Sena-1 Month

Weight: You were 10.5 lbs and 20.5 inches at 3 weeks so up 2 pounds and 1 inch from birth!

Little feet at birth

Little details

The Georgians know how to swaddle!

A few hours after birth

Health: Almost immeaditily after you got home from the hospital your sisters got you sick! You were super congested for about two weeks solid.  It was interesting learning to nurse with a congested baby.  Thankfully you are completely over it now.


 Social: You really started to wake up about two weeks after being home.  You're keeping your eyes open longer and engaging more with your sisters!

Diet: Breastmilk 24/7

Shhh baby!

Mara doting and Maddy being Maddy

Home from the hospital 

Clothes: You were our biggest baby yet but still fit in newborn clothing. After 2.5 weeks the chunk could not be contained so we moved you up to 0-3 month.  It broke my heart to go through those newborn clothes for what could possibly be the last time!

Mama's Favorites: The newborn cuddles.  I really soaked them in with you.  I remember putting Maddy down a lot to engage with Mara but with you I just can't.  Give me all the cuddles!

Crying: You are more demanding than all your sisters and have this high pitched cry.  It's sharp and piercing.  You want what you want when you want it!

3 kids is no joke

Rocking one of mom's pjs from 1987!

All my girls have slept like this!

Sleep: You are a great sleeper! We had two sleepless nights initally and then you were up to 4 hour stretches! We've even had a few 6 hour nights in there! A mother's dream!!  We are working on getting you into a nap schedule now that you've hit one month.


This Month:  We've had a slow month as we adjusted to a family of five.  We celebrated Christmas and New Years.  Talk about a lot of holidays in your first month of life! No worries you slept through most of it!!  No visitors yet but you'll get to meet family soon!

Holding court with her sisters

First Christmas

Christmas Eve Service.

Baby Likes: You have been a great nurser from the beginning! You latched on immeaditly out of the womb and we haven't had any problems.  I really didn't even have any soreness! Again my milk seems to be high fat as you are packing on the pounds.

Future besties

Sena stare

Go Clemson!

Milestones: You can lift your head.

Your head control is good with a few times where you get a bit wobbly.

You dislike tummy time.

You make eye contact with those around you.

You sleep 4-6 hour stretches at night consistently.

Daddy's attempt to make you a thumb sucker

Sleeping through your first ballet

Reading with Maddy

Best of Times: You're super cuddly and we love our new little addition!

Worst of Times: The gas seems to plague you.  We are constantly fighting this at night.  We burp a ton, bicycle your legs and do all the other tricks to get it out.

Daddy snuggles

Sister Diaries:  Your sisters are in love.  They dote on you especially Mara.  They say good morning.  Drop in to talk during tummy time and are just overly interested in what you're doing.

Christmas 2017

Christmas this year was super simple.  We knew that we would be welcoming Sena just a little bit beforehand so we had no expectations for the holiday just wanted to enjoy some quality family time. 

Ready for Christmas Eve church

Opening gifts from cousins

The girls woke up at their usual time (please Lord can we get a few more years of this?!) and we headed downstairs.  Mara was a tad disapointed as she was convinced that it would snow on Christmas Day, that this act of weather would define the holiday.  Hunger quickly was forgotten when they saw that the stockings were filled.  We told them we would open stockings but then it was breakfast time!

Mara was a serious joy to watch.  She was really into it and I found it interesting how quickly she grasped onto the idea of Santa.  Santa is something we have never really reinforced or encouraged.  We're kind of indifferent about the idea but she was insistent this year so Santa brought the stockings.  ;)

Maddy helping with the fire before presents

American girl dolls for the win

Breakfast was homemade pancakes which Mara helped make.  She has really become a little baker and enjoys being in the kitchen with me. 

After we ate we passed out presents and got to it.  The girls were fun to watch as they both really grasped the whole concept of opening the gifts and why we had presents.  We got them both American Girl Dolls for their one gift from us.  It was my hope to give them their own baby as we just added a baby to our family.  Maddy was hilarious and so expressive when opening hers.  I knew she would love it even more than Mara.

