Big Sister in training!

 Today my daughter is going to become a big sister. 

How amazing is that? AHHHH-MAZING!

Well, for the past couple of weeks I have been stressing out soooo much on how to prepare an 18 month old little girl for this. How do I explain this to her? Does she understand? Does she realize the growing belly she has been fascinated with the past 9 months is going to just disappear over this next week or two? Does she know that "brother" is another breathing, crying human being? I'm not sure, but I have been trying every day to show and tell her these things.

So I have asked veteran moms of multiple kids how they prepared their babes for their younger siblings. I read the blogs. I scoured pinterest. I did it all.

Here are the ways that I put Opal through a "big-sister-training".

1. Baby Doll training- We bought her baby doll a crib, diaper bag set, and every single day (multiple times a day) we changed her diaper, fed her, burped her, and then put her to sleep. We practiced "shhhhh"-ing and staying quiet because "baby was napping".
2.  Introduced the new baby's gear around the house. We set up the crib when we first moved into this apartment. We put a bassinet in our room. We put a rock and play in the living room. We bought a double stroller and used it before he arrived. We also added his clothes and shoes to her closet.
3.  Talked about baby- We have talked all about brother and how cute he is going to be. We let her answer questions about what big sisters do to help.
4. Set up activities that are all about her. Every day I sit down and watch a movie with her. We play with her toys. We clean up together. We read books. These are all things that I can still do while nursing her brother, and I explain that to her.
5. Taught her independence. We have one of those harnesses for our walks that she loves to use. This helps me because I can still keep her in arms reach while we are out, and she doesn't demand I carry her. This is great because not all situations call for a stroller. I can carry her brother in a carrier and she can walk herself.

I hope that these tips help you with your expanding family!

xoxo, Chels.

A letter to my first born.

Opal, my dearest Opal.. You are the light of mine and your Daddy's eyes. We adore you, love you, and think you're the greatest creation in the entire world. Pretty soon you are going to be given the greatest gift in the world- a sibling. You will forever bear the responsibility and title of being a big sister. He is going to look up to you, come to you for advice before he turns to anyone else, and always expect you to back him up... and you will. 

Coming from someone who bears that title as well, I will always try to help you and guide you as you guide him. You will never be alone.We will shed light on the right and wrong things to show your baby brother. I promise. You're going to rock at being his big sissy! Really!

Before he comes though, we are going to soak up every second we can of alone time with you. We're going to make sure you know that we love you... that we really love you. We're not trying to divide up our love, but rather spread more. He is a blessing, and so are you. I am going to do everything I can to capture the little moments that we have with you forever behind my camera lens. 

You have been my best friend the past 18 months. And now I will have to share you.. Because I know your heart is going to be snatched by his little baby hands.You're going to climb up next to me, but not for our normal cuddles, hugs, and kisses.... but to smother Oliver in hugs and kisses. You're going to look up at me, with that sweet smile on your face, and say, "baby!" and I'm gonna hold back tears. But that's okay. That is exactly what Mama and Daddy want for you both. We know that you will need each other.

Oliver is seriously the luckiest little boy in the whole wide world- because he's got you by his side.

 This week you will be a big sister, 

and I can't wait to see you grow into the greatest one ever.

 Opal, my dearest Opal, I love you so much.

-Mommy.

My last big sister duty.

We're upon my last day! I pick Dillon up tonight, (after a lot of flight changes and drama)..

But last night I got to do my last big sister duty! I took my baby sister to her winter formal, and photographed her and her friends. I love doing this stuff with her. I hope I can be here next year for her senior prom!! I'm so proud of her and how far she has come. She is nearing her last year and then *hopefully* will continue on to culinary school. I say hopefully because she has been second guessing her choices and options. I would love for her to go on to culinary school to become a pastry chef because it is definitely her calling. She is meant to do that for sure. :-)

Well, anyways! I am going to take her to the movies and hang out with her today until I leave to get Dillon tonight. (I have a 2.5 hr drive to San Jose Airport in my future.)

Here are some photos I took: