Easter and Rose

A few choice pictures from Easter Sunday.

And a few of Rose.

Eek... she's a responsible 4 year old, but this still makes me nervous!

It's amazing how much growth happens in a mere week...Rose is starting to look like herself. At this point, she's a combination of Dave and Francesca.

A blessed Easter to you, and happy Divine Mercy Sunday tomorrow!

Rose Màiri Elizabeth Cook

Little Rose was born at 2:20am, April 5th, 2012, after a 13 hour labor and delivery for Mommy.

She came out healthy and strong.

At 8 pounds, 4 ounces, she is the biggest Cook baby to date.

She has a signature birth mark on her right cheek.

Good to know we can't lose her in the nursery now.

Welcome to the Cook Family, Rose!

The Abandonment Game

Rose is breaking her siblings' records by being three days past her due date. It's amazing how difficult it is to wait patiently for this baby's arrival. You'd think her due date were set in stone, or some edict being breached, by the way we've all been in turmoil over THREE DAYS LATE. I'm trying to remind myself that this is a perfect Lenten opportunity to Patiently Accept God's Will, since this is completely out of my control. Of sacrifices, this is probably *the* most desirable, right? Having to let go of earthly plans and put off impending joy for a few days, essentially. Abandonment is the game. Abandonment for spiritual wimps.

Plus, who wouldn't want to savor the current baby for a few more days?

Oh sweet David, your little life is about to turn upside down.

One more week...

...until Baby Cook arrives, if she deems it convenient, that is. The past month has gone by at the speed of molasses. I just can't seem to "forget" about the full-term baby in my belly and go about my daily duties, which would make the days go by more quickly. Instead I lull around the couch and bed, trying to make up lost sleep, or I'm punished for getting those dishes, meals and laundry underway by a stab of sciatic pain that really cramps my style, Rose, are you listening?

If the weather were damp and cold, like it's supposed to be, I'd be tempted to be gloomy. The little ones have spent the past week outside playing in glorious, summer-like sunshine with no mosquitoes. Nature couldn't cooperate more with Rose's looming birth! Thank you, global warming.

At a party for a little friend turning one. Frankie has decided to have a pinata for her upcoming birthday, too. It really was a hit. ..pun intended I guess.

It's like summer outside! Empty bottle (right Dave?)

If the house is silent and David is missing, chances are...

Warm weather is much more fun with cousins.

Warm winter days

Visit to a Manassas mulch pile. Who knew mulch could be so much fun?

David, it seems, is officially a playmate.

I am beyond grateful for this mild winter. Snow and ice usually mean power outages in this neighborhood, which would not be convenient for many reasons, among which are my being ready to give birth. Hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy these warm winter days!

Lola's visit

We had a fun weekend with Lola, though too short!

Lola always brings gifts. Frankie got an adorable matching dress set for herself and her doll.

And this is what we do when it rains and Lola's not here.

We miss her!

Ice skating

We've watched ice skating competitions on TV recently, giving us the idea of hitting up Reston Town Center's ice rink. It was hopping today... everyone getting their physical activity in before the football craze perhaps. It was impressive how quickly Frankie became comfortable setting out on her own in the middle of the rink. She seems to have made a friend at the end of this clip.