Lil P is 3!

I can't believe Paisley is 3 weeks today. She is an absolute little angel and has brought so much joy to our family. I was so worried throughout my entire pregnancy about how another baby would change our life, but I never realized how much love she would bring. She is a good eater and sleeper and for the most part pretty mellow. She is starting to get a little chubbier and so much more alert. We are so in love!


I think this is her signature pose.

Week 2

We have made it past Week 2 and life is GOOD! Jason and I have both been feeling such overwhelming senses of joy. We both say every night, "We are so blessed!" Roman has been such a good boy and is just so much fun, while Paisley has been so sweet and a pretty calm newborn. I know life with 2 will not always be this calm or peaceful, so we are trying to cherish every moment. We are so thankful for all our friends that have come to meet Paisley and everyone is so generous. We have been spoiled with lots of wonderful dinners and such special gifts.

Some highlights of this past week included doing a newborn photoshoot (we can't wait to see the pics), Roman learning how to give his sister kisses, experiencing the pain of Mastitis (breast infection), having an allergic reaction to the antibiotics (I now know that I cannot take anything even related to Penicillin after having 2 allergic reactions in the past 2 weeks), Paisley attended her 1st Cooking Club, Roman's playgroup Halloween party, lots of special visitors and myself learning how to juggle the needs of 2 lil ones during the week.

Some of my favorite moments from the week...


Marley snuggling with Paisley.


Roman and his 2 favorite Grandpa's.


Peter meets Paisley. He is one of my Dad's best friends and has always been such a big part of my life.


Roman going in for the kiss. These moments just make me melt as a parent.


Since Scott had been very interested in Paisley's umbilical cord, I decided to give it to him once it fell off. I put it in a bag and wrote him a letter to take good care of it. He was so proud.


My sweet lil girl.


A fun visit with Hillary and Nolan. We 1st met Nolan in NYC when he was 2 weeks old, so it was fun for Hillary to meet Paisley at the same age.


Loved spending time with Nolan. He is such a sweet, loving little boy. We had both boys in their Giants gear.


Roman helping out at bath time. I realized that he loves to help when asked, so although it slows down the process and makes things a little messier, I've been trying to have him help out with bathing and changing Paisley.


Roman had his 1st Halloween party and looked so cute as a caveman. I can't wait for this week and the many Halloween celebrations we have planned. However...rain is in the weather forecasts, so I hope they are wrong.


Our Fall Pumpkin Baby. This girl likes to party. This past week, Paisley was quite the social girl attending Cooking Club, Tracy and Sean's engagement party and Roman's Halloween party and she never slept 1 minute at any of the events. I think we have a lil party animal on our hands.

Now on to Week 3...sure to be a special one with Halloween.

Halloween Season

I know I always say this, but I love the holidays! With Halloween, I feel like celebrating the whole month of October (probably because I love any excuse to eat CANDY).


I was anxious to decorate before Paisley arrived, but Jay wouldn't hang our wreath until Oct. 1st. We are now decorated and ready for Halloween, so our next stop was visiting the Clayton Pumpkin Patch. I grew up on Marsh Creek Road, which is a few houses away from the Pumpkin Patch. Everytime I visit the pumpkin patch, it makes me feel nostalgic about growing up in the adorable city of Clayton.


Since it was supposed to be in the 90s, we decided to hit the pumpkin patch bright and early. Roman loved looking at all the pumpkins and actually decided to sit on one. I did not pose him, he did this one on his own.


Bat Boy


How cute are these animals? They looked like stuffed animals.


Roman's favorite part was the hay mazes. Jay and I both thought the other one was in the maze with Roman. After about 5 minutes, Jay walks over and asks me where Roman is. We realized he had been running around the maze by himself. It took us another 10 minutes to get him out since he loved running back and forth in the thing.


So happy running around.


Fun with Dad


This little pumpkin slept the entire time in her pumpkin outfit, so I had to get a few photos once we got home in her outfit.


We love this place. We can't wait to go back on the weekend and ride the train.

Roman and Paisley

Although I don't think these two look a lot alike right now, it amazes me how much they do as newborns. When Paisley was born, I kept thinking I was looking at Roman. They have so many similar expressions, characteristics and features. I look forward to seeing the 2 of them as they grow-up together. My biggest hope is that they become close friends and always support each other.

Roman


Paisley


Roman Asleep


Paisley Asleep


Roman Throwing Up The Peace Sign


Paisley Giving Peace Too


Roman furrowed brow


Paisley furrowed brow

Life With 2

When you have your 1st baby, everything stops and you are able to center your life around an infant, sleeping while they sleep, lounging on the couch and hibernating. With #2 (especially with a toddler), normal everyday life must continue on. I have loved being back at home these past few days and taking full advantage of Jay being off from work. It has been so perfect for Roman since he has been able to get lots of attention, while Paisley and I figure out all the fun that is included with breastfeeding. My recovery this time around has been so easy. I don't want to brag, but at times I forget that I even had a baby a few days ago. With the exception of my gigantic chest and pain that comes from having one, I feel so good. I must credit my nurse and Doctor. I believe they are the reason for my quick recovery. Now I know why so many women in Walnut Creek are in love with Dr. Wells. He seriously has a cult following.

