Comfort food

Today was just one of those days when everything is frustrating -- nothing terribly dramatic -- just lots of little frustrations that add up. Evan's car is not working, Ella wouldn't nap this afternoon, and I am STILL pregnant. So, in typical Sewall fashion, we decided to drown our sorrows in calories. We went to Cracker Barrel for some comfort food! Chicken and Dumplins', a Bacon Cheeseburger, a few biscuits, and a couple of desserts later, we were full and happy.

Ella has not quite figured out crayons, yet. She just likes to eat them. So, we spent much of dinner tonight keeping her content long enough for us to eat. Sunglasses, a straw, a mini flashlight, a few songs with hand motions -- all vital in keeping a 14 month old happy when out past her bedtime.

Bath Time

These are a few pictures from bathtime tonight. Just had to share ...

He'll be here soon!

Tomorrow, Emily will be 38 weeks pregnant; Baby Boy Sewall could arrive any day now! While we are so grateful for a healthy and uneventful pregnancy, we are ready for it to come to an end so we can finally meet this little guy -- and so Emily can get up off the floor without assistance! Ella has loved watching her little brother grow from the outside of Mama's belly. She gives him kisses and plays "Peek-a-Boo" with him by lifting up Emily's shirt. Too cute. We don't know how long it will take for her to understand that the same Baby Brother we have been talking about for months is now in our house crying at all hours; she might play "Peek-a-Boo" with Emily's "empty" belly for awhile.

Summertime fun

We are doing our best to squeeze in as much summertime, warm weather fun as we can here in Upstate New York. Summers are truly gorgeous here -- our reward for enduring the long , bitter winter -- and this summer has been especially nice. Ella is all over the place now, and we have enjoyed being outside when we can. With a 14 month old, even a short walk to the mailbox is full of adventure -- mulch, flower petals, leaves, and gravel are all wonderful new mysteries to explore. When I can slow down long enough to just let her take her time, I find that I see the world through her eyes -- new, exciting, and fresh each day. Perhaps that is the greatest gift children give to us.

A brand new cousin

Last Sunday, we made our first drive down to NYC to meet Ella's newest cousin, Colton Twain Mitchell. Colton joined our family on July 2nd, and we were all thrilled to meet him! Ella adored him; she gave him lots of kisses and pats, and she only put her finger up his nose once. We are hoping she will be as thrilled to meet her own baby brother any day now.

We spent the day in the city just hanging out with the family -- playing toys, sharing a couple of meals, and, of course, holding the new baby. Before we left for the night, Ella joined in her first Mitchell household dance party to the soundtrack of "Top Gun" -- too funny.

Giving blogging a go

In an ongoing effort to keep up with friends and family quite literally all over the world, we thought we would give blogging a go. We hope to keep you all updated with updates on our family and the much requested photos of our little ones. Check back often for updates!