two slices of paradise.. a picture post, because I am too tired to write all that I would like to right now.

 This is just a sneak peak of Lucy's costume for Halloween. We will try and get some better pictures when the day comes. She loves wearing it though, which is a relief. It is all that hat wearing she has been so into lately. Give this girl a hat and she will keep it on, especially one as stylish as this. 

 Is it just me or does a baby's cry kinda make you smile? I sorta love it, not in a torturous evil sort of a way, just in a cute love to watch their little lips curl way. 

 Hmm... Wish this picture could have turned out a little better. This is the first of many years of matching outfits you will see these two girls sporting. I got them all dressed, bathed and ready to spend the day with Grandma Sullivan. Wish I would've taken a picture with grandma Sullivan, but it was a lovely day. I will write more about that later. 

 Miss Molly. I sure do love this little girl. 

 The beast. We invested in a double stroller. We have not missed a day out in it yet. The weather has been so nice, we couldn't afford to put off this purchase for any amount of time. Lucy especially loves the cup/snack holder feature. 

 My favorite picture to date of my precious little girl. She loves the stroller rides as much as her big sister. 

 We had a really fun time at our ward trunk r treat/ fall festival. James threw this number together last minute and it ended up being the hit of the party. Especially because we added the special effects of it devouring a small live watermelon. 

 Molly the pumpkin. We decided that produce was the theme this year. 

 Speaking of adorable. I had to show off Lucy's cute dress she got from her Grandma Stewart. 

 This is when Lucy is most happy. 

 Molly snuggled warm after her bath. 

 And this one is for Grandma Wells. She knit this sweater for Lucy, and I had to get Molly in it before she out grew the sweater completely. 

All in all, we are doing great. We love our two little girls. Lucy is growing up faster than we prefer. Molly can grow up a little bit more and then I wouldn't mind if she slowed down either. We are so blessed.

As a side note: I am really sorry for all of you that are suffering through snow and cold right now. I wish for you that you lived here where the sun is shining and sandals and shorts are still appropriate outdoor apparel. If you need a break, come see us. We will treat you well. 

Life with my two girls: A picture post

Naturally Molly's favorite place to sleep.

Grandma bought Lucy this stroller and she
loves to stroll it around the apartment. 

Grandma may have spoiled Lucy a little while she was here.
She also got this tea set and she loves to have tea parties
with all her animals, but especially daddy. 

Our first outing as a family of four to the park.
Lucy was relieved to be outside. 

Molly's first trip to the park. Uneventful.

Lucy loves this hat. She wears it everywhere
we go.

Those are my girls. I sure do love them. 

Now that the weather is nice we decided to clean
off the porch. Now Lucy is able to wander in and
out as she pleases all day. It's great. 

Molly: My Night Owl

Molly is a bit of a night owl, especially compared to her older sister. Occasionally I get very frustrated with this fact. I need sleep to function and if I don't get it, I'm cranky and/or will break into tears at the slightest mishap or folly. Just moments ago, I was throwing a silent fit, because Molly was asleep and so I set her down, only to be woken up 5 minutes later to a fussy baby. I pushed my sheets aside with more force than really necessary and stomped to her, picked her up and angrily but silently begged her for a reason why she was awake when not two minutes ago she was sound asleep. More angry but silent words followed as I made my way to the living room. I sat down and started rocking her, and was immediately overcome with a feeling of peace as I stared at her angelic face. Her sweet little eyes did not leave my gaze for what seemed like several minutes. I had never seen anything more innocent and forgiving in all my life. Immediately my words switched from anger to that of gratitude and praising for this precious spirit that I have the privilege of raising. Molly taught me that important lesson tonight. I will probably forget it very quickly if she wakes up several more times tonight, but I will try to remember how I felt at that moment and replace the angry thoughts with those images at that moment. That was a tender mercy tonight and I thought I would share. 

