Big Brother Duties

I have been particularly impressed with Aiden's taking his role as big brother much more seriously.  He must sense that he is soon to have two little sisters, instead of just one.  Though he is a champion of making messes, he now helps me clean them up.  He is always on the run when you ask him to grab something or put something away.  Though he still has whining sessions himself, he tries to help entertain Audra when she's whining or cheer her up when she's crying.  In the car today, she was fussing in her carseat.  I was preparing myself for a noisy trip to the store, when they both began laughing hysterically.  Looking back at them, I saw Aiden making silly faces to make her laugh.

When we got to the store, I was looking at carseats, since Baby Girl will soon need the baby seat in which Audra currently rides.  Attempting to read the specs of each type at Babies 'R Us, the kids became understandably bored.  As Audra started to cry, Aiden tried to console her, talking in her ear and even kissing her on the cheek.  Later, when our dear troublemakers accompanied me to a doctor appointment, Aiden pushed the stroller (with Audra in it) the entire way (though I did help with the steering).  I am grateful for his natural acceptance of his role as big brother--he is truly Mommy and Daddy's helper!

 Aiden tries to console an upset Audra...

...And it works!

A Rare Richlands Snowfall

Snow falls in our neck of the woods just a few times a year, and even then, it doesn't always stick.  So Aiden, Audra, and Kona were very excited this week to find a blanket of snow creating their own mini Winter Wonderland.  Of course, the fluffy powder soon became glazed with an unforgiving layer of ice, so we were fortunate that Aiden got plenty of time to play outside (Audra is recovering from a cold and enjoyed only a few moments before Mommy and Daddy made her return inside).

 Aiden did NOT want to come back inside!  He loved playing in the snow.

 Audra tries on her new coat for an outing to the grocery store (before she caught cold and before the snowfall).

 Kona likes to pull Aiden's mittens off--Clyde and I did not enjoy this game, as we had to retrieve the mittens and remove our own gloves to re-cover Aiden's hands.  Aiden thought it was pretty funny, though!

Poor Audra is stuck inside.  At least she has one of her favorite snacks (Gerber's apple & sweet potato puffs) to comfort her!

Aiden started doing flips in the snow--not sure where he saw such a stunt!

New Year, Surprise News!

Ciala and Lauren celebrated the arrival of 2014 with us.  Aiden fell right into step with his favorite two gals, and Audra was excited to be snuggled by both.  New Year's Day brought us a little surprise--the gender of the next McBride to join our family (in late June).  Since Clyde has done this a time or two, Ciala and Lauren accompanied me to the ultrasound.  Scroll down to see what we found...

Clyde's lap is getting full--will he have room for just one more?

 

Aiden loves playing with Lauren--she's a blast!

 

Ciala provides Audra's favorite place to cuddle.

 

A rare shot containing all four young McBrides.  You have to be quick to capture them!

 

Audra loves hanging out with her big sisters.

 

Another sweet baby girl!  While Aiden may have been lobbying for a brother, he is excited by the news that he'll keep his own room!

 

Scoot over--there'll soon be another McBride girl!