More Christa Stories (And Maybe an Abby Kate Story or Two)

Hello all!

We have been staying busy, continuing to enjoy the beautiful October weather! Christa and Abby Kate are at such fun ages right now - I am really having a blast with my girls, and have been enjoying some surprise hormone-induced energy for the last 4-5 weeks! I have accomplished many small projects that have needed to be done for some time, and I have a few more in mind - such as spray-painting some storage baskets and moving Christa's room to the guest bedroom so that we can make room for Baby J. We have a lot to get done to make things as easy as possible once the baby arrives, so I am hoping this energy will last at least a couple of more months.

We have been talking more about the baby with Christa, now that I am further along in the pregnancy. Christa loves to randomly say, "I have a baby in my tummy." The other day, Christa said, "I just have to go throw up because I have a baby in my tummy." She proceeded to go to the bathroom, cough into the toilet, and return a moment later saying, "I just tried." (Our popular potty-training phrase).

Christa also loves to play the, "maybe we can call the baby...." game. We have had many funny conversations on this topic, and I have heard suggestions ranging from "Baby William" to "Chick-a-Booty." She loves to say silly words that don't mean anything. About a week ago, I said to her, "If the baby is a boy, maybe we can call him Thomas." Christa replied, "NO! Let's have a girl!" As I was posting this humorous interaction on Facebook, Christa came up and said out of the blue, "You freak me out, Dad." I don't know where she picks up these things!

Abby Kate is learning a few tricks of her own, as well. She is now a pro-walker, and can keep up with Christa quite easily. They have started fighting over certain toys (mostly because Abby Kate usually wants to play with whatever Christa has - little sisters are pesky like that - love you, Alicia :) I try hard to strike a balance between teaching Christa to share and allowing her time and space to enjoy her toys without having to worry about Abby Kate moving them around. I have a feeling that we may be asking Santa for two of everything this year! At any rate, earlier today, as we were driving home from ballet, Christa decided to share her precious duck with Abby Kate, and promptly took it back. Abby Kate caught on like a little genius, and handed Christa her rabbit lovey, only to jerk it back when Christa reached out for it. This turned into quite the fun game!

In other news, the yellow blankie has been found! Cline spotted it behind the TV while he was standing upstairs, looking over the bannister 2 days after it went missing. Christa had tolerated Blankie's absence very well, but was so glad to see her little friend again. We had told her that Blankie went on vacation, and the first thing she said when Cline brought it back to her was, "Blankie is back from vacation!"

Well, I have a little 3 year old who needs my attention now, and I'm hoping to squeeze in a short rest this afternoon! Have a great day, and I'll try to post some new pictures soon!