Friday, August 29, 2014

As Summer Wanes.....


After Lena's appointment this week we realized we were minutes away from Bryn Athyn Cathedral.  Although we don't agree with the theology associated with this church we stopped in to see the beautiful Gothic building, gorgeous grounds and new organ going in. Such a building made us think about the really old Gothic churches in Europe and what their buildings may or may not have stood for. The good news from that day was that Lena's need for surgery is almost non-existent and we're praising God for that, thankful for growth in our wee lady.  One of Emmeline's favorite past-times is sitting on the porch (in jammies and slippers) watching Papa and the tractor circle the house. The waves and cheers make the event seem heroic even though it is usually mundane. Having an almost 2 year old does things to normal activities.  This girlie is terrified of certain things at this season of her life: blenders, mixers, weed-wackers, vacuum attachments, hand-blowers in public restrooms and seagulls.  So cooking is a little interesting as my helper is usually plastered to me until the fearsome noise is "All done". In the fringe of the day we've done a bit of crafting/gifting for an upcoming baby- felted wool mittens and hat from an Irish wool sweater that I unfortunately washed.  But it was fun and made us think of other possibilities for the future. As summer wanes we're finding ourselves busy but thankful for all of these little events.  






 











Sunday, August 24, 2014

3 Months

Sweet baby girl, you are three months old! You are getting to be pretty funny and laugh at your feet or the ceiling fan. You love patterns and lights, music and kisses.  You seem to love Brahms best of all. Emmeline was more of a Beethoven girl at this age, but not you. Little Lena you are smiling so much and it is so much fun! God must have planned babies to smile just at the time when parents begin to despair of any sort of normalcy again.  You rolled over and can hold your head up all by yourself. You love to stand and push and bicycle. You were shocked when you discovered a cat. What a strange looking person you must have said to yourself. Clara cat has decided you are her baby and wishes to lick you and wash you. We try to distract her to other deeds but she really loves you best of all. Maggie does not like you too much and tries to sit on you. Emmeline now says your name, though it is more of a "Lina" then "Lena".   We went on our first trip with two babies- to Stone Harbor with Dad Kleeman. He was a brave soul to not only travel with us but stay with us.  Emmie was delighted with the ocean and sand, the pool and Granddad but not fearsome seagulls. We went to the Cape May Zoo and the Giraffes are still all the rage around here.  Summer is suddenly over. The Queen Anne's Lace is out, the crickets sing during the day and I think of all the blessings of this summer.  Happy Three Months baby girl- you are a joy to know and love! 























Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Sister love


Recently it struck me that I have been given the gift of two girls.  As the days fly by they won't just be a newborn and a toddler together but playmates and friends. Already Emmeline is Lena's best representative, offering up useful comments such as "La diaper, La come, La night night, La mad, La need socks, La drink?" She comforts Lena when she is said, offers her her favorite (green) pacifier to soothe all woes, laughs at kicking feet and smiles and takes great delight in sharing her books.  Its a marvel to watch the world unfold around Emmeline's 2 year old mind, but even more spectacular to watch her share it with her beloved baby sister.  This week we had Oma here and Oma trumps all others when she comes.  We canned peaches, read piles of books

 









Lena 3 mo.

Emmeline 3 mo. 




Sunday, August 17, 2014

The Many Faces of Lena

Its been three months (tomorrow) with our newest girl and we've been delighting in her many faces and the corresponding emotions that come with them.  Here are a few we want to remember:

Too bright!

Toots

Something hurts - by far the one we saw most months 1-2


Content

Laughing at big sister

Shocked

Interested

Perplexed


Contemplative

In Love

Can't focus yet

So tired

Derp

Hi

Intent on something

Angry

Recognition

Silly/laughing

What are you doing to me?