Wednesday, December 7, 2011

6 Week Check-Up

...for Mom.  Last week I went in for my 6 week check up and got a clean bill of health.  Hooray!  I actually snuck away with only 1 child (thanks, sweetie!) and while I really missed taking them in their cute little matching brown gingham outfits and showing them off (yes, I'm vain like that), it was nice to handle the visit with only one sweet, sleepy boy. 
The staff + my midwife are so very sweet at my OB office.  They always compliment me or the kids and say something kind + encouraing.  I'm really grateful to have an office as wonderful as this one!  When I get my act together I plan to bake goodies to bring as a thanks for helping bring my 3 babies into the world.  3.  Yes, I can't believe we have had 3 go through that office in only 4 years. 

The other day I was telling Jason how I want to do this gender reveal party for our fourth (inspired by this post) and he looks at me and says, "Fourth?  I still can't believe we have three."  Don't read this wrong, he wants more kids just like I do, he just wants me to slow down on the planning. =)  I am a little bit of an over-planner.  But, look at the post and tell me that wouldn't be fun?!  Don't be looking for an invite anytime soon, though.  Give us a few years.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Teen Hangout

We are in a re-evaluation period of how we do ministry.  That has involved a complete schedule change for Jason and has brought us to do more low key hangout events in our home.  It's been so fun to do more ministry alongside my husband in our home with our children present.  The kids love hanging with the teens and I love being able to be present without having to leave the kids and find a sitter.

We invited some middle schoolers over for snacks + a movie 2 weeks ago.  We also had ourselves a mini dance party...exciting times.


Last week we had some high schoolers over to bake cookies + drink homemade hot chocolate (my first time making it--turned out rich + delish if I do say so myself).
 

Monday, December 5, 2011

When You're the Best of Friends

Ivory + Micah are truly becoming the best of friends.  It's adorable.  Every day I think they get cuter together. 

Micah tried out the big boy bed (trundle) in the same room as Ivory.  More giggling, playing, and waking in the same room then actual sleeping.  After 3 nights of not falling asleep until 10:30pm AFTER being separated (normally 7:30 for Micah, 8:00 for Ivory) we decided to put Micah to bed, wait for him to fall asleep then put Ivory in bed.  Well, that was working great until Micah climbed up on sister's bed and woke her at 5:30AM (normal wake time 7 or 8AM).  He also woke her up from nap time sitting next to her head sweetly patting her back.  Ivory wasn't too impressed--neither was Mom + Dad, as adorable as it is.  They're just so very EXCITED to be together to "sleep."  So, we set up the play pen for Micah to sleep in.  Now he at least can't climb on top of her to wake her.  Only scream....

Ivory is obsessed with combing, combing, combing her fair tresses and putting clips in them.  Micah just loves being close to big sister and doing what she does.  The other day I was getting ready in the bathroom and they sat on the little white stool side by side just watching.  Then, Ivory asked Micah to sit on her lap.  He got up, waddled over and sat--so.cute.  Then, Ivory sat on Micah's lap.  I almost stopped her, but she might weigh less then him, he's quite the chunker these days. 

I dropped the kids off at class Wednesday night and asked Ivory if she'd look out for Micah.  Her reply,  "Yes.  If he goes away I will say, 'Come here, Micah.' [said ever so sweetly]  He can sit next to me so I don't lose him."  Love it. 

They adore making each other laugh and feed off each other so much.  Anything becomes a game, banging silverware, hands, cups, etc., sounds with their mouths (mostly screaming), running, chasing, laughing, throwing, etc. 

The other day Ivory made Micah her baby and was spoon feeding him peas (aka empty spoon).  "Micah, Micah, Micah, come sit on the pillow.  No, Micah.  ON the pillow.  Micah!"  He finally sits on the pillow and submissively eats his peas.  He's so patient.

Ivory, "We are going to the palace!"  She's decked out in her plastic princess heels, Cinderella dress, and jewelry.  Micah follows closely behind with his multiple strands of mardi gras beads.  He's rocking the Mr. T look...or maybe my husband just says that to feel better.

