Eyes of love

I've read a lot about baby bonding and how some mothers feel it right away and for others it takes a while. For me, I wouldn't say that I didn't feel a bond with my kids but for each, there was that one moment a few weeks after they were born when they just stared into my eyes as I was feeding them and I knew that they understood I was their Mommy and they love me as much as I love them. It's the most heartwarming, overwhelming feeling of love that only a few get to experience and I'm lucky to be one of them. Today my beautiful Peyton gave me that look for the first time and I can't wait for more. Alana has given me that look a million times and I'm afraid that when she learns how to talk that looks will cease. So for now I'll appreciate the silent looks of love that my children give to me. It's the most precious thing in the world.

One month in

I know, it's not exactly a month since Peyton was born but, regardless, I just wanted to post my progress in raising two children.

I knew raising children would be difficult, but I didn't know exactly what to expect. Alana is now walking, almost running at times and having a running toddler and a newborn is just crazy! Peyton is steadily gaining weight and I always say that she is definitely catching up for missed time incubating in my belly. She's getting chubbier by the second.

Alana has finally learned that her little sister is no longer in my belly but outside. She kisses her, and only her on command. When we ask for kisses, she runs away, however ask her to kiss her sister and she's all over her. However, she's a bit heavy handed so we always have to watch her around Peyton.

So far, no jealousy as of yet, unless you count the heavy-handedness which I'm not quite sure of yet. I've read that older siblings will get aggressive if bored, hungry or tired, but as of right now it just seems like she doesn't know her own strength. Maybe I'm in denial but one thing is for sure, Alana loves her little sister and Peyton loves her right back.

Can't wait for what's in store in the coming months!

Mommy Mondays

Out of all of our closest friends, only one couple has kids and lately it's caused a huge strain on my relationships. I knew this was going to happen, but it still saddens me. People without children aren't exactly entertained by all the little details about raising children. They may seem amused for a few minutes but I'm sure it gets old after a while. And for me, I've pretty much been confined to the house for the past 2 months with the exception of the occasional doctor's visit and trip to the grocery store, so it's not like I have much else to talk about! I try to talk on the phone with some, have people stop by or have dinner here, but it gets daunting when I constantly get interrupted with diaper changes, feedings, crying and the constant need for attention from Alana. Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change a thing, but I wish I could just learn how to balance everything, but unfortunately, it takes a lot of learning, effort and patience. 

Thankfully Pam, the only other mommy of our group at the moment, has graciously offered to visit us every monday just to spend time with me and help me out. Her daughter Lily loves Alana and Alana definitely follows her around like a little sister so it works out perfectly. Our first "date" was this past monday and I couldn't have had a better time. The kids laughed, Alana was funny as usual and Pam and I were able to squeeze in some mommy time and catch up. After our time together, it made me feel a little bit better about managing my relationships. I just have to get a little creative and find other ways to spend time with people.

Thank you Pam for the few hours of talks and laughs. I look forward to more Mommy Mondays to come! Can't wait. Maybe next week or the following, RJ can meet us up at the house and I can cook for both our families. What do you think? 

(Sadly I forgot to take pictures of Lily and Alana playing. There's always next week!)

Thank you for visiting

Earlier today Francis' cousins visited us to welcome Peyton to the family. It's not often that we get to see the since they live in San Diego so it was nice to have them over for the day. I only wish that they lived closer to us so we could see each other more often. Hopefully we can start to take our kids on trips to SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo so we can spend more time with them.

Alana's not really used to sharing her toys so it was pretty funny to see her and her cousin Raynen fighting over them. By the end of the night they eventually learned how to share. You can see for yourself how cute they were below

A year of new beginnings

2012 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Francis and I, but I'm so thankful that I have had the privilege to experience it all. Both Francis and I started new jobs, we bought a new house and welcomed a beautiful baby girl all in one year!!!!!!

I look back on these past 2 years and realize that Francis and I have been through a lot within the past 2 years and I couldn't ask for a better person to be standing beside through this all. Raising kids and owning a house is not easy by any means and I honestly don't know how single mothers do it. I can barely manage these two with Francis right next to me, so I can't even imagine the struggle. I definitely have a new found respect for single mothers. 

This New Years was a little boring but regardless my growing family welcomed 2013 with open arms. It will be a year of firsts for Peyton and good times for us all.

Happy New Years everyone!!!!!