What a Day for a Daydream....

"You be You".  I say that to my kids every day.  All I want for them is to be wholly and fully who they are.  Not what I imagine for them.  Not what society says is OK for them.  You be You.  No shame, no apologies, no secrets.  That's my dream...

But every day the world tells them the exact opposite.  You be You as long as your skin is just right, you wear certain clothes, you weigh next to nothing, and you love who it's "OK" to love.  You be You as long as you fit in where "we/they" think you should.  Blend in.  Don't be different.  I dread the day when my sensitive son is called "gay" and my opinionated daughter is called a "bitch".  They better not be smart or else they are "nerds".  They better not have challenges or else they are "retarded".  They better not love someone like them or else they are second class citizens. 

I want to KNOW who my kids are; I never want them have to reveal themselves to me.  I don't want to be the kind of parent that pushes my kid to be a doctor, then is disappointed when they want to dance.  I don't want to put my expectations of who they are, or who they should be, on them.  I never want them to have to sit me down and "come out" and fear what I might say. 

So how can I teach them to be accepting of who they are, and of everyone else, when we live in a world that is so intolerant?  How do I teach them You be You?  How do I teach them to fight the good fight?  That's the million dollar question, isn't it...

My answer...every day I will fight the good fight.  Every day I will tell them to be themselves.  I will tell them how much I love them and their individuality.  I will tell them how lucky Baby H  and A are because they get to have two mommies, not just one.  I will make love and family normal to them, no matter what it looks like.  I will teach them to love who they want to love, to wear what they want to wear, and to be who they want to be.  I will show them that good people come in all forms, and all I expect from them is to be good, honest, caring people.  You be You, little ones.   

But I will also have to teach them that the world isn't fair.  Not everyone has the same rights.  Not everyone is nice.  They will never have a time in their lives that they didn't know about child abuse, and that mommy's job is to "find homes".  I will continue to fight the good fight and teach them to make a difference, in any small way they can.  At age five, my son is constantly pulling out toys he hasn't played with in a while to give to "other boys who don't have toys", and his only question about Baby H and her two mommies is "why do they live so far away".  I think he is remarkable, and I am so proud of him.  

My hope for them as they grow up is that they get to live in a tolerant world.  A world where the people in my life that I adore can make the same choices for their family that I can make for mine.  That they grow up with the confidence to speak their mind, and the strength of character to stand up for good.  That they fight the good fight, whatever fight they chose. 

We were all taught as young children that actions speak louder than words, so I must always remember that they are watching.  They are watching my actions, big and small, and taking it all in one day at a time.  I will change my profile picture, and keep placing children in need with all types of families that have love and safety to provide.  I will show my kids daily actions of change, and hope that they grow up to be active in their little piece of the world.

Today, the door was opened, if ever so slightly, for families to finally become "legitimate" families.  Maybe, just maybe, we are one step closer to a tolerant world.  I hope that someday my children read about this day in their history books as a changing day for our country.  I hope they someday feel as bewildered and ashamed at the denial of civil rights of so many people that we love, as I do.  I hope by the time they can understand DOMA, it's meaning and it's impact, it's as shocking and absurd to them as the 1960's Civil Rights movement that I read about in my history books. 

I have hope for them, and today, I gained a glimmer of hope for the bigger picture.  But in the meantime...You be You, little ones.  You be You. 

Reptile Dysfunction

Today in the car on the way to school a commercial came on the radio for Erectile Dysfunction.  Owen asked Did you hear them say reptile?  What kind of dinosaur is that? 

A regular one.

Okay. 

Thank goodness for innocent minds.  And funny boys! 

He cracks me up daily. 

FABULOUSLY NAUGHTY

Piper.  P-Pie.  Piper Patrick.  Piper Delaney.  P Danger.  P Diddy.  Shiggy Smalls.  Oh how I adore this girl!

 

 

 I can't believe that she is almost TWO years old and I have barely blogged about her.  So many things to tell; so many things she's learned; so many things she's taught us all.  But really...who has time for blogging when I have a full time job of trying to keep this kid alive!  No really, she's giving me a run for my money.  Oh yeah and there's that OTHER full time job that I have, as well as the 5 year old not-so-little, the hubby, and everything else that life entails. 

