Norah- 5 weeks old

pretty girl

He tells her everyday what a beautiful girl she is. "You're a pretty girl Norah" is what he says over and over.

This morning I was busy looking for Colin's inhaler and making sure he had socks, shoes, his backpack ready. I looked into the room to see why Colin wasn't getting ready to find him leaning over the bouncy seat with Norah in it and praying "Lord Jesus thank you for my little sister."   I think thats worth running a few minutes late this morning. 

Gas

This post is for the kids.  For them to one day read it and laugh at how expensive we thought gas was.  But today your daddy came home with a new car.  His truck has needed to get fixed 3 times this month and with gas getting more expensive it was time for him to get a new vehicle.  Especially with his job and how much he drives each day.  And we will be actually saving money each month.   Our car loan plus the new cost of gas for his little car will be less than what he is now paying each month on gas.   Crazy. Oh and for future reference: we pay close to $4 a gallon now :)  I remember when it was a $1.25 and I thought that was bad.

Mud Brothers

Yesterday Brent was out of town and we were outside playing. I went inside to change Norah's diaper and came out to the mud brothers as they called themselves. It was all Colin's idea I think. And it didn't take long for them to plan this out. 

 They were having a blast.  And laughing huge belly laughs it was hard not to laugh with them.

 Oh my. 

They had so much fun.  I hosed them off outside and then they came inside to become bubble brothers.  It took two baths to get them fully clean.

1 month

Sweet baby girl is 1 month old today.  Its hard for me to believe. Its been a much easier transition going from 2-3 kids than it was going from 1-2.  Except at bed time where the boys were used to each having a parent.  Now they have to share Daddy while Mommy paces/dances around the house with a fussy Norah.  So thats been difficult lately.  And thats usually her only fussy time.  She's pretty content to be held all day.  She'll sleep if she's held.  If put down she'll wake up.    I love holding her and the boys don't seem to mind.  They worry about her when she cries and make sure I pick her up right away.  But today Joel did squish her cheeks just to make her say "wah" since he thinks its funny "he's trying to talk"  

I'm trying to just soak up this newborn stage since I know it wont last forever.  I love her smell, and the way she moves her hands, and the sweet baby's breath.  She's started smiling which is just amazing and making little coos.  We love the little noises and grunts that she makes. And she's a great sleeper at night. One night she slept a 5 hour stretch and Joel stayed in his bed all night.  So we're feeling pretty rested for having a newborn. 

 She's getting so big.  I think next month when I take her picture she wont be able to fit on the bed.

 And those cheeks.  LOVE THEM!

 Norah started scooting while I was taking pictures and ended up half off the bed.  I hope she forgets about that nonsense for a few more months.  My babies seem to want to grow up too fast. 

Our precious baby girl.  Colin asked me the other night when I was going to have another baby. (I'm pretty sure we're done) But I asked him if he remembered how sick I was with Norah and couldn't play or do too much of anything and his response was "Oh I remember but she was worth it"  And she is.  Every bit of it and more. 

Relaxin

goggles

The boys got goggles in their Easter Baskets. They couldn't wait to try them out

Protecting

 They love her. And fight over who gets to hold her. Colin usually wins - its in Norahs best interest. Joel loves to give strangle hugs to Norah and doesn't understand gentle

Joel realized it was too bright and sunny.

He thinks about what to do

Decided to protect her eyes from the sun.

Overall I think he will be a great big brother to Norah.

Spring Break

 Colin just finished his first spring break.  I loved having him home.  It was a little big of a juggle at first since I had all three kids all day but it was so nice.  None of us wanted him to return to school on Monday.  We got out a lot considering we have a newborn.  One afternoon Brent came home early and we headed to the Aquarium.  Out of all the fish/sharks Joel was fascinated by a squirrel :) 

 Then one night we went to the Botanical Gardens for their Bike night. 

 Norah and I tried to keep up with the boys but towards the end we found a bench near the front where she could eat and we could wait for the boys.  So far she's a snuggler.  I hope she stays that way.  We've been blessed with very snuggly kids. 

And then on Sunday we went to the zoo.  The one thing Colin really wanted to do.

 Norah wasn't too impressed at how close we got to a giraffe.

Colin and I are now counting down to summer break.

t-ball

 Tball has started again.

 This time Colin is on the Cardinals

Here Colin is playing pitcher and passed the ball to Noah at 1st base.

I think its going to be a great season

4 weeks

4 weeks ago I was in labor with this sweet girl. 

 Its going way too fast.

beautiful

Backpack

Colin likes to fill his backpack with stuff and go outside and explore.  After finding one of his toy handguns in his backpack one day while getting out his homework folder I found him Brent's camel pack to use.  (don't want him expelled from school) He has filled it with all his science books and I'm not sure what else. Its pretty heavy especially when I fill it up with water.

Potty Time

Joel isn't interested in going on the potty.  I figured this summer we'd work on it but right now I haven't been pushing it.  Colin on the other hand thinks his brother should be peeing and pooping on the potty.  And tries everything to talk Joel into going.  Joel hasn't shown any interest but today he was pooping and Colin said once again "joel you need to poop on the potty."  And Joel said "ok" and then went and finished on the potty like it was no big deal and he had been doing it all along.  Just like that. Hopefully this will be the start of something. But knowing Joel it'll be on his terms and when he's ready. 

Meeting Norah

 Norah had a busy weekend with Easter (her first time going to church) and the day before meeting a lot of family members.  She met her Aunt Mary and then great grandma and great grandpa.  And then a few cousins.

 Family times are always fun times

Colin found a friend in Sam the whole day.