We are still learning and discovering a lot about this little one, and I wonder each day when we will be able to figure her out. I know there was a time with Lucy when we felt good about our routine and we were able to rest well that we knew how she wanted to be taken care of. That comfort would only last so long and she would grow a little more and change what she liked and how much she wanted to sleep or eat and we would start all over again. I feel like we are really starting all over again with Molly. I feel this way especially because we are trying to do the same things with her that we did with Lucy and sometimes it just doesn't work. I have faith that we will figure it out again someday.

The Birth of Molly Stewart (according to James)

     Molly Stewart was born Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 3:41 PM in Henderson, NV at the St. Rose Dominican Hospital Siena Campus. She weighed 8 lbs. 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. Everyone always wants to know the details first and I added some extra details for posterity's sake (and mine since I can be very forgetful).
     We went in for a scheduled induction on Saturday at 7:30 AM. We think the doctor scheduled for an induction because the Lauri's doctor had broken her arm and so other doctors would have to deliver her patients. Lauri was pretty far along anyway and I think she might have had the baby on Saturday even if she wasn't induced. Lauri's water was broken at about 9:30 AM. We spent our time watching movies, football, and napping. I should have brought homework or something. I remembered how bad Lucy's birth was so I was just prepared to be with Lauri the whole way through again. I was wrong though. I know that the second birth is always easier than the first (as our nurse in Orem always told us "the first one pioneers the way for the rest of the babies"), but Molly's birth compared to Lucy's was night and day. The doctor even told us, "we should put you in some sort of pain so that you can get your money's worth." I am so grateful for a much faster and easier birthing process.

Going home!

Thanks Grandma for all of your help with Lucy. 

     Comically, we were still debating the name Molly until she was born. The first nurse who came in told us how much she liked the name Mary-Jane (what I wanted to name her). Lauri changed her mind and said that she like the name again. Then another nurse came in and told us how Lauri looked like another woman she knew who gave birth to a Molly with dark hair. Well, when she came out and I saw her with all her dark hair and beautiful face, I knew she should be a Molly. I thought that Molly looked a lot like Lucy when she came out, but she's definitely different. They are sisters for sure though. Molly looks more like Lauri and Lucy looks more like me.
     Lucy has been interested in her new sister, but she, like all new older siblings are, has needed some teaching. Molly has already been poked, prodded, hit on the head, and shaken in the swing. Of course, more sister battles are to come. However, Lucy has been really good too. She gives her sister kisses and likes to watch her at a distance. I'm sure they'll be good sisters as they get older.

Gettin' close...

I am at the point in this pregnancy where I am realizing that my life is going to change. This baby is going to come out of me and it is only days away from happening. I will be the mother of two. At only 19 months old, Lucy will be a big sister. I have to give birth again. And then I have to recover from giving birth. HOLY COW! That's a lot to take in, but I also don't really want to be uncomfortable anymore so bring it on.... I guess... I have been trying to do one thing a day to prepare for this baby's arrival. We have cleaned the car seat, (it looks like new) I have packed a bag for Lucy and for me. I have made all arrangements for Lucy if we deliver early. I have gotten down the new born clothes. I have prayed a whole lot that this delivery will be easier than the first. I think I'm ready. I think James is ready too. He really has done a lot to stay ahead on his homework, and all of his teachers and classmates are very aware of the upcoming event. As for Lucy... I really think this is going to be a big change in her little world. She really does have our undivided attention most hours of the day. I know she will adjust, but I can't help but feel a little bit guilty about bringing on this change in her life so early, but I know she will thank us later. We are providing her with not only a sister but a best friend for life. I know she will be happy with the decision when it matters. Ahh... I sure love her though. She is so much fun, and so bright. She is getting so big and so smart everyday. I caught her beautiful smile on camera today and I was so happy. She is such a blessing to my life and James' as well. I really can't imagine two of these special beings filling house. It will be wonderful.
 I listened to Elder Steve Snow's talk today that he gave a couple of years ago, entitled "Get On with Our Lives."  It was what I needed to hear this morning. Especially one story he told about Robert Gardner, who learned to welcome change, good or difficult, in his life with a positive hope and attitude. I am committed to do the same. Click the link to listen. It's a good one.
On that note, here's hoping the next blog brings pictures of the new little Stewart addition. Love you all.

