Sydney Jean

Sydney Jean Levy joined our family on October 26th, 2011 and the time is flying. I remember with Samuel that we used to be able to sit and watch his every move, smile and coo but this time around it seems to be flying by with Ben and I looking back at the day asking each other what happened that day and what did we miss. Sydney was born at 9:51pm, weighing 8lbs 7oz and 20.5inches long. She has been amazing every day. Sydney looks a little more like me, but still has a lot of Ben and definitely looks like Samuel's little sister.

From the beginning we have been on our toes, forgetting the simple things and learning the differences between boys and girls. This time I didn't get peed on as soon as we got home, Sydney smiles all the time (even if it is gas) and talks jibberish all the time. She has been eating well, sleeping good, and a joy to be around. We feel so blessed with our new addition, she has expanded our hearts beyond our dreams.

Samuel has also adjusted well and seems to really enjoy being a big brother. He loves to hold her even for a second, give her hugs and kisses and is a very protective older brother. Anytime anyone gets near her he says "my baby" and then looks at them like "what do you think your doing with my baby" it is really cute, I hope that continues when she is in High-school (will be great to have someone protecting her) and keeping the boys away. I am sure we are going to see other sides of the big brother but I am loving this side and watching them interact.

My mom and dad were able to be here to help with Samuel and see Sydney right away. It was great to have that help right away and Samuel didn't seem to notice I was busy with a new baby. This time around Ben and I are a little more relaxed and a little less nervous about things so it was great that we were able to do stuff together and allow them to spend more time with the kids. Ben has once again continued to amaze me as a father. He has really taken to having a little girl and has been such a help with her and making sure Samuel is getting tons of attention. These kids are so lucky to have a dad like him!

We had Sydney's newborn pictures done three days after we got home, and it was a great experience. The photographer we used was amazing and so good with kids. She is so creative it really took the stress off of me, and Sydney didn't have any accidents on her things yippee!! Our friend Katie made her a red and white tutu for her pictures and it turned out awesome, matching Samuel's husker pictures! We hope to get her announcements with some of our favorite pictures soon.

Here are some pictures of our new little bundle of joy, that has truly completed our family.

Pumpkin Patch and Halloween

It has been so long since I have blogged that I have begun to forget some of the great things Samuel has done or places we have gone. Samuel has loved the fall and with the help of all of his meds. He has been playing football with the neighbor kids, riding his tricycle (assisted on his bike), going to the park, feeding the animals, and being home with mom three days a week. He has started to talk so much it is awesome to hear. Though Ben and I understand more than anyone else on what he is saying his vocabulary has exploded. He listens really well and then just starts using the word. He has started to expand his length of phrases as well. We get to 3 words now and you can tell he is really proud when he does it. At times it feels like we are holding a true conversation which is great. He has understood everything we are saying for some time now, but giving understandable full responses is new. Ben and I were discussing that it is amazing on how almost overnight he has turned from a baby/toddler to a young boy that has his own STRONG opinions, likes and dislikes and relaxed fun personality. This couldn't have come at a better time with the new addition to the family. Samuel is ready to be a true BIG brother and an amazing one at that.

Here are some pics from October and his Halloween costume from last night, this was not his original costume but the only thing we could get him to keep on.

We had so many adventures over the last month, and had such a great time just the three of us, enjoying Samuel and his amazing personality all the way until October 26th at 9:51pm when his sister Sydney decided to join our family and we became the 4 of us. She is all we wished for and more, we are truly a blessed family. Pictures and updates on her will come soon!