Bathing Beauty

It's a little fuzzy, but I couldn't resist this shot of Piper afyter her bath.

Uncle Brian & Girls

When Piper was just over a week old, Uncle Brian came up to meet his newest girl. He was a pro, carrying her in the Baby Bjorn as if he'd done it dozens of times!

Crib M ates

Does Piper look like Kyla?

Kyla is 4 weeks old in these top two pictures.




Piper is 8 days old in the lower two pictures.

Piper's Diaper

We've gotten a few questions about the name "Piper". First of all, it simply means "a pipe player". Like "Kyla" (which means "strait of water" and if you really stretch your research and imagination, "lovely"), it was more about connotation than meaning. We deliberately chose names that aren't in the Top 100, and sounded confident, sporty, and bright. We wanted a name that sounded like a top athlete as well as valedictorian; a name that seemed confident for girlhood and self-assured as an adult. And Piper is also a bit quirky; you never know what to expect from a Piper.

The unintentional rhyme of "Piper's diaper" (which is quite impossible to avoid these first few months) is unfortunate, I admit. However, that shouldn't be an issue by the time she is ready for Kindergarten!

Honestly, I’m still getting used to the name (although it was my number one choice all along, and Dwayne quite graciously gave up his favorite name for mine). But I do know that whatever connotations I have now of each of the girl’s names, the name will grow to fit the girl, and not the girl to the name. Seventeen months ago, a few weeks after Kyla was born, but still a before her actual due date, I had no idea that my firstborn would be a rough and tumble, happy-go-lucky, not-afraid-of-any-height, carbaholic, kiss-her-baby-sister-on-the-head sort of child that she has shown herself to be in the first year and a half of her life. She is amazing.

And you haven’t seen anything yet….

Denise
Proud, proud mother of Kyla and Piper

Sleeping Beauty

Piper sleeps very soundly in the sun on Grandma Kruger's shoulder.

Big sister "helps"

Kyla seems to really like Piper, petting her head whenever Piper's within reach. She also seemed very intent on getting her out of her carseat and covering her up with her blankie. As you can see, her intentions were a little suspect--Kyla climbed into the carseat as soon as Piper was out!

Kyla wants to hold Piper.

And keep her warm and cozy!

Oh. All she really wanted was Piper's seat.

Tee Hee!

Piper Is Born!

Piper Rose Need was born at 6:15am on Valentine's Day, weighing 7lbs 7oz. She is beautiful! Mom and baby are doing great.