If pictures tell a story.....

then you'd quickly discover that I have two cooking assistants, one of whom is a flapper (you can tell by her headgear). You would learn of Farmer E who is putting her garden to bed for the season, of favorite Richard Scary books and the littlest organist on the block (reading the organ magazine).  You would notice the laundry piling up because a wee lady insists on attention, the artist at work and the accomplishment of the week: shapes and sewing. If pictures tell a story, then our life is good.  

         

This and That

These days are filled to overflowing and time dances by. Suddenly....Autumn. So we're 

busy trying on winter coats and pumpkin hats, sweet newborn hats I hoped we could still wear and playing outside in jammies.  This week Emmie learned to sing Holy Holy Holy, Twinkle Twinkle and the doxology.  She also learned the first two questions of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  She is like a sponge, listening for new ideas, words and colors.  The moon and stars are her friends and we say goodnight each night.  We play the ABC game and she asks now for her own piano lesson and gives "lethons" to her babies.  Baby Lena has been to see two more doctors and we're glad to know she is growing steadily at her own pace in spite of all her belly troubles.  She sings now too and babbles her sweet language.  Her favorite face to follow is Emmeline's.  This week I heard myself say things like "No, don't put that pea up your nose" and "No, dogs don't go to church", "Are you wearing your sister's shirt", "yes, Mr____ poops too".  I've never multi-tasked on this level before and I'm sure I'm insane by the end of the evening but somehow in the fringes of the day I hold these moments close to my heart so I'll remember them always. 

Four Months

Dear Lena,

   You are Four Months old sweet baby girl! As Autumn really starts arriving and Emmeline's second birthday approaches I'm amazed by the passage of time.  Our girls are growing!  You're still a tiny little baby but you can roll over, grab things, pull Momma's hair, reach out to big sister.  Your eyes are still blue and your hair is coming in more and more.  It is light brown at the moment. Your fingers are very long.  You are wearing 3 month clothing.  You hate bath time and mostly want to be cuddled or held.  Sleeping is not your cup of tea.  You are very social and your eyes light up as soon as you spot someone you love.  You babble all the time unless you are screaming.  Mirrors fascinate you and the cats perplex you.  You do not like pacifiers or bottles. But you love sucking on your fingers. That is how you fall asleep.  This week Oma spent two days with us when Papa went to Virginia. We had a girls night out and lots of fun times.  We've also spent many evenings at the park, walking and walking to try to calm you and sliding and swinging with Emmie B.  Emmie is such a big girl now who chatters and make believes, cooks us dinner and makes grocery stores on the steps.  She loves you very much and tries so hard to comfort you when you are sad.  She also plugs her ears and tells you "All done cry Nina".  Ah yes, you are currently Nina around here to little E. Happy Four Months baby girl.  Here's to an easier, happier next month, to more sleep and lots of rejoicing in your precious life. How we love you! 

Wedding

My cousin's wedding was last Sunday afternoon on a gorgeous Autumn day.  Emmie enjoyed herself immensely, tasting gourmet lemonade for the first time, inspecting Nana's stockings (how can someone have such dark legs she wondered), following Nana and Granddad everywhere and sharing raisins with the guests. The reception was a little tough for two babies so we spent a considerable amount of time outside with Nana, Uncle Richard and Granddad.  

Nap time

It is nap time here in Telford.  During nap time I am supposed to be editing my thesis. It is the only time I have to write all day and I have 9 chapters of my dissertation that need to be completed very soon. Usually two nap times don't line up just right, so I'll find my words just starting to flow and then.... someone is awake. That is what happened today, and so I will postpone thoughts of research and the book review I need to write and just spend a few minutes updating some pictures from this week while holding little Lena. This week's accomplishments and highlights may seem small, but as my sister in law Sara says 'it is the small victories that count' at this stage. This pictures catalog the gnome that came to visit, Emmie's long hair, pretty dresses for my cousin's wedding, and a fun little photo shoot.  Though I don't understand cameras very well and the color is weird on some of these, I loved the expressions that came through of these girlies.