Sister Sister

My priorities when naptime roll around (presuming I got a decent amount of sleep the night before and don't instantly run to take a nap when all three children magically coordinate their naps):

Clean the kitchen, wash the floor, read and have a cookie and tea, and then, maybe, just maybe, update my blog.

Today is one of those special days. 

Two weeks ago I went to visit Rachel on a much belated "Welcome to the World, Dylan" trip. My parents watched Owen and Caelum, Zach had a peaceful house to himself, and Esmé and I had a lovely excursion together. Rachel and I had really enjoyed being pregnant at the same time, for the first time ever. As I had guessed, being together with our babies was even better.  Esmé and Dylan are only seven weeks apart, so we are very much in the same cycle of breastfeeding, diapers, and cooing at the baby. 

One of the best parts of being in Tallahassee at their very new house was spending time with the big Braun Boys. Usually, when my boys are around, the kids all run off and play together and we barely see them. Much to Owen and Caelum's chagrin, I got to play with the boys all by myself!

So many nephews to love

I drove the boys to school each morning, which was so fun since I don't have to do it all year.

Ethan made me a marker and melted my heart with his sweetness.

Cole and I had lots of good bonding time.

Including a special trip to the park

And a treasure hunt...no luck though.

Rachel sure has her act together, especially for having a c-section four months ago.  The footage of which, I might add, I watched with relish.  That is some intense, beautiful stuff.

Note their awesome house

She's even making lasagna!

The Braun boys were great with Esmé.  They were sweet, gentle, and helpful.  It's clear that they are accustomed to having a baby around and they enjoyed making her laugh.

Tyler is an old pro at this baby thing.  And how about those adorable glasses?

Tyler feeding Dylan some cereal.

Ethan entertaining Esmé

Sweet Cole and Esmé

Adam is so good with babies as well.  He watched the two of them while Rachel and I drove Cole to preschool, got a pastry, and took a tour around town.  Adam put the babies to work and successfully got them both down for naps.

Dylan is a good-natured, easy, smiley baby...unless he's in his car seat.

Selfie with DCT

Esmé is big enough for an Exersaucer! Huzzah!

I get all weird, dependenty when I'm about to leave my family, but I must say, it was easier to go with my daughter in tow. She did surprisingly well on the four flights and slept better in Dylan's crib than she does at home.  And how sweet does she look in a summery dress, surrounded by Spanish moss?

Sleeping on the plane.  Phew!

Thighs, I mean Esmé, was intrigued by the swampy topography

We had to do a quick photo shoot with the two cousins. It's hard to get the two babies smiling at the same time, though Tyler was doing his very best to get them to do so.  It was a wonderful trip.  Thanks again for having us, Rach!

Beautiful babies

My favorite outtake

Dylan is as long as E, but not quite as roly poly.

Such a good aunt!

Sisters!