Alexander is 5

 Our first born.  We prayed for him for months before we became pregnant. 

 Alexander was such a good baby.  He was so fun and still is. 

 Alexander turned two just a month before my Daddy died.  Daddy Bob loved Alexander. 

Alexander turned three just before we moved to Nebraska.

                              Our baby turned four and was no longer a baby.  

Today our big boy is five! This year Alexander welcomed with love a baby brother.  He adores Owen and Owen already tries to do whatever Alexander does.  Mommy loves spending her days with Alexander.  Alexander has begun to develop an interest in his school work.  He is beginning to sound out CVC words and does very well with math.  He enjoys doing addition and subtraction problems using beans as counters.  He got a new bike from his grandfather for his birthday.  He got to open it two days early so he can enjoy the bit of time that is left to ride it before it gets too cool.  He quickly learned how to ride, with training wheels and a helmet.  Our Xanderito loves to sing, dance, play cars, and get dirty.  He thrives on finding sticks, bugs, and plants and asking why questions about them.  He already has a love for the Lord.  He and Daddy enjoy turning the praise music up loud and singing together.  (Too loud for Mommy.)  Last month he got to go play golf with Daddy.  He thought that was great.  He has also enjoyed playing Disc Golf this summer.  On Saturday, Alexander got to go to the movies and see "Planes."  This was his reward for doing school work for 20 days in a row. Alexander loves to watch Kentucky play basketball and football.  He loves giving Trey a hard time about his Cardinals.  Anytime he gets to choose what to wear or buy, it is always blue.  What other color would he choose?  He has gotten pickier about food lately.  He typically is a great veggie and fruit eater, but lately prefers his protein.  He often asks if this or that food is healthy.  He asks if it has a lot of protein or sugar. He loves to snuggle before bed.  Mommy and Daddy enjoy that special time with him.  He loves to wake early.  We often hear him singing in his bed in the morning. 

The last five years have seemed like a blink of an eye compared to the ten months trying to get pregnant and waiting for our special gift.  We are so thankful for God's perfect timing.  We love you Alexander. 

Half of a Year?

How can it be that Owen is already six months old?  He was certainly a surprise but has been such a joy to our lives.  He is such a sweet snuggler.  He loves to pat on us and give kisses.  He has recently learned to squeal and get almost anywhere he wants to go.  

He has recently enjoyed trying some new foods.  So far he has loved everything he has tried including apples, carrots, and avocado.  Owen is definitely our biggest babe.  He weighed 18 pounds 13.5 ounces, 72%.  He was 27 inches long 60%.  He has a big noggin, like his brother and sister, 45 cm, 89%. 

At his six month check up we were pleased to hear that there is no indication of a heart murmur, his ears are clear after having fluid behind his ear, and he appears to be a happy, healthy, perfect baby boy.  We are so thankful.

 

It's Not Fall Y'all

With back to school season and Labor Day everyone thinks it is fall. Thankfully it is not fall yet.  The kids have enjoyed lots of fun in the back yard pool.  Yes, I think our yard looks a bit redneck right now, but the kids are enjoying it. 

I can't believe Owen is six months old.  How has he been here half of a year already?  He is trying to crawl.  He is doing an army crawl and can eventually get to where he wants to go.  He still demands to be held most of the time.  He loves to play with your hair and pat your face.  He is so lovable and precious.  He is such a gift.  

Alexander will be five in just over a week.  I am so thankful to have him at home with me and not going to school right now.  He loves to play cars and enjoys exploring outside.  He and Adam have been watching the cicadas hatch this week.  It is amazing to watch him grow and develop each day.  He is becoming more compliant about doing his school work.  He is beginning to sound out CVC words.  This is a VERY exciting thing for a reading teacher mommy. 

Audrey had her first dance class this week.  She was the youngest in the class, but probably the most confident.  She had a great time doing Mousexercise and learning first position.  She will play, sing, and read in her bed for hours at nap time.  How precious it is to hear her sing, "Lord, I Need You,"over the baby monitor.  

Audrey's First Dance Class

Audrey loved her first dance class. 

Finally a Little Summer Weather

It has been strangely cool this summer.  August hasn't been the greatest swimming weather.   We nearly froze the night we rented out the pool for church.  The kids had fun anyway.  Alexander and Audrey loved going down the slide.  Alexander even jumped off the diving board.  

After the pool closed for the summer we finally got some 90 degree days so we put up our swimming pool in the back yard.  

 Some friends invited us to their lake house in Wisner this week. We had a great time.  Owen loved playing with Tyler and Ryan.  Owen is three days older than the twins. 

 Everyone enjoyed the boat ride, except Owen. He hated the life jacket.

 The lake water was shallow and Alexander had a great time playing in the water.  You wouldn't know you were in Nebraska while at this lake.  It was beautiful and there was no corn in sight. 

Owen had fluid behind his ears and has been on antibiotic for two weeks.  Thankfully his ears are now clear and he does not need to see an ENT at this time.  We are so relieved.  He weighs a whopping 19 pounds, 3 pounds heavier than his brother and sister at this age.  I think he will soon catch up with Audrey in weight. 

Alexander is so pleased with his Zinnias he grew from seeds. He is quite the gardener.  Everything is still nice and green, somewhat unusual for late summer.  I have enjoyed these hot days.  I know there isn't much left of summer and fall and winter will be here before I know it.  Taking in every ray of sunshine I can. 

Kelley's Shower Part II

                                Angel food and strawberry skewers

                                        Chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches

                                                           Scrapbooking Station

                                  Pink lemonade and sweet iced tea