Another snow day preceded by another sleepless night. Don't get me wrong - having the kids home was wonderful and the fact that I was on maternity leave and able to spend all of this time with them was terrific but even they're bored at this point. I gave into a pajama/movie day because I was all tapped out on things to do with the big kids. They are all (including a very happy Annie) on my bed with a bowl of popcorn between them right now - I guess there are worse things I could do as a parent!

And now for the sleepless night - Lizzie is, of course, up once a night to nurse. This is actually a nice time for me - I always love the newborn stage and really don't mind being up for an hour with Elizabeth. It is a nice time for us to bond and with all of my kids I treasured the alone time we get in the middle of the night when the whole world is asleep. That being said - I will not cry when Lizzie starts sleeping through the night - especially with my return to work becoming imminent! Poor Annie was up again last night just inconsolable. We went back to the doctor yesterday to find out that after 8 days on the strongest antibiotics Annie now has an ear infection in the other ear - yes, the one that was not infected at the last visit. On top of that it appears that the right ear with the original infection has a perforated ear drum - not a huge issue except that she is no longer really elligible for tubes in her ears and is in excruciating pain! My heart is breaking each time I hold her and try to comfort her - no matter how much Motrin she has she is always hurting! We are now on two antibiotics and will watch her carefully to make sure the perforation heals.

Auntie Beth left on Tuesday morning and I realized that I hardly took any pictures of the kids with her. This is her and the girls after her wonderful day with Annie. It always amazes me that even though Beth is 3000 miles away 90% of the time the kids still feel so bonded to her and are so happy to be with her when she is here! Annie was no exception - dressing up in her dress and fancy shoes, getting her coat the second Beth came in the door and happily leaving with her auntie for a day of fun.

Auntie Beth and Annie Bananie! Annie loved all of the attention she got!


Auntie Beth and Molly - I think they look so much alike in this picture and when I showed Molly she said that Auntie Beth looked beautiful!

Peter with Auntie Beth - even Pete loves to spend time with Auntie Beth - especially when she arranges a time when Uncle Colin is around. According to Pete Uncle Colin is "the coolest dude ever". I love how Pete reacts when Beth comes in the door for the first time after being away for a while - he is so excited to see her!

Auntie Beth and her 4 babies - the H-W kids were extremely lucky to get lots of quality time with Auntie Beth since we won't see her for a while because of tax season!

Yesterday Molly was so helpful with Lizzie. She gave her her bottle.

Molly is such a natural with Elizabeth - she got lots of practice with Annie.

The BEST Big Sister ever!

Later in the afternoon Pete got in on the action holding and loving on Lizzie while I cooked dinner!

This is Lizzie trying to give Peter a kiss!

Later in the day Molly went with Auntie Ann on one of their famous adventures to the cake store and to run errands. Peter and Annie watched a movie on our bed with their 3-D glasses!

Lizzie in my favorite outfit -she won't fit in it for much longer but I love how babyish it makes her look. I also have tons of pictures of Molly and Annie in it!

Annie getting lots of TLC from Auntie Ann after waking up from her nap feeling horrible.

More hugs from Auntie Ann!

Our sweet little naked girl ready for a tubby and getting some loving from Daddy!

Look how strong our girl is....and how beautiful!

Annie was upset that she was not getting a tubby - she had laready had 2 yesterday and was all set in her pajamas!

Bob is out shoveling snow and ice after another sleepless night. Glad its him and not me! Lizzie was 8 weeks old yesterday and what an 8 weeks it has been! She is now smiling all the time, cooing and making noises and holding her head up for minutes at a time. She is such a blessing and so adored by her sisters and brother!

And just one quick anecdote from the day - Lizzie was in her seat near the Tv and I asked Molly how she was doing - her response - "She's staring at the TV like a dead fish." Not sure when the last time Molly saw a dead fish or why she would compare her sister to one but it was sort of cute!

GNM - ILY!