We've Moved!!!

We have two kids now but still one blog! Instead of this site, please visit Lily and Rio's blog by following the link. Thanks for reading!

Dear Lily

Dear Lily,

Your little brother is due to arrive any day now. Right now we are a beautiful family of three. You are the center of our world. You bring laughter into this house every single day. You talk about the new baby’s arrival on a daily basis. You say good morning to my tummy and talk about all the fun you will have with your brother. You talk to me about taking him on walks, changing his diaper, and showing him your toys. I think you will be a wonderful big sister. Although you know he is coming soon, I’m not sure you understand what that really means. It means that Mommy and Daddy will have to give attention to you and your brother. It might take some time before you adjust to this change, but I know you will be fine.

I have been a little worried about how you will feel. I don’t ever want you to feel rejected or less special. In time, I know you will understand that we are giving you the greatest gift that we can...a sibling. I hope you and your brother build a friendship and a relationship that can only be understood by having a sibling.

I have been treasuring every last few moments of our family of three. The truth is, you will never remember the first two beautiful years of your life when it was just the three of us. I can’t even remember what life was like before you. When you read this someday, I want you know that this has been the most special time of my life. You have taught me how to mother, you have taught me how to let go, and you have taught me about how much love is in this world. Mommy and Daddy have a lot of love to give. You will always be special to us. I am excited to imagine all the love we all have to give to each other.

Love,
Mommy

Trains? You want to play with trains? Finally!

Dear Lily,

So, for the past two years I have patiently and lovingly endured tea parties, princess fairies, pretend cooking and make-believe makeup. Despite my attempts over the years to slyly introduce a basketball or toy car, none of the toys I grew up playing with ever caught your attention.

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And that's okay. You like to play with the things you like to play with. And yes, trying to get you play with these things was out of my own self interest because every once in a while I would like to do something other than check your stuffed Elmo's blood pressure and heartbeat and have a play picnic afterwards.

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You can imagine my delight when a few days ago you suggested we play with trains. Yes, trains! I love trains! I remembered back to all the fun I had as a kid with the train sets that my dad got for me. We pulled out the trains, laid the tracks, and off we went taking turns zooming the trains back and forth. But then tragedy struck - one of the trains derailed. Train play was over.

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You sprung into action, scooped up the train in your hands and said, "It's gonna be okay, train," as you rocked it back and forth and patted it on the back. You laid it down to rest and covered it with a pretend blanket. Sensing the concern the other trains must have felt you empathetically comforted them too, reassuring them that all was well.

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With the train fully recovered, and the other trains settled down, you wanted to put the trains to bed since it was also your bed time. We disassembled the tracks, put the trains to sleep and called it a day. We were able to get some of this on video.

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Though it was short lived, thank you for indulging me and playing with something with wheels for a change. I love you exactly how you are and I'll go pretend grocery shopping with you any day.

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Love,

Dad

Water Play

Water play in Xander's yard:

Farmer's Market

Enjoying music at the farmer's market:

Strawberry Picking

We went to Linvilla Orchards to pick strawberries. Who knew toddlers would be such good fruit pickers. I think it helps that you are so close to the ground. You and Xander could probably find work as strawberry pickers, except for every one you picked you ate one. We also took a hayride and saw farm animals. It was a great day!

You thought Mommy looked like a strawberry in this picture:

Impromptu Song

We went to a cool little zoo in Cape May while at the beach. You ran into this gazebo and decided it was a perfect place for a little song and dance: