One Month

I can't believe how much my little baby has grown and I'm glad to say that she is healthy and doing much better. Eliza is doing great about being awake during the day and having a night schedule of going to bed at ten, eating at 2:30, and at 6:30 (I think she knows that I need my sleep). She's becoming more alert and wiggles a lot. I can't believe that she is already growing out of her clothes, it seems like only yesterday even newborn sizes were drowning her. With me getting back to work, and Fin going to school, we've been able to get a routine down and figured out that packing the diaper bag the night before helps us stay on track. Finley still LOVES her baby sister and has been a great help. I love my girls and the time we get to spend together!

One of our good friends took these pictures for us and I couldn't help but share them with everyone.

Fresh Air & Sun

After having Eliza on oxygen for a week, not being out of the house for like a month, Fin and I going stir-crazy, Brian got the great idea to head south for the weekend. Once we cleared it with the doc, who told us that it would do us all good, we headed to St. George. It was a much need vacation for our little family. I forgot what it's like to road trip with a newborn. Only one stop down to refuel, get a treat, change a diaper, and feed Eliza, it wasn't too bad. You also forget how much extra you have to pack for just a few days away.

We stayed at Brian's grandma's house and while Brian rode his bike for four hours each day, the girls and I did nothing but sit outside in the sun. Fin got to ride her bike, we went for walks, and even went for a great little hike as a family. It was so good for Fin to be able to get out and run! The nice little dose of vitamin D was also good for us all. I was very proud of Finley when we went for our hike. It was over an hour long and she didn't want to go even when we were done (she walked the whole time). She had a great time 'looking for turtles.' We found no turtles but did see a lizard on our way out. Brian's cousins were down there with their kids and Fin was able to play with them on Sunday. It was so nice for her to have interaction with someone other then mom and dad. The weekend was refreshing and I think it gave us the boost we needed. I can't wait to go back in a few weeks for Brian's bike race! (Yes it's that time of year again, and believe me, I think Bri would have rode for at least 6 hours each day if he could've. I don't know how he can go for that long but he loves it!)

We are all doing good and enjoying being a family of four!

Heartbreaker

Well this past week has been a roller coaster for us. Little Eliza caught her big sister's cold and has had to be on oxygen all week. Her poor little nose has been so congested and its made it hard for her to eat and sleep. I hate to see little ones sick, and a baby that is barely 2 weeks old is even harder. I'm very grateful that is hasn't been something worse or that she hasn't had to be in the hospital, but it is still hard to watch as a mom. I won't lie, it has also been an emotional roller coaster for me, but Brian has been a great support and help. I'm also very grateful that we have family close that has been there to help and more so entertain Fin. I know that we have been blessed with two beautiful and fun daughters and I look forward to them being close sister's and friends. This week has made me put on the brakes to most of everything except the attention and love for my girls. Being a mom is so demanding and wonderful but sometimes we forget to just be in the moment for they go by so quickly.

Eliza also had her two week check up and despite the cold is looking good. She's 7 lbs 8 oz and 19 1/2 inches. She's in the 55% for weight and 50% for height. She's becoming more alert and staying awake for longer periods of time which makes it fun to interact with her. She's sleeping four hours at a time and is already a better eater then her sister. We went to the doctor today and she's looking better, hopefully we will be done with the oxygen by Monday and until then she only needs it while sleeping and eating.

Fin already looking out for her baby sister.

One Week

Today Eliza is one week old. She is eating, sleeping, and keeping smiles on all our faces. Its been three years since I've had a newborn, and I've forgotten a lot of little details like getting the routine back of changing diapers, bathing, and getting her dressed. And I forgot how much laundry and bottle washing you can do for such a little one. Not too mention I've learned that I love sleep. I've also been reminded how much I miss the little curled up bug lying on you chest, the smell of a newborn, the soft noises they make, watching them smile while they sleep and wondering what they are thinking, and even though it takes an extra forty minutes to get ready and the lack of sleep you get, they are so worth every moment! I love watching Finley with her and wanting to help. It's so nice to have a little helper who will go get the diapers and wipes, get the blanket and if Eliza's crying, she looks at you and says 'oh mama, that's sad.' Life is full of changes and new adventures, and I look forward to all of them with my little family of four!

They really do love each other

Eliza Ann Tolbert

Well Eliza Ann Tolbert is finally here! On Thursday January 28, 2010 at 3:11pm sweet little Eliza was born. I was induced at 10am, 12:30pm had the epidural, 1pm water was broken, and after five minutes of pushing she was here.

Everything went smoothly and quicker then we had planned, it came so quick that the nurse told me to cross my legs until the doctor could get there. I had a great doctor and nurse, and yes again, Brian made me laugh through the delivery! In fact the nurse had to ask me to stop laughing and push. Poor little girl was swollen and bruised from sitting on my pelvic bones for more then three weeks. Each day she is looking better and her perfect little features are so cute. She has my nose and toes and Brian's mouth and hands. She has way more hair then Fin did when she was born. Both the little one and I are healthy. I love my two girls and look forward to them being friends!

Waiting to be induced.

Eliza Ann Tolbert

1/28/2010 3:11pm 7lbs 1oz 19 inches

Finley's first time meeting her baby sister.

My sister in law had their little girl 12 hours before Eliza. What are the odds that sister in laws would not only have the same due date, but delivery a week early on the same day? It did make it quite nice for my in laws who just had to walk two doors down to visit both their new granddaughters. We made quite the stir at the hospital between the fact that there were cousins born the same day and that patients were hanging out in each others rooms.

The girls having their first slumber party.

Eliza Ann Tolbert and Ruby Maine Marsh