The ultimate mother hen

So, the other day I set Grant down in Arianna's crib while I got Arianna ready for her nap and changed her diaper. He started to get a little fussy, so Emma took it upon herself to climb into the crib with him and try to console him. (This is all happening right next to me as I change Arianna's diaper) She tried to talk to him and cover him with a blanket and snuggle him. Finally she asked him if he wanted some milk and proceeded to lay down next to him and tried to get him to nurse. I found it so hilarious I had to run and get the camera! She really is a very good big sister and adores her brother.

Looking at them side by side they really look a lot alike. Except that Emma's eyes are brown and I think Grant's will be blue. (Kenneth's not convinced of that, however)

Grant

Well, here I am after one month finally sharing a few pictures of our little guy on the blog. He is growing up so fast, I can hardly believe it! He has gained nearly one pound per week these first 4 weeks! Little chunk!! He is starting to smile at us occasionally, which is always gratifying- especially for the mom who has to get up with him in the night! It is a nice reward. It is interesting- with Emma, I would get so sad when she grew up; I wanted her to be my little baby forever. With Grant, I find myself excited for all the milestones he will hit. I can't wait for him to play with toys and laugh at his sisters and walk and play! What a miracle these little ones are!

Silly little girls!!!

We sure do get a kick out of our little girls. Arianna is saying so much and surprises us all the time with various things she says. The other night we were driving in the car and she started singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. She had never done that before! Last night she bumped her head and out of the blue said, "Knock Noodle". (We always say they "knocked their noodle" when they bump their head) We didn't even realize she knew what that meant. So, here is a little video for you to see how silly they are and how much Arianna is talking (and singing!)

It's a Boy!

No Baby Yet!!!

Well, I am 40 weeks tomorrow. Yup- tomorrow is the due date. About 2 hours from right now, actually. I am sure ready to have this baby come. But, I guess it is nice that he waited until now to come. My dear mother-in-law arrives tonight and that will definitely make things easier when we have to go to the hospital that she will be here with the girls. Emma is terribly excited to see Grandma in the morning!

I have another appointment tomorrow and I am hoping I don't have to go to it! Wishful thinking probably.

After nursery at church today the nursery leader congratulated Kenneth on our new son. Apparently Emma told then we already had the baby. Funny. I guess depending on how they asked her the question, it is easy to misunderstand a 3 year old's response.

Well, time to go lie down!

Angel Girls

I am so thankful for these two precious girls I have been given. I am not quite sure what I will do with a boy yet, but I am excited to meet him too! It is crazy that the due date is 3 weeks from yesterday. Wow. Life is going to change again! Kenneth is out of town this week, so all I ask is that this baby holds off until he gets home!

Our little girls are really growing up fast. Emma is such a mother to Arianna. In the mornings she tells me she will watch Arianna when I take a shower. Today she told me that she and Arianna would watch the baby brother when I take a shower. She said they would be very soft with him. Yikes. I am not sure about that one! Emma might do okay, actually, but Arianna, I am not so sure how soft she, at 19 months old, is going to be with the new baby. At least Emma is already gearing up to babysit. I guess I have that to look forward to in a few years!

Arianna is so funny. She cracks us up every day. She is a very spirited child and very friendly and happy, but if she doesn't get what she wants, watch out!! She is saying so many words and amazes me everyday. She is even trying to sing the alphabet song. That is way sooner that Emma ever tried to sing anything. I guess Arianna has Emma to learn from.

Emma loves her books, crayons and singing. She has an entire reperatoire that she will go through if she has any sort of audience- or even without an audience for that matter.

Thought we would share some of the sweet pictures from the last little while. They make us so happy- most of the time! I guess I need to control what I say to them more in those trying moments. Case in point- Arianna started to climb onto a stool Emma was about to use to wash her hands and Emma yelled out at her, "You are frusterating me, Arianna!" Oops. I wonder where she got that from!


One of our last days in the hotel. Emma will tell you she doesn't like the new apartment. She wants to go back to the hotel. I think she liked going to breakfast every morning and choosing whatever she wanted. Of course, the elevators were also a big highlight. She wanted to press the buttons every time!


The girls have loved swimming this summer. We have a great pool here at our apartment complex and they are loving life!


Sharing milkshakes- yum!

Arianna loves to try on Emma's underwear for some reason. Here she is trying on a pull-up. For those of you who are observant, yes, it is a boy pull-up. Emma insisted on the Cars pull-ups. She wanted nothing to do with the girls option. Oh well. I just love that little face!!! Still only 4 teeth at 18 months old!
In the Capitol visitors center.
At the Jefferson Memorial- looking out at the Washington.
Arianna riding in the stroller.

A Capitol Fourth

So, we figured since we were here in the Nation's capitol on the Fourth of July we ought to take advantage of some of the wonderful events offered, despite my being 7 1/2 months pregnant and it being very hot and a mad lot of people. We were glad we did! We had so much fun attending the national parade in the morning. We were able to sit right across from the Archives Building and had a great view. The girls loved seeing all the huge balloons. One day we will have to take them to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade!!

Right after that we headed up to the Capitol to stand in line and wait all day for the show that evening held on the lawn. It was so neat!!! Definitely worth the wait!! We got to see Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, and others perform. We also got to see the cast of Sesame Street, which Emma loved even though she's never seen the show!! The entire thing was broadcast on PBS and we were shown in the audience a number of times.

The fireworks afterward were pretty incredible. It was a great day- we love America!! When Emma saw the fireworks she asked, "Mom what are they doing that for?" I told her that it was America's Birthday and fireworks were a way of celebrating. She thought for a moment and said, "We can make America a Birthday Cake, Mom." She is so sweet.