Xiaoniu 小妞

Despite having far more on my mind than usual with an imminent birth and everything at home and work that goes into preparing for the event we still found time to celebrate my birthday. It was a regular workday for all of us, but after work we met up at the mall for pictures. Emelia took her two year pictures and I even took a few with her.

From there we made our way to the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet that we like and stuffed ourselves with goodies. The kids had a good time raising hell, which is more common now than not. Sue left before we paid in order to pick up a little something for us to eat at home.

Sue surprised me by picking up a cappuccino pie form our favorite Italian steakhouse. It’s cappuccino (coffee) flavored ice cream mixed with finely chopped walnuts, formed and pressed into an Oreo cookie pie crust. This is topped with fresh whipped cream, small chocolate chips and hot fudge. Yummy!

Here is a shot of the naked pie.

Amy and Emelia singing Happy Birthday.

Sue laughing heartily at something.

Emelia came to daddy to help me with the candle. What a big girl.

Lastly Emelia helps daddy blow out his candle and make a wish.

Afterwards we stuffed ourselves on delicious “pie”. It was a very good alternative to the regular cake.

With my birthday over it’s all about the next birth. We’re doing what we can to finish the remaining details. Packing bags, making lists of things we cannot forget and making arrangements. Emelia is taking it all in stride, but you get the feeling that she knows something is up, but she’s not sure what it is yet. I’ve tried to explain it to her, but despite her maturity she is just too small to get it. Even James doesn’t seem to understand what is happening.

We took some time to go through and reorganize all the old baby clothes. We have quite a lot of clothes that are still in great shape. It took us about 30 minutes to resort and repack it all properly by size. We have one big, full plastic bin for each size (3 months through 18 months). Of course there are a few pieces that just look horrible and unless the stains (that get darker and more noticeable with time) can be removed they’ll get donated or trashed.

Now it’s time to hit the sheets and try to get some sleep. Friday is going to be long day. Emelia goes to daycare as normal, but right after we’ll pack up the truck and make our way to the hospital. The new little one should arrive some time after 11am. Amy will bring Emelia to the hospital to meet her little sister sometime Friday afternoon.

Me and my THREE girls. I’m happily (for now) outnumbered in my own house. Sometimes I can hardly believe it.