Newborn comparisons

Today Clara is a week and a day old. I started looking back through pictures of Lucy to see if I could spot resemblances. I think they're definitely quite similar, even if Clara is a whole pound smaller! So here are a few newborn comparison shots:

Clara Awake:

Lucy awake: (I was going to do Clara Bath and Lucy Bath, but considering the screaming, flailing, and panic that occurred when mom and I gave Clara her first bath, there were no pictures taken. Next time maybe!)

Clara asleep:

Lucy asleep:

Clara grin:

Lucy grin: 

Today also happens to be my birthday (25!) I feel so incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters. So today I am grateful for shiny newborn eyes:

baby toes: 

Big girl hair: 

And beautiful blue eyes:

Clara Beth

Announcing the arrival of our second daughter: Clara Beth, born March 13th at 11:24am and weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches long: 

I was induced with Lucy and we went ahead and induced with Clara as well when I was several days over due. Being induced didn't really speed the process up much with Lucy, so we were definitely not prepared for Clara's speedy arrival!

I think her goal was to arrive before the doctor did, but thankfully she stayed put for a few minutes so that the doctor could catch her and not Joel (who actually thought he might have to for a minute, poor guy):

Lucy is very intrigued by baby sister, although I think a little disappointed that she doesn't talk more. :) 

Here I am with day old Clara, getting ready to leave the hospital. Since everything went so smoothly and Clara is so healthy they let us leave when she was 24 hours old. It's wonderful to be home and resting and admiring our new little girl. 

We love you little Clara!

The Waiting Game

Yikes, it's been almost a month since I posted on our blog, whoops! Well it probably comes as no surprise that what's been occupying our minds the most recently is wondering when our little daughter is planning on making her arrival. Here is a shot of me at 39 weeks.

And then at almost 40 weeks: 

We're coming up on 41 weeks pretty soon but I haven't gotten around to taking that picture yet!

In the meantime, here are some of the things we've been up to while we're waiting. In early February Lucy and I took a trip up to Moscow to visit my parents while Joel had a particularly intense week of work. Lucy redeemed the time by working on her ballet moves: 

Lucy has also started showing an interest in learning how to write her letters so we've been doing that as well. Here she is working away and being very cute in the process: 

We've spent a lot of time at the park this past week because the weather has been in the 50s and sunny (or, at least, not rainy which is the same thing as sunny around here). 

And of course Lucy (and we) are soaking up this last little unique time when she's our only child. Few things are better than just-woken-up-from-a-nap snuggles.

37 Weeks

Tomorrow I'll be 37 weeks, hurrah!

Baby Girl is definitely a squirmer. Much like her older sister she keeps her knobbly knees, legs and feet over on my right side at all times. Which means if I ever try to lay on my right side, I am immediately pummeled by a disgruntled child who feels her personal space is being infringed upon.

I'm not really that anxious for her to make her grand entrance into the world. I think it probably helps to have a rambunctious 2 year old to take care of, there's very little time to sit around and wonder when she'll show up. 

But the other reason I'm happy to go late is because the closer to April she is born, the closer to the end of tax season we will be! And the closer to spring and warm weather. So keep cooking, baby girl, for at least three more weeks!

Pretty Little Girl

I spend a lot of time being smitten by how cute our two year old is. But unfortunately, some setting on my Nikon has gotten out of whack and I'm having a hard time getting clear, bright pictures. It's time to head on over to my friend KeriAnn's house and have her help me sort out what's wrong, before this next baby gets here!

But in the meantime, here are two that I snapped today that make me smile when I see them (even if they're not completely in focus): 

Christian Benedict

One year ago today our little son Christian went ahead of us into glory. The day I held him here on earth was also the day he was welcomed into heaven with shouts of joy, into the arms of immeasurable love.

Sometimes I wonder what one year in heaven has been like for my son? And when I think about that, it is hard to be sad, just as it's hard to be sad imagining your child off on a holiday having a wonderful time, and knowing that you get to join them there soon.

I have a new love for Psalm 116:15:  "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Spurgeon gave an excellent sermon on this verse. He said:

"We love the people of God, they are exceedingly precious to us, and, therefore, we are too apt to look upon their deaths as a very grievous loss. We would never let them die at all if we could help it... We count that we are the poorer because of the eternal enriching of those beloved ones who have gone over to the majority, and entered into their rest...We hang up the mournful escutcheon, and sit us down to mourn our full, and yet, meanwhile, the bells of heaven are ringing for "the bridal feast above," the streamers are floating joyously in every heavenly street, and the celestial world keeps holiday because another heir of heaven has entered upon his heritage. May this correct our grief. Tears are permitted to us, but they must glisten in the light of faith and hope. Jesus wept, but Jesus never repined. We, too, may weep, but not as those who are without hope, nor yet as though forgetful that there is greater cause for joy than for sorrow in the departure of our brethren."

But I think it's important to remember that it's not just Christian who gained something that day. Joel and I, and all of those who suffered with us, were privileged to bear a heavier portion of the cross of Christ. And when Christ's cross is laid on you, He is right there with you bearing you up. Those who suffer draw nearer to God, and the comfort He gives is far more wonderful than the pain we might feel. Rutherford said: "If your Lord calls you to suffering, do not be dismayed, for he will provide a deeper portion of Christ in your suffering...You can't sneak quietly into heaven without a cross. Crosses form us into his image. They cut away the pieces of our corruption...Lay all your loads by faith on Christ, ease yourself, and let him bear all. He can, he does, and he will bear you."

We are missing our son today. But we are also rejoicing that he is already further up and further in.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Several Weeks of Belly

I've been really bad about taking belly shots this time around. And when I do remember, Joel is never home and I have to try taking them in the mirror while holding my camera out with one hand. Either that or you just get a shot of my belly with my face obscured by the camera. Either way, it's not very easy, which is my only excuse for not posting pics. 

So here are a few kind of blurry, not very good pictures of the growing bump. But as you can see from the pictures, it is definitely growing!

Here's 31 weeks: 

And these I took today at 33 1/2 weeks: 

I'm feeling a lot less "puffy" this time around, perhaps because it's wintertime instead of summertime, or perhaps because I'm chasing a rambunctious 2 year old around all day. Either way, I'll take it!