Andrew's Pasttime

I finally caught Andrew rolling over on video today!!! So excited over the little things, can ya tell? I did get to SEE him roll over for the first time on Thursday and now that he's rolling over more and more often, I thought I should film it for the fam to see. (Please don't mind me and my high pitched mama voice cheering and encouraging him from the sidelines!) Anyways. I am so excited that he has gotten the hang of rolling over and scooting all over the place. I'm sure I won't be saying that when he's pulling things left and right off of shelves, but then again, our stuff isn't within toddler reach so he can have at it with his sister's toys. Just not sure SHE'LL be too thrilled. :) Oh well.


Andrew - Rolling Over 5/24/09

End Of The Week Surprise

This week was Aubrey's first time experiencing the SOL tests in school (can be quite stressful for 3rd grade on up) and I thought it would be fun to surprise her at the end of the week with a treat. Now that Carl's is back up and running for the past few months, I thought it was the perfect place to go. I also talked earlier in the week with Aubrey's friend C's mom that I also happen to be friends with and we decided to plan this little surprise together. Ice cream and then a trip to the nearby park. The weather was perfect. A little too perfect. Not only was the ice cream melting, but so were the kids by the end of the trip! You should have seen Aubrey's face when she figured out that we were up to something. Especially when we pulled into Carl's.

{Me and my girls}

{Aubrey and her friend C}

{Jocelyn enjoying her yummy ice cream. Her shirt enjoyed it too.}

{Jocelyn's first time on the merry-go-round. She LOVED it!}

{Round and round they went!}

{They all loved playing on the merry-go-round so much that this is really all they wanted to do.}

{Couldn't escape the park without a ride on the swing first! Of course, right?}

{A little fuzzy, but you get the picture. She's LOVING every minute of being on the swing!}

{Aubrey and C playing at the park}

{"WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"}

{Aubrey saved the day and slid down the slide with Jocelyn who stood frozen up at the top! She's such a great sister.}

{And where were the guys you wonder? At home chilling out together. Doing bonding things I'm sure. Like watching a basketball game or dreaming up the next house project. :)}

We all had so much fun. I can't wait to scheme up another fun surprise for her last day of school!

I Spoke Too Soon!

HE DID IT! Andrew rolled over today!! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see this exciting event occur. I'm kind of bummed about that but I'm sure I'll see it happen in the days to come. I had just gotten done helping him to roll over (we've been practicing) and when he looked tired, I covered him up with his blanket and gave him his pacifier while he layed on his tummy. I came over to the desk to tidy some things up when I heard him crying. A moment later when I walked over to see what he was crying about, he was on his back. I actually had to think for a second, "didn't I lay him on his tummy?" I honestly couldn't remember. But he was in fact on his tummy so he rolled over all on his own - just when I started to wonder when that was ever going to happen! The day after turning 5 months, he finally did it! I took a picture of him as soon as I found out that he had rolled over for the first time. I think he was a little scared by the look on his face. (Don't worry, I picked him up right after I took this shot and snuggled him and congratulated him on his newest achievement!) Yeah Andrew! :)

5 Months

{Andrew at 5 months - 5-19-09}

Andrew turned 5 months old today if you can believe it! I enjoy each of my children's milestones and growing up phases but I also really love the baby stage too. I love watching them grow and learn. Andrew is such a good baby and we're so blessed to have him in our lives and part of our family.

Here are some things at his current age that I'd like to document:

* likes to giggle and laugh

* can stand on our laps while we support his upper body

* holds his head up really well while on tummy and being held

* rarely likes to be on his back except to fall asleep at night

* keeps his mama very busy (and everyone else for that matter!)

* sucks and chews on just about anything he can get his hands on - including his hands!

* adores his sisters and loves the attention

* enjoys story time

* loves it when we sing "if you're happy and you know it" and "down by the station"

* enjoys going on walks

* doesn't enjoy tummy time all that much

* can partially roll over (if only that arm would get out of the way!)

* scoots while on his back - and tummy for that matter!

* likes to flap his arms all over the place

* starting to reach and grab toes

* lifts legs high into the air

* loves his 1st teddy bear (does sucking on the bear's nose count as kisses?)

* started eating rice cereal a few weeks ago. doesn't love it yet but doesn't refuse it much either.

* LOVES bath time!

