Dotter Fun

We were going to go to the zoo today but the weather did not cooperate with us. We found some ways to occupy some time this morning while Gianna napped. Ava loved when I brought a couple dotters home from school for her to use. I went to the "teacher store" on Saturday to get some things for next school year. I needed another box of dotters so I'd have enough for all of my students next year. I figured since it was so crummy out and they were such a treat for Ava to use, we'd break them in early. She practiced writing her name with them, making her numbers and letters. I think a box of dotters will be on a wish list for Ava to keep at home all the time. 

Visiting School

Yesterday we went to visit everyone at school. This top photo is very special. Gianna (Gia) on the left was in my kindergarten class my first year of teaching. Gia comes to my room daily after school to chat, show me her wrestling ribbons and trophies, beg for candy and just give me a hard time. I love that 6 years later she still comes to see me. When I had Gia in class I loved her name and had never heard it before. When we had Ava, Gianna was our first choice for a girl's name for awhile. Chris had a co-worker name her baby Gianna right before Ava was born so we didn't want to use the name anymore in case our girls were together at events. Chris no longer works with the woman, so we decided that we would use Gianna for the second baby if it was a girl. When Gia would come in and bug me to find out of I was having a girl or boy I told her if it was a girl we were naming her Gianna. I had no clue until yesterday that my former student's middle name is also Marie, so this photo shows the two Gianna Maries. I had to watch Gia closely because she would have stolen Gianna if I wasn't careful. I may have to hire her to come to school this summer while I'm working to watch Gianna. 

 I was also surprised with a beautiful plant from one of my current students. I got to see a lot of parents and former students while we were on our visit and am amazed at their generosity to me and my family! 

Neocate Round 2...

Tuesday our once laid back, sleepy Gianna became very irritable, screamed almost non stop, wouldn't let us put her down, was incredibly gassy, spit up A LOT and would not sleep. We started giving her some gas drops before and after feeding which helped a bit but also lead Chris and I to believe she may have the same milk protein allergy Ava had. I called the doctor first thing on Wednesday morning and asked that they see Gianna as early in the day as possible. We got in right away and brought the lovely dirty diaper along so the test for the allergy could be done. As soon as Dr. Rocco came into the room she said, "Looks like it's a repeat of last time!" I knew she meant that Gianna tested positive for the allergy. Unfortunately,  Gianna had a very strong positive test for the milk protein allergy and it looks to be more severe than Ava's was. This means she can not digest cow's milk or soy protein. We stopped nursing immediately and started her on the special prescription formula with the special price tag. In less than 24 hours of her starting the formula she is much happier and is able to rest a bit better. I am so thankful we knew right away what the symptoms of the allergy were and we didn't have to try so many different things before finding something that worked like we did with Ava. Now, we just pray that Gianna outgrows her allergy too!

A Picnic Lunch

Sunday we had another home showing. Since we lowered the price of the house about a week ago, we have had several showing. They typically don't come at very convenient times which gets Ava out of nap times and puts her to be much later at night. I think she's totally fine with that though and we're just hoping for a sale and an offer better than the first! It was so beautiful we decided to pick up sandwiches for lunch and have a picnic at Lake Andrea. 

 Ava was loving eating her lunch outside and watching the dogs swim in the lake.

 Gianna was intent on catching some rest!

 We loaded the girls into the stroller and took a walk to the park and then around part of Lake Andrea.

A Special Book and Project

Ava's favorite book lately has been Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake. In the story Betty Bunny insists she doesn't like chocolate cake but she's never tried it to know. After she tries it, she discovers she loves it. Saturday we read the book and made some chocolate cupcakes. 

 Ava was a big helper! We made them before nap so they could cook and cool while Ava slept. 

 She woke up to admire the final product and decide which one she wanted to eat. 

 Little fingers quickly found their way to the colorful sprinkles. :)

Mother's Day

I was so happy to be able to celebrate Mother's Day as a Mommy of two beautiful, healthy little girls this year. We went to the IA for brunch with my parents, Kaitlin, Josh, and Josh's parents and sister. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and visiting with my Grammas. 

 This is a flower Ava picked from Chris's friends yard and brought home for me. She ran into the living room with it and yelled, "Happy Mother's Day!"

Princess Open House

Last week on Saturday we went to the library for the princess open house. I got to wear my Snow White dress.

 Mommy and I made some crafts together. We made a hat, wings, and a necklace with my name on it. We also used the flannel board to tell a princess story.

Beautiful Weather

Last week we had some beautiful weather! We all got outside to enjoy it before it went away! Ava opened her sand box...

 ...Chris washed his car...

 ...Gianna slept, and I took it all in!

First Bath Comparison Photos

I laughed when I saw this photo of Gianna because we had one almost identical of Ava with her first bath. Comparing the photos made me realize how jaundice Ava really was! Top photo is Gianna. Bottom is Ava.

More Special Visitors

Last week, Mommy's friends, M.J. and Andrea came for a visit. My friend, Sadie, came with too! We sat on the porch and ate apples and peanut butter with Daddy while our Mommies visited. We were happy to see everyone and thankful for the yummy meals they brought for us!

Little Helper

Ava got a watering can so she can help me with my flowers this year. She was eager to try it out.

 Then she was on to playing with her new bubbles that were given to her as a "big sister" gift.

One Week

Gianna's first week flew by! At her well check she was back up to her birth weight plus an ounce. She's in the 51st percentile for her weight and 72nd percentile for her height. Since she was back up to her birth weight and we're not first time parents we don't have to go back to the pediatrician until her 1 month appointment. A few things about Gianna:

* She HATES being cold!!

* Diaper changes are not her favorite because she gets cold.

* She has been eating about every 2.5-3 hours at night and we wake her during the day to eat. 

* She's awake an hour per day if we're lucky!

* She only cries if she's hungry, wet or cold.

Ava = Fabulous Big Sister

I was a little nervous about how Ava would handle a new baby in the house. I prepared myself for the very worst. Ava has completely proven me wrong by being an AMAZING big sister to Gianna. She has been so good with her, helps and shares her books and blankets with Gianna. She has been so much better than I thought! When we got home from the hospital she wanted to feed Gianna. 

 She even wanted to help burp her.

These photos were taken the first morning Gianna was home. That morning Ava came into our room and asked where Gianna was. She walked right over to the bassinet and said good morning to Gianna and made sure she was doing alright. The girls had some snuggle time once we got downstairs.

 I LOVE these last two photos.