This and That

We've just been busy keeping up with everyday life around here.  Maddie and Avonlea's birthdays are fast approaching and I haven't planned anything yet so I'd better get on that!  Lucy is proving to be quite the sleeper.  We consistently have at least 5 hours stretches at night and often more from her.  Over the weekend she did a 7 hour stretch one night and and 8 hour stretch the next night (and then back down for a few more hours)!  We were staying at my parents house since Andy was away for a long weekend shift.  They graciously allowed us to invade their home since we tend to get bored and lonely when Andy is away.  I think we tired them out and Maddie and Avvie are behind on sleep but it's more sleep than Lucy and I have ever gotten together! When Andy heard this he declared that Lucy is ready to be moved into her big crib in her own room at night.  I agreed that she might be ready...but I'm not!  I love having my babies by my side and since we're fortunate to have plenty of room for the pack n play by our bed I intend to keep her at least a little longer in our room.  I love being able to glance at her whenever I want and it's so lovely to let her lounge in bed with me when she's up for an early morning nursing session.  I refuse to rush this transition!  (And Andy is okay with it although he doesn't quite understand my intense feelings on the subject.)

Here are some pictures of Madeleine reading to Lucy.  I often plop Lucy in the bean bag chair in each of her sisters' rooms while I tidy up and put away laundry.  Often she really likes it--I think it's very cozy.  She looks like she's actually listening to (and enjoying) Maddie's take on the Bearenstain Bears.

She's the smiliest baby we've ever had--and the first two were pretty darn smiley, too!  I think we're close to giggles, she definitely makes joyful noises sometimes when we tickle her or make funny faces or noises.  I think Maddie was around 8 weeks old when Jessie elicited her first giggle (and I don't remember off the top of my head how old Avonlea was but that's because it wasn't such an odd giggle story as Maddie's!  Jessie was chanting "Finkle-Einhorn" from Ace Ventura and Maddie let out a distinct giggle.  Very silly!  I've tried it on Lucy to no avail.)