One Week Later...

We have survived our first week of having a newborn in the house again! Things have gone quite well, actually. Nora has been a terrific sleeper - she seems to be routinely sleeping 4-5 hours at a stretch at night. Mommy and Daddy are VERY thankful for this! She is also a voracious eater, which is exasperating at times but we're glad she has such a healthy appetite. I guess these are my rewards for having a 9-pound baby!

Nora has also been getting plenty of attention from her big sister. Grace has been quite the helper so far -- she likes to help me change Nora's diapers, and she is especially interested when it's time for Nora to nurse! She's learned a lot this week. :) I am very proud of how she's handled this transition so far, though we've had our share of attention-getting behavior.

Maybe it was the need for positive attention that inspired her, or maybe it was the new role of "big sister" that made up her mind. Either way, on the first day we were all home together, Grace decided that she could go potty on the toilet at will. Never mind that I have tried two times in the past 9 months to potty train her, only to end each day frustrated and swearing that I didn't care whether she would ever be out of diapers. Now all of a sudden she sits down and goes potty. Great timing, huh? We're going with it, however, and using the potty a couple of times a day to get used to it. She's doing great. I'm so proud of my big girl!

We had a nice weekend, spending some family time together and enjoying the beautiful weather. Phil got to celebrate Father's Day with his two girls -- he especially enjoyed the sweet cuddle time he got to spend with them this morning.

As I have been reflecting on Nora's arrival this week and my new role as a mother of two, I am reminded of the blessings that the Lord has poured out into my life. We waited and prayed such a long time for Nora, and after all the trials we went through, here we are with such joy in our hearts and this sweet little person to love. I am amazed at the Lord's goodness. All I can say is "thank you."