Early birthday party/going away party -

Luke and his little friend Charlotte had a joint early birthday party/going away party for Luke with his school friends on Friday after school.  It was at a skating rink in Newport, RI on the wharf.  It was a nice chance to say goodbye to the families at St Phil's that we've gotten to know over the last few years.  We will miss our St Phil's family for sure! 

First snow of the season....

Lucky for Luke, he was off school that day.  So excited to see those snow drops fall.  He was missing his partner in crime, Marley.  Marley LOVES the first snowfall of the season, runs around outside like a crazy man, much like what Luke did.  No doubt he is enjoying lots of snow up north.

and Ali makes three...

Luke and Paige are still so very excited about their new little sister.  The biggest problem we have is getting them off her when she is trying to sleep or not going in and waking her up when she is already sleeping.  They love to give her kisses.  Paige is my big helper with bathtime and loves doing diaper changes.  I clean the dirty one and she puts the clean one on. 

Always wanting to hold her -

Ali's first bath -

 Always wants to hold her standing up, thinks this is an adult thing to do because Paige is not allowed to hold her standing up -

 Lots and lots and lots of kisses -

Early Christmas -

We celebrated Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa early, better than doing it over Skype the day of!

Notice the yule log in the background...very festive -

 Big thank you hugs -

 Even mommy got some nice things -



More visitors....

Uncle John and Chrissie came for a visit to meet little baby Ali.  Grandpa and Grandma came for a visit and Papa came down to meet her too!

Blue strip NOT blue baby!

Paige has been very interested in taking care of baby Ali. She loves to change her diaper, help with her bath and pick out her outfits.

I was explaining to Paige that the yellow strip on the diaper turns blue when she goes pee so we know when to change her.

Having forgotten about this conversation, you can imagine my panic when Paige was in with Ali one day and began yelling “the baby is blue, the baby is blue!” I full sprinted into the room only to realize she was talking about the diaper strip. Wheeeeew….

Ali: Week one

 First Dr apt -

Rare pic with Ali's eyes open -

So tired -



Who does she look like???

Luke -

Paige -

Ali -

Luke's gift to Ali -

 

Ali received lots of great gifts from friends and family at the hospital and when we returned home.

The most meaningful and special gift she received was from big brother Luke. He announced shortly before Ali was born that he was going to give her his Floppy. None of us believed it as he is/was so attached to Floppy. As soon as she came home from the hospital he gave her Floppy and hasn't looked back. He is always putting Floppy next to her. He did have a couple nights of waking multiple times as he adjusted to life without Floppy but never once asked for Floppy back. I told him that his gift to her was the most special and important gift she received as it was the one thing that was most special to Luke in his life. Such a sweet thing :)

 Luke is so in love with his new little sister. He is always hugging and kissing her. He decided that she loves Elmo and puts it on the IPAD for her. I’m sure he is waiting for the day she can interact with him.

Thanksgiving Celebration -

Paige had her Thanksgiving celebration at school while I was in the hospital with Ali.  Luckily, Angie was able to take her.  Her class sang some songs and had a Thanksgiving feast.

 Paige made a family place mat (Ali still in my belly!) -