Slip Sliding Away (2009 that is)

Another month has passed us by. The holidays are just around the corner. I can hardly believe it!

This month I finally took Emma's bottle away - or I should say that the "Bottle Fairy" came and took them for the new babies. Emma never took a pacifier as a baby, and one of the ways I could get her to sleep on her own (because I was required to be with Anja at the same time) was to give her a bottle. Obviously we got into a bad habit. I guess that's what happens with the second/third/fourth child...you end up doing things you know you shouldn't do but you're fighting to survive! Anyway, it was a difficult transition for her, but we are doing well now. She doesn't take a nap anymore, so she gets a little overtired near the end of the day, but otherwise she only wakes up 1-2 times per night, which I can handle.

Sascha was working from home for 3 weeks. Unfortunately this is his last week home. It's unbelievable how much the girls' German has improved in this time. He's around all day for a short chat, we have dinner together, he reads them a story or two at bedtime...just the exposure to him is what improves their vocabulary and desire to learn. It will be sad when he gets on a plane to Ft. Worth next week.

Today I dropped Emma off at school and for the first time there were no tears. Hurray!
Both girls have started gymnastics class (Emma is seriously a natural) and Anja takes ballet. They both enjoy being around other kids and moving their bodies. I'm looking forward to cooler weather and LOTS OF HOURS at the parks.

Here are our pictures from the month. They're out-of-order, but it doesn't really matter. Have a great October everyone!