But OH HOW I LOVE THIS FABULOUS GIRL!  She is (almost) always smiling.  She is ALWAYS singing--ALWAYS.  She sings to herself, she sings to the TV, she sings in the car, she tries to out sing her brother...she sings ALL THE TIME.  And the funny thing is that she really can carry a tune.  You can tell what song she has in her head as she sings to herself, but her most favorite song is her own P-I-P-E-R sing to the tune on B-I-N-G-O.  Thanks for that one Nana! 

The other thing she is ALWAYS doing is dancing.  Every time she hears music, even just a commercial jingle, she breaks out into full dance mode. She shakes her booty, stomps her feet, and does the best chicken dance you've ever seen.  She loves her drum set, her microphone, piano, and anything else she can use to make music.   She has a song in her head, dancing in her heart, and keeps me laughing a lot. 

She loves to clean, color, and take good care of her babies by giving them regular check-ups. 

She is also a FABULOUS fashionista.  She loves to get herself dressed in random outfits and wants to wear hats all day long.  She's a girl who knows what she likes, and she will let you know if she doesn't!  She has a pair of shoes that if I just show them to her, she flings herself on the floor like her world has come to an end.  Show her the pair she likes and the tears stop and the giggles start.  Like I said, she knows what she likes. 

She loves loves loves her big brother and copies him all the time.  It's so cute right now, and he loves every minute of it, but that moment is coming when the shift will happen and she will go from cute to annoying.  That moment will break my heart. 

She is a FABULOUS talker.  She says "peas" and" TeeToo" (please and thank you), will ask if your "KAAAYYY???" if you look hurt.  She says "hapagooday!" as Daddy and brother leave for work/school in the mornings.  She loves to drink "juu" and says "Oh-OH" for Owen.  She talks constantly and most definitely knows what she is saying...I just wish I did! 

She is very hi-tech.  She can use the phones, iPad, and knows how to go incognito when illegally playing in her brothers room.  She gets super excited and giggly when given the iPad.  She knows how to find the different shows she likes and sits just like her brother while watching.   

But this girl is also oh-so-naughty. 

 

This is what I get when I tell her to not stand in the tub. 

 

In her short 20 months of life she has put 8 marbles (at the same time) in her mouth, choked on 42 fruit loops, a paci ring, blueberries, a rock, and gold fish.  She has eaten charred wood from the fireplace, bugs, crayons, chalk, shiracha sauce (twice!), and probably other things I can't remember.  What she WON'T eat is food. 

 

 

Unless she dug it out of the trash (don't worry, it was on a doily).

 

 

She can't be left alone or else she will climb...on anything...

BUSTED!

 

If I turn my back for a second, there is no telling what I might find when I come around the corner...

 

 

Basically, she's like her mama and can't be trusted.

 

 

 

But here is why she is FABULOUSLY NAUGHTY...she climbs on to her chair (back to me, so she's just playing) and tells herself "no-no" and sits down.  Then stands up again, tells herself "no-no" and sits down.  

 

She climbs into the kitchen chair in attempts to get on to the table.  I tell her NO, and put her down.  She does it again, I tell her NO and put her down.  She climbs up again, I tell her NO, and swat her leg (not to fret my fellow CPSers, no marks or bruises) and put her down.  This time she climbs up, tells herself NO, pats her own leg, and climbs down.  I just laugh.

 

She stands on the couch, I tell her to SIT, she smiles.  I tell her to SIT, she smiles.  I stand up, she sits, and smiles. 

 

She climbs on to the kitchen table, bites into each apple, puts them back, and walks away. 

 

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. This girl is FABULOUS.  She makes me laugh all the time, keeps me dancing, and bring such joy to my life and to our family.  Her naughtiness is one of the best parts of her sweet little (OK big) personality.  Sometimes I just can't stand how much I love her.  FABULOUSLY NAUGHTY and all. 

 

This is her personality, captured in one sinlge snapshot.  I hope she is always this confident, happy, and just a little bit naughty. 

 

We really are peas on a pod.  And I wouldnt have it any other way.  









Merry Christmas!

When putting Owen to bed the other night he decided he wanted to read the Christmas books to me.  He has a set of 4 books, each about 5 pages, and each about a different Christmas character.  One book is Rudolph, one is Santa, The Abominable Snowman, and Hermey the Elf.  He has the books memorized and wanted me to pretend that I didn't know the story so he could "read" it to me.  He started off with the Santa book. 

This is the Santa story.

Oh, OK, Santa has a story?

Yes, all Christmas guys have a story.  Like Rudolph...(singing) Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, he'll go down in His Story...see, like that...but this is Santa's story.

