“I Have a Dream”

Today is the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
I listen to the stories of living in the south (and the north, really) 50 years ago on TV today, and my heart feels broken. Because I feel it for them now. It’s not a story in a history book, it’s our life. our history & our future. My eyes are opened, and I can no longer be naïve, or complacent about the fact that all races (and all people) are still not treated equal. Sadly, even in our very adoption supportive community, hurtful comments flow freely. Parents are passing racist remarks along to their small children, and 6 year olds are coming home from school in tears.  Kindergarteners aren’t racist, but they are listening. I feel the heavy weight of raising these girls today, more than ever. The color of their skin, their eyes, their hair… (although those things make them very stinkin adorable) are not a basis for our love as their parents, or the love of the One who made them. perfectly.

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”
Amen.

1 month.

How is it possible that you are a month old already?
*I will say that every single week. month. & year. Just a heads up.

You have more rolls on your arms than any baby I’ve ever seen.
Your legs are short, and your waist is skinny.
Your cheeks are huge, round, and kissable.
(complete opposite of your sister who has still never had a single roll in her life) 

You weigh 8lbs (2 whole pounds since we got home!), and are 20 1/2 inches long.
I am pretty sure that extra weight in solely in your cheeks, because all of your newborn clothes still fit just fine.
You are the noisiest pooper I’ve ever heard. I can hear it if I am a couple rooms away.
You get hick ups 3-5 times a day.

You hate to be cold. I put long sleeves and pants on you pretty much all the time, because you fuss until you are warm.
You scream when I take your clothes off for your bath, but you are content once you are in the water, and warm.
You fight sleeping at bedtime. Once we get you to sleep (which can take hours…) you will sleep for 4-6 hours at a time.
You will eventually be a tummy sleeper, because you are sleeping about 10 seconds into “tummy time”, every time.
One of the first things I said to Daddy after you were born was that I felt like I had always known you.
You felt familiar to me. 
Sometimes when you are fussy I feel like I have no idea what you need, or want… but I am so thankful every day to be your mommy. 
You are starting to smile (mostly for mommy) and makes me so anxious to see your personality more and more.
You are the perfect addition to our family. We love you Lola girl!

days of 2

my frighteningly disheveled reflection at the end of the hall.
There is a cute tiny girl in there though… So my greasy hair is forgiven I supposed.

lovin’ these neighborhood mommy play dates. where we are suddenly way outnumbered by small children.  

our big girl has a whole new love for her daddy. And so do I.
I doubt there is anything more attractive than a daddy loving his girls. I watch him do it every single minute he is home, and I am so thankful for him. especially now.

cheap, easy forms of entertainment are my friend. water bottle = BFF

Life is good. We are all adjusting, and sleeping more and more, and bonding with our new baby girl.
Larkin is so sweet with her, I could almost die. Her latest term of endearment for her sister: “Sissy poo”. Who teaches her this stuff? 

a fro for your friday

Larkin has had cornrows in her hair for 2 weeks. Over the last 24 hours, I took them out.
(It took a lot of Daniel Tiger on the kindle to get her to sit still enough… that is a detailed process!)

So… today on this rainy Friday she is rocking the afro.

This is by far my favorite way she has worn her hair yet! It’s getting so long!

Her first reaction when she saw herself in the mirror, “I a clown mommy!”.
The girl loves Madagascar 3, what can I say?
Afro Circus, Afro Circus….