Sad Trip

On December 11th we learned the sad news that Heather's grandmother in Atlanta passed away at the age of 92. We scheduled an emergency trip to Atlanta, our first with two in tow.

Our flight out was delayed 5 hours. Thankfully, there are few places that Caroline would rather be delayed. She loves airports! The giant windows with constant activity outside kept her occupied while Erin slept peacefully.

There was even a play area with what else, an airplane.

In Atlanta Great-Uncle Lenny loved to hold Erin as she snuggled into his beard.

Grandma also helped out with her new granddaughter.

After a service in Atlanta we drove up to Kentucky for the funeral. Both kids traveled well, although Caroline was helped by unlimited snacks and a DVD player with Dora the Explora.

The funeral ceremony was touching with words from Heather's cousin Billy Carty. Caroline couldn't stay still or keep quiet and had to be escorted elsewhere. Nevertheless, she made many new friends with her Carty relatives and helped cheer people up.

We'll miss you, Great-grandma Roark.

Week 2 with Erin

Coming home from the hospital

At first Caroline was wary of the bundle in the bouncy seat and kept her distance

Sometimes Caroline acts like Erin is Mom's new doll. I guess she thought that Erin was lonely, because she gave her some company.

Partially because of her age but also because of the new baby, Caroline's new phrase is "do it myself". The bouncy seat looked so inviting that she had to try to "do it myself".

Caroline has learned the hard way from Max that poking living things is a bad idea. She loves to visit Erin, and so far she has been good and gentle.

Finally a picture of Dad and his little girl

Grandma and Grampa came up for Thanksgiving and helped prepare a turkey feast. Erin cooperated by letting them hold her and sleeping in their arms.

We had our first joint bath and both girls had a great time. Erin was so mellow that she even fell asleep in the tub!

We have been able to take Erin out to lunch because she sleeps so well during the day. We got some yummy fried seafood in Essex and here tried to capture Erin's reddish hair in the natural light.

It was even warm enough to get some fresh air at Wingaersheek Beach.

Finally, we've got another video of Caroline singing. This is one of her dinner theater performances, after a request from the audience.

Early Thanksgiving

Happy birthday Erin Charlotte Ehmann!

This time around the delivery process was decidedly more civilized than the first time. On Saturday morning around 8 Heather felt the first contractions. We grabbed our stuff, dropped Caroline off with the Keatings, and hustled to the hospital. Apparently other families were eager to have babies before Thanksgiving because when we arrived the birthing floor was completely full and we waited in an overflow room. Here is Heather in a happier place after receiving the epidural.

The second time things move quickly. At 1 pm Heather starting pushing and at 1:09 baby Erin arrived, measuring 20 1/4 inches and weighing 8 lb 6 oz, only 1 oz more than Caroline. She's got a good amount of hair and it looks reddish-blond.

After a few squawks Erin settled down and cuddled with Mom.
She nursed well and slept the rest of the afternoon.

Dad brought Caroline over for dinner to meet her new baby sister.
At first Caroline was nervous, but after downing a bottle she warmed up to the situation. Looking at this picture maybe Erin is the one missing Mommy's attention.

Caroline's being told to kiss the baby's feet, not her head.

Here's a video of Caroline saying hi to everyone.


We bought two stuffed duckies, one for Caroline to keep and one for Caroline to give to Erin. We were worried because when we practiced at home, Caroline kept saying "Big ducky for Caroline. Little ducky for Caroline." But when the time came she gave both duckies to the baby. And at the end she tacked on a little happy dance. When the time came to go home, Caroline didn't fuss at all. We hope that the real transition will be this easy.

It's been a long day, but we're all very thankful that the delivery went well.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween

It's Halloween and Caroline let us dress her up in a turtle costume.
We visited a few houses to trick or treat and she kindly donated her candy to Mom and Dad

Our roly-poly turtle!

Caroline and Dad drove to New York to see Katy, Brad, and Lyla.
This is Lyla's adorable flamingo costume.

With two toddlers the only way to get them to sit still is the TV.
Lyla likes to watch Max and Ruby.

Grampa (Pampa) wanted a photo, but Caroline didn't.

On the drive home she fell asleep with her favorite friends, Tigger and the bottle

Caroline loves to sing songs. Here we caught her rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She can't figure out where the end is and keeps looping, except this time she shifted into a medley with Wheels on the Bus.

October Outside

Check out the Great Pumpkin at Wilson Farm

and the giant spiders on their haunted hayride

The piglets were a hit at Drumlin Farm

but the horse was scarier in person than in picture books

She gets a kick out of her movie star sunglasses

and for some reason Clio gets fed Old Bay Seasoning every day.

Back at Wilson Farm for another chilly hayride.

Our new activity at Robbins Farm is the "super big slide".
Caroline always goes down backwards

as long as Mom is waiting at the bottom.

The spooky old cemetery in the town center is straight out of a John Bellairs book.

Caroline is picking up new words and phrases every day.
Here's an especially useful one.

Last of the summer

The toy cookware from IKEA has been a big hit, combined with the play food that she got from Aunt Katy (note chicken leg). Caroline already can make soup and coffee for Mom & Dad. We'll have to get her the in real kitchen soon.

Heading to the playground at the park is a favorite weekend activity. This time Caroline walked the whole way there on her own. Usually she cycles up and down the slide alone, but this time she wanted company

Look at that static mohawk!

After an uneventful flight we arrived in Atlanta to see Grandma and Great-Grandma. Caroline was the hit of the nursing home

Mom has got her practicing shopping already

And at the Brickery Dad explains where ribs and bacon come from

Back at home our friends the Labsters visited with their young son. It was a chance to go downtown and be tourists for a day

Grandma Joan and Grandpa Ed visited the next weekend. Here Grandma helped Caroline eat some delicious lamb chops. Dad will have to remember to explain where lamb chops come from.

After some yummy seafood from Woodman's and dim sum Caroline and Bapa are quite content

Finally here's what happens when Caroline gets the hiccups