Picnic in the Park

We took advantage of the lovely weather on the first day of Spring and got the girls dressed (15 min), Mimi and I showered and dressed (25 min), John Patrick fed, changed and dressed (45 min), lunch packed (20 min), equipment gathered (5 min), diaper bag packed (5 min), children wrangled (7 min), walk to the park (12 min) and enjoyed a truly lovely peaceful picnic lunch with the girls and little dude. The warm sun, dappled shade and cool breeze was sooo worth the effort.

Peas Porridge

Peas porridge

in the pot
Nine days old

Happy John Patrick's Day

"Happy John Patrick's Day" is what Athena and Zoe thought we were saying when we said "St. Patrick's Day" today. So, John Patrick's Day it is.

We celebrated with Baba and Nana who came up for the day from their vacation in Palm Springs. Hopefully the corned beef and cabbage and onslaught of grandchildren was worth the four hour traffic riddled drive.

I remember about six or seven years ago, my Dad went to his college reunion and all his friends were passing around pictures of their grandchildren. He had nothing to share with them he told me with a sniffle.

Well, there you go, Dad, now you are covered in grandchildren!

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.