Learning to laugh

Our roller coaster ride summer is finally over. We welcomed our dear sweet Luci to the world, survived a month apart while Matt started his new job, moved 1000 miles south to FL - in 2 trips, and sold our house (with lots of drama included in the process). Throughout it all, our 2 girls have thrived. Brooke has adjusted to her new sister, new (albeit temporary) home, a new crib (we stll have no idea where the hardware to her NC crib was packed by the movers so we had to get a new one!), and a severe reduction in toys (still in boxes in storage). Luci is filling out and transitioning from newborn to infant. She is getting so fun. She started smiling a few weeks ago, but my camera's been too slow to capture it until this week. Now she's cooing and laughing. She is just as busy as Brooke was and very strong. We call her a 2-hander-baby because you need to keep 2 hands on her or she'll try to launch herself out of your arms. She also loves tummy time and Brooke gets down on the playmat with her every day to do 'sharing'.

Now that we're getting settled here and the bulk of our stress is behind us, I should get a chance to enjoy my time home with the girls. We're getting into our new routine and I've managed to track down the libraries for toddler storytimes and some fabulous parks. We love to go to Mackle Park where they have a gated water spray park for kids (and mommies!). Last weekend we bought a new tandem stroller which should make outings much easier. I learned the hard way that side by side strollers do not fit through all store doorways and can be cumbersome to push around. The tandem stroller is fabulous!! Brooke likes it so much, she had to sit in it in the living room when we came home with it. So far my biggest challenge as a stay at home mom is to get both girls to nap at once. It's a much needed break so that I can get a little nap myself or catch up on some work.

From September

I'm sure there will be much more time for fun here now that our lives have calmed down a bit. We are gearing up to start exploring the area and will have the camera ready!