Happy Halloween!

I sure hope she doesn't hate me for this!

Happy 4th Birthday Alexander!

Happy Birthday to my little buddy! I can't believe 4 years have gone by.

Alex is a great little boy. Everyone loves him around here. He is pretty gentle most of the time. In fact, he was never really mean until Sophia arrived. He has finally started to test us a little and he has gotten more aggressive on the big boys. He gets tired of everyone telling him what to do. he loves school, Sophie, Nate, Legos, puzzles, games, Little Einsteins, candy, cheeseburgers, chocolate and especially his mom. He is so good to me. I really love Big Al.

Sophia is 6 months old!

My sweet little crybaby is 6 months old today. It has been a very action packed half a year around here for sure. My life most definitely feels full. Nothing is missing.

This month, Sophie has started eating baby food in addition to all the bread, tortillas, rice, Cheerios and other things she has been gumming for awhile! She chews like she has a mouthful of teeth, but really she just cut her first bottom right tooth today. The next one is almost through. She really likes squash, sweet potatoes, peas and bananas and is not the biggest fan of rice cereal. I wonder how she feels about all the cute blue bibs I put her in? She gets very excited while she eats--crazy girl!

Sophie continues to be very temperamental. She is so smiley and happy and then watch out! She has been saying ma, ma-ma and is beginning to wave as she says, "HHHHIIIIIII!". Everyone around here adores her. She has started to reach out to be picked up and is scooting all over the floor. She gets up with her booty in the air and rocks back and forth. She is very loud and is singing all the time. She loves to play with toys and her little dolly. She has figured out how to turn the music on in her crib and pulled herself up on the side rail a couple days ago. She loves to hangout with Alexander and lights up when Jake comes near her. We love this baby and we are so grateful to have her!

1st day of School!

The summer flew by. School time again! Zach is starting at Rosedale Middle in 7th grade, Jake in 6th, Ben in 2nd, Nate is finally all day in 1st grade, and Big Al will be starting Pre-K after Labor Day.

Alex and Sophie were happy after everyone left. Big Daddy took everyone to school and walked the little guys to their classes. I went the Friday before to meet their teachers so I figured I was off the hook!

This is what they did most of the day. Lay in my bed and watch Preschool on TV. Man they're going to be smart!

Sophie is 5 months old today!

I can't believe it has been 5 months. Good thing this baby is cute, because she's not always easy. In fact she is very temperamental. She is starting to sit up pretty well, rolls all over and is scooting around. She loves to grab my hair on both sides and maul my face with slobbery, wet kisses. She loves watching her brothers play and loves hanging out with her dad. She squeals with delight so loud and is very ticklish. I love rocking her, dressing her, painting her toes, accessorizing her, and kissing her soft skin.

She loves to play with this little doll.

Her blue eyes are turning very dark, and I'm sure they'll be brown any day. Her hair is beginning to sprout all over, and I'm tempted to cut off the rest of the reddish mullet in the back. I get nothing accomplished these days. But man I love my new little buddy!

My Kids

I know Sophia is no longer a month old.
She finally stopped crying as soon as she hit 4 months.
I know I'm 3 months behind on updating.
But I did finally take them to get their picture taken today.
What an adventure!

Please say hi and tell me who you think she looks like. I'm still not sure?

Sophie is a month old today!

I can't believe my cute baby girl is already 1 month old!

We have been having so much fun with her. She really adds something very special to our home and family. She has been giving me some cute smiles and has decided she really likes to be held all the time. Big Daddy has had to remind me more than once that I waited long enougth to get her that I should just hold her all the time!

I took her to the doctor on Thursday and in the last 3 weeks she has gained 3 pounds and grew 3 inches. She is now 8 pounds and 21 inches long. She is doing great and she sleeps well at night only waking up once or twice to eat. She is very loud though. She is often grunting and groaning when she's awake. She has the hugest dark eyes and I always poke them if I'm not careful! Also, I think I'm starting to like pink a little bit!

Ben is Student of the Month!

Ben was finally the Student of the Month at school today! He has been waiting all year for this. The teacher said the nicest things about him:

Ben is a model student in first grade.

He is a terrific reader and loves to do AR.

He is quite a mathematician and is our "Mickey Math King".

His work is done with great effort and pride.

Because Ben is a good listener, he can always be found following directions and doing his job.

Ben is kind and helpful, so everyone loves Ben.

Nate took some great pictures during the assembly.

I was impressed and so happy at the great things his teacher had to say about Ben. So I was of course shocked when Rob was tucking him in and screamed my name. He met me in the hall and said, "OK don't laugh, but you have to check this out!" Then I go into the bedroom and Rob shows me above Benny's top bunk where he has a nice, large collection of BOOGERS! The perfect one, the one that was just honored today for his great ability to follow directions and be a model, has a slimy booger collection on the wall above his bed! When I asked him what? Why? He said to me, "What? It's the perfect place!"

I had to leave, first to get him the container of cleaning wipes, and then of course to laugh my butt-off! Sick-o that I love so much. At least he doesn't eat 'em!

One week old!

Alexander is so happy. I don't know if it's because I am finally home or because his sister is finally home! He loves her very much, and isn't jealous or acting out at all. He's a sweet boy.

Today we had to check Sophie's jaundice level again and it was finally ok.

I love to change her outfits and take too many pictures. Also, call me crazy but she smiled at me over and over when we were having big conversations today. She knows I love her!

We have been so blessed to have so many caring friends bring so many meals and treats. The Kinslow's made this huge chocolate chip cookie, and man was it good and so cute!

Visitors

Dana and Kim have been dying to meet baby Sophie. They were the first ones to come over on Tuesday and check her out!

They were happy to change a diaper and make sure she really is a girl! It is hard to believe after so many boys--they should know!

Then, our next door neighbors, Kim and Abby Trovato came to meet her too!

Abby has lots of plans to teach her things!

Today I took Sophie to her Pediatrician for a visit and jaundice check. It has gone up slightly, but not in a dangerous zone. The doctor was concerned that her hip sockets felt loose, so this afternoon, I spent 3 hours waiting to have a ultrasound of her hips. They are fine. I knew they were but I had to do what the doc said! I am sick of doctors, tests, and seeing my new baby cry having tests done!

Day 6

By Monday, the course of antibiotics was complete, the ultrasound of her overly large soft spot came back ok, she was doing well on increased feedings and her Bili count was in the normal range. Dr. Patel, the Neonatalogist thought she should spend another day or so to be watched, but the best nurse ever spoke up. She basically told him the mother of 6 was probably pretty comfortable watching the jaundice and I knew how to feed a baby. Nurse Tanya rocks! He said she could leave at 6 if her blood sugar was fine.

And it was--we got out of there! YYYYYEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!