Happy Halloween from our Little Lady!

Anja is getting lots of use out of her ladybug costume, at last count probably 2 1/2 days' worth . . . now that's money well spent!

Blinke, Blinke Stjernelill . . .

Anja has been singing up a storm lately, so we decided to capture a little on film tonight. For those of you who don't know the words to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" in Norwegian, here they are so you can sing along!

Blinke, blinke stjernelill
undres hvor du holder til.
Høyt der oppe i det blå
skinner du for alle små.
Blinke, blinke stjernelill
undres hvor du holder til.

Taking Good Care . . .

Anja puts some "buns" on Baby Stella.

The "Nuk Fairy" brought Baby Stella to Anja last summer when she donated her Nuks to all of the babies who needed them. Baby Stella comes with a Nuk of her own, so we thought it was appropriate. (She's a cute baby too, as opposed to those scary looking ones we all see in the stores!) She liked Baby Stella, slept with Baby Stella, but never really got into taking care of Baby Stella.

Last night was different. Anja went upstairs by herself, looking for a book or something, and ended up needing to change Stella's diaper, again and again. "She pooped! Gotta change her diaper!" Then it was time for Stella to go to bed, so Anja tucked her in and read a few books to her. (She does a mean Brown Bear, Brown Bear, almost verbatim.) Then it was time for Anja to get Stella up, change her diaper, and to find an outfit that suited her best. We both loved seeing this, as it gives us confidence that Anja will be a great BIG sister in the spring. She was very maternal, giving cuddles and kisses and lots of care.

Changing Stella's diaper.

Tucking Stella in.

Reading The Mixed-Up Chameleon to Stella (who's under the blanket).

. . . and one more will make FOUR!

Some of you already know, but we wanted to share the good news with all of our blog readers that we are expecting another baby in late April. The ultrasounds look good and the baby is measuring up just where s/he should be. Anja is already talking to my belly, "Hello . . . how are you . . . good!"

A Beautiful Day at the Apple Orchard

Today we ventured out with some friends to Pleasant Valley Apple Orchard near Taylor's Falls. We had a great time . . . we picked our own apples, enjoyed a hayride, played in a "cornbox" (think sandbox), fed the goats and chickens, had a picnic (with the bees!), walked their trails, picked some pumpkins, and enjoyed being outside in the gorgeous sunshine.

I'd definitely recommend this apple orchard. It's family run, busy, but not too busy (it's outside of the Cities so that helps), and provides a fun experience for the little ones. They are also good about giving people free reign over the land--there are acres and acres to just explore! Check it out!