Team Smith

Today Macy's held their third and final family event of the season. Which was odd to me since technically the season is only just beginning. Maybe they will be too busy with holiday shoppers to continue to have events? Anyway, the author of Elf on the Shelf read the story and then did a signing. Cassy really liked hearing the story. We did not purchase the book, but we did have fun! The line for Santa was ridiculous. But there was no waiting to write him a letter and send it to the north pole. I asked Cassidy what she wanted to share with Santa and she said she wanted to write him a Happy Birthday card. Did you know his birthday is next week on Thanksgiving? I sure didn't! But Cass did. After she drew a picture we went for a donut. 

We are in the midst of week 5 and Savannah smiled yesterday! It took my breath away. She smiled a few times today. Yes, that is double-stick tape holding her bow in place- no judgement :-) Savvy now weighs 10lbs! and is 21 inches long. She is cooing and goo-gooing. She started noticing her hands two weeks ago. She hasn't found her toes yet. And she is tracking objects and turning her whole head. Warning: Social opinions to follow. Exit now if you only came for the pictures! My little social commentary for the day- her social security card came in the mail. America officially recognizes my child as a citizen.  She didn't have to take a test on the history of the country. She didn't have to do community service or work. All she had to do was be born here to get the magical all access pass to privilege. There was a time when we wanted, pleaded for people to come here and find their dreams. Aside from the people who actually lived here first, ...

How cool is it that Savannah got to meet her Great Grandma Benninghouse?!

 It takes an act of God to get my mom to visit. Seriously. Some of y'all know the history of indecisiveness, financial instability and fickleness that arises when my mama, in her Texas drawl, utters the words, "I'm coming to visit..." ( She was born and grew up in Lubbock, but resides in Denver and the twang comes out when she is excited or scolding me :-) So I could not thank God, or the universe if that's your cup of tea, enough for  allowing everything to align and come together for her to have visited these past couple of days. Because I love her. And I love her in a deeper, different way now that we share the moniker of Mother. Every moment I get to spend with her, even when in disagreement, brings me much joy and reminds me how much she has sacrificed in giving me life and loving me. And she doesn't like to be in the photo, but I did catch her in at least one...At her request we took a walk and some pics today in Millennium park. Watch out Chica...

In lieu of having a pre-baby shower, we had a Meet the Baby party! Thank you to my Aunt Rene for hosting this fete. We did have a registry because people kept asking us what they should buy the baby and when we said nothing, it was an unacceptable answer. So, in the end, I'm really glad we did it this way. People knew that Savvy was a girl and knew her name. And got to meet her! Which is the best part of all. I look forward to getting pics from Aunt Rene, but here are just a few. Also, thank you to Reverend Steve for letting us use the church! We have truly been showered, no pun intended, with love and are beyond thankful for our friends and family taking a moment to help celebrate Savvy's arrival and making Cass feel included! The phone calls, emails, flowers, cards and gifts are very much appreciated. I bought a box of thank you cards today and plan on starting those during the next 3am feeding :-) Aunt Rene and Savvy Delicious!!! Definitely keepi...

We're walking around outside and Cass has to go potty. I suggested Starbucks, Matt suggested Old Navy because it was closer. Now the angel on my left shoulder knew the right thing to do would have been to walk the extra block and hit up Starbucks. There are two on every corner and the bathrooms are pretty clean. But the other angel, yes I have two angels and one has a halo that is slightly askew on my other shoulder, knew if we went to Old Navy there would be sales! Plus the added bonus of Matt getting his way, putting him in a good mood and solidifying my chances of taking advantage of the aforementioned sales! So, with no hesitation I told the hubby that his was the better suggestion and into Old Navy we went. While there, Cass got a balloon for good behavior. Then she walked around with Daddy while Savvy and I hit the baby section.  We do have a system of sorts. I pick out only stuff on sale, then take the pile to Matt and he helps me winnow it down to one item. On my way to...

We are in the midst of week 2 with Savannah and can't believe she wasn't here before! It's funny what I remember and don't remember. I remember how to use a breast pump, I don't remember how much it hurt the first week in using it or that it's tricky pumping both at the same time and then removing the equipment without spilling milk! I remember waking up in the middle of the night, I can't remember the best way to fall back to sleep. I remember how to change diapers, I did not remember how often we should, and do, change them! Bit by bit, it's all coming back... And I find myself enjoying it more! The high anxiety and stress and fear I felt with Cass is not so much in the forefront this time around. So I feel better able and prepared to take care of her with confidence and an ease that was not there with Cass. But there is still a lot of unknowns and surprises- enough to keep me on my toes!