Back to work (and sleep, I hope)

Tomorrow Greg goes back to work, and I have my first day together with 2 girls. The last 2 nights Annabel slept 5-6 hours at a stretch. If she does that again tonight, we might have a shot of getting through the day. Unless, of course, Clara's cold decides to disrupt her sleep. If it's not one kiddo...Maybe we all do a shot of Tylenol before bed tonight. Here's hoping the babies Bamford all get a good night's sleep.

Paternity Leave, Stump-Shedding, Grandma's 60th, and Thanksgiving

We've had much to be thankful for these past few weeks. Annabel has been nursing like crazy, eager, it seems, to catch up to her big sister. So far, she has outgrown her newborn diapers, and on Wednesday, her belly stump fell off (while getting changed at the Madrona Playground--quite the sight!) She's awake for longer periods, sometimes in daytime (yea!), sometimes at night (boo!)

Tuesday also marked another noteworthy occasion: Grandma Iris' 60th Birthday! We all rehearsed our best birthday song to serenade Grandma over the phone. Clara did a good job singing into the phone. She sometimes comes down with bouts of phone shyness, but not this time. She sang the whole song all the way through. We wish we could have been in MI to celebrate. We will have to make it up to her with a carrot cake and candles next time we see her.

Clara and Greg have been doing some baking of their own. Clara helped make chocolate chip cookies, and, as I can attest, they were delicious. While Greg has been on paternity leave, we've done a lot of toddler-centric outings. We've visited New Holly, Lakewood, Madrona, Tam O'Shanter and Mt. Baker playgrounds. We've made a couple trips to the Kids Quest Museum. Clara and Greg went to family swim at Medgar Evers Pool (while Annabel and I nursed and cheered pool-side.) We checked out 2 new (to us) story times at the Madrona and New Holly libraries. And of course, we made the trip out to Bellevue for Thanksgiving at Mema and Papa Bamford's, where Clara made quick work out of her plate of turkey, potatoes, cranberries, pumpkin bread, sweet potato rolls, and Mema's chocolate applesauce cake.

Greg's paternity leave ends Monday, and I, especially, am not looking forward to it. I will miss his help around the house, Clara will miss all the fun activities he's kept her busy with, and Annabel will miss having someone to pick her up when I'm occupied with other things. It's only 2.5 weeks, however, until Greg's Christmas Break when we will have another 2.5 weeks of time home with Greg. I'm already counting the days...

Super Dad

We've had Greg home with us for the past week, which has been so valuable to all of us. Greg is doing all of my (literal and figurative) heavy lifting while I take it easy and try to recover. Clara has been especially appreciative of having Daddy around during this time. While she's interested in baby sister Annabel, she's mostly focused on playing. She frequently invites Daddy to join her for a "toy party" on the living room floor or a trip to the park. Annabel, while less effusive in her desire for daddy-daughter time, relishes taking naps on his chest. And I appreciate all his help with "the little things" that actually add up to quite a lot: keeping us fed, clothed, clean, rested, and entertained. We couldn't do it all without him!

Eating, Sleeping, and Playing

Today was our first full day at home as a family. We've had a mostly low-key day, devoted to keeping everyone clothed, fed, rested, and moderately entertained. Clara enjoyed going to story time at the library and playing for a bit at the playground. Annabel has been nursing and sleeping in fairly equal amounts. As I write, Clara and Greg are making chocolate chip cookies together. Clara loves to help in the kitchen--almost as much as she enjoys eating the fruits of her labor. As well cared for as we were at Swedish Hospital, it is nice to be back at home and sleeping in our own beds.

Announcing Annabel Greer

Here she is: Annabel Greer Bamford, 10 lbs. 2 oz, 20 inches long. Born at 8:33 a.m. at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. Shannon, Greg, and Big Sister Clara are all so happy to finally meet her!

Our Last Day With One Baby Bamford

We must have thoroughly prepped Clara for what was going to happen this weekend because when we were getting in the car to go to her Aunt Amy and Uncle Kurt's house, she said, "You are going to go ahead of me; I will catch up with you tomorrow." She's also been saying lately, "Baby Sister is stuck. She needs to come out." When we dropped her off tonight, she asked that I swaddle her and carry her like a baby. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were bringing her home from the hospital, and now we'll be welcoming Baby Bamford the Younger tomorrow. Check back soon for an update on the newest Baby Bamford!