Miss Arvella Jean

9 weeks old

You can't really prepare yourself for everything that comes with motherhood. I have found that I have just kind of learned things a long the way. Raising Ira so far has been a ride, but it has been such a great experience. I thought I had everything figured out when it came to raising children. I got such a wakeup call when Arvella was born! I had just got taking care of one kid down! What was I thinking adding another one already!! Yikes! I felt pretty overwhelmed and paralyzed for those first few weeks. All I felt like I could do was watch movies in bed and sleep cuddled with my little ones. It was such an effort juggling everyone

 to get Ira a sandwich or bowl of cereal. I look back and just laugh at myself now.

It has taken a few weeks, but I am starting to finally feel back to normal and enjoying spending time with my kids. emphasis on the S! I am back spending a lot of time in the kitchen baking and cooking, which I love! And I have even started to venture into my mothers expertise of sewing, thanks to a wonderfully crafty friend of mine. Now with all that said lets get on with the introduction of Arvella Jean!

After a second pregnancy that felt like it was never going to end, Arvella Jean decided to skip the tax credit and come on her own time. Due on January first 2011, she didn't come for a few extra days arriving on January 3rd at 6:20AM.  Her labor and delivery was FAR easier than Ira's, but because she came so quickly once we were in the hospital I was unable to do the waterbirth we had planned. (Note to Legacy Hospital: Please get a faster running hose to fill the tub!)

Arvella was about as perfect as newborn babies come. She was just as beautiful as her brother in those first few moments. We spent a couple days in the hospital together, and finally got to go home and be with Shawn and Ira on the 5th. She is definitely more of a crier than Ira..but it hasn't been too awful. She quickly adjust to a great night schedule, eats very well and has become absolutely adorable.

Its true that I never wanted girls, but now that I have one I might as well embrace her and enjoy all the good things about it... like the clothing option is SO much better for girls than boys!

I have been super impressed with how strong she is. She was practically holding her head up from day one and she has been super alert. She has strong legs and loves standing up.. I keep imagining her running around on them at this age and how funny that would be! But shes definitely not there yet. I am positive she has bee smiling since her first day of life, but if there was any dispute then, there is definitely not now! She has certainly smiling at us now for over a week!

Arvella Jean was named after 2 great women in our families. Arvella Pearl was Shawn great Grandma on his Dads Mothers side. And Clara Jean was my Mom who passed away 10 years ago. I hope that we will be able to teach our children to love their names and treasure the history, stories and legacy after those for which they have been named!

She enjoys her brother quite a bit (except when he pokes her in the eye). I love it when Ira leans over and talks to her.. he uses this high pitched cute voice (Shawn and I don't do baby talk, so I am not sure where he gets it!) but she smile back at him and you can tell she loves him. He likes to point out all her parts and hold her and kiss her and calls her Velda. He likes to wake her up when she is "seepin". He tells me she is "sad" when she is crying, and tells me she has "poop", when i change her diaper. Very helpful.

arvella at 9 weeks                    arvella at 3 ish weeks

There is no doubt that we are really loving the new addition to our family.