Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle!

Andrew is growing by leaps and bounds and accomplishing new things everyday. Most of the time, I would be really excited but with each new accomplishment, he is becoming less and less of a baby. Ok - maybe not less of a baby, but less of a newborn. I will miss these days... enough of the nostalgia... Last week Andrew managed to roll himself over from his stomach to his back. Then yesterday when he woke up from his nap (on the floor:)) he started to scoot around. Not in a happy way, but while crying and complaining he was scooting forward on his belly. When I went to pick him up, I found him about 3 feet from his starting position (the blanket) banging his head against the armoire. I laughed - I suppose it shouldn't have but it was a bit shocking to see my 2 1/2 month old so mobile. I was a bit caught off guard. What fun! It looks like I'm going to have another early crawler!

Why can't the weather be cold enough here?

Some days I really wish the weather got cold here...you know, cold enough to wear big fluffy coats and flannel pajamas. Today I really wish it was cold enough for Andrew to wear this adorable little beanie - at least for longer than 10 minutes!!

Thank you to my wonderful friend Laura and her skill with crochet hooks! We love it!

Ava's New Haircut

It was finally time...Ava's hair had gotten unkempt enough for Todd to allow me to have her hair cut (or maybe he just got sick of me asking:). Tracy came over to do the job and Ava stood as still as a statue. In the end, I think it turned out rather cute.

Happy Birthday Traci!

Last week was Aunt Traci's birthday! We had a great dinner at Javier's and spent the rest of the evening playing. Thanks for having a birthday and a reason to celebrate- we love you!

Andrew is 2 months old!

On the 12th, Andrew turned 2 ... 2 months that is! He is such a wonderful child and I fall in love with him more and more each day. It is amazing to me how we are blessed with the capacity to love each of our children so individually and yet so fully no matter how many we have. I am so grateful to have little Andrew in our lives and couldn't see our family without him!
He has learned a lot in the 30 some odd days he has been with us. He has been smiling since his early NICU days though, I will admit, I really shouldn't count them...at least not until more recently. He now smiles, coos, and occassionally giggles in response to whomever is giving him undivided attention. He was born with the ability to lift his head but he can now hold it relatively steady and can even handle little baby push ups. His legs are strong and he loves to hold his weight on one leg and do a little tap dance with the other. He seems to enjoy showers and just plain loves attention. At his doctors appointment the other day he weighed in at 11 lbs. 1.5 oz and was 23 1/2 inches long. Healthy and above average.
Andrew has one little birthmark/stork bite on the right side of his nose (almost looks like a scratch), this will fade, and his hair is red...no blond....no brown. Well, it just depends on the light so it's anyone's guess what it will eventually be! He looks just like Ethan did at this age without the ears and the baby acne and he smells just like his daddy! At this point he sleeps well, at least a 6-8 hour stretch at night. I would call this sleeping through the night except for the fact that it usually begins around 7:30pm so I'm still getting up around 3am and then again at 5 or 6am (too bad I can't seem to get to bed before 11 or 12!!!).
This one is growing up too fast! I will miss this baby phase when it passes. It's really a sweet experience to have such a perfect little being in your care.....

Game Day(s)!

This last week was definitely a sports week for us. First Todd took Ethan to the Angel game on Wednesday. Then we all (yes, all 5 of us including the baby) went to the Angel game on Thursday night. As if that wasn't enough, we all went to the BYU vs. UCLA football game on Saturday. Even with the chaos of having so many children to corral and a newborn to tote around, it was a lot of fun! Someday it will be even more fun when the kids actually care more that someone is doing something down on the field versus what we brought to eat:)!

1st two weeks of school...

Most of you who know me, know that I have been stressing about whether or not to send Ethan to school this year or have him start next year since he is a young kindergartner. I am pleased to report that so far, things have been great! In fact, his teacher has described him as a "gem" in class and one of only 3 students that are on track to pass the penmanship test (well, I guess it's an early evaluation but the district gets all the results). He really enjoys school and works very hard to please his teacher and to follow the rules...this is the most important thing for him. Sometimes I fear he is going to kill himself with his intense desire to do everything right and with perfection. He is definitely his father's son! Anyway...Thanks for allowing me a moment to brag about my wonderful child. If you knew the amount of trepidation I've had for this year, you would understand how immensely pleased I am right now. I really have a great kid!

Ava really can't wait to head to school herself. She walks with us everyday, backpack ready, and tells me that she is 6 and can go to class. One of these days she might convince me!

Labor Day Bowling

This Labor Day we took the kids bowling to beat the heat. It was their first experience and who would've thought they would like it so much! We had a hard time bowling our own games without their oh-so-helpful assistance. Actually, I think they may have slightly improved my score on one of the games!!!

Mmm...Candy good!

The other night the kids were dancing around the house eating red vines (yes, in their underwear) and I look over and what do I see???

Not only is Andrew getting his first taste of sugar, oh wonderful sugar,

but Todd has literally painted his face with the wet end of his vine!

Yet another product perfect for face painting!