Amazement.

(Note: no idea why the spacing isn't working on here, so please excuse the lack of paragraphs!) I was inspired to write a quick post today as Rosemary has been incredibly inquisitive lately. You can no longer slide anything past her. She wants a full and often lengthy explanation of things we used to say and hope she just kind of swallowed for the time being. NO more. She will ask multiple follow up questions wanting more and more detail. Here are a few of the conversations we've had lately that have left my jaw on the floor in wonder - when did my baby become a person? Jeff was trick-or-treating with the girls on his own for the last few houses on our block while I passed out candy. A house on our block has a 'ghost' hanging in the tree. Jeff pointed it out to Rosemary, "Look, Rosemary, there's a ghost in that tree!" Rosemary went over to it, inspecting it, front, back, examining it thoroughly and then replied, "Nope dad, it's just a sheet hanging in the tree." Which indeed it was, but...??? Rosemary, Gloria and I were riding in the car today. Rosemary asked me if Gloria is 1 year old or if she's one and a half yet. How does she know that???? Roseary picked out a new winter hat at the drug store. There were many animal hats to choose from...she chose the owl. "I picked the owl because owls are nochternal." I made Rosemary a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch today (her usual fav). I normally do the grocery shopping and always buy the same kind of bread, but Jeff had picked up a random loaf of bread the other day, different from what I buy. Rosemary this afternoon, "Mom, why'd you buy different bread, this bread is harder." I have to say, the age Rosemary is at is SO incredibly fun. She has become so self-sufficient: no needing reminders to go potty, no needing reminders to stay in her bed, getting herself dressed, clearing her plate after meals, washing her hands and mouth when she's done eating and even putting her own seatbelt on. It is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!!!!! And at the same time, my heart feels a bit heavy when my baby doesn't need me for every single solitary task in a day. Of course I'm proud to death of her and it's what I've been hoping would come of my little person...I suppose it's more just disbelief that time can go so quickly. Gloria, my dear Gloria. This morning I was awoken by her COUNTING in her bed. "2...5...2...5" SO cute! Gloria happens to be entering one of my least favorite stages: 18-24 months. This seems to be the time of the arching backs, throwing of oneself on to the floor and lots of frustration for the little one. I feel better versed for it this time around - patience are a little thicker and I know more what to expect (namely that it doesn't last forever;-) But she is still a complete joy these days. Hilarious! So completely different from her sister, but absolutely loving Rosemary to pieces. And of course, since this is a kid update, it's only appropriate I update on baby #3. I'm actually feeling substantially better. While still exhausted, the nausea has definitely, definitely, definitely subsided a great deal and can now be managed primarily with eating the right things at the right times. If I can squeeze a nap in my day somehow, I feel great. The days Rosemary has preschool, Gloria and I nap while she's gone. The days Rosemary is home, my mom has been super helpful in watching her while G & I catch a few z's. Only one time was I so desperate I dropped Rosemary off at the drugstore to hang with Jeff while I slept for an hour. I go to the doctor again in 2 weeks, so I'll have more to share about "baby Sparkle" as Rosemary has named her, then. Yes, she thinks it's a HER (how could she not, it's all we know in our families!) Most of our furniture is scheduled to be delivered about Thanksgiving time. A couch would be dreamy right about now!