There is no question that Bennett loves Clara - he is constantly asking to hold, snuggle, burp, kiss and love on her. For Clara's sake (safety) we're working on some boundaries - like not climbing into her crib to hug her. It's so sweet to watch him grow in this new role. He's also embraced the cheese face so all his pictures these days are silly.
After going one full week overdue, with little to no signs of progress, we opted for a repeat C section. We had the morning to prep Bennett for the events, leisurely pack our bags, grab a latte, and head to the hospital knowing it'd be a few short hours until we would meet Clara.
One final bump picture proves that this girl was going to be much bigger than Bennett - our bets were in the 7-8 pound range. It was a dreary spring day in Seattle but with a forecast for a weekend of sun, we were hopeful she'd emerge to enjoy some Vitamin D.
Brent had to get all dressed up for the occasion and unlike last time, never had to leave my side. The whole experience was calm and well orchestrated - so much different than last time.
I got to hold her within seconds of being born and we fell in love right away. With our previous labor experience, at the point we held Bennett, we were emotionally and physically exhausted. This time we truly got to experience and soak up the miracle of having a baby.
She topped the scales at 8 pounds 14 ounces (2.5 pounds bigger than her brother). She was nose up inside and was looking right at them when they opened me up - which would have proved to be a difficult labor.
Happy parents waiting for her to be checked out so we could love on her.
She was hungry immediately and wanted to nurse in the OR. We waited until getting back to the room but the girl knows how to eat and was not shy about it.
We had just one visitor the first day - Grandma brought big brother Bennett to meet Clara. He was equally fascinated with Clara and my IV. After a few snuggles, he went off to spend the night with Grandma and we enjoyed our first night with the new babe.
Cousin Laurel (2 months old) came to visit and is barely bigger than Clara.
Going home - they let us out at the 48 hour mark and we were so excited to get home and enjoy our family of four. And the sun was out to boot!
Sweet, sweet girl, we are in love. Welcome home. 
Born June 1st at 1:02 pm by C Section. She is a love and we are so happy she is here - Bennett is one proud Big Bro. We are settling into new routines and life is full - we are so blessed.
I had to work Easter weekend so my boys headed down for an egg hunt at Grandpa's house with the cousins. Bennett discovered chocolate and therefore the eggs were a huge hit.
Bennett put his new fishing pole to use and caught his first trout at Fish Lake in Plain. He was very excited about his "big salmon" he caught and ate it up for dinner.
The Friday before Easter we attended an Easter Egg Hunt at the Children's Museum and then dyed eggs at Shauna's. Bennett was a bit of an egg "hoarder" and even swapped his easter basket out for a shopping cart at one point to maximize egg gathering.
And I'm officially 36 weeks along - and feeling very round. I had Shauna take this picture because I am convinced I am already bigger than I was with Bennett at 41 weeks. I feel pretty good still but definitely am slowing down a bit. Brent and I toured the birth center last week and all the girl clothes are washed and folded. We're ready!
We attended a semi-local toddler carnival and Bennett had his hand at various kiddy activities - such as soccer playing, cake walking, and face painting.
Mommy and Bennett (and friends) had a date while Daddy was out of town - we went to the Cheesecake Factory and of course, enjoyed a slice of their specialty.
We went to opening weekend of the Tulip Festival but since spring has been so sluggish to start, there were only Daffodils to enjoy. But it was a great family day with minimal crowds and a yummy lunch in La Conner.
We went out to our property for a little time out of the city and for some sun. Bennett and I took a little hike while Daddy was out hunting turkeys and my pregnant body could barely keep up with Bennett - he hiked all the way up and down the very steep hill all by himself, stopping to give me "rests" when I asked for them.
Bennett took a spill at daycare on the playground and broke his fall with a dump truck. His gash was fairly superficial but we did end up in the ED for the first time - fortunately just for glue, no stitches this time. He was a trooper and never seemed bothered by the wound.
Brent takes Bennett down to the UW horticulture center some days when I am working so we all went together one day. Bennett is learning to use the spotting scope and can name eagles, blue heron, crows, hawks and robins. 
Using his tools to transform a TV box into a playhouse
Fashioning a window
Earning his keep - helping to wash Grandpa's truck
Central vac = fun firehouse
More tools - "fixing" things I'm sure
Organizing Grandma's soap before bathtime in the swimming pool size tub
Park time
Safety first when playing playdough
