Even though I have successfully managed to call her ‘Mary’ 85% of the time since she’s been born, I’m thrilled to announce the arrival of our second daughter, Lucy Gemma Campbell! Like her sister, Lucy decided that she simply couldn’t wait, and HOWLED (way louder than either of her siblings) her way into the world this morning. Kate was a champ for the third-time’s-a-charm c-section, and is recovering well. Pictures in a few!

When I was 18 and about to head off to college, 4 years seemed like an eternity. Now, four years is barely a blink. I can’t believe it’s been nearly six years since Simon was born. And now, he’s headed off to kindergarten. Yesterday was his first day of elementary school, and I couldn’t be more proud. He showed no signs of nervousness or anxiety and jumped right on the bus like it was the most natural thing in the world. He came home after a long first day happy and full of energy. I know there will be moments of anxiety and stress during his many years of schooling, but I couldn’t have hoped for a better start.

Mary might have more trouble adjusting to the loss of her playmate (or tormentor, depending on the minute). She was a little bit out of sorts yesterday and I think it’s because her older brother wasn’t around. But she starts preschool next week (don’t worry, another post to come!) so that should keep her busy for a bit.

Sometime on or around December 18, we’ll be welcoming another Campbell family member. When we told the kids, it took a few minutes to sink in, and then they started to get excited. After I put Mary to bed, I could hear her through the monitor jabbering away. It went something like this (but much cuter in her broken toddler-english):

And the baby is in mommy’s tummy.

And she is soooooo cuuuuuute.

And I will hold her. And hug her. And rock her.

She went on for a while, and Kate will probably remember more of what she said. but it was adorable. Simon seemed to take it all in stride. His demeanor seemed to say, “Yawn. Yeah, I’ve got a pretty good handle on this big brother thing. Bring it on.”

I think my lack of updates has pretty much caused all my readers to move on. Except for one, maybe (Hi, nod!). But for those of you who are still reading, I wanted to throw this one out there: Kate is blogging again.

It’s mostly quilting and craft-focused, but it’s definitely worth poking around. I have very little interest in crafts and quilting, but even I find it interesting. So check out the newly resurrected KCQuilts Blog.

This is what happens when you leave your laptop logged in to facebook when your big sister is in town. Well done, Erin. Well done.

I officially have no more pictures that need to be processed. Well, I have no more pictures that *I* feel need to be processed. Others may disagree. Never mind the fact that I haven’t really shot anything in about a month and a half. I’m caught up, that’s all that matters. It may be another decade before it happens again.

This past weekend, Kate and I got on unexpected break from the kids. Murray had grand plans with them during the day on Sunday, and my mom offered to have them sleep over on Saturday night. From all accounts, they had a grand time. Murray made a gingerbread house with the kids, and then took them for a ride to see Christmas lights before bringing them home. The kids had a ton of fun. I’m sure this will be one of those fond memories of Christmas that they have down the road.

Oh, and we learned one more important lesson: Place gingerbread houses up high enough that the dog doesn’t eat the gingerbread bushes and gingerbread men!

It hasn’t really been five years since Simon was born, has it? Insert appropriate cliche about time going by really fast. So here are the highlights.

I got the idea for this post from Kristen when she did it for her son last month. She’s a better writer than I am, so I’m going to let pictures do most of the talking. Thanks, Kristen.

Brand New

Casey wasn’t quite sure what to make of this new creature that had invaded her home. We weren’t quite sure either. All I knew is that he was cute as a button during the day and infuriatingly AWAKE at night. We solved that problem during the first year. One of many new parent learning experiences.

One

You turned one and the cuteness had only begun. Your exploded into a blur of motion and sound as you learned to walk and talk with gusto. It is right around the 1-2 transition that kids hit their “peak cuteness” and you did so with style, charming everybody from your grandparents to the grocery store clerk. You set a high bar for your sister.

Two

I feel bad for whoever coined the term the “terrible twos,” because I thought they were pretty fantastic. You were old enough to be able to communicate what you wanted, but not old enough to really be testing limits with any seriousness. This was an awesome age, and I wish I could remember more if it more clearly.

Three

Three was a big year for you. You got a sister (not pictured!), and you LOVE her. Sometimes a little too much. But man is she lucky to have a big brother like you. You spent some time in New York and Texas visiting your grandparents this year, and you’re still asking me when you can go on a plane again. Apparently it made a lasting impression.

Four

You started going to preschool at 4 (well, technically the first month you were 3). After one or two teary mornings, you settled right in. You also decided to seriously test some limits and cop an attitude. It was a rough couple of months, but you seemed to get over it, and are generally a very pleasant, sensitive, loving child. You ESPECIALLY love your sister. I love that you two are so close in age, and I hope that you remain close as you get older.

Five

So here you go at five. You’re getting bolder, but no less sensitive, and this time next year you’ll be in kindergarten. You’re getting so big so fast, I simply can’t believe it. I just have one request. SLOW. DOWN. But thanks for a great first five years. It’s been a blast.