Here are some of my favorite pics from the last few days at home...


Roman and Paisley at home together. He loves to push all the buttons on her chair that vibrates and play music.


Scott (who has the honor of being the Oldest Cousin) stopped by to meet Paisley. He was very interested in seeing the umbilical cord and finding out if it was still there. He is such a wonderful cousin to Roman. Roman just lights up when Scott is around and thinks he is so funny. I'm sure Paisley will feel the same.


Our morning ritual has always consisted of Roman having his bottle in bed with us. The bed is starting to get full with all 5 of us.


We've been trying to hit the park every afternoon so Roman can get out some energy and have fun running around.


Paisley has been doing the normal newborn stuff...eating, pooping and sleeping. You forget how much they sleep in the first few weeks. We are trying to take advantage of all her sleeping now since we know this phase quickly ends. Last night we were excited when Roman went to bed, she was awake for about an hour. It gave us some special one on one time with just her.


One of the rare moments she was awake.


Everyone has been asking how Roman is doing. Truthfully...so much better than I anticipated and much more interested in Paisley than I thought he would be. The only problem now is that he is simultaneously entering the Tantrum phase. He discovered high pitched squeals this last week and has started having crying fits when he doesn't get his way. We are trying to be sensitive about all the change, but also not giving into everything just because he is screaming for it. I will definitely need some good parenting advice from friends within the next few months since I believe this is just the beginning. Perfect timing, but as is everything I know this is just a phase. Plus he is so cute and dramatic during his tantrums, I sometimes have to look away and laugh.


Mother Marley is in full effect. We were out in the front yard and when I came back, she was sitting at the base of Paisley's chair. She is such a great big sister and always proves to us how much she loves children. Yes, she is still her mischievous self, but so full of love too.


Jay was apprehensive of all the bows that I was buying, but once he saw them on Paisley, he loved them. I love how a bow can instantly make them seem so much more girly.

So that has been our last few days. We have been going on little sleep, but we always remember the reward and it helps keep everything in perspective. We love life with 2 children and we couldn't feel more blessed.

Welcome Paisley Marylyn Maddox

Lil P was due on Oct. 3rd and one day after my due date, my Doctor thought it would be a good idea to schedule an induction for that week. I wasn't so sure, but he easily convinced me that it would go quick. We received a call later that afternoon that they were able to schedule me for Tuesday morning, so we were all set.


We checked in at 7:30am and were ready to go. Within minutes, the pitocin was started and Dr. Wells broke my water.


Going through labor and delivery with your husband by your side is one of the most amazing experiences you go through as a couple. His patience, love, attention and tenderness is why I love him so much.


My mom and Betty stopped by the hospital to visit while I was in labor. We decided to invite them to stay for the delivery. It was wonderful to have them in the room to experience Paisley's arrival.


At exactly 7:00pm, Paisley was born. It was such a peaceful, amazing and spiritual experience. I couldn't believe that our little girl was here. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces (1 pound over Roman's weight). Once we met Paisley, we were all surprised by how much she looked like Roman when he was born. They had the same beautiful features and adorable face.

Here are some pics from that night...




I didn't know what it would be like to have a 2nd child, but it was love at first sight. The feelings I had for her were overwhelming. I can now say that I had a hard time bonding with Paisley when I was pregnant since I was always worried about how this would affect Roman, but the moment I met her she stole my heart. I quickly realized that my heart was big enough for the both of them.


Our amazing nurse, Kathy. She was the best! I got very lucky to have her by my side.


Pop and Grandpa stopped by with Roman shortly after Paisley was born. I was so happy to have him there. I love this photo since it shows the reality of having 2 little ones. Sure to be chaos, but also a lot of fun.


All I could have ever wanted. A cuddle from my little man.


Betty and Bob were so happy to welcome a little girl to their family. Marylyn is in honor of Betty's mother, who lives in Citrus Heights.






Roman stopped by to visit the following day. He was most excited to have Cheerios and Apple juice. Jason left the hospital for a few hours to be able to spend some quality time with Roman at home. I was so excited that they were able to do this.


We were able to come home tonight and there is nothing like being in your own home.


Reflecting on the last few days just puts a smile on my face. I had a lot of fear since my last labor and delivery was a nightmare, but this was the complete opposite experience. I have to credit Dr. Wells (my OB). He went above and beyond to ensure that everything was arranged for me to have a normal birth experience given my cardiac condition. I am forever grateful. I even joked with Jay after the delivery that I could do this again, but not to let me. Ha ha!


Paisley has already stolen her Daddy's heart. I love seeing Jay with his little girl.


Welcome to this world Paisley! We are so honored to have you in our family. I know this next year will be such an adventure and lots of work, but we can't wait for the fun to begin. We look forward to introducing you to all our family and friends.

THANK YOU to Pop and Grandpa Bob for taking such amazing care of Roman during the past 3 days. You went above and beyond to make sure that his life didn't change a beat. I am forever grateful that both of you are so loving and wonderful to him.