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i love.

on my 36th birthday, i am a mommy.

© justin hackworth photography

three peas in a pod

from the second i gave birth to both of my daughters, i was spell bound.

suddenly, there is no need for nutrition or sleep. nothing outside of the hospital room matters. there is no want for anything but to hold and love this perfect, tiny, amazing human being. hours and hours are spent watching them sleep.

she's been in this world for 4 minutes.

she's been in the world for 6 hours.

she's only been here for 2 days.

she's perfect.

my first baby girl was born 14 years ago. my second baby girl was born 9 weeks ago. each experience was totally different in every aspect ... EVERY aspect. but i am so in love with both of them that it actually makes my heart ache.

she's been on this earth for 14 years.

she's been here for 9 weeks.

they are perfect.

when they smile, my heart melts. when they are sad, my heart breaks. when they accomplish something, my heart races. and when they laugh, my heart flutters.

motherhood doesn't come without its challenges but the happiness far outweighs the hard times. i know that chloe and lucy are mine. i know my grandpa sent them down with a big kiss and some good advice. i know julie's mom loved lucy, played with her, and sent her down with a special softness that she still carries.

we'll never be the family in matching shirts at Disneyland. we'll never be on time. there will always be expired milk in the fridge. we'll never follow all the rules. there won't be a lot of baking happening in our house. Christmas cards will always be sent out in february. rent will always be late. and one of us will always have a mysterious rash or illness. but at the end of the day, my girls will know that they are loved, safe and perfect. they will know that nothing is more important than the truth. they will know kindness and gratitude.

we'll live with the unexpected. we'll dream about summer homes in mexico. we'll burn frozen pizzas. we'll sleep through school when it snows. we'll laugh at each other. we'll follow our hearts. we'll make really stupid mistakes. we'll fight. we'll pull nana's wig off. we'll forget our coats. we will live with a lot of gratitude and hope.

with so much love and such amazing daughters, i know we can grow from any crisis or heartache. even if it means taking it one day at a time.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!



My grandma's birthday is on January 2. I love this picture of Lucy with her great-grandma. My grandma is an amazing woman and is definitely the glue that holds our family together. I wish her many more years of happiness watching Lucy and Chloe grow up.

Little Lucy

i suppose i succeeded in creating the world's worst baby blog ... but i promise to do better now that lucy is HERE.

lucy jameson ridd was born on october 28, 2010 at 1:42 p.m. she weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20 inches long. her daddy and sister were VERY excited to meet her!

she is the most perfect little squirt in the world.

we just went to her 2-month check up and she weighs 11 lbs. 4 oz. and is 22 inches long. she is in the 50% for all her measurements ... in otherwise, a perfect baby!

i can't express how happy she makes us, all of us. she is loved by so many wonderful people. she is so special and we are so lucky to have all of you in our lives. i will try to update our blog soon!

sweet baby girl

one of my favorite things this week ...

i have a lot to be thankful for this week,

especially family and friends

and a little angel baby girl that is safe and sound.

my sister gave me this wall hanging for the nursery and i love it so much.

thank you ALL for the love, visits, treats, dinners, hugs, flowers, calls, texts, books, groceries ...

the list goes on and on. i am extraordinarily blessed.

and there is no doubt that lucy is loved loved loved loved.

7 Months Down ... 2 Months To Go!

Today I was reading an article at Parents.com and a message flashed that said "There are 61 days left in your pregnancy". This made me really happy but also REALLY anxious. There is still so much to do!

I was also reminded that human pregnancy is really closer to ten months than nine, so it's no wonder it feels like eternity. Regardless, it's a relatively short time to create a tiny miracle baby. I still have a hard time believing Chloe was manufactured inside my belly.

In other news, the baby formerly known as Spook is currently being referred to as Lucy. Lucy Jameson seems to be kicking her way into our hearts. The more people hate it, the more we love it. I know I am overly sensitive in my pregnant state but seriously, what is wrong with people? When you ask someone what name they have chosen for their baby, is it really your right to tell them how horrible you think the name is? It's not your baby. It is VERY rude.

Anyway, Lucy should weigh about 5 lbs now. My cold seems to have finally dissipated and the unpredictable vomiting is less frequent. Things seem to be right on schedule. I'll post an update next week after my doctor appointment. As for those of you who have requested an updated photo, here you go:

Our main goal right now is finding a place to live. I am really anxious to have Nick move down here. Things seem better when he's around. And I am really excited to put together a small nursery. We want little LuLu to have a peaceful, happy place to come home to. It is a lot to think about in a short period of time!

My sweet sister Mindy has helped me start a registry online. And I am IN LOVE with these legwarmers I found at the mall:

Yes, of course there is a matching headband!

Little girls are too fun to shop for! I don't know if Nick knows what is in store for him ...

That's all for today! xxoo