Thank heaven for baby girls, baby smells, baby hands and feet. Thank heavens for one more reason to thank Heavenly Father for eternal families and temple covenants.
The Petersen Herd
Monday, March 26, 2012
Little Leisl
Here is our beautiful baby girl. She has such a pleasant face - and smart little eyes. I love to get close to her and just stare at her. She is cuddly and warm and wonderful in every way.
Thank heaven for baby girls, baby smells, baby hands and feet. Thank heavens for one more reason to thank Heavenly Father for eternal families and temple covenants.
Thank heaven for baby girls, baby smells, baby hands and feet. Thank heavens for one more reason to thank Heavenly Father for eternal families and temple covenants.
Bonding
Darla hasn't ever really had much to do with the boys - they were a little too loud and rough for her, until recently. Kabe has always had a gift for making the littler (and bigger) kids laugh. He and Darla started wrestling yesterday and I was so impressed at how careful he was with her and she was in seventh heaven.
I thought it was great watching them laugh and play together and realized that even though they are more than 5 years apart, they can still appreciate each other. Kabe is such a good big brother to all of the kids (he even big brothers Ksenya sometimes). He is thoughtful and sweet and really tries to make everyone happy. What a good kid!
I thought it was great watching them laugh and play together and realized that even though they are more than 5 years apart, they can still appreciate each other. Kabe is such a good big brother to all of the kids (he even big brothers Ksenya sometimes). He is thoughtful and sweet and really tries to make everyone happy. What a good kid!
The Pianist's
Yesterday we had our spring recital for piano. These four did a great job and had been preparing for weeks to perform for their families and it was fun for all of us to listen and watch as they did their thing. There were a lot of smiles and I was so proud of them.
Kodi played "Fairies Harp" and the one that she picked from the friend herself, "As a Child of God". She is a very meticulous pianist and her skinny little fingers are always so careful. She likes to stretch her hands out and loves playing chords.
Ksenya played, "On Yonder Rock Reclining" and "In the Leafy Treetops." She really likes the songs with repetition in the left hand and moving parts. She gets frustrated easily, but when she decides she likes a song she will practice diligently until she can play fast.
Gideon played, "From a Wigwam" and "Home on the range". He likes playing from memory (and gets in trouble for it) and practices until he can play his songs with his eyes closed really fast. He tries hard to count his music and sometimes adds beats to measures at random.
Kabe played, "The Marines Hymn" and "We'll Bring the world His Truth". Kabe likes to play with Mom accompanying him and has taken on a new diligence in his practice since we instigated the rule that he can play the Wii as soon as he practices his piano. He has a more natural rhythm than most and enjoys the security net of practicing with me sitting next to him.
What good kids. I sat listening and realized, "holy cow! they are really playing music!" It hit me that our babies are growing up so fast and soon we'll be having 'real' concerts to attend. Yikes. I'm so glad I get to be their teacher for now and that so far, they have been fairly compliant about learning from Mom and "Aunt Toni".
Kodi played "Fairies Harp" and the one that she picked from the friend herself, "As a Child of God". She is a very meticulous pianist and her skinny little fingers are always so careful. She likes to stretch her hands out and loves playing chords.
Ksenya played, "On Yonder Rock Reclining" and "In the Leafy Treetops." She really likes the songs with repetition in the left hand and moving parts. She gets frustrated easily, but when she decides she likes a song she will practice diligently until she can play fast.
Gideon played, "From a Wigwam" and "Home on the range". He likes playing from memory (and gets in trouble for it) and practices until he can play his songs with his eyes closed really fast. He tries hard to count his music and sometimes adds beats to measures at random.
Kabe played, "The Marines Hymn" and "We'll Bring the world His Truth". Kabe likes to play with Mom accompanying him and has taken on a new diligence in his practice since we instigated the rule that he can play the Wii as soon as he practices his piano. He has a more natural rhythm than most and enjoys the security net of practicing with me sitting next to him.
