Random Ramblings

Sierra's Two Month Stats

2012-02-17T19:10:00.004-05:00

Sierra had her two month check up yesterday, and her shots today (poor baby).

Here are her stats -
Weight - 9 lbs 12 oz - 30th percentile
Height - 23 inches - 70th percentile
Head - 41 cm - 90th percentile

The doctor declared her healthy and long and skinny with a big head. So far, she is following a perfect growth curve unlike all her siblings who started out huge and fell down on the chart until they finally settled into their growth curve. And now they are all tall and skinny. Sierra just started out that way.

Here's what Sierra is up to at two months -
-coos and smiles (when she wants to, which is apparently not when she's having portraits made)
-likes sitting in her swing, but no longer falls asleep in there
-for the most part, she can be put down in her bed with her paci when she's drowsy, and she'll go to sleep
-eats, stays awake for an hour or so, sleeps, and then eats again
-naps range from 45 minutes to 3 hours, and usually the longer nap is in the afternoon
-sleeps in the pack n' play next to our bed (doesn't need to sleep upright anymore)
-still can be fussy at times, but she has definitely gotten less fussy over the last two weeks
-still wakes 1-2 times per night, but she usually goes back to sleep pretty quickly after eating

Just Some Light Reading

2012-02-13T08:47:00.000-05:00

Jordanna reading Beowulf. She's so talented that she can even read it upside down.

Two Months Old

2012-02-12T20:27:00.002-05:00

Sierra is two months old today. Time flies when you're having fun (or when you're too busy to sit down)! She goes to the doctor on Thursday for her check up, so I'll post her stats then.

Daddy and His Girls

2012-02-12T10:09:00.001-05:00

Our Family is Complete

2012-02-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

Even on the back of my van

What I Haven't Told You Yet

2012-02-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

Our sweet Sierra was born with two big toes on each foot. They are joined together, but each has a nail on it. Our pediatrician recommended waiting until she is about six months old to go see a surgeon because they don't want to put a tiny baby under anesthesia if it's not necessary. Anyway, I'll keep you updated once we know more.

Good Big Brother

2012-02-09T21:14:00.001-05:00

Caleb reading a book to Jordanna

Bath Time

2012-02-07T20:20:00.002-05:00

Sierra LOVES bathtime. She can be screaming before and after, but she always calms down when she's in her bath. I had been bathing her in the sink, but Molly let us borrow this bath seat. Sierra thought it was great; she just chilled the whole time.

Jordanna thought it was great having Sierra in the bath with her.
See, Sierra does not think that getting out of the bath is a good thing even if she gets to wear a cute matching diaper to Jordanna. She was mad!

Date Night: Part 2

2012-02-07T19:13:00.004-05:00

Heading out for Daddy/Daughter Date Night at Chickfila
Jordanna's cheeseball smile. Notice the tablecloths and the flower in the background. Both girls got a flower, a balloon, a note pad, and a stuffed cow. They also had waiters to serve them.
Alexa's fake smile
Alexa and the cow. No picture of Jordanna because she is terrified of it.
Daddy and two of his girls

Date Night: Part 1

2012-02-04T21:17:00.004-05:00

Dave took the girls to Daddy/Daughter Date Night at Chickfila on Saturday night (more on that in Part 2), so Caleb and I went to La Parilla since Dave won't go there with me. He loved the queso dip and proceeded to drip it all down his shirt while eating it. I persuaded him not to order a cheeseburger at a Mexican restaurant, so he had a quesadilla while I had enchiladas and a taco. (Excuse the cell phone pictures; Dave had the camera.)

We took a tag-a-long with us. Except for screaming in the van, she was very good.

After dinner, we went out for frozen yogurt.

It was a fun date night with my favorite boy!

Fun with Math

2012-02-02T20:45:00.003-05:00

Alexa working on math with Jordanna "helping"
Caleb is working on fractions in math right now. I bought a take n' bake cheese pizza at the store this morning. At lunch time, I divided into halves and then into fourths. The kids then got to put toppings on their fourths of the pizza. They thought it was great fun!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2012-01-29T20:17:00.003-05:00

Photography by AlexaRainy day fun - playing in a fort behind the dining room tableApparently Super Mario Galaxy 2 bores her
Artists at work

Caleb reading the comics and eating his breakfast

Sierra and Her BFF

2012-01-24T19:55:00.002-05:00

And another picture of Audrey for good measure because she's so cute.

