Ryan's 9-10 Months

I am trying to slow down time.  I cannot believe in 6 short weeks I will have a one year old.  I am getting very sentimental as this milestone approaches.  I am going to squeeze as much baby out of him as I can!

Ryan started army crawling around 8 months, then at 10 months has found his way to his knees.  As much as a mover makes things a little more challenging, it is also nice because he can find things to entertain himself.  He also pulls himself up to standing, and is surfing around the furniture.

He is a pretty big eater.  Eating things like, peas, sweet potatoes, chicken, salmon, grapes, to name a few.

He wants to be where the action is.  Now when his siblings go downstairs he wants to go too.  He enjoys swinging a long side of them.  Or strolling down the street in his (pink) car.

At 9 months he was 21 lbs and is already up to 23 lbs.  In the 90 % for weight but somewhere around 60% for height.

We will have no burned baby fingers this time around!

Ryan used to be afraid of baths because of the sound of the loud water filling up the tub.  Now he can't get in soon enough!

Lauren is Three

Lauren is three and it is so hard to believe.  Over the last 6 months she has really moved from being a toddler to being a big kid.  Doing her best, and succeeded most of the time, to keep up with the big kids.

This girl is overflowing with hugs as well as throwing out a few elbows.  She has more endurance than I could imagine one little being could!  Don't get in her way of getting out of the car first, going to the bathroom first, washing her hands first, because an elbow will come your way! Amongst all her fiestiness is a super sweet and loving little lady.

She is still a lover of baby dolls.  She holds them so gently, kisses them and lays them down to sleep.  She feeds them and pushes them around in their stroller.

She loves dresses and to accessorize.  Though sometimes that means three gaudy rings on one hand or ear muffs over her minnie mouse hat or a headband that sits backwards on her head.

She is simply loads of fun.  Lauren and I can be found singing to each other throughout the day or dancing around the kitchen.

She says, " Mama, I wanted polished nails".   And while inappropriately shaking her bottom, she says " I am shaking my body, I am shaking my body".  Or on school days asks, "Where are my friends Whitney and Colin".

Lauren had a super fun Trolls birthday party.  She had been singing the music for months and Whitney thought of watching the movie for her party.  So we invited our friends the Joneses over who have three little girls and they all had a blast.  For 24 hours of celebration, Lauren fully embraced being the princess of the party.  And it was much deserved!

And as we say when we say goodnight, I will love you forever and ever!

It's my party!

Loves s'mores!

So excited to be in dance class!

Daredevil in the pool!

Loves painting!

I Get To See Her Everyday

 In the days leading up to Christine's birthday,  my mind constantly takes me back to the course of events that occurred six years ago.  My gut feeling wondering if something was wrong with this baby that barely gave me any kicks.  To being too wrapped up in excitement to not notice during the first 45 mins of our sonogram that she could only move her arms.  Then the news.  Then the shock.  Then the days leading up to what we knew would be her birthday.  Walking into the hospital at 6am that morning barely able to comprehend what was about to happen.  To waiting all day.  To her birth that occurred after 10pm, What was the exact time? Wow a detail I have forgotten.  To holding her.  To crying over her.  Finding joy in her.  And having to say goodbye and hand her over, never to see her on this earth again.

How did I survive that time is a thought I always have.  That heartbreak seemed so unbearable.  I am so thankful that time has healed the pain.  But even more grateful to have the four children in front of me.

All the time I used to think, oh I think of her everyday.  What that has changed into is, I get to see her everyday.  Not the place of where she would have been or what age she would be, but in each of my children.  She was not meant to be here on earth with us and with that is where I was able to find great peace.  I believe I will be reunited with her one day, but until then I get to see her everyday in the four little faces before me.

Whitney at 7 1/2

We are halfway to 8 which is hard to believe.  Whitney is maturing in many ways and continues to make us so proud.

The other day I asked her what was the hardest part about being the oldest.  She said, "Trying to solve the problem".   As a big sister she is so generous and caring.  She plays with Colin and Lauren like they are her peers.  She helps create the play time and gets very excited about the ideas they generate together.  When disagreements arise she is always looking to please everyone and makes suggestions.  And most of the time it works!

Whitney is a very faithful friend.  She and her best friend Elsie have been together in class three years in a row now and have the sweetest little friendship.  They both love art and are constantly making things together during their indoor recess time.  The other day she told me that when they grow up they are going to open an art shop in either Thailand or Ireland.  Her other good friend is Caelyn and they have lots of fun playing legos and barbies.  Lots of giggles!

