A Connolly Thanksgiving

This year our Thanksgiving was spent in Medford at Sean's moms house. We went over in the morning to watch the Macy's parade, relax, drink hot cocoa, and eat homemade apple turnovers. Then, after a small lunch, Sean and I worked on preparing the side dishes we were contributing to the meal: Vanilla Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce. When Declan woke up from his nap, we took a lovely, crisp, fall walk, returning just in time to sit down for the meal. Sean's brother Paul joined us as well and we all had a wonderful time together.

Even though I thank God every day for all the blessings He graces me with, it is so nice to spend one day focused on thankfulness.

Cutest Pilgrim

Sean working hard

Apple & Pumpkin Pies

Declan helping Nan 

Playing the harp together

Eating an apple

The Connolly's Four!

Our Thanksgiving craft

The food

Declan Prepares for Baby

When I was a little girl, the doll Baby Alive was hugely popular, so of course I asked Santa for one. When Christmas morning came, I opened all my presents, but alas...no Baby Alive. I was crushed. Santa had always gotten me what I wanted before, why did he fail me this particular year?
Well, I came to find out, years later when I stopped believing in Santa, that my mom couldn't find one. Apparently they were SO popular that they were sold out in every store she went to. Surprisingly, last year for Christmas she bought me a Baby Alive. We both were delighted that I finally got the gift I never got as a child! She suggested I save it for Declan and I really liked that idea, so I did.

Every 6 weeks or so I recycle Declan's toys. I take the ones he's been playing with and exchange them for ones that have been in his closet. It's like he gets new toys without us having to buy any. While in his closet looking for which toys to take out, I came across the Baby Alive and decided that it was a great time to give it to him. When he got up from his nap he saw it (still in the box) and said "baby". Then he got to watch while I took her out of the box and hand her to him. He was so sweet. He just kept saying "baby" and giving her kisses. He even "shared" his snack with her!

I think he's going to make an amazing older brother, and what better way to prepare him for having a baby in the house than letting him play with this baby.

3 + 1 = 4

Over labor day weekend, Sean and I found out that we are expecting another baby!

I was slightly shocked at first, and it's taken a while for me to grasp the truth that we will be having another little one in our lives. I thought that it would be difficult for us to conceive quickly because my periods were irregular and I was still nursing Declan (which makes you less fertile), but it seemed that God had a different plan.

It's also crazy to think of the fact that our two babies will only be 20 months apart. I am sure many people will wonder what we were thinking. And I know there will be some tough times, but I also know that having them so close in age will help them be close friends their whole lives (hopefully).

Regardless of all the details we are so excited to be adding a fourth member to the Connolly Clan next May!