I want to see this movie with my girlfriends, some wine (or an unending amount of tea and Pumpkin Spice Lattes), and an entire pack of tissues from Costco. Wow.

And the Summer blooms...

"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."

F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Raquel Rosalind V. was born on July 24, 2011 at 12.48 pm. She was 8 pounds 1 oz, and 21 inches long. The last month has been the most rewarding and exhausting of my life. She is growing so fast, and has such a strong personality already.

So our little family is filled with July babies...my birthday, then Raquel's, B's and Duke! It will be a busy month for us, with our wedding anniversary in the mix as well. Summer is going to be a very special time in our house.
Honestly, I feel like every day is a special day now. I am overwhelmed with how much I love this little person. She is starting to smile with regularity, and at times the only thing that can console her is being cuddled up in my arms. Late at night, I (with varying levels of success) sing Disney songs to put her to sleep , and she snuggles into my chest. She makes the most adorable noises, and I've started to call her my little bird.

Duke is not a fan yet, but she is growing on him. Once I'm feeling a bit less cut o

pen in the middle (oh, C-sections), we will go on regular walks with the two of them. I'm sure that will help his opinion of her. Once she starts solids, they will be best friends. Until then, I just try to cuddle with him when I am not attached to the baby. My life is one big cuddle-fest. B has even jumped on that train, and hugs me CONSTANTLY. It must be nice for your wife to lose 30 pounds of gut in a week and a half. He is especially loving all of the extra room in our bed. I was such a whale.
Tomorrow we are doing a "photo shoot" for Raquel's 1st month. I'll post the pictures soon, but until then, here is one to tide you over!