A New Nephew

My little sister gave birth to her first child this past Sunday, March 27th.  Tyler was welcomed into the world nine days after his estimated due date.  My sister was in labor for eleven and a half hours before birthing her beautiful baby at home in a birthing pool. She was assisted by two licensed midwives (and some family). My sister did amazing! 

Tyler Allen

7lbs 12oz

20"

He's been a thumb sucker from day one.

Mama and baby are doing well and the whole family is in love.

And what do my girls think about their newest cousin?  They are smitten!  They cannot wait until their own baby sibling is born in about seven months.

Strawberry Soup

When I was a kid, my mom would make Strawberry Soup on special occassions, like Sabbath brunch.  I love Strawberry Soup!  I hadn't had Strawberry Soup for years, until the girls and I came back here for a visit. We've been here almost two weeks now and my mom has spoiled me with this special treat several times already.  Arin likes it ok, but Ella cannot get enough of it.  She loves it as much as her mama does!

Cold Strawberry Soup
makes 6 servings

Strawberries (fresh) 1 pint (or a little more)
Sour cream 1 cup
Milk 1/2 cup
Ginger Ale 1/2 cup
Sugar 3 oz.
Vanilla 1 tsp.
Lemon Juice 1 TBS.

Combine all ingredients except ginger ale in blender; blend until smooth. Add ginger ale.  Blend quickly (quick swirl)  Chill; Serve in frozen bowls or cups (my mom always serves it in champagne glasses) Garnish with strawberry slices (optional)

A Day on the Farm

Raking Leaves

We've been staying at my parents' house for a little more than a week now, while waiting for my little sister to have her baby.  She's four days late so far.  There were two different days that we thought labor was going to begin, just to fizzle out after a couple of hours.  Bummer!  The girls and I have been keeping very busy visiting friends and family while we've been here.

On Sunday afternoon, after playing in the park, my dad started some yardwork.  Arin has been enjoying helping grandma and papa with different projects since we arrived.  She went outside and asked my dad if there was anything she could help with.  He put her to work raking leaves.  I was not outside with her during her first raking session, but my dad said she was a diligent, cheerful worker.  While she worked, she also educated my dad on different things like squares and rectangles both have four sides and four corners, triangles have three sides and three corners, but ovals and circles don't have any sides or corners.  She also told my dad that springtime is so nice to be outside, but summer gets really hot, but that's when she gets to swim a lot.  Finally, she reminded him that her birthday is just four months away in July.  Silly little girl.  She did keep my dad entertained.  I later went outside and took pictures of a second raking session.

She raked and raked.  (see the pile of leaves that she raked to the right of her in this picture?)

Then jumped in the pile of leaves.

Then raked some more.

For her cheerful work, Papa rewarded her with a dollar!

Big Birds

This was the scene in my parents' front yard this morning.  There were eight of these cranes all together.  Arin and Ella loved looking at these big birds.

It was quite a sight to see, but as quickly as they came, they also left.

Sunday in the Park

Pregnancy Journal: 9 weeks

I had no intentions of updating my journal this week.  There's not been anything too new to report, until today.  Today is my birthday.  Today is also my little sister's due date.  Too bad her baby has not shown signs of appearing today.  However, today was my sister's midwife appointment.  Her midwife comes to her house (she's planning a homebirth).  So while her midwife was here, we asked if she'd listen for my baby's heartbeat.  She said she only had the regular doppler with her (not the super sensitive one) so it would be doubtful that we'd hear it this early, but she'd try.  She tried and before long WE HEARD THE HEARTBEAT!!!!  Seriously, the BEST birthday gift EVER!