Excitement with a dash of wistfulness

While I am thrilled to add to our family, I am also mourning the disruption of the rhythm of having just one child. It's a combination of 'we have finally found a routine that works' coupled with, 'she's such a great little girl - what the heck are we doing shaking this up?' Since our due date for bebe deux is actually tomorrow, I now fall asleep each night thinking, 'this could be the last night of the family as we know it'. I'm not complaining, just taking note of the dramatic changes about to ensue.

I think Ava is going to be an amazing big sister. Ever since I gave the baby a voice (yes, much like a ventriloquist's dummy... go ahead, make fun...) she's been responding to it positively. Now when she realizes that this baby will not actually speak for a long time, she might be upset with me, but that's a bridge we'll cross when the time comes.

laps on the lake

Our friend Kristen lives on Lake Truesdale in South Salem which is quite a special place to live. Her backyard slopes down to a gorgeous dock where they have the sweetest setup for lake-lovers! Ava was lucky enough to go kayaking last week with Kristen, who, in Ava's words, is "...my friend AND my babysitter."

It's been a great start to the summer for us. From small-town carnivals to pool-time (I must admit that I have a small problem with the town pool... I don't like to share my pool) it's been fantastic so far. Ava is such a happy little girl.

laying it on

I called Ava from work last night to say a quick goodnight, not anticipating what I was in for. The biggest guilt trip she's laid on me to date. I first talked to Joan who told me about the great day they had together and how they had just gotten in from outside so she was having a late dinner. They played all day long. She passed the phone to drama queen.
Me: "Hi Babe!! How are you?"
Ava: (in very sad voice) "I miss you SO much, Mama!"
Me: "I miss you, too, honey."
Ava: (in pitifully sad voice) "I will dream about you tonight, Mama!"
Me: "Aw, honey... I love you so much!"
Ava: (in mournfully sad voice) "I will hug you in my dreams, Mama!"
Me: "When I come home, I'll give you so many kisses and hugs."
Ava: "But you're not home now. I'm so sad." (She passes phone back to Joan)

Skip, (my technical director): "How old is she now?"
Me: "Three and a half."
Skip: "You're in for trouble ahead."

I sure am.