Sam Rides a Bike

Oh my word.... this kid is so determined. I am seriously proud of him..  Sam decided that he wanted to learn to ride a two-wheeler after he saw his neighbor friend had recently learned.  We borrowed our friends bike in which she had removed the pedals.  He practiced and practiced gliding on this bike. Then he moved on to his bike with the training wheels removed.   He begged 100 times a day for someone to take him out to practice.  He would fall down and each time would hop up and say, "let's try again."  It only took 2 days of practice and then.... he did it.  I had said to him once that maybe he would learn to ride a two-wheeler when he was four.  I honestly didn't expect him to learn so quickly.  Right after he did it for the first time.... he ran up to me yelling and smiling.  "I'm so proud of myself.  Am I four now?"  LOL!!  Way to go Sam. 

Post Easter Egg Hunt Celebration

Fourth Try

Things I have decided to do differently with baby #4....

1.  Accept all the help that is offered.  I just decided not to try to be tough.  Sure I could do it without help, but I wouldn't be able to enjoy it nearly as much.  When Lizzy was born I told the ward I didn't need meals.  What was I thinking?  I felt like I  needed to get back to normal as quickly as possible.... but I'm not sure why.  Why return to normal... I like abnormal... at least for awhile. 

Thank you Mom for coming to take care of us for a few weeks.  We loved every minute and I loved that the other kids didn't feel slighted.  They got oodles of attention and probably helped avoid jealousy problems...

Thank you in advance to Nancy for coming this week.  We are thrilled...

Thank you to everyone who brought in meals, sent gifts, and helped with the other kids.

I love you.

2.  No "how to" books, just love, cuddles and holding my baby all I want to.  I know "Babywise" and other parenting books are helpful to a lot of people, but I realized they stressed me out more.  For the time being... I am going with the "you can't spoil a baby" theory and maybe he is just an easier baby... but there have been far fewer bouts of crying than I remember previously.

3.  Remember that this phase is SO SO short.  Having a perspective is so helpful.  No only is it important to remember that the midnight feedings and painful nursing will not last forever, but it helps to remember that the tiny toes and snuggles and cute baby sighs will also not last forever. 

I am loving the sweetness of a new baby in our home.  Sometimes it seems as though my heart has too much to handle and I can't love any more than I do now, but Grayson just showed me that I still have a lot of love to give.  I am always amazed at the rush of emotion that fills me up when I hold my baby for the first time.  Immediately my heart and soul are committed to this tiny little thing and I am willing to make whatever sacrifice I need to for him.  It's such a miracle. 

My Babies

All my babies at around 1-3 weeks old.  Can you tell them apart?  The pink clothes might be a clue....

Announcing....

Grayson Aaron Brown

7 lb. 7 oz

20 inches

 

Can we possibly have a family that big?

 2 days old

 1 1/2 weeks  So cute.

 

 

Preschool

This year we have had a lot of fun doing a little joyschool for Sam.  With several friends we took turns hosting 2 weeks worth of fun for this little group.  With six - 3 and 4 year olds running around, taking pictures was usually the last thing on my mind, but I did remember on this particular day, when we decided to play some games during our valentines day party.  I love these kids, and I love all of their mom's so much. 

 

 From left to right:  Graham, Kaden, Sam, Brandon, Morgan and Trevor.

 These pictures are of the fish that we used for our preschool unit on sea animals.  After we did all of our learning.... we took them to a pond near our house to return them to their natural habitat.  Since the kids had already named all of these fish it was sort of a traumatic experience... so we had to take lots of pictures.  I'm thinking maybe we should get a pet.... someday.

 

 

You've Had a Birthday Shout Hooray!

Birthdays are fun.  They're fun for almost anyone, but if you happen to be turning 7 and if you happen to be a super high energy boy who is always happy... then birthdays are extra extra fun.  This year Andrew took his friends Isaac and Travis to Pitch Putt and Play and then to Chick-Fil-A for dinner.   We had an exhausting wonderful time.  Andrew may be hard to keep up with, but we are sure glad we have him.  Because of him, we all smile a bit more often.  We exercise more than we might otherwise.  We get more hugs and kisses and more love.  I am so proud of this boy. 

See what I mean about high energy?

Andrew made it easy for me by requesting the same easy cake that I made for Sam last year. 

I love love love this kid so much it breaks my heart.  Happy Birthday Andrew.