Marching for babies...

Today we walked 5 miles to raise awareness and support for the March of Dimes. We also walked in memory of James who was stillborn in October 2006. Never has my heavy load in the stroller felt so good...even though it was hot as heck outside it felt wonderful to have my 2 healthy children in tow.

a mile or so into the course...

a view from the bridge

After the walk we enjoyed a picnic lunch and fun entertainment for kids. Isabella had her face painted like a kitty. She was ecstatic about the moon bounce (which I had a hard time prying her from) and she even made a bracelet with colored sand. It was fun for everyone. Sophia was a good trooper and snuck in a little nap during all the fun.

Sophia will be 6 months old tomorrow. She is sweet as sugar and enjoys sitting up to look around. These days she is into her toes and everything goes in her mouth. Sophia has figured out how to take the paci in and out of her mouth. Sometimes after nap time I find it across the room, she must have a good arm to get it so far. he he

Here is a close up of those 2 new pearly whites

Sophia LOVES solids. So far she has dined on rice cereal, oatmeal, bananas, apples, sweet potatoes and avocado. When Sophia eats sweet potatoes she smacks her lips for more. As if Sophia was not sweet enough, sweet potatoes are her favorite.

Finally enjoying tummy time

Isabella loves to keep active and challenged. As a family we enjoy being creative. Picasso, I mean Isabella, is painting pots and even picked some pretty flowers to plant inside.

Although painting the pots was fun Isabella really enjoyed her first pedicure.

Pretty little piggies

Isabella LOVES her new swing

So happy

If you could please take a second out of your day to say a silent prayer to all the angel babies who were been born too soon. Thank you.

The happy eater and the garden fairy

Sophia has had a big week. Her 2nd tooth has broke the surface (bottom front) and we thought it was a good time to start her on solids. Sophia dined on rice cereal for her first solid meal at the Chez Schaefer.
Initially Sophia did not have much of a reaction
But then she seemed to enjoy it

Isabella shows how a big girl eats

Sophia wanted more

Yup, I like it!

Needless to say Sophia has started sleeping much better at night. Normally she wakes up 2x a night to nurse but last night she slept from 9pm - 5:45!!! woohoo. Lets hope that trend continues.

Isabella enjoys having a baby sister. She loves to read to her and...

... feed her too. Sophia loves to grab on Isabella and look at her. Its so sweet to see how they light up for each other. Sometimes Sophie grabs a hunk of Isabella's hair and pulls to which Isabella responds " my hairs okay".

Sophia shared her 1st ride in a swing with her big sister.

This was the week of the tu-tu. Isabella wore it rain or shine both during the day and night. The tu-tu did not come off except for bath time. Rushing out to check on her garden

waiting patiently at the gate

The garden is a magical place at 8am when the dew glistens as the sun peaks through the clouds. The birds and squirrels are busy enjoying an array are bird seed as they flutter about.

Isabella is our garden fairy. She comes out to water the plants every morning. Not only does Bell water the plants but she also gives the plants lots of love. She watches the strawberries and tomatoes as the ripen and even reads them books. Lucky plants, huh?

Tomatoes

Lettuce

As a family we enjoy our backyard but unfortunately Isabella thought that included the street. Now I am excited to say we just got a fence!! To Isabella its like a giant play yard. And to Will and I we can now breathe a sigh of relief that Bell is safe in our yard. We also wondered how long it would take for Isabella to be able to reach the latch to open the door. Well, within a few hours of the fence being installed Isabella wanted to show me something...she said " I climb the fence Mommy"

My little monkey! and no she cant reach the latch yet (thank goodness)

On Earth Day we went green for an art project. The cardboard was recycled from a box and the painting utensils were all from our tree. Isabella enjoyed the new experience and made a beautiful piece of art.

Isabella and Sophia enjoy story time before a nap

Isabella thinks it fun to sleep in Sophie's bed and Bell can hop in there really fast! Here she is below in her sisters bed.

The next night was a repeat performance including her sisters paci

So proud of herself!

I am so proud of my sweet daughters. They are such a blessing.

Here are a few videos from the week... Enjoy!

Our happy eater


The 1st bite

Sleepy time girls

Lion, tigers and bears oh my!

Last week we went to the Richmond Zoo with our playgroup. It was a surprisingly chilly day so the zoo was not too crowded. Neither of my daughters have been to the zoo so I was excited for them to see the animals.

The easiest way to get a group photo of 7 kids is with them all strapped in and yes, we all love BOB strollers
There were lots of animals that Isabella recognized and a few new ones too. The giraffe and the monkeys seemed to be the biggest hit with the kids. Although, my favorite was the beautiful peacock that spread its feathers for the Mammarazi.




Bell checking out the Rhino

A neat aspect of the Richmond zoo was being able to feed the giraffes (and a few other animals too). Isabella was not too interested in feeding the giraffe but the giraffe wanted to nibble on Isabella.

Did you know that a giraffes tongue is 18-20 inches long? Wow.

I guess that giraffe knew how sweet Isabella was... Our final encounter was to the bird sanctuary where we were able to feed the birds. The girls were exhausted after a morning of fun.

Isabella is getting into dress up clothes these days. Some days she is a ballerina and others a Miss Fix it .

This has been a big week for Sophia. She rolled over from her back to her tummy and she can sit up for a few seconds.

Day is done, gone the sun...the girls snuggle in our bed before bath time.

Snuggle with Sprout (i.e. Calliou, Elmo or Bob the Builder)

Sweet dreams little ones