Teaching Time

2012-01-20T09:21:00.002-05:00

So I haven't updated about school in awhile. We got started back last week after 3ish weeks off for Christmas break. It was an interesting week with passing around the stomach bug and Dave home one day and a fussy new baby. We seem to be getting back into the groove now, though.

Here is how I teach most days - with a baby strapped to my chest. And a needy two year old wanting to be held.
And here are Caleb and Alexa reciting their catechism questions.
What we are up to these days -

Caleb:
He got his first report card over break, and he had all Es for excellent except for one S for satisfactory in handwriting. He is my child; my report card generally looked the same way. In literature, we are reading about King Midas, and in history he is studying the Medes and the Persians. He is memorizing a poem for a poetry recital in a few weeks. He still loves to read small chapter books such as Magic Tree House, Geronimo Stilton (thanks to Oma for the recommendation), Encylopedia Brown, and others. The last book he read was Henry and the Paper Route by Beverly Cleary. He started the second book of his second grade math curriculum. We are working on geometry right now (angles, parallel lines, shapes and such), and it is a bit more challenging for him than the rest of the book has been. In science, we are almost finished with plants and will be starting a book on animals next.

Alexa:
She is almost finished with her set of 3 phonics workbooks, which were on the sounds of the letters. She knows all her consonant sounds but still gets caught up on some of the vowel sounds. I am now starting to focus on teaching her to read. She taught herself to write, but she writes in all capital letters and not very neatly. So I have started a handwriting program with her. She has finished 3 or 4 math workbooks this year (I lost count). She knows numbers up to about 20 and can do some simple addition.

Sisters

2012-01-19T09:04:00.002-05:00

Good Daddy

2012-01-15T09:03:00.001-05:00

Playing Uno with all 4 kids

Sleep

2012-01-14T21:09:00.003-05:00

This is where I had planned for Sierra to sleep - a pack n' play next to my bed. Notice that it is empty. I tried to get her to sleep here for the first 3 weeks or so, but she woke up and cried every time.
I finally decided that she hated sleeping flat because of her reflux. She spits up a lot, and I think being flat on her back was painful for her (kinda like it was for me because of the horrible heartburn I had when I was pregnant with her). Anyway, I bought this and had it shipped overnight from Amazon (love having Amazon prime). It's a rocking sleeper where she can sleep semi upright. And she's covered up with the blanket that Miss Carol Ann made her. While she still is not a great sleeper, she sleeps much better now that she is propped up, sometimes even a 4-5 hour stretch at night.

Sierra - 1 Month

2012-01-13T13:49:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that Sierra is a month old (yesterday) already! She had her one month doctor's visit today and got a clean bill of health. Here are her stats; she is long and skinny with a big head.

Weight - 8 lbs 10 oz - 25th percentile (still smaller than any of the other 3 were at birth)
Height - 21.5 inches - 75th percentile
Head - 39 cm (I think) - 90th percentile

I would tell you what she's up to these days, but pretty much she just eats, sleeps, pees, and poops. She does take a 3 hour nap most afternoons at the same time Jordanna is napping, which is wonderful. And she will occasionally sleep a 5 hour stretch at night, which is also nice at least when the other kids don't wake up during that 5 hours either.

Joy to the World

2012-01-12T19:45:00.001-05:00

Performed by Jordanna and Alexa

Sierra's Baptism

2012-01-11T06:34:00.000-05:00

Sierra was baptized at our church on Sunday wearing this gown that my mom made for my baptism (for more about why we baptize our babies see here). Our other two girls were both nine and a half pounds or more at birth and were too big to wear it, but our little peanut, Sierra, fit in it perfectly.
We were blessed to have both my parents and Dave's parents there to celebrate with us.

These two can be sweet to each other occasionally.

Sierra's Newborn Pictures

2012-01-10T17:40:00.005-05:00

We had a local home school mom come take some newborn pictures of Sierra. You can check out her Facebook page here. Sierra was five days old in these pictures. So sweet!

More Fun With Oma and Opa

2012-01-09T21:27:00.003-05:00

Dave's parents left today, but they managed to squeeze in a little more fun before they left.

What could be more fun than snuggling a sweet baby?
Saturday morning, Dave and his parents took the kids to the park.

And then Saturday afternoon, they took Caleb and Alexa to a Lego display .
This was my favorite picture.

A Visit From Oma and Opa

2012-01-05T21:26:00.003-05:00

Dave's parents are here for a visit and to meet Sierra. The girls have all taken turns sitting in Oma and Opa's laps (and Caleb, too, while they were working on a puzzle, but I don't have a picture).

