The Story (and song) Behind the Name- Penelope Calypso ALSO... some extra stuff

Most of my pregnancy Seth and I disagreed on what Penelope's middle name should be. I wanted her name to be Penelope Jane because I thought she needed a simple middle name with a first name like Penelope and my mom's name is Jane. Seth wanted her name to be Penelope Calypso because he loved the way it sounded. I would joke around and call her Penelope Jane and he would say Penelope Calypso. We could not get the other to fold.

One day on his way home from work he made up a song about her using the name he liked and came home and taught it to the girls and even figured out the guitar chords to it. The rest of my pregnancy he would sing the song everyday and get them singing it too (okay so sometimes I joined in- hey, it's catchy). The girls sang it all day long even when he was gone and finally I had to admit defeat because now their hearts were set on the name Penelope Calypso as well. Yes, I know, he plays very dirty. :) He was sweet though because while in the hospital he filled out the paper work and put her name as Penelope Calypso Jane letting me win too. So Makenzie added the last part on the song using her new full name. She also made up the part about how much Penelope's mom and dad love her. It's very cute. Without further adieu... here is Penelope's song- performed by our girls.



In case you couldn't understand the words I wrote them here.

"Penelope Calypso, you make my heart go flip-so.
I don't know what to do. I don't know what to say.
Except that I do love you. Sure wish that I could hug you.
Perhaps I'll find a way. Today might be the day.

You've got a lot of love already, even more than Makenzie love's spaghetti.
And Kendyl loves you too, more than her free tattoo."

Kenzie's part: "Mommy loves you too. She'd give her life for you.
Daddy's next, he will protext you.
Penelope Calypso Jane, what a great name!"

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I also made a little recording below of Makenzie and Kendyl telling us what they like best about their new little sister. We sure are having fun with her. It's wonderful to have two such helpful and happy big sisters who want to be little mommies too. I can't believe how easily this new little girl fits into our home- as if she were always here. It's been a very peaceful, quiet Christmas season and our hearts are so full of gratitude and awe for her- reminding us of another special baby.

Announcing...

We went in last Saturday to be induced and after almost 8 hours of labor and 2 epidurals that didn't work, we got our little Penelope. :) She is such a sweet baby. It took a few nights to figure out that she might want to go to sleep before 5 in the morning- but she has now learned to take longer naps which means her mommy is less emotional and puffy in her eyes.


I wish I could thank the anonymous person who dropped off the little Santa hats and stockings at the hospital because it made me so happy to have the nursery bring her to me in this one night.

And we have to put this picture in because it's our girl's favorite. It looks like she is wondering whose hand is hitting her in the face. :)
A big thank you to my sister (Kristie) for creating that cute announcement at the top and Seth's sister (Hanna) for taking such cute pictures of our new little girly!

Making Fleece Blankets

We had a few families over two weeks ago to tie some fleece blankets. Every year the UFA Uniform Firefighter Association has a coat and blanket drive for the homeless shelters in the area. These blankets are so fun and easy for kids to make and make such soft warm winter blankets that I wanted to make them. We did this for Family Home Evening the Monday before Thanksgiving and had a small lesson about being thankful for the many things we have and that a way to show gratitude was to give to others less fortunate. The kids loved tying the edges and knowing that the blankets were going to other children that didn't have a home. Of course they played around a lot too and snacked on pumpkin cookies, but overall I'm pretty surprised at home much work they put into it. Here's some pictures of our fun.



Makenzie became the "scrap monster". All the little pieces that were left over were tied to her in different ways. This was very helpful. :)

Here's a finished one.

And another. :) Good thing they tried it out to see if it was comfy. :) The Price's green one turned out great too. If you want instructions on how to make them you can look at this link here. There's absolutely no sewing involved and take only about 30- 45 minutes to make depending on how fast you are and how helpful little ones are around you. :) Keep your eye out for when fleece goes on sale and grab a bunch. I think they would make great little Christmas gifts too.