Neighbors

One thing we have really loved about Manhattan is our wonderful neighbors. Our kids LOVE to play outside with them. The weather has been perfect lately, so we are outside playing lots. The other evening we were playing and the kid's wanted a snack. They started on the picnic blanket, but then asked for their chairs. We saw a wonderful photo opportunity with all of them lined up together in their chairs snacking. We even added Baby Elijah to the end of the line-up. Crazy to think that when we moved here, Noah was Jillian's age, Jillian was in my tummy, and Elijah was only a twinkle in Nellie's eye. I can't even imagine how much older they will all look in another year!

Proof

For weeks I have been telling Mike that Jillian can stand up by herself in the middle of a room not holding onto anything. He hasn't ever seen her do it, so I don't think he believes me. So here it is, the proof.

Making Progress

Jillian's walking skills are improving daily. We are all so excited to watch her learn new things!

Losing them faster than we can grow them!

After lunch today, Grace asked me to pull her loose tooth. She was having a hard time eating because it was so loose. I really didn't think that she would actually let me pull it out, nor did I really think it was quite ready to come out but I was wrong. She did let me and it was ready! She did not even whimper, even when she saw the blood. Grace has been looking forward to this for a long time. This is an important sign that she is getting older. In fact, once it was out Sabrina said, "Now you're 6 Grace!" Not quite, but she's definitely getting closer!

Too bad we can't give some of these teeth we are losing to Jillian. She still just has her 2 bottom teeth and I think if she had more it would help us move away from baby food to real food.

Speaking of Jillian, she has her first cold of the season! The poor baby is so pathetic. She has fallen asleep while I was holding her twice so far today, which is unheard of for her these days. We hope it passes quickly because it's no fun for her or us!

It's in the Genes

Benson is the proud owner of a new accessory:



(side note: it is hard to take pictures in glasses without a glare!)

Not a real surprise since both parents (at least at one time), 3 out of 4 grandparents, and 8 out of 9 aunts and uncles wear glasses. He was a little nervous about getting them, but I think he likes being able to see better. After we picked them up he asked me if I thought he looked cute in them. I told him that not only does he look cute, but I think they make him look older and smarter.

Now let's hope we can go a whole year without losing or breaking them until the insurance will cover another pair!