We've aged

You may think we have aged this much since my last post. We haven't.  It was Caroline's 100th day of school.  They dressed like 100 year olds.  Or Matt Saracen's grandma from Friday Night Lights.  I'm going to see if I have aged to much to figure out blogging again.  It is the only way I document my kids and their life.  Wish me luck.

A redo

Since I haven't been keeping up to date, it must be noted that Caroline will wear pants and shorts now, but more on that later.  She will still sport a skirt, especially when it is warmish outside.  I was looking throw Garnet Hill's kids clothing and saw a skirt that was $45 on sale.  ON SALE!  And I thought, as I do often, I could make that.  (for some reason I can't upload a pic of it, so click on the above link)

But this time I actually tried.  I went to the local thrift store and bought a few XL women's button down shirts.  I cut them off just below the arms, put in an elastic, made pockets out of the sleeves and cuffs.  This is what I came up with.  For less than $5.  And Caroline loves it.  She is sporting her swimming suit (or as she referred to it today, her zucchini) because we are off to swimming.  I have a few more tweaks but am happy with the finished product. 

What did I do with my Friday night?

Well, I'll tell you.  SYTYCD is back.  And it is good.  Dreamy good.  And fun for the whole family.  Most of the time.  And tonight, Caroline and I watched the reveal of the top 20.  And it was dreamy.  Caroline digs it.  Eli actually digs it.  Caroline wants to rule this show.  As she puts it, "I love it so much I just can't stand it!"  Look at this dancer.

Isn't she marvelous?  And she was marvelous at her dance recital.  I think with a bit more technical training she is going to rock the stage of SYTYCD 2025.  Caroline's favorite is Caitlyn Lawson, jazz dancer.  I have quite a few faves.  Mostly girls and the guy from SLC.  He is awesome.  Any favorites?

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Maybe this will be a start

Oh my, it has been a while.  I feel an itch.  I have wanted to post something here and there for a bit but it is hard to do for some reason.  I need to, though.  I have also wanted to get back down to my craft room and do some sewing or painting.  I just want to be able to finish something I have started.  Even it if it just cleaning one room. But I also want my kids to be able to have a narrative to what we have going on right now. 

I have journals for each of my kids and regrettably none of them are full.  Jack's isn't even touched.  Maybe this is the way I can journal for them.  Something I am not awesome at.  So, here is the trying to be better.

Let's begin with Jack.  He is one! When did that happen?  I think he went from skinny little baby bird to chubby smiler overnight.  I was asking Dave when that happened.  We don't know.  He is absolutely perfect.  He is sweet and kind.  He is a fantastic eater.  He loves his siblings.  He loves to be held. All the time.  Sort of not perfect there but perfect none the less.  He bit me twice today - not perfect at all. But he showed a lot of remorse after each bite.  We'll see if it continues.  He may have to give up the juice, which will hurt me more than him I suppose.  Let's see his transformation (warning - pictures!) 

It about killed me when they put the IV in the head...

First day home, Joey has remained the doting brother.

Eli's baptism and Jack's blessing - perfect day to share.  July.

 Jack's Oompa Loompa impression.

This onesie was too big on him for a month or two...

I think this was the end of summer, his dad carries him in his Bjorn often.

First of many homespun haricuts.

First professional haircut. I actually think he looks like Cam from Modern Family.  But only this one.

Who?  What?

First birthday!

First sugar from mom, pretty sure this wasn't the first sugar from dad.  

I have lost the blogging flow.  Hopefully it returns.  I have missed it.  My thought processes have been continually interrupted for a good year now.  I have decided that this might be the only way to journal for my kids.  And keep in touch with family.  Let's hope that for my kids' sake I can be consistent.

Safety Dance

E and his friends decided to do a dance number for their class talent show the day before school let out.  They choreographed it (with the help of a head cheerleader).  Eli is the height impaired lad in the crew.  Sorry about the quality, my phone was all I had.  There were other versions that showcased Eli's head spinning better but this is what I got.  E's teacher said it was one of the funniest things she has seen all year.  I'm teary thinking that his teacher is no longer his.  She was wonderful.  Just like E's moves.

Jack

We are home.  He is tiny and doesn't keep a warm body temp but maybe he is just a cool kid.  The brothers and sisters watch his every sleeping move, listen for every little noise and love him like mad.  Thanks for all your prayers.

