Tell Me Something I DON'T Know

They say you learn a lot about yourself when you become a parent. Sean and I have, indeed, learned much about ourselves these last few years...and Brighton has taken the lead on this instructional project.

For instance, we learned from her that daddies are more fun than mommies because "they are the warmest". She also taught me about how I have blue veins on my forehead. One time I was delighted to learn, by way of this hyper-observant 4 year old, that my head looked like a mushroom (thanks a lot, dear)!

And is it possible that her newest lesson for me is that I'm a craigslist junkie? Rummaging through the cabinet this week, she discovered a sheer silver tablecloth with large crystal beads attached to the corners. After admiring it for a moment, she said, "This is pretty. I love this!" Then she added, looking somewhat concerned, "Mama, don't put it on craigslist."

Being 2 is Hard Work

Usually meal time is the most exciting part of Berkeley's day...the kid loves to eat! On this day, however, she had her flu shot...and whatever they put in that thing hit her right about dinner time. After we cleaned her up, she instantly became delirious, laughing at her big sister's antics. It was all very amusing.

3 B's in a Pod

The "big girls" have really enjoyed having little Boston here. Brighton is very motherly toward her, and Berkeley treats her like she's a baby doll, patting her and saying "ahhhhhh."

Check out our new pictures! Click the link below:

http://picasaweb.google.com/seanjuliesmith/WebAlbum2010October?authkey=Gv1sRgCNvB5YyTg5OEnQE

Welcome to Boston!

Boston Adeline Smith was born on September 21st, 2010 at 7:39 pm, weighing 8 lbs 3 oz and measuring 20 3/4 inches in height.
Welcome, Boston!
Click here for more pictures!

Am I Going to Have to Do This the "Old-Fashioned" Way?

We were ready. We had the bag packed, the cameras ready, the babysitter on the way...I had my waterproof mascara on and my hair straightened (hoping it would survive the events of the day). We were 5 minutes from heading out the door to have our baby! We were scheduled to be induced this morning at 7am.
But...somehow a whole herd of pregnant women decided to gang up on the maternity ward at the hospital and all have babies last night/today. They were totally booked this morning and I couldn't go in for the induction. Definitely a let down, as Sean and I had almost came to the realization that we were having our 3rd child today.
The real bummer (to me) is that the earliest my doctor could reschedule is for next Tuesday.
Well...there's always the good old-fashioned way...I can just go into labor! So, I had some jalapenos for breakfast and Sean is suggesting jumping jacks. Nah, just kidding (although I really did have some fresh jalapenos from our yard this morning!).
On the bright side, maybe we'll have a name for this girl by then! 

Berkeley's Funny Faces

Berkeley has really taken on some extra personality lately! Her new favorite way to get giggling is by making the face in the second picture...causing us to make the same face...causing her to laugh with delight! It's so fun.
She has also become Sean's #1 fan. She even laughs at his jokes...even when no one else is laughing. I'm not even sure how she knows that he told a joke, but that girl is ready to support her daddy!
As far as her development, Berkeley is making so much progress! She is crawling on her hands and knees, pulling up to stand, and doing a ton of cute babbling. She loves to say "duck" when she sees one in a book. Oh, and she's a great snuggler...that's always good. :) It's just hard to believe that she'll be a big sister in a couple of days!

Sunrise on the Beach

We're not exactly early risers around the Smith house, but I wanted so badly to get up and take Brighton to the beach one morning to see the sunrise. She had never been to the beach and this trip was all inspired by her interest in sea creatures. She loves to learn about sharks, crabs, fish, eels...it's all fascinating to her. But  (maybe just to be quirky) she is also pretty terrified of anything unfamiliar. It's a strange mix.

We woke up in time our last morning of our trip. We walked across the street from the resort still wearing our pajamas and got to the beach before the sun came up. It was beautiful! Brighton collected shells, we came across a couple of sandcrabs, we marveled at the sunrise
...and then she fell backwards into a big puddle of sea water! Our quaint little morning adventure was cut short as Brighton was terrified that she had fallen into the ocean! The thought of jellyfish attacking her took over and we had to leave.
...but it sure was a beautiful sunrise.