Oh, OK...as I grab for a tissue and pretend to blow my nose to keep from busting out laughing at him.  That kid is so dang funny, he just keeps me laughing all the time! 

I sure love that kid. 

From the Mouths Of Babes...

Today Owen had a potluck Thanksgiving lunch at his school for all of his classmates and parents.  Piper and I went and enjoyed the food...and about fifty 4-year-olds!  Most of Owen's friends were leaving with their parents after lunch, so of course, he wanted to come home too.  Here was how that conversation went...

OWEN: Mom-I want to go home with you and P Pie.
ME:   No sweets, you gotta stay here because I have to go home to work more.
OWEN:  But I will be really good!
ME:  Owen, I have to find homes...
OWEN:  But I will be like Daddy!
ME:  What does that mean?
OWEN:  I will do everything you say!

ME:  Well who can argue with that!  Comm'on...let go home....

I'm teaching they young and teaching them right....heeheehee....

I love that kid!

First Day of Pre-School: 8-6-2012

Today we dropped my favorite little guy off on a new adventure....Pre-school. There were no tears, just giddiness and excitement. We had to remind him to hug us and tell us goodbye. As he trotted off to the playground to find his old friend Riley, and meet many new ones, I knew his little world had just expanded. As we drove around to the playground to get one final peek--he was holding hands with Riley on the slide. He is right where he needs to be. Take care him new world. He is my most precious gift.

We sure are proud of you Owen!  I love you kid...

Mickey's Rocket--Owen's 4th Birthday Cake

So every year I make Owen's birthday cake from scratch...whatever he wants.  I started off with pretty high standards of cakes past, and probably shot myself in the foot in the process.  This year, Owen wanted Mickey's Rocket.  Seemed easy enough.  EEESH.  I think this one got the best of me! 

So here is what Mickey's Rocket looks like for those of you who don't have a Micky obsessed kiddo:

I had lofty aspirations to have it standing tall, surrounded by sand and moon rocks.  Apparently I have watched Ace of Cakes too many times and thought I was Duff.  Let me assure you, I am No Duff! 

I started off making a prototype out of cake. It leaned a bit, so I thought I would add dowel rods.  That didn't work so on to Plan B....

Plan B was to make it out of Rice Krispie treats. That didn't work either. At first they didn't stick together, then they were too hard. OK---Plan C.

Plan C...carved football cake!

I bought a football shaped pan and molded from there. The cake was of course orange. I cut off the end of the "football" to create the rocket ship shape.

 I iced on the stripes, and made red "sand" out of food coloring and sugar.

Mickey's rocket landed on Mars, surrounded by the red sand and Moon rocks (cake balls) made by EE. Shredded Twizzlers made the flames of the rocket, and Owen's Mickey friends finished it off.

Overall, it turned out OK...for the third try! The kids loved it, so that's the most important part! Now...what to do for next year....

Happy Birthday Owen! My Sweet 4 year old boy!!

4th Birthday...ALREADY???

Wow how time flies!  My little guy is already FOUR YEARS OLD?  How did that happen?  Where did the time go?  I wish I could remember every moment of every day with him as a little guy (ok, maybe not EVERY moment).  He is still such a sweet and funny boy.  He cracks me up every single day.  He is so smart.  He knows his address, phone number, all of our first and last names, can count to 30, identify all of his letters and numbers, and is learning to spell and write.  He loves to sing-Jake and the Neverland Pirates CD is is current favorite, although he does a mean Johnny Cash!  His favorite shows are Octonauts, along with old favs Jake and Doc McStuffins.  He loves to play outside, swims like a fish, plays cars and rockets, and he still loves to RUN and the color orange. 

The end of May 2012 marked the end of an era for Owen as he graduated from the daycare he attended since he was 11 months old.  He is spending this summer with Daddy, going to swim lessons and camps, and having fun.  In a few weeks he will start preschool at a Montessori school nearby, along with his BFF Riley.  We are excited for him to move forward in his education and socialization, though it was sad to leave the person who took such great care of him...and sad to see him growing up so fast. 

11 months ago Owen became a big brother, and what an amazing brother is is!  I always knew he would be!  He loves his baby sister and takes such good care of her.  He covers her with her blanket to make sure she's not cold.  He gives her toys and things to play with.  He loves feeding her and sharing his yogurt and applesauce.  He watches over her to be sure she doesn't fall or get hurt, and is very protective when others are around her.  I sure hope this continues as they get older!

