Yesterday

Well, we are pretty much back to real life here. Brad started work yesterday, and the kids did surprisingly well with the transition. It's amazing how much the kids have really grown up this summer. They both seem to have become so much older in just a couple months, which is exciting and a little sad at the same time. Naomi is turning into a little lady (one who loves to play in the dirt, anyways) rather than a baby or toddler anymore. She is one determined little girl, and that is going to get her far in life!

Riley continues to amaze us with the way his mind works and is asking so many thoughtful questions about life and the world, which challenges us and keeps us thinking too. It's hard to believe he is going to be 4 yrs old in just a few short weeks.

One of the most exciting things for me this time around with my pregnancy is how involved and interested the kids are in what is happening. When I was pregnant with Naomi, Riley was still so little and just starting to talk and really didn't understand what was happening even after we brought her home. So it is a new and thrilling experience to now have two little people who can express their thoughts and questions about expecting a new baby.

Yesterday, Riley was in the kitchen with me, staring at the baby's ultrasound photos on the fridge, and obviously thinking pretty hard. Here is an excerpt from our conversation:

R: Mom? Does the baby have any clothes on in your tummy?
M: No.
R: Not even underwear?
M: No. :)
R: But babies need clothes on! They don't want to stay nudie!
M: Well, when they are born we put clothes on them. It is pretty warm in my tummy.
R: If they come out you see their bum. They wouldn't be happy if you would see that.

We also had to say "goodbye-for-now" to one of our favorite people, Auntie Karen, yesterday. She is leaving this weekend for Portugal to teach at a school there for a year. We are going to miss her so much, but are excited for her and glad that she will be able to come home for a visit at Christmas-time and meet our new baby.