having 2 at home

The first week has gone by, and there is really nothing that could have prepared us. There has been little sleep and lots of activity in our house. We have managed to get out a few times, but it takes nearly 2 hours for an idea to turn into a garage opening. Gracelyn has been such a big helper at times, and we are beginning to adjust into our new life. I have put a challenge in front of Haven, though. She has an opportunity to "lead" if she can manage to sleep through the nite in less than 2.5 months, which is Gracelyn's mark. Last nite, she went 5 hours! (We'll find out if that is a fluke or just kickass parenting.)

Haven is chillin'.

Who says having a newborn can make the oldest regress?!

baby sister is here!

On Monday, July 21st at 7:10 AM, Haven Brielle Jacobs was born. She busted out at 7 lbs 14 oz and was 20 inches long. She is showing jet black hair and sporting a buzz cut. Here eyes appear to be a deep dark blue (very likely to change down the road) and her skin tone is slightly more olive than Gracelyn. (But, pretty much anyone is darker than Gracelyn, even daddie.) We are finally home and relearning how to be parents to a little baby. Of course, we are getting plenty of sleep and even have time for a movie here and there.

Haven and her big sister, Gracelyn.

fun with friends

Recently, Gracelyn had a couple of playdates with her friends Max, Molly and Makenna. (For those of you who don't know them, Max & Molly are twins, about 2-and-a-half months younger than Gracelyn; Makenna is their three-month-old cousin.) We always have such a great time with our friends!

Niles Beach: This first set of pictures is from our trip to Niles Beach, a nice "beach" perfect for little ones. It's on a lake, so it's usually relatively peaceful (a criteria that Gracelyn holds for her decisions of getting near the water or not). When we got there, there was an elementary school having a beach day, so it was a bit crazy, with close to 100 kids in the water. Gracelyn absolutely refused to go near the water (in fact, she refused to go anywhere if Mommie wasn't holding her)! Once the school left, things quieted down and our little ones were able to enjoy the sand and water. What a fun day!

Holding hands with our friends in the parking lot

Makenna & Mara getting their feet wet

Playing in the sand

Aren't they just precious?

We love the water!!

Max & Molly's House: The following week, Gracelyn and I went over to the Cooper-Allen house to have another playdate with Max & Molly. Kelyn's (the twins' older sister) sixth-grade graduation was that morning, so Heather had asked us to come over to play with the twins. Being the smart mommie that she is, she knew that the twins would not be able to sit through a two-hour graduation ceremony! We had so much fun, running around outside in the beautiful sunshine, playing with toys inside, and sharing snacks together.

Max & Molly on their trikes

Playing "House"

"Peekaboo!!"

These bugs remind Mommie of when she was little...

A very contemplative Max (how cute is he??)

Best of friends, cuddling together on the couch