Today Micah played at Addie's house with baby dolls, a compact he used to put make-up on himself and the girls, jewelry, and a purse.  We need to find him some boy playmates.  With lots of GI Joes and trucks according to Dad. 

Micah has his sweet nurturing side that comes out with babies and when he gives sweet hugs and says "Loooove you" in sign language (crossing his hands over his front turning side to side).  He also has his ALL BOY side.  Obsessed.  Obsessed with balls.  Any and everything round is meant to be thrown in Micah's book.  And thrown over and over and over--throughout the day.  He will still play fetch with someone else or by himself for at least 20 minutes a day, usually mutliple times a day.  He loves cars + trucks.  Running + hitting are also favorites.  Sword fighting with Dad (Ivory loses interest too quickly) and pretending to "die" (which he does very dramatically) is a blast.  He also loves to eat.

Right now the are currently playing in ever so happily together.  Some times they're content to just play beside each other, mostly with each other, and other times it's lots of fighting.  But they truly are the best of friends--and I love it.  I pray they'll always be so.

Korban has daily becoming calmer and more content--praise God!  He is extremely sensitive to Mama's milk.  No beans (minus green beans), dairy, spicy foods, onions, coke, + coffee, for this girl.  Have to watch excessive intake of rice, dark lettuce, broccoli (causes gas) + tea.  Jason + Micah are gluten intolerant (still exploring to what level).  Meal planning is fun these days...

While I wanted to find a way to calm this sweet boy I guess I was secretly hoping the answer wasn't no dairy.  I was allergic to dair for most of my childhood and somehow I survived it never really growing to love cheese, chocolate, etc. because I never really had the chance to acquire a love for it (thanks to my Mom catching the allergy soon--thanks, Mom!).  Well, some time during my pre-teen years God healed me of that allergy.  Since that time I have grown to LOVE me some dairy.  Chocolate + Cheese = love affair.  But, his comfort is totally worth the sacrifice.  And my higher level of sanity + rest these days is not so bad, either.  I knew he was needy because of discomfort, I'm so glad to be able to help with that.

We also made another visit to the chiropractor.  Since that time he's less fussy (that combined with my diet) and he has started having bowel movements on his own (something that hadn't happened for several weeks without help)!  I know, I know, the things Moms get excited about.  I'm just so grateful to see him happy + content.  He seems to enjoy watching brother and sister play and will now lay for up to 40 minutes(!!!) at a time without being held.  He mostly cries if he's lightly scratched (this one def has the lowest pain tolerance of my three...something he'll probably have to get over growing up with this wild bunch) or if he wants to go to bed.  Yes, he cries to be laid down.  Then stops crying, and goes to sleep.  Like his brother Micah.  Oh yes, you may take this opportunity to rejoice with me!

He has ceased to sleep for his 6-8 hour stretches (they were heavenly), but his more pleasant demeanor and comfort level is a better trade.  And he does sleep in 3-4 hour stretches at night and no longer wakes in the middle of the night to fuss for an hour or more post nursing so there's no complaining here on that front.

Ivory + Micah still love checking on their little brother when he cries, bringing him his pacifier, and sweetly patting him on the back.  They enjoy talking to him and trying to bring him in on their fun.  It won't be long and he'll be joining the bff club.  =)

Ending this post with smiles as I watch Ivory hop through the house so proud of herself (her recent achievement) and Micah follows behind walking akwardly as he attempts to imitate her...not so happy he's throwing spoons and they both "drew" on the wall with their spoons.  I've yet to survey the damage.  Mom, "No, don't do that, Ivory.  That's bad.  It will scratch the walls."  Ivory, "They're already scratched."  Fun times. 

"Ivory, don't run with the spoon in your mouth, that's dangerous!  Micah, don't close that door!"  [slam!]

Exciting...!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Story Time with Ivory

Ivory loves creatively + expressivly reading books.
And telling + listening to stories.
...and a little play time with sweet Micah..

