Dinner for Four

No one ever mentioned how difficult it could be to prepare dinner for a family of four! Since high school basketball season is underway, Daddy is busy every afternoon/evening so it is just me and my girls. Last night was my first attempt at cooking supper alone. Leah was abnormally fussy (or "fuzzy" as Eve calls it) and kept spitting out her pacifier. I tried turning her swing thinking the TV might provide some entertainment and then went so far as to pop in a Baby Einstein DVD (this only brought Eve into the room who wanted to watch it). After rushing from the kitchen to put the paci back in about 5 times between cutting up raw chicken, putting pasta on to boil and repeated hand-washing, I had broken a sweat (which I felt compelled to text Jay about... just so he would know)!
Finally, desparate and exasperated, I looked at Eve (who was standing idly in the kitchen) and said, "Could you please go give Leah back her pappy?" Eve replied quite matter-of-factly, "No, I can't because I am trying to ask you a question." Ignoring the baby's cry for the moment I said, "Well, then ask away." Eve asked, "Why did the chicken cross the street?" I smiled and said, "Why?" She answered, "To get to the other side!" then died laughing obviously proud of herself for delivering the punchline.
Just in time for dinner to be done, Leah drifted off to sleep in her swing and Daddy came home to dinner on the table and Eve and me peacefully waiting there. Jay innocently looked around and said, "So things were hectic around here?"
What a winter this will be...
(Just had to include this pic... too cute!)

A Sister's Love

When Jay and I finally decided on the name Leah, I will admit openly that I wasn't sold. I was made even more unsure when I looked up the meaning and found "tired and weary" next to the name Leah. After her two short weeks of life I have found the reason behind the meaning and decided it fits... When you have a 3-year-old big sister it can certainly leave you tired and leave your mother a bit weary. Eve loves Leah so much it makes my heart swell just watching them. On our first night at home Eve insisted on Leah sleeping with her "old bunny." This tattered bunny is Eve's lovey and is her single-most important possession. She was near tears (and so was I) as she demanded we put old bunny in Leah's crib. We finally settled on letting Leah have Eve's "new bunny." Sarah aptly pointed out that Eve loves Leah more than her bunny... now that is love! I know in time Leah will love Eve just as much... and as these pictures show, she will probably have a bit of healthy fear mixed in, too!

One Week Down!

Precious Leah has been in the world for a week now and she is a wonderful addition to our family. Thanks to the help of Mamaw and PawPaw at home and Grammy and Grandad entertaining Eve we have had a successful week. Leah is a healthy eater and pretty good sleeper. :) Eve is a perfect big sister who loves to pet and pester, but always means well. :) I am recovering and am finally starting to feel human again. :) Jay is proud for fall break to be here so that he can finally get in on the fun. :) Of course, we have made lots of photos!

Welcome Baby Sister, Leah!

Leah Faith was born yesterday morning at 7:09 a.m. weighing in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. She is absolutely precious (of course)! Her big sister, Eve, was instantly smitten with her. She loves holding her and watching her. It is so sweet to listen to Eve talk to her in low loving tones and love and kiss on her. Eve is alreay becoming a little mommy and Leah is already adjusting to a noisy life with a three-year-old big sister. Jay is slowly realizing that he is now out-numbered 3 to 1 and that he is going to have to brush up on his diapering, swaddling, dressing and hair-styling skills. I am doing great (really)! Leah's labor and delivery were quick and relatively easy. We had wonderful care with our doctor and nurses.
I am enjoying a brief moment alone to write this morning. I know that in the days and weeks to come these moments will be few and far between, but I am okay with that... nothing better with which to be busy than caring for your family and counting your blessings. God is Good All the Time!!

Funny Eve-Isms

I've been jotting down some of the funny things Eve says for a few months... and I've compiled quite a list. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show!!
About the cotton ball clouds that fell off her Sunday School picture, "Oh, no! I lost my meatballs!"
"Mommy, you're kiddin' me!" when she means "You're killing me!" - A phrase I probably shouldn't have used with her.
When asked when her birthday is Eve responds, "My birfday is 20 May." She's close!
After Mommy and Daddy made a big deal about her poo-poo one night, "Oh my goodness! Vat makes me laugh!"
After storming out of the room mad and being asked why she is leaving, "Because I am!"
While holding an eye patch made of a slice of Kraft cheese to her eye Eve said, "Arr, Matey! Are you ready to walk the plank?" at dinner one night.
After going #2 without much coaxing Eve yelled out, "Daddy, aren't you so proud of me? I knew I could drop a deuce!" (Guess who taught her that phrase!)
Listening to Mommy and Daddy have an intense discussion in the car Eve shouted, "Mommy and Daddy, that is un-mess-essary!"
As I carried Eve from the cart to the car in the Wal-Mart parking lot she said, "Mommy, you are carrying me." I said, "Yeah, I don't much anymore, do I?" She sighed and said, "No, you got a belly-full... A belly-full of baby!"
Waiting outside Cracker Barrell someone asked Eve, "What are you going to be having soon?" (Making reference to Baby Sister.) Eve answered, "A pancake!"
When asked about when her new baby is coming Eve generally tells people, "In two years." Boy, is she in for a shock in a few weeks!

