Pediatrician visits

Today we had two pediatrician visits.

Faith went in for her 2 1/2 year checkup.

She weighed 27 pounds 8 ounces (25%) and is 38 inches tall (95%). 

Then it was Benjamin's turn for his 9 month checkup. 

He weighed 22 pounds 9 ounces (75%) and was 31 1/2 inches tall (99%).

Side by side, Faith and Benjamin look to be about the same size.  They are less than 5 pounds, 6 inches, and 2 years difference between them.

Both Faith and Benjamin are healthy and happy, although Benjamin still has an ear infection in his left ear.  So we are starting a second round of antibiotics for him.  Hopefully they will work and all will be well again.

Dr. Suess program

All the kindergarten classes at Grace's school put on a Dr. Seuss program in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday.  Each child dressed up as a character from one of Dr. Suess's books.

Grace was Daisy-Head-Mayzie.

There were several Cat in the Hats, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Lorax, and even a Grinch or two.

All the children were precious.

And they sang a number of songs.  Twenty minutes worth.

And this is Grace's class.

They were fantastic!

Ahoy!

Grace is an excellent deck hand.

Or boat anchor. 

Maybe one day she'll be captain of her own ship...

Handprint stone

Wanting to memorialize tiny hands even more, I decided to let the kids make a stepping stone for our yard.

So first we mixed the concrete.

And stirred it a bunch and then poured it into a mold.

Then Grace, Faith, Benjamin and Chloe made their marks.  And finally, we decorated it with glow-in-the-dark rocks.  I can't wait for it to dry and go in our yard along our pool path.  This was so much fun that I think we are going to have to make more.  Maybe some feet next...  And I know I'm going to have add a new one with tiny hands every year.

Perseverance, the secret of all triumphs

I heard some loud noises outside this morning only to find the sidewalk in front of our house being repaired.  How exciting!  I couldn't wait to take the kids out and put some little hand prints in the fresh cement.  Apparently, the workers anticipated my actions.  And they were prepared and determined to prevent it.

Because they lazed around waiting and watching the concrete dry.  All in order to prevent someone like me from writing in the cement.  So those workers watched me watch them watch it dry.  I wonder who is more determined?  Finally, after about 2 hours they loaded up and left.  

Then this tenacious Momma may have rushed out the door with all three kids and one dog in tow.  And while the concrete might have technically been already set, I may have managed to smush a few tiny prints in it after all...

"Perseverance, the secret of all triumphs."  Victor Hugo

Free spirit

I've always thought of Faith as our little "free spirit."

And today she really looks the part.

Her heart is every bit as beautiful as she is.  My how I love this little girl.

Any man can be a father. It takes a special man to be a Daddy.

When I first met David over a decade ago I remember thinking he would make a great father.

But he exceeds all my expectations and hopes.

Our children are so fortunate to have such an amazing Daddy.  He leads them with a Godly example.  And teaches them right from wrong.  He loves them equally regardless of gender.

He is always so patient and never fails to make time to spend with each of our children.  Even when he is beyond exhausted.  He encourages each individually in all their endeavors.

He teaches them life's lessons and has high expectations for them.

He listens to everything little thing they have to say and often offers words of wisdom and gentle guidance.  David is truly a remarkable man.  Our kids couldn't have a better role model, father, or friend.

Our boat

We finally did it.  

We bought a boat.

And she's a true beauty.  We can't wait to get her in the water!

Valentine's for school

How darling are these Valentine's that Grace made for school?  I simply adore them.  

Chopsticks

Recently Grace and Faith have discovered a new favorite utensil.

Chopsticks!

What better way to eat pizza than using chopsticks?

Mardi Gras

Dressed for Mardi Gras

We finally finished our Mardi Gras clothes.

We painted purple tshirts.  Faith's favorite color is purple.

We made Mardi Gras tutus.  That spread glitter over the entire house.

And we danced and laughed and played to our hearts' content.

Valentine's mail box

For Valentine's Grace had to make a mailbox for school.

She worked quite hard on it.

Glueing and glittering and painting, too.

And it turned out great.

It's very cheerful and sparkley.  Just like Grace.

Moo Chee Chee

Today I took the kids to Moo Chee Chee for frozen yogurt.

It was Grace's reward for reading her homework every single night.

Grace filled her cup with lots of yogurt and tons of toppings.

Both girls ended up with sugar highs.

And neither could stop giggling.

But they thoroughly enjoyed their treat.  And I enjoyed them enjoying it.

Is she a pessