Project Life 2012: Weeks 48 - 50

November 25 - December 1



This was an emotionally draining week.  On Monday, I attended the funeral of a friend's newborn son, born the day after Oliver and on Friday, at MOPS, the pastor from Community Church spoke about hope in the midst of grieving as we all tried to process our friend's loss.  My kids, unfortunately, have experienced too many losses in their short life already and understand far more than we give them credit for.  During their play time, I often hear them talking about how great mommy got sick and died and one night, after talking about my friend's sick baby who died, Valerie was in tears.  She had the start of a cold and, as she coughed, she sobbed for daddy and gasped in between sobs, "I not want to die!"  We are grateful for the hope of heaven we are able to talk to our children about, but, still, the hard moments of life are so very hard to grasp, even as adults.  I took few photos this week, but instead stored up memories in my mind of precious moments spent simply living life with our little ones.  So, instead of a photo, I'm sharing a fun little video of our kids, because these are the moments that make the hard ones bearable. 

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December 2 - 8

This weekend, uncle Eric, aunt Laura, aunt Sarah, and cousin Danny came to visit and meet our Ollie.  Valerie and Almanzo had so much fun playing with cousin Danny, who quickly made himself right at home playing with their toys.  They made it just in time for lunch and then stayed for a couple hours to visit.  Oliver got plenty of cuddles with his aunt Sarah and aunt Laura and Almanzo had fun climbing all over uncle Eric.  We just wish they all lived closer so our visits weren't so few and far between!

The kids and I took a mini vacation this week to visit my sister, Kelly, and help her with Karli while she finished up her last semester of college classes.  The kids were so excited to have a sleep over with aunt Kelly and we loved having the extra time to spend with cousin Karli.  One of the nights we made a quick Target run with all four kids and then drove by the big lit up Christmas tree in the middle of downtown.  The kids were in awe of it.  On the way home from our visit, my mom met us to drop off some St. Nick's Day goodies for the kids.  I love that they still spoil us with little gifts like that. 

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December 9 - 15

 

We finally put up the Christmas tree this weekend and the kids just love staring at the lights.  We don't really do Santa in our house, because we want to focus on the One who came as a baby lying in a manger.  We decided last year to give our kids three gifts each, just like the three gifts the wise men gave Jesus.  We have a Fisher Price nativity set my parents bought the kids a few years ago and it's so sweet listening to them talk about the baby Jesus.  When we sit down for a family meal, we light our advent wreath and talk about the nativity story.  I just love watching them soak up these truths and hear their hearts for the Lord already.

We spent the rest of the week wrapping gifts, packing for our trip to Michigan for Christmas, and making these fun ornaments.  The kids had so much fun painting the ornaments to give to their aunts, uncles, and grandparents.  It's a good thing I had washable paint, old t-shirts for paint smocks, and disposable table cloths, because they made quite a big mess!

Our week ended with a college graduation party for my sister, Kelly.  I'm so proud of how hard she worked to gracefully balance being both a mommy and student.  She is totally a rock star in my book!  My parents held an open house at their home after the graduation ceremony and we celebrated with a house full of family and friends.

Project Life 2012: Weeks 43 - 44

October 21-27

This week started out with our littlest peanut's first Sunday morning at our church.  He slept through the entire service, snug and cozy in my ring sling.  Babywearing has made being a mom of three so much easier, especially when this little one loves being close to his momma.

On Monday morning, my friend Chris did a newborn photo shoot for us.  She was so patient and calm, taking the time necessary to capture the perfect photos of a newborn who demands lots of attention.  We were so happy with the precious moments she was able to capture.

Some new MOPS friends brought us delicious meals this week, graciously making adjustments for my gluten and dairy intolerances.  The meals were a huge blessing as we got used to a new routine as a family of five.  Ted's response to one of the meals was, "I like your new friends!"

My mom came to visit this week too.  It was a rainy, dreary week, but we took advantage of the short break in the rain for a short walk to the park down the road.  When we got back, she helped Valerie and Almanzo make a fun leaf project, washed the dishes, and switched the loads of laundry.  She even brought cookies for all of us, including some gluten free ones.  She is such a blessing to us!

We ended our week with an open house with my dad's family at my parents' "new" house.  It was so much fun to introduce our Ollie to all the aunts, uncles, and cousins who have eagerly awaited his arrival.  My grandparents met him for the first time too and (great) grandma was so excited to hold both of her newest great grandchildren. 