This afternoon, Oma and Opa took Caleb and Alexa to "the dinosaur museum". Meanwhile Dave was at work, and Sierra, Jordanna, and I took naps.

The Best of 2011

2012-01-01T21:30:00.004-05:00

As I reflect on 2011, it's very easy to pinpoint the best parts of the year. It was a good year on the whole, but best of all was the arrival of two sweet baby girls.

First, Audrey in July. The Lord was gracious to answer our prayers on Molly and Nick's behalf and bless them with Audrey. I don't think I will ever forget standing in line with the kids to get donuts at a rest area in Ontario and answering Molly's phone call that their baby had been born and they were on their way to pick her up. I started crying and even told some random stranger behind me because I was so excited. And then thanks to a friend from church who gave me Delta Buddy passes and Dave still being on summer vacation and able to take care of the kids, I was able to fly up to meet her and spend a few days hanging (and I hope helping) out.

And second, Sierra in December. I'm thankful that she was born healthy despite some health scares (mine not hers) while I was pregnant. I'm definitely thankful that she was born right at Christmas break so that I have had a few weeks with Dave home to help out while I rest (including napping every afternoon) and recover. And before I jump back into homeschooling Caleb and Alexa while keeping Jordanna from doing bodily injury to herself or destroying my house and now caring for a baby as well. We are fairly certain that she is our last baby, and our family is now complete. So, I'm trying to savor every moment of having a newborn one last time.

My Favorite Little People

2011-12-28T09:48:00.001-05:00

December Photo Project Day #25

2011-12-26T20:47:00.002-05:00

Believe it or not, I did not take a single picture on Christmas Day. Here's how our day went -

-run around and get everyone ready for church
-go to Sunday school and church
-go home and warm up some soup and set out sandwiches and stuff for lunch
-nap with Sierra
-get up, have a snack, run around and get everyone ready for church
-go to church and amazingly make it on time
-go home and warm up leftovers for the kids and pizza for me and Dave
-put kids to bed
-collapse in bed myself

December Photo Project Day #24

2011-12-24T20:51:00.000-05:00

At least no one is screaming...

December Photo Project Day #23

2011-12-23T22:27:00.001-05:00

Imagine a picture of all 4 kids in their matching Christmas jammies smiling angelically because what actually happened was that they were all too grumpy after our family Christmas party tonight to get a picture.

December Photo Project Day #22

2011-12-22T16:09:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas thanks to Amazon, Target, and my friendly UPS man.

December Photo Project Day #21

2011-12-21T11:33:00.001-05:00

Christmas cookies (excuse the poor quality cell phone picture)

December Photo Project Day #20

2011-12-20T20:24:00.004-05:00

My view for most of the day - a sweet baby along for the ride.

December Photo Project Day #19

2011-12-19T20:09:00.002-05:00

Dave teaching Sierra how to solve a Rubik's Cube

December Photo Project Day #18

2011-12-18T20:25:00.001-05:00

Cuddling on the couch (photo courtesy of Alexa).

December Photo Project Day #17

2011-12-17T21:07:00.000-05:00

This is apparently what happens when I send my kids to a family Christmas party without me. They come back with all sorts of goodies.

December Photo Project Day #16

2011-12-16T19:01:00.001-05:00

First trip to Chickfila

December Photo Project Day #15

2011-12-16T05:02:00.003-05:00

Snuggling with big brother

December Photo Project Day #14

2011-12-14T19:56:00.000-05:00

Welcoming baby sister home

December Photo Project Day #13

2011-12-13T08:27:00.001-05:00

Sierra Grace

December Photo Project Day #12

2011-12-12T09:07:00.002-05:00

Bags packed and ready to head to the hospital (yes, I am an overpacker).

December Photo Project Day #11

2011-12-11T19:16:00.000-05:00

Sleepy snuggles

December Photo Project Day #10

2011-12-11T07:36:00.004-05:00

Reading the Sunday paper with my girls.

Showered With Love

2011-12-09T20:54:00.005-05:00

Sierra and I were blessed today with another baby shower, this one thrown by Molly and hosted by Stacy. I am truly thankful to have friends who are willing and ready to celebrate baby #4 with me!

Some of the kids eating their snacks.
Crazy Caleb!
Jordanna holding Audrey.
Opening presents.

And closer shots of some of the handmade gifts.

A pillow with her name on it.

A yellow blanket.
And a quilt made by Grammy.
Now all we need is a baby!

