Becoming Accustomed to One Another

It has been fun watching Stella eat up every moment with Ruby, over the past couple of weeks. We have many pictures like this one:

Almost as much fun, is watching Ruby notice Stella more and more, and not minding the constant touching from her big sister. Stella loves any opportunity for Ruby to hold her hand, or respond to Stella's kisses. This afternoon, Ruby was sleeping in her crib, when she woke up fussing. We let her fuss for a few minutes, but Ruby wanted to be held. Right after I picked up Ruby, Stella asked if the two of them could lay next to each other on Stella's bed. As soon as I laid Ruby next to Stella, and Ruby could feel someone next to her, she went right back to sleep. They stayed this way for a good forty minutes. Stella loved it. Ruby is so lucky to have such a great big sister.

Ringing in the New Year

We rang in the new year in grand fashion this year... Ruby Lauren was born @ 6:40 New Years Eve. 7 lbs, 4 oz and 18.5" long. Lots of red hair, and daddy's chin dimple (just like Stella). Nothing more beautiful. Except perhaps watching Stella with Ruby. We are just in love with this darling new addition to our family. Easy delivery, and we're all doing great (and even getting a decent amount of sleep already). Pics below..

Glenn went and picked up Stella from a friends place so she could come over and meet Ruby and hang out a bit before going back to head to bed. Love at first sight...

First family photo

Stella was there to escort Little Sister home from the hospital

Apparently, Ruby doesn't appreciate Stella's attempt to spoon in the crib

Stella can't get enough of this little one - always talking to Ruby, touching her, and plenty of hugs and kisses

Tonight, we had a little party celebrating Ruby's one week birthday
We sure LOVE our girlies!!
A great big thank you to all of our friends and family who have shown us so much love and support these past several months, but especially this past week. We love you all so much!

Disneyland

Glenn and I had decided we needed something really fun to do with Stella before the arrival of Baby Sister in January. After that, we will be so busy with school stuff, and adjusting to two kiddos, and just everyday life. The day after Halloween, we picked Stella up from school and headed right down to Anaheim. The unsuspecting cutie knew we were headed to a hotel, but thought we were just going to swim in the pool. She was such a good sport through a long drive. The next morning, as we were getting ready to head over to the park to surprise Little Miss, she became fixated on the swimming pool down below (she spotted the pool the night before while standing on the balcony). She was only willing to put on a bathing suit, until Glenn finally broke down and told her where we were actually headed. Of course she changed her tune real quick, getting ready in record time.

We went on most every ride in both parks.

Stella's favorite ride was the Haunted Mansion. She is a bit obsessed with 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' right now. We must have gone on the ride about a dozen times. Later on, she got to meet Jack and Sally. She was so starstruck.

The only ride Stella did not like was Splash Mountain. I think the slides were a bit much for her. You can only see the top of her head, but she was screaming on the way down.

Stella also got to meet Minnie Mouse, though she wouldn't stand next to her for the photo.

Here are a few other pictures from our days in the park:

We had so much fun. Stella has talked about our trip every day since we got back. She can't wait to go back with her sister and show her all the cool stuff.

The Gaming Bug..

Has bit this little one...

Halloween and Other Things

Let's See if I can get caught up... Halloween was fun this year, with our entire little family dressing up. Glenn was the Hulk, I was a lumpy, bumpy Mrs. Potato Head (forgot to get pics, sorry), and Stella was the cutest little witch you ever did see.. October was full of trips to the pumpkin patch, a Halloween celebration at school, decorating our little place, carving pumpkins with fun friends, and visiting the Halloween store enough times to decide that Stella is finally scared of the 'scary stuff' this year.

Another big thing that happened a few weeks before Halloween: Stella loves to write her name.

Lots of days find Stella out front decorating our sidewalk.

What's New With Us

To catch everyone up on our happenings: I was laid off a couple months ago (the economy affects everyone), and, while looking for another job, have been enjoying a lot more time with Glenn and Stella. I have also been working on my tan ;>). We spent the summer enjoying our passes to Water World as often as we could, hitting the beach and drive-in theater a few times, as well. Girls Camp, family in town, celebrating Stellas' birthday in Capitola, and many, many play dates. It's been a fun past couple of months for our family, despite Glenn being in school over the summer.
Stella starts her 'Pre-K' class next week. MWF. Glenn is back at DVC, finishing up his last semester there, and I am training to walk a half marathon in October (the same one I ran last year), while continuing to seek out employment. We found out a couple of weeks ago that we are having another girl. I am currently five and a half months pregnant, and I cannot tell you how excited we all are for Stella to have a sister. Stella asks me every day how the baby is doing and to remind her why the baby can't come out of my tummy yet. My response is usually, "The baby will be cuter when it has grown all of its' parts. Trust me." We show her photos of what the baby looks like at every stage, so she can see its' progress. She told me once, several weeks back, that it looked "kinda like an alien". Stella tells me everything she wants to learn to do with the baby, including changing diapers. We'll see how that goes. Oh, and Stella says she wants to name the baby Violet. We'll keep you posted on that one. That pretty much sums it up for us.

Stella-isms

Stella is in the shower, as I write this, singing, "I'm gonna wash that man right outta my head, and he's gonna pee his pants on the way hoooome!"

Yesterday, I introduced Stella to the movie, 'E.T.' I, of course, got a bit misty-eyed at the end of the movie. Stella looked up at me with watery eyes and asked if I was OK. I assumed her eyes had teared up due to allergies. Tonight, however, I got the true explanation. When she reminded me, "Mom, my eyes got watery during E.T." I asked, "Was it sad? Is that why your eyes were watery?" "No, my eyes got watery because the movie was so long!"

I often wonder where some of these things come from. But, I love them.

Going Private Pt. 2

So I am still trying to figure out a couple of things with regards to taking the blog private. In the meantime, enjoy some more recent posts...

Stella turns 4!

This Sunday, Stella turns 4. She is so excited about her birthday. She is convinced that this will be the day when she will be an official big girl. Stella also thinks that the day she becomes a big sister (around January 5th) will also make her a 'big girl'. It is very cute. Every day I have a new favorite from this girl. She is still just the sweetest little thing. She often tells me or Glenn how cute we look, or how wonderful we are (that is the word she uses). She can twirl like nobody's business given the right dress (most of her dresses are twirl-worthy). Stella has the best sense of humor! She can be such a little clown, and loves to play little pranks on us. She is still a snuggler. Stella has made it her mission to turn me into more of a girly-girl. We can't go into any store without her suggesting certain pieces of jewelry, or a dress, that would look great on me. She is the best shopping buddy. Her big thing lately is hopping or standing on one foot, and anything to do with ballet. She is fascinated with the flamingos at the zoo and aquarium. She loves to kick around a ball or play catch. And she adores her daddy. We sure love this girl!
Here are some pics of the last four years:

Last Call...Going Private

Shoot me an email with your address if you haven't already done so. I know it's a pain, but I will have the site notify you, via email, every time there is an update to the blog.
Thanks!