4yrs, 2 yrs, & 18 wks

It was a whopper of a week prepping for our double-trouble kids' birthday bash. Since I'd only just started feeling "back", after nearly 3 weeks back in Dylan-at-work / I-at-home routine and 4 weeks in our home, it was a doozy of a week with cleaning, organizing, shopping, cooking, and preparing for family to stay. It's actually quite convenient having had both Paul and Ada on the same day. It's a very clear reason for the family to get together, and it's just one big shabang a year. We'll see how that changes with this little one come June.

So, let's recap the weekend+Monday-Birthday with a few photos

First thing on Saturday-Birthday-Party-Day-Morning, even before crêpes for breakfast.

Reading about piñatas with Paul's 4 friends and Ada's 2 (baby) friends before we slam into one! Then this little lady anxiously awaiting her taco.

Paul requested a "P" cake, white with chocolate icing and sprinkles. Done. Papa was the genius who decided to make an angel food cake - because, c'mon, plain white cake tastes like nothing - and it was delicious. Serious fluffy, spongey, slightly lemony goodness with a buttercream frosting. And he baked enough bits and pieces to put together each kid's initial. {love} All but about an inch of the "A" was eaten, so I think I'm not alone in praising its yuminess. 

Post-party naps

Next day shenanigans with Nana, Pappy, Tante Ginny, & Uncle Ryan. We went to Mass at the Catholic Church, then crossed the street to the Lutheran church ... which was having its King Cake Kick-off with hot dogs & beer & Benny Grunch & the Bunch. Chilly, but fun.

And now we move on to the actual day, January 25th. Dylan hung around and went into work a little late so he could have a long, nice breakfast with his kiddos. They opened our pressies and pressies from Oz (Mr. Men books!), and then we had a lovely, playful morning with a couple of friends. Paul requested that he stay in pajamas all day, and Ada wanted to be naked, ie with just her diaper. Her giraffe diaper(cover). Done. Except at mealtimes, Little Miss ;).

Birthday lunch ... sharing the Special Day plate ;)

Ice cream cones for 2 & 4! Paul gets it a bit more, so he ate his fill quickly, but Ada took the t i n i e s t little licks, whined when it dripped, and screamed if we "helped" (by nibbling...). But she enjoyed the licks she had, so that's good. Also, she figured out the candle-blowing once Paul was successful with his. What else are big siblings for but to show you how to do awesome stuff?

I think they had a great celebration. I had a great celebration of them, and Dylan and I are so grateful for them, the little monkeys. Best ideas yet.

Ready to join us in a bit, here, June Bug?? Here's this one at 18wks and roughly the size of a bell pepper, which can come in a variety of sizes...

Ripe as a turnip at 17 wks

We have movement! I love it. I love it so much. And it's simply not a feeling I can describe properly. Dylan just smirks and shakes his head a little ... and then we both say, "Weird!" It's awesome. Also, I can officially no longer sleep on my belly. With the most reassuring thing happening since last post, now all I have to do is sit back, relax, and eat a lot, growing this bébé.

Paul's photography skills

The first Mardi Gras parade of the season was a success this weekend! It was the neighborhood kids' group, Confetti Kids, who put it on, and mostly it was families from within a 12 block radius strolling along with flashy decorated bikes, wagons, and strollers. Paul and Papa walked/rode the parade, and Ada and I, along with some friends, were the lucky onlookers. It was cute. Paul said over breakfast how much he enjoyed it - sweet! - and then was sad that it's over. Ooooh, no, no, no, my boy; it's only just begun.

Also, we're gearing up for some double-trouble birthday fun at the end of this week and early next. January 25th is a verrry important day in this house!

*I've re-read, and "all I have to do is sit back, relax, and eat a lot" sounds ridiculous! I have a 2 & 4yo to chase after, ha.

16+ weeks

It's been exactly 3 weeks since we landed back in the country, but we were out of the country for 4; and upon return, we had Christmas and New Year's Eve, and a long list of (great) reasons to not be on a regular schedule.

It's been exactly 10 days since we started a regular, new routine. Dylan's started his new job at a small law firm in Chalmette, taking the next ferry down-river, and the kids are re-learning what it's like to be with just Mama, regular ol' Mama, who disciplines, and orders around, and makes meals, and does laundry, and, yes, reads and plays, too. It's been an adjustment for us all, but we're good! We're happy to sit around and play at home, and the kids are such (jerky) sweeties ... or is it sweet jerks ;) I kid, I kid.

Paul's been on an emotional rollercoaster, learning about how his output translates to others' input on him; ie, what he dishes out comes back to him by way of Ada's reactions or interactions on the playground. But he's learning! And Ada is a chatty little crazy thing! She'll look you straight in the eye, screw up her brows, and pronounce something, several seconds long. Then she'll wait for your reaction, which can only be, "Oh, yeah," before nodding and saying a definitive, "Ja!". Whatever, little lady.

Then there's this curious little June Bug. S/he's nearly 17 weeks along and still waiting to make a known presence, that is, before knocking against the walls. I haven't felt anything, yet - boo.
<1 minute break>
Ok, ok; I just checked when I felt Pea & Bee, because I thought it was around 14-15 weeks. Turns out, Paul made himself known after 15, and Ada wasn't until after 16. Mind calmed...

We'll start the bump shots, then, and should you be that interested in comparison, the links to Paul's and Ada's blogs are under the title; I won't repost them here, though.

Still feeling good, keeping busy ... tired.

Saying CHEEEESE & showing off her King Cake babies