They both loved this talking tea set

Concentrating hard on opening

They also got Lincoln logs, legos, accessories for their dolls, outdoor play toys and doll furniture.  Everything has been a hit in its own right.  They bounce from new toy to new toy enjoying all.  Maddy loves her new blow up horse from my brother and her talking tea pot from Aunt Mary.  Mara is loving her duplo legos from Aunt Mary and keeps serving us her new cupcakes from Grandma and Grandpa.  The matching jammies were also big hits with both girls!

Bonus presents were brought up from the basement

Poor Sena didn't get any presents this year! We were just thankful to have her with us!!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, watching football and enjoying our new toys.  We skyped with family and ate some yummy food for dinner! Can't wait till next year when we have three little girls ripping paper off presents!

Grandma & Grandpa scored with matching pjs

Dolly bunk beds

Sena- A Birth Story

Unlike either of my other pregancies, I really didn't have a solid due date with Sena.  I had been told December 1, 3, 5 and 8th! Now for most folks maybe this date isn't a big deal but with my first two pregnancies both girls had come on or close to these dates.  I would find out that Sena had a mind of her own!

The first week of December came and went.  I had it in my head that we would have a baby sometime that week and as we packed up for church that Sunday I was discouraged that there was absolutely NO signs of labor.  I normally don't have any precursors to labor but I just felt big and no where closer to having a baby.  

On Wednesday the 13th we went into the doctor's office for a check.  I wasn't too excited about this as I don't normally agree to pre-labor checks.  It's just a personal descision as I don't feel it's really representive of where I actually am in the whole labor process.  I let him check (much to a complete lack of privacy-thank you Georgian culture) and found out I was at 4 cm and not quite effaced.  

He did a quick ultrasound of Sena and deemed her "big" aka 8.5 lbs.  Now frankly I found this hilarious as that is not quite the definition of big in the states but here I was having a monster of a baby.  I laughed at him and said I don't care how big she was I was sure I could push her out.  He encouraged us to walk and try whatever we needed to do to get her going by Friday.

Friday rolled around and still no baby.  I had come to terms with letting him perform a stripping of my membranes to see if that would get her.  I never had the procedure with the other two and frankly was kind of nervous about it.  BUT that said I thought what were the odds we'd have a baby THAT day of the procedure so why not.

We left the older two with Lizi, our housekeeper, and headed into the hospital.  We were able to get into the exam room about 11:30 and he performed the stripping.  He told me I could stay or go and to come back when I felt something.  Again I kind of giggled as I really didn't think we would see anything that day.  

Josh and I headed off to lunch at a local Korean place and just enjoyed our afternoon alone! We window shopped and just got to be together as we waited for things to start.  Surprisingly they did! My contractions started during lunch. Very mild but finally I was experiencing something.  Throughout the day they slowly increased in frequency but never really got longer than 45 seconds. 

At a point I was tired of walking so we headed home.  It was about 3:30 pm and I just wanted to get off my feet.  The contractions kept coming but were still so mild that I could talk, laugh and do other things throughout them.  Not really "labor" contractions.  About 4pm I headed upstairs to use the restroom when my water started leaking. That caught my attention! We'd have baby tonight!

I mobilized Josh and we got back in the car for the hospital.  I was a tad nervous because with Maddy once my water broke she was there in 5 minutes.  This was different as it was just leaking but I really didn't want to deliver in the car.  Thankfully we avoided traffic and made it to the clinic in about 30 minutes.

Still the contractions were mild so I wasn't worried when they took their time getting me inprocessed.  There was suposidly a c-section ahead of me that they were prepping for.  My doctor was genuinely shocked to see me but ushered me in to finish breaking my water.  