What good kids. I sat listening and realized, "holy cow! they are really playing music!" It hit me that our babies are growing up so fast and soon we'll be having 'real' concerts to attend. Yikes. I'm so glad I get to be their teacher for now and that so far, they have been fairly compliant about learning from Mom and "Aunt Toni".
Leisl Meera
After 24 hours of deep meditation and deliberation and hassling the nurses about spellings and pronunciation Mom and Dad finally came up with your name.
You are such a good baby. You have settled into a bit of a routine already and went back to work with Mom on your third morning on earth. You are so patient with everyone that wants to hold you and the hoards of people that came through the house in your first week. You also made two trips to St. George during your first week and went to church on day 7. Busy girl.
You have very big hands and feet - we tease that they are 'man hands' but really they are very feminine and you always hold them so beautifully - like this pose under your chin, which we didn't pose but you did yourself and we had to capture. I love the cleft in your chin and am amazed at how your hairs are either black or white, which makes your fluff look almost gray sometimes. You have a lot of hair on your ears too.
You had to be on the bili lights for the first couple days which we both hated. I was very grumpy that I couldn't hold you and that they had to keep poking you to test your blood, but by day 4 your levels had started coming down and we could get you off the lights. You eat like a champ and so far (cross our fingers) are not a spitty baby which is nice for Mom. We all absolutely adore you already and we're so thankful Heavenly Father sent you to us.
It's Leisl Meera Petersen.
We had the list narrowed down to several options and none of them were on the list we brought to the hospital. They were all very beautiful, elegant, feminine and rather calm sounding names - almost meek. I don't know if this is an indicator of your personality but I was surprised at how elegant they all sounded. Finally we decided on this name. I like that it is uncommon, but simple and beautiful.
You are such a good baby. You have settled into a bit of a routine already and went back to work with Mom on your third morning on earth. You are so patient with everyone that wants to hold you and the hoards of people that came through the house in your first week. You also made two trips to St. George during your first week and went to church on day 7. Busy girl.
You have very big hands and feet - we tease that they are 'man hands' but really they are very feminine and you always hold them so beautifully - like this pose under your chin, which we didn't pose but you did yourself and we had to capture. I love the cleft in your chin and am amazed at how your hairs are either black or white, which makes your fluff look almost gray sometimes. You have a lot of hair on your ears too.
You had to be on the bili lights for the first couple days which we both hated. I was very grumpy that I couldn't hold you and that they had to keep poking you to test your blood, but by day 4 your levels had started coming down and we could get you off the lights. You eat like a champ and so far (cross our fingers) are not a spitty baby which is nice for Mom. We all absolutely adore you already and we're so thankful Heavenly Father sent you to us.Focus on the positive
These two are the sunshine of my day - they are literally the happiest kids ever. They love to play together and if I say 'no' most of the time they just smile and find something else to do. They are silly and giggle and laugh and enjoy each other completely. I love that they are good buddies and that they can entertain each other so well, and help me so much.
They both love their little sisters and are always willing to do things when I ask them to. I worry about Brig when Ayvri goes to school, but it will be good for him to be the biggest at home too. They love to ride their bikes and read books and cuddle on the couch together and they posed themselves like this without any help from me.
Of course, this is what it looked like when we zoom out - but hey, we can't always get along right? Let's focus on the positive and not worry about the rest :) After all, being a Mom can't all be smiles and laughter, but those smiles certainly compensate for the screaming.
They both love their little sisters and are always willing to do things when I ask them to. I worry about Brig when Ayvri goes to school, but it will be good for him to be the biggest at home too. They love to ride their bikes and read books and cuddle on the couch together and they posed themselves like this without any help from me. 
Of course, this is what it looked like when we zoom out - but hey, we can't always get along right? Let's focus on the positive and not worry about the rest :) After all, being a Mom can't all be smiles and laughter, but those smiles certainly compensate for the screaming.
