Happy Girls

These days me and the girls spend most of our time just hanging out (I mean it seems there is always someone who needs something...but you know what I mean...we don't get out much -- it's too hot now anyway, and way too crazy). Oft times we sit on the rug in our family room or playroom for several hours a day just playing and trying to make each other laugh.

Ivy and Maya are really starting to respond to their surroundings and they know and love their big sister Eleanore. Ivy just has to look at Eleanore and she smiles her biggest smiles and doesn't seem to mind too much when Eleanore gives her "big hugs." Maya also loves Eleanore, but she gets a look on her face (remember that movie Look Who's Talking?) that seems to say "save me Mama!" when she sees El's "big hugs" coming.

Here are some highlight pics from the last couple of weeks:

Bry gave the babies baths in the kitchen sink one day last week and of course Eleanore wanted one too. She is our good big girl, but I also think she misses being our baby. Very frequently when I say something like "Wow, look how strong your neck is..." to Ivy or Maya Eleanore will replicate whatever the baby is doing and say "Look at me Mom!"

Other funny things El has said lately:

• Tonight after her bath she announced "I'm going to fly on a big airplane and visit my friends in Mexico."....um, okay!?!
• I told her it wasn't nice to say "Oh my gosh..." (a phrase I am sure she picked up from me). One I day I was talking about my brother Josh and she got after me for saying a naughty word.
• Often reminding me that "Jesus made me that way." When discussing why she is a girl, why she has a freckle on her right hip, why she has brown hair.

Maya is a beautiful, sweet and very strong girl. This girl's smile is to steal hearts with (she will always smile and turn her head like she is a little shy). She also likes to "talk" to me and will go back and forth making "ooo ooo" sounds for a long time. It seems like she is trying to laugh sometimes but it comes out sounding more like a horse neighing or bear growling...pretty cute!

When she is mad, she gets mad fast (mostly when she is hungry). And, lately she seems to be having tummy aches. I'm not sure if it is acid reflux or gas or what, but I feel so bad for her. She will arch her back so much that is seems like she is folding herself in half backwards. We have a well child appointment on Monday, and I am eager to discuss it with the doctor. It is sad to see my baby be so uncomfortable.

Although she started as the "fussy one," Ivy has turned into our little drop of sunshine. She is almost always smiling and makes super sweet cooing sounds constantly when being held. She still has a cry that breaks your heart and likes to be held a lot, or at least sit close enough to make eye contact. And, she is still our little bean, but is definitely strong.

Ivy has great head control and seems to try and "stand" on our laps. She sits in the Bumbo well and I really don't think it will be long until she can sit independently.

Both babies know their mama, which is one of those love/hate things. I love that they know me and need me...it makes me feel special and bonded to them even more..but it is also getting hard because they don't want anyone else to put them to sleep, which makes every evening a bit of a juggling act since beginning at about 6:30 or 7 p.m. they will just cry unless I am holding them until I get them settled in bed at about 8:30 or so.

That's a wrap. So grateful for three beautiful, happy and healthy girls...couldn't ask for more!