Quiet time for Mommy and baby

A Trip to the Firehouse

Our mom's group at church organized a trip the firehouse.  I thought it would be good for the kids to get out and see some friends at the same time.

They had a blast seeing where the firemen slept and ate.

Not to mention climbing on and in all the equipment.

I think James told every firefighter we met that he wanted to be one (when he grew up of course!).

Rose wanted to get in this engine over and over again.

A cool present!

From a friend who has had more than one and knows...this is the coolest wreath/gift ever!  

Like brother and sister...

It actually got a little cool here, so I took the opportunity to put John Patrick in an outfit that both his big sister and big brother wore.  Of course, that meant that I had to get some pictures of it.  Here is the best one, even though he is asleep.

Remember this post?  At least they all look related!

Resting during his first weekend.

Apparently he really likes his naps. My kind of kid.

With my big sister.

Can't get enough of those hugs from Rose.

Home at last!

A big yawn, and a nice rest.

Still in the Hospital

Hoping to get out today, but they have to run some tests first. Fingers crossed for a lunchtime release.

In the recovery room, relaxing with Mommy

This, I think is as relaxing as it gets!

Welcoming the newest member of the Skees Family: John Patrick Skees.  11:16 pm May 30th; 9lbs. 11oz., 21.5 inches.  

Rose was overjoyed . . . 

. . . while James was a little uncertain, but still very excited.

Overall, a great success, and a new arrival for which we are all very thankful.

A New Friend

Rose was invited to her very first birthday party at the American Girl doll store.  She had a blast just walking around and seeing all the baby doll accessories (who would've thought they had enough stuff for dolls to fill two floors of a store in the mall?).  

Then, lo and behold, the birthday girl gave out the 'goody bags' and look what was inside it!  Marie-Grace, one of the historical dolls from their collections.  WOW!!  Rose was in love at first sight.

 They had these funny little doll holders in the bathroom stalls so you could keep them clean.  It was actually a good thing, since every little girl in there had a doll with her.  

 Then the party moved into the bistro (fancy word for restaurant if you ask me).  The dolls were provided with booster seats to sit next to the girls.

 And little cups for drinking of course.

 Some cool things about the bistro - the neat light fixture and they way they served the food.

Overall, she had a great time and made a new best friend.  At least she will have an easy time with her wishlist this year!

James' and his favorite meal

Strawberry Picking

Aunt B's graduation weekend

See a resemblance?

Too cute, little man.

Yes, I realize how big I am.

Belly painting

I did it again!  This babe loves to try to get out right about where that foot is depicted so we thought it might be fitting to have a picture of a baby's foot breaking through a brick wall.  Gotta love the graffiti!

Not feeling well...

Rose was sick on and off all week with a low-grade fever.  She doesn't willingly take naps anymore, unless the car is moving in the afternoon and she can't help it.  But today she said she was going to take a rest in her box...and promptly fell asleep.