Our Adorable Girls

Clara Natalie, 2 years & 8 months

Janie Caroline, 3 weeks

UW Family

Auntie Michele just doesn't stop... Clara, and now Janie, have a ridiculous amount of UW gear (clothes, toys, accessories) courtesy of my dear friend Michele. It has become a joke in our household because every time she visits the she brings gifts for the kids and most of it has a UW theme. Of course, we do think they do look adorable in their Husky purple...

Janie's first Husky Game - big win over USC

We probably wont make it to any games at Husky Stadium this year, but we make sure to have fun watching the games at home. Clara seems to really get into cheering the team on and can recognize Jake Locker from the other players on the TV... credit goes to Michele on that one as well!

Auntie Michele with Gem and Scout

Husky baby

Janie & Clara - Sisterly Bonding

Janie meets family

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The "New" Michael Family

Getting a family photo just got a little trickier - but this is one of the first of many! We are so blessed!

Thankful for Grandmas!!

As our family has made this beautiful transition in welcoming Janie, we sure have been thankful for our help from Grandma Jan and Grandma Carol. Grandma Carol came over early to spend time with Clara and keep some comfort and consistency for her while we were at the hospital. Grandma Jan came to be a part of the labor and was able to stay and enjoy Janie's first week along with us. Having the extra help was almost essential with the second child so that we could focus on bonding with our new little one trusting that Scout was in good hands.

Gem's name in fact is variations of our mothers' names. Janie after Grandma Janis (both names are from the same root and mean "God's grace") and Caroline after Grandma Carol. We are so thankful for our wonderful mothers, how much they have shaped our lives and their important role in the lives of our sweet little ladies.

*Of course we have great Dads as well, and our girls are lucky to have them, it's just that Grandmas are a little more "hands on" during this phase.

BIG Sister Scout

Clara's pal Davis sent her a great cookie bouquet. As we received deliveries and visitors, Clara seemed to think they were all for her and ate up all of the attention.

Once Clara was finally feeling better, she got to hold her baby sister. It was so neat to watch her beam with pride in her new role of BIG SISTER!

Enjoying a fruit flower from the edible arrangement we received from the Ryan Family - such a hit with our kiddo!

Clara LOVES to help with Janie's care. She runs to get things for us, gets the diapers and wipes ready and wants to be a part of all the new routines. We are finding ways for her to participate, but not without a few minor disasters. During Janie's second bath in this tub, Clara unplugged the FULL tub and since we were trying to be as quick as possible (Janie has yet to become a fan of bath time) and focused on getting the job done, we didn't notice until GALLONS of water created a water feature rolling off our kitchen island in all directions. Poor Kevin had to clean out drawers and cupboards that had standing water in them - we won't make that mistake again!

Now Janie seems to respond to Clara a little. She likes it when she sings or talks to her and Clara is so sweet and gentle with her baby sister. Watching tender moments of the two of them together has been a joyous experience for Mommy & Daddy who feel so amazingly blessed with our two sweet little girls!