One week later...

Having a third child means you know all too well that babies quickly grow into busy little children with minds of their own. That snuggling your tiny little baby is a temporary joy. Of course every age is wonderful and I watch with lovesick eyes all three of my children in their different stages. But, oh my God, do I love having a baby. I almost forgot the loveliness of the constant cuddling, the feeling of a deeply sleeping baby on your chest, the soft fuzzy head, the baby smell of milk and powder, the little breathing sounds, the odd squeaks and coos. I am drinking it in because I know how quickly it will change forever.

For a million more photos click here.

First Bath

As is the custom in our family, Chris is the "Bather" whereas I am the "Feeder" (aka "Lunch Lady") and tonight was John Patrick's first home bath ala Daddy.

After the third child, the newborn bath is totally ingrained in our routine and we've pretty much got it down. I remember Athena's first bath, Chris was so nervous and afraid to get her wet, that he would squeeze all the water out of the washcloth and just kind of dab her with the damp cloth. With John Patrick, Chris probably could have been blindfolded.

As Chris was bathing the girls, I set up the stuff for John Patrick's bath. Chris didn't even need to tell me what he wanted just said "You know what I need?" and I said "Yep" and laid out the towel, sponge bed, two washcloths, bowl of warm soapy water, q-tips, etc. The only difference this time was our two fascinated onlookers (well, that and having to hold a clean diaper over John Patrick's "bits").

He was pretty calm throughout and he really, really liked it when Chris put his head under the warm water to rinse off the shampoo. His little head is even softer and sweeter now.

Zoe watching the bath.

Athena looking on.

And four years ago, here's Athena's first bath...

and sweet Zoe's first bath.

Home

We're home and just getting used to the rhythms and needs of a new baby. Every baby is so completely different and we have so much to learn all over again. I almost cried about eight times today, mostly because I'm really hormonal, but also because Zoe and Athena peered over the bassinet and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to John Patrick and then when the girls snuggled with me and the little guy and I had all my babies in my arms at once and then when I realized Chris had eaten all the chocolate chip cookies*. There is craziness here right now, but a hundred little tender moments too.
(And yes that is a pacifier in his mouth. I have always been happy that neither of the girls wanted a pacifier, but what can I say, every baby is different.)

* Chris would like me to add that he did make me homemade French fries.

Here he is!!!

Our sweet little John Patrick!

Weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces, John Patrick came screaming into the world at 8:28 am on Monday, March 9. He is 21 and 1/4 inches long, blonde haired, blue eyed and has huge feet. So far he's a pretty chill little guy. He grunts and squeaks and coos, which caused some concern in the nursery at first. They thought perhaps he had fluid in his lungs or an infection and called for chest x-rays and tests. All came back negative and it was determined that he, uh, just likes to make funny sounds. The girls met him with a mix of curiosity, awe and excitment.Grandaddio and Grandma Andree came up the day before the scheduled birth. They were at the hospital first thing in the morning and got to see him through the nursery window just a few minutes old. Grandaddio was one of the very first to hold him.

Zoe says she likes him, phew.

Athena was beaming when she met him, she did not stop smiling.

And very proud that she could hold him, feed him with a bottle and pet him on the head at the same time.

We seem to be calling him "little dude" ...I wonder if that will stick.
Mommy and baby are still in the hospital, but coming home tomorrow.

Bring it on

Everyone keeps asking me if I'm ready? Ready for what? Ready for a newborn, ready for the sleepless nights, the surgery, ready to be a mother of three? How can you ever be "ready" for such things? But I've made list after list and checked off everything I think needed to be done: the walls are painted, the crib is made, the little clothes are folded and waiting to be worn.

And I think I can finally say that I'm ready for this new person. This new life. I'm ready to welcome another tiny child for me to love more than myself. Even if it means working harder, sleeping less...we will do it all.

My all for you, little one.

Look at what I can do!

She's been tracing her name for a while now or copying it when I write it first or writing each letter as I tell her which to write. But today marks the first time she just sat right down and wrote her name perfectly without any help.

(And YiaYia, you'll be happy to know that it was on a card she made for you!)

Bells Ringing

We are very pleased to announce the marriage of Miss Bunny and Baby Tiger after a short engagement. Miss Bunny wore a pink tutu on her head, pearls and pearl crown and a green hairclip. Her bouquet was a fuzzy, smiling pink flower. Baby Tiger matched his bride with a pink ribbon necktie and pink Hello Kitty watch (because boys wear watches). The ceremony was a simple affair, held at 2:30 in the living room. The wedding was presided over by the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, wedding coordinator, wedding photographer, music coordinator and minister, Athena. A few minutes of dancing followed the event.

Birthday Recap

This year Athena's big birthday present is a trip to Disneyland with her Daddy, so on her actual birthday we just had a small celebration at home with a few friends. We sent invites for a "party playdate" and asked people not to bring presents, told them it would be really casual and everyone we invited showed up which ended up being 11 kids and 8 adults. Most of the friends are a group who we're recently spent alot of time with. We all go to a neighborhood Parks and Rec art class and then usually end up playing in the adjoining park for an hour or two. The kids are really lovely, get along great and all live within blocks of us. There are a couple of potential "besties" for Athena, too.
I brought out all of Athena and Zoe's dress up clothes and every little girl immediately changed into a princess upon entry. Zoe however chose to dress as a giraffe with purple wings.
I made a ton of pink and purple playdough which I set out in case some children were feeling quiet, but it quickly became the focus of the party.
Athena's birthday cake was a simple store bought princess sheet cake and I accidentally bought trick candles! Oops. All the parents thought I was the meanest Mommy ever but honestly it did not say anywhere on the packaging that they would relight again and again. The kids had never seen those and a couple got really upset...After everyone left, we clean up the disaster and then had some quiet time with the new Madagascar DVD sent by PopPop (Thanks PopPop!). For the first time, Athena was allowed to choose dinner for the family as the birthday girl. Her first choice was (of course) "Candy!" but after a little more explaining, she changed it to "Sloppy Joes with potato chips and birthday cake for dessert." Following dinner, she opened all the presents that have been accumulating from family this week. Thank you Yiayia, Unca Stu, MorMor, Baba, Grandaddio, Nana, Mary and Buck and PopPop!
It was a lovely day. I think she felt really special and had a blast without over doing it. And the icing on the cake, she got to wake up and go to Disneyland with just her Daddy.

Auntie Mimi

Auntie Mimi arrived just before Athena's big day. Athena has not let her go since she got here. She clings to her, and I have to keep reminding her that Mimi is going to be here awhile. I don't even know what to say about their special bond, it makes me well up ten times a day. Zoe adores her Mimi too, but Athena is more expressive and seems to prefer Mimi above everyone else...

For instance, I explained to Athena and Zoe that when baby brother is born, Mommy is going to spend a couple of nights in the hospital and Daddy will be there alot too, but not to worry because Mimi will take care of them. Athena thought about this piece of news and then said "Mommy I want you to go to the hospital tomorrow..."

And today when Zoe went down for her nap, Athena immediately snuggled up to Mimi and said "Now I get my Mimi all to myself."

Also on Mimi's first morning, Athena asked Mimi to pick her up and hold her because "I don't get any holdes anymore since Mommy has a baby in her belly." (Oof, my heart).

Yet another reason we're happy Mimi is here, to spread the love around.

Happy Birthday

...to my four year old little girl!