Malloy Family Memories: Marching Right Along

It's hard to believe just a little over four months have gone by since I gave birth to my second little precious girl. I've enjoyed my time at home so much that the time has passed quicker than I imagined. Tomorrow, I start a new job at a hospital company only 12 minutes from our house and the girls have their first full day at a new christian-based daycare nearby. On one hand, I'm looking forward to the new challenge at work. I'm also hopeful that the new christian-based curriculum will be a positive influence on the girls as they grow up. On the other hand, I am so extremely sad for my time at home with the girls to end. This time around, I've actually had time to organize, work out, cook, and most of all enjoy my girls.
After I got through the recovery phase, it became easier and easier to handle a day at home with two. Now I look forward to it more than anything. Adalyn has learned an appreciation for "Elmo," which entertains her during Eliana's feedings. She is also talking so much and it brings such joy to hear her say new words, belly laugh when we knock over a tower of boxes together, and lean over to kiss her baby sister when she cries. She has such a sweet heart. The additional time has allowed us to both understand each other better and develop a really fun routine. And my little Eliana... she is so good natured and all around sweet and peaceful. She's in a great routine of eating, playing, and napping but also enjoys watching her big sister during the day. Tonight, my heart is torn and hurting just thinking of letting them go.
We did get to enjoy some time together as a family down in Destin last week before starting the new routine. On the way down, Eliana got to meet her great-grandmother McGuire (Yoo hoo) in Columbus. Aunt Rebecca, Andrew, and Pax joined us in Destin as well as our friends the Schabliks. I have given up on the possibility of a relaxing vacation with toddlers and infants so it was definitely challenging, busy, and a lot of fun all in one week. Adalyn initially didn't like the sand, but by the end of the week she was digging with the cousins and making castles with her daddy. We also found a great park nearby and, of course, hit the stores for some shopping.
The trip was not without some funny and sweet moments from my girls. While browsing through some clothes at Belk, I walked up to some of items and said "this is cute" while also picking up the tag to check the price. Adalyn quickly caught on, skipped looking at the clothing, and went straight for picking up the tag while saying "cuuuute." It was hilarious. Also, when I was younger and went on vacation with my cousins, they used to call bathing suits their "baby soups" and it quickly stuck as a family tradition every time we go to the beach. I thought on this trip I would teach Adalyn how to say "baby soup," but instead she got confused and said "no, MY soup." Guess she didn't want to wear the baby's "soup" to the beach! And then on our last night of vacation, the Schabliks left so we moved Eliana out of our room and into the extra guest room so we could pack. When Adalyn saw what we had done, she quickly ran to her bed saying "baby, baby," grabbing her blanket and sound machine, and shaking her pack n play while saying "move." When I asked her "do you want to sleep with your baby sister?" she just looked at me with hopeful eyes and nodded her head. We set their beds up together for the first time and when I brought the baby in later after her feeding, Adalyn popped up, said "hey, baby" and started singing her to sleep (ABCs of course). I can't wait for more family vacations with these two in the future!

Here are some pictures of our beautiful March together. No promises on how long it will be before I post again as a working mommy with two little girls!