Good things come in small packages

Thanks to all who have checked on me since my mom's departure. Mom kissed both kids goodbye Sunday night, but we decided to let her wake R up to say goodbye again. Rebekah ended up doing great- she has mentioned Mamama a lot, but usually follows "I miss her" with "We will see her again this Christmas." Honestly, it has been harder for me. :) I miss my mom, my constant companion, and loved sharing our lives here with her. It was so nice to have backup and someone to laugh with as the kids did funny things. Of course, it was also nice to have backup for dishes, dates, chores, and fussy times. :) I think I had a stomach bug this am (it's going around our group- all the ladies anyway- so, no, I am NOT pregnant- don't even think such a thing) and was so wishing Mom was here to help! I am better now, tho. Thanks, Mom, for all you did, brought us, bought us, and did with us! We love you so, so much!

This is my super-too-cool-for-school (or at least this high chair) Luke. These are the times we think of my brother, Billy. Luke is the baby version of adult Billy. He could be Riley Jane's sibling- they both look just like him! We think so anyway. Luke sometimes acts like my bro, too- such as wringing his hands exactly the same, refusing to do things in our timing, giving us looks like these, being extremely clever, etc. He really is super-smart- I just started consistently doing sign language and he has already picked it up- he will do "more" very precisely by using his fingertips for Goldfish and foods he really loves. Like Rebekah, "more" means "I want" to Luke- so if he wants me, to do something else, or food, etc., he will sign "more". He also signs it when we ask him how big he is- he gets confused I think between throwing his hands up and signing more- you see, they both have brought him tons of praise, so why not do both? Today before lunch, he signed "eat"- it may have been coincidence, but I was quite impressed.

This was this am- another lovely morning that actually lasted!!!! Often, it's beautiful early, then goes away! :( So, like yesterday, we went to "campus" to blow bubbles. The kids had a great time and i loved sitting outside.

Some of you aren't sure what the thru the splits move is- here it is. Step 1- on your tummy. Step 2- use your arms to push up. Step 3- Pull your legs into the splits. Step 4- Push yourself up into a sitting position!

As for the title, I was shocked to learn just how "small" little buddy is for his age. The nurse was worried about his 20 lb (25th%) weight (surely it's all his crawling, she says...ha ha)...until she measured him- 72 cm (28 in; 20th%) length- "Oh!" she says, "That's proportional afterall- good things come in small packages..." Oh, my poor boy. I will start praying for a short wife and ways to avoid jealousy towards your off-the-charts sister!

p.s. Rebes has started calling us "Big Mommy" and "Big Daddy"- we LOVE it! On Monday, I was also "Miss Mommy."