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We're getting back into the swing of the new normal around here. Which looks a lot like the old normal with plenty of breaks to feed the baby and clean up messes made while Mom was feeding the baby. And very little leaving the house. Because that's suddenly a bit more complicated with three children and only one adult (during the day).

Last week we had a theme week: circles. Very basic. So basic, we didn't bother to take pictures and after a couple days both girls were ready to move on...

This week was bird week. Inspired by the red-breasted robins who love our backyard. "Rita the Robin" is frequently spied sitting on our fence or pecking around the still barren garden. 

We made a few bird crafts and used up lots of glue this week. (You're welcome, Elmers.) And we made two kinds of bird feeders. One with cereal and another with bird seed.

 The bird seed feeders were such a mess we didn't attempt to take pictures.

We will share that Vivian tried to eat the bird seed. Decided it was disgusting. And then tested to see if it belonged in her nose. It didn't.

And the little beauty above? Oh, that's supposed to be a model of a nest made out of glue and yarn. Surprisingly, neither Miriam nor Vivian were interested in covering their fingers in glue. When they did have glue on their hands, it was nearly impossible to pick up just one piece of yarn to add to the nests. Nope. Not the success story we thought it would be.

 However, they both LOVED painting with feathers!

So we spent an hour doing that instead.

Pinned and One Month

Last week, Sarah's sister Nichole was "pinned". She is graduating from college with a degree to teach math. At her school, there is a ceremony pinning students into the profession of teaching. Nichole asked Sarah to be the one to pin her. As we prepared to attend the event, Miriam asked over and over if this would hurt. Can you imagine her anxiety for Aunt Nichole? Poor Aunt Nichole was about to be stuck with a pin and we were going to watch. Yikes!

Luckily for everyone (especially Aunt Nichole), Mommy just put a pin on her clothing. Whew! 

Way to go, Nichole! We know you'll be a great teacher!

And guess who is one month old?!?!? ALREADY! That went so fast.

With each of the girls, we took their pictures every month on the changing table to watch them grow. Here is Felicity at One Month. She was not into the photo shoot at all. Maybe next month will go over a little better.

There's a Baby Here

We have a baby in the house. They can keep you busy and tired...which explains why we are not so great about getting new pictures up here. She's a pretty easy baby (to date). She put herself on a napping schedule from pretty much day one, doesn't cry too much (except when her mom accidentally eats cabbage), already sleeps up to 6 hours straight at night, tolerates her sisters...she just doesn't like going to bed at night. We're working on that. Very slowly. She's only three weeks old so we'll give her a break. That's hard for Mom and Dad. We get work done and relax with each other after the girls go to bed. Felicity wants in on that time, too. Some undivided attention from her parents probably sounds fabulous and she's figured out the best time to get it.

But on to other news...We celebrated Aunt Maria's birthday here a week and a half ago. She had to wear our silly birthday hat. But got to hold the baby. Fair trade.

And wouldn't it be lovely to have beautiful blue eyes like these?

Felicity also met her Great-grandma (Sarah's paternal grandmother). She has one more Great-grandma and a Great-great-grandma to meet.

This Great-grandma had six children and 19 grandchildren.

 So she's pretty comfortable with babies.

Felicity is growing and filling out (arm rolls and a double chin)!

Gets plenty of attention from her sisters.

Is even starting to learn to smile (which we could prove if her hand would move).

Three girls. We're still kind of in shock.

 They grow so very,

 very

quickly.

Growing

Spring! It finally feels like spring! Everything is growing...the flowers, herbs, grass (we'll need to mow soon), our family, and the girls. We have spent lots of time outdoors this week despite the rain and mud.

 Miriam found a "shark tooth" in the sandbox. That is one sly shark.

And we'll have blooms soon!

Speaking of blooming, this one is growing! She was 8 lbs 11 oz at her one week checkup. She gained 10 oz in a week! She LOVES to eat. Her sisters were a little curious about the nursing at the beginning, but it's pretty normal now. They continue to quiz Mommy about what Felicity can eat...they just want to share their food with her.

And they ask to hold her several times a day. We try to keep straight who held her first last time...it's becoming a real competition to hold the baby first.

Baby is an adjustment for the girls and has led to lots of fighting over toys and attention. We're working on it. They love love love their "Nice Baby", but don't love getting less attention from Mom and Dad. As with every family, we're a work in process. 

Felicity has been a very easy baby so far. She's got herself on a schedule of three naps a day (one of which is often timed during the big girls' naptime!) and is ready for bed around 8:30. She's awake 3 or so times during the night and up for the day around 7 or 8. She must know she's our third and we're just some worn out parents. Thank you for being so good to your Mom and Dad, Felicity. We owe you.

Day Three

It's been quite an adventure with three now. Three girls. We're still in shock. But here are just a few pictures...

Felicity met her Mema and Pepa today, Tim's grandparents and her great-grandparents.

And she's been hanging out with her sisters a lot.

Which is fun.

Most of the time.

We've Got Three Little Girls!

Announcing the birth of Felicity Grace!

Our latest addition to our family has arrived.  Felicity showed up on Saturday, April 6th 2013 at 2:59 am.  Weighing 8 lbs, 1 oz, Felicity is 20.5" long.  

Father Ben came over for dinner on Friday night for what turned out to be the last meal before baby arrived.  It looks like each year, we'll be having shrimp enchiladas for Felicity's birthday meal.  It's a tradition in our family to have the same meal we had just before baby arrived every year to celebrate.

The sisters meet Felicity

After we put the girls to bed and got a game of cards started, Sarah's contractions meant that Father Ben had to head home earlier than normal.  A quick call to Nana got her on the ready, and within 30 seconds of Tim hanging up, he had to call her back to get her to our house NOW.

We got to the hospital around 10 pm, walked a few laps around the birthing center, got in the birthing tub, and by 3 am had a baby!  Now, mommy will tell you that it was just a bit more difficult than that, but you get the idea.

She has been a great baby so far.  She's been resting most of the day, eats well, and has been great to cuddle with.  We've had some visitors and it looks like we'll be home on Sunday. Please keep up the prayers, and we'll keep you updated.

Easter Joy!

Happy Easter!! We had a great celebration with LOTS and LOTS of candy. Just wanted to share a few pictures with you of our holiday activities.

We colored eggs...

 ...woke up (slightly) early for Mass to check out our Easter surprises...

...and taste test the goodies the Easter Bunny left...

...went to Mass and then to Tim's parents' home...

...where we ate MORE candy...

...the girls were still able to fit into the dresses Mommy made them for last Easter!...

 ...after brunch, home for a nap...

...then another party and more candy. Vivian didn't sleep well that night. Extreme candy rationing is in place.

And today is Baby's due date. So far, it's still in there. Say a little prayer it comes out SOON.