Cora's favorite perch

Cora has realized that she can escape Quinn by asking to sit on the front-porch swing to do her "work".

We open up the window so we can hear her if she gets off the swing (it squeaks really loud) and let her have a little privacy. She especially loves it with the new swing pad from Mia, even on cold days. 

I've always loved a good and comfy porch swing, too.

Tennis star

She's never held a racket but she certainly knows how to dress the part.

Later that night after a trip to the kids museum with the boys down the street (Taylor, Turner, Calvert, Samuel)...

...Cora discovered an old American Girl magazine in our house. "Oh mommy! I love this book!"

I thought I'd thrown them away as they arrive.

She's taken this magazine to bed with her every night since, and falls asleep "picking out which one" she'll get. 

We're hoping to wait until 5th birthday - wish us luck!

Remida Day

Each spring, ECDC hosts a family picnic, with crafts focused on recycled products. New family's are invited to attend as their first event, and the Messal family loved it last year. This was Quinn's first event as an official ECDC up-and-coming student. 

After a quick dinner, Cora showed Quinn the ropes as they crafted an owl from recycled goods.

Then as she always does at ECDC, Quinn headed straight for the little houses. This look says, "I think I'm going to like it here!"

These girls love the ECDC playground.

And no party is complete without the infamous June. The other day I asked Cora if she'd rather play with Eliza or Evan (two other great friends from school, with whom she loves to play) and her quick response was a matter-of-fact June. Otherwise known as June-bug, Junie, or Junie-June.

I hope Quinn loves ECDC as much as Cora!

Quinn headed home with ALL her babies.

Uncle Shew

Papaw Jim sent this comparison this week. Wowsers! Look at those noses!

Is that my brother?

This week we all got our first good look at Baby Messal #3. What a looker!

Once again, we didn't "look". We have no clue what we're having, yet again. Cora is convinced it is a boy, Landon was adamant that he doesn't need to know, and I'd be perfectly happy as the mother of three girls. Every time Quinn outgrows an outfit I mourn it just in case... That's something I haven't had to do with Cora for 2 years because all of Cora's clothes have just been sliding to the other side if the closet.

This baby is big, with disproportionately long arms and legs (which isn't a problem). My original due date was Aug 9, but the doctors now agree that Landon and I may have been right about being a bit ahead of schedule. The baby is measuring for something more like a July 31 arrival. She's over 1 lb already.

She was super active during the ultrasound, which was fun. Her long legs were stretched up over her head, and she kept trying to roll over when the tech pushed on my belly. 

That night the ultrasound pics were laying on the table. Cora found them before I had a chance to fix the girls hair for the big picture view (their hair is wild in these pics).

"Is this my baby brother?"

"Mommy, is the baby still in your belly? But where are you in this picture?"

"Where are the baby's feet?"

"Can I have these three (pics)?"

She took one of the profile and one good pic of a foot to ECDC to school to show her friends. Her friend Jack is expecting twin brothers around the same time as us, so it will be an exciting fall for the upcoming Sunflower class (and Seashells, too, since Quinn will be there).

Summertime Evenings

The neighborhood is starting to feel like summertime. Every night, there is someone up for an impromptu play date. Last night, last minute pizza in our driveway.

While all the 4 and 5 year old boys were running around like crazies outside...

...this is what these two preferred to play inside:

I hope that this is still there preference in about 10 years.

Miss Independent

This week Quinn started insisting on dressing herself, especially when it's time to put on pjs. It was pretty painful at first; shirt upside down and treated like a pair of pants. I've launched a counter attack by pulling out size 4 pjs for her, making it a little easier. She's gotten better every night.

Last night she let Cora help, but I can't even get near her. "No mommy! Mine!"