Introducing … Lily Anna

Hi Everyone,

Alexander, Anna and I are are very proud to announce that Lily Anna Gingras was born June 3rd, 2012 at 10:04 AM here in France (at the same maternity clinic as her brother).  She joined us after a relatively short labor and weighed 3.04kg.  Both Mom and Lily did great.

It is our great pleasure to introduce you to Lily Anna…

 

A couple things for Mom and a journal entry to save the details for a later date.  Lily decided to join us on Mother’s Day in France.  So, it was an even more special day for Anna.

 

This is Lily when she is less than a minute old.  As you can see, her full head of hair is quite a contrast from her brother.

 

Alexander met his little sister when she was only a few hours old.  Happily he seemed very excited and curious to meet her.  Plus, he has been very sweet and gentle from the moment he saw her.  Now, we can only hope that lasts the rest of their lives!  I suspect there may be a few moments in the next 18 years where that peacefulness doesn’t last… but, we’ll see.

 

Nani has been invaluable in taking care of Alexander.  Her help has allowed us to focus on Lily and everything related.

 

This time, instead of having both grandmas here, they spread it out (Grandma Chris is coming in September) … to help share the load over a longer time.  Although Anna is amazing and could take care of both children alone, a helping hand for a couple weeks is always nice.  These are the times where we really feel far away from a built in support structure.  Although we love living overseas, it can be a bit challenging.  Those living at home (or those who have never left the proximity of their family) can’t really understand that.  Again, that’s why we’re so grateful our family and close friends are willing to come see us as much as they do.  You know who you are, and we are so grateful.  Plus, we have great friends here who are always willing to help … whatever that may be.  So, a big thank you to you as well.

 

See Dad, I’m being gentle!

 

So, my parents have a picture of me and my sister at about the same age (we are 14 months apart).  The difference is that I’m trying to pick up Julie … apparently to take her back to the hospital because “baby cries.” I wondered if Alexander would have the same reaction to Lily … on the contrary, he seems to adore his sister.  Not that I didn’t love Julie right from the start, I think it took me a little longer to adjust.  😉  I can only hope that Alexander and Lily grow up to have as good of a relationship as Julie and I.

 

She’s so tiny compared to X.

 

 

 

In France, a longer stay in the maternity clinic is the standard.  So, Anna was able to enjoy 4 days.  On Thursday, Lily came to her home.  The trip tired her out!

 

For her first week, Lily has been a very good sleeper.  She eats and sleeps like a champ!  We don’t know if this will continue but the first week has been great!  She’s perfect.  🙂

 

 

The happy family hanging out on the couch for the first time together.

 

So peaceful.

 

Here’s the chic hat made by Ramata again.  Lily wears it as well as X.

 

Speaking of the little man, this week is also his second birthday.  So, we had some of his friends (and their parents) over for a little party.  He LOVED it.  Here are a handful images.

 

He’s asking for candy … before he even has a slice of cake.

 

Happy 2nd Birthday Alexander!

 

Yum, Nani’s cupcakes…  Oh, and there was a piece of candy on top.  Even better.

 

Someone has a bit of a sweet tooth.

 

Alexander and his best friend, Juliette (along with her mom, Daisy — one of Anna’s good friends).

 

 

 

Yay!  A dump truck!  X proceeded to run around for about an hour pushing his new truck.  He’s getting so fast.  Plus, he’s very talkative… It’s about 80% English and 20% French.  That is, a midst the 50% we can understand.  🙂

 

Nothing like a chocolate, handlebar mustache.

 

Ok, that’s it for the first week.  A big week for the whole family.  🙂  We look forward to a very bright future.  Later this summer, we’re planning on introducing Lily to the family in Wisconsin.  If you’d like to meet her, let us know.  As always, we’ll have a busy schedule when we meet the family.  We wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Until the next post…

 

–Jim (Anna, Alexander and Lily … or JAXL)