Lovin' Aurie

A moment of love ;) These two really are best friends, though they certainly have their share of arguments... there are times when I feel like I need a black and white striped shirt (to referee). The nice thing is, if I wait it out a minute, they usually work it out themselves. It's really fun to listen to their playing, and hear their conversations. They have found ways to laugh like silly people, falling down after walking backwards, pouring water on the bar-b-que and letting it fall onto themselves, or blowing bubbles in their soup. It makes you smile to hear them since they laugh so hysterically. Lately, Ellie's line to Lia is "Lia, watch this..." and Lia responds immediately..." Watchin'..."

And then there are moments here and there with our new sister...

Poor Lia tries... (look at the progression of Aurie's hand from the first "cuddle" to the second :) (Like she's saying "oh no! I'm being smushed!")

Lia was overheard talking on "her phone" this week..."Hi. It's me, Wia". Too cute! And then, hiding under something... "Where is me?"

Our first outing as a family...

Daddy proposed going out for dinner one night (who am I to object?) so we played it casual at a diner and hit the fountains briefly afterwards for the girls to play. Aurie slept pretty much through it all :) It kind of hits Bill and I, the reality of all three now, when we sit all together at the table (we had Aurie in her bouncer on the table at dinner the other night.)

We discovered Aurie's hooded towels and play "superbunny" (like Max in our favorite show, Max & Ruby)

My new little love

So we thought Lia had us melted... well, perhaps it's because we're so familiar with babies now, and aren't nervous, or anxious, so we have more time to enjoy...whatever the case, we are just adoring Aurie...her tiny features, curious eyes and funny little expressions while sleeping. She loves to cuddle on daddy's warm chest, and sleeps soundly when laying next to mommy for a nap in the afternoon. (sigh... ) She doesn't care for being changed or anything at all that might be chilly...no baths, thank you. We've noticed her awake times are a little longer every day and she tends to open her eyes to peek around when it's dim (usually after the girls are in bed...now I wonder why...). She's been on two outings so far into the big world...to the bookstore and the neighborhood park and did very well at each. We do attract quite the attention now with Aurie in her carseat on the double stroller, and a girl hanging onto a handle on each side. It's nice to hear ladies share that they had two sisters or their family had three sisters and that they loved it. I already love seeing Ellie and Lia become closer and closer. My heart just melted when the picture of the two of them (from the last post) was on the computer screen, and Lia came over and said, "That's my special friend." How darling is that? Aurie does have some catching up to do...

Easy entertainment (at least, that's my plan :) ...)

Ellie's in a "meeting"...(note the computer, telephone, and clipboard) Yesterday, it was both of them on the bed in Aurie's room doing the same, though Lia was talking on a calculator.

Lia's funny this past week was to ask about daddy's "hostable" bracelet (hospital). She's been really sweet with Aurie, and seems to be the one more interested. You do have to watch her since she's not aware of her hands pushing on the baby to get closer, and tends to offer "guys" that are a bit too big for poor little Aurie. She likes to stroke her hair and touch her hands and feet and keeps me informed... "Mommy, the baby has a burp" or "Mommy, the baby needs some milk".

Ellie's been a puzzle expert lately...

Cuties in neon zebra print...thank you Nana!

Havin' a blast in the backyard...we love getting wet!

New Sister...

Aurelia Rose

She is beautiful, healthy and happy. Everyone adores her already. She arrived 6lbs 12oz and 21inches long at 7:39am July 14th, 2010. She reminds me so much of both girls and I can remember moments and pictures of them all the time- as she sets her head on my shoulder after feeding, and pulling her tiny hands in fists on her cheeks as she suckles her pacifier, cuddling with daddy. Ellie and Lia are just fascinated, and love holding her (my turn! my turn!). The cutest was just coming in the door, while she was still sitting in the car seat, and the offering of "guys" (stuffed animals) began... we'll have to keep a closer eye this time. Mommy's doing very well, and we're all settling in nicely. There have been lots of questions..."Why is she eating your boobie?" (Lia, when nursing) and explaining to do :) I actually think that, so far, it's been easier than when I brought Lia home. The girls are so good about playing together, and keeping busy, that I have more time to do what I need to with the baby. And, of course, it is the easy time now, when she's not doing much but eating and sleeping. And so the fun begins....