Big News

Most people who know me know I am a pretty laid back mom. I don't force my kids into things they aren't ready for. For example, G has slept in a crib with no sign of wanting out. I have tried taking the side off and end up in her room at 2am putting it back on. Well with the new baby coming and such a big change happening, I though it would be wise to get her out of her crib. We bought a twin mattress and put it in her floor and told her she didn't have to sleep in it but it was there if she wanted to. The first night she woke up twice. The first time to find her pacifier (which is a whole other story) and the second time she wanted in the crib (at 5:30 am). Since then it has been smooth sailing and she has done great with it. It is so nice to have her wander out in the living room in the morning with a big "Good morning." I am sure she feels good about being such a "big girl." I would also like to note, she never ever climbed out of her crib, which is why most kids end up transitioning to a regular bed and we never saw a need.

I took these pictures right after she fell asleep the other night. Out A/C had gone out so she was staying cool. Notice the "icy bear" on the top of her head. She had a bump from school and she insisted on taking her ice pack to bed with her.

Mischief

Whenever the house gets quiet and I am trying to get things done I have to make the choice between interrupting the mess that is being made of just cleaning it up later and getting done whatever I am trying to get done. It never fails, when there is silence, there is mess. I came out this week to find G "washing" D's hair with lotion.

Don't get me wrong, Darby was helping.

We have a little stream that runs on the edge of our land when it rains really hard and the girls love to play in it and splash all the puddles. They also like to jump over it.

Super G.

She is looking so grown up to me lately.

This one just looks cute.

Turtle Girl

As stated before, Darby LOVES turtles. I found this little guy last Sunday crossing the road and had to stop and get him. We kept him all day and pulled him around the house in the wagon wherever we went.

Turtles just make her so happy.

Giving him the sideways glance.

Close.

Closer.

We did finally let him go in hopes of seeing him again another day.

Mother Blessing

My wonderful friend Jennifer had a Mother Blessing or Blessing way for me last weekend. We made a labor necklace and painted my stomach with Henna. It was really a great day and I am so thankful for the other women in my life who came to bless me on my way into motherhood for the third time.

Here I am with my sister getting started on the painting. She did a Max from "Where the Wild Things Are."

This is the finished product with the Henna still on it. I had to leave it on for about six hours before I flaked it off.

Me and my girl Jennifer.

This is the necklace we made for me to wear during labor. Everyone brought a bead to contribute.

Here is my finished stomach the next day. It got darker over the next couple of days and today I can tell it is on its way out.