Displaced & Distressed
This little wonder has been having a bit of a rough week. It's not just her baby sister's arrival and all that entails - she just hasn't been feeling great and it's starting to wear on her and everyone around her as well. Despite her lack of health she is still a mostly happy kid - but has developed a look that worries her mother a little . . . it's like this:
See that? That look says a million things to me - mostly it says, "I'm so cute I can be naughty and get away with it." It also says, "I don't agree with you anymore and intend to make my difference of opinion known." She's getting defiant, she's getting opinionated, she reminds me of another adorable baby who to this day has a VERY strong will. That's right, Darla, without warning, is starting to act very much like Kabe. (gasp).
See here? She doesn't want her picture taken. I coaxed, I bribed, I teased and she did this. We love this little girl so much and she's still the center of attention in every way. She loves 'her' baby so much and is tries really hard to be good . . . except for when she doesn't want to. Mostly Mom is just hoping she feels better soon and that improves her mood a little.
See here? She doesn't want her picture taken. I coaxed, I bribed, I teased and she did this. We love this little girl so much and she's still the center of attention in every way. She loves 'her' baby so much and is tries really hard to be good . . . except for when she doesn't want to. Mostly Mom is just hoping she feels better soon and that improves her mood a little.Sunday, March 18, 2012
Pure Heaven.
"Being a mother is seeing your heart walking around outside of you." I heard that once and thought it sounded a little silly, but today it sounds just right. Not just for this little piece of pure heaven - with which I'm totally smitten already, but for the other five that were the highlight of my day as they met their new little sister.
We counted all her fingers. We examined every piece of her. They were fascinated by her someday belly button and how that works.
We counted all her toes and asked over and over why her feet were purple.
We had to rub her head and kiss her chops and examine all of her and ask a million questions. One of my favorite is when they asked what her name was, like they expected her to come with a name tag. Then Brigham asked, "Where did you get it?" I told him she came out of my tummy and he looked at me like I was nuts. Then they all had to feel my jelly belly and wonder at how something so hard and round could get so very squishy in just a few hours.
THey read all the books that she was given at the hospital and enjoyed a little playtime pushing buttons and exploring the hospital room and every one of them got their turn to hold their new little sister - including Darla who was hilarious. She kept pointing at her and squealing and when I asked if that was her baby she'd shake her head an emphatic "yes". Then she pointed at the baby and said, clear as day, "MINE".
We counted all her fingers. We examined every piece of her. They were fascinated by her someday belly button and how that works.
We counted all her toes and asked over and over why her feet were purple. 
We had to rub her head and kiss her chops and examine all of her and ask a million questions. One of my favorite is when they asked what her name was, like they expected her to come with a name tag. Then Brigham asked, "Where did you get it?" I told him she came out of my tummy and he looked at me like I was nuts. Then they all had to feel my jelly belly and wonder at how something so hard and round could get so very squishy in just a few hours.
THey read all the books that she was given at the hospital and enjoyed a little playtime pushing buttons and exploring the hospital room and every one of them got their turn to hold their new little sister - including Darla who was hilarious. She kept pointing at her and squealing and when I asked if that was her baby she'd shake her head an emphatic "yes". Then she pointed at the baby and said, clear as day, "MINE". 
What seemed like an overwhelming number yesterday seems just right today. What a beautiful little herd we've been given and what a huge blessing they are. Each of them is still my baby and watching them together today really cemented in my heart why Heavenly Father sent us as families - this is what it's all about!
Worth the Wait
This is a terrible picture, but since it's as pregnant as I ever have or ever will be, I thought we'd better document. This is me on Thursday night - yes . . . Thursday! Just a warning - what follows is a birth story. Monday we went to the Dr. and after he checked me (dilated to a big fat nothing) I started contracting, about every 15 minutes strong enough to get my attention no matter how busy I was. This continued until Saturday night. Yep, 5 days of impatience.
Saturday (my due date) night I started having them closer together, I got excited and told Tyler I was pretty sure we'd have a baby by morning.