A funny little story from this week:  Almanzo has been a picky eater lately.  He will sit down for a meal, take one look at his plate, and declare, "I not like this."  But, he will look at Ted's plate and say, "Mmm...my want your food, daddy."  So, Ted will switch plates with him and roll his eyes as Almanzo gobbles up "daddy's food". 

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October 28 - November 3

Sunday afternoon was trick or treat in our city and it was just warm enough for us to go for a nice walk as a family of five.  Valerie insisted in being a princess this year and we found the cutest dress on Target's clearance because we weren't impressed with any of the actual princess costumes we found.  Almanzo was a pumpkin, wearing a cute handmade costume I found at a rummage sale when he was a baby.  Oliver joined in on the fun dressed in the cute little cow costume my sister bought when Almanzo was a baby.  I wrapped him up in my new Moby wrap and he slept peacefully the whole time.

The best quote of the day was Almanzo's response at the first house we went to.  We had taught them to say, "trick or treat", but Almanzo made us laugh so hard when he insisted on saying, "Give me some!" instead.  The home owner laughed right along with us and said, "A boy after my own heart!"  Ha!

Valerie and Almanzo continue to amaze us with their imaginations.  They love to pretend to go to work like daddy or take care of baby dolls like mommy.  They decided to use blankets on the table to make a tent this week and had hours of fun with it.   Almanzo, of course, decided it was way more fun to swing from the table like a monkey.  Oh, that boy!  And then, there are moments when they just can't seem to get along and insist on getting into as much trouble as possible.  I told them one day to please play in their room quietly before I went crazy and Valerie's response was, "But I want to be crazy with you!" 

Project Life 2012: Week 39 - 42

September 23 - 29

37 1/2 week baby bump

the birthday trio

I love this girl

cuddles with my big boy

 tickle war with daddy

pretty miss Matia

the frosting queens

my favorite niece

 homemade beef stew and gluten free dinner rolls

my dad's new "toy" - a riding lawn mower and snow blower

38 week baby bump

Despite contractions off and on this weekend, our littlest peanut is still comfy-cozy in mommy's womb.  We're in the home stretch now, so we're trying to take it easy and enjoy these last few days or weeks before baby arrives.  Our fun this week included another visit with my cousin, Sparrow, and her sweet little Matia while celebrating birthdays and watching the Packer game.  My cousin, Alyssa, our Almanzo, and my mom have birthdays right around the same time, so we did a joint birthday party.  I made a big pot of beef stew and Sparrow helped me make some gluten free dinner rolls and cupcakes.  My aunt Michelle made a yummy cake as well.  Almanzo was having so much fun playing with aunt Michelle.  He kept running up to her and giggling with glee as she lifted him up into the air. 

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September 30 - October 6

  39 Week Baby Bump

 THREE car seats!

behind the scenes of Almanzo's birthday photo shoot

 we treated the kids to their first Starbucks (salted caramel hot chocolate) on a family outing this weekend

Our littlest peanut is keeping us guessing.  After going into false labor and making two trips to labor and delivery, we are all ready for him to be here in our arms.  Even the kids are anxious to meet their little brother.  Valerie says, "Mommy, I think baby Ollie is ready to pop!...and he really, really needs to!"  I did take advantage of the time to do some last minute preparations like cleaning and installing the infant car seat in the van.  It's strange and exciting to see three car seats in our van. 

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October 7 - October 13

one morning I found the kids in bed together reading stories - so sweet!

 

guess who turned THREE?!?

40 week baby bump

our littlest peanut

As of my 39 week appointment, I was 3 cm dilated and the plan was to schedule an induction on the 15th if baby wasn't here by my appointment on the 12th.  My official due date was the 11th...and baby finally decided to make his arrival on the 12th.  You can read the rest of the story here and here.  We are so in love with him and so blessed to have him here safe and healthy. 

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October 14 - October 20

milk drunk babe

wiggle worm

one week old

pigtails for my sweet pea

cow girl boots for a bike ride with daddy?  of course!

babywearing at the grocery store

I can't even describe the feeling of bringing home our healthy baby boy just two days after his arrival.  He is truly an answer to prayer.  This week was all about getting to know our littlest peanut.  Valerie and Almanzo are fascinated with him.  Wednesday night we ventured out as a family of five to Awana.  It was so fun to introduce our church family to our sweet Ollie.  Friday morning I felt well enough (or maybe crazy enough?!) to take all three kids grocery shopping.  Our local grocery store has a Tot Spot where the kids could play while I shopped and they love going there.  While they played, I put Ollie in the ring sling and enjoyed a peaceful shopping excursion while he slept happily cuddled up close.  We were all ready for nap when we got home, but it felt good to get out of the house for a little while.