fun

We've been busy trying to pack lately, and having a fun time in the process...

The girls are my helpers, as you can imagine....

Maya is happiest with something to bang around and an audience to appreciate her efforts...

And Zoe just uses this opportunity to get creative with the items that have not yet been packed. Do you like her homemade earrings and birthday celebration for her baby (the frog)?

From a young age, Zoe has loved to sit with a book and make up her own story. I know that a lot of kids enjoy doing this, but she can sit for unusually long lengths of time making up her stories.

At this very moment, she is sitting on the couch with my stack of music flashcards that I use for teaching music lessons... and making up a very animated story...

"But F, do you really not know what to do?"

PP said, "why don't rito (ritardando) and me go and figure it out?"

"I have a plan," said half note, "why don't we go to the office and tell mezzo about it."

Quite the imagination. I'm impressed.... this story is going on and on and on. It looks like she is planning to make it through the whole stack of cards... Where's a video camera? :)

A few weeks ago, we had planned a get together with a couple of our friends to go to the zoo... or we were made to think that we had such plans. I finished teaching my music lessons for the day and leisurely went downstairs to our neighbors to meet up with everyone for the zoo outing, only to find that their apartment was full of smiling adults and babies, all saying "Surprise!" (Sorry everyone, that I wasn't a bit more punctual!)

Zoe had never experienced a surprise party before, so it was especially confusing to her. But once she was over the initial confusion, she was very eager to take part in this party for her soon-to-arrive sister!

It was such a gorgeous day, we were able to celebrate outside!

We were sure surprised to see so many friends, and also so touched at all of the thought and care that went into this party. The food was beautifully served, complete with labels to indicate which things were dairy and gluten free. AND, we had a table filled with desserts that were also free of dairy and gluten and I was able to enjoy more than my share!!

We received diapers and other baby necessities, a buggy board for Zoe for long city walks, an ergo baby carrier (so helpful), and some of the most lovely handmade gifts you have ever seen. Take a look at these nesting blocks, that I really need to get a close up of to share with you all. My friend Karina makes such adorable gifts for babies- and our newest will get to enjoy some of her beautiful handiwork.

It was a wonderful day to celebrate and welcome our new little one into the world- thanks everyone!!!