I can't wait to see what this next year brings.  I am so happy being your mom Owen! 
I love you kid.  All the way to the skies and back down!

I Can't Hear!

ME: Owen, please sing quietly to yourself.
OWEN: (Whispering) Like this?
ME: Yes, thank you.
OWEN: But I can't hear it.
ME: Yes you can.  I can still hear you, so you can hear yourself.
OWEN: No I can't.  My ears are taking a break, so I can't hear. 

I had no response to that. 

Favorite Things

Every night I ask Owen what was his "happy/favorite thing" of the day.  We write it in a little journal so he will be able to look back and remember when seeing the trash truck made his day.  Saturday his favorite thing was going to "O Maybe".  I think he meant Old Navy. 

My favorite thing of the day was listening to him say "O Maybe" over and over.

My other favorite thing was when he asked me for some ice water because "I'm running out of hydrate". 

He makes me nuts these days...but I sure do love that kid!

The Other "F" Word....

FORGIVENESS.

They say forgiveness is for you, not the other person...for the forgivER, not the forgivEE. Turns out that's true. Turns out forgiveness is easier said than done. Turns out that even if forgiveness is something you want, something you search for, something you try for, with each step forward, there are also steps back. Turns out forgiveness is elusive.

I WANT to forgive.
I NEED to forgive.
I think (maybe) I CAN forgive.
Seems I just don't know HOW to forgive.

See--Elusive.

They also say that forgiveness is accepting that the past, and therefore the present, couldn't have been any different. This is where I run into trouble. We all have the free will to make choices in life. Our choices alter the paths of our lives, and in turn, the lives of those around us. Our choices created the past that lead to the present. Had you made different choices, the present could be very different. To accept that it couldn't have been any different, somehow lessens your responsibility in the situation. As if it couldn't have been helped. It could have been helped, and that's the part I can't forgive. But, it is what it is, so that is my starting point.

One day a few months ago I started thinking: How can I teach my children about forgiveness, if I cannot do it myself? How can I teach them about being a family, if I also turn my back? How can I teach them about respect, if I cannot show it to someone who doesn't give it? How can I teach them about boundaries, if I don't create them for all of us? How can I teach them about being the bigger person, the kinder person, if I don't show them how to carry themselves? How do I teach them to do the right thing, even if you don't want to?  How can I teach them to do all of these things, even especially when you think you are the one who is right. How will you teach your children all of these things? I opened the door. What will you do?  How will you teach her these things?

My forgiveness is not for you. It is for me. It is for them. All (soon-to-be) THREE of them. Two that I love more than words, and One that I hope to someday get to meet. One that will hopefully, someday, know how much we love her and want to know her. It was them that started me thinking. It was them that started me forgiving. It was them that made me brave enough to open the door. It is for them that I am willing to try to find answers, or at least a peace. What that resolution looks like, I don't yet know. But I do know this: for them, I must try. 

But I wonder if she will change you, just as they changed me. How can she not? I guess we will know soon enough.

I still don't trust you. I still don't see a close relationship with you.   That still makes me sad.  Still makes me mad.  Someday, there will have to be a conversation.  There will have to be answers and accountability.  But I see who you are.  Clearly.  I see myself better now too.  I have surprised myself.  I don't know what to hope for because I am not sure what my own heart wants, or what I am willing to give.  All I can control is what I can give, so until that is defined, I tread very, very lightly. I don't expect anything. But I know who you are now. I see you. Clearly.

So can I forgive? I guess that's up to me.  I can now say that while I still hate what you have done to us, I no longer hate you, so I guess that's a start...

Piper is 6 Months Old!!

My sweet baby girl is growing so fast....she is already 6 months old!  She is bigger than Owen was, though she's still pretty small.  She looks like Owen in pink.  She laughs out loud a LOT!  She thinks I am hilarious!  She rolls to her sides, but doesn't roll all the way over (she did once, but that was by accident).  She isn't showing any signs of scooting, and is very content to chill in one place.  She is close to sitting up, and loves to eat her big girl food.  I make all her baby food, just as I did for Owen. 

She has the chunkiest, juicest thighs and knees.  She loves to eat her toes, and her feet are constantly in her mouth.  She still wakes up twice a night to eat, and still likes to be swaddled when sleeping.  She smiles HUGE smiles every time her daddy walks into the room, and he can't help himself but to play the smile game with her.  She follows Owen's every move around the room, and man that kid loves her! 