December Photo Project Day #9

2011-12-09T17:13:00.002-05:00

38 weeks and 5 days pregnant. Almost there!

December Photo Project Day #8

2011-12-08T17:35:00.001-05:00

Stocking the freezer with my kids' favorite breakfast.

My Sweet Jordanna

2011-12-07T21:45:00.002-05:00

12/7/2009
12/7/2010
12/7/2011

Jordanna is Two!

2011-12-07T21:17:00.006-05:00

We started our celebration of Jordanna's 2nd birthday with dinner and ice cream cake at my parents' house last night.
Then we let her open presents. We got her a pack n' play for her baby dolls, and my parents got her a princess tea cart.

Then this morning, we had some friends over for a small party. I think she liked the cupcakes.
Being two, she absolutely refused to open presents until she could sit in Aunt Molly's lap to do so. Fortunately, Audrey was napping, so Aunt Molly had her hands free to be the present helper.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Jordanna!

December Photo Project Day #7

2011-12-07T15:47:00.002-05:00

The birthday girl! (more birthday pictures to follow later)

December Photo Project Day #6

2011-12-06T20:38:00.003-05:00

Dinner that I did not have to cook, clean up, or pay for. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

December Photo Project Day #5

2011-12-05T20:25:00.001-05:00

The sick one (just a cold, but she sure whines a lot) in my bed. I wish I could spend all day in my bed watching movies when I have a cold.

December Photo Project Day #4

2011-12-04T12:22:00.002-05:00

Christmas Cuties

December Photo Project Day #3

2011-12-03T15:25:00.002-05:00

My crazy mustache man.

We went to a "mustache bash" first birthday party today for Mac (on the floor on the left of the picture) who I babysit once a week. Caleb thought the fake mustaches and the wacky ties were hilarious.

December Photo Project Day #2

2011-12-02T07:41:00.003-05:00

My early bird, Jordanna, eating her breakfast by the light of the Christmas tree.

December Photo Project Day #1

2011-12-01T06:54:00.003-05:00

Six (wrinkled, mismatched) stockings hung by the chimney with care.

December Photo Project

2011-12-01T06:52:00.001-05:00

I'm going to try to participate in this again this year. Try being the operative word with a new baby on the way. Anyway, the idea is to post a picture a day from now until Christmas.

Baby Shower

2011-12-01T06:28:00.005-05:00

The sweet moms at my school threw a baby shower for me and Sierra after class on Tuesday. In addition to the presents that are pictured, they are also bringing me dinner after school on Tuesdays from the time I go back to work in January until mid-April! I am truly blessed to be a part of this community.

Several of the guests. The rooms in our building this year are really small, so there were people trailing out into the hallway.
The food.

Opening presents with my Caleb helper looking on. He goes to 1st grade at my school this year, which is why he was there and not the girls who were home with Grammy.

Caleb's funny face.
And my funny face.

Pre-Baby Checklist

2011-11-28T20:35:00.000-05:00

Already Done:
4 weeks of lesson plans
2 weeks of copies for school
Christmas decorations
Wrapped all the presents I have
Packed Sierra's hospital bag
Washed and put away Sierra's clothes
Washed and put away Sierra's diapers (planning to use cloth again)
Installed Sierra's car seat (actually I just didn't uninstall it the last time I used it while babysitting)
Set up changing station in our bedroom (I use this when my babies are little and still sleeping in my room. Also I'll use it during the afternoon when Jordanna is napping in the girls' room.)
Made several meals for the freezer

To Do:
2 more weeks of copies for school
Wrap the rest of the presents that are still to be shipped
Shop for stocking stuffers
Finish addressing Christmas cards (about halfway finished)
Finish packing my hospital bag
Put bassinet part into Pack N' Play (I can't actually do this yet until I finish babysitting)
Leave instructions about the care and feeding of the big three kids
Go to two baby showers
Host Jordanna's birthday party

What am I forgetting?

My Shopping Buddy

2011-11-27T13:02:00.000-05:00

I dragged Alexa around on errands with me Saturday morning. Since they were mostly boring errands (glasses adjustment, new tights for church, copies for school, etc.), we also stopped at Starbucks and got her a cake pop and a "coffee" (steamed milk with a splash of vanilla and a splash of coffee).

Let the Season Begin

2011-11-26T12:54:00.003-05:00

After a yummy Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house on Thursday, we put up all the Christmas decorations on Friday. November 25th felt a bit early (and a bit warm outside) to be putting up the tree, but with all that is left to do before Sierra is born, I was glad to get it out of the way.

