Family of four, getting used to it

So this is how it's done... Oh there I go again, looking for absolutes and regularity and patterns in the habits of an infant and a 20 month old.  The realization that nothing is for sure, ever, and that this state of flux is going to last for years is something that I'm learning slowly.  It's more of what works today, and whatever that is, it probably won't work for tomorrow.

Poor Nolan has been having quite a time of it, I imagine its because he's too young to understand the duality of his emotions. Loving on and kissing Frances' head, and wanting mama, "hold you mama" simultaneously. We are getting to know a new babysitter (his first regular one) that is play with Nolan dedicated and will come twice a week in the afternoons.  We also carve out Nolan and mom time for books and nap and bath each night. We are working on doing things with him while holding baby girl, so that it doesn't feel like we are hands off whenever we're with her. But it's a lot for the guy! He is teary eyed a lot, and wants to be close to us, sometimes opting to stay home with me rather than go outside.  Yesterday he refused to nap in his own bed, and instead wanted to sleep and nurse in the bed I've been sleeping in, next to Frances' bed. It is so hard to witness his sadness and be a little helpless, knowing that her needs are really important now. 

My sweet boy taking "pictas with mama."

Brother meets sister for the first time.

Aunt Gretchen and cousin Avy came for a weekend visit- heaven for Noley.

Watching baby "nursh."

Me overusing the words "gentle touch"... Nolan has perfected the head rub.

Arnie has to learn too.

Dad's baby magic.

The return of kicky pants! (Favorite baby clothes)

Snoozer.

And this is where we are now, this handy phone I got makes it possible to update with a sleeping baby, though the formatting is funny.  And she's up!