Nicole is Here!! | Mixed by Mark

Introducing the newest addition to our family: Nicole Melanie Mark!
She was born 2 weeks ago, and we are so thrilled about her arrival!

She weighed 7 lbs, 2.8 ounces and was 20½ inches long. And she couldn’t be more perfect!

We've spent the past couple weeks adjusting to life as a family of four. It has definitely been an adjustment, especially for Elayne. She was used to being the center of attention all the time, and to having mommy's undivided attention. But, although she has had to adapt to the new family dynamic, Elayne is proving to be a fantastic big sister!

Elayne loves to hug and kiss her little sister. And she's been very good about being gentle with Nicole. And she wants to help with Nicole however she can. So far, this has involved giving Nicole her pacifier and helping to hold a bottle for Nicole. It's so much fun to see Elayne interact with Nicole and accept her role as big sister.

It’s funny: we thought life was difficult when Elayne was first born. We were so unsure of everything, worried we’d mess something up.
Now, looking back, having 1 baby is so easy. She slept most of the time. We spent the majority of our parental leave sitting on the couch, snuggling Elayne, and watching tv.
It’s much harder now to juggle a newborn and a toddler. They are both on different schedules (or in Nicole’s case, no schedule at all). We still have to take Elayne to school and activities. We are dealing with bouts of jealousy, and we have to relearn how to do everything with two kids now. But I know we’ll manage. And I can’t wait to see how our family grows and develops.