Love vs Hate

Things I love: cheeseburgers, blue jeans, Avery's freckles, flowers, rainbows, Hannah's eyes, snuggling with Ethan, reading a good book, the beach, holding Jeff's hand, rainy days

Things I hate: colic, tantrums, stress, bad news, wedgies, nagging, unloading the dishwasher

Avery is 5 years old!

This Saturday Avery turned 5! First we celebrated with a party for her friends at Jump Town. She invited some of her classmates from preschool as well as some friends from church. There were about 10 kids at the party and they all had a great time running around and playing on the inflatable slides. She was so happy to see her friends!

Then, on Sunday evening, we celebrated again with a family party. We washed down our pizza with chocolate birthday cake and watched Avery open her presents. She got a lot of really great gifts, she is such a lucky girl! One of her favorites was a little case full of play make-up. So, this morning she has really fixed herself up, complete with lip gloss, eye shadow and roll-on glitter. Fun to be a little girl!

I find myself feeling a little sad about this birthday. When I turned 30 in March, it didn't bother me a bit but Avery turning 5 just seems like such a milestone. I can vividly remember when she was Ethan's size (actually she was a lot smaller) and just can't believe that 5 years have gone by and now my little baby girl is officially a big girl, ready to start kindergarten.

I have to confess that I think part of my feeling is that I'm a little intimidated, too. Over the past 5 years I have learned to navigate the world of preschoolers. I'm hip to all of the cool places to play, know the library storytimes, and am down with all of the playdate etiquette. But, when it comes to the world of elementary school, I am at a loss. What if I buy her the wrong backpack? Should I go with the prepackaged school supplies or pick them out ourselves? I guess I will make her lunch everyday because I don't think she knows how to carry a tray, or does she? Will I have to join the PTA? Ugh! I suppose Avery and I will just have to learn the ropes together...

A relaxing Saturday at the lake...

Here are a few pictures we took this weekend.

Happy Birthday to America and Happy Birthday to Hannah!

We had such a busy and fun weekend last weekend. The 4th of July or "Happy Birthday to America day" as it is known in our house was spent swimming, relaxing and people-watching at the lake on Grandma and Paw Paw's new boat. We stayed out on the lake to watch the fireworks show and everyone agreed that the lake was the best place to watch fireworks. Looking around the lake, we could see 6 or 7 different shows going on in different cities around the lake. Very cool!

Then, on Sunday, it was time to celebrate Hannah's birthday. She had a great time at her Dora-the-Explorer themed party right up until she fell down on the way to open her presents and busted her lip. Poor girl, its not always easy being 2!

On Wednesday morning, bright and early, I lugged the 3 kids to the pediatrician for Hannah's check-up and a shot for Ethan. Mercifully, neither cried too much or for too long. Hannah measured in the 99th percentile for her height (37 inches) and in the 60th for her weight (27 pounds). Out of curiousity, I asked the nurse to weigh Ethan while we were there and was shocked to learn that he now weighs 9 lbs and 5 oz. No wonder my arms are sore at the end of the day!

We are rounding out our week with the conclusion of Round #1 of Avery's swimming lessons. Parents are allowed to watch them demonstrate their newly-learned skills on the last day. I was very proud of Avery, she had worked very hard and made a lot of progress. Round #2 starts Monday...

The Best Things About Summer

At our house, summertime means popsicles, playing in the sprinklers, swimming, sundresses, waking up early and going to bed late. There's just something wonderful about the change of pace that summer brings. The word "linger" comes to mind. We tend to "linger" in our pajamas longer in the mornings and "linger" on the back porch longer in the evenings, its nice not to be rushed for a few months. The other really great thing that summer brings is the excitement that comes with having so many fun things to look forward to. Vacations, swimming lessons, Vacation Bible School, and (in our family) birthday parties are all big memory-making events that only come in the summer. I hope you are taking the time to enjoy your summer!

On another note, we took Ethan into see the doctor for his 2 week check-up and he had gained 11 ounces over his birth weight and grown a full 1 3/4 inches! Way to go "Big E!"

Daddy's Little Helper

I just had to snap this picture! Avery LOVES to help Jeff when he is working around the house, she is always right on his heels ready to lend a hand and be just like Daddy. So, last night when Jeff took off his shirt to pull weeds in the backyard, Avery had to do the same. So funny...

Things have been moving right along. I'm so happy to not be pregnant any more and to have so much more energy (despite not sleeping all that much). We have been out several times with all of the kids. I got a few snappy remarks when I took the 3 of them to McDonald's to play and eat lunch when Ethan was all of 9 days old. But, the way I see it, I have 2 other kids to entertain and they don't particularly enjoy watching me sit on the couch all day. So, out we go!

Ethan did have his first bath the other day and while he did smell better, we can't say that it is his favorite thing. But, I have a feeling he'll come around in a couple of months. What kid doesn't like splashing in the tub???

Party of 5

On June 3 we welcomed our little boy, Ethan Charles, into our family. He weighed 6 lbs 13 oz and measured 19 1/4 inches. Once again, we were reminded of just how small a newborn is. How easily we forget!

We all made it home from the hospital and are now on Day 2 functioning as a family of 5. Avery has been a super big sister and is so proud of her new little brother. Yesterday she asked to hold Ethan for the first time. I said "Sure, come sit right here next to Mom." Her next comment was "I sure hope he likes flying through the air." Maybe she can hold him later...

Things have been surprisingly par for the course around the house. We just have a newborn to feed every 3 hours, Mom isn't getting much shut eye and the family as a whole is spending a lot of time in our pajamas. Maybe we'll graduate to getting dressed next week...