Our baby is a preschooler!

This week Eve started preschool! She is attending a little Head Start school near downtown, has made new friends already, enjoys centers and the playground, and LOVES her teacher! The other boys and girls call her teacher Mr. Jay, but Eve calls him Mr. Daddy. That's right, Eve is in Jay's class this year and things are going well. She had a tough first day because she was really tired from a busy weekend, but is settling in well. I can already tell a difference in her and Daddy says she is enjoying it (and I think he is, too)!

The offical last day...

Of our summer vacation is today. Most years I dread returning to school and leaving the "faux-stay-at-home-mom" life I get to enjoy in the summer. Don't get me wrong, I think I have just about one of the best jobs on earth in one of the best schools, but a part of me will always long to be at home. This year the close of summer is especially bittersweet. This was the last summer with just my "3-member-family." It was the last summer of just one carseat, tables-for-3 in restaurants, and time devoted to only Eve. Next summer will be completely different for all of us so I have worked to savor each day this summer. While the start of school is the end of one, thing, though, it is also the beginning of another... We are less than 9 weeks away from our next baby girl's birth and I can't wait. This pregnancy was far from easy in the beginning, but "baby sister" has graciously taken in easy on me the last couple of months. I can't wait for the days this fall when she and I are home, Daddy and Eve are at school, and I can focus solely on her. I look forward to having her join our family and all those things we will get to experience with her for the first time. Most of all, I just can't wait to her... I wonder if she will look like Eve, have curly hair, how much she will weigh and hear her voice. So, this year I don't look upon the start of school with dread, but see it as a countdown to a new chapter in our lives... and a countdown until the next stretch of time I get to be at home... I guess some things will never change. :)

"I love it when a plan comes together!"

I am proud to say that the long to-do list I created for us at the start of the summer is almost completely checked off! From tidying up the landscaping to cleaning the garage, and from creating both a nursery and a big sister room for our girls to catching up on all scrapbooking, we have really accomplished so much!! It is such a good feeling to begin to feel "ready" for our second baby girl. There is still plenty to be done, but nothing we can't handle and we have done everything I was hoping we would by school's start. It has been a busy, yet productive summer at the Stark house!

July is in Full Swing

It is hard to believe that it is already July 10th! Since my 30th birthday on the first we have been very busy! We spent the 4th with family and had a great day, despite the fact the fireworks were postponed due to storms. On the 5th, Mamaw, PawPaw, Jay, Eve and I left for a week in Alabama. We had a great time visiting extended family!! For the sake of time and space I will just include a few pics to highlight the last two weeks. In the mean time we will continue to try and stay cool and enjoy these lazy days while they last. School will be upon us before we know it and then it won't be long until our Baby Sister arrives

!

The Princess Phase has Arrived!

Eve is officially in the Disney Princess Phase! She would watch "Beauty and the Beast" about 50 times a day, if I would let her! Just yesterday she said, "Mommy, I love Belle. I wish I could just jump in the TV sometimes." I asked, "Why would you want to jump in the TV?" She said, rather matter-of-factly, "So I could be with Belle. She's my friend."
Tonight she asked my help to get dressed up in her Cinderella ball gown. (Grammy got this for Eve's birthday and we just realized tonight that the skirt lights up! Fancy!) Once we got the dress on Eve said, "But, Mary God Mudder! Where are my glass slippers?" I must say that I very much appreciated being the Fairy Godmother tonight... It was certainly a step up from being the Beast yesterday! :)

Happy Father's Day!

To my dad: Sarah, Andrew and I are blessed beyond words to have you for a father! You're the best! I love you and can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks!
To Eve's daddy: Eve (and her yet-to-be-named baby sister) are blessed to have you! Thank you for taking the time to provide, play and love! We love you!!

Growing Up...

Eve is growing up way too fast for me! This week she got a new swingset (thanks to Ms. Beth thinking of us after she inherited one when she bought her new house). She saw it out the window after her nap and said, "Wook, Mommy! My bery own pwayground!!"
On Thursday, Grandad took us to the fair. Eve loved it!! She rode every ride for which she was tall enough with her friend from church, Jenna. She looked like such a big girl bravely walking up, climbing in and enjoying each ride.
Today Eve got her "big sister" bed. We moved the queen-sized bed into her room so that the twin-sized bed could go in the nursery. At first she was distraught thinking she was losing her old bed, but was excited when she saw the new blue bedding and the size of her new bed. She said, "Oh, Mommy! This bed is gonna be HUGE!" She also asked, "When my baby sister comes can she sleep in this bed with me?" I said, "I am sure when she is old enough the two of you will have many sleepovers in this bed!"

