B.C. (Before Cookie)

Over the past week Seth and I took extra care to spend quality time with the girls. We played family games, went out for dessert, and read extra books at bedtime. On Friday November 19, 2010, we had a special family dinner to celebrate Cookie's impending arrival. We gathered at the restaurant and then the girls spent the night at Savta's. Seth and I finished the evening with dessert at Tower Cafe and last minute packing for the hospital. We set the alarm for 4am and left (anxiously) for Roseville Kaiser at 4:30am. On the drive we discussed boy names and reminisced about the births of Sophia and Chloe.

Overall, it was a nice transition to becoming a family of five.

FREEDOM!

Yes, Chloe is livin' it up!

Last weekend we took apart Chloe's crib and replaced it with a toddler bed. She wasn't very excited about the change, until she discovered that she can goof off during nap time!

This past week I have been experimenting with how to encourage (force) Chloe to actually nap during nap time. I've set timers; I've bribed her; I've been strict; I've begged. So far nothing is working. On the positive side, she stays in her room for about 90 minutes playing quietly. And, she then easily falls asleep at bedtime. Negatives: the room is a complete mess after "nap"time and she is extra crabby around 5pm.

I'll keep trying to figure what works.

P.S. She actually did fall asleep yesterday afternoon...after a week of partying she was so tired!

Mommy and Chloe Field Trip

Feeling a bit guilty about not taking Chloe along on Sophia's school field trip to the pumpkin patch, I decided to take Chloe on her own field trip

Last week, a few friends joined us at a nearby pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch was perfect for the 2 year olds - complete with a climbing hay tower, bouncy hay, animals, tractor ride, slide, and a large gathering of pumpkins. The weather was ideal and the company fun.

We had a great morning!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Party

When it came to choosing Sophia's birthday party theme this year, it was easy. She has been obsessed with watching Mary Poppins and listening to the Soundtrack at every opportunity.

So this year we threw a Mary Poppins inspired Tea-Party.

Here's the breakdown:

1. 2 goofy parents 2. 1 BEAUTIFUL birthday girl 3. 16 friends
4. One large table set with tea-cups and saucers

5. Canopy of hanging umbrellas
6. Apple cider tea with cream and sugar cubes, mini bagels and cream cheese & strawberries
7. Home-made teacup centerpiece filled with animal crackers and a cool teacup pinata

8. Clean-up Game
9. Roof-top canyon blasts
10. Sugar cube spoon race
11. Sidewalk chalk art
12. Carousal cupcake display12. Themed gift bags

We had such a fun time. When I asked Sophia what her favorite part of the party was, she answered: "The Clean-up Game. And seeing all my friends."

Much thanks to all the family and friends who helped put it together.

Newest Family Member

For MONTHS Sophia has been nicely reminding Seth and I that she would like a pet mouse. When given the choice of what to do an a random weekend while sister naps, Sophia would ask to go to the pet store to look at the mice.

So, for her 6th birthday, Seth and I bought her a mouse. We chose a gray and brown spotted mouse who needed to be adopted (he was picked on by the other mice in the store).

Sophia was so excited to see her birthday "gift."

She LOVES her mouse. And so does Chloe. And so does Seth. And kinda me....

Welcome to the Oberst home, Joey (mouse)!

WHAT?! Not already...

This week Sophia was assigned her 1st "Report" project. She needs to research her favorite animal and present findings to the class. She's expected to answer questions about habitat, diet and unique qualities. Sophia has chosen to research elephants (reasoning: because she has a stuffed elephant that she can "bring into class to show everyone what an elephant looks like").

I suggested to Sophia that she ask daddy to help her do the research on the computer. I knew Seth would love spending that time with her. I walked in 25 minutes later to see Sophia sitting on Seth's lap taking notes about their findings. Very sweet.

As a side note: Seth and I were trying to remember when we first had to do an oral presentation. We think it was around Jr. High age. NOT 1st grade. Crazy.

Kisses for Cookie

Chloe LOVES to kiss and hug my belly. She has affectionately named the baby "cookie." Every day she asks to kiss and hug Cookie. Adorable!