Sea World

On our second day in California, we decided to make the drive down to San Diego and go to Sea World. My favorite exhibit (the sting rays) was closed, so that was really sad, but besides that we had a great time. Highlights of the day were the dolphin show, the sea lion and otter show, feeding the seals, petting the baby sharks, Peyton petting the Nemo fish and the starfish. Sea World had trick or treat stations for the kids and Peyton absolutely loved getting the candy. Unfortunately, on the very last exhibit we left our stroller at the entrance, and someone took almost all of the candy out of the bags. Peyton was pretty disappointed. I felt like I dodged a bullet.

Peyton's Happiest Place on Earth

We left Portland on Wednesday and drove to Southern Oregon, making business stops along the way for Jade. It took us about 8 hours total, and surprisingly the girls did pretty well. We had a strategy that ended up working beautifully: we put their car seats on either side of the car and left the middle seat open so I could just jump back whenever I was needed. Thursday we drove all day (again making work stops), and ended up in central California just before midnight. We woke up early Friday morning and made the drive to Anaheim, to meet my mom and little sister at Disneyland.

It was fantastic! We had the best time, especially Peyton. The park wasn't too crowded because they were closing early for the annual Mickey's Halloween party. The whole park was decked out with pumpkins and other Halloween things, and they had special (rare I was told) appearances by a lot of the Disney villains. My favorite villains were Drizella and Anastasia (of Cinderella fame). Right when we walked through the gates, Peyton's eyes lit up. I hate to be so cheesy, but really it was magical for her. We went straight to Fantasyland, and Peyton chose the Carousel first (she rode it 3 times). Cheyanne and her friend Emily took her on Dumbo next, which was Peyton's favorite ride in the park. She did Alice in Wonderland with my mom, sister and Emily, and the Teacups with Jade and the girls. Then we went and got seats for the parade- we couldn't have gotten much better seats (I was a team player and sat and reserved them. One of the downfalls of needing to nurse so often). Peyton thought the parade was the most incredible thing ever. She was transfixed. Mesmerized. She was dressed up as Snow White, and the Snow White in the parade saw her, waved at her, blew her a kiss and put her hands up by her heart. Peyton's jaw dropped to the floor. She did however ask me about 5 times "Why isn't this a candy parade?" I think she thinks candy-throwing is a necessary part of a parade. After the parade, we went to Toontown and let her play for awhile. Jade and I even left Piper with Noni and took Peyton on Gadget's Go Coaster. She loved that one. The girl is fearless. Then we took her on the Mark Twain riverboat, had her face painted and went on the jungle cruise. Our last ride of the day was the Astro Orbitor, which Jade and I squeezed into so we could both ride with Peyton. By the end of the day, Peyton was definitely ready for bed, but she was so happy. I had a great time watching my little girl have the time of her life. It was a great day. Enjoy a picture overload!

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On the bus from the parking lot. Can you tell how excited she is?

Peyton wasn't too sure about the Mad Hatter at first. I wondered why, because he's not one of the scary characters, and Peyton asked me, "Why is he mad?" The poor thing was concerned that he was mad at her. It was hard to explain to her that mad also means crazy. And crazy means silly.

Peyton loved spinning the teacups

She surprised me by high-5-ing the Genie

Peyton was so intense.

The wave

SO cute

Before the trip... (week 4)

We were busy getting ready for our big trip that we left for on Wednesday (more on that later), so we didn't do too many exciting things this week besides packing and errands. We did however have one of Jade's friends attempt to do a family picture for us. It was a disaster. Piper was absolutely horrible. Peyton was great (bribed by a donut). I cried. I just wanted ONE picture, so that I could put it on a Christmas card and over the mantle. I didn't want a big photo shoot, just one silly picture! In the end there literally was only one decent one, and while I'm not totally thrilled about it, I guess I'll just take what I can get.

My girlies in their Halloween outfits

My little Dorothy and Toto (Toto was not too happy to be in the picture)

Week 3 (someday I'll stop measuring my life in weeks)

I am so grateful for my wonderful support network of family and friends. Seriously. Going from 0 kids to 1 was really no big deal for me. Sure, it was a little bit of an adjustment, but I pretty much went back to normal life as soon as I got home from the hospital. Going from 1 kid to 2 is really giving me a run for my money. I still am not 100% sure how to be a great mom to 2 people at once. I have a new respect for women with multiple children! This week we haven't done too much (I'm sure this will be the case for awhile). Peyton has thankfully been kept busy with preschool and gymnastics, so Piper and I have actually been able to run a couple errands.

Also, on the 18th, we had Piper's 2 1/2 week checkup. My little chubby bubby weighed in at 8lb. 5oz., which puts her in the 44th percentile! She's 21 1/4 in. tall, which puts her in the 85th percentile for height! I can't believe how big she is! I know she isn't "that" big, but to me she seems huge! I just am not used to having a normal sized baby. It makes her seem older to me, which is sad. Dr. Moshofsky was really surprised by how alert and strong she is. He said she's much more alert than average for her age. I thought that might be the case, because I remember Peyton being so "new" still at 2 1/2 weeks, and Piper already seems older. The doctor pronounced her a keeper, and said everything looks great. Now we'll just work on getting at least 4 consecutive hours of sleep at night, and things will be much more promising.

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Uncle Nipper and Piper took a little nap together.

Tinky makes me smile

Piper's umbilical cord stump finally fell off (finally- she's over 2 weeks old!) so we were able to give her her first real bath. Peyton couldn't resist the chance to "help".

Having a newborn makes Peyton seem enormous to me. Time seriously flies.

Week 2

Somehow, even though my mom left, we are still surviving! The sad day came on Tuesday when it was time for my mom to go back home, and it was hard to tell who was the most upset that she was leaving; Peyton or I. We're figuring things out though. Jade has temporarily moved into the movie room at nights, and I have relied heavily on my awesome network of family and friends. I feel so blessed to have great people in my life who I know I can turn to when I need something. Piper is a little bit gassy, so we've been to the baby chiropractor 2 times, and it seems to help. Peyton has continued to be a loving big sister, and we have to remind her several times a day that she is not allowed to pick up Piper by herself. Piper had her newborn pictures taken yesterday, and cried every time I put her down. By the end of the shoot, I was choking back my own tears. It will be interesting to see if any actually turn out. Little stinker. Other than that, we're not really up to much. Just adjusting!

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I love her little hands up in this picture

Peyton, my mom and Cheyanne all shared a cuddle. Peyton's face is amazing in this picture.

Jade was living in the estrogen house for awhile. 5 girls (6 if you count Tinky- which we do)

We were excited that Chey was able to come up for a few days to meet Piper.

I wonder if I will ever have time to do her hair again?

Jade can't pass up the chance to take Tinky pictures.

Tink hovers around Piper. I think she thinks she's her personal bodyguard.

Piper always tries to break free of the swaddle. I loved her little clasped hands.

This one made me laugh, too.

Noni's last day. It was a sad one.

If you can believe it, Peyton kissed her sister totally unprompted!

The girl can't get enough of her Noni