Splish Splash.

Nora and Susannah are two very different ladies. Nora was the teensiest little Bitsy of a baby, with her dark hair eventually turning a really cool honey color. Her eyes (and temper) are just like mine- dark. Other than that, she's a mini doppelganger of her Dad; wide mouth, curly toes, and the opinion that the deep knee bounce is the world's best dance move.

Zuzu entered the world a full pound and inch larger than her "big" sister. Last night- at two weeks- her measurements equaled Nora's- at one month. Her white-blonde hair is gloriously confusing to us, as are her bright blue eyes. The only traits that she and I currently share are a penchant for snuggling and the ability to sleep exceptionally well on any surface. We have no idea whose doppelganger she is.

But aside from having dustily Victorian names and a mother who tends to over-kiss her young...here is something else that the sisters share.

They both abhorred their first bath.

Since the photos were almost identical- and identically hilarious- I thought I'd indulge in a little photo essay. 

Nora's first splash.

 Suzy's first splash.

Nora can't handle it.

 Susannah has words for us.

Identical mouths.

But this gal's mouth isn't that far off, either...

Okay, maybe we do know to whom she belongs. And yet again, it's P.J.

Mazel tov.

No, really.

But if they're anything like Mommy, I give 'em a year before they're lounging in the deep tub with bath salts, a good book, and the finest of classic rock playlists on Spotify.

B.Y.O.Sippycup.

Sisters...

...pose for Emo band photos...

...threaten to eat each other's faces...

...and reluctantly share Dad.

Blatant Displays Of Excessive Affection.

Auntie KT loves Zu.

And now, a bit of a love letter to my newest crush, Susannah Mae.

I know that all new parents believe their infant to be the sweetest, most even-tempered child ever created. But they must be mistaken. For it is my multiple-nicknamed baby.

She is so good- which I realize is a terrible mantle to place upon a child- but seriously. She is. Suzy only cries for two reasons; extreme hunger and extreme nudity. I completely understand.

Completely content to snuggle and kitten snore in anyone's arms, but she positively coos and shows a deep left cheek dimple (which I swear is an early smile- it just is) when she's with me.

I love being someone's favorite.

Modeling with Mim's handiwork.

And not only is she totally cool with her big sis Nora "kissing" her with a full-body tackle...but I swear she lights up at the mere sound of the biggie's voice.

Sure, it's a little biased of me, but she is easily one of the prettiest kids I've ever seen. I've seen a lot of cute kids, too. But none with crazy blonde hair like Zuzu sports. It shows no signs of thinning (yet- praise Jeebus) and her eyes get a brighter blue each day. The genetic improbability of this child really only adds to her magic.

She has three tooth buds. Now I'm no dentist and/or mystic, but that's awesomely advanced and lucky. This is a fact.

And did I mention that she sleeps five hours at a stretch each night, starting at the same hour each evening, waking only once for feeding and changing? I haven't gotten this much sleep since before this whole pregnancy thing started. It's kinda sick how the first few weeks with our newborn are easier than the entirety of the third trimester.

We shall keep her. And continue to pose her awkwardly. And potentially kiss her too much, mostly when she's trying to sleep.

Punkins.

Remember all of those pre-Susannah panics I had about time management, Nora's feelings, and strains on my marriage? Yeah, scratch those. I must have been insane to think our life with Suzy would be anything but awesomesauce.

I should have known better.

Second kids are obviously just meant for [sweet-natured] greatness.

Trust me.

But Who Will Prepare My Latte?

Going A'Work.

We have had non-stop staff here at Chez Schoeny. And it's been great. Crazy and [slightly] hard to get used to [initially], but great.

My Mom flew in the Sunday before Susannah's birthday. She quickly set the kitchen to her order, all the better to stock the freezer with pans, Tupperwares, and Ziploc baggies full of our (okay, mostly mine- but Peej is NOT complaining) favorite foods. Also, there is no laundry hanging out anywhere in our bedrooms or bathrooms. I once saw the woman do a load of laundry with three items. Plus, she got the task of Nora-wranglin' while we jaunted off to have Suzy.

My Dad fixed and built things all over the house, including an incredibly impressive revamp of our laundry/work room. Like, one can now walk into the room and do laundry and/or work. Shelving, storage, and work benches, oh my! This room is also the home of P.J.'s new tool chest. It's an early birthday present from the Flynn side of the fam, and it's the manliest of manly accoutrements. (My Dad went to go heft that thing home, too.)

Bethany came over yesterday, right as my Mom was cabbing it to Midway- and a good thing, too. My Mom and I, while both extremely in touch with our weepy sides, are extraordinarily hesitant to do so in front of "company." (Even though B has a) seen me cry, and b) napped with me.) Thusly, my Mom leaving me forever to flounder in new Mommyhood was not as tragic as it could have been. Bethany followed up this gem by promptly making me a snack, tucking me into the couch with Susannah for a nap, and proceeding to play "restaurant" with Nora for close to an hour. Did I mention that she also brought piping hot lasagna, salad and rosemary bread for supper? (Bethany For Mayor.)

And late last night, my big sis Kate arrived via O'Hare- just in time for my late night lasagna snack. She's spent the a.m. chasing down N.J., dealing with some seriously serious diapers, snuggling Suzy, and giving us presents. There's also talk of taking someone out in the jog stroller if the rain lets up. (I don't know if she means me or the Biggie Bug, but either way- it sounds just lovely.)

This weekend will herald in the Week O' Schoenys, as my in-laws will take charge once Kate leaves...but I'm a little worried what will happen once my built-in staff takes their well-earned rests in the own homesteads. Am I going to have to do laundry? The dishes? Diapers? Who will hold my children when I shower?

Okay, that'll be the first thing to go.

We'll be just fine. And I'll start to be more hands-on with housework, et. al really, really soon.

Maybe after my nap.