Butterfly Whisper

Annabelle and I had one of those magical summer days where you didn't really plan to make memories, but it just happened.  We started out with a doctors appt. to check on Baby Brother.  Everything is going really well!  Annabelle was Dr. Mini's assistant, squirting the jelly on Mommy's belly and getting to hold the doppler.  It's so fun that she's the age she is.  I was nervous about the age difference at first but it really is fun having a little helper who is full of questions!  The most recent was:  "Mommy, how does the baby get out of your tummy?".... crickets...I was not expecting this one... In case I didn't understand the question she clarified.  "Will he come out of your mouth or squeeze out of you belly button or down out of your pee pee?"  Yep...she nailed it.  Oh NO WHAT TO SAY< WHAT TO SAY...  I decided to just listen and keep my trap shut.  "I think that the baby just floats out of your belly like a ghost!"  Oh thank you God!  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  ME:  "That's a really interesting thought Annabelle."  Conversation over!  Whew that was close!- lol

Lucky for me she didn't ask Dr. Mini the same question today!  

I was pumped because I've gained 6lbs less than I did with AB at this point in my pregnancy! (winning!)  I really think it's because my hubby has been working out and eating so healthy.  I've been eating the same and doing some exercise myself.  I'm also carrying a bit differently.  I measured 27 cm... With Annabelle, I measured right on or a cm larger.  So, for being 29.5 weeks, I'm measuring a bit small but not at all concerning.  Baby Brother's heart-rate was in the low 130's and he was showing off some moves while we were there.  Annabelle informed Dr. Mini that her Baby Brother is a wiggle worm!

After getting all the good news we decided to head to the Franklin Park Conservatory to see the butterflies.  Annabelle planned to wear her butterfly dress (thank you Kayleigh- for that hand me down dress!  It's been a favorite this summer!).  AB thought the butterflies would want to come closer to her because they would want to say hi to their friends.

 It really worked!  We really enjoyed being there today, and it turned into a great learning experience!  You just never know when you're going to have a day like today.  As we walked out, Annabelle was telling everyone she could get face-time with- about her three favorite parts of her visit.  They were:  Using a leaf to persuade a butterfly to become her friend, rescuing a bright blue butterfly, and holding a butterfly in her hands.  The butterfly above started on a leaf and then climbed all the way up her arm, over her shoulder and onto her chest,

 She "rescued" this friend from the path!  "He could have gotten stepped on if I didn't use my leaf to pick him up and move him out of the way."

Below is my favorite moment from the day.  The belly laugh I got to hear when the butterfly climbed up AB's arm.  What a sweet sound!

AB's other favorite moment was "rescuing" a beautiful blue butterfly!  She chased them the entire time, but right before we left she saw one stuck near the exit so she used her leaf again, asked him to climb aboard and "took him to safety!"

 The rescue taking place!

Her final 'favorite memory' was being able to hold a butterfly with her own fingers.  Again, this guy was picked up by leaf and then he crawled onto her hand.  Such a sweet fun day!

D.O.D. Daddies On Duty

Baby Emma has arrived!  She is the sweetest thing!  So sweet we can't bear to leave, staying an extra day seems like the right thing to do!  I mean, just look at her!

Now you can clearly see why we can't leave yet!  We are all in love!  There is a story to explain the title of this blog...  I believe it will be the first of many D.O.D. stories too because with daddies like Nick and Scott (who are two of the very best I've ever seen) how can you not have a few epic tales to tell.

  Heather and I went out to run a few errands.  Emma had been fed and was sleeping, as was Liam.  Annabelle was up and the daddies were in charge.  

We come home about a hour and a half later to find the back door locked, AB lying on the floor watching a movie, Emma in the bouncy seat fast asleep, Liam still asleep upstairs, the monitor on,  but no daddies?

Yep, we wanted an explanation.  Good news for us, Annabelle always has one, so, "Annabelle where is Daddy and Uncle Scottie?"  

AB:  "Oh, They are in the basement doing their working out exercises.  They told me to watch this movie, and listen to hear if Baby Emma or Liam cried.  If they cry I have to tell them.  I am in charge."

In charge.  Annabelle, loves to feel in charge so she was very excited to step up to the plate for her Uncle and Daddy.  She was beaming and clearly had matters under control.  She went as far as to tell us that Emma made a few noises but when she tip-toed over to the baby bed her eyes were still closed.  As this explanation is taking place up walks Daddy and Uncle Scottie- laughing.  Obviously, they felt the situation was well under control and felt they were pretty smart to implement it.

AB  later stated that it was the best day EVER- She got to play with Liam, go to the pool, have no nap, and SHE WAS IN CHARGE!  Pretty exciting stuff!  lol-  I'm sure there will be so many more D.O.D. episodes... because these two daddies are never lacking a good story!  When we visit it seems we laugh so hard at times our stomachs hurt.  We are so lucky to have one another.  I sometimes have to pinch myself.  Best Friends and Family all at the same time.  It's fun to think about our families growing together even more as our children build their relationships.  Heather and Scott- Liam and Emma, We love you more than words can explain.  When we leave tomorrow, know that we leave a part of our hearts here with you always...