Two weeks old

The newborn phase really speeds by.  Tomorrow Claire will be two weeks old.  Wow!  We went in for her check-up yesterday, and everything looked great (no sign of jaundice). We were surprised that she weighed in at 9.5 lbs, an almost two pound jump from her birth.  We're sort of wondering if I wrote that down right. She might be our hungriest baby yet!  For the most part we've just been happily hibernating at home.  Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks:

Starting to have more awake time!

Madeleine loves giving hugs.  

I couldn't believe how big she looks next to the baby!

Adam always needs to have projects when he's home, 

so one day they decided to build a sandbox for the backyard.

He tried to buy sand at the Japanese hardware store, but couldn't find any...

so they went to the beach and took some.  :)

While Adam and the girls were at the beach, some random old guy gave them this

kimono/shirt with a paper about fire safety.  Things that happen in Japan...

Must get as close as possible.

We celebrated Madeleine's birthday last week, but unfortunately 

the only pictures I have are of her discovering her present in the morning.

She had a great day and loves telling everyone that she's "THREE!"  (emphasis hers)

Elena has been enjoying her big sister role,

and loves holding Claire.  We're trying to convince her 

that Claire doesn't want a finger in her mouth ALL the time,

but mostly she doesn't complain.

Madeleine has a shorter attention span, 

but also loves her baby hugs.

Such great reactions when baby is sad  :)

Wish I could read Claire's thoughts here.  :)

Madeleine got to help with Claire's first bath!

Elena and Madeleine attended their first ballet classes this week, which they both loved.  We've been wanting to try some of the various activities offered on base since they're so accessible now (the dance building is a block away from our house!).   Madeleine has been adding tutus to every outfit all week so that she can twirl like a ballerina, so she's having a great time.  

Adam returns to work on Monday, so it will be my first test of survival with three kids.  I only have to last for a week, and then Nana Marsha comes to save us all. :)  Papa will come shortly after, and we're all looking forward to the visit!