six and toothless

WOW!! He is six??? Really??? He lost one front tooth about 2 1/2 weeks ago and walked around looking like a pirate till the other one finally fell out - I think he looks adorable with no teeth! He still loves cars and the wii and is getting too big. He has always been "older" than he is and he still amazes me with the things he says. He told me the other night he was just wondering about what his kids names would be...what 5 year old thinks about that? He told me after he lost his second tooth that without them "he just didn't feel like himself anymore. I'm just growing up mom." He stills loves to learn and can read a bit when we work. He is always wanting to write and asks me to spell things for him. It seems like every stage has something new to look forward to and something you know you will miss when it passes - I just hope he keeps his spirit of compassion and easy nature when he goes to school. I am hesitant but excited for the growth. I just don't know where the time goes...

It seems as I look back that I only post 4 times between N's birthday - I am going to try better now that things have slowed down a bit....It seems like we just things into a routine when something happens that sends us right out of that routine and back to square one. Baby K has had a few bouts with a mystery fever which landed him in the hospital for two days and after a gazillion tests they are still unsure what exactly it was. It was horrible seeing my newborn with an IV in his head - that's right in his head - thank goodness I wasn't there when they put it in. He is not a crier so to listen to my poor little bug cry so much for two days was almost unbearable. On a brighter note just hours before they sent us home he was obviously feeling much better.

He seriously is the happiest baby alive! I love that he smiles ALL the time. He has been such a joy and I can't believe that we were so lucky to have him join our family. A loves her little brother so much - she is the biggest helper and usually refers to him as her baby. She has amazed me with her attitude with him. I was so afraid she would be jealous but she has not shown any sign that his being here bothers her. It certainly doesn't bother the other four girl cousins he has either - he gets lots of attention and he loves it!! Speaking of the big sister I can't leave her out so here she is in true A fashion pretending to be the "holy ghost"... yeah - between the three of them - we laugh all day.... goodnight....

freedom.....

39 days new.....

I find it amazing that each time we have added a new baby to our family it feels like they have been here forever. It has been no different this time. From the moment he arrived (earlier than planned) it was like he was never gone. He has been the easiest baby and is already smiling...he is perfect from head to toe and we are loving having him here. He was 8 pounds even and 19 1/2 inches long. He has his dad's eyes, his mom's toes and we love every bit of him. Everyone has adjusted really well and all in all seem happy with our new addition....looking forward to being a mother of three this mothers day!!!

she LOVES to sing....

A loves to sing. She is humming or singing or making up songs all the time. Usually it is some overture from the Nutcracker or another classical piece she has heard on Bugs Bunny or Tom and Jerry (she loves those too). But the other day she was singing something that sounded oddly familiar to me. I tried to listen closer to get a better understanding when it dawned on me she was singing the opening music from Glenn Becks radio show!! I was a proud mommy! Since we have opted to go without TV I listen to Beck on the radio-he comes on about 4 so I usually will listen while I cook dinner and I guess she is picking up more than I thought.

We're getting really close to the arrival of our little one and I am meeting it with mixed emotions. So very excited to meet my little one but a little sad to close the "pregnancy" chapter of my life - not that I want to have more kids just that this is the last experience I will have. It truly is one of life's most amazing times and I am finding as with my other two, it is bittersweet to end the time the two of us have had together - just us....so when we get a picture or two I'll be sure to post one....until then have a happy weekend!

So...................its been a bit since I posted anything but to my credit we have now moved twice and are getting ready to add a new member to our family. It has been crazy and busy and exciting and scary all at the same time. Actually, those 4 words seem to describe the last 18 months or so. Sometimes it seems like we get over one hurdle just to run into another one. I will say at the same time that I am grateful for ALL that we have gone through. The experiences we have had have truly provided growth for all of us. Not only in our faith but in our family and in each other. I look back and think of all the lessons and tender mercies that I would have missed had we not had the trials we've had. I am blessed beyond anything I can comprehend and I thank my Heavenly Father daily (several times) for all that He has given me. I could not imagine my life without the ways He has blessed us.

Like I said, its been busy. Little A who is not so little anymore turned 3 in December. She is outspoken to say the least. She is Miss Independent all the time and certainly has a one track mind. She is strong, beautiful and intelligent. She challenges me on a daily basis and I am grateful for her keeping me on my toes.....should be interesting adding a new brother to her world! Here she is at three being herself!

N is as busy as always. He LOVES being close to his cousins and being able to play with Ford. He adores him and looks up to him so much. It has been so fun to be close to family and have them grow up with cousins the way I did. I have so many memories with my cousins - I hope this is the start of many for them. He started pre-school in January and is loving every minute of it. He is my homebody so sometimes I have to remind him how much fun he has there. He is excited for kindergarten and for his new brother.....

Anyway that a little recap for us. Hoping to get my camera out and take some pictures now that the sun is back out. Only a few more weeks till our new arrival.....any suggestions on names??????

how a new five year old spent his birthday.....

We took the kids to the movie and to pizza afterward. Complete with a star wars cake - he had a great day!!! I can't believe 5 is here already. He started pre-school this summer with his two cousins and absolutly loves it. He is growing up sooo fast and it is getting really exciting. Before I know it we'll be at t-ball games and all kinds of activities. His favorite color is still green and his favorite food is still ketchup (must be genetic - although A will not eat it). He loves his cars and is loving star wars right now. We are looking forward to year 5 with our little boy....will post pics soon - just for Laurie!!!

first dentist visit...

After screaming and having to physically put him in the chair and requiring the assistance of two other nurses to hold him down, the dentist finally got a look at his teeth. Although he has no cavities, he has a loose tooth in front! I didn't think that they lost teeth this early and it makes things kind of come full circle. All I could think about on the way home was when he cut his first teeth and how fast the time has gone. He is growing up and there is nothing I can do to stop it. The dentist finished his exam and he quit screaming jumped out of the chair tossed his cookies - twice - and then proceeded to tell me how awesome the dentist is - go figure. The nurse took him to a huge toy box where he picked out a hot wheel and received a new toothbrush. A on the other hand did really well, she just cried for a minute when he put the fluoride on her teeth, when the nurse took her to the toy box she apparently dug through the entire thing and scored four horses - leave it to that girl to find the horses. Anyway it was an interesting experience not one I am looking forward to repeating, next time I think it will be daddy's turn to take them!