She is infatuated with my phone, typing on my computer, holding the TV remote, and all things gadgety.  Maybe she'll be a tech nerd and makes tons of money!  Her hair is growing back and she has the sweetest girly eyelashes.  She is pretty chill and doesn't fuss unless hungry or tired.  She talks a LOT to her passy, puppy, owl, or anyone who will listen.  She loves to snuggle with me and I can't get enough of her. 

Happy 6 month birthday P-Pie!  Your momma sure does love you~

My Kid Cracks Me Up

ME: Owen, what is all over your mirror? (Clearly a soapy handprint)
OWEN: I don't know.  Maybe spider poop?
ME: You think so, huh?


ME: You seem to be feeling better today, I think you can go to school tomorrow.
OWEN: But I'm still sick.
ME: I think you're fine. 
OWEN: Mom, do I have shrimp?
ME:  Shrimp?  Do you mean strep?
OWEN: Yeah.
ME: No baby, it's just a cold.


Watching The Little Mermaid
OWEN: Mom, who is that big lady?
ME: That's the Sea Witch.
OWEN: Why is she a sandwich?


Giving Owen his breakfast:
ME: Here's the toast you wanted.
OWEN: Thanks mom, I pre-kay-she-ate-it.

He meant appreciate it, and it's the thought that counts!

Man I think my kid is funny.

What A Difference One Word Makes...

When we potty trained Owen we taught him to go sitting down.  I figured we would avoid the inevitable peepee mess as long as possible.  Being that he is now almost 4, we decided it was time for him to stand up like a big boy.  But of course, being that the is almost 4, and a boy, we have to discuss this...a lot. 

So the other day while driving home Owen asked me "Mom, will Piper stand up to go potty when she's a big girl?"  I say "No Owen, only boys go potty standing up.  She doesn't have a teetee like you, so she has to sit down."  He says "where's her teetee?".  "Remember Owen, boys have a penis, and girls have a vagina.  We just call it teetee, but boys and girls are different."  He says proudly "I have a penis."  "Yes baby, that's right", I say.   Then he announces "Piper has a vagina and I need a penis!"  "Um, no Owen...you HAVE a penis, you don't NEED a penis."

He sits in the back seat thinking about it for a while.  Now when he has learned a new word or concept, he often repeats it to himself quietly as if committing it to memory.  After a minute or so I hear from the backseat in a whisper "I have a penis, I need a penis...I have a penis, I need a penis..."  This goes on for about 2 minutes.  All I can think is that some moms wouldn't be as cool with this conversation as I was.  Finally he gets it straight in his head and says "yeah, I have a penis". 

"OK, good...glad that's settled...now what do you want for dinner..."

Boys. 

3yo Words

A few new words that are so cute we haven't corrected him yet:

Rah-Rool:  is actually Raul, the car from Cars 2.

Lisk-a-lish:  is Licorice..as in I got stuck on the Lick-a-lish square playing Candyland.

Bi-da-dems:  Vitamins...he takes them every day!

More to come...

An Incredible Conversation

As I was helping Owen get dressed for gymnastics this morning, this was our conversation:

Owen (looking at his superhero underwear): Mommy, who's on my underwears?
Me: They are The Incredibles
Owen (puts them on): Why is Incredibles in my pants?
Me: Um...here, put your shoes on.

So apparently, guys think what's in their pants is incredible at any age.  Lord help me.

Kindness

Owen is such a sweet boy and here are just two examples of his kindness:

The other night I was working late, and was set up at the kitchen table.  Owen was in the living room playing.  Without being asked, he came in to the kitchen and brought me my drink from the living room, along with a coaster.  "Here mom, in case you get thirsty".  Made me smile and tear up a bit.  "Thank you my sweet boy".

Another time I was in Piper's room changing her diaper and cleaning her nose, which she hates.  She was crying loudly in protest.  Owen came into the room with her green puppy and said "Here Piper, here's your puppy to make you feel better".  He always takes such good care of his baby sister.

The kindness in that little boy's heart amazes me.  At only 3 years old, he is kinder, sweeter, and more gentle than many adults I've met.  Even as a baby, I could tell he had a gentle and sweet spirit.  I love watching that spirit flourish as he grows into a little boy.  I will do my best to protect him, my precious gift, as he grows into an amazing, caring person. 

I sure love that sweet kid.

My Heart is ALL the Colors...

