Magic

I knew enough about kids before having them to know to expect questions... but I never anticipated the velocity at which those questions would come. Mia's questions come like little machine gun fire and usually start with "why" or only consist of "why?". Easy enough- although by the end of the day my answers are usually "I don't know." because I just can't explain any more! Ali's questions are scary. They have been about those things that are hard to explain and very specific. Here are a few from the last couple days. And here are my answers.

Laugh if you must.

Ali: Is the Toothfairy real? What does she do with all those teeth?

Mom: (avoids answering first question and dives into second part..) She recycles them. She only collects "baby teeth" right? So when a big kid loses a "baby tooth" she cleans it up and sends it to a baby. That's why you have to brush your teeth everyday - she only takes the sparkly white ones.

Ali: What if you leave her a brown tooth with cavities?

Mom: She writes you a ticket.

Ali: (makes a shocked face) Can she do that??

Ali: How does Santa Claus get presents to ALL the kids if he only has one sack?

Mom: Magic

Ali: Did Santa really get my swing set in his sack?

Mom: Well, he must have because it's in your backyard, isn't it?

Ali: Yes, but how?

Mom: Magic

Ali: So, was our baby an angel in Heaven before she was a baby in your tummy?

Mom: Yes. Just like you and Mia.

Ali: Hmm, I don't remember her.

Ali: Is Heaven far away?

Mom: I don't think so. I think it's pretty close, you just can't see it with your eyes, you see it with your soul.

Ali: What if I get there before you and there's nobody to take care of me?

Mom: Going to Heaven is like going home after a very long time. And probably I will already be there and you won't need to be taken care of because you'll be with Jesus.

Ali: What if I get hungry?

Mom: You'll never be hungry or cold or tired - you'll just be perfect.

Ali: Sounds boring.

And my favorite...

Ali: So how did our baby's spirit get from Heaven into your tummy?

Mom: Um, magic.

New Year, New Layout

Bear with me while I experiment with some blog-customization. Do you like it? Suggestions? Feel free to leave me a comment!

Baby Registry?

Joe and I aren't sure what to do on this issue. It seems presumptious to us to complete a baby registry considering this is our third child and we really have all the basics. Okay- our crib is less than functioning after several moves and years in storage, but the rest of the basics are under control! All we could ask for are your prayers for a growing, healthy baby. (And maybe you could mention in your prayer that she should arrive a week early, after an easy labor, weighing less than 9 pounds. For my sake.) But for those of you who will read this and say, "Blah, blah, blah... I want to shop!" Check out the link to the right for an online registry.

Only 10 more weeks! We currently have a "squatter" living in our nursery, but as soon as I have it put together, I'll post some pictures. Green, beige and ladybugs this time. It's going to be great!

and a Happy New Year!

"All you can eat crab legs" at Grandma and Pop-Pop's has become something of a tradition on New Year's Eve - and something Joe looks forward to for weeks! He remains at the table crackin' shells long after everyone else has gotten up! This year, after the shellfish and visiting with extended family, we thought we'd let the girls have a shot at staying up and bringing in the New Year.
Ultimately we have decided that staying up late is fun when you're little.. but not so much fun for Mom and Dad. We will be taking long naps this afternoon. It's a fun memory though!

9:30 pm. Curled up on Mom and Dad's bed in their new sleeping bags and blankets watching Mickey Mouse and eating popcorn. So far, so good.

An hour later... Mia is down for the count...

Ali is barely hanging in there, determined to stay awake!

11pm. Ali and Daddy watch the ball drop in NYC. We told her she made it to the New Year (NY is an hour ahead) and put her to bed!!