We have been having jam-packed, wonderful summer so far! I thought our life would slow down during these months but that has definitely not been the case. We keep extremely busy!
John has been working tirelessly with Brooke on her bike.. We took her training wheels off of her bike a few months back and John and I wondered if she would ever "get it." It was crazy, though, because one day it just clicked for her and now she's doing great without training wheels. I can't believe how big she is!
Our pool has been in constant use this summer. Bailey has absolutely NO fear of the pool and has jumped in twice now (don't worry, we were right there to get her). She doesn't even cry or anything when she goes in and that freaks me out that it doesn't bother her. Our pool is impossible for her to access on her own so I don't get too worked up but she sure makes me a nervous wreck when she's near it! We have stairs that the older girls like to sit on in the pool and they also use their floaties and life jackets so it's not impossible to have three of them in there on my own. It's a lot of fun!
The older girls went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania with my parents, along with my sister's 2 oldest kids, on July 5th-6th. They had a great time and with their cousins and grandparents and I was happy that they got to do something special. While they were gone, John took Bailey and me out of town for the night and we stayed in a nice hotel, relaxed, shopped and went to a nice dinner. If would have been the perfect trip... If Bailey didn't stay up and scream in the hotel until 11:30. Bedtime was rough but the rest of the trip more than made up for it.
We are anxiously awaiting our big vacation next month... We're going to Ocean City, Maryland with John's side of the family. We all pitched in and rented a beach house that looks really nice and it should be a great trip. We plan on spending lots of time sitting on the ocean but there are also lots of other fun things to do and lots of sights to see. I can't wait to get out of town for an entire week!
One down thing about the summer months is that John works a lot. There are lots of state funded programs for DWI patrol, seat belt safety and aggressive driving patrol. The money is great so usually John signs up to put extra money away. I truly appreciate the way he sacrificially provides for us and try not complain... Especially because he never does and he's the one doing all the work! It will be worth it when we're lounging on the beach:)
Alrighty, off to see why all three of my children have been sleeping for nearly 2.5 hours. I think the sun wiped them out after our morning at the park and I'm not complaining.. But I will have to peek in and make sure they're breathing still! Lol
Friday, July 13, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
New Words... Finally!
I have been worried about Bailey's lack of vocabulary for quite some time. I naturally compare her to her sisters, who began speaking at like 9 or 10 months. By this age (15 months), Brooke was saying sentences and talking quite a bit.... But Bailey, up until the past week or so, only said about 3 or 4 words. I know that children all bloom at different rates but I also have to take into consideration all of the months she went hearing at only 60-70 percent, due to her severe ear problems. Our pediatrician says that she has absolutely no other signs of developmental delays and she can follow directions so she obviously understands words. That's reassuring but as a mom, I have still felt a little unsettled.
Very recently, however, Bailey has started to spout out words left and right! Her latest words are "please" and "thank you," and I'm especially excited because after months and months of pointing and grunting, I'm now hearing her precious little voice. She also learned what a chicken says so goes around pointing to various birds saying, "bok, bok, bok." It's adorable when we go to my mom's house because she has a rooster themed kitchen and Bailey loves it. She has also started to "Papa (my dad)" and "Nickle (her cousin)." She can also say "up," "swing," and "jump." If she's more than doubled her vocabulary in a week, I'm excited to see what the weeks ahead will bring!
I also think that my girl is far too busy to talk. Brooke and Adrienne were very laid back and they enjoyed just sitting on the floor, playing with blocks or reading books. Bailey, on the other hand, is always on the go and she can be found standing in the middle of the kitchen table (If you dare take her eyes off of her for 2 seconds), throwing all of my stuff in the trash can, unravelling countless rolls of toilet paper, etc... She's pretty crazy and I don't think she sits still when she's awake.. Ever.
I love how unique each of my children are. They all bloom at their own pace and have different things that make them "tick." It's so amazing to watch them grow into little girls and uncover new layers of their little personalities!
Very recently, however, Bailey has started to spout out words left and right! Her latest words are "please" and "thank you," and I'm especially excited because after months and months of pointing and grunting, I'm now hearing her precious little voice. She also learned what a chicken says so goes around pointing to various birds saying, "bok, bok, bok." It's adorable when we go to my mom's house because she has a rooster themed kitchen and Bailey loves it. She has also started to "Papa (my dad)" and "Nickle (her cousin)." She can also say "up," "swing," and "jump." If she's more than doubled her vocabulary in a week, I'm excited to see what the weeks ahead will bring!
