I clicked on the folder labeled “Madeline’s Weekly Photo Project” last Tuesday.  I knew I’d neglected the project but was really disappointed to see I hadn’t labeled a picture since week 10.  I was confident that I hadn’t taken enough pictures to make this project work and was sad.  After I realized how hard this project was for me with just Wes, it had been a fear of mine that Baby #2, who turned out to be Madeline, would not have this same record.  But by some miracle I’ve taken enough pictures!  The timing is not perfect from picture to picture (I know of at least one instance where I took pictures in two different outfits on the same day….) but the general point of the project is still here.  You can see still the change and growth over time.  I’m so delighted I pulled this off!  And now, here is Madeline’s updated project (well, almost…she’s 34 weeks this week and I only have up to 33 here).

Madeline was a real cry baby in the beginning.  Bedtime was especially hard.  Even without looking at these pictures I have a hard time thinking back on that time.  Looking at these 5 and 6 week pictures I just think – thank goodness you’re not 5 and 6 weeks anymore.  Some people love the newborn phase.  I am not that person.

This blue sweater was Wes’s!

Wes’s grey pants!

Madeline is definitely her own person, but go back and look at Wesley at 17 weeks.  There are a lot of similarities between the two depending on the angle!

Wes’s chambray!  None of these clothes I’m pointing out made it into his weekly photos!  It would have been so fun to see some of the same things on both babies.

Evelyn’s teacup playsuit!

My Steppie made those two dresses above.  I took these pictures when it was still a little cold out.  I hope Madeline will still get some use out of them over the summer.

Here’s Wesley looking ridiculous in the same bunny hat!  And what a fun Easter that was!  I had forgotten!

This was Evelyn’s and she wore it to Wes’s first birthday party!

Like I mentioned above, newborns are hard for me.  Babies overall are hard for me.  Navigating life with two kids has been difficult.  But Madeline is a real delight.  I thought she was going to be so serious, but she’s a very happy baby.  Quick with a smile and always trying to catch the eye of a stranger.  She’s very tolerant of a big brother who has so many lessons to learn in personal space (I’m apparently not the right teacher for such lessons).  If you surprise us at home she can frequently be found wearing her most recent meal.  She’s got one tooth and babbles like the best of them.  Some of my favorite moments right now are Wes singing or quietly talking to himself in the backseat of the car accompanied by Madeline’s ba-bas, da-das, and other coos.  Wes is a sweet big brother who loves to show Madeline things.  I know the dynamic will change as time goes on, but it’s a sweet time right now.  It’s hard but there’s so much joy.