Happy Rosh Hashana!

Or Happy (Jewish) New Year!  I am liking this Jewish religion more and more. I would never convert but I am sure grateful to the Jews for all of their random high holy days. I think it really is a testimony that we were supposed to have our baby at this time and James is supposed to be at this school because we will celebrate 8 random days off in the next 4 weeks, right close to this babies due date. I love it. For one the school shuts down completely so James has no excuse to leave the house. He has had plenty of homework to keep him busy at home, and he has been very diligent at getting it done and even ahead to prepare for the birth of this baby. I think after this week, he will pretty much just have finals to worry about come the month of October. He has finished most of his big projects and presentations ahead of time. Thank you James. I know you have worked hard to do so, but in the end we hope it will be worth it.
As for pregnancy updates: I am still pregnant, but the Dr says I am progressing. I am hoping for a scheduled induction on my due date. I am in no hurry to have this baby early, but I do NOT want her to come late. Is that okay to put that kind of demand on this sort of thing? I believe in modern medicine, and although Lucy did not come according to a more natural time clock, I really think I prefer the expected from the unexpected. We will see what the Dr says next week, but I am predicting October 3rd as the birthday of my unborn child.

We have been tapping into our creative side and trying to
do more art projects. Thank goodness for washable markers.

We have pretty much settled on a name but James refuses to call her by that name until she is born. I think he is still hoping I will change my mind, or she will come out and reveal her name to us herself. Either way, she will most likely be called Molly. If Lucy could talk I would have her start practicing the name but currently we are just working on animal sounds so saying "Molly" might be a little difficult for her at this time.
Speaking of Lucy, her hair is now long enough that I can put it in legit pigtails. I love it. She is very good at letting me do her hair as long as the TV is on or she is in her high chair eating something. I have been ever grateful for a cooperative subject, because as much as I hated my mom practicing those braids on me for hours at a time, I know I am going to be exactly the same way. I still to this day don't know how she got us to sleep in those sponge curlers every Saturday night, but you know I'm going to try that one day too. I am so glad to have girls. I have never considered myself very "girly" but I do enjoy all of the fun that comes with having girls. I am excited to play dolls and teach them to cook and bake and dress them in pink and purple. I know a lot of it comes from my mom's influence. After having three boys I can only imagine her thrill of raising two girls and doing all the fun things that she did with her sister growing up, living it all again with us. And she did. I am totally the same way. I loved my sister and I loved all of the things that we did together and can't wait to introduce all of it to my girls.
Speaking of my sister, she just gave birth to her 4th boy. She is a fantastic mother of boys. And they are very lucky to have her as a mother. Although she won't be playing dolls and putting their hair in curls, I have watched her play pirates, zombies, and super heros like nobodies business. I guess that is why she keeps bringing boys into this world. There is no better place or home to send them. By the way for records sake her due date was only a week before mine, so now that her child is here,... I am freaking out a little bit because that means its my turn really really soon. Also for the record his name is Harrison Staheli. He was 8 lbs 14 oz 21 inches long, born on Monday afternoon. He is a beautiful baby from the pictures that I have seen and I can't wait to meet him in person.
 It is cooling down here in Henderson, and while we are not even close to fall weather, I love spending more time outside. So does Lucy. We look forward to the Holiday season and can't wait to be introduced and to introduce you all to our new little one.

For those interested

We haven't been out for awhile and I decided it was time to get back to exploring. We traveled to our neighboring city of Las Vegas. We don't leave Henderson much. Lots of people have told us about Town Square. Mostly its a lot of ritzy shops, restaurants, but also an awesome kids park...

... that Lucy loved. 

 She could hardly even stop for a picture. 

 There was a little kids hedge maze. James would put Lucy in the back of the maze and she found her way out every time. Genius! No, probably not, but it was fun. We will definitely visit again. I guess there are some perks to living close to Las Vegas. 

One more thing, Lydia, this is the diaper bag. It is from the JJ Cole Collection. Click here to see more.