I almost like celebrating Ethan’s birthday as much as I do the girls. I like to do the unexpected and help make a big deal out of his day. The girls and I made cards and decorated the foyer for his arrival. We had chocolate chip cookies and pizza and just enjoyed our family. Happy Birthday to our Daddy.
It is so cute that I am not thinking about the hassle of breaking her of this habit in 4 years. Lately, she has been talking herself to sleep. I lay her down and hang over the crib and watch her put her fist up to her mouth. She will try to suck on anything that she can get in, but the winner lately has been the thumb. I have had a finger sucker and a pacifier baby. It is really hard to say which is easier. The fingers are always there to help soothe with no interference from mommy, but then there is the habit that you can’t do anything about. We finally won with Thumb on Alyssa’s fingers when she was 4. The pacifier can be annoying to wash, keep up with, making sure she knows where it is. But Megan’s paci mysteriously “broke” at about 18 months old and we were done. Guess the vote may still be out on Audrey.
Audrey is up to cute stuff now. She talks quite a bit when someone will pay attention to her. She kicks and squirms like she has ants in her pants, which is great to bounce herself in her bouncer. She was hitting her hanging animal from her bouncer seat (playing with may be stretching it). And she was caught sucking the two middle fingers on her hand. uh-oh. Of course, it didn’t matter that I took the stairs 4 at a time trying to get back up with the camera, I missed the picture. She has been chewing on her fist for awhile, but is still working out the decision between fingers, thumb or paci. Here is her cooing at almost 3 months. For fun, compare it to Alyssa’s cooing video. I think they look a little alike and I love that the same spider toy is in the background.
This iPhone has been over-used since Ethan got it. We use it for movies on the airplane or restaurants, Alyssa practices math and other games and lately Megan has been enjoying it. She says, “I want play games.” Sometimes I feel that this little device is taking over our life, checking email just because you can, entertaining children and even acting as Ethan’s alarm clock. But it is a pretty awesome phone.
Here is Alyssa before school.
And here is smiley Audrey. She still has some feeding issues and constantly spits-up, but she is so darn cute. Were the others this cute??
Well, she changed her mind when we got there, Megan that is. Ethan and I took the big girls (I love saying that) to Barnum & Bailey today. Heidi watched Audrey for us even though she had her two girls and is 9 months pregnant – THANKS Heidi! Everyone had a great time. They have done a great job with the circus since the last time I went. Alyssa liked the lady who spun around hanging by her hair and Megan liked anything having to do with the elephants. She continued to ask, “Where elephants go?” We filled up on popcorn and cotton candy and can’t wait to go back. They practiced being the ringmaster when we got home tonight. OUR VIDEO
We took Audrey on her first trip to Houston. It was wonderful to have friends and family to share her with and to see everyone again. It had been too long. We enjoyed being with our friends and cousins, cheering Brad and Steve on in the marathon and a little Single Ladies dance-off. I also got a new camera for my birthday. It was a surprise in the car on the way to the airport. I have been wanting one that I can carry around easily but still takes great pics. It even does HD video, which I have enjoyed using. More pics under 2009:Trips
Alyssa’s view from the plane.
P.S. Sorry for the lack of blogging. I have re-discovered Facebook and spent too much time over there I guess.
What is it about three girls that makes strangers pat Ethan on the back and give him this pathetic “I’m sorry look” ? Is three girls really that bad? Strangers are drawn to the baby carrier, and when they get a peek that this one is a girl too, they have to show their disappointment for the Daddy. Well, this Daddy is okay with his girls. This Daddy gets on the floor and wrestles and tickles. This Daddy loves the excitement they show when he walks in the door. This Daddy loves their hugs and kisses. This Daddy can put on tights and fix hair clips. This Daddy can name all the Disney princesses. This Daddy loves them all and wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks for taking care of all of us.
Audrey went for her 2 mo check today and is growing great. She is right between Alyssa’s weight and Megan’s at this age. Imagine how big she would be if she could hold down any of her food. She is 50% all around and doing good. She is smiling and generally happy. I haven’t heard much cooing yet, but those third born probably do everything slower. We are getting better at napping. I say “we” because it does take work on both our parts. She usually goes down quietly while watching her mobile and takes a good nap until the next feeding. At night she is sleeping between 5- 7 hours, so I feel a little better during the day with more sleep. I can’t believe how fast she has grown out of the newborn stage, but I am looking forward to the days to come!
Update: I didn’t do as well as I hoped for playtime with the girls. I was able to put work on hold to Ethan’s dismay, but I have a hard time letting the housework go. But I did get all five of my New Testament readings in this week. And I am proud at that.
Audrey is approaching 2 months. She is looking around and following what her crazy sisters are doing. She does a good job of holding her head up and is smiling. She may be reaching and grabbing for toys by now if someone would give her some. I look back at the time I used to lay around on the floor with Alyssa and read and play from the day she was born. It is no wonder that she is so bright. Well, I just hope Audrey has some divine intelligence. She seems content to just hang out on the floor (with a constant drip down her neck) or in the swing. She doesn’t even realize that she has other options. But I am re-dedicating myself to motherhood this week. I will be on the floor. I will tickle. I will sing. I will make goofy faces. I will ignore the mess. I will enjoy these moments because I know they will be gone all too soon.
We had a low-key Christmas this year, at least until all the Whaleys arrived on the 26th. Though it is hard being away from my family and the activities that we would usually share, it is nice to wake up in your own house and celebrate Christmas as our own family. The girls got a few gifts Christmas morning and we enjoyed a big breakfast together. I think we played and relaxed all day in our PJs. Ethan’s family arrived the next day and we had another present ceremony where the girls got a lot more stuff. Megan’s favorite is her own pair of princess shoes and Alyssa is enjoying her LeapFrog Tag. We have enjoyed doing nothing for the last week or so and have a few more days before we have to get back into the school routine and maybe started on some resolutions.
One that I am doing this year is spending more time in the Word…okay lets be honest…spending any time in the Word. I have been making mental excuses for way too long, and I think God finally is giving me some help. At the church we have been attending, they announced last week that they are encouraging the congregation to read the New Testament in 2009. They have a schedule to follow and you can read 1 chapter a day, Mon thru Fri and be done in one year. This seems like something I can do. I was excited to get started today, but the schedule doesn’t actually start until Monday, the 5th. If anyone is interested, I will send you the schedule. Happy New Year to all.