Cabin fever

It's cold outside, which makes for creative play indoors. So I wasn't entirely surprised to find every kitchen utensil spread on the kitchen floor ("we're organizing, Mom!"), nor was I surprised to find the girls had dressed Rose up as a fairy ballerina.  Remember this outfit, Aunts Missy and Melanie? We need to sign this girl up for a baby ballet class.

Look at that pointed toe!

Every cloud has a Rosie lining

Tuesday night marked our fourth trip to the emergency room in seven months. It's amazing how these emergencies happen so quickly, so unexpectedly every time. In an instant, life changes and we're in crisis mode...a scenario we're all too familiar with this past year. 

Rose was standing on a chair right next to mine after dinner when it tipped over. Three minutes later we were in the car driving to the ER. To spare you the gory details, no concussion, no stitches needed. Her guardian angel was on call, as well as Aunt Tasha, who was over for dinner that night. Thanks, Tasha, for holding down the fort while we took Rose in! We came back to a clean house and happy kids. 

Rosie's smile won't be the same for a while, and it will be forever memorialized in our family photo which will be taken tomorrow at Queen of Apostles (a shoot planned months ago for our parish directory). 

Our zany baby the night before...

...the night after. "You shoulda seen the other guy, Mom."

Enjoying popsicles and Pixar movies at the ER.

Halloween

We had a fun Halloween in the cousins' neighborhood, where homeowners actually participate in Halloween (unlike in ours). I know everyone has been wondering how the Elmo saga ended. Something about that furry, red vest didn't sit well with our little guy. Instead, he opted for a cow costume that was a few sizes too small. 

 

 Someone, however, was very happy to wear Elmo.

Something brewing on Halloween

The angel and the princess have no idea what's brewing in the gloomy Elmo next to them. 

Elmo is not a happy camper...

He's gone mad!

"It's ok Mommy, I'll cooperate. You can dress me up." My sweet little Chinese girl.

The Elmo Saga to be continued...

Jack-o-lantern

Teresa drew the eyes and nose, and Frankie took on the mouth. David supervised like a champ.

Ta da!

He's just happy.

....and this is what happens when poor ol' Jack is left alone with girls.

Frankie the theologian

This is a conversation between Frankie and Teresa that overhear every couple weeks or so. It varies in detail, but the essence is usually the same. I always wish I had a pen and paper. This time I did. While coloring:

Teresa: "Frankie, I like the angels and the saints and..."
Frankie interrupting: "I like everyone in the world. Except the devil."
Teresa: "Everyone in the world except the devil, and exceeeept...."
Frankie: "Oh, I like him."
Teresa: "The evil king in Syria??"
Frankie: "Yeah, I like him. You're supposed the like people who are bad, right Mom?" (me: that's right...)
Frankie: "Mom, I'm going to offer my birthday to God. I give my birthday to God, and God gives my birthday that I gave to Him to other people who are poor. Get it?"
Teresa: "Can I give my birthday too?"
Frankie: "Yeah, you can. You don't have to, but you can."

There's frequently a soliloquy by Frankie about what Heaven and Hell are like, and how much she loves the angels and saints. Teresa is always listening with rapt attention, asking questions. Perhaps teaching is in Frankie's future, as she seems quite comfortable instructing the ignorant.

Steppin' out with my baby

Last night we went to a "Sweet Home Virginia Gala" with a very nice couple. It was a black-tie event, and Dave looked quite dashing. Aside from being served dinner at 9:30pm (a little late for us), it was a pleasant night of auctions, hors d'oeuvres, and getting to know the couple who hosted us. Thanks, Aunt Natalie, for babysitting the littles and snapping these shots!