You know there’s nothing better than grandparents in general. They shower love, attention, time, food and money on their grandchildren with abandon. Which means of course you get some much needed time to catch up on all the stuff that needs doing around the house. With out grandparents I don’t know where we’d be.

But, there’s something to be said for that extra special grandparent who’s willing to get down and dirty to play with your daughter. I give you exhibit A:

Now, when the grandchild rolls out the “Cata-pilla” tunnel, how many grandparents will immediately jump out of their seat and stick their heads into it? Not many, I’d be willing to bet. But without a thought to her own safety Carla was down on the floor in a flash and Leina just loved it. She couldn’t stop laughing (both Carla and Leina!). Thanks for making Leina’s day so special Manny.

Here’s a couple of fun shots, I’m getting better at capturing Kulia’s essence:

I can’t believe I’m posting this while Kulia’s sleeping in her bassinet across the room. Once that girl hit’s her “heavy” sleep stage she will sleep anywhere. She slept for two hours in my Mom’s arms today – and my Mom is not a very quiet person 🙂

Hopefully this bodes well for our future…

I can’t believe this but Kulia is taking a nap ON HER OWN. Wow. I don’t think I managed to teach Leina this until she was something like 3 months old and it involved lots of crying. Could be a fluke but I’m taking advantage to quick type a few thoughts before they disappear into my sleepless mind.

Kulia is so different from Leina. She sounds like a little mouse when she wakes. She has a little “squeek” noise she makes to announce she’s fussing up. That squeek quickly turns to a high pitch catterwails if left unattended. She’s a great nursers but, like her sister, she’s hard on the boob but at least I know how to grin and bear the pain. Besides, Kevin says bloody boobs are sexy. (What a great guy, eh?)

Kulia loves to be held. Like Leina, if you hold her, she’ll sleep hours. I’m trying to make sure and put her down so she learns how to sleep on her own but it’s hard. Last night, we put her to bed around 10:30pm and she slept on her own till 12. Then, then fun began. I’d nurse, rock, and put her down and she’d sleep for about 20-30 minutes and then fuss up. When I picked her up and settled into the nursing chair she’d be back asleep in my arms witholut a sip! So, I’d put her back down and she’d wake again 30 minutes later. We did this little dance until 3:30am when Kevin took a turn. He went in, picked her up, and rocked her down. He then popped the foot rest on the Lazy Boy chair, grabbed a blanket, and slept with her. She didn’t fuss until 6am for her morning liquid refreshment. Yup. Just like her sister. So I think we’re going to split the night for a while. Spend part of it putting her down and letting her doze alone and part of it holding her so we can all get some sleep. We’ll see. I’ve learned it’s best to only try and plan about 15 minutes ahead with a newborn ’cause anything else is wishful thinking!

Leina is doing great. She’s such a wonderful girl. I missed her horribly at the hospital and my time with her is done with new eyes. She’s so big and smart and self-reliant. I just watch her and think, “she started so small….where did this big girl come from!” I think she’s a bit frustrated with us about Kulia. Leina wants to hold her, and feed her, and change her diaper. She doesn’t quite understand why we are denying her this fun of playing with her baby sister. She’s still a little freaked out when Kulia crys but she’s getting better. I have no idea how I’m going to survive on my own with these two girls. Each requires three hands a piece which means I’m constantly understaffed. Maybe a live in nanny….or tutu?

Kulia managed to “surprise” me by being born on her due date. Quite a feat really but I woke up Wed expecting a quick doctor check-up and then a day of Target and laundry but instead ended up giving birth to my sweet little mouse. So much for the best laid plans.

Oh yes, and one parting thought, epidurals are mana from heaven!

Another quick update…

Baby and Mom are doing great. Leina and I went over to the hospital this morning and all the nurses were excited to have Leina (aka Ruffle Buns) back for a second day.
Kulia’s had already gotten a reputation for being a “loud” baby due to her highly developed lungs – and a dislike to being un-swaddled for any reason.
She’s now at 7 Lbs 7 oz, so she’s lost almost half of a pound. Mom’s hoping to stop that trend as soon as her milk comes in.
Both Chrissie and Kulia got a clean bill of health from the doctor and are now home. It’s so nice to have the whole family here. Many thanks to Dad and Carla for helping out in the last few days – we couldn’t have done it without them!

Here’s a couple more pics of Kulia at home and with her big sister at the hospital.

A quick note:

Mom and baby are doing great. Chrissie is up, walking around, playing with Kulia and in chipper spirits. Hopefully tonight she’ll get a few more hours of much needed rest.

Kulia did well today. She had several “dirty” diapers already, made it through the first shots and has had great check-ups including the initial physical and a hearing test tonight. She’s going to get weighed again in just a few hours so, hopefully, I’ll have an update for tomorrow.

Important Vitals:

Birthday: 6-2-05, 5:20am
Weight: 7 Lbs 12 oz
Height: 20.5 inches

If all goes well Chrissie and baby will be home tomorrow afternoon. We’ll keep you posted and put up some more pictures then!

Just an update to let everyone know that Kulia Victoria McLaughlin arrived early this morning in good health.

Labor “officially” started last night at ~6:15 after a long and test filled day at the hospital. Kulia was born at 5:20am today and both mother and daughter are doing excellent.

Here are a couple of pics of our new daughter: