so much to tell...

This will be a hodge-podge of stuff. There are just too many stories to tell...try to keep up.

Flashback to the day Brad and I went into the hospital to be induced. Rory was at Sonic with our good friend Susan, when another friend, Brenda, came up to the car and asked Rory if she was going to get a new baby brother or sister today. Rory looked at Brenda and frankly said, "I don't want to talk about it."

Rory is doing a good job adjusting to her new life. A few days after we were home she looked at me, reached up her arms toward Emme and said, "I want to hold it, mom." She loves to hold her sister and give her many kisses. She's not quite aware of her appendages all the time so we still have to watch her like a hawk when she's around Emme. I can tell it's a tough adjustment though. Rory is quicker to tears and is very dramatic whenever she gets a little injury. We are trying to be deliberate in our one-on-one time with her. Tonight the three of us spent some quality time in our bedroom tickling and snuggling and jumping on the bed (actually just Rory jumped on the bed). At one point Rory asked, "Where's Emme?" Brad told her that Emme was in the living room sleeping in her swing and asked if she wanted to go see her. Rory replied, "No." So we just stayed right where we were.

Having two kids is exhausting! Kudos, props, and standing ovations to those of you with more than two. I definitely think I would have a meltdown. Today I was a good girl and went to bed when both the girls were sleeping. A half hour later my youngest daughter woke up to eat. So much for a refreshing nap. I darted out of bed hoping to reach Emme before Rory heard her cries.

Speaking of Emme's cries. We taught Rory to say to Emme, "Don't cry Emme, I love you." Rory later added, "And you love Rory." Now when Emme's crying, Rory says to her, "You don't have to cry Emme, you love Rory." One day Rory had gotten injured and was crying while at the same time Emme was crying in the other room. Rory ran into the living room and said to Emme, "Don't you cry Emme. I cry!"

Yesterday we started the process of letting Emme soothe herself instead of relying on us to rock her to sleep. Yesterday was horrible. She cried through most of her naps. She'd eventually calm down and sleep for maybe half an hour before waking up and crying again. It was awfully hard on me. My body literally reacts to her cries. My heart beats faster and I get jittery. I can't focus and every fiber in my being wants to run into her room and cuddle her. Brad was strong for both of us.

Today was a lot better. She fussed a little, but fell asleep on her own throughout the day. I can't assume that we're through the fire, but today was heavenly. It really is a terribly hard hurdle to get over with your newborn. But if is extremely worth it. We did this with Rory and she is such a great sleeper! She goes down without a fight, and wakes up happy. She can spend the night virtually anywhere and does really great when babysitters have to put her down.

Emme smiles like a madwoman. Brad is convinced that the medical profession knows nothing when they say a newborn doesn't smile. Emme has amazing dimples. I chase after her smiles just for a glimpse of those beautiful dimpled cheeks. Today, right after two of her feedings she was awake and alert. We chatted (I hogged most of the conversation), and she smiled at me over and over again. I still haven't caught one on camera, but I'm trying.

Emme was large and short. 9 lbs and 18 3/4 inches. A friend from church said to me, "Samantha, you gave birth to a square!" I thought that was funny.

Emme got straight A's at her first visit with the pediatrician. Dr. McEntire said she was doing great. She weighed 8 lbs 14 oz. While the nurse was taking her temperature (using a rectal thermometer), Emme pooped all over the place. I really don't blame her.

Truth time. I'm scared. I have two kids. How can I do this? How can I do this and all the other stuff I do? I'm overwhelmed with WL, YL, and cleaning the house. Everyone says you shouldn't worry about cleaning, etc. right after having a baby. I know I should keep my priorities in order, but it makes me feel better when I have a clean house. It's a vicious circle. I don't really have the time or energy to clean, but having a clean house gives me energy.