I also think that my girl is far too busy to talk. Brooke and Adrienne were very laid back and they enjoyed just sitting on the floor, playing with blocks or reading books. Bailey, on the other hand, is always on the go and she can be found standing in the middle of the kitchen table (If you dare take her eyes off of her for 2 seconds), throwing all of my stuff in the trash can, unravelling countless rolls of toilet paper, etc... She's pretty crazy and I don't think she sits still when she's awake.. Ever.
I love how unique each of my children are. They all bloom at their own pace and have different things that make them "tick." It's so amazing to watch them grow into little girls and uncover new layers of their little personalities!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Pre-K Graduation
Brooke graduated from Pre-K last Friday!! It's been kind of a long year of adjustment because we had never had a kid in school or a calendar to follow prior to Pre-K. Now that it's over, though, it's a little sad to think about next year and the high likelihood of many of Brooke's friends being in a different class. She's made one best friend that lives right down the road, along with many others.
They had a nice graduation ceremony where the kids sang and then they were issued a little diploma. Each student was asked, "What would you like to be when you grow up?" Most of the kids said a teacher, vet, police officer, mail man... But my Brookie proudly walked up to the microphone and said, "I want to be a mommy when I grow up." Everyone in the room went, "Aww!" It was precious and I was, of course, beaming with pride! That's all I ever wanted to be for as long as I can remember so it made me happy to hear her say that, even though she's only 5.
It's been nice having her out of school for the Summer and even though we're only on day 4 of break, it's been wonderful. We've been able to relax in our pajamas in the morning, instead of rushing out the door, and we've enjoyed playing outside in the pool, trampoline and swing set. I could definitely get used to this!
I'm so proud of my girl and for all of the things she learned and accomplished in Pre-K... She knows all of her letters and numbers and can now read small words. She's also attained a lot of social skills that she never had before and has started to come out of her shell so much. I know she will do great in Kindergarten and I can't wait to watch her grow even more!
They had a nice graduation ceremony where the kids sang and then they were issued a little diploma. Each student was asked, "What would you like to be when you grow up?" Most of the kids said a teacher, vet, police officer, mail man... But my Brookie proudly walked up to the microphone and said, "I want to be a mommy when I grow up." Everyone in the room went, "Aww!" It was precious and I was, of course, beaming with pride! That's all I ever wanted to be for as long as I can remember so it made me happy to hear her say that, even though she's only 5.
It's been nice having her out of school for the Summer and even though we're only on day 4 of break, it's been wonderful. We've been able to relax in our pajamas in the morning, instead of rushing out the door, and we've enjoyed playing outside in the pool, trampoline and swing set. I could definitely get used to this!
I'm so proud of my girl and for all of the things she learned and accomplished in Pre-K... She knows all of her letters and numbers and can now read small words. She's also attained a lot of social skills that she never had before and has started to come out of her shell so much. I know she will do great in Kindergarten and I can't wait to watch her grow even more!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Fall Semester
Today was a very exciting day for me! After nearly 4 years of dreaming about going back to school, I finally got to sign up for my classes. I met with a really great advisor who was extremely helpful and wonderful and I feel like all of my questions were answered thoroughly.
This Fall I'm going to be taking 4 classes but one of them is a silly little one credit class. That one measly credit gives me the advantage of being considered "full time" and that means I get more financial aid that I wouldn't otherwise get. I'll be taking three classes online.. Human Biology and College Writing 2, along with that one credit class (which a Health Services Seminar.. and it's only for 5 weeks). The only class that I'll have to actually go to will be my math class and I have that from 4-5:50 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It should be a pretty tolerable schedule and while I know it will be a lot of work, I feel comfortable with it. I also picked things that I'm good at for my first semester... Like my math class is algebra and trigonometry, which I excelled in in high school. The biology class is a big challenge but my advisor said that it's mainly memorization, as opposed to other biology classes where you have to understand concepts. I'm really good a memorizing things so I'm not overly concerned. I'm also really comfortable with writing so that should help me be successful!
I've never been a good student so it's really weird that I'm so eager and excited for school to begin. I keep wishing it was Fall just so my classes would start but I know that I'll regret that once school actually is in session. Lol. I really look forward to proving to others around me (and myself!) that I CAN get good grades and that I WILL achieve the goals that I've set.
I am so thankful for my amazing husband.. He's taking me to get a new laptop for school and he's been cheering me on and believing in my dream from the moment I first told him. I am so blessed to have his unending love and support. Because of him, I know that I'll be fully equipped for success!
