Big and Little Sister

Read the shirts.

Getting Ready for the Sun

Aja wearing a hand me down sun hat from Sedona as we get ready to go play outside.

Taking a Break

Sedona taking a break in a hollowed out tree at one of our favorite hiking spots: Chapman Creek.

1 Month Update

It’s hard to believe that Aja is one month old today. It’s amazing how much easier it is the second time around. I think the first time everything is just so new, but this time, you know what to expect. Aja has just fit into our life and we’ve carried on as always. She has been a very good baby and quite mellow. She still sleeps a lot but when she is awake, she is very alert and looking around. She really focuses on faces and smiles when you smile at her.

Sedona loves being a big sister. The first thing she asks about in the morning and the last thing again at night is Aja. Most of the time the girls wake up at around the same time. We have tried to keep Sedona’s schedule the same, so have carried on with her routines. So, first thing in the morning, I usually feed Aja in Sedona’s bed as we read books for ½ an hour. Sedona loves this time and after I finish feeding Aja, Sedona always asks “baby sister lie down.” She talks to her in this baby voice and tickles her toes and gets very excited when “Aja’s looking at me.”

My mom and Brian stayed out for 2 weeks after Aja was born. They were wonderful and didn’t let me do any cooking, cleaning, laundry or grocery shopping for the time that they were here. It was so nice for Sedona to have that time with them too as they live in Toronto. So now we’ve had the past 2 weeks to settle into our own routine now that they’re gone and Chris is at work. My dad and Cheryl, along with my brother and his partner Allison will be out here in a couple of weeks and we’re very excited for their visit. Sedona has had a couple of special sleepovers at Nana’s since Aja has been born which she gets so excited about. It gives Chris and I some time to get some stuff done around here while Aja sleeps and to also focus on her a bit more. Sedona also loves going to her other grandparents’ farm to explore and feed the ducks (there are 12 baby ducks on their pond now).

The weather has been beautiful and we spend tons of time outside as a family gardening and walking. I often take the girls for a walk in the afternoon when Chris is at work: Sedona in the stroller and Aja in the snuggly on me; it’s a good workout and all three of us girls love the fresh air!

Aja just hit the 10 pound mark. It’s amazing to me because Sedona was smaller (7.14 versus 9.1). However, Sedona gained so much weight her first month that she was already 10.9 at this point. Aja is a very efficient eater and is doing well in that category. It’s nice for me because she only eats for 5-10 minutes so the middle of the night feedings aren’t bad.

I have been feeling fantastic. I found the recovery time was even quicker this time around as well and we were out walking right away. I have even started doing some short runs and it’s a nice change from walking. My plan is to get out for a bike ride this weekend as well. Chris has been riding to work most days which is nice for him. He has become a master gardener and our place is looking great thanks to him!

So, as you can see, life is carrying on as usual, but is even more fun with Aja in the mix! We are really enjoying being a family of 4 and have found it to be a very smooth transition thus far.

A story of lavender

Chris here(finally!) About a year ago my Mom presented with a woody, unkempt heap of a lavender plant. It was a "gift" for the new garden. Well the awesome thing about this woody heap is that it originated as present from my late Uncle Mark. So of course I jumped on the chance to take the plant. Well after a year of marginal pampering(you don't have to give a lavender much!) it has to be on of the most beautiful plants in our garden. So simple, yet so special. This weekend I will be sure to cut off a few of the flower heads to add a sweet scent to our house. Thanks for the lavender Uncle Mark!

Sisterly Love

Although it looks like Sedona is giving Aja a little karate chop in that first picture, she is actually stroking her hair and face. She is gentle and wonderful for the most part, but does need the odd reminder to take it easy on her little sister. Aja is the first thing Sedona asks about in the morning and the last thing she talks about at night. Aja is not a big fan of the car seat when we first put her in, so Sedona has taken it upon herself to hold her hand and says "Baby sister happy Mom- me holding hand."

"Smile Smile Smile..."

"and the world will smile too." (My main source of music these days is Children's music in the car; hence the quoting of Raffi.) Aja started smiling last week at 19 days old- that first smile is so exciting. I have been trying to capture it on film, but most of the time it ends up looking really warped as I get the tail end of it, so this is the best I could do!

Music Makers

Sedona and her buddy Zoe making some very fine music!

Tree of Life

While in some cultures, they eat the placenta after giving birth, we opted out of this option. This is done as a way of giving nutrients back to the woman and is supposed to help with her recovery. However, our midwife suggested planting it which we liked. So, yesterday we planted it underneath a new Japanese Maple tree. So, as it grows, we'll watch Aja grow and always remember it as the "Tree of Life."

Sisters

Aja (left) and Sedona (right)

What do you think- will they look alike? Everyone always said Sedona looked like Chris and more people are saying that Aja looks like me. However, I do think you can tell they're sisters.

Walking Shoes

Sporting some new shoes given to her by her neighbors, Aja is ready for the Friday afternoon Allen ritual: A family walk to catch up on the week.