Welcome to the world Melodie

Melodie Margaret was born on December 1, 2009 at 10:48 am (two minutes later than her brother). A big girl at 8 pounds 8 ounces and 20.5 inches long and lots of dark hair. My attempt at a VBAC was successful which I am very happy about.

Miles was excited to meet his sister. "Baby came out!" he repeated for the first few days.
Most of the time he is very sweet with her and seems to like having her around. He is learning to be gentle with her. We have to remind him many, many times to be gentle, quiet and careful with her.

It's already been three weeks (already!)and I am happy to almost be fully recovered from the birth. We are adjusting well to our new dynamics and have already survived a family cold (so far Melodie has been spared, however even Bella is sick).

Melodie has been pretty easy going so far. She is sleeping well at night (3-5 hours at a time) and has gained more than a pound in two weeks. It all seems easier the second time around.

The first bike ride. Frank got this bike over a year ago at a yard sale. I remember thinking how huge it looked, and now Miles is already taking his first try. He is going to be cruisin' through the hood before long.

No baby Melodie yet. Today is her due date!

Before Miles has to share this space with his little sister (and everything else) I'll take this time to write some more just about him.

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Miles' transition into his new school has been surprisingly smooth. He seems to love everything about it and always has a big smile on his face when it's time to go and when we pick him up. It truly couldn't be going any better. I was concerned initially that we are making him go through too many changes at once (new school, new baby). He has been there for two months now and is very well adjusted to the new setting.

It's been fun to watch how much he is learning. He randomly starts singing a new song that he learned, new phrases, commands, etc. Things like "you are welcome," "I am sorry mama," don't push me..." He also plays school at home. They take naps on little cots, and lately he has been making a little cot at home with blankets and pillows on the floor pretending to have to take a nap. He tells me that I am "Ms. Chris " or "Ms. Diane" which are both teachers of his.

This morning we were getting ready to sit down and have breakfast. I was about to start eating when he said, "wait, don't eat yet." I put my plate back down. He put his two hands together and starting saying "Thank you for this fancy meal." He said this a few more times and then told me that I could go ahead and eat. It was one of those moments of disbelieve and I just stared at him wondering if he really just said that or if I am imagining things. Another one of those moments was when he caught me picking my nose (ahem) and he said "do you need a tissue?" Really? he just asked me if I needed a tissue? Who is the kid here?

This morning we sang "happy birthday" together for Frank. I hope Melodie heard it too. She has about 15 more hours to share the same birthday with her papa.

This Turkey is stuffed!

39 weeks and 3 days.

Currently

• I am 38 weeks pregnant.
• Getting over a cold.
• Miles woke up with a fever and is resting on the sofa next to me

• It's finally sunny again after a week of constant rain.
• More baby clothes are waiting to be folded and put in their place.
• 1.5 weeks of work before Thanksgiving and Melodie's arrival.
• Hoping that everyone get's healthy by then.
• Enjoying the urge to nest.
• Sitting in a freshly cleaned rocking chair that's been sitting on our front porch for the last 1.5 years. Now back in the living room ready for soothing a baby.
• Feeling a mix of excitement, anxiety and disbelief of the impending changes in our life.
  
  
• Consciously living each moment as a family of three, knowing that it's all about to change.
• Giving Miles as much attention and time as possible.
• In the mood to bake.
• Wanting time to slow down and hurry up at the same time.
• Being grateful.

Elephant out on the loose!

He knew exactly what he needed to do....

"Trick or Treat!"

All of a sudden he started to actually walk like an elephant...



The rest of his crew.

All in all it was a perfect Halloween.

This weekend was cold and rainy the whole time - a good weekend to relax, organize, cook and stay at home. It was cold enough to make the first fire of the season. Half way through October already which also means that I am 34 weeks pregnant.....it's getting closer!

And congrats to Ginny who is expecting her first baby in May!