The tone of the room changed durastically for me once my water broke.  He wanted me to lay on my back for at least 3 contractions.  I cannot for the life of me figure out why and chuck this up to some kind of lost in translation thing.  By far those 3 contractions were some of the worse and to make it even more difficult to manage Josh wasn't allowed in yet.  Once I had three I demanded to stand and be put in a delivery room.  This was 5:50 pm.

The nurses puttered around wanting to do a hep lock for antibiotics (I tested positive for group B).  I finally let them do the lock and what a mess that was.  Let's just say their nursing skills lacked and I ended up with blood down my gown and compression tights.  Frustrated and in full on transition I started to get sassy.

Josh was with me at this point providing support.  I found it comforting to have him lightly rub my back in between contractions to ease tension but the second they started I didn't want to be touched. 

With each one I squatted feeling a ton of pressure.  She was coming soon.  

Worried my doctor was going to do that c-section I told Josh and somewhat magically the doctor appeared.  At this point my contractions were coming every minute and I have no idea how long they were lasting.  I was in the birth haze of moaning and squatting to deal with the pain.  

Finally I knew I had to get on the bed.  I was on all fours and feeling pretty comfortable with deliverying her that way.  Of course the doctors had other ideas wanting me on my back.  I have never felt so heavy in that I knew I just couldn't move.  Again I feel like they literally manovered me into the position they wanted.  

At this point she was crowning and with another push here! A quick time check would reveal that it was only 6:15 pm meaning from the time I walked into the delivery room to baby was just shy of 30 minutes.  

Everything about her was perfect and the recovery on my end great! I needed no stiches and was able to get immeadiate skin on skin for over 3 hours with her (my absolute favorite thing about Georgian hospitals) 

Was it my perfect birth?  No, but I am so thankful for a few things....We avoided a mad dash to the hospital by having the membranes stripped.  I didn't deliver her in the car.  Mama and baby were great.  

Sure we had our fair share of Georgian language and culture issues but that is a given when you birth abroad.  In the end it makes for a great story! ;) 

Let Down Your Hair! Let's Party-Mara is 4!

This year we celebrated Mara with a Rapunzel themed party per her request.  She is obsessed with the princesses but really loves Rapunzel above all others.

I don't consider myself a "Pinterest mom" but I do really enjoy creating and crafting what I can of the birthday supplies.  Not only does this save us money but I think it's fun and I see myself getting the girls involved in years to come. 

We kept things pretty simple in terms of decor and used a ton of what we already had on hand.  I printed some lanterns and created some banners but that was honestly about it. 

I'm pretty predictable when it comes to the food as I always do sandwiches and salads.  It's just easy for me to prepare and most enjoy it! I let Mara decide who was invited and in true fashion she invited everyone! I love that about her :)

The day was surprisingly beautiful for the end of September and we were able to let the kids play outside making the house quieter and less messy.  A win win for the adults!

Overall it was a great afternoon and I hope our little girl felt special and loved!

lighting lanterns

opening presents

happy birthday song

request for cake and cupcakes

ready to party

Mara-4 Years

Where do I start with my oldest girl....She is just becoming the best big sister.  She includes Maddy and sometimes has more patience with her than I do! She loves coming up with games for them to play together and also loves being in charge! Typical first born ;)

She is so social and really loves being with her friends.  She asks to do things with them constantly and gets restless if we stay in the house too much.  I've also noticed she's a bit of a planner.  She has been recently asking the order in which things are happening.  She also almost always asks what we are doing everyday.  She just likes to be in the know!

She is a huge helper at the grocery store now.  She does almost all the shopping for me as I call out things on our list and push the cart.  It's a huge help with Maddy still being small. 

I love that we have moved away from the tantrums of the 3's.  Don't get me wrong there's a lot of sass that has come with 4 but I at least we can have a conversation with her and she understand where we are coming from.

She loves to sleep on her floor in her room.  She'll set up two sleeping bags and drag her animals down there.  I don't know the appeal but we've indulged her in this aspect.

