She's Having a Baby!

I have to say, there is something so special about watching your siblings have babies. For a few years, I was the one having the babies, but this year, I get to be on the other side, not once, but twice. I have gushed over and over again about how excited I've been over my first niece, Sloane, and soon enough I'll have another niece to adore, and I cannot wait to meet her and watch my sister Erin become a mom. Today was all about celebrating the mom-to-be and showering her with all the love and attention she deserves.

She certainly got showered with gifts today! If you can't tell, the day had an animal theme to coordinate with her animal-themed nursery. She received so many great things, and I for one am anxiously waiting for a chance to see the end result. Even better if there's already a baby here to enjoy everything!

Of course, the gifts are all great, but the real reason for celebration is Erin and that beautiful bump of hers. How beautiful does she look?!

Meanwhile there was another girl there stealing some attention from the mom-to-be and her baby bump, and for once, it wasn't one of mine! While Emily and Kate didn't make their appearance until the end of the party, Sloane was there all day, keeping her mom and other grandmom plenty busy. Such a mama's girl, she is!

Once my girls did arrive, they immediately zeroed in on their cousin to get their Sloanie fill before everyone had to leave. Of course, I still needed my fill, so while DeAnn was out of sight, I managed to steal Sloane away for a couple minutes to squeeze in some bonding time with me and Uncle James, but it was short-lived once she spotted her Daddy.

I can't be upset with an adorable face like that, and seeing her is just a reminder that there will soon be another beautiful baby girl in this overwhelmingly female family of ours. Have I mentioned that I cannot wait? Well, I can't. We're all so excited for you, Erin and John, and we cannot wait to welcome you onto this crazy ride called parenthood. We love you!

Cookie Time

Today the girls and I got busy making cookies for Aunt Erin's baby shower this weekend. For once Mimi and I took the easy way out and purchased favors rather than making inappropriately-shaped cookies ourselves, so these cookies were simply for dessert. The girls were so anxious to help that they could barely stay still!

Once we got down to mixing, though, it was serious business for my little helpers.

They are always happy to help in the kitchen, but at least when it comes to cookies, we all know they're really just here to sample the goods. As Kate would say, "Delicious!"

There's No Crying in Preschool

Well, it's the sisters' first day of school together, and we all woke up without a tear in sight!

Kate needed a little encouragement for her solo shot, so Emmy was happy to show her some moves.

Kate wasn't into the first set, though, but she brought out the big smiles over on our good ol' reliable wall.

I tried to get the sisters together again but when a hug seemingly turned into a chokehold, well, I figured it was time to get these two to school before the smiles wear off completely.

Once there, Kate and I walked Emmy inside to join her class and went back outside to the playground to join Kate's new friends. I thought for sure that Kate would start crying and clinging, but wouldn't you know, she walked right up and started playing with some other kids.

She wouldn't even have said goodbye if I hadn't called to her. Forget Kate crying, I'm the one who left in tears!