Hello, friends!

I just wanted to let you all know that things are going awesome. Elise is such a sweet little girl, and she already seems so much calmer than Andrew was (not that it was a bad thing that Andrew wasn't calm, because it is who he is and I love him just the same, but it's nice to have an "easier" baby).

She is a champion nurser -- I seriously have no pain this time (last time, it was very minimal). I am also blessed with another quick nurser -- she gets a lot of milk out in very little time. She had her first check-up today and is at 7 lbs, 1 oz, so she has gained 5 ounces since birth and 6 ounces since the day we left the hospital. Her pediatrician said that is amazing!

She is a GREAT sleeper -- I can't believe I can lie her down in her bassinet and she continues to sleep (with Andrew, the moment I set him down, he would wake up). She loves being swaddled -- it is like baby crack to her. :)

My husband has been holding her a lot too -- I made sure of this because last time I was a baby hog and I felt like I needed to do everything, so I don't think him and Andrew got enough bonding time in the beginning. Today, I caught a glimpse of Rob staring at her and smelling her sweet face. It was too cute.

I am just so in love. My family is beautiful! Here are some pics.

I love how she sits like a little frog -- I am thinking she had her legs like this in the womb:

Awake in the bassinet last night:

Pretty baby blues:

The big brother:

Aw, a kiss!

Pictures! Pictures!

Picture post!

Just some randoms here...

My sister (left) and me...we went to my mom's house on Thursday night because she made some yummy homemade Minestrone soup. It's nice to spend some time with "just the girls" (my mom too). My sister works ALL the freaking time because she has 4 jobs, so it's rare that I get to actually see her, despite living in the same town!

I had the day off on Friday (I decided on a whim on Thursday to ask my boss if I could have off). I ran errands, picking up his birth certificate (finally--I only waited because the County has the same hours as the ones I work, so it was hard to get down there). I also opened a savings account for Andrew ($227 that he has received since he was born that has been stashed in his piggy bank). I figured he may as well earn some interest. We also stopped by Bauer's Market and Nursery (which is in my hometown) to pick up some apples, and I got Andrew a pumpkin of his own. He calls it a "kohkin"--so cute. We also have a big pumpkin on our front step that he admires.

I took this shot of him yesterday--I just told him to say "cheese" and this is the face he made! Silly guy...

When Andrew was napping earlier, I cleaned out his closet, going through the totes of baby clothes. I pulled out anything gender neutral for Baby Girl (OMG, I have a TON of white newborn onesies that look barely worn). The left side of the closet is going to be her side, for now, until we get her a dresser. So, this is my stash. I then put all the totes of boy clothes in the basement--the next person in my family who has a boy can have them then.

New photos of the (not so) little guy!

Daddy blowing bubbles for Andrew!
Mr. Cute at Riverside Park (famous blue bridges in background).