8 week update

It is hard to pause and think about what is happening with this little one.  There is so much going on!  Here's what I can think of (for my own record)...

• She's definitely eating great!  I think people see her double chin and big belly and question her age..."she's less than two months?"  "Really?"  I'm still not sure how much she weighs now.  Her 2 mo. appointment is soon.
• Eating and sleeping is improving and we have found some sort of schedule that works.  I'm so grateful that she can sleep in a carseat...because we are on the go for so many naps.
• Well, we have definitely developed a swing and pacifier addiction.  It has been aided by the fact that her older sisters think its their job to give her a paci, so the minute she fusses there's one in her mouth even before I notice.
• She is so much more aware of us now.  She'll "interact" for a few minutes, when she's happy.  There are a few gurgles, and baby coos.
• Her head is more steady, with the cute baby wobble.

Wow, that's more information than I thought I had.  Nice!  

blegos

We have some favorite mispronunciations these days:

Blegos - legos, new favorite toys

Chick-a-flay & Talker Bell - her fave restaurants

Dyer Coke - mom's favorite drink...can I have some, Mom?

Ton-cats - mom's contacts

Rock-a-molie - guacamole

Crash can - trash can

an old favorite

There's a lego-craze in our house this summer.  I've had a phobia of really small toys for a long time, but I've got to get over that now.  I actually love to watch them build things and be creative.  Karan saved Adam's legos from his childhood.  So, we are enjoying his toys and our new pink & purple girlie ones immensely.:)

1st day of Kindergarten

Our first day of school went great! She was ready for school and had no trouble taking her seat. We tried not to be offended when she didn’t even want to give us a kiss goodbye. It was as if she was thinking, “Ok, you can go now. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time…I’m good. See you later.”

I thought of her through out the day and was sentimental, but (to my surprise) I wasn’t an emotional wreck. In fact, the house was incredibly peaceful and it was awesome! I enjoyed the quiet time with my other girls. It made me realize how bothered I get by the sibling rivalry…it drives me crazy. I was recharged by some time without it, for sure.

We chose for her to go to kindergarten at Sterling. It is a university-model school and I plan on explaining what that is sometime soon. But we are very excited about this year she has ahead. Since I am teaching her at home 2 days a week, I know I’ll be stretched this year as I learn how to do this.

One more thing...we all have to wake up dark-early.  I was asked, "Why is school starting in the middle of the night?"  I didn't expect our front-porch pictures to be in the dark...and the rain.  

getting ready

Dear Sweet Daughter,

Tomorrow morning you start Kindergarten.  I can't believe it!  We have spent all week getting ready and getting excited.  We picked out your backpack (purple w/ pink flowers, what else?), gathered your school supplies, and got your uniform ready.  Dad and I were proud of you when you met your teacher, Ms. Carlson, and you were very polite.  Your classroom looks great and you have 7 other girls in your class with potential to be close friends.  There are 5 boys to play with too, who are hopefully kind like our good friends Aiden and Kade.  It has been busy getting you ready for school, but when we slow down and talk - you express nervousness.  Your Dad and I have found it a privilege to be there for you in these moments.  We want you to know that we are here to help you and you shouldn't feel alone.  It is our desire to help you take this next step, and in so doing, take a step closer to being more dependent on God.  Tonight we asked God to give you courage tomorrow as you walk into an intimidating room with new people.  He can help you make a friend and learn your assignments.  He can help you obey the rules and respect your teacher, when you are tempted to make mischief.  We want you to know that this isn't easy for us either, and we are learning how to depend on God more as we see you growing up.

I am so grateful for you tonight.  I feel like its my first day of school too.  I have butterflies.  I want you to have a great first day, maybe even more than you want it.  And I want you to know...I love you so much.  I'll try to keep-it-together in the morning and not embarrass you too bad by taking many, many pictures.  But I can't make any promises there. 

Love you!

Mom

is it wrong?

"Mom, can you take a "sisters" picture of us?"  

Is it wrong...that I was laughing while taking this picture?  It seems like a glimpse of what's to come.  Big sisters will be pushy and they'll have a lot of unappealing ideas of what you should do.  Right, Rachel?

the birthday girl is 3

We love looking back on our 3 years with you, sweetie. What a joy it has been having you in our family!