Third Child

Our little Ann is such a sweet third child. Her smiles radiate from her face to her little toes which curl in delight when her sisters come near. You've probably heard us talk about how blessed we are she is such a good sleeper. Well, lately as she has become more active and aware, Ann is less of a good napper. Our sporadic family schedule and noisy house probably don't help. She often catches her morning nap in the car on the way to gymnastics or the grocery store.

I have been used to Cate and Jane needing a good afternoon nap, so I thought Ann would just fall into place and take one as well. Not so. The past few weeks, I have had a difficult time getting the smallest one to sleep in the afternoon. I can usually get Jane down, and Cate is old enough she will rest and then go play, but little Ann is smiley and awake when I was sure she should be tired enough for a nap. We try everyday. Including today. After stories and "rest" for about an hour, I gave up and let everyone get up at about 4pm. Cate and Jane decided to take a bath, and I put Ann sitting up on the floor with some toys. I made my afternoon coffee and sat down to read. After a little while, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ann sinking down slowly, and looked up to find her folded up, asleep. See the cute photo. The bright side is that even if she goes to bed at 5:30, she's been sleeping a straight 10-12 hours. Love that girl.

Oh, the girliness!

Lately Jane is WAY into her shoes and jewelry. She has to put on her necklaces, bracelets and sparkly shoes immediately upon waking up from a nap or in the morning. This photo was taken not in late morning, or after lunch, but at 7, yes, 7 am a few days ago!

So, for the far away aunts, uncles and grandparents, Ann can now sit on her own and play, she has her two bottom teeth, and she has started eating rice cereal, bananas, carrots, pears and the McCartney staple baby food, guacamole! Jane hugged her Friday and said, "I love you with all my heart!" Cate loves to play with Ann, too, which is a huge help.