This Fall I'm going to be taking 4 classes but one of them is a silly little one credit class. That one measly credit gives me the advantage of being considered "full time" and that means I get more financial aid that I wouldn't otherwise get. I'll be taking three classes online.. Human Biology and College Writing 2, along with that one credit class (which a Health Services Seminar.. and it's only for 5 weeks). The only class that I'll have to actually go to will be my math class and I have that from 4-5:50 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It should be a pretty tolerable schedule and while I know it will be a lot of work, I feel comfortable with it. I also picked things that I'm good at for my first semester... Like my math class is algebra and trigonometry, which I excelled in in high school. The biology class is a big challenge but my advisor said that it's mainly memorization, as opposed to other biology classes where you have to understand concepts. I'm really good a memorizing things so I'm not overly concerned. I'm also really comfortable with writing so that should help me be successful!
I've never been a good student so it's really weird that I'm so eager and excited for school to begin. I keep wishing it was Fall just so my classes would start but I know that I'll regret that once school actually is in session. Lol. I really look forward to proving to others around me (and myself!) that I CAN get good grades and that I WILL achieve the goals that I've set.
I am so thankful for my amazing husband.. He's taking me to get a new laptop for school and he's been cheering me on and believing in my dream from the moment I first told him. I am so blessed to have his unending love and support. Because of him, I know that I'll be fully equipped for success!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Three Year Stats
Yes, I'm alive and kicking! John started working the night shift again last week and it's an enormous adjustment. It always takes a while for things to feel "normal" again when his schedule gets jostled around like this but we'll survive!
I have failed to blog about Bailey's language explosion and all of her new words that she's learned. I didn't even post about Brooke's first field trip. What kind of mother am I?? But because I always like to write down the girls' weights and measurements on here (for my own records), I should probably make a note of Adrienne's three-year well visit yesterday.. She weighed in at 28 3/4 pounds (which put her in the 22th percentile) and she was 35.5 inches tall (11th percentile). She's a growing girl and we are so thankful for a good report from the doctor! The best part was that she had no shots!
I go to schedule my classes for the Fall semester tomorrow. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I'll be sure to update about what my course load looks like! As for now, there are three beautiful little girls calling my name:-) Off I go...
I have failed to blog about Bailey's language explosion and all of her new words that she's learned. I didn't even post about Brooke's first field trip. What kind of mother am I?? But because I always like to write down the girls' weights and measurements on here (for my own records), I should probably make a note of Adrienne's three-year well visit yesterday.. She weighed in at 28 3/4 pounds (which put her in the 22th percentile) and she was 35.5 inches tall (11th percentile). She's a growing girl and we are so thankful for a good report from the doctor! The best part was that she had no shots!
I go to schedule my classes for the Fall semester tomorrow. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I'll be sure to update about what my course load looks like! As for now, there are three beautiful little girls calling my name:-) Off I go...
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Happy Birthday, Adrienne!!
Dear Adrienne,
Today is your third birthday! There are simply not words to tell you just how much these years have meant to me and how much joy you have brought into my life, along with the lives of so many others around you. The way you live life with such fullness is such an inspiration!
Your biggest interests these days have been doing people's hair (mainly mine!) and taking care of your babies. You love to treat your babies like they're real and I often catch you "shhshing" them or pretending to nurse them. You are getting lots of practice to be a great mommy when you grow up! You are also very compassionate and helpful with Bailey and you are a huge helper to mommy.
You have such a hilarious personality and you keep us in stitches all day long.. When you're not being fiercely stubborn, that is! You love adventure and exploration and mischief seems to find you wherever you go... I think you "accidentally" clogged the toilet by using too much toilet paper about three times last week. And when I walked into the kitchen and saw you standing ON the counter holding a knife, I almost lost it! You also are VERY independent and take great offense to any help that is offered to you. This makes getting in and out of your car seat, bathing you, brushing your teeth, etc.. Just a little bit more challenging. You're worth it, though:-)
I feel so honored to be your mommy. The way you like up a room with your smile and live life with such enthusiasm is such a blessing to see. There is not a day that goes by that I do not look at you with amazement and wonder how in the world I was the one who God picked to be your mommy. I feel so inadequate sometimes because you deserve the very best.
I am so excited for the days ahead and I cannot wait to see who you'll turn out to be. I dream big dreams for you, baby girl, and I love you with every ounce of me! Happy Birthday, A!!
With all my heart,
Mama
Today is your third birthday! There are simply not words to tell you just how much these years have meant to me and how much joy you have brought into my life, along with the lives of so many others around you. The way you live life with such fullness is such an inspiration!
Your biggest interests these days have been doing people's hair (mainly mine!) and taking care of your babies. You love to treat your babies like they're real and I often catch you "shhshing" them or pretending to nurse them. You are getting lots of practice to be a great mommy when you grow up! You are also very compassionate and helpful with Bailey and you are a huge helper to mommy.