Through The Eyes of Children

2011-11-22T19:24:00.005-05:00

I pulled out the camera last night to take a picture of my crazy Alexa.
And then she wanted to take some pictures, so I let her take a few. And of course Caleb had to get in on it, too. Here are some of the ones they took.

Jordanna and the Babies

2011-11-18T21:41:00.003-05:00

We attended a get together today at Molly's house with several women and children from our church. Jordanna LOVED getting to see all the babies (despite her lack of smile in this picture). Just a few more weeks until we have another baby to line up for a picture!

Jammie Day

2011-11-16T21:42:00.003-05:00

Well, almost. I had planned for us to have a lazy, jammie day today. Jordanna was sick, it was pouring down rain, and we had nowhere to go. Anyway, when I tried to give Jordanna Advil this morning, she spit it out everywhere, necessitating a bath and a change of clothing. When Miss Fashion Queen, Alexa, saw that her sister was dressed, she wanted to get dressed too. She came down in this corduroy jumper with tights on, but no shirt. I insisted that she put a shirt on underneath it although it was hot enough in my house to turn the air on today, so she probably wouldn't have been cold, just goofy looking. Caleb and I managed to stay in our jammies all day although I did change into a clean pajama shirt after the aforementioned Advil incident. And just for good measure, here are my cuties playing with our math blocks.

My Beautiful Girlies

2011-11-14T09:04:00.002-05:00

Jordanna and Alexa ready for church yesterday

35 Weeks

2011-11-13T20:52:00.003-05:00

Pregnancy Week 35: All About Baby

At 35 weeks, your baby is considered full-term and she looks developed, however, The March of Dimes considers babies born up to 36 weeks as "late preterm" babies born before 38 weeks are at a higher risk for feeding difficulty and other issues. It is important for you and your baby to be monitored closely by your pediatrician and/or lactation consultant. The soft, fuzzy hairs that once covered her body begin to disappear. She continues to add fat layers, which will help her stay warm once she's out of the womb. During these last weeks, your baby is developed sleeping patterns (and they often have little to do with night and day!)

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby weighs in a little over 5 pounds and stretches to around 18 inches (crown to heel).

Daddy-Daughter Day

2011-11-11T10:02:00.004-05:00

My mom normally keeps the girls on Tuesdays while Caleb and I go to school, but she was sick this week. So Dave stayed home to take care of them. He took them to the park in the morning, and it looks like they had a fun time!

Poor Boy

2011-11-10T10:30:00.005-05:00

Caleb woke up Sunday morning with the beginnings of a rash on his face (which for the record was the 3rd Sunday in a row that one of our kids had some sort of mystery disease). Sunday night, a pediatrician friend at church confirmed that it was probably poison ivy or something of the sort. So, Monday morning, I dragged everyone to Publix to get some cortizone and calamine, which I proceeded to doctor him with on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday night, I noticed a bit of swelling, and by Wednesday morning, it looked like this. What you can't really tell in these pictures is that the whole side of his face is swollen.

I called Dr. Grammy, and she confirmed that a trip to the pediatrician was probably in order. Of course Wednesday is the day that I babysit an extra child, so I took all 4 kids to the doctor with me. They were great, though, and the doctor said he thought it was poison sumac (which is a vine) by the way the rash was snaking up his torso (which I didn't even know until he pulled up his shirt at the doctor). And it was infected. So we left with prescriptions for an antibiotic, oral steroids, and steroid cream. So then, I took 4 kids to Publix to get his prescriptions filled. They ate cookies, looked at the toys on the Christmas display, and played with my Ipod while we waited for his prescriptions to be filled, which fortunately were at no cost to us. His face looks A LOT better today, so I'm glad I took him in. Poor guy!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2011-11-05T22:00:00.004-04:00

The girls drinking "coffee" (hot milk with a splash of coffee) with Mommy.
Alexa pushing Jordanna in the big girl swing. Jordanna was SO proud of herself.

Artists at work.

Bedhead

2011-11-03T10:46:00.001-04:00

Kids in Costumes

2011-10-30T21:03:00.005-04:00

As we have in previous years here, here, and here, we planned to take the kids to the Reformation party at my parents' church last night. Unfortunately for Alexa, she came down with a 102 fever yesterday afternoon and didn't get to go. And my mom was down helping my grandma, so she didn't get to go either. But Dave did take this cute cow (after 4 years of being a monkey) and cute lion, and Gramps met them there and chased Jordanna around for the night. And Caleb and Jordanna shared their candy with Alexa when they got home.

