Sisters

My biggest fear during my entire pregnancy was the effect the change in our family would have on Charlotte. What was I doing to her? Am I ruining her life? I knew the answer to that last question was "no" as both Matt and I are older siblings and our lives were not ruined (though we may harbor the typical oldest child resentment), but it was the only thing that could really bring me to tears during my pregnancy. It's the only thing that has brought me to tears AFTER the pregnancy.

I had no idea how Charlotte would react to another child taking away some of our attention. We dealt with a little bit of jealousy, manifest mostly through Charlotte hitting either me or Matt, but not Audrey more than once or twice, thank goodness. The fits have started to subside and I think the two may actually learn to like each other. I believe the proof is in the pictures...

The sisters meet.

Audrey got Charlotte a present, just to try and win her over. Can't miss with Play-Doh!

Thanks, Audrey!

Mommy and her girls

Charlotte picked out this outfit for her after helping Daddy change her diaper. I think her starting to "help" was the turning point.

Reading Goodnight, Moon to Baby Audrey

"Isn't this jungle neat, Audrey? I spent HOURS here when I was little!"

The dangers of having an older sister. "More bows?"

Charlotte's creation. Doesn't Audrey look stoked?

My new absolute favorite picture. Just when you think your heart can't get any fuller, your children show you that your heart can hold even more love.

Baby Audrey Isabel, June 15th

Carnival!

Started off this evening for a walk with Mommy. I wonder where we're headed!

Rubber Duck Games - Charlotte "won" a ring.

Daddy was unsure about this ride - looks like Charlotte was a bit here too.

Finding both handles on the motorcycle....

And she's off!

Sheer excitement - it was hard to peel her fingers from the handlebars at the end of the first ride.

Shark fishing (poaching?) with Mommy.

It takes lots of focus!

Success!

A fun Freeman family evening! Will be fun for Charlotte to show Audrey next year!

Science Center

This past weekend we went to the Science Center to see the pirate exhibit. It was really cool, but we weren't allowed to take pictures. Consider this our suggest you go see it yourself! We even got to touch real pirate's treasure, something Matt and I thought was significantly cooler than Charlotte did. She just liked to look at the cannons. We did take a few pictures of our girl while there, just not too many. We also happened to go while ScoutQuest was going on in Forest Park, so the place was packed with scouts. Definitely made it more difficult to enjoy the rest of the Science Center, so we made it a short visit just for the pirates.

Waiting outside to go in. Charlotte was a little grumpy this morning, so she wasn't super smiling. She was much better after her nap!

Watching the balls move around in the lobby. I think Charlotte could have stayed there and watched for hours.

Charlotte was pretty apprehensive about the opening at first, but then totally warmed up to it. She even walked on it while holding Mommy's hand. Such a brave girl!

Did you guys see this?

Eviction notice served

If Little Miss Audrey does not make her appearance by 9:15 AM on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, she will be forcibly removed from my uterus!

It's official- my c-section has been scheduled. June 15 doesn't sound like a bad day to have a baby, but I think I'd prefer something a little closer. Maybe June 5. According to my doctor, I'm 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, so there's a LITTLE progress, but I'm not holding my breath. Contractions are relatively frequent, but not regular. Fingers crossed she comes on her own (tomorrow), but at least I only have 10 more days at most before I meet this little one. Come on Audrey, I want to see that face of yours!