A Great Day with Graeter's!

Yesterday was the last day of our mini-vacation, but it was a fun one! After lunch, Eve, Sissy, Mamaw and I headed to Graeter's... only the absolute BEST ice cream parlor EVER!! Sarah and I had our usual for years... mint chocolate chip. Eve had plain vanilla and Mamaw tried a new dessert. It was very yummy, as always!!

Great American Ballpark

Last night Jay and I went to a Cincinnati Reds game against the Chicago Cubs (Jay's favorite team). We first enjoyed dinner at Don Pablos on the river then endured the long walk across the bridge from Newport, Kentucky, to the stadium in Cincinnati. We had a good view of the field (though not quite as good as Jay would have wanted) and the game was a pitchers' duel. Carlos Zambrano of the Cubs scored his 100th win as a starting pitcher and hit a homerun! Jay was excited and enjoyed the game. We watched the fireworks at the stadium from the bridge on our trek back to the car. It was a fun night!

Cincinnati Zoo

On Tuesday we came up to Northern Kentucky for a mini-vacation to kick off our summer. Jay and Micah promptly played golf when we arrived. Jay was the victor this time and Micah had to call Tim to tell him what a great golfer Jay is to fulfill his end of the wager.
Yesterday we went to the Florence Mall where Eve chose to make a blue teddy bear at Build-A-Bear. She chose a lovely pink tutu for the bear to wear, too. We had a yummy lunch with Finley and Kacey and bought some Great American Cookies for dessert. Eve and Finly also enjoyed riding the carousel together!
Today we went to the Cincinnati Zoo. It was Eve and Finley's first visit there! We saw lots of animals, but Eve's favorites were the cats at the cat house. We look forward to lots more fun tomorrow!!

Welcome Alayna Claire Tucker!

Jeff and Jennifer Tucker became the parents of a precious little girl on Saturday night. I was blessed to be there for it all!
Today, Eve and I, along with some friends, went to visit "Aunt" Jenn and her new baby at the hospital. Eve was amazed at her teeny-ness and ooohed and coohed and loved all over her. I know Eve will be a great big sister!
When we were getting ready to leave, Eve gave Aunt Jenn a hug and said, "Aunt Jenn, did that baby come out of your belly?" Jennifer said, "Yes, she did! See my belly is all squishy again now that she is out, not hard like it was at your birthday party last week." Eve then looked from Jennifer to the baby and back again, glanced and me then said to Jeff, "I fink I need to go now."
You could actually hear the wheels grinding in her little head as she processed that one. I can only imagine what she was thinking, but I know what I was thinking, "Yeah, you're right smart girl... I've gotta go through all this, too, in about four months... and our lives will be changed forever!"

Happy 3rd Birthday, Eve Lynn!

Today Eve had a wonderful Blue Cinderella birthday party at Grammy and Grandad's house. She was excited to have out-of-town family in and a couple of friends from church. Her favorite gift was the scooter from Mommy and Daddy. Eve is truly a blessed girl and we are very blessed to have her!!

Eve gets her wish!

Yesterday afternoon Jay, Eve and I watched a wriggling, kicking baby on the ultrasound screen. After checking all the vital "stuff" and letting us know everything was looking good the technician told us that Eve's wish for a baby sister would come true. It's a GIRL!!
We are blessed and happy to have a healthy growing girl who obviously already responds to her big sister's voice and presence with twists and kicks. Now comes the major task... to gently break Eve into the notion that her baby sister will not be named Mary. We are feverishly working to decide on her name so that Eve can get used to it... I am not sure how understanding she will be that we will not be using her chosen name, but I know she already loves her sister no matter the name (and Mommy and Daddy do, too)!

Happy Mother's Day!

I am blessed by all the wonderful loving mothers in my life (most importantly my own) and blessed over and over again by the gift of being a mother myself!

Mary or Moses?

I haven't really had too much to report on lately, which is good, I suppose. After 4 months of constantly feeling nauseous and living on Phenagren and hourly snacks, I am finally feeling much better. For the past couple of weeks I have been feeling the tiny thumps from our "little teeny baby." It really is all different the second time around... for instance my elation at the first tiny flutters turns to a little bit of dread as all the flutters will turn to contractions before all is said and done. :)
Next week we will get to find out what this "little teeny baby" is and I couldn't be more excited! I am ready to plan and prepare for this little one and I'm ready to give "it" an identity.
Eve fully believes the baby is a girl, though she will now at least admit that it might be a boy. I recently asked her what she thinks we should name the baby... she chose Mary for a girl and Moses for a boy. While I like her train of thought on the Bible names, I'm not sure we will go in either direction.
Anyone want to venture a guess on this baby's gender before we find out?!?! Check out my poll and vote!