Our First Walk in the Double Trouble!

We ventured out on our first walk in the "Double Trouble" (aka double stroller). It was great! I just completely laid down James's side and let Reese sit up so she could see out. They were champs in the stroller and Reese loved looking at her baby brother. It pushed like a breeze and a neighbor at the park even showed me how to make the front wheel switch from stationary to swivel-mode (MUCH better!). I had to post some pics because they were just too cute all cuddled up in the stroller together.

Oh, there's a baby in the house?

So James has been home since Saturday and Reese just discovered that there is a little baby amongst us. She is very curious about him. She likes to give him pats and kiss his head (well, she rubs her head against his when we tell her to kiss his head). Overall she has been very sweet, although I did walk out of the room for a second to come back to find James crying with his hat pulled over his face and Reese standing there with a look of, "what? i didn't do it" on her face. So I can tell you that the two will not be left alone for a very long time! Here are some photos of the past few days:

Brother and Sister...

Our little hobbit

Grumpy old man after a bath

We looked over and Reese was sitting on top of the table! She sure loves the new Halloween cups Megan and Shalei brought her.

Welcome to the World Baby James!

At 12:10pm, Thursday October 15th, 2009 we welcomed our sweet baby James. James Bradford Riddell. 7 pounds, 14 ounces, 21 1/4 inches long, head full of light brown or sandy blond hair (we will know better after his first bath, but are shocked it is not jet black like Reese's hair was!). Looks like a very cute grouchy old man! He is very sweet and already loves to be held. Big Sis Reese did very well at the introduction although we could not get her to kiss him yet. We're in love with our family of four!

Bittersweet goodbye to the only child.

Dear Reese,

It has been just you and me for over two years now (including when you were in my tummy for 9 long months). I've loved our time together, just the two of us. You figuring out life, me figuring out how to be a Mommy and how not to screw you up.

But I sensed you needed more fun and enrichment and love in your life. More than just me and Daddy could provide for you. So we prayed and hoped and came up with a solution. A baby brother. We are going to leave you with your grandparents for a few days while we go to pick up Baby James, your new baby brother. We just hope you like him.

I am a little sad today. Sad that our days of just the two girls, you and me, Mommy and daughter, are over. It has been so fun and there have been so many laughs and sticky kisses and walks to the park. We can still do all of these things together, just with a bigger stroller and an addition to our perfect little nest. I promise to still have time set aside for just the two of us. And I promise that you will always be my baby girl, my first, my Reese's Pieces.

I love you so much and I am so excited to give you a baby brother. I know you will be a great big sister and that you will be a good influence on James (like eating your vegetables, hint hint). Just remember how much we love you and how you are the only YOU in the entire world!

Love,

Mommy

Can someone please show me the way to the Kentucky Derby?

Now where is that Mind That Bird horse I like so much????

Don't look at me like that just because my Mommy chooses to never dress me!

Taking a little nap, too many mint juleps...

really too many mint juleps....

The Countdown Begins!

Only one more week and Baby James will be here! I am being induced on Thursday, October 15th (that is if he decides to not show up before then). I have not posted preggo pictures this time around because honestly, I am just not a cute pregnant person. But this could be the last time I am pregnant, so I had Jeff snap a few photos of my belly (fully clothed, don't worry I wouldn't subject you to my bare belly!).

Here I am with some photo editing to make myself look all heavenly and maternal...

Reese isn't sure about this...

Reese touching the tummy

Leaning in to kiss baby James!

A Letter From Dad

I was putting away some things in my bedside table today and came across a letter from my dad. I keep some letters and cards from people in the top drawer that I go to when I I need a little pick-me-up, but sometimes I'll just randomly read one. My dad wrote this to me the day we packed up and left for Austin for me to attend UT as a Freshman in August 1998. It's funny, because it is just on the back of some pad of paper he must have gotten from work. It has a calendar down the side from 1996... Casual paper but some serious letter writing...

"Ladybug :)

I love you very very much and am so happy of your successes and bright future. The great adventure begins today! Enjoy, good luck, and have fun!!!!

It can be evasive for most, but you will quickly find the delicate balance that enables tremendous personal joy and growth with high achievement WHILE HAVING INCREDIBLE FUN.

You will love UT and Austin. You have done an excellent job assuring yourself limitless opportunity. The next 5 to 6 years (did he know I was going to be in college 5 years???!!!) of wise investment will yield the great rewards these efforts will enable.

I am a Dad baby, so I will worry. I envision a remarkable future ahead for you. A future where your dreams will be fulfilled, your outstanding potential can be tapped, and where you can make a difference.

Sure, I'll worry. Yes I know you perhaps in some ways even better than you know. I do not need to worry and that I am very grateful.

Although you are and always will be my baby, my ladybug, you are a powerful, fun, and good person and I am so proud!

Seize the future, claim your destiny!!! Think ahead as always, be wise, not just smart.

Great friends, great times, and great memories are so close. You are a great kid, a wonderful young woman.

Baby - will love you always & forever. You fill me with pride and joy and great expectations.

See you Friday. Enjoy Rush. Enjoy your first very own room and place. Enjoy your freedom and independence. Enjoy life, live it.

Love you,
From a proud Dad!"

And now I am in tears....I guess I need to start working on my letter writing to Reese and James right now! I think my favorite line that I never even noticed is "enjoy life, live it". He always enjoyed life, even long car rides that I thought were so boring. I need to stop complaining and start living. I need to enjoy all the things that Reese has to offer, even if it is growling at this point. Just thought I would share since his letter inspired me today!

Can someone please return Reese?

Paging the universe to return our sweet, silly, 19 month old Reese. She has been replaced by a growling alien. She growls at us every time she gets mad or something does not quite go her way. It is really pretty scary. Not to mention embarrassing in public when people look over at your child growling at you...