Three Weeks

My friend Liz and her four year old daughter Sophie came to visit from Washington, DC. Liz is one of my favorite people and I rarely get to see her, and it's rarer still, like never, that she's able to come visit and actually stay with us. So I didn't want to take her up on her offer to take the girls out without me.

And I was feeling pretty well yesterday. So we packed up our girls and hopped on the subway for an easy ride to Coney Island.

The girls were thrilled with the experience, which made it all worthwhile. Sophie even said, "This is the best day of my life!" Of course there were the inevitable meltdowns (Sophie's) and delays but it just so sweet to see their joyous faces. Except that I was so damn tired by the end. Apparently there's a reason you don't see a lot of three week olds on the boardwalk or at the Acquarium (we ended there, just so I could nurse the baby before heading back).

So last night I did something crazy and hired a night nurse who was recommended by my postpartum doula. Yes, all members of my hired staff. She seemed great, although I did just wake up from a scary nap nightmare where she attacked me. It was wonderful to hand over the baby and go into my room and close the door. I woke up once to pump but was otherwise alone. I just wish I knew why I still felt totally exhausted.

So she's coming back tonight. She's going out of town for a few days and then I will have family here for a couple more days (so no place for the night nurse to spend the night) and I just can't bear to go that long when I barely feel any better. So she's coming. Even though it feels recklessly extravagent.

In other news, after investing in five different kinds of pacifiers -- all sent to me by that wonderful online company -- Amelie has finally agreed to accept one. Naturally, the last one we tried. Never mind. I couldn't be more proud than if she had just graduated from college. My life has already gotten better.

Meeting Amy

And meeting Sophie

Another sister shot from the wreckage

Getting some serious cheeks!

Three weeks old (and two days)

First, and only, tummy time. Only because Leo was doing it. Are we really supposed to be doing that already>

My how the second child suffers. I can't remember any of this stuff and who has time (or inclination, really) to look it up?