More pics from Makenna's first month

I've still got my knack for being known by Kevin as the "Mommy Paparazzi":

Here are a couple more shots of Makenna from this past week, hard to believe she's a month today!

Life's a day on the beach...and then it's not!

We are true beach people, so we were thrilled to get out of town on Friday for our first beach trip as a family of four. It was in the high 50s and felt more like late spring than winter. Kieran ripped off his shoes and socks as soon as we hit sand, and I was just glad that it was warm enough to let him enjoy the delightful feel of sand between your toes. Kevin combed the beach to add special rocks and shells to a collection bowl we have at home. Makenna and I parked it on a large driftwood log and basked in the sunshine. She was a great little traveler and we only had to stop twice to nurse on the way home...that's her big feeding time! This little video clip should give you a more in-person view of our little beauty and a glimpse of what a lovely day we had together.

Now skip forward a few days, and Kieran and I have both down and out with 102 degree fevers, and I just got a call from our family doctor to confirm that it's the flu. Needless to say, we've been pretty miserable, and I was glad that at least he woke up this morning saying that he felt better...that might give me hope too, since his fever hit a day before mine. Thankfully, little Makenna is still healthy and I'm just praying that stays healthy.

It just reminds me to savor all the beautiful days, because it makes it easier to get through the tough days.

Thankful!!!

Having a new baby renews my gratefulness and reminds me of just how much our family is really loved. Our fireplace mantle is now covered in greeting cards with well wishes from family, co-workers and friends (some from Kieran's Birthday too :-), and surprise packages arrive in the mail almost daily. We have also been lavished with some really yummy meals that our friends and neighbors have dropped by...pulled pork, tortilla soup, salmon & fixings, enchiladas...boy we have been eating well lately. There isn't anything much better than a hearty meal delivered by a friend, I'd take it over a gourmet restaurant any day!

Today, on Valentine's Day, I am also thankful for getting to sleep in this morning and wake up to Kevin making my favorite challah french toast, and then after swim class I managed to nap for almost two hours while Kieran and Makenna napped too...a new Mom's ideal gift! My mother also came up for the weekend, so Kevin and I (and Makenna) will soon be heading off to a matinee and Kieran on a playdate at OMSI. We may not have chocolates or flowers at our house, but you can certainly feel the love!

And just because I can't help it, I'll close with a few new photos of our little cherubs:

Week 1 with Makenna

Don't worry, we aren't about ready to take on weekly updates about our new baby girl, but this has been such a big week for us that I'd like to reflect and share a few stories.

Makenna has extended her graceful entrance into the world by being a very peaceful baby. If anything, it feels like she sleeps almost too much and we cherish the moments where we can gaze into her eyes. She is nursing well, and already back up to her birth weight today.

Kieran is a very proud and loving big brother. He gives her kisses constantly, which she mostly sleeps through for now. He wants to be right in the action when we change her diaper, and when she cries he consoles her by saying "It's alright Sweets," as he learned from his Daddy. During her first bath Makenna let out one of her first real wails, and Kieran instinctively burst into tears. After crying for a moment her started saying "I close my eyes," which is what he says when he doesn't want to cry when getting a shampoo.

As alluded to, Kevin's nickname for Makenna is "Sweets" or "Sweetie," and he is a very doting father. One of the best things about having a home birth experience was being able to have Kevin by my side during our first night with Makenna. I can certainly see a different level of confidence and newborn savvy compared to Kieran's first days, and it's really wonderful to be parents together.

My mother was here for Makenna's birth, and stayed around for the week to visit and help take care of Kieran. They went to OMSI and swim class, and she helped with meals, ran errands, and took care of Makenna early in the morning so that we could get a little extra sleep. She also brought loads of handmade blankets, and is naturally ecstatic to have a new granddaughter.

I am also very much in love with my new little girl, and am enjoying mothering a newborn again...I just love the sweet smell of newborns! She is a true joy, and I am enjoying our first moments. It is exciting to think about who she will grow up to become and all the experiences our family will have together.

With our new baby, I am also reminded of all the love and support we have in lives as my family, friends and colleagues have lavished us with gifts and congratulations. Our mantle is full of cards, and I have a lot of thank you notes to start writing!

Last but not least, yesterday was another big day for our family as we celebrated Kieran's 3rd Birthday :-) We had some of our closest friends, all with children now, over for a casual family potluck. Kieran had a great time playing with his friends and blowing out his birthday candles. It was quite the capstone to a very memorable week in our lives.

It's a Girl - Makenna Rose Cronin!

Most of you reading this have already received the happy news via Kevin:

Our little clan has a new addition....

Makenna Rose Cronin was born at 5:13 PM on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at the Cronin household.

This house has probably had many births before since it's so old, so it's appropriate that we continue this tradition.

Darcy was in labor for only an hour as she waited patiently in the birthing pool for the contractions to provide a passport for our new arrival. She pushed for only eight minutes, and Kieran was in the room before we discovered that she is a little girl.

Makenna translates to "happiness" in Irish. Her middle name is taken from Mom's and since she was born in the City of Roses it has a special connotation. She joins her big brother Kieran, who is ecstatic and has kissed his sister every chance he gets. Makenna is sleeping and eating like a champ already and squeaks to let us know she's in the room.

Darcy is feeling great and is well on her way back. We appreciate all the love and support from our friends and family.

The whole family has the week together so we look forward to catching up with everyone.

Love,

Kevin, Darcy, Kieran, & Makenna