Hanging with Sofu

Cora and Sofu went out exploring Collierville this afternoon as Emi napped. It's spring break this week, so I'm grateful to have extra hands to help with the girls... 

 the old trains in downtown Collierville

 steering the caboose

 on the engine

 showing some gymnastics at the executive car

in the big executive's seat

Our little gymnast

Today was Cora's last day of winter session gymnastics. She's done so well that she has been "promoted" to join the 4-5 year old class one session early. She certainly looks/acts more than 3 years old to us!

 straddle front roll

 walking the "big girl" elevated beam

 front support

ta-dah! (really not sure why there's a hypnosis center sign behind her!?!)

Tuesday Tea Party!

Oba hosted a lovely tea party for us ladies today! We all wore hats and gloves and had a great time. The girls LOVED the kiddo finger sandwiches (PB&J, black olive and cream cheese, cucumber and cream cheese) and we adults loved our salmon and caper and pimento cheese finger sandwiches. 

 Putting on pretty lace gloves and hats

 sandwiches, cookies and strawberries

 Emi's first time drinking from a cup (and a tea cup, no less!)

 The girls' tea was really strawberry-kiwi juice

 Cora carefully poured more "tea" for her sister

 Cora made a nice plate for Aunt Becky to enjoy (she joined our party via Skype)

 Aunt Becky finally meets Louisa (who's wearing a hand-knit outfit by Becky - originally made for Cora when she was born)

Cora provided some light entertainment, an impromptu move.

Looking like old pro's

Oba and Sofu and their grand girls :) 

1 week old

Louisa's hit a week old and is doing well. She had her first pediatrician visit and is back to within an ounce of birthweight (a sign she's eating well) and has already grown 1/4 inch. 

For the most part, her big sisters still adore her, though I think Emi thinks she is boring. (Considering she sleeps like 22 hours a day, I kind of agree...) Still, Cora can't give her enough hugs and kisses. 

We're going home!

We caught Lou in a cranky mood for her dressing to go home. We couldn't use the traditional dress that the other girls wore, since it's winter here and their dress was linen. SO I knit a little outfit to keep her warm. 

 A better bald head shot...

Greg's favorite "Heisman Trophy pose"

My "chariot" ride to the car

Some introductions.

Louisa's first day was filled with meeting some important people; most importantly, her big sisterS! Neither can say Louisa very well (oops, should have thought of that...) -- Cora's version kind of sounds like "Moesha." Instead, I think we may call her baby Lulu!?!

Oba and Sofu brought the girls were over after church, here are the first moments.

Opening gifts from their little sister -- a Dora big sister DVD and Barbie little sister dolls

Honestly Emi's favorite moment was enjoying her Sunday donut (can't mess with tradition...), Cora quickly ate hers so she could get back to adoring her "new baby sissy."

Oba and Sofu with grandchild #3 (they've been there for support with each arrival making our lives so less stressful --- we are so blessed!)

Cora PROUDLY holding baby; below, she found her first dolly and brought it with her to the hospital to give to Louisa. She was a bit sad when Louisa wouldn't reach out and grab it, so she stuffed it in her swaddled blanket!

Emi not so sure about this little baby...

But she did end up giving her a kiss (after much contemplation...)

Pastor Rob stopped by to give Louisa a blessing, what a nice surprise!

Our first family picture "just the 5 of us"