We got in the car and he offered a word of prayer that we would make it to the hospital before the baby evacuated her safe space. When he said, "amen" I said, "drive fast". The roads were very icy. We ran a red light. We arrived at the hospital and while I waddled to the ER door he ran to get a wheelchair and proceeded to run me down the hall to labor and delivery. I was still very controlled. The Dr. had been called thanks to my sister giving a heads up on the phone that we were on the way. I pretty much stood still breathing deep while Tyler changed me into my gown and I got onto the bed. The nurse checked me and I heard the word, "complete". She asked me to please avoid pushing until the Dr. got there. What followed was 10 minutes of very focused breathing as I willed the baby to not descend. At this point let me admit that my repeated SMT sessions really kicked in and I felt control - it was amazing! Yes, there was pressure and pain, but so much control.
Finally the Dr. arrived (ok, really it had only been about 10 minutes) and I knew it was ok for me to just let it happen. He said I could push with the next contraction and so I did. Then I relaxed and waited for the next contraction which brought her down. Dr. Heath (the same on-call Dr. that caught Darla) broke my water so it wouldn't splash everyone and out she came on the second push. Massive relief and gratitude were felt by this Mama who finally had the controlled birth experience I've always wanted. There was no moaning, no crying, no begging - just breathing and a perfect little person when it was over. We arrived at the hospital at 9:24 and she was born at 9:42. Unintentionally our record was broken.
The Daddy was fantastic through the whole thing, having adjusted me 3 times in the last 36 hours and really giving amazing TLC. I know a major factor in such a great delivery was his tender loving care. He was so calm and patient knew just what to say to give me confidence.
So here she is - she is pink and perfect and cries like a little sheep. She latched on and ate like a champ and is a great cuddler already. She looks and feels so tiny but weighed in at 7 lbs 3 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long (I knew she was long because she could kick the top and bottom of me at the same time). She has very big hands and quite a pronounced cleft in her chin. She also has the greatest double chin I've ever seen on a newborn and just enough hair to look quite feminine.
Saturday (my due date) night I started having them closer together, I got excited and told Tyler I was pretty sure we'd have a baby by morning.
Then they stopped. And a very disappointed and weary Mommy went to bed. I woke up at 3:00. They were stronger, but only every 10 minutes and I just knew that wasn't close enough to be 'real'. I took a shower and went back to bed, watching the clock until I got up at 6:00 and showered again. They were still 10 minutes apart until I got up, but once moving they kept getting closer together. At this point she was still really high - I figured we were probably entering the realm of delivery, but didn't want to cry wolf. We got the kids up, started getting them ready for church and Tyler made us breakfast. Half way through my smoothie I felt a lot of pressure. I told him we should probably go and he put his shoes on and went to scrape the inch of ice off the car. I still thought we had some time and went downstairs to put my shoes on. Once shoed I headed to the door telling the kids to behave and hugging them all goodbye. When I got the car I couldn't get in. I was sure if I bent over then she would come out and fall in the snow. Tyler waited patiently with a distressed look on his face. I could tell he was remembering the experience with Darla wherein I offered to push half-way to the hospital.
We got in the car and he offered a word of prayer that we would make it to the hospital before the baby evacuated her safe space. When he said, "amen" I said, "drive fast". The roads were very icy. We ran a red light. We arrived at the hospital and while I waddled to the ER door he ran to get a wheelchair and proceeded to run me down the hall to labor and delivery. I was still very controlled. The Dr. had been called thanks to my sister giving a heads up on the phone that we were on the way. I pretty much stood still breathing deep while Tyler changed me into my gown and I got onto the bed. The nurse checked me and I heard the word, "complete". She asked me to please avoid pushing until the Dr. got there. What followed was 10 minutes of very focused breathing as I willed the baby to not descend. At this point let me admit that my repeated SMT sessions really kicked in and I felt control - it was amazing! Yes, there was pressure and pain, but so much control.
