Question. Another girl, hey?

Answer. Yes, believe it or not the chances were 50/50 this time around too!

Question. Are you going to try again for a boy?

Answer. First of all, let’s take them one at a time, ok? Second, I remind you of the 50/50 thing. Third, girls are lovely and I’ve never been sure of the whole “one of each” thing. Fourth, how does one “try” for a boy or girl? Wait, don’t tell me. I have a feeling that involves some pretty graphic details. You know what, let me just call you when we are “trying” and you can give me advice then. Right at that moment. While we are “trying.” And fifth! You’re making me use too many quotation marks.

Question. Was Jacob disappointed this baby wasn’t a boy?

Answer. No. I’m disappointed that you are asking me such a stupid question though.

Question. Are you naming this one something totally weird too?

Answer. Yes, what’s your name? We’ll use that.

Question. Is Poppy really ready to be a big sister?

Answer. She rubs my belly and says “baby.” But she doesn’t really like anyone touching her things and she demands my attention 24/7, so uh, yeah. I think we’re in for a bit of an adjustment period.

Question. Three girls in the house! Poor Jacob is really in for it, huh?

Answer. You obviously don’t have a good grip on our family dynamics. Betcha can’t guess who cries more during movies? And don’t worry about Jacob too much. He’ll sync up his monthly cycle with the rest of us in no time.

People have said really nice things too, but I honestly can’t believe the amount of “boy” comments. I’m sure mothers of only girls or only boys out there can relate to my pain. It’s just completely weird how forward people can get on the subject. Alas, boys and girls are wonderful and we need them all. But please, stop with the comments! My children are unique and whole human beings with a variety of complex interests and personality traits. I’d rather you get to know their personalities then to comment on gender generalities and how crazy it will be for Jacob and all these girls. And the pink everywhere! And the hormones! And the dating! And the crying! And the AHHHH! GIRLS!

I just so happen to like them.

Happy Father’s Day!

*stayed up late last night to do the dishes

*got up early this morning to shovel the driveway

*spent nine hours at work to provide for us

*came home to a stir-crazy baby and wife and still has the energy to make this amazing memory…

[Jacob sent me this card this morning to countdown the days until my 25th birthday. He is the best.]

In the meanwhile I keep myself busy by yelling at Jacob for dripping paint on the carpet and doing silly dances for him while he paints.

LEANNE: OMG … look at this

JACOB: Holy crap that’s amazing

LEANNE: You need that. I especially like the light saber zipper pull.

JACOB: I know, if it wasn’t $100 I’d say go for it

LEANNE: Yeah, plus its not a -40 degree sleeping bag, which you insist on having in case we’re ever trapped in the arctic on a scientific expedition gone wrong

JACOB: Good point. My outdoor geek was blinded by my sci-fi geek

LEANNE: In a mass explosion of geekness

JACOB: It’s tough being me.

Happy Thanksgiving

[Image via FFFFound!]

I should just go ahead and rename my website HappyHippos.com because photos like this might just keep on coming.

I sat outside Poppy’s door tonight and listened while Jacob rocked her little body to sleep and sang sweetly to her…

There is a castle on a cloud
I like to go there in my sleep
Aren´t any floors for me to sweep
Not in my castle on a cloud

I love this sound more than I can express. But I guess if I had to explain it, it would go something like this – colorful rainbows wrapped in teddy bear hugs with oodles of chocolate syrup pouring from mountains of candy with newborn babies and kittens running naked through fields of Enya CDs.