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Gingerbread House

Nana bought a gignerbread house kit.  Daddy put it together with the kids Monday morning. Ivory ran into the room excitedly to tell me all about it. Micah ran in right behind her and expressively "said" what his sister just said.  So cute.  I thought he might have fun decorating some frosting crackers with candy...no, he just wanted to eat the candy. That's really all sister was interested in, too.  We had to coax her into deocrating over eating. The finished result.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Thanksgiving Sunday

Micah + Korban before Sunday School.  Micah still loves his little brother--so sweet. Micah went to Sunday School for the first time!  He joined Ivory in Cassie's class.  My kids love Miss Cassie + Mrs. Tonia!
No more crying evey Sunday when Daddy leaves for Sunday School with Ivory and Micah is left behind.
Korban gave Daddy smiles after church!  I couldn't quite catch the full smile on camera, but here's a hint of it.  Ivory loves monopolizing Nana's time with fun playtime. Ivory's favorite ornament this year--it's the one she's allowed to take on and off the tree as much as she wants.  Love my red-hot-hottie!  Ivory is very creative at inventing games.  Here she found "treasures" and her and Daddy would take turns hiding + finding them.

Sadly, everyone had to say goodbye Sundy afternoon to get back to work + school.  Sad times.  Thanks for coming everyone! 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Fruit of the Spirit

The Christmas Tree

The Saturday following Thanksgiving we went to a tree farm to cut down a Christmas tree for the first time.  
Ivory wasn't too sure about all the walking...

But the walking was better in new tennis shoes from Nana + Aunt Mel.



After walking all three sections we finally decided on one, walked back to the truck and rode to the spot to cut it down!  The kids were excited to take a short ride in the back of the pick-up for the first time.

The tree we chose in the last section. It took a lot of Bennetts to cut down the tree...
In the end Ivory's muscles fell the tree...well, Daddy may have helped a little.

My studly man.

And it took a lot of Bennetts to drag the tree.
The tree farm owner earned major points by handing out candy canes for all! How our backseat looks these days...yes, we're saving up for a mini van very soon!


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My men putting light on the tree. Nana + Grandaddy helped entertain the kids with games, cookies (made by Ivory + Aunt Mel), and snuggles until the lights went up on the tree.
Ivory + Micah were SO excited to look through the ornaments, especially Ivory.  Micah just wanted any ornament that looked like a ball.  I handed him a ball ornament to hang and before I could blink, yes, you guess it, he threw it.  Shatter.  Ornament fail.  Oh well!  One less ornament to break!

Micah did eventually hang a few ornaments on the tree.
Ivory adores hanging ornaments on the tree...and taking them off...and putting them back on. Trimming a tree to look gorgeous is totally not my speciality.  But, ours is homey, special and full of special memories and I like it that way. Re-purposed wreath...simple, clean lines.  Nothing fancy.  I sort of re-did it on a whim with a few twist ties and ribbon I had on a reel.  It was one of those fluffy green wreathes that had seen better days.  So, I just bent the green down and wrapped it tightly with ribbon then tied the bow.  Not gorgeous, but it works and much better then the previous wreath.  Love setting up our first Nativity set Jason's mom bought us last year for christmas!  It's a gorgeous set--I love it.  I had been waiting to buy one for us until I found a set I just loved.  Well, I never did find one--it found me!  I'm so pleased with this set.  The large angels on either end are from a previous Christmas and we love them, too!  The pictures are Ivory + Micah's from Sunday School.  Love seeing what they bring home from church classes!  They have such good teachers and the kids love going so much.

Ivory + Micah were excited to pull out their play nativity set Grandma + Pa bought for them last year.
  Thanksgiving wouldn't feel the same to me without a college student writing a paper (shout out to Rachel T!).  Matthew spent many hours working on his paper on Christian doctrine.  Deep stuff.  Melissa was very helpful in the kitchen + with the kids...also at being a little goofy.  Dad worked hard on some outdoor projects + keeping Korban happy.  Nana was a big hit with her i phone apps, hair clips, and hugs.  She was also a big help with the kids + in the kitchen.  I'm blessed to have a family full of sweet, servant-hearted people.  
Love having our Christmas decorations out so early!  Something that staying home instead of traveling this year has allowed.