And there were these adorable princesses wandering around my house tonight. Alexa still had a fever when I put her to bed; hopefully she'll feel better tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Caleb was in the shower because he threw up in the van right as Dave arrived at church tonight (I was home with sick Alexa). We THINK he was just car sick and really hope there will be no more throw up tonight (or ever for that matter, but that's probably highly unlikely as parents of 3 almost 4 children).

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2011-10-27T17:30:00.001-04:00

Happy lunch bunch. I put a plate of crackers, cheese, and lunch meat and a bowl of fruit on the table, and they thought it was the best lunch ever.
The cutest soon-to-be-big sister!
Sierra's first personalized gift.

Jordanna's Turn

2011-10-26T15:46:00.005-04:00

Me wearing the lion overalls that my mom made for me
Alexa

And now Jordanna

Aren't we cute?

The Fourth Time Around

2011-10-26T09:56:00.002-04:00

One would think that pregnancy the fourth time around would be old news. But, really, it's still amazing. Still amazing that this huge belly, with all its associated discomforts,
will soon give way to a precious baby. Still amazing to feel hiccups or a tiny foot in my ribs (where it has been most of the day). Still amazing that the God of the universe is knitting together new life, our Sierra Grace, inside of me.

Psalm 139:13-16
¹³For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

Giddy Up

2011-10-25T08:09:00.001-04:00

We went to my parents' house Friday night for dinner with my grandparents, and this is the only picture I managed to take. At least she's cute!

Singing Sisters

2011-10-20T10:21:00.000-04:00

Decluttering

2011-10-16T15:51:00.006-04:00

Once upon a time, there was a young couple who had been married almost a year when they bought their first house. It had spacious bedrooms and lots of closet space. They couldn't imagine one day filling up every closet not to mention the attic and the garage and under the beds and every other spare nook and cranny. But as often happens to young couples, they had a baby. And another and another and soon one more. And with babies come lots of stuff. And soon their spacious house became bursting at the seams.

Anyway, we spent the better part of Saturday morning reorganizing this closet in the girls' room. Previously, you had to risk life and limb to get a game to play. There was quite the mess of girls clothes, both some that had been outgrown and some waiting to be grown into. And getting out a suitcase for a trip was an Olympic event.

Here are some before pictures -

During -
After -

My Favorite Son

2011-10-13T09:26:00.003-04:00

As all 3 of you who read my blog know, I am expecting our 4th and last child, another girl. So, unless God surprises us, Caleb will always be my favorite and only son.

Caleb was a very late talker. He didn't say his first word until 17 months. At almost 3, while he could name all his letters (as you can see here on my mom's former blog), he was still barely talking. His small motor skills also lagged behind a bit. When we started kindergarten at home last year, he could barely write any letters except for maybe his name. (I feel the need to insert here that he is amazing at math like his Daddy and completed 1st grade math last year during kindergarten.)

Anyway, Caleb got his first progress report from school this week (he goes to English and history classes one day a week and is home the rest of the time). Here is what his teacher (who incidentally has 43 years of teaching experience) had to say - I just wanted to let you know that Caleb is doing well in all of his subjects. He is a good worker, and tries hard to do everything I ask him to do. He participates in classroom discussions and is enthusiastic about what we are doing. I enjoy having him in class, and I know he will continue to well.

And here is a picture of that same Caleb sitting outside today reading Ramona Quimby: Age 8. From what I can find, this book is usually placed at about a 3rd grade reading level. While he has had to ask for help with some words, he is comprehending and more importantly enjoying what he is reading. He's read the first three chapters already today.

Caleb certainly is my favorite little boy (although he would say that he is a big boy), and I am so proud of how much he has learned and grown over the last few years!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2011-10-12T21:19:00.003-04:00

Alexa and Jordanna watching Caleb complete a fall collage for school. I had to get Jordanna off the table about a million times before he finished.
Look who thinks she's a big girl! All she's done so far is sit, wipe, flush, and wash her hands, but it's a start.
Ice cream at Chickfila today

Fall

2011-10-10T12:17:00.003-04:00

30 Weeks

2011-10-09T14:11:00.003-04:00

Pregnancy Week 30: All About Baby

Your baby's face looks much like it will when she's born. She still needs to fill out more to get the characteristic chubby infant cheeks, but she's on her way. She can move her head, open her eyes, and make breathing movements through her open nostrils (although no air comes in).

How Big Is Baby?

