Waking Up

Throughout the month of September, Eliza went from "sleep mode" to becoming much more awake and alert. She gave us her first smiles (I've yet to catch them on camera) and beautiful happy coos. And oh how she's growing! It's amazing how much she's changed in her short little life.
Excited about bath time.

She dressed out in support of the Bulldogs ... to no avail.

And the boys' love affair with their baby sister continues ...

Sweet Angels.

Eliza's First Photo Shoot

When Eliza was just under two weeks old, my dear friend and extraordinary photographer, Marti (aka PictureMommy), took these photos. I love how they turned out.

Smitten

The boys are completely smitten with little Eliza. They cannot get enough of their baby sister, telling her all the time how much they love her, and Ben has told us that he is going to protect her. It makes my heart swell to see them being so sweet to her.

Ben wanted to share his much beloved blankie with his sister.

And when I had to coax him away from her, he told me, "I bet God will watch out for her." There are no better words.

First Days of School!

Yesterday Noah started 3-day preschool at the same fabulous school where Ben spent the last couple of years. He was such a big boy!
Walking into school.
And getting right to work on the stickers. He had a great first day!

And today Ben started Kindergarten at his new school. We've been talking it up all summer and he was very excited to finally get started,

One of his teachers helps Ben find his name to see which room he'll start the day in - the Art Room - perfect! Each day the kids start in one of three rooms - the Art Room, the Block Room (creative play), or the Middle Room ("academic" work).

Ben's new cubbie.

In front of his new school at pick-up. He's holding the popsicle stick airplane he made today - a total success!

The boys haven't both been to school on the same day yet, but I'm looking forward to that tomorrow! It's going to be a great year!

Introducing ...

Eliza Tae (pronounced Tay, my Korean name before I was adopted), born August 12, 2010, 7 lb., 7 oz., 20 1/2 inches - absolute perfection!

Strangely, this was taken before the epidural.

The morning after her birth, Jess brought the boys to the hospital to meet their new baby sister! Noah helping "Big Panda" give Eliza a kiss.

Eliza gave presents to her new big brothers. Ben still wonders aloud how she got to the store so quickly.

The boys' faces in the next pictures say it all - they are IN LOVE with their new baby sister! And nothing could make my heart melt more.

This was my hospital room view for much of our stay ...

Nothing sweeter than a Daddy and his girl.

And then it was time to head home. Let the adventure begin!

Noah Turns 3!

We celebrated Noah's 3rd birthday with a party at a local children's art studio. Noah and his friends created some fun birthday art, listened to stories, played with play-doh, sang and danced, ate snacks and cake, and had an all-around great time.

After two cupcakes, a sugary sweet smile.

On the morning of his actual birthday, Noah woke up to a birthday banner and balloon breakfast, a tradition at our house ...

After Ben's t-ball game, we headed to Bryson City, North Carolina, for "A Day Out With Thomas" on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

Noah and Daddy with "the real Thomas!"

Thomas pulling us for our big train ride.

While it was fun, the memory I will forever have of this outing is how insanely HOT it was. This is what my thermometer read when we got back to the car ...

So, ice cream was definitely in order. Of course, we had to sing to our birthday boy one more time ...

Happy 3rd birthday, sweet Noah! Your last one as the baby of the family!