You have such a hilarious personality and you keep us in stitches all day long.. When you're not being fiercely stubborn, that is! You love adventure and exploration and mischief seems to find you wherever you go... I think you "accidentally" clogged the toilet by using too much toilet paper about three times last week. And when I walked into the kitchen and saw you standing ON the counter holding a knife, I almost lost it! You also are VERY independent and take great offense to any help that is offered to you. This makes getting in and out of your car seat, bathing you, brushing your teeth, etc.. Just a little bit more challenging. You're worth it, though:-)
I feel so honored to be your mommy. The way you like up a room with your smile and live life with such enthusiasm is such a blessing to see. There is not a day that goes by that I do not look at you with amazement and wonder how in the world I was the one who God picked to be your mommy. I feel so inadequate sometimes because you deserve the very best.
I am so excited for the days ahead and I cannot wait to see who you'll turn out to be. I dream big dreams for you, baby girl, and I love you with every ounce of me! Happy Birthday, A!!
With all my heart,
Mama
Friday, May 25, 2012
True Contentment
I haven't wanted to share too much about what's really going on inside my heart because it involves other members of my family. I didn't want to steal their thunder by sharing their news (in case people I know in real life read this blog) but now I can talk freely.. Both my sister and my sister-in-law (my brother's wife) are pregnant and due within days of each other!
On Brooke's birthday, which was in February, I literally found out about both of the pregnancies simultaneously. It was so funny because we were at church and my sister-in-law pulled my sister and me aside to whisper her news and immediately after, my sister divulged her secret. It was crazy! Maybe I was just overly emotional from it being Brooke's birthday, but after congratulating both of them, I went to the bathroom and cried.
I guess I had thought I was content with our decision to be done having babies, but in that moment, I wondered if I really was. It's so easy to say you're done, but when you see others around you experiencing the blessing of pregnancy and new life, it's a whole heck of a lot harder. For a couple of days after the big news I continued to feel a little bit sad. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled about the precious babies but maybe feeling a little sorry for myself that I wouldn't be going through that amazing journey again.
I realized that being content wasn't some magical switch that I could switch on or off... It was a true attitude and mindset that could come from God and God alone. I just committed myself to praying about it and I asked a few trusted friends/family to join me. Let me just say, through the past few months I have grown more and more content by the second. I'm actually at the point now where I look at my sisters having babies and think how happy I am that it's NOT me. Lol. I'm truly excited to finally be an aunt to a baby without having one of my own.. I've never had my hands free to hold a new niece or nephew for very long so this is going to be great! Each of them found out their baby's gender this week and I even had some fun buying tiny little newborn outfits today. I'm pretty sure that would have been accompanied by tears a few months ago!
I am so thankful that I'm truly in a place where I can be happy to move on. There will be things that I will always miss about the whole process of bringing new life into the world... Even when I'm old and gray. Even so, I'm eager to see what God has in store for my family and me as we turn the page on this chapter of our lives.
On Brooke's birthday, which was in February, I literally found out about both of the pregnancies simultaneously. It was so funny because we were at church and my sister-in-law pulled my sister and me aside to whisper her news and immediately after, my sister divulged her secret. It was crazy! Maybe I was just overly emotional from it being Brooke's birthday, but after congratulating both of them, I went to the bathroom and cried.
I guess I had thought I was content with our decision to be done having babies, but in that moment, I wondered if I really was. It's so easy to say you're done, but when you see others around you experiencing the blessing of pregnancy and new life, it's a whole heck of a lot harder. For a couple of days after the big news I continued to feel a little bit sad. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled about the precious babies but maybe feeling a little sorry for myself that I wouldn't be going through that amazing journey again.
I realized that being content wasn't some magical switch that I could switch on or off... It was a true attitude and mindset that could come from God and God alone. I just committed myself to praying about it and I asked a few trusted friends/family to join me. Let me just say, through the past few months I have grown more and more content by the second. I'm actually at the point now where I look at my sisters having babies and think how happy I am that it's NOT me. Lol. I'm truly excited to finally be an aunt to a baby without having one of my own.. I've never had my hands free to hold a new niece or nephew for very long so this is going to be great! Each of them found out their baby's gender this week and I even had some fun buying tiny little newborn outfits today. I'm pretty sure that would have been accompanied by tears a few months ago!
I am so thankful that I'm truly in a place where I can be happy to move on. There will be things that I will always miss about the whole process of bringing new life into the world... Even when I'm old and gray. Even so, I'm eager to see what God has in store for my family and me as we turn the page on this chapter of our lives.
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