Swamped

The first and second graders at Blake's school put on a performance they learned through their music class.  It was called "Swamped."  I didn't have my memory card in my camera so I couldn't take any pictures.  I made him sing one of the songs at home so I could snap these.  I did get it all on film which was pretty priceless because Blake was no where near as animated in the real performance.  He was standing on the top corner of the group and was a little distance from the next person he was standing next to.  He kind of stood out.  And he did all the singing and hand motions but with a straight face.  My friend texted me during the show and said "Blake is killing me."  

But he volunteered to do a speaking part!  I was so proud of him.  He said "The fish are fishing, the snakes are snaking, the frogs are frogging around."  He did great and I loved watching it.  The songs still get stuck in our heads.

Mom is Home

I don't work very often and it seems each year I work less than the previous.  Right now I work 12 Satudays a year.  I would guess on average I am gone about 5 hours per time.  I am glad that I have this opportunity to work.  I will admit that I dread it though.  Because although it is a break, and I get to learn and help others--it is still work.  And come Saturday of each week I am just tired.

This is what happened when I got home from work a couple of weeks ago.  I do love being missed.  And I love in these pictures how Ty is trying to get up so he can just hug me.  (He often tells me "I want to hold you.")

Chet - 9 Months

Height:  29 inches.  (77%)

Weight:  18lbs. 6oz(27%)

Head:  46.4 cm     (86%)

Chet still does his funny move by pulling himself forward on the floor.  He will get on his knees and rock like he is going to crawl, but then resumes scooting.  

If he drops something he has started saying "Uh" or "Uh uh" for uh oh.  

He is just beginning to clap his hands.

I know he understands bottle, and will sometimes say "ba ba" after I ask him if he wants one.  I'm pretty sure he knows the word "bath."  

He is a busy boy.  Doesn't like to be confined and doesn't want to hold still.  He loves exploring the basement.  I used to not hang out there as much, but now I do so he can roam.

He isn't the best eater.  I have to shove in the first bite to see if he will approve.  If he does he will start eating his puree.  At least one time each feeding he will randomly flap an arm, sending my spoonful of food flying.  I do know that he likes peas and green beans.  Other things are hit or miss.

He sleeps great.  When he wakes up in the morning or from a nap, he will just quietly and happily hang out in his pack and play.  (Haven't upgraded to the crib because I just don't want to promote Ty just yet.)  

Love this age and stage.  I was looking back at my other kids at this age and I think I always write that I love this age.

Conference Weekend & Easter

We love being close enough to visit cousins.  Blake went to each of their soccer games on Saturday.  We had two egg hunts, made Easter sugar cookies, and enjoyed conference together.

Milkshakes!

Our kids have had their fair share of DQ Blizzards and Culver's Concretes, but I realized they hadn't ever had a true milkshake.  Eric met us during his lunch break at Steak and Shake and we bought a couple and let them go wild.  They all loved it of course--but Ty was especially fond of it.  He would not stop drinking and braced himself with his hands on the table and went to work.  He kept telling me after how the green one (mint oreo) was his favorite.  What a fun memory.  And people may have wondered why a mom would take so many pictures of her children drinking.  That's me!

Spring Break

Marita and Newel came for about four days of our spring break.  Blake, Janie, and I caught a stomach bug while they were here.  It put a damper on things but we still had fun.  I was so grateful for extra help.  

Around the House

I love this picture of Chet and his buddy William.  They were born just a couple weeks apart.  

Janie is such a great sister and helper.  She already talks about how she wants to be a mom someday.

He is getting pretty good at this painting business.

Blake found this craft idea out of a book--he dipped some folded paper towels in colored water to create different designs.  The kids used some team work to help the towels dry.  Then Eric grabbed a fan.