Open House

Back in August Will's school hosted an open house night. We heard from the principal, who introduced all the teachers, assistant principal and PTO before we were dismissed to the classrooms. I enjoyed seeing Will's class and all the work he's done so far plus getting a chance to talk to his teacher. It was a good night.

Outdoor Adventure

Earlier this summer, before school started, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and finally take the kids camping. They were stoked! We loaded the car and headed to a nearby campsite. And they were booked! Apparently it's a popular destination that requires advanced reservations. Will was so upset, which upset Maggie too. We decided to just put up the tent in our yard, but stopped to fish on our way home. We fed the ducks, then I sat on the side with Maggie and Jake while Daniel and Will fished.

We started setting up the tent when we got home and saw the kids' excitement return, especially as the tent arose from the ground. We decided to sleep Jake in his room as usual since we were home. Then at bedtime, we brought out the big kids and we followed shortly after. I was excited too- it's been a long time since I've camped. Well, let me tell ya, I know why my parents slept on egg crates when we camped as kids. I was so uncomfortable! I laid there forever, willing sleep, listening to snoring, crickets and the rare soft breeze. When the rain started, I gave up and went inside-- plus to camping in the backyard. It was 2am. Sad thing is, I didn't sleep much better the following four hours. I guess I was overtired, who knows. The kids really enjoyed it so that made me happy, though we all had a much earlier start to Saturday morning that usual. Pretty sure they woke up with the sun. And Daniel tore down the tent right away, so I didn't get any daylight pictures. :(

Maggie's big girl bed

Maggie Moo finally moved out of her crib into a big girl bed! Well, it's the same bed, just converted to toddler size. She was really excited, but nervous the first night. She felt more comfortable with the safety rail. I'm surprised she hasn't gotten out of bed herself yet, but maybe she needs more time to get used to it.

We waited until Will started school to be sure I'd be awake before the kids in the morning. Even though Maggie knows not to go down the stairs unassisted, I didn't want to risk her up and about without me. Moosie loves her big girl bed! And the pretty, cozy, pink pillow daddy bought her awhile back. :)

Happy 3rd birthday Maggie!

Maggie Moo, I cannot believe you are already 3 years old! These years have flown by for sure. Three years ago today started as any other day. Except I was already in labor- it started late the previous night. The day progressed and things were going well. Until they weren't. Then the day became scary and the following days uncertain. The whole time you and our family was lifted up in prayer- around the world, in fact. And what would have been an unbearably frightening nightmare otherwise, was eased by the Holy Spirit and our Father in heaven. We felt so much love and could feel the prayers. It is only through Him that our burden was lessened.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
I will never forget the day of your birth and am so grateful for every birthday we celebrate with you and all the days in between. God has blessed us with a beautiful, sweet, fun-loving little girl and we love you pieces. Happy birthday, sweetheart, with all our love!

Jake is 11 months old!

That's right, our little sweetums is 11 months old, only one month away from the big ONE year mark!!! Can you believe it? Me either. I'm in full party planning mode and will be excited to reveal his party details soon. So, Jakers, what have you been up to this month? You're just movin' and learnin' and growin'. It all happens so fast!

Here's a few things about you:

• FINALLY got teeth! Your bottoms just came through. They sat right under the gums for what felt like forever, but finally made that break. You're working on some uppers, though, so we're not quite in the clear yet. :)
• Have stood by yourself a couple times for just a few seconds- both letting go of furniture and pushing up to a stand
• You're cruising on furniture and around the coffee table but you're not ready to let go yet
• Making lots of sounds now- b's, m's, d's, g's, you said da-da, uh-uh (for uh oh) and ball. I'm pretty sure you're saying "more" too but it sounds a lot like your "mom" so it could just be that. When you're talking it sounds a lot like you're saying "these" or "geez" 
• You really enjoy table food! I think bananas are still your favorite, but you've also tried graham crackers, chicken, carrots, waffles, cheerios, pretty much anything you can mash.
• You're just on the move- crawling here, pulling up, cruising, grabbing things, singing, dancing. A busy baby boy!
• Climbing up a few stairs after mommy
• Learning the word no! Sometimes you get mad and grunt but many other times you just stop and when you go back to it again, you pull back as if remembering you're not supposed to touch
• You pat my back/shoulder when I hold you, it's the sweetest thing
• Still my sweet, cuddly boy

We love you Jakie-poo!!! I cannot express the joy you've brought into our family and I'm enjoying every minute of it. :)

Will's first week

Will really enjoyed his first week of school! It's taken me awhile to write about, seeing as he's already completed his second full week as well, but whatcha gonna do? I walked Will into class his first day and we all went his second day. After that, he was ready to go all by himself which made me proud and sad all at the same time. My little man is growing up! He was excited to tell me all about his day when I picked him up but in typical Will fashion (most boys in my experience), he's not really into the details. "That's all I remember, mom" or "we did the same thing we always do." Well, I'm not there to know what you always do...

