If I Can't Walk [MOMLIFE]

My mom was diagnosed this week with a hereditary disease that has affected her feet in particular, causing her significant instability and the need for a walker. Since her diagnosis, the more I think about it and look back retrospectively, the more I'm convinced I have it.

If I do indeed carry the gene, it'll hopefully be a number of years away before my lifestyle will be affected, as the progression of the disease is slow.

With this on my mind and as I think about the future, I had this convo with Nui Nui tonight:

Me: Nui Nui?

Nui Nui: What, mama?

Me: Are you going to take care of me when I get old?

Nui Nui: Yes.

Me: What if I can't walk?

Nui Nui: Then l'll hold your hand.

My kid. Man, did I hit the jackpot! xo

Big Sister Greets Baby Sister Good Morning [MOMLIFE]

Sister Moments: Tummy Time Coach And Loving Rocker [MOMLIFE]

A Look At Tummy Time Close Up - Sisters [MOMLIFE]

Tummy time is one of Nui Nui's favorite times, which is a little surprising since the baby inevitably will eventually get frustrated and cry. But Nui Nui is so supportive and encouraging, and so excited when the baby lifts her head. It's even actually one of the things that can get Nui Nui to immediately stop and jump away from whatever she's doing, including the iPad.

It's so interesting to see children's reactions to small babies. When they hear a newborn's cries, they identify them, want to see them, ask questions about and touch them. I never knew this but have experienced it firsthand now, since I was in my final trimester and ongoing. What fun it is and how thankful I am that Nui Nui can have a sibling, who she loves and is so proud to have.

Love my girls, my little warriors. This is family. xo

First Time Holding Baby Sister! [MOMLIFE]

Nui Nui has been a rockstar kid and big sister ever since her baby sister has arrived.

I read/heard these stories about how others prepared their first child for when they brought their second one home— a resounding GET A GIFT to distract them and make them feel special or whatever, was the message I got. And so I did. Along with birthday shopping, I got her one of her requested birthday or xmas gifts— a Doc McStuffins Medical Kit.

But, honestly, she didn't really need it. So far, even as I write this, a week after the baby was born, Nui Nui has not displayed any jealousy. Granted, I haven't had my usual energy and had to a couple of times say 'later' when Nui Nui asked for me to play with her or take her outside, but she wasn't crushingly disappointed (at least I didn't think so, or hope not) and other than that, we're good.

Instead, to spend time together, we do things from the couch, whether it be watching a movie together or reading a book, or even building things together (yesterday it was shelf from this Black & Decker construction kit I got her this summer).

The day after I arrived back home, the second she heard the baby cry in the morning, she immediately ran into my room to see the baby. She brought her Mama Tigger, her favorite stuffed toy, in with her to show and comfort the baby.

Throughout the day, she continued to show more love— asking what she can do to help and offering suggestions of what she can do (feed, bathe, and push her on the swing at the park :>). When I changed the baby's diaper, she came by to again offer her help and then began to talk to the baby and hold her hand. She said, 'Can you say my name? Michelena. Mi-che-le-na. It's easy.'

Needless to say, I'm very proud of the girl I am raising. I couldn't be more happy or lucky. Going forward, it'll be double the fun.

Finally, we got a moment before bed and Nui Nui held the baby for the first time. She did a great job. Her response after the few shots I took below: 'Mama, can you take her? She's kind of all wiggly.' Baby was hungry but Nui Nui held her like a pro :> xo

Baby Room Decor Idea! - I Love You Alphabet Letters [DIY, MOMLIFE]

Interior decorating is by no means my forté but, after seeing baby room photos posted by Instagram mamas I follow, I was just curious to see what other ideas are out there. So, of course, I took to Pinterest.

That said, this is by no means my idea. However, I did execute the idea in a slightly different way. I believe the pin I saw used paper mache letters, which might have been easier to implement because you can pick them up premade at Joann Fabrics. Each letter, however, costs $3.50, so I was looking for something a little more affordable.

I was with a friend at Joann's who happened to be eyeing a Cricut for a while now— not that I knew what it was but have since learned. She offered to make me the letters, which is what you see up on my wall.

The paper is fancy cardstock, which are available in pads and single sheets, and I hung them up simply using masking tape.

Shout out to crafty mom friends :>

I have some more blank wall space and might consider some other DIY projects. If you have any ideas or suggestions, I'm all ears. Leave your thoughts or links in the Comments, and I'll be sure to check them out.

As for 'baby room', that might be a misnomer. This is my room. But what's mine are my kids' :> xo

Our Love Grows As My Belly Does [MOMLIFE]

A couple of nights ago, I felt like my belly just popped! (as I was nearing the end of 36 weeks).

I was about to take Nui Nui to bed and she began to hug me (in chinese, it's called 'deh', which means when a child cuddles close, just like little kids do, with the ones they are closest to) and play with the baby. That's right. Every once in a while, she will kiss, tickle, touch, or rub her nose (what we call 'ugga mugga') on my belly, her sibling. It's the sweetest and one of the signs why I believe she's going to be a great big sister.

It was late and she (as was I) was tired. Nevertheless, the girl still has got a lot of love in her no matter what time of day it is. These are the days. xo