Maternity Leave Reflections

As my maternity leave is quickly drawing to an end, I have been reflecting back on the past 14 weeks of being home. How did time go by so quickly? What happened to my plans of unpacking our new house, finishing Micah's baby book, starting Macey's baby book, and blogging more often?  Although I didn't accomplish all of my to-do list projects, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Macey and spending more time with Micah too. In addition to a lot of snuggles and playtime here is a picture heavy post with what we've been up to over the past few months.

MD visits : ( The first week of my maternity leave was a little (or a lot) stressful, as Macey was jaundiced. This picture shows and reminds me just how yellow she was. We had to make daily trips to the hospital to have her bilirubin levels checked. She had to have multiple blood draws out of her poor little foot. Fortunately, her bilirubin levels dropped on their own and she didn't need to be put under lights.

A MUCH appreciated visit from one of my best friends, Jackie! After dealing with a jaundiced Macey, a sick Micah, Kyle's busy work week schedule and a very cold week, she will never know how much I appreciated the good conversation and yummy lunch that she brought that day.

Lots of cuddles - I love how much Micah loves his little sister!

It was certainly a cold winter/spring maternity leave - no two-a-day walks like I did on Micah's maternity leave. BUT, this little guy loves wearing his puppy hat so much that he frequently asks to wear it in the house and at daycare.

Micah's 2nd Birthday which included a trip to Bounce World and a Pizza party at Mr Pizza

Micah and I took a Kindermusik class with Miss Linda in Rochester every Monday for 4 weeks. Micah seemed to enjoy it. We'd usually hit up the mall playground and food court after class with Grandma Carol.

Loving the extra space in our finished basement

A day trip to the cities to meet baby Gus and see my best college girlfriends

Celebrating Papa Jim's birthday at the end of February

Another trip to Bounce World - this time with good pal, Harrison

New double BOB stroller. Over the past few weeks, we've been able to enjoy several walks and I even got a run in yesterday in the beautiful 50 degree weather.

A fun Sunday afternoon visit from cousins Andie and John while they were back in Minnesota on spring break.

Another wonderful visit with Jackie and her family. The kids had a blast playing together and we enjoyed Ryan and Jackie's company.

Another attempt at a group picture. Haha, Oliver and Micah refuse to smile for pictures together. I think that we're 1:20 in pictures where we've gotten both boys to smile at the same time...

These pictures truly reiterate how great the past 14 weeks have been. Tomorrow a new normal begins. I  like my job and my co-workers, but I love being a mom to these 2 terrific kiddos. Fortunately, Kyle is off tomorrow, so the transition back won't be as difficult. Macey starts daycare on Thursday. We have an upcoming trip to the Dells with our good friends the Kelleys to look forward to this weekend. For the rest of the day, I'm going to enjoy a lot of snuggles with my little girl, a walk in what's reported to be last day of spring weather before winter returns, and one last day in my yoga pants!