If your little one were born today, she'd have a good chance for survival at about 3 pounds and a little over 15 inches long (crown to heel).

Jump!

2011-10-06T21:22:00.002-04:00

My mom bought the girls these shirts which get them in for free to one of those jumpy places each Tuesday while I work. Caleb and I had off of school for Fall Break this week, so I promised him that I would take him to the jumpy place as well. And we met some friends there, which made it even more fun.

Fair Part 2

2011-10-05T21:27:00.003-04:00

Dave was out of town on a school trip from Wednesday to Friday last week, so on Saturday, we switched places. I went to his school to administer the SAT, and Dave stayed with the kids. He dropped Jordanna off at Grammy and Gramps' house, and then took Caleb and Alexa to the fair. They rode some free rides, played some games, and had a snack. Then they got Jordanna, had lunch, and were down for naps/quiet time when I got home.

New (To Us) Toy

2011-10-01T07:35:00.002-04:00

Some friends gave us a box of stuff the other day, and I finally pulled this toy out for Jordanna today. It kept her busy for a bit while the big kids did school, which is always a great thing.

I Spy

2011-09-30T19:28:00.002-04:00

Three kids who are very happy that Daddy is home from his trip!

That's My Boy!

2011-09-29T19:20:00.002-04:00

Caleb surrounded by a pile of books to read at quiet time.

Fun at the Fair

2011-09-24T16:53:00.006-04:00

The kids and I spent the night with my parents last night while Dave was gone camping. The kittens and kiddos are getting along pretty well these days.
This morning we went to the fair for free admission and free rides. The carousel is the only thing Jordanna rode, but I think she still had fun. Caleb went off with Gramps and rode some of the bigger rides, so I don't have many pictures of him. Alexa went on anything she could before time was up.

After the rides, we played a few games, especially ones like this where everyone gets a prize.
And we looked at the animals. As usual, Jordanna was more interested than either of the other kids.
Finally we had lunch and dessert and headed home.

How We Spend Our Days

2011-09-21T10:16:00.002-04:00

Caleb - working hard in first grade

Alexa - making art projects

Jordanna - taking care of her babies and making her cheeseball face

Fun at the Cabin

2011-09-18T20:19:00.009-04:00

Or the "cabinet" as Alexa calls it. We had a great time up in the mountains this weekend with Molly, Nick, and Audrey. It was nice to get away and relax for a few days. Here are some things we did.

Held a sweet baby

Went for a walk

Soaked in the hot tub
Played outside
Sat by the fire and ate marshmallows and smores

Went apple picking

Jordanna Knows Just What To Do With Babies

2011-09-13T21:29:00.001-04:00

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2011-09-13T07:28:00.003-04:00

Three Cuties in a Hammock

Sweet Alexa
Jordanna taking care of her baby

25 Weeks

2011-09-04T21:17:00.003-04:00

Pregnancy Week 25: All About Baby

Your baby-to-be's lungs are developing rapidly, although she'd probably need a little help breathing if she were born at this point. Her respiratory system continues to develop, her nostrils are open, and she can breathe—but she won't take her first breath of air until delivery day. By your 25th week of pregnancy, her reproductive organs are formed. Her skin is translucent and wrinkled, and she can hear your stomach when it gurgles and your voice when you sing. Your baby is becoming more aware of how she can move—she's wiggling her fingers and toes!

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby has grown to about 1.5 pounds, she's around 13.5 inches long (crown to heel). She's about the size of a loaf of bread.

And here are the grumpy Daddy and Jordanna who took my picture.

Going to the Zoo

2011-09-03T20:54:00.006-04:00

While we have been to several zoos over the last few years, we haven't actually been to our local zoo since before Alexa was born. Pretty sad, huh? Our library has a new program where you can rent a DVD about the zoo, return it, and then receive a family pass to the zoo. So we took advantage of that to go to the zoo for free today. And everyone knows how much I like free things.

Despite the weird looks, they really did have fun at the zoo, I promise.
Two cute meerkats
Looking at the giraffes
Proof that I was there
Dave and the kids
Since admission was free, we splurged and spent the $12 for everyone to ride the train and the carousel.

Caleb really wanted to ride the tiger.
Playing at the playground

After the zoo, we had a picnic lunch at the park. Then we planned to head home for naps, but a certain baby girl fell asleep in the car, refused to nap when we got home, and was grumpy for the rest of the day. Oh well, it was still a fun day at the zoo!

