The Kang Girls

I can't believe how quickly time continues to fly by us. As cliche as it sounds I truly can't believe how quickly my girls are growing up. I absolutely love watching them grow together and begin to create the amazing bond between sisters that will last them a life time. Madi LOVES her baby and continues to smother her with hugs, kisses, love pats and even licks. Ella is completely enthralled with Madi. She loves to watch her and laughs easily when she sees Madi. It has been so long since I posted so here is a brief update on each of the Kang girls:

Little Baby Ella,

You have become a sweet and mellow baby. You really only fuss when you are tired or hungry but that fuss can quickly turn into hysteria if you don't get what you want. You still are not the best sleeper but I am not sure if that is because you truly are hungry or you just want a little private cuddle session with Mommy. You usually go to bed around 7:30 or 8, wake up at 2 and 5 to eat and then are up at 7 for the day. Although last night you only wole up at 4am to eat...mommy is praying that this will continue! You like to take cat naps in the morning but will take a 3 hour afternoon nap (at the same time as sissy...mommy loves this). You eat every 3 hours during the day and have finally begun to take a pacifier. You are now 4 months old and are growing so fast. At your 4 month checkup you weighed 13lbs, 4oz (50th percentile) and were almost 26 inches long (95th percentile). You are very long and are finally starting to fill out.

You adore your sister and watch her every move during the day. You love to sit in your bumbo chair and exercauser and take it all in. You are constantly sucking on your fingers or chewing on toys. You are a very smiley baby and love to be snuggled. You are a chatty little one and make all sorts of sounds. You are the perfect addition to our family and you bring so much joy to us all. Having you has been a completely new experience for us. We have been able to just enjoy you and not worry about weight gain, heart issues, feeding issues, and all the health issues that had become our reality. Your birth was a breath of fresh air for us. I was able to keep you by my side from day 1 and never had to leave you at the hospital...something I had dreamed about. I fell in love with you the instant I met you. I am amazed at how our love as a family just grew the day you were born. You truly do complete us. I love spending each new day with you...slowly learning more and more about you. Many people have told me that you seem to be a very wise baby...an old soul and I couldn't agree more. I love you sweet baby girl and am excited to get to know you more every day.

To my Madi,

You amaze us each day with all that you have accomplished. The most exciting news is that you are now walking...everywhere. We waited TWO years for you to reach this milestone and the long wait seemed to make it that much sweeter. When I sit back and reflect on all that you have endured, all the setbacks and extra struggles, I am even more amazed at what a strong and independent little girl you have become. I sometimes forget that a year and a half ago you were recovering from a complicated open heart surgery. It wasn't that long ago that you needed the help of oxygen to drink your bottle...and now you are walking! It truly blows my mind. You had a rough start my dear and yes, compared to your typical peers you are a very late walker...but that is okay. The most important thing is that you are doing it! You are happy, healthy and learning new things everyday. You are doing it all at your own pace ans we couldn't be more proud of you.

You hit the infamous "terrible two's" a little early and (knock on wood) it seems that you may be through the tough part. You still have your strong opinions, tantrums, and sassy moments but you have a heart of gold that shines through. You truly have the sweetest spirit I have ever met and bring so much joy and laughter to everyone you meet. You love to say Hi to EVERYONE and are always the greeting committee anywhere we go. You make so many people smile...complete strangers constantly comment on what a sweet girl you are.

You were a picky eater for a few months but are now back to the old Madi...eating lots and loving just about everything. Here are some of your favorites: berries of all sorts, oranges, grapes, ham and turkey, hummus, cottage cheese, avacado, cheese, eggs, rice, pasta, edamame, asparagus, bananas, pizza, goldfish crackers, pirate's booty...the list could go on. You love to sing songs and know the hand motions to: patty cake, itsy bitsy spider, 5 little monkeys, if you're happy and you know it, the more we get together, and row row row your boat. You love reading books, stacking blocks and playing with your play kitchen. You like to play with your baby dolls and make them dance and clap their hands. You still love to empty out your toy boxes and throw your toys across the room...I'm patiently waiting for that to get old. You have quite a few naughty things you like to do on a daily basis when mom is tied up with Ella. A few that come to mind are: playing in the toilet, pulling out all of the baby wipes from the container, dumping out the diaper bag, climbing on the fireplace, getting into the pantry.

You have become a very independent 2 year old. You hate to have your diaper changed and try to swat at me every time I lay you down to change you. You demand that you feed yourself with the fork and spoon and get very angry when I try to help you which usually ends with food being flung on the wall. You quickly swat my hand away when I try to help you walk. Although it may be frustrating to me sometimes, I love how independent you are. I love that you want to do things for yourself and although it may take you longer and may not be very graceful, you are always very determined to succeed. I love you so much Madi Lou and can't wait to see what you have in store for us!