Finally the Dr. arrived (ok, really it had only been about 10 minutes) and I knew it was ok for me to just let it happen. He said I could push with the next contraction and so I did. Then I relaxed and waited for the next contraction which brought her down. Dr. Heath (the same on-call Dr. that caught Darla) broke my water so it wouldn't splash everyone and out she came on the second push. Massive relief and gratitude were felt by this Mama who finally had the controlled birth experience I've always wanted. There was no moaning, no crying, no begging - just breathing and a perfect little person when it was over. We arrived at the hospital at 9:24 and she was born at 9:42. Unintentionally our record was broken.
The Daddy was fantastic through the whole thing, having adjusted me 3 times in the last 36 hours and really giving amazing TLC. I know a major factor in such a great delivery was his tender loving care. He was so calm and patient knew just what to say to give me confidence.
So here she is - she is pink and perfect and cries like a little sheep. She latched on and ate like a champ and is a great cuddler already. She looks and feels so tiny but weighed in at 7 lbs 3 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long (I knew she was long because she could kick the top and bottom of me at the same time). She has very big hands and quite a pronounced cleft in her chin. She also has the greatest double chin I've ever seen on a newborn and just enough hair to look quite feminine.
I'm always taken back by how much you can love a little person that you have just met but already I feel like our family is complete, and I'm so grateful that the Lord would send her to us - our own little piece of heaven right here on earth. No name yet, although Daddy and I worked on it all day . . . that will have to wait until morning.
My Hero.
Tyler's not a fan of public proclamations of love and affection.
But this is my blog - and I have to gush. This guy is my hero. I've been a lot less than pleasant this week, had multiple (read tons) of emotional breakdowns, vented my heart out, and each time he patiently held me up and put me back into perspective.
Today was so much fun because I just got to hang out with my husband - talk and laugh and joke with him while we try desperately to come up with a name for our last-born. We suck at naming babies. I love his sense of humor, his honesty. I love the way he can make me feel beautiful with a jelly belly and greasy hair. I'm so thankful he thinks I can be 'mother of 6' and not completely screw up our kids.
Thank heavens for the Daddy of our house - he's amazing. (he also secretly loves it when I take his picture at random moments like this and then share them with the world :)
Fancy Nancy
Ayvri is my little fancy Nancy these days and always wants to be dressed to the nines everywhere we go. Her first question each day is to know where we're going so she can be dressed appropriately. I love it. She is such a sweetheart and still let's me get creative. I loved her hair on this day and had to take a picture for her.
She made me promise that I would put it on the blog so other girlies could see it and 'match' her if they wanted.
She is very observant and says the funniest thing. Today walking around talking into a toy phone she said, "I can't, my baby's not here yet. She's never coming out". Can you tell who she's been listening to? My little sidekick is quite the little helper and getting to be so big. Thank heavens Kindergarten is only a half day in Utah!
She made me promise that I would put it on the blog so other girlies could see it and 'match' her if they wanted.
She is very observant and says the funniest thing. Today walking around talking into a toy phone she said, "I can't, my baby's not here yet. She's never coming out". Can you tell who she's been listening to? My little sidekick is quite the little helper and getting to be so big. Thank heavens Kindergarten is only a half day in Utah!
Devil Child . . .
Anyone who knows my little Darlin' knows that she's pretty darn spoiled. She's also exceptionally adorable and very loving. This last week she got a little yeast infection. I say little, but it spread rather rapidly into a nasty rash that covered a lot of her body, her fingers and her face and it turned my little Darlin' into a little Devil. Attitude. Temper. Fits. Screaming. For several days she was quite literally a beast, particularly to her mother who tried desperately to curb the infection in any way I could. 
To document what seemed to be her first round of really hateful behavior I pulled out the camera. She did not love me for this, but I think may appreciate it later. I'll admit, even when she's throwing a fit she's pretty darn cute.
