Mackenzie Rose is here!

We are happy to announce our beautiful newest addition! 

Mackenzie Rose Loyd

8.26.12

10:08am

7 pounds, 15 ounces - 19.5 inches

My labor was only 7 and a half hours long, and progressed wonderfully. I didn't have a normal labor experience with Reilly, so I didn't quite know what to expect. It was still very hard and I don't want to do it again until I forget what it was like. :) It was of course worth it though!

 Reilly has enjoyed holding her new baby sister very much. A couple of times since being home she has run to the couch, put a pillow on her lap and said, "baby please." We also are learning how to be careful  around the baby and have luckily only had a few minor incidents.

I was very insistent on leaving the hospital as soon as possible and we were discharged after 24hours. Recovery has been completely different than the first time and SO much better. I am not exhausted like I was last time and feel like I can actually enjoy the newborn stage. Unfortunately with Reilly I was tired for weeks, rested whenever possible and because of that, missed out on snuggling my newborn. :( I am grateful to get to do it again.

We are all doing wonderfully and are settling in to being a family of four. Mackenzie is eating and sleeping better than I could have hoped and we are already getting into a rhythm. I have another week and a half off from work and all my sisters coming to help, so I am excited to just sit back and it enjoy it.

Cheers

Reilly is TWO!

Two blog posts in one week is quite unheard of these days, but I thought I would quickly let you all know about Reilly's second birthday! We have had so much fun these past two years with her, have been blessed beyond measure because of her, and can't wait to see what this new year has in store! MOST of the time she is a real sweetie and she brings us so much joy.

Reilly slept in today (must have been treating herself) but once she was up and running we started off her birthday right with a real treat: fruit smoothie! Then we put on her ballerina dress. The day continued normally until after nap time when she and I made a birthday cake! She saw me put the butter in the bowl and was already running over with her stool and saying "Mommy help! Mommy help!" She loves to help me bake anything. After we were finished it was snack time and I let her watch a Baby Einstein while she was eating. We played outside until Daddy came home, ate dinner, took a bath, and then had cake and ice cream. And more ice cream. Couldn't say no to that face.

I believe in the video Reilly tells you that she is two and that it is a "happy day." She has been saying those two things all day - maybe she really knows what is going on? I wouldn't put it past her because she is pretty smart. :) Well, I had better cut this blog off now lest you start having too high of expectations.

Happy Day!