Behold!

The newest professional wrestling sensation:

Bucky Nijinsky - Cowgirl Ballerina!

Last night, Olivia was asking me about the last names of all her friends, family and cousins while she was getting ready to go to sleep.

She asks: "What is Santa Claus' last name?"

That one I could field.

"What is Dasher's last name?"

I told her it was Jones, and that Blitzen is a Gorodnik, from the old and well-respected Urkutsk Gorodnik reindeer family. You all are going to have to back me up on this.

If you can keep from laughing.

Which I couldn't.

Sibling Milestone August 15, 2009

On this date Olivia, for the first time, blames something on one of her siblings unjustly.

In the car, on the ride to Des Moines to see Uncle Rob, Aunt Pam and Baby Hannah:

"Mom, Henry took my blanket!"

Henry, at 5 weeks old, did nothing of the sort, and was mortified.

Audrey wisely remained out of the argument.

A Little Pre-Sibling Book Reading

In her natural habitat.

Some Changes

Big Sister Olivia, with Mom, holding sister Audrey while Mom holds brother Henry.

Born this morning, Olivia attempts to take in the various warnings, notifications and verbal preparations of the last year or so. All at once. She seems to be doing fairly well, while maintaining poddy training. At this point.

Also see:

http://henryandaudreysbusiness.blogspot.com/

Subject

Sometimes children are subjected to repeated photographic documentation.

And sometimes they are the perfect subjects. Like these.

More Visits: Oma and Opa

Grandparents Vande Berg came the same weekend as the Aalberts. Dutch conclave evidently. We may have had the votes to pass something procedural? Instead, we read books and played in a water heater box.

Owen

Early June brought some more visitors, including "Uncle" Joel and cousins Owen and Maya.
I really liked this picture of Olivia and Owen. Almost as if he's protecting her from the camera.

What a gentleman.