Pet Alligator

Lily randomly asked for raisins yesterday, to feed to her alligator... so funny to see how her imagination works these days!

Rock chalk

Watching the ESPYs - if you missed it, here is a link to JT's surprisingly funny hosting gig, complete with his Memphis-fan-typical jealousy of Mario Chalmers - this past week renewed championship celebrations in our house (minus Jeremy, of course)

Oh, and one more funny clip - I can laugh at this because, in case you forgot the Jayhawks championship performance in 2003, KU fans can relate to free throw frustration.

Ring around the rosy...

Lily is at that stage where when she likes something, she wants to do it over and over again... luckily, she has grandparents that can keep up with her. You wouldn't know it from their enthusiasm, but this was the umpteenth time Lily requested "Ring around the Rosy" with Grandma and Grandpa.

So she needs a little work...

After seeing people take photos with Noah on their laps, Lily wanted to try it... obviously her technique needs a little finesse, but she was so proud!

Tea Party

George was cordially invited to an afternoon tea, hosted by Miss Lily...

Heat Wave

It's been dangerously hot lately, so we are trying our best to keep Lily occupied without going outside for too long.

One of our favorite indoor places in DC, whether it's hot, rainy or snowy: the National Building Museum!
Here she is in her room doing her daily accessorizing routine...

Muppet Mania

We thought Lily would get a kick out of seeing real-life Muppets at the Jim Henson exhibit on the Mall. However, she slept through it (along with Noah!) but J. and I really enjoyed it!

"I Hold Baby Noah, Please?"

This is what Lily asks all the time... she loves hanging out with her new baby brother!

Go Cubs!

First day on the job

Lily has taken to the role of big sister like a fish to water. We are so proud of how calm and caring she is with Noah. This is from yesterday, and this morning the first thing she said when she woke up was, "I hold baby Noah?"

Big Sister

Lily's first act of big sisterhood? She had to take off Noah's socks and play "This Little Piggy"...

Lily endorses a candidate!

Fun with Mommy & Daddy

After what was hopefully the scariest day of J. and I's lives on Saturday, we decided to take Sunday afternoon off from the hospital and spend some fun time with our baby girl. We headed down to the Mall (Texas as its own entity within the Folk Life Festival... really???) and do some of Lily's favorite things.

We rode the carousel...



We ate ice cream...
Even let her splash around in the fountains, clothes and all!

Artist at Work

Lily had a runny nose today, so she couldn't go see Noah. I've been somewhat absent lately, so Lily and I spent the morning together while Jeremy headed to Georgetown. What does a guilty-feeling mom do? Let her toddler paint, of course! Notice the use of Jayhawk colors... I am so proud.
I swear, I left for all of 10 seconds to get a paper towel to wipe Lily's hands... but it was more than enough time for her to create a masterpiece on the wall. Thank goodness for washable paint!!

Mommy's Little Helper

Friday was a tough day for me... spent a long day at the hospital with Noah, who didn't have a great day either. So it was nice to come home to Lily, who is so curious and funny these days that she always makes us laugh.

I went upstairs to pump and Lily followed... she climbed up in bed after I was finished, and said "NO! Take off your shirt, Mom!" Which made me laugh... and which made J. grab the camera to shoot some video:

Another example of how Lily is ready for Noah to come home so he can get to know his big sister... and of how she provides some much-needed comic relief for her mommy and daddy during some frustrating days.

Princesses

Just saw this photo on Josie's blog and had to share! Lily loves playing with Josie - and since she and J. pass Josie's house on their way home every day, Lily usually demands a visit. Josie is very into dress-up and Lily decided to get in on the action.

Getting ready

Lily, like her mommy and daddy, is very excited for Baby Noah to come home. I've been trying to involve her as much as possible in our preparation for his arrival, and she has been more than happy to help. Here she is helping me fold some of his clothes (a huge thank you to Lily's Uncle Nick and Aunt Brandy, who sent a big box of preemie clothes for her little brother!)... she decided to try on one of the hats.

Then she wanted her picture taken with Georgie!