My Little Eater

I took photos of Darcy's first taste of meat, as well as her first taste of peas. I was hoping to have some funny images to share, but so far, there's not a single food I've given her that she hasn't loved. See below for the proof!

PrincesScientist

In mid-December, our friend Elise from Small group turned 5. She invited some friends, Including Norah and Penny, to her "Princess and the Frog" birthday party.

Penny & Elise's brother Isaac got to work making their crowns.
Penny spelled her name on her crown all by herself!

Big sister photo bomb. :)

After all the guests arrived, we moved on to the "frog" portion of the party... a frog dissection!

The scientists, getting ready to listen to instructions.

The safety goggles were a little big for Penny.

The gloves were a LOT big! 

My sweet little scientist.

Petting our (very dead) frog.

Isaac, the serious scientist.

Watching the first incision. The head scientist thought it might be a bad idea to let the two-year-olds use a scalpel.

I didn't get any photos after that because I was busy helping the scientists with their dissection. Norah and Elise got to identify all of the organs and explore some of the musculature. My little scientists got to the lungs and heart, then got bored. They managed to pay attention for about 10 minutes longer than I thought they would!

And what could top an actual frog dissection? CUPCAKES!!!

Oh my gosh, these are good Mom!!

Even after the excitement of scientific discovery, the cupcakes were a hit.

School Party!

The little girls and I got to visit Norah's classroom yesterday for her first at-school Christmas party. Penny jumped right in and did the crafts and activities along with the big kids! I had Darcy riding piggy back on me to keep my hands free, so no pictures of her, but I got a few of my big girls. 

They made reindeer headbands! Miss Gillis also very sweetly agreed to paint Penny's nose like the other reindeer... I mean kids. 

They also decorated sugar cookies. Needless to say, they were THRILLED with this activity!

After the party, they all say down for story time. Norah let Penny sit on her lap to listen to the story. So sweet!

Crafts From Grandma

This week we got a package from Grandma in California. She sends fun stuff for us from stores that we don't have out here in the boonies. Along with some new cold weather clothes for Norah (which will eventually be for Penny and Darcy too), she also sent some crafts!

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is how I managed to unload the dishwasher halfway AND feed Darcy in peace. 

Thanks Grandma!!

Nom Nom

Another six month milestone: solid foods!!!!

Darcy was totally ready for solids. At her first feeding, she ate all of her apples and didn't even drip down her chin! 

She also tried to watch the spoon all the way into her mouth, making for some really cute photos. :) 

Six Months!

I can't believe it's already been six months since our sweet Darcy made her (slightly early) entrance into the world! She's becoming such a sweet, smiley, and inquisitive girl. She wants to know how everything around her feels and works. She's so proud when she can make a toy jingle or rattle all by herself. Of course, just like her sisters before her, she's a BIG talker! Here are some photos of a few milestones from this past month. 

Taken first thing this morning. Last night was the first night she was big enough to for her 3-6 month pajamas. She's little, but she's growing!

Helping me with the laundry. The warm clothes kept her nice and toasty on a cold morning. Don't worry, she laid on her blanket on the floor while I was folding. :)

Picking Norah up from the bus stop. 

Modeling the cute sweater and hat Miss Lacey made for her. I love that dimple on her right cheek! I'm so glad it hasn't gone away. 

Snuggling with mommy on a day she just didn't want to nap. 

Taking a piggy back ride! She really loves traveling this way because she can see everything. 

And finally, hanging with her first boyfriend, T. He's not quite two months old, so he reminds me of how small Darcy really is. 

It's been an eventful last six months with lots of changes. We are so excited to keep getting to know the youngest member of our family. 

Little Sister, Middle Sister

With Norah at school, I've had the opportunity to hang with Penny and Darcy on their own. It's so fun to see Penny's little personality come out when she has my full attention. She's also become quite the helper/playmate for her baby sister. 

Just after these photos were taken, Darcy grabbed a fistful of Penny's hair and yanked. There are a few downsides to having a baby sister.