Our new addition!

Wow, it has been a long time since my last (and only) post! Since that time we have added a new addition to our home - Matthew David Paul McConnell. Matthew was due July 2nd but came a bit early due to some medical complications on my part. At my 39 week doctor's appointment my ob decided that my high blood pressure was too much of a risk to continue the pregnancy any longer. We were admitted on Monday, June 28th and Matthew was FINALLY born on Tuesday, June 29th at 5:51 a.m. mountain time. It was an INCREDIBLY arduous labor and delivery and I was just about ready to beg them to tie my tubes by the end of it. :-) I won't go into details...but it made my daughter's 25 hour long labor look like a cake-walk.

Nonetheless...our little miracle entered our lives that day. From the beginning Matty has been the most pleasant, docile, happy child that I have ever met. (And from working in a daycare for 5 years, day camp for 3 years, and teacher for 5 years...I've experienced A LOT of kids/babies). He is SUCH a blessing to our family. He has an infectious smile for anyone he meets and adores being held and cuddled. His sister HATED being held so I had really hoped that this baby would be my easy-going, cuddle-bug. Mission accomplished. I live for his smiles, coos, happy baby noises, and laughter!

His sister didn't know QUITE what to do with him at first. She was mildly curious about him...which quickly turned to jealousy and rejection for a few days...and then to loving adoration. Once she realized he was in our home "to stay" she decided to completely fulfill her role as "big sister". Now, she loves to go see him in his crib 1st thing in the morning, call out his name, tickle him, help give him a bath, get a diaper...and when he has a dirty diaper - it's like Christmas has come early for her. She TEARS down the hallway to the kitchen to get a rag (we don't use wipes to save money and also b/c my kids are allergic to them). She has been a great helper to me - even at the early age of just 2 years old. One day early on, when I was home by myself with the 2 kids and wondering how I'd make it through the day with an 8 week old and a newly turned 2-year-old, Matty had a major blowout. He needed a whole new outfit and I was exhausted. I muttered, "Oh great. Now I have to get a whole new outfit upstairs!" I finished cleaning him up and stripping him down...to realize that my little "shadow" had disappeared. I started calling for her, thinking she was off in another room getting into trouble. As I started walking through the house, I saw her gingerly making her way down the stairs, the BIGGEST smile in the world on her face...and a new outfit for Matty in her outstretched hand. I burst into tears and gave her the biggest hug...she was my superhero that day.

I love seeing how they continue to interact with each other - especially as Matty continues to grow and is now recognizing his big sister's voice. He is mesmerized by her and she delights in entertaining him. Can't wait to record more adventures with my two amazing kiddos! Stay tuned!