Sisters

Anyone who knows us knows that while Jordan likes to say he's in charge and I like to think I'm in charge, it's really Madison who rules the house! So we were very interested to see how she would react to McKinley. Ever since we found out we were having a girl and decided on her name, we've talked to Madison about baby McKinley. We started out just including her in our prayers and having Madison kiss my stomach goodnight (which sometimes turned into a zerbert for McKinley!). Eventually, Madison was the one insisting on the goodnight kiss and talking all about things she was going to do with McKinley, including reading her stories and having her sleep in the "big girl bed" with her. But whether or not Madison actually realized that the idea of Baby McKinley would one day translate into an actual baby was anyone's guess. Madison is also very much a Daddy's girl so I was a little nervous about her having some jealousy issues. Anyway, needless to say, I was very excited to see my cute girl Saturday morning but very anxious about how she would react to her baby sister.

At first, she didn't really even acknowledge her. I think she was just more about seeing me since it was the first time she and I had ever been apart for a night. Our first attempts at pictures left a lot to be desired! But gradually, she became more and more interested. She climbed up next to me and started examining all of McKinley's body parts, even insisting on pulling her blanket off to examine her tummy and toes. Then she helped us pick out something for McKinley to wear and get her changed. The more we did together, the more she embraced her new role as big sister. By the end of the day, she was completely in love with her sister! Success!!

Now Madison is more like the mom than the sister. She is fiercely protective and hands-on, maybe even a little too much so :) McKinley is the first thing she asks about when she wakes up, and she's always trying to pick her up, give her the pacifier, etc. At one point in the hospital, we wanted McKinley to sleep so we pushed her basinet to a corner of the room that was darker, but Madison would have none of it. She immediately protested and pushed the basinet back to my bedside! She loves reading her stories and trying to comfort her when she gets upset. She's also been very helpful to me with bringing me diapers, picking out clothes, etc. It's also been funny to see Madison try to imitate McKinley when she's snuggling with Jordan. Madison will climb up on the couch and attempt to snuggle with the two of them, but she can only sit still for a couple minutes and quickly abandons the attempt. Silly girl! Overall, I think we're a very happy family of four!!

Checking out Baby McKinley for the first time! Turns out little sister has all the same parts as big sister - we spent lots of time examining eyes, ears, fingers, tummy, etc.

Not too sure about this :)

I guess she's alright ...

But I still don't know if I'm happy about it

Hey, this baby stuff is kind of fun!

Don't cry Baby McKinley, Big Sister will make it all better

Making herself at home

Sister love

Kisses for McKinley

Cute girls

Madison wanted to read McKinley her new Mickey Mouse book but McKinley got a little restless so big sister had to help out! (I promise her head wasn't flopping around as much as it looks like - I was leaning back!)