block party

Today we had our annual block party.

I can't believe it's been a year already, it feels like the last block party was just the other day! Erik and I are exhausted. We have been on our feet from sun up to sun down this weekend still trying to clean up and recover from "the great refrigerator leak of 2010". Meanwhile, Kieran and Anna have had cabin fever while we've sadly "neglected" them in efforts to have our house feel like home again. They missed the doughnut eating contest, but they had plenty of running around, bike riding, eating hotdogs (well Anna anyway, Kieran just enjoyed the desserts and had dinner when we got back), and cupcakes.

 

 

 

On our way back home around the corner, I was reminded that it is Fall this week and how beautiful our trees are at this time of year (knowing that ours will be trimmed tomorrow because the leaves fall like crazy and we have hired a gardener makes them all the more beautiful!).

 

Anna and I had to stroll down the street to find Kieran who I hadn't seen in 45 minutes. He was busy playing football with the packs of kids in our neighborhood. And, I am such the proud mommy, because he has gotten so good at riding his bike in the few times that we've taken him. He's become quite the pro!

 

Here's hoping that in 7 weeks, I've got the same confidence that Kieran's gained. I know once you know how, you never forget how to ride a bike, but Lord, I know I sure forget quickly about all the pain that comes with child birth (prior to the drugs I'll be getting :) and the recovery that no one ever talks about)! Luckily, it's all worth it. So very, very worth it.

getting closer

I'm getting closer. Just 8 weeks to go and I know it's going to go by fast! Feeling my new baby girl in my belly is something that is bittersweet. She will be my last. Kieran and Anna are enjoying their time as a pair:

{@ the San Diego Zoo}

What will life be like with 3? 3 words come to mind and they all happen to begin with the letter "E". 

Exciting.

Exhausting.

Entertaining.

 I recall being worried how Kieran would transition to not being the only one; the only one who had sole attention. How would he feel? Would he love Anna? Would he be upset with me for sharing the quiet moments with her that he was so used to getting at his every whim? How could I possibly love another baby as much as I loved him?

I held Anna in my arms and she was as perfect and beautiful as I had imagined, maybe even more. My love for her instant, my fears that I had played over and over in my mind, all but vanished.

Kieran saw his baby sister and enveloped her with such heart, such acceptance. I am at peace knowing that he will be every bit as thrilled with our new baby girl.

Anna, on the other hand?

She's a spitfire. 

Right now, she loves loves kissing my belly. She talks to her, and tells her that it's alright. 

When the baby arrives?

That might very well be a different story, to start anyway.

Seeing the love that Kieran and Anna share as brother and sister gives me great promise that my soon-to-be family of five will grow and change exponentially.

 I wouldn't want it any other way.