School Days

Sydney had her first school pictures a few weeks ago, and I think they turned out pretty cute. I have to say I can still hardly believe that I have a child in school. I know it's only preschool, but it still counts. She looks so big and grown up with her huge backpack, walking in and saying hi to her friends and the teacher. It's been such a great experience for her, too. She has grown academically, socially, and spiritually. It's also really good for her to have to listen to someone else besides me all the time! I felt really guilty at the beginning of the school year, though. I enjoy the time alone with Savannah while Sydney is in school, which immediately made me feel like a horrible mother to Sydney. How could I possibly enjoy spending time away from my daughter? Nobody told me about how guilty I would feel for bringing in a new baby and rocking her little world. It has been SO good for her, though. With a sibling, she has learned to be kinder and gentler, and to think of someone other than herself, which is no small accomplishment for a child her age! I'd have to say that has been the hardest part of adding to our family for me, the guilt. I just can't get things done like I used to, and we can't do all the things we used to do as a family. I'm having to learn how to carve out individual time with each of them. But, I know that this is a temporary season, and honestly it's a season that I am cherishing. I love the stage where Sydney is at, and I love having a newborn, even during the hardest parts. I wasn't too excited, honestly, about having a baby. I wanted another child, and I wanted another grown up child for when Sydney is an adult and Chris and I are gone, but I wasn't too keen on the idea of a newborn. I was very pleasantly surprised about how much I love, love, love this baby phase with Savannah. I can't seem to get enough of her! Maybe because it's the last time, or maybe because I know how fast it goes, but I have been cherishing every moment with both of my babies lately. The baby phase is fun, and Sydney is old enough that we can do "grown up" things together. They are such a blessing!
So for today, I'll leave you with these pictures of my little blessings. I spend most of my days nursing Savannah, and when she's done she chills out on her little pillow and this is the view I get...

So precious! Then, sandwiched up against my side, this is what I see...

Oh, I heart them so much!