But the yelling? Not cute. Not even remotely cute. Please don't look at this and think, "Awe, she's pretty cute". It's not. Ok, it's a little funny, but definitely not cute.
And then there's this face - the, "I despise you at this moment, Mother" face. Thank heavens she is feeling much better and has decided that she again loves her Mommy. It was a rough week . . . . we shall see if it compares to next week as she learns to adjust to no longer being the baby and sharing her Mommy with her little sister. Poor thing, sometimes life just isn't fair.
To document what seemed to be her first round of really hateful behavior I pulled out the camera. She did not love me for this, but I think may appreciate it later. I'll admit, even when she's throwing a fit she's pretty darn cute.
But the yelling? Not cute. Not even remotely cute. Please don't look at this and think, "Awe, she's pretty cute". It's not. Ok, it's a little funny, but definitely not cute.
And then there's this face - the, "I despise you at this moment, Mother" face. Thank heavens she is feeling much better and has decided that she again loves her Mommy. It was a rough week . . . . we shall see if it compares to next week as she learns to adjust to no longer being the baby and sharing her Mommy with her little sister. Poor thing, sometimes life just isn't fair.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
One-on-one
Every day it get's harder to find time to spend one-on-one with our kids. Still, there are special moments like this one. Brigham had a little fever and so Daddy brought him home from church and laid down to read with him for a few minutes. You can tell it doesn't happen often enough but to have our undivided attention for just 20-30 minutes was so fun for this boy and his Mom and Daddy.
He is so smart and sweet and has a way of saying things that just makes us laugh. He was trying to do 'this little pig' on my feet and kept making up different words that made us laugh. Then I asked him how many toes he has and he said 12. I asked him to count them and he counted 8 (he counts his webbed toes as one). We laughed together and I was reminded how amazing each of my kids are all by themselves and as a group.
He is so smart and sweet and has a way of saying things that just makes us laugh. He was trying to do 'this little pig' on my feet and kept making up different words that made us laugh. Then I asked him how many toes he has and he said 12. I asked him to count them and he counted 8 (he counts his webbed toes as one). We laughed together and I was reminded how amazing each of my kids are all by themselves and as a group.
Spring Chickens
Ksenya and Kabe got to hatch chicks at school and really wanted to bring some home so we decided to have a spring chicken experiment. They are under a heat lamp and receiving lots of love and attention. Hopefully it ends up being a good agricultural experience for them. They are really cute and it's fun to see the different reactions of the kids to them. This is the only picture I've gotten so far.
Big Sister?
I am in training to become a big sister. Part of this training has involved wearing shoes so that Mom doesn't have to carry me everywhere we go. At first I wasn't sure about the shoes, they feel funny on my feet and make walking a little awkward but I have gotten used to them and really like the independence that I have now. Mom even lets me run around outside. I like to run down the driveway and down the street towards Aunt Jeri's but Mom never let's me get past the neighbor's driveway. She did let me play in the sandbox though, that was fun.
I wish I were big enough to ride bikes with the kids - they are so much faster than me and I have to scream at them so they don't leave me behind. I like getting dirty and throwing the gravel from the driveway. I also like making 'soup' with Brigham by mixing dirt and leaves and snow in a big bucket out in the front yard. 
I guess it will be ok to be a big sister, except I don't really want to share the attention. Mom is hoping that I am sweet about it but we'll find out this week. I am getting sick of the big bump under Mom's shirt - it makes sitting on her lap really frustrating and she doesn't like it when I push it to try and get it out of my way. I decided to get a little bit sick just to make sure I get a lot of attention right before the baby comes. Mom stayed home from church with me today and has been holding me all day. She told me not to get used to it - something about sharing the night-time hours. We'll see about that.
Bike Time
After much practice miss Ayvri finally figured out how to ride her bike without training wheels or help. She can even start and stop by herself. She was very brave and the few (very few) times she's crashed she has been extremely tough about it. She loves the independence and really gets going very fast. Something is 'up' with her back tire and it makes her bum bounce up and down when she rides which is very entertaining for Mom and Dad to sit and watch.