Whitney did gymnastics this Fall and really enjoyed it.  She is still working on getting that cartwheel but made huge improvement on the vault and bars and loves the beam.  I think the class is great for building body strength and confidence.  This winter she is doing tennis and is really improving her skills.  We look forward to another busy Spring softball season.

At her teacher conference she got rave reviews.  Whitney always works extra hard.  Often finishes her tasks early and jumps right on some extra work, reading or drawing.  She is reading at a 3rd grade level and is in the top math group.  She and Elsie were the first in their class to complete addition and subtraction literacy for 2nd grade and have started multiplication.  She loves art class of course and going to the library to get new books.

Whitney you continue to amaze us with your strong character and caring nature. You make us proud everyday!

Goofy girl selfie

With Elsie at the school winter party

Managing the kid play while Mama cooks dinner.

Helping me make 9 pans of cinnamon rolls at Christmas!

Fun trip to the mall over winter break.

Coloring; a favorite pastime in this house.

Whitney and Elsie visited Caelyn after her tonsillectomy.

Lego Master

After school sister cuddles

  

Baby brother before school cuddles.

Somehow I don't have a recent picture of her and Colin.  But they have such a close relationship.  They sleep over together every weekend and holiday!

I love their closeness and love for one another.  

Ryan is 6 Months

Our littlest guy is 6 months old.  Half a year has passed, and that it hard to believe.  I feel I have gotten to enjoy all those sweet baby moments though, and he is just the sweetest.

His 6 months stats were the lowest percentile for one of our babies at this age.  Except for his head!
18 lbs ( 60%) 26.6 inches (43%)  HC was 96%

 He is a great 4th child, laid back, goes with the flow, and loves to watch all the commotion going on around him.  He is a great little sleeper, but month 5 was a little tough.  Two teeth, a cold, and wanting to be unswaddled and learning how to sleep again!  But we made it through, and seem to be back on track.

Life with Ryan is super sweet!

Ready to walk Colin to school.

He used to be on the play mat.  Watch out Mama!

So happy!

New sleeping position.

Learning to sit.

First swing!

Colin is 4 and a Half

Colin is due for some bragging and his half birthday is the perfect time!

First, I will say Colin's love for his little brother is so heart warming.  He constantly wants to be with Ryan.  Whether its holding him while watching tv, laying down near him while he is on his play mat, holding his hands or feet whenever possible and he must give hugs and kisses to him before bed. Once when Ryan was getting fussy Colin said, "Oh, let me go over and give him some happiness". Que Mama's heart exploding with pride.

Learning to be a great babysitter.

Colin is extremely expressive.  He exudes his own happiness with vigor as well as his frustrations.  He tells you exactly how he is feeling.  Though this comes with some challenges when you are four, I think it is such a strong quality to have and pray he continues to express himself.

He is very creative. He has a wonderful imagination while playing with his toys.  He loves to build and does magna tiles for hours every day.  He loves to color and is super at staying in the lines. He can write his name.  Though sometimes it is in mirror effect!

Coloring for 30 mins before school!

He is in preschool 4 mornings a week.  Thinking back to a year ago and how I was nervous about how school would go, he has done brilliantly.  He is a good listener and follows directions.  He is also great at making buddies!  His best buddy in class is Giovanni.

He continues to look up to Whitney and is so excited when she gets home from school. They also sleep over in Colin's room together every weekend.  He and Lauren play well together but they also stir up some trouble. But as a whole we are super proud of the relationships between them all.

Best buds!

Back porch thoughts.

2-3 days a week he doesn't fall asleep during his nap time.  He rests for an hour then I get to have some one on one time with this special guy!

Colin is my little prince and continues to steal my heart with his big hazel eyes and smirky smile.

Ryan at 4 months

Our little, big guy is 4 months!  He weighs in at 16.6 lbs (73rd %) and 25.6 in long (66%).  He is moving into 9 month clothing.  Following in his siblings foot steps.

Ryan is rolling onto his side, loves playing on his play mat and grabbing the toys.  He loves his new world view in his exersaucer.  He likes to chew on his fingers and is a big drooler.

He is such a good baby and just goes with the flow.  He is full of smiles, chuckles and coos.  He is just pure sweetness!