It's no secret that orange is Owen's FAVORITE color.  He has orange everything.  This morning, while getting dressed, I asked Owen if he was going to turn orange since he loves orange so much.  Without blinking he looked at me and said, "No mom, I'm going to be ALL the colors cause my heart is all the colors!"  I am not sure what that means exactly, but thought it was so sweet, and and made me smile. 

I sure do love that kid. 

Batgirl vs. Bad Girl

Owen and Daddy playing Batman this morning:

Daddy (in his Batman voice): Com'on, let's go find Batgirl...
Owen: Why is she a Bad Girl?

Me: I'm not touching that one...

I love that funny kid...

Meet Piper Delaney!

After a long, hot summer-the hottest on record since the summer of 1980 to be exact-Piper Delaney made her way into the world on August 16th at 11:42am. By the time she arrived I felt as if I had been pregnant for 2 years. I had an easy pregnancy, just as I did with Owen. I craved sweets like no body's business. I mean I could. not. get. enough. sweets. It's amazing that I didn't gain 100 pounds with all the doughnuts and such that filled my daily diet.

Unlike my first pregnancy, this time we found out what we were having. A little girl~how exciting! We had really thought Owen was going to be a girl, and had planned to name him Piper, so that was a top name this time around as well. I actually liked the name Harper better, but hubby and Owen insisted on Piper. Owen would almost cry if you called her by any other name. It was as if he already knew her, and that was supposed to be her name.

By my 8th month I had full blown insomnia and would be awake for days with only a few hours sleep here and there. At 36 weeks and 5 days I was hospitalized overnight due to severe dehydration that made my blood pressure, and more frightening Piper's blood pressure, skyrocket. I went to the hospital because I just didn't feel right, but certainly wasn't expecting what followed. Hubby stayed home with Owen and my BFF took me in to get checked out. Thank god she did. When I arrived at the hospital Piper's heart rate was over 200 beats per minute and sporadically flat lining off the monitor. The nurses went into fast forward hooking me up to machines and IV bags of fluid. One nurse stayed in the room, staring at the monitor for hours. EE spent the night on the pull out "bed". (Shout out EE! Love You!!) Had I been 37 week, they would have just delivered me. Instead, 24 hours and 4 bags of IV fluid later we were sent home. And in case you are wondering how much weight one gains when pumped full of 4 bags of IV fluids...10 POUNDS. That's how much. 10 freaking pounds. I looked, and felt, like I was a water balloon that was about to pop. Here is a picture of me the night before she was born...ridiculous!

So by 39 weeks (and 45 inches around!), I was MORE than done with being pregnant. We went in at 7:30am on August 16th for the scheduled induction, and prayed and prayed that the epidural would work this time. My OB put together a great team of doctors, including the chief of anesthesia and his head nurse, to ensure the epidural was placed correctly and working properly. The nurse was great...she looked and acted just like Callie from Grey's Anatomy. At one point we were all discussing tequila shots. What?!?!

Anyway...Epidural goes in and holy moly it works! This is awesome!! So my mom, Brian, "Callie" and I are all hanging out talking and laughing. A complete 180 from my last experience!! Around 11:15 the nurse checks me...dilated to a 5 and moving right along! 5 minutes later...and I do not exaggerate here...FIVE minutes later epidural had worn off and I was ready to push! I see my mother streak by as she cannot get out of that room fast enough! She was not up for witnessing the miracle of life while seeing her daughter screaming in pain. Fair enough. "Callie" then yells at me to NOT push because she "isn't trained in birthing babies!" and yells down the hall for the doctor. A team of people rush in...my doctor is in what looks likes full riot gear...where did all these people come from so quickly??? 20 minutes later, at 11:42 Piper was born.

She was PERFECT. 7 pounds 9 ounces and 18 inches long. Very close to the size Owen was when he was born. Her face was scrunchy, but she looked just like I imagined. I instantly knew her and loved her and was so happy to finally meet her face to face.

Brian picked Owen up from school that afternoon and brought him to the hospital. He was so excited to meet his baby sister. The first thing he said when he walked into the room..."where's my Piper?" He hasn't left her side since. Nana took Owen home for the night while hubby, Pipes, and myself got acquainted at the hospital. The following day we were released to go home. It was so nice to be at home, our whole family together.

I never felt like our family had a missing piece, but Piper filled the hole I didn't know was there.

Welcome to the world baby girl. We all love you so much and can't wait to get to know you more and more each day!

I love you baby girl!