Last Minute!!

I just read about this on "Stickyfeathers" today and it sounds fun!!

http://racetoawaist.blogspot.com/

Deadline is TOMORROW!!

Too Funny

Here I am on my last week of "maternity leave" trying to savor the time I've been able to spend with my own children - just us.

The picture of Cecelia at the table is her doing an impression of me. She was actually being me for the large part of the morning. As you can see she is talking on the phone (and speaking very harshly to her husband, Bill. Ug) writing a grocery list and paying the bills all at once. Atta girl.

The picture of her and Delaney in dress up clothes just kills me. I have never seen two more pathetic looking princesses in my entire life. Why CeCe is wearing one glass slipper and one sensible shoe I cannot tell you.

And, of course, just like every day here in the Heer household there is Cecelia holding her baby sister and Delaney enjoying her waffle breakfast.

I really don't know where the time has gone. Before I know it we'll be back fullswing in to daycare and then school will start and next thing you know we'll be seeing commercials for Christmas gifts.

Sorry, didn't mean to spoil your day, just getting a little ahead of myself.

Transition?

I've found myself having a hard time transitioning my blog from posting about my DEARLY loved cousin back to my day-to-day life.
I want to tell you all about my weekend, the parade we went to, swimming out back, movies we watched, etc. However, I don't want it to sound like we have "moved on" from mourning our loss.
What I will start with is this: Life simply has to go on. For some of us we have no option to sit and cry and reflect for days on end. I have children who need my love and attention (and a peanut butter sandwich or a boob - depending on age). I need it too. I need the simple view of life through my children's eyes. I needed to see them *LIGHT UP* when the floats at the parade threw the first piece of candy at them.
My heart aches for my family in Texas who, today, finally laid Niki to rest.
My prayer for them is that some day they will be able to wake up in the morning and start their new normal.

Thanks again everyone.

More to come later this week.

Not Sure What To Say.

My Dad, along with some other family members, are on their way to Texas to comfort my Uncle Rob, aunt Theresa and cousins Natalee (18) and Nathan (16). They will be there throughout the weekend to attend Niki's memorial service as well that will take place on Friday afternoon.
This will be a gut wrenching weekend for all and I, once again, ask that you keep them (us) in your prayers.

The details of Niki's passing, I feel, should be kept mostly private and between family and friends. With this being such a public forum I do not want to risk exploiting anyone.

What I can tell you is that Niki's death was most unexpected and a devastating shock to my entire family.
My little cousin Nathan did try and save his older sister.
My uncle did not want to leave her side and needed assistance doing so.

Such tragedy is enought to take the breath straight from your body.

I feel like I have so much I want to say, but at the same time, cannot piece together any words.

Ironically, I read "Nitty Gritty's" blog today and thought that her words were perfect. If you get a chance, pop over to her blog. She said a lot of what I am thinking.

Thank you all for being my listening ear and support.
We are broken and sad, but your kind words lift our spirits.

How Can This Be?

My cousin, Niki, passed away last night.

I have no words today.

All I am asking for is your prayers for my family.

Hi. I'm Adorable.

Two weeks old - post bath.
Weighed in today at 7 pounds 12 ounces. That's a pound and 2 ounces bigger than a week ago.
Glory, glory.

It's Friday.

And I can't tell you where this week went!!

I was so nervous about being on my own this week, but it turned out to be really enjoyable.

Laila is sleeping really well for me. She usually starts off the night by sleeping a good 4-5 hours (usually from 9:00pm-2:00am or so). The times vary depending on her awake time in the evening, but it's been consistent all week. She will wake to feed anywhere between 2-4 hours after that and then sleep in in the morning until 9:00am-10:00am.
Delaney was a really good sleeper too so I am hoping she takes after her older sister in that regard.

Delaney and Cecelia have been playing really well together this week. More so than usual, as a matter of fact. Bringing home baby #3 has been easier than bringing home baby #2 because of the fact that there are two siblings to play together vs. the one older child feeling left out.

Delaney has named her favorite baby "Laila." Cecelia nurses her babies like Mommy. It's pretty adorable.

The days are pretty low key. The weather is too hot for Laila so we either take a family walk in the evening when Bill gets home, or one of us (Bill or I) will take the older kids out back to play for an hour or so while one of us stays in with the baby.

We've had dinner brought to us and dinner sent home in a cooler this week by friends and acquaintances (both who have babies of their own!). What a treat and possibly one of the nicest things someone can do for a new Mom.

Last night I went out to dinner with a couple of girlfriends and took Laila along while Bill took Cecelia to swimming lessons. He brought Laney with him to watch.
It felt good to get out of the house and have some girl time. Laila slept through dinner in her carseat. What a good girl.

This weekend is supposed to be really hot - once again. There are some projects I need to get done (birth announcements, Baptism invites, thank you notes, etc, etc) I also need to get the house re-organized and set up for daycare which will resume in two weeks.

I will, however, try and manage some pool time as well. I figure Bill and I can rotate inside/outside by the hour :-))

All in all, a good week I'd say.

More pictures to come and maybe even a video.

Have a great weekend everybody!