Brigham has also upgraded from his tricycle to a little bike. The first 'little' bike was a bit too little so we upgraded him to Ayvri's old red bike and put training wheels on it and he can now keep up with the bigger kids. It's quite the bike train when we go out but now when the baby comes the girls can ride in the stroller and we'll actually be able to walk at a decent speed.
It's fun to watch Max chase after the kids. I'm so thankful that we live in a quiet neighborhood so that I can let them ride around in the street without being worried they're going to get run over.
Mom's not Ready!
This big little girly had Kindergarten registration this week. She is constantly begging to play her 'letter games' and practice writing. She's so excited and can't wait until she can get on that bus with the big kids. She got these dress up shoes from her cousin the other day and came home and changed - then posed herself just like this and I can see visions of future prom-dates. Maybe it's because I'm on the verge of popping out another baby girl and keep reminiscing about when this one came out of me but contrary to popular argument that it gets easier - Kindergarten does NOT get easier. 
I'm just not ready to send this little tiny baby tinker to school. Thankfully - we have a few more months before "it" actually happens and in the meantime I'm not going to think about it. And I'm going to hold her hand everywhere we go. And insist that she sit on my lap. And clean my shotgun.
I'm just not ready to send this little tiny baby tinker to school. Thankfully - we have a few more months before "it" actually happens and in the meantime I'm not going to think about it. And I'm going to hold her hand everywhere we go. And insist that she sit on my lap. And clean my shotgun.p.s. at Kindergarten registration they asked if I wanted my 'twins' in the same class? Yes, Brigham and Ayvri still pass as twins. Silly blonde kids.
Snow Cave
We have the coolest Daddy. He came home early last week when it snowed so he could help us to build a snow cave. Thank heavens the sun shines when it snows around here - makes it much easier to play. This is the snow cave we built.
Brig and Ksenya were the only ones that lasted until it was finished and then climbed in. It was a little crowded but they thought it was awesome. The dog thought it was pretty cool too.
We have loved the snow this winter, but we're about ready for spring to come along. It seems like it only snows during the week when we are working and by the time the weekend rolls around when we have time to play in it, all the snow has melted and there's just mud left. Still I love the snow and sunshine combination. It's sparkly, beautiful fun.
More Growing Pains
Seriously - this has to stop. The big girly got glasses. She's far-sighted (something I can't comprehend). She really only needs to wear them when she reads but she really really likes them (they're pink after all). I'll admit, I pulled out a picture of myself when I got my first pair of pink glasses at 8 years old. I was not cute. Not even a little bit. 
What am I going to do with this big girl? She is so good and smart. Her parent teacher conference revealed the obvious - she's brilliant at all things literary. Reading, writing, grammar and research. She just loves everything that involves words. Math not so much. Still, her teacher said she wished she had a classroom full of her and had only mother-gloating praise for her. Of course. How we love our big girl!
p.s. Darla looks like a plastic doll in this picture. She has a rash on her face and so I slimed her which is why her face looks plastic. This is Darla's favorite place to sit to watch movies - always on Ksenya's lap.
Why I had kids.
I don't like folding. It's one of the 'icky' jobs that inspired us to have kids (I partially jest). I sort the mountains that I've washed and dried into piles and then - it's all them. 
They are proficient - the older kids don't even complain (I've offered to get rid of all but 2 outfits each to simplify but they actually don't mind folding that much). I used to do the socks but even that lately has been wonderfully delegated and they are improving. Brigham might be a little less help than hinderance but I love seeing them 'work' together like this. Ah, happy mother moments.
They are proficient - the older kids don't even complain (I've offered to get rid of all but 2 outfits each to simplify but they actually don't mind folding that much). I used to do the socks but even that lately has been wonderfully delegated and they are improving. Brigham might be a little less help than hinderance but I love seeing them 'work' together like this. Ah, happy mother moments.
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