am cherishing these last days with you safe inside. Grow and be healthy sweet baby and we'll meet you soon. When will it be?

Your room!

These dresses were your great grandmother's baptismal dresses. Emmie has one in her room too!

Hi Little Sister! I'm Emmie.  I'm ready to meet you (I think).