Maggie wanted to say goodbye

Anyway, so far he's been most excited to tell me about computer class (his father's son, perhaps?) but we'll see how things go. I still miss him during the day and Maggie has asked a few times, "pick Will up." I think that sweet little girl misses her big brother. :) Even though Will has been excited, he already looks forward to the weekend. I'm sure he misses the freedom he once had with his time, it's a difficult adjustment for sure.

Thankful Thursday: Will Will, my little man

Today Will started Kindergarten. I'll give you a moment to pause, and take a deep breath over the shock of this happening. Oh, wait, that's me. How in the world did my newborn baby who I so vividly recall bringing home from the hospital like 5 minutes ago get big enough to go to Kindergarten?!! Big school!! This was a big day for both of us, one I've been semi-dreading for awhile, but always kept my spirits up because I didn't want to displace my feelings on Will and make him scared of school. He was such a big boy, going right into class, making himself at home, telling me bye with no problem. I love my little man and am so proud of him and his independent spirit. Would've been nice if he lingered just a little, though. A brief I love you mommy and a big hug. But it could've been worse. I am so so thankful for the time I've had and pray he carries the lessons we've tried to instill as he goes out into the world.

I tried to think outside the 'chalkboard sign' box and
came up with this idea for his sign- two items that
just say "school"!

Will,

You may not remember this day as you get older, but I probably always will. Today, August 1st, 2013, was your first day of Kindergarten. First day in a "big school" classroom. We awoke to a foggy, moderately warm, but humid day. You got out of bed before your alarm went off and came downstairs. 

You said, "sorry I slept so long, mom" to which I replied, "oh, it's early, hon, you didn't sleep long at all." "Oh, so I have time to go back to sleep?" "Sure. You have a few minutes." 

But you didn't go back to sleep; you got dressed in the outfit we picked out last night and came back downstairs ready for your big day! After breakfast-- just the two of us (you had a waffle with jelly, I had oatmeal)-- I had to feed your brother and get your sister out of bed. Then it was picture time! We went outside and took lots of photos to commemorate your first day. I'm not sure how many times you asked if it was time to go, but soon after pictures, you and I hopped in the car and headed to school.

School starts at 8:00 so we left at 7:30, unsure how bad traffic would be. We parked across the street and used the crosswalk. You held my hand most of the way. I took more pictures when we got to class- one with your teacher and several at your desk after dropping off your backpack and snack in their designated places. After a few minutes, I asked if you were okay. You were. So I told you I was leaving and you said okay. With a kiss, I love you and be good, I left. I stood in the hallway and watched you a little bit- you were already talking to the boy at your table, making friends no doubt. I got you to wave at me one more time then was on my way. 

At home I gave extra hugs and kisses to your siblings, as if willing them to stay little forever. I kept busy with them and around the house distracting myself from missing you so much. Many thanks to your daddy for staying with the littles so I could bring my big boy to Kindergarten. I would've liked all of us to go, but that didn't work out. 

I had to wait in a long line to pick you up but we were both excited to finally see each other and you were excited to tell me all about your day of touring the school and making new friends. You even told me you missed me which made my heart smile, if that were possible.

Will, I am thankful you're my son and proud of the boy you're growing up to be. And I am so very thankful for the past five years I've had with you- four of which I was blessed to be home with you. For about 18 months it was just you and me- spending our days dressing up, playing with cars, making forts, going to the park, pool & play dates. We made cookies, played in the rain and went to the library. After your siblings joined our family, we didn't have as much mommy & Will time, but we all played together. This is time I can never get back and memories I will always cherish. I'm just so thankful for our time together. And it's not over! Just different now. Our lives have changed-- you've left the innocent, fun loving, going here and there, stay in pajamas all day, very-little-responsibility part of your childhood and entered the school age years. Still innocent and fun loving hopefully, but more responsibility. I'm excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the time we've had. Thank you, Will, for being mine; I'm so glad God entrusted me to be your mommy.  I love you!!!