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

While this is a tradition I tend to keep for a long time, it is more fun when someone else is in charge. It requires baking cookies, making icing, setting up table, 30 minutes of interest from kids, then the clean up process. All of that was better when I was the kid and left the other responsibilities to Mom and Ann. But someone has to do it, right?

The girls did good this year, and both of them really enjoyed it. Megan ended up with sprinkles, icing and goldfish for lunch, but totally worth it. There is a video if you want to see the experience.

Some more pics of just laying around the house… I don’t have any others because we have not done anything in two weeks. Mom and I got out for our first outing today to Hobby Lobby. Um… we were gone less than an hour. Pathetic. It has been frigid cold lately and everyone in the house has some sickness ranging from reflux to early bronchitis. We are all now officially on antibiotics trying to get well before all my family gets here for T-day. Let me tell you, it is really taking the fun out of the early days with Audrey. I guess we are all just bonding together right now.

All Audrey’s friends and family are asking for more pictures. Here you go.

Audrey has done well so far tonight. She tolerated both sisters and has been sleeping for the last few hours. We are going to eat once more and then all try to get some sleep. Thanks for all prayers and concerns. We are thankful for a new baby girl

Audrey Lynn Whaley was born at 5:53 pm and weighed 7.0 lbs and 19in! More hair than the other ones!

Man, things are changing before my eyes. You know they grow up fast, but I feel this has aged her years in just minutes. After an eye exam at school, we were prompted to get her eyes tested and discovered she is far-sighted. So here she is with her new glasses. She really likes them and insisted on wearing them to church tonight even though she doesn’t really need them except for at school. I am just glad she feels good about them. We practiced spraying and cleaning them, and discussed what we can and can’t do with glasses. This is a responsibilty that I don’t know she is ready for. Tomorrow is her first day of school with them. Say a little prayer that no punks make fun of my little girl.

We are approaching the final 6 weeks. You would think the fact that none of my clothes are fitting would be a good indication that Audrey is growing and thus, so am I. But my goodness! You really don’t realize how big you are until you see a picture. This may be the last one I pull Ethan off the couch to take.

Today was our second game. The girls gave a good effort, but it was very obvious, even to them, that the other team kept scoring goals. The girls play 3 on 3, on two fields. On the field I was watching, the score must have been us: 2, them: 20 ? At least we got a good lesson on defense. Alyssa had a few set backs today. She was trampled on the ground once which led to a brief pitty session. But she was up again and fell at least 3 more times. I told her that meant she was in the mix and trying to get the ball. While she had no quick break aways, she does hussle back to the goal each time to block the kick. Or the idea is to block the kick. Now if Daddy can just teach her to kick the ball away instead of just protecting the goal. Win or lose, I am so proud to see her out there trying. She runs and runs, and then still has energy to goof off with her friends. And I love to see her play with friends. Friends that she has made all on her own. The bonus incentive to get her back on the field was Nana and Papa were here to watch today.

Today, Megan turns 2 years old. Though if you ask her she says, “I’m four!” I am continually amazed at how much our children change in such a short amount of time. Currently, she is into Elmo, Backyardigans, Mickey Mouse, Curious George and pretty much anything else big sister likes. She is talking very well and at least I can understand most of her comments. Though there are always moments where we all look at each other wondering if anyone else understood her. She asks about the hummingbirds and gold finches that come to the feeders, the ladybugs that we have caught, and the flies that get in the house. She will walk around with the fly swatter saying, “Where bug go?” She knows her colors and can count up to five, then can get number 10. She tries to sing songs like “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, “Twinkle Twinkle” and “If you are Happy and you know it”. She sleeps in her twin bed just like Alyssa and they do pretty good at bedtime. She is usually the one keeping them both awake with all her questions. “Sissie? Sissie? (Alyssa has been instructed not to answer) Where’d mommy go? Sissie? Where lumpy? (stuffed animal) Sissie? More music? ” We are enjoying every moment of these two  girls and can’t wait to see the love that Audrey brings too.

We celebrated Megan’s birthday last night with friends, and had a great evening. Oma was able to celebrate with us this year and bought her a tricycle. We will work on the steering and hopefully she can chase Alyssa down the sidewalk in it soon.

Happy Birthday Megan!
(and to our friends Trey and Dawson)

Birthday Video and more pics