Juliet Elise at One Month

One Month Old!

It has officially been a month since we laid eyes on our newest little girl, Juliet Elise. The month has gone very fast and I can't believe it's already here. She is a totally different baby than my Violet was. Juliet sleeps most of the day and really only cries if she needs something or if she is overtired (which I try not to let happen). This is quite opposite of Violet, who would cry and fuss on the days that ended in "y."

Violet is adjusting so much better than I had anticipated. She really loves "helping" me change her diaper, bring blankets, help me "shhh" and rock her, pacifiers (that Juliet doesn't want), or whatever I ask her to bring me. She likes to point out all of her body parts, which led us to learn the word "gentle," especially when she points out her eyes! She is displaying signs of kindness and care, which I love to see!

Juliet is pretty chill, and I'm so thankful for that. It's a whole new ballgame tending to two little humans. When they both need something at the same time, usually the loudest one wins out. It does stress me out when both are crying (or in Violet's case, whining), but having siblings means learning to wait and be considerate of other's needs.

Juliet's longest spurt of sleep has been 3 hours, but of course it was during the day. At night we are about every 1.5-2 hours. I had completely forgotten how tiring these newborn months are, but thankful for the daily grace that God is giving me. Not only to survive on the little amount of sleep, but to be able to handle a VERY high maintenance toddler as well as the needs of a newborn all day every day. Throw in normal household duties, and that is enough to overwhelm even the most collected person. I haven't had nearly as much "alone time" with Juliet as I had with Violet, so in that respect I feel sad, but Lord willing we have our whole lives to get to know each other better. :)

It's still hard to believe that I have birthed two little girls. How is is possible I have multiple children? I'm so thankful and humbled to have been given this opportunity and pray that I will take full advantage of the joys and lessons that come from it.

This month's stats:

• 9 lb, 4 oz, 21.5" long
• Newborn size clothes
• We moved up to size 1 diapers, but they are big
• A couple genuine, big awake smiles per day
• Loves her Rock n Play
• Loves being worn in Boba carrier
• Loves being outside; talking walks with mommy and big sis, watching Daddy work in the garage
• Loves being held on Mom or Dad's chest and having her bum patted
• Discovering her hands and likes to gnaw on them

Sister shot fail

Daddy is busy!

Sweet little angel

Violet and Juliet in same outfit!

First matching outfits :)

Violet teaching sissy how to do a somersault

Daddy and Juliet

Juliet Elise: A Birth Story

Just over two weeks ago, we met our sweet Juliet Elise. I was so ready to meet her and anxiously awaiting the end of pregnancy discomfort. I was convinced she would come early (her due date was September 17), but the days just kept passing with no signs of arrival.

Tuesday, September 15 came like any other day. All was normal and I started my day getting Violet up, feeding her breakfast, saying bye to Daddy, and starting my own work day. Having seen my doctor just the day before, I knew I was dilated to 3cm, but I had been for almost a month! She suggested I bounce on an exercise ball to get things rolling. Around lunch time, I started feeling possible contractions. I called them "pre-contractions." Thankfully I knew what they were because I've done this before! I called Tim and told him he might want to wrap things up at work because I think something was happening. I continued bouncing on the ball because it brought some relief to the contractions, which were about 30 minutes apart. A couple hours later, my great friend/neighbor Jenni and I took a walk with the Luke and Violet around the neighborhood. By then the contractions were less than 5 minutes apart, but I was still able to walk. By the time we got back to the houses, Tim was home and I called my sister Wendy and my nieces to come over and care for Violet. I had instructions written up for Violet and told her that I loved her and I would be back. That part was very emotional as I have never left Violet overnight before. I cried on the way to the hospital because I knew that life was about to change in a big way for all of us!

When Tim and I arrived at the hospital around 5:30pm, they sent me to triage for examination. The nurse was convinced I was in labor but had to give it a little longer before admitting me. I told her that I would really like to have this baby before midnight because it is my mom's birthday. She told me they would do their best! I was admitted and all set up in the delivery room (which is the same room as recover as well) by 7pm. The contractions were worsening and I told them I was ready for my epidural :) During the epidural, my water broke, so we knew she was coming soon. by 8:59pm, Juliet was born! The doctors told me I laughed her out (two pushes), and the experience was just as great, if not better, than it was with Violet. I had prayed for a fast and smooth delivery, and that is exactly what I got! I am so thankful.

It was very odd to not know her name when they put her in my arms. Juliet was not named until the next morning when Tim and I were alone and the dust had settled. We decided on Juliet because it goes nicely with Violet, and Elise pays homage to my nickname "Lise," as well as just being a beautiful name. When they put Juliet in my arms, she almost immediately grasped my finger very tight. I immediately thought that she would love fiercely, and Juliet seems to fit that. We think it suits her perfectly.

I will have to write a separate post about our first week home and what it felt like to have a second child, the emotions involved, and the things I did not expect! We are all still getting to know each other and finding out new normal. Violet seems to be doing as well as we could have hoped. She refers to her as "sissy" and enjoys helping me by getting her pacis, blankets, diapers, etc. She hasn't expressed any jealousy (yet), so we are hoping it continues that way!

We are so thankful to the Lord for our healthy baby girl. We have so many prayers for her and cannot wait to see her personality unfold. The fact that Juliet shares a birthday with my Mom, the most incredible woman I know, is just icing on the cake. 

Juliet Elise Raney

8 lbs, 6 oz, 20" long

September 15, 2015, 8:59pm

Holding my Juliet for the very first time.

Baby Juliet

Daddy holding Juliet for the first time.

Getting ready to go home!

Click here for more photos from our time at the hospital and Violet meeting her baby sister!