Enjoying what remains of spring

In Florida, there’s many variations to describe what seasons we have: “Hot and hotter” and “Spring and summer” are just a couple of those.

Whatever you call them, yesterday was “only” 80°F (27°C) with low humidity and a bit of a breeze, so we made the most of it and went on a bike ride before summer arrives and we stay holed up for half the year. Continue reading “Enjoying what remains of spring”

A date at Tampa International Airport

On Valentine’s Day, I was supposed to take Ellie on a date while Marti took Jack on a date. Ellie and I had agreed to go to the airport because she had shown such an interest in airports after reading her book Ellie’s First Plane Ride where a toy elephant takes her friend toy penguin on a trip to the airport and then on the plane, with photos of them riding the escalators, the monorail and getting their miniature luggage at baggage claim.

However, Valentine’s Day rolled around and I was feeling wretched, and ended up spending all day in bed. So we rescheduled for the following weekend, except Mama and Jack joined us. Continue reading “A date at Tampa International Airport”

A bike ride after work

There are a few months of the year when Florida is quite delightful, starting in about November and lasting until February. Outside of that is just hot and nasty. So when this time of year rolls around, we do our best to make the most of it.

The other night I came home and was greeted at the garage door by Ellie who said:

Daddy, I suggested that when you came home, that we all go on a bike ride together and Jack can come too.

Continue reading “A bike ride after work”

The best big sister ever [VIDEO]

When Jack came along, Oma got Ellie a special book which we’ve all grown quite fond of. It’s called I am a Big Sister! by Caroline Jayne Church and it talks about how Ellie is now a big sister, is such a big help around the house and how we’re one big family now. I love the illustrations, but even more than that, I love that Ellie reads the book by herself and is adorable while doing so! Continue reading “The best big sister ever [VIDEO]”

Best sister award

And the award for best sister ever goes to Ellie Grace.

Jack was fussy, so Mama was wondering how she was going to deal with a waking Ellie and a fussy Jack. Cue Ellie’s amazing role as a big sister. Mama laid Jack in Ellie’s crib/cot and Ellie proceeded to tend to Jack and read to him which completely calmed him down. Continue reading “Best sister award”

Ellie giving Jack cuddles and a handshake [VIDEO]

After Ellie and Jack’s first introduction two days ago, they’re really acclimatising to one another. This morning, when Ellie came into our room to see us and Jack, she had this adorable interaction with him. Continue reading “Ellie giving Jack cuddles and a handshake [VIDEO]”

Ellie’s going to be a big sister [VIDEO]

We’ve known for almost two months now, but we’re now ready to announce that Ellie is going to be a big sister. In the spring (late April / early May), we’re going to welcome either Hannah Michelle or Jack William (Hank for now [Hannah + Jack]) into this world.

This was all planned, so we’re very excited to expand our family once more.

This is how Ellie reacts when we ask if she wants to hug/kiss the baby. Soooo cute! Continue reading “Ellie’s going to be a big sister [VIDEO]”