A Little Hee Hee

This, and only this, made me smile yesterday.

Thanks for the pick-me-up, EB.

Heart Happy

We've been waiting for his moment so badly that we we're barely off the plane from Rwanda, and we caught another a few days later to Ohio to see my brother, sister-in-law and their sweet baby girls. 

What a delight to get know these tiny humans. Their personalities are shining through, with Miss E's infectious smile and always-moving legs and Miss M's quiet, soulful gaze. It's the first time our kids have met their first-ever cousins. #joy

Quite the reunion with their uncle!

Egads. Look mom, no hands. Miss M is having none of it. 

Mademoiselle A is going to be a great babysitter in the future. She loved taking care of the girls. A real natural. 

Although truth be told, Master R changed a diaper, Miss A refused. :-) 

Hee hee. The walk didn't last long. Skies opened up into huge thunderstorm. New stroller worked great though, babies stayed dry. 

No matter that the proud new parents are exactly that: proud new parents. They still cooked us two amazing dinners and had a cake and present ready for Mr R's birthday. I'm so impressed. 

I mean really impressed. Yes, I missed the horrible first three months when they cried all night and all day. But these babies are only 5 months old. They are still very young, and my brother and sister-in-law are handling it so well. I know how hard it still must be, but they deserve around of applause for how easy they make it look. 

Look at me, all decked out with dangling earrings, sparkly bracket and thin-chained charm necklace. Oh how easily mamas forget the obvious from the  earlier years with their babes. 

Pre-flight feeding! We are so proud to be aunt and uncle to these wonderful little girls. 

Our hearts are full. 

cue up the "awws"

My baby nieces.

April Birthdays: From the Top!

Here we go! April is a big month for us, full of birthdays of friends and family we hold very dear. Though there are many, they are all special to us.

First up to bat: My big bro. I'm exactly one day late, but maybe that's okay . . . in the event someone mistake my well wishes for an April Fool's joke.

As of one month ago, this guy has a new, very special title (besides big bro, husband, son, etc). He's now "daddy" to beautiful twin daughters. They've been colicky, so hoping this birthday brought him a peaceful night's sleep and less smelly diapers.

Love you so much. So cool to see my really tall brother with such tiny humans.

Next up to bat: Pop Pop on April 6

Bumping Along!

My brother and sister-in-law made it to the half-way point!

Now they get to start counting DOWN to the arrival of their baby twins, instead of up (i.e. only 17 weeks to go, instead of 23 weeks along). So exciting!

I'm happy to report mama and babies are doing great, and last I heard, the babies were facing each other in utero. A sweet reminder of the closeness they will share for a lifetime.

Next year's holidays are sure to be crazier! xoxo

Cousins!

Oh. Yes. We. Are.  Starting next spring, we are doubling the trouble in our family!

My brother and sister-in-law are pregnant with TWINS! 

A HUGE (cause that's what said sister-in-law is gonna be) congratulations to both of them! It's been a long journey, and we couldn't be more thrilled at the happy outcome. Woo hoo!!!

These two babies will be A & R's first and only cousins.  I don't think A & R fully realize what a big deal this is, but I know they will be over the moon once they grasp it all.  WE CAN'T WAIT!

And one just has to look at the photos below to see how much their niece and nephew adore them, and therefore to appreciate what wonderful parents C & E are going to be.

In conjunction with all their news, these parents-to-be were kind enough to host a family reunion of sorts in Cleveland, the first stop on our USA 2015 Tour (which began two weeks ago).  We were utterly spoiled with all the amazing meals they cooked, the pony rides, and the binge board-gaming. Hit game of the week?  "Exploding Kitty."  A new game out of kickstarter, just in production.  What's not to like to about farts, stinky litter boxes and funny-named cats?  THANK YOU C & E!!! 

And a big thanks and hugs to E's parents for inviting us to stay in their lovely home.

Okay, shall we just start here?  With the guests of honor? Because this just makes my heart skip a beat.  (P.S.  Did I mention I have a new title?  Aunt Heather!)

Giddy parents-to-be:

What a lovely setting to hang out for a few days!  The horse stables were just across the field from the house.

See the stables?!!!?

Ahem?  See the stables?!!??

Reese learned Rummikub this trip. Takes me back to my childhood.

We didn't limit ourselves to board games.  No, no.  Lawn games (and simply the lawn) made a strong and popular appearance.

Little girls at Abby's French school sport these GAP zippered sweatshirts, and Abby has begged for one all year long.  Who knew GAP was such statement among the leaders of haute couture?  Abby doesn't even know what GAP is!  Who cares, though, when Nana delivered with the best surprise gift ever?!!?