You Are Growing Up...

way 

too

fast!

Carter arrived!

I have been having technical issues with the blog. I hope that this goes through and that I can begin to catch up. Carter Markwood arrived on May 21 at 8:10 a.m. He was 6 pounds, 10 ounces and 22 inches long. We adore him!!!

My Walking Buddy

Carter, you and I have walked miles and miles of the river trail together throughout pregnancy. It is such a beautiful setting! I hope that these walks have helped you grow and get ready to be part of this incredible world. I can't believe that you will be in my arms some time this week! I feel honored to be your mom already.

My Girl

Quinn, your little brother will be here in a matter of days. I am so excited to give you the gift of a sibling. I know that you are going to be an amazing big sister. I am soaking up these mellow days that we are having together. I know that our daily life is going to change. I hope that you will feel how much I love you, even during the changes. You mean the world to me and fill my heart with love and joy.

A Morning Outside

My dear Quinn, this morning while we were playing outside, you noticed a pair of doves sitting on our neighbor's roof. One was cooing. You began to dance and said to me, "I am dancing to his music." My heart melted. How I love your dear, magical spirit.

Birthday Images

Quinn, your big bright eyes melt me. When you woke up in the morning, we gave you a stuffed Elmo and some Cookie Monster books. You love these characters, even though you have never watched television. You had an Elmo toothbrush, fell in love with his face and love reading his books. So we had to get you an Elmo to snuggle. You adore him!

Look how grown up and beautiful you are.

Your sweet smiles melt me. Here you are with your elephant lovey, who is still your #1, along with blankie.

Maybe you are pondering being two...

Grandpa came to visit and brought you a gourmet cheesecake for your birthday. You don't like sweets...your favorite foods are lentil soup, blueberries, grape tomatoes, and macaroni. We will eat birthday cupcakes on Saturday to celebrate as well...maybe we will have better luck with that! I am glad that you are a healthy eater, though.

You took it very seriously when we sang Happy Birthday.

You loved celebrating, though.

When we tried to put a piece of cake on your Elmo plate, you cried. You didn't want the plate or napkin to be used. You decided to push them around in your new doll stroller instead. Priceless!

You were a blur as you pushed your new BOB-like doll stroller around. 

You also loved your new doll cradle. Here you are tucking in some dolls and toys. You told them, "You are tucked in. You are cozy, safe and warm." It melted Daddy's and my hearts to hear this, since we tuck you in with these reassuring words each night.

This gift was so fun for me as a mom! I got to relive my childhood a bit. It brought memories back of playing with dolls. How fun it is to watch you enjoy what I did as a little girl. I love you, Quinn!

Tomorrow You Are Two!

Here is a glimpse of you in action during the past week. You are such an amazing little girl. My two year old!

You Are Beautiful

Preparing...

We are reading a lot of baby books with you lately, Quinn. You love to read, so you seem to be enjoying it!  I hope that reading and talking about the baby will help with the transition.

Our Family is Growing

Quinn, you are going to be a big sister!!! I can't believe it, although as my belly is growing, it seems more real. You are going to have a little brother, Carter. I am so excited to give you the gift of a sibling, although I know that the adjustment may be challenging at first. My goal is to try to catch up on this blog before he arrives, since it can be tricky to write a lot with a new baby. Little Carter is due on May 22...we are so excited to meet you, little one! You have two parents who love you and you have an incredible big sister who will love you, too!

My Girl Is Growing Up

Quinn, you are turning in to a little girl so quickly. I want time to slow down, so that I can drink up every last drop of your babyhood. You are a true toddler now. You are changing so fast. Between 21 and 22 months, you went from stringing a  couple of words together to speaking in full sentences! You now talk in paragraphs non-stop it seems. Your daddy and I love watching you blossom in to your own little person who can express herself. It is beautiful to witness. In this picture, you had asked me to put your hair in a ponytail like mine. You wanted us to wear them "both at same time." You are so dear!