And baby makes 6

Without going into all the details, little brother graced us with his presence 4 weeks early, at 7:13pm on the 28th.  After the NICU (who is always called in on deliveries of this nature) signed off on him and his loving brothers and sister and Oma and Opa came to see him, he started to "grunt" more and things kind of went from there.  He was supposed to just be transitioned in NICU but when I called to check on him around 9:30 that night they informed me he was being admitted and treated for unstable blood sugar levels, breathing instability, inability to maintain his body temp and elevated white blood cells that pointed towards pneumonia.  They have him on antibiotics and after scaring us with all sorts of scenarios last night, today he pulled out his oxygen tubes and his NG tube (feeding) and has been showing a rebellious streak.  He is doing better, happy to show off his great hair and winning smirk.  We don't know how long he will be in the NICU, most likely a week or so.  Still no name, but he weighed 5lbs 8oz, 19 inches long.  Wish us luck, with health and agreeing on the perfect name.

Sun

It is beautiful out.  Has been for days.  Makes me want to be less clothed and basking in it.  But less clothed might scare neighbors, much less children.  It scares me.  4 more weeks.  This boy is the lowest I have ever carried.  If he wasn't in I would think he was out.  It makes things like reaching down, sitting, walking and resting a bit difficult, but how is that really different from any other pregnancy on this planet?

 caroline's sign

I just picked up my friend's almost three year old.  She is the only one that Joey longs to play with besides E and having her here is super easy and keeps all entertained.  Plus, as a bonus, I have her cousin here who is 4-ish and man, the best playmate I could ask for to keep the 3-ers happy.  She is a sweetie.  The friend just had her baby.  4 weeks before mine.  4 pushes and out.  4 hours of labor.  Baby number 4.  What a pattern.  Hers is a girl without a name.  It is nice to have someone go through it so close to my date. Someone who I can just feel it through without having to ask.


I hate potty training.  I really hate the toilet.  I hate touching the toilet and teaching the kids not to.   I've said this before, the toilet is Dave's duty.  Cleaning it, I mean.  Back to training, Joey is starting.  Yes, chances are he will revert in 4 weeks.  But he wants to.  It makes me a bit claustrophobic.  You can't venture too far.

 Joey turned three last week.  He is growing up.  Too fast.  Won't kiss me on the lips anymore.  I never should have blogged he did, it is like he read that or something.  Stinker.

Caroline had a dental check up yesterday.  Her two top teeth are loose.  E's didn't loosen until this year.  She also has 3 out of 4 6 year molars.  She is growing older way too fast and this is just one sign of it.

I wish I felt like nesting.  I feel like gardening, reading, sitting and running errands but not nesting.  I did go through bins and bins of clothing this weekend.  The D.I. might love me.  I did a load of newborn clothes this week.  But out of necessity, not nesting.  I have washed windows, but only to see more clearly, not to nest.  The things that I really need to do, like de-clutter, feel too much like nesting so I don't want to.  Like I said, I want to sit outside, warm my skin, soak up Vitamin D.  Maybe that can be nesting for now.

Garden clean up

I am thinning out the hens-and-chicks in my garden and would hate to just throw them away!!!  So, if you want any bring up a grocery bag and grab some.  They multiply and replenish the earth - so efficient.  They sell of $2.50 each at Smith's, what a bargain.  Great in rock gardens or borders or just potted.  Email me at piccalillitoo@gmail.com if you have any questions.

The Name Game

Not that we EVER agree on names (me and Dave), or have names going to the hospital, or even share our names with others I have to share that I like the name Jasper.  Yeah, I saw your reaction.  Whatever.  I'd never get Dave to agree to it anyway AND thanks to Twilight mania there is no way I would want to.  Just thought I would share.  And no, we don't have any names.  Not even a half of one. 

I am also going to share my kids favorite pass time.  Me recording them dancing.  Eli is trying to be a breakdancer even if he doesn't know what one is.   He is learning how to scoot on his head.  He is also trying to learn lyrics, which is super comical when you are in the car trying to figure out what he might be listening to on my nano.  And Caroline, she is nuts.  Joey just loves to be with his brother and sister - usually.  You will only really love this if you love us or love my kids.