Bath day!

After Rick washed G and A, Adelaide was put to bed and Guinny got in her PJs. She joined me to help with Maryvonne's first bath/wipe down at home. She was very excited and started by gently patting her feet with a soft damp washcloth. But as I started washing her hair and face M started to cry. With that G decided she was done. I thanked her for the help and explained that Maryvonne is just cold and isn't used to getting washed. I quickly finished and got M dried and dressed. Guinny was happy that little sis was comfortable again. All my girls are fresh and comfy, ready for a restful night and play filled day tomorrow :)

Newest Addition :)

Maryvonne Ethel Manser was born today/yesterday (5/15/14) via scheduled c-section (at 37 weeks 5 days) at 9:44am measuring in at 6lbs 15oz and 20 inches long.

Welcome to the world little Vonne! We love you, XXOO

Guinevere Update

I want to be sure to record some Guinny moments and tidbits before I loose some of these details.

• She enjoyed gymnastics once a week for a year and a half. She participated in one in-house meet and earned her first (participation) trophy. She can flip herself over a low bar, complete a somersault, small hops and jumps, and has come a long way with her bridge. Her balance and larger hops/jumps was a challenge. We decided to take a break and focus on her swimming.
• She's been also taking once a week swim classes for the last year and a half. She's advanced quickly (skipping one class). She likes to play and show what she can do on her own. But with encouragement to focus and pay attention to her teacher she's able to continue progressing. She loves the water and remembers her water safety lessons. We are continuing her classes and are excited with achievements and interest.
• Now that G is 5, we consulted MDA. Though my doc doesn't routinely (or officially) diagnose children she completed a quick exam to address my concerns of no/little arch development... (brought up by gym coach). Looked at her walk, run, reflexes, and foot upward and downward strength. She has no worry and encouraged us to keep G active. Also, instructing us to watch G over the next few years, if she falls behind her peers (physically) consult MDA child specialist. Since most of the time it's obvious by this age, we are relieved but will keep our eyes open.
• We are trying to help her with her temper, disappointment and frustration (as I practice my own cool down practices). She is sharp and seeks more independence than is allowed right now. We encourage and acknowledge her good days and positive attitude. I know these attitude challenges is the flip side to some of her strengths like being bold and protective. We are learning how to teach and guide her to a better balance.
• All that said she is very loving toward babies. She is gentle and sweet, moving slow and giving smiles and talking quietly. She asks the parents before touching or kissing and loves to tickle those little feet. She is excited about another baby in the house and about teaching Adelaide how to be a big sister :)
• Her current movie interests: Back to the Future, Frozen, Pirate Fairy, Muppets, Super Heroes (Thor... Hulk...)
• Favorite TV: How It's Made, Food Factory, Money Saving Meals (the cocktail-mocktail show), Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Teen Titans, Peg Plus Cat...
• Her top song requests: Still likes 'Rumor Has It' and 'This girl is on fire' as well as Rock and Roll - particularly daddy's, and occasionally will also ask for Ballerina Music - like grandmama plays on her computer.
• Other interests: Deepening interest in volcanoes and space as well as a budding interest in gardening as we continue to learn about different foods and cooking. She also is aware and concerned with the environment - thanks in part to her School House Rock - Environment Video. She in very familiar with the concepts of reuse, recycling, and free-cycling.
• She has known the Alphabet, letter recogniction, and sounds for a long while now (since around 2), but we are still buildling on those fundatmentals in her pursuet of becoming literate.
• She enjoys counting to 100, she is very close to doing this completely on her own.
• Birthday Party! We did a 2 part birthday this year. First we had the family join us at a Fire Station. The kids got a safety lesson and a tour before cake and presents. Then we migrated to a park where friends joined us for cupcakes and play. Fun-fun-fun!