Odds & Ends

Nothing major to report...the last week or so we've just been starting to adjust to this new 'normal'. Bundling up for walks on chilly afternoons, playing in the snow (!!), modeling clothes, and gazing at this sweet little face. (All pictures courtesy of Becky & her iPhone.)

A few of Emily's favorite things: her plastic cake, teacup & baby bear (from Great Granny Ware's house)

Emily often insists on wearing a skirt.

Beautiful weather... even though it is still October!

So cozy!!

Emily's been skipping her nap more often than I'd like!

GG

Alasdair had to go away for 5 days last week, to the CCEF annual conference. We were very sad to be without him, but grateful that the conference & the 2 talks he gave went so well... it was worth all the time & effort put in! While he was gone, the girls & I spent a couple days in MA with my family, including a baby shower for my cousin Angie. We've had a number of wedding/baby showers over the past couple years, and I love the ritual of getting together with so many of my cousins & aunts - so many wonderful women! And of course, we can't wait to meet Baby Girl Weyler. Adara had many loving arms to hold her -- most importantly, my grandmother's. Our kids call her "GG" for Great Grammy. My Grampy has been in the hospital for a few weeks, so the shower was a much needed happy event in the midst of some sadness & stress there. Also, Emily spent a lot of the weekend playing with Uncle Nick - running around outside, playing My Little Ponies, etc. He's wonderful with her.

Sibling Rivalry

I guess it had to happen eventually, I just hoped it wouldn't start so soon!

Last night Emily was crying after I put her to bed. I went in and (with some frustration) asked her what was wrong.
E: "What's wrong is that baby."
L: "What baby?"
E: "Adara. I don't like her."
It made me so sad, knowing what a hard transition it is to not be the only child any more. :( It's hard not to feel guilty!

On the bright side, the first thing she did when she woke up this morning was come say hi to Adara and give her a hug & a kiss. So I guess it's up & down.

Adara Meets Granny Groves

Quick sidenote for those who have asked:
When we pronounce Adara, 'dar' rhymes with 'car'.

Granny Groves made the trek up north to meet Adara this weekend. :) Of course Emily was over the moon all weekend.

How do I manage not to take pictures of these things?? Here's one from Becky. Alasdair did take some video, so when he's back in town we'll have to get that posted.

Cake

Our church's tradition for welcoming babies is to share a big cake after the service. Since our church is full of young families, we eat a lot of cake! Adara had hers this Sunday.

Here's another miscellaneous shot of the girls - wearing their first matching sweatshirts.

Pictures!

I finally got around to uploading pictures - here are a bunch of favorites from the first week. Even more on our Picasa page...

Before...

In the hospital....

At home...

Beautiful flowers from Uncle Nick
Only thing more exciting than a new baby sister... a new kitchen set!

Adara's 1st wedding - 4 days old. Tom & Leslie Ware were married on a spectacular October day, and Alasdair performed the wedding. We couldn't miss it.

Alasdair modelling the double-ergo look.

Adara Kathryn Groves

After keeping us waiting for almost a week, our little girl arrived on Tuesday, October 4 2011 at 11:53am. She was 7lb15oz and 19 3/4". More pictures to follow soon once I collect them!

About the Name: Adara is Lauren's favorite character in one of Alasdair's favorite fiction series, the Belgariad. (When we first meet her, she takes the main character horseback riding:) The root is Hebrew, meaning 'noble'. The internet tells me the name also means "catches birds" in Welch. Her middle name is for Alasdair's maternal grandmother, Catherine. (Emily's middle name is for my maternal grandmother, Claire.)

Big Sister: Emily is doing great with her little sister so far. She vacillates between wanting to hold and kiss her, and being much more interested in her new kitchen set from Mimi. We are so grateful to have both my sister in law Becky (living here for a few months) and my mom around to focus on her. This weekend my dad is here too, and Emily is being well-loved.