Menu Plan Thursday

2011-09-01T17:06:00.002-04:00

Homeschooling this year is taking up much more of my time than it did last year, and I really don't want to stop in the morning to go to the store. So, I think I have come up with a plan that will work (at least until Baby #4 arrives and throws a wrench in everything). I have been menu planning and making my list on Wednesday. Then, I put Jordanna down for an early nap on Thursday, and we go to the store right after her nap. This seems to be working well so far. Anyway, so here is my menu plan for this week.

Thursday - Tacos, chips and salsa, corn on the cob, strawberries

Friday - Eggs, bacon, waffles, bananas

Saturday - Hotdogs, oven fries, coleslaw

Sunday - Deli sandwiches, salads, deviled eggs, chips, cake, etc. for Audrey's baptism lunch

Monday - BBQ pork sandwiches, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, grapes

Tuesday - out to eat before Dave's school meeting

Wednesday - Chicken alfredo pasta, green beans, garlic bread

Reading to her Baby

2011-08-31T20:33:00.002-04:00

Baking Bug

2011-08-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

I haven't baked much lately because I have no desire to heat up my house when it is ninety plus degrees outside. But I felt like baking today, so I did anyway despite the heat.

Caleb asked me randomly the other day if I could make M&M cookies the next time I made cookies. Since that was an easy request, I said yes. When I actually got around to making them today, he and Alexa were busy playing some elaborate pretend game, so only Jordanna actually helped me, which was fine by me.
I also made these ham and cheese muffins from a recipe that I saw in Family Fun magazine. I must eat protein for breakfast, especially while pregnant, so I'm always looking for quick, easy recipes like this. They smelled really good, but I haven't actually tried one yet.

Trouble

2011-08-27T12:43:00.005-04:00

My little Jordanna is trouble waiting to happen these days. She is always busy and is into everything! It's a good thing she is cute.

She's not content to play with toys while we do school. She has to be right in the middle of everything. She's happiest when I give her old worksheets from last year to scribble on.

She LOVES babies even more so than Alexa did at this age. She gets very distressed when they cry and wants to help. Last Sunday, I was bouncing a fussy Audrey, so Jordanna bounced her baby next to me.
She is often found carrying around one of her babies. I am sure I will find her trying to carry around her baby sister if I don't keep a careful eye on her.
Despite the goofy look on her face, she was very excited when Molly let her hold Audrey. A few minutes before this, Audrey was crying upstairs, and Molly went to check on her. Jordanna quickly followed carrying Audrey's bottle.
I was working in the kitchen this morning and came out to find her with one arm out of her shirt coloring with a pen (which she is not allowed to have).

I love my sweet Jordanna even if she is trouble!

Baby Shower

2011-08-22T08:04:00.006-04:00

I hosted our church's baby shower for Molly at my house on Saturday. We managed to put 28 people in my house somehow. Here are some of the best pictures (out of the 300 or so that were taken by the resident photographer) in no apparent order.

My mom holding Audrey
Cute Alexa
The guest of honor

Alexa helping Molly open presents
Alexa holding "The Baby Audrey"
Molly with a grumpy Jordanna
Grammy with a grumpy Jordanna

Teaching Time

2011-08-19T21:37:00.003-04:00

This was our 2nd week of school. On Monday, Caleb and Alexa painted a picture of a tree in our yard for a nature study. I thought Alexa would enjoy it better than Caleb, but he surprised me and really got into it.

Meanwhile Jordanna colored and looked cute.
On Tuesday, Caleb had his first day of classes at the same school where I teach. He'll be going one day a week for English and history. He was so excited and had a great day!
Today in science we used jello and fruit to make a replica of a plant cell. Fun was had by all, and they might have actually learned something, too.

Another Sign That We Homeschool

2011-08-15T19:35:00.000-04:00

Yes, that would be a world map in my dining room.

Girly Girl Room

2011-08-15T14:12:00.000-04:00

In preparation for the arrival of baby girl #3, we redecorated the Winnie the Pooh room into a Princess room, all for a total of around $60 (including the new beds, since we were able to sell the old ones on Craigslist to fund the new ones). The girls love their princess room. Jordanna keeps pointing to her bed and saying night, night and grinning.

Fun Trip to the Mall

2011-08-14T14:03:00.003-04:00

Caleb had a dentist appointment in the mall on Friday, so Molly and I made an outing of it. We managed to survive our first shopping adventure with 4 kids and 2 strollers and even got everything that we needed and had a fun time. Maybe we'll even be brave enough to try a trip with 5 kids come December.

Lapful of Girlies

2011-08-11T21:24:00.001-04:00