mother's day 2012

Mother's Day gets better and better each year.  I love being a mom, and words cannot express the amount of gratitude I have for my children.  They are everything to me.  Love abounds in our house because of them.  And I couldn't ask for a better example of a wonderful mother than my own mom.  She is my biggest fan, my best friend, my loyal companion.  She is there for me always with open arms to hug, a shoulder to cry on, and listening ears.  My mom shares in my experiences, and gets just as sad during my hard times and rejoices with me during my happy ones.  She has taught me all about friendship, family, the Gospel, and love.  I have also learned the true definition of clean, the love of baking, and the ability to be excited about everything.  I can only hope to be the kind of mother, grandmother, and woman that she is.

This is the usual scene around the house.  Josie is learning how to sit up, while Lillian is mastering her walking skills.

And laughter. They make each other laugh all day long, which is music to my ears.  This eye-to-eye look is priceless, and I would love to know what they're thinking.

What can I say... Josie's a good sport.

josie's blessing day

A beautiful blessing, a beautiful day, a beautiful girl.

Oh, I love that sweet smile.  Josie smiles so easily, no matter if she is playing, sleeping, being teased by her sister, or even spitting up.

Our family of four. and I know our other four were with us as well on this wonderful day.  I can only imagine and look forward to the happiness (and chaos!) when all 8 of us are reunited.

It was so fun to celebrate this special day with our family and friends.  Josie is surrounded on all sides by love.

Happy baby, happy mom.

She, like her sister, is a gift straight from heaven.  Words cannot express our gratitude for the miracles we call our children.

3 months old

Josie is such a sweetheart!  I love everything about her- her big eyes, her skinny arms, and her fists held so tight, especially when she is in the bath or eating.  Recently she has started smiling, which just melts my heart.  I love feeling like she recognizes me and loves me... if she only could know how much I love her.

I can't believe it's been 3 months already!  She's getting bigger, but I love that she is still little and cuddly.  When she is asleep on my chest, all is right in the world.

And with a little Prevacid, she can even crack a smile while spitting up. 

family photo shoot

Oh how we love our two little girls.  Lillian loves books, Josie loves binkies.  Lillian is moving non-stop, Josie could hang out in her bouncer all day.  Lillian can sleep for 15 hours straight, Josie can sleep for 3.  It's hard to believe that one day they might look the same age, for right now they are incredibly different.  But both of them bring us more joy than we could ever imagine. 

All pictures credited to Peg Watkins Photography.  Check her out here.

Josie's new coat

She's 2 months old. And the coat is a 3 month size. I'm sure by next month she'll fill it out.  I wouldn't want her to get cold.

hello world

Hello out there.  I'm 7 weeks old today, and getting bigger and bigger.  I just might be up to 8 pounds!  My mom keeps me inside most of the time- she doesn't want me catching anyone's germs.  But I'm tougher than she thinks.  She's trying to get me chubby, even though one day I might want these long, skinny legs back.  We are all looking forward to spring, when I can get out and play a bit more.  Until then, I'll be chillin' in my pj's and swaddle blanket, dreaming of all the people and places I can hardly wait to see.

big and little sisters

Lillian is proud to show off her baby sister.  She is very curious about Josie, wanting to look, touch, and figure out what this new little creature is all about.

Sometimes Lillian gets a bit too close, but Josie seems to be a pretty good sport about it.  Lillian just wants to play!  It will be so much fun to see them become the best of friends.

introducing...

Josie Ann Watkins

Born December 22, 2011

6:47pm

6 lbs. 1 oz.

18 1/2 inches

We are all in love.