She is still princess obsessed and this only grew with our trip to Disney.  I think she was at the perfect age for a first trip. I know she will remember it for sometime and she still constantly talks about it.  She has all the princess dolls, castles and these are her go to toys for pretend most days. 

She has become a less picky eater.  She will try almost anything we put in front of her and is usually willing to eat however many "additional bites" we require to get down from the table.  She is still a snacker and I think would prefer to eat throughout the day rather than three meals.  I am like this too so we try to do a healthy mix.  The only time we've found issues with this is at bedtime.  She always wants more food or to take things upstairs.

Bedtime is ok.   She is still not the best sleeper although doesn't wake us up constantly through the night.  She'll get up to use the restroom or if there was a loud noise but that's about it.  She will stay in her room till her light turns pink and then come into our bed.  She's a night owl but is always happy in the mornings (just prefers to sleep later). 

I love listening to her stories now.  She recalls events and loves to share.  I love listening to the details she leaves out and which ones she includes.  It's really interesting how her mind works. 

She thrives on alone time and really values quality time with both her dad and I.  I really try to give that to her along with a more physical touch as I know she needs that too.  She is different from me in that aspect so it is definitly an effort I try to put out there. 

Mara you are amazing.  You are so loving, patient and kind.  You light up our world and we are so thankful for the moments and memories this year.  Love you to the moon and back little girl!

Madeline 22 & 23 Mon

Weight: You're are still tiny.  Everyone mistakes you for much younger than you are because of your height and weight. 

Health: You had some minor cold stuff throughout the last two months.  We all got hit hard with a respiratory virus.  You had it first and gave it to your sister and I!

Social: You keep expanding your vocabulary; sometimes it seems overnight! You put full sentences together and are starting to replace some of your words with actual ones the rest of us can understand.  You love playing with your older sister and doing everything she does.  You're not too sure about kids your age and mainly like to "dictate" what they do when you guys are playing together.  Bossy little thing you are!

Diet: We're starting to see some pickiness come out in you.  Sometimes you will love a dinner one night and then hate the leftovers the next.  You defintily have your favorites (aka you could eat just yogurt and be happy I think) though and are willing to try most things. 

Clothes: You are still in 18-24 month items although I think some of the strictly 18 month things are becoming a little short all around.  You will defintily be in this size for the forseable future though!

Mama's Favorites: I love the faces you make! We are solidly into the two sassiness and you show it.  You have the most hilarious tantrum faces (although we try not to laugh). 

Crying: Really only when you are throwing a tantrum.  There's no arguing with you lady.  You want what you want and that's it. 

Sleep: I didn't think sleep could get better for you but it has!! You go down without little prompt. We still rock at night but I can rock you as little as 15 minutes and then you are happy to lay in your bed till you fall asleep.  We could probably even do less but I think I am selfishly holding on to this a bit.  You go down at 8 and now sleep/hang out in your bed comfortably till about 9.  It's still dark in the mornings here at that time so I think that helps.  Naps are a tad shorter most days and you rarely sleep for more than an hour. 

This Month: These past two months have been slow.  Mama was in the last few months of her pregnancy and feeling large. We tried to get out and play with friends and enjoy the last few weeks of just the four of us. 

We celebrated Halloween and you were Madeline.  I couldn't resist the play on your name! We also had Thanksgiving at our home and saw Santa!

Baby Likes: You love to play with your older sister.  You love your "Anna's" (aka anything that resembles a princess).  You have started dressing up in Mara's clothes.  You love to play nap spreading a blanket and pillow down.


Milestones: You are responding to instruction.

You help clean up your toys when prompted.

You color with crayons and markers.

You play make believe with dolls and figures.

Best of Times: Watching your personality bloom.  There's not a single day that goes by that you don't have us laughing. 

Worst of Times: The week in here where you thought it was awesome to put your hands in your diaper and pull them down while you slept.

Sister Diaries: We are still constantly breaking up fights between your sister and you.  You guys play great but there is definite times where Mara needs her space.  She is so patient with you and lets you really rough house.