busy girls and solids ...

We have had quite a busy few weeks. I have tried to finish up this blog post now for about two weeks. Life is getting tough with one kid on a sleep schedule of bed at 7PM and up at 5:30 or 6AM and the others of bed at 9PM or 9:30PM (because they still need a nap.) It doesn't leave very much time for things other than kids and house cleaning. I do get an occasional simultaneous nap which is great. The twins are pretty good about playing nicely together and that is a big help, too. We have been busy with Alan's family in town a few weeks ago for a week and then my family in town for the fourth. It is so great to be back in SC and close to family so the girls can see everyone more often. The twins have really taken to their grandparents since the birth of Caroline (and Mommy not always being available) and have finally gotten pretty happy to be around any family whereas in the past they were really, really shy around aunts, uncles & cousins. We are lucky to have such great and loving families. I actually have several more pictures that I would love to post since I began this post but in the spirit of trying to finish this thought before making it more complex ... I will save them for the next post! Mostly they are of Caroline rolling and LOVING Cooper ... she thinks he is hysterical!

I was really hesitant to start Caroline on solid foods since she is likely to be my last baby ... I wanted to "baby" her as long as possible. However, there was never a kid more ready to be a big girl than Caroline. The day I decided to start her was the day that I was pouring milk for the twins and Caroline grabbed the cup out of my hands and tried to drink it. I think she wants to be like her sisters sooooo badly and seems to love to sit in her highchair and eat lunch at the same time as the "big girls." So now she is on cereal and she has tried several baby foods. She loves bananas and squash just like the twins did at her age. She does well with her baby food but still loves to nurse so all is well.

Cousins!! Meredith, Hannah, Kate, Jackson & Nick ...

... and Aunt Tricia and Caroline ...

My little Picassos

They love to paint ... it is the only time they will let me put piggytails in!

Meredith ...

Hannah ...

They also love to help me cook ... here they were helping by putting frozen fishsticks on a baking sheet ... gourmet, eh?! My friend Stephanie gave them these sweet little outfits! Too cute!