* ticklish on feet, sides, and lower back toward his buns

* still has a small bald spot on the back of his head where he rubs it while sleeping at night

* enjoys when he gets swing time

* tries to sneak in some basketball watching with Dad

* hardly fusses on car rides. either "sings" or falls asleep

* sleeps about 10 hours a night with a nap following most feedings for an hour or two at a time

* eats 5 times a day (every 3 hours or so) with rice cereal at the start of last meal

* likes to grab hair and pinch/twist skin. OUCH!

* smiles ALL the time!

* gets warm really easily

* prefers to not wear socks

* already wearing #3 diapers and 6-9 month clothing

* sometimes falls asleep with his hand on his head

* doesn't have a favorite blanket yet - loves them all

* takes his pacifier out and tries to put it back in - not always successful but sometimes it does happen

* likes being held and snuggled

* rarely cries - usually only when he's hungry and impatient and when he's tired

* enjoys when we sing him nursery rhymes or primary songs

{Hanging out with his daddy}

Here's to more fun times and many more milestones to count and enjoy! :) "We love you cutie pie!"

Marine Corps Historic Half

John ran the Marine Corps Historic Half (13.1 miles) today! This was his first time running in a marathon race and came in at 2 hours 3 minutes and 50 seconds. He did awesome and we were so proud of him. It happened to be pouring down rain (which he was grateful for - us, NOT so much) so we didn't see him at the finish line due to the race beginning at 7am with a whopping 7,000 participants (CROWDED) and church started at 9am. So this picture is of him at home after the race looking tired. Can you blame him? :) I know I would have been passed out for sure if I was the one running 13.1 miles. While he HAS been running regularly with his farthest stretch being 8 miles, this race happened to spring up on him last minute. His buddy from work was the one that initially signed up for this race but illness unfortunately got in the way so he stepped in to take his place. He is signed up however to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October so this was probably a helpful step to get him geared up and ready for it. (And the kids and I will finally be there at the finish line!) "Good job honey! We're so proud of you!"

Italian Date Night

John and I finally had a date night. The activities committee from church pulled off a wonderful evening: an Italian Date Night for all the couples. Nursery was provided and everything. How could we say no to such a fun event? :) For dinner, we had Parmesan chicken, lasagna, salad, bread sticks, and jello poke cake. The whole cultural hall/gym was staged like an Italian restaurant. White table cloths on round tables, menu board as you walked in, lights dimmed, and Italian music playing in the background. After we were done with dinner, they had a few people go up and sing and/or play songs (very talented people) and then we participated in a fun Italian question game to see who knew the most answers to win. They also had a really nice area to the side of the room that was staged with an awesome Italian backdrop with a bench in front of it. Really cute! We're so glad we went. We had such a fun night and I think we finally realized when we were heading back home that we've been neglecting date nights lately and need to go on more!

Last Game Of The Season

Aubrey's team did AWESOME today! And they played really well considering all the humidity we had at noon. This game was their second of the playoffs - and whatever team won this game would take them to the very last game for the final winner of the season. However, this game wasn't theirs to win in the end. They were tied for a while and then in the last quarter, the other team scored a goal. Final score 2-1. Aubrey felt partly responsible for the loss of the game as the ball hit her smack in the chest and knocked the wind out of her and John had to carry her off the field for the rest of the second half as another teammate took her place. We explained to her that she did her best and that's all we ask or expect of her. They win as a team or lose as a team. No one does it all on their own. After the final whistle was blown, they ran off the field, huddled together, and cried. All of the girls were pretty sad they didn't win but they really did great this season and all of us parents are very proud of them. And in our books, they're ALL winners! *Here's to the next season!!*

{GO #42!}

Soccer Playoffs

Tonight was the beginning of soccer playoffs for Aubrey and her team. So far, they have won or tied every game in the season which is just awesome! She's been fortunate enough to have been on extremely good teams since we have moved here. With every season played, she's getting better and better and more willing to get in and kick the ball. Since they won tonight's game 7-0, they will play another game this Saturday. And if they win Saturday's game, they move on to the next team to play the final game next week.

While Aubrey played her game and we were cheering her on, Jocelyn wondered off (not without the help of our friend's daughter who is 6) and played dolls, leapster, and read stories huddled on the grass in a circle. I'd glance every once in awhile to make sure she was okay and at one point I noticed the girls running around and playing and Jocelyn was sitting perfectly content with her new activities.

Once the game ended and we were forming a running line to let the kids go through as we congratulated them, John was sniffing Jocelyn in her hair to tickle her and she came back saying, "Daddy, don't sniff me. I'm not a flower!" Once again, she surprises us with her funny sayings.

Can Someone PLEASE Tell Me Where My Brain Ran Off To???

Seriously though. My brain left me sometime between being pregnant and delivering child #3. I thought for SURE that when my brain did this in the past that it returned by this time. Andrew's almost 5 months for pete's sake. (By the way, what DOES that really mean? Pete's sake?) Anyhow.

I forget how to spell words all the time. Very unlike me. I also sent my hubby to work today with a box in hand that needed to be shipped. Did it occur to me that "I" was the one that was originally going to mail it off and NOT him? Not that he can't get the job done but because of one tiny itsy bitsy detail. It needs to be shipped UPS and NOT USPS. Oops. I guess one little extra "S" really DOES make all the difference. :/ I'm sure I embarrassed him with that error by taking it to the wrong place. (Sorry honey. PLEASE forgive me!)

Let's hope my absentmindedness halts sometimes soon! (This forgetting business is really starting to drive me crazy.)

P.S. 12 weeks: HURRY UP! I need a vacation already. (It's 84 days by the way but I figured 12 sounded a lot sooner!) :)

Three Reasons Why I'm In Love

Because of these three sweet children of mine, I am called MOM. And I love them beyond measure!!!

Jocelyn said as I was tucking her into bed tonight: "Mom, you're my BEST friend!" Oh how that melted my heart! xoxo

{The cake John and the kids made for me for Mother's Day!}

5K Walk & Women's Conference

For this years Stake Women's Conference at church, we started with the Family Fun 5K For Food at 7am. This was not only for church members but for the whole community. Our family was going to do this walk/run together until Aubrey came down with a cough and sore throat earlier in the week so John shooed me out of bed at 5:30am to go on without them. So I did and I'm so glad! It was so much fun and we had a great turn out of about 400 participants. The donation truck was completely full which was just awesome! And the best part was that the non-perishable items were going to the local food bank to help those in need. Physically, I was not prepared for this walk whatsoever. Yes, it's only 3 miles but when you aren't doing that on a regular basis, well - it hurts! And I'm feeling the aftermath of the walk with sore muscles. Since having Andrew I have not gotten back into the routine of regular exercise. This walk has pushed me to start now. I figure now is better than never. Walking with my friend and her mom (also my friend), we walked the 5K in 47 minutes. Not bad! That's a little over 15 minutes per mile. We were talking the entire time that we didn't even realize we were only about a quarter of a mile to the finish line. I think I'm going to be scouting the community for more 5-10K's - especially ones I can involve my children in and walk as a family. I not only attended this 5K for myself and for the women's conference program, but I did it for my Grandfather - whose birthday was today and who also passed away from Parkinson's 8 years ago. He was my favorite! So I walked in his honor and felt good exercising at the same time.

{Me after getting home from the 5K & Women's Conference.}

After the 5K ended, we headed over to the Stake Center to have our women's conference which started out with a really good and healthy breakfast: fruit cups, breakfast burritos, organic salsa, and non-fat cookies (which were surprisingly REALLY good and the extra 2 I brought home were gobbled up by the girls).

{After the conference ended, I snagged this cute angel to take home to my girls that was one of the table decorations. Didn't they do a great job? Aubrey and Jocelyn loved it!}

We were then treated with a great talk given by Pam Hansen, who flew here from Utah to talk to us on bettering our journey. She happens to also be the author of the book Running With Angels that we read last month for our book club. I met her at the 5K and she is such a sweet lady with such an inspiring story!

Here are some notes that I jotted down from her talk:

* When things get hectic, read your scriptures.

* D&C 89:19-21

* Dallin H. Oaks talk (Oct. 2003 Ensign):

"Because of things over which we have no control, we cannot plan and bring to pass everything we desire in our lives. Many important things will occur in our lives that we have not planned, and not all of them will be welcome. Even our most righteous desires may elude us or come in different ways or at different times than we have sought to plan."

1. Rearrange priorities and make time to rejuvenate yourself - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

2. Cultivate respect by respecting yourself in body, mind and spirit.

3. Hold yourself accountable for your actions.

* Sir Edmund Hillary Quote: "It is not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves."

4. Take care of yourself.

5. Celebrate the small steps in the right direction.

* Alma 26:12

6. Recognize the "times and seasons" of your life.

* Ether 12:6

7. Think positively.

8. You can make a difference.

9. Express gratitude for heavenly and earthly angels.

10. Learn from your marathon journey. Instead of asking, "why me?" ask "what can I learn from this experience?"

I just love women's conference. Every year I go and they are always so uplifting and encouraging. My friend who is the Stake Relief Society President, among many other talented and wonderful women, really pulled off an amazing day! I'm truly thankful for all the time and effort that was put into this event to help recharge our spirits and remind us of the potential we all have to be better women. And now, as always, I'm looking forward to next year's conference!

{These were left on our tables for each of us to take home. GREAT reminder!}

Letter Of The Week

{We drew the letter "A" on the construction paper and then she colored her little heart out. I let her choose what she wanted to do for the letter "A" (ants), cut and glued some onto her picture and then we walked around the house naming things that started with the letter "A."}

{And look who she found! "A"ndrew!! She was so excited to sit by him - she is so good to her little brother.}

This is something new that I started this week that I found here awhile ago. You spend the week teaching your children a certain subject with various activities to go along with it: singing, reading, and crafts. Thought there was no better time than now to get her started learning her ABC's, numbers, shapes, etc. So today was brought to you by the letter "A." :) She has really enjoyed it so far so we may be onto something here.

Big Day For Andrew

This morning I got up and did the usual and walked over to Andrew's crib, scooped him up and took him downstairs to eat. Except he wasn't in the spot I layed him at last night. He had done a complete 180 and his head was down where his feet usually are. This left me completely dumbfounded as he's never done this before! I'm not sure why I was surprised as he's famous for being a wiggle worm but it did leave we scratching my head for some reason. These children of mine are sure growing up quickly!

After taking Aubrey to school, I layed him down in the living room for some tummy time. Oh yeah. He's loves that just as much as he does having a poopy diaper! Not one bit! But he suffers through it beautifully before getting tired and conking out for an hour or so. THIS time though, he was crying instead of whining. I walked over to where he was to find that he was pushing up with left leg and from what I could see: trying to ROLL OVER. Just one tiny problem was keeping him from this achievement. His arm. He had his right arm straight out instead of up by his head so when he was pushing back, he wasn't able to roll with his arm behind him. I helped him do a few practice rolls, which made him giggle at every attempt. I can tell he really wants to master this but just like most things in life, it's going to take a little time to get good at it. Be on the look out. He doesn't seem very patient with this task and may just end up surprising us all with a roll or two in the next few weeks. I'll have the camera ready! (And if nobody believes me, just as my hubby. He makes fun of me all the time for taking a lot of the kids pictures. And I do mean A LOT! Someone's got to, right? I guess I could back off a little though. It's not a promise, but I'll try.)

Last night was a big deal for Andrew. He ate rice cereal for the FIRST time! Seriously. Where has the time gone? He's growing up so fast! To recap on his cereal adventure, he did NOT enjoy this experience whatsoever. His hands were flailing all over the place making it super hard to get the baby spoon into his mouth. Maybe it was a ploy? Nah. Can't give him THAT much credit yet. I could tell he was thinking after I gave him the first bite though. Very serious look on his face like, "Hmm. This is new. It's not good, but it's new!" A few more bites and he started doing the repulsive shakes and gagging noises that I interpreted as him saying, "this is DISGUSTING!" A few more bites and we called it quits. But for this being his first time eating rice cereal, he did really well and ate about half of what I made him. Go Andrew! :)

And then of course, there was clean up.

Just in time for BED.

P.S. Someone please tell me where my newborn went. I swear he was just here a few days ago...

Some Changes

{Just got home from PJ night at the church for a primary activity.}

The great thing about being the author of your own "book" is that you can make corrections, changes, revisions ANYTIME you please. So this is what I am going to do. Change isn't all that bad, right? A little while back, I made the decision to halt my "weekly pictures" because I returned to blogland and was staying caught up and didn't see the need of doing it anymore. I unfortunately didn't have my crystal ball with me at that time to predict the busy times ahead. With three active children and many different needs to be met, things can become hectic pretty quickly and I am now finding that more of my time is away from the computer on most days. I take so many cute pictures of the kids and never seem to find the time to display them so I feel that this change to go back to what I was doing before is needed. For me anyways. I treat our blog as our family journal so I'm trying very hard to stay on top of things and keep things current. I'm sure most of you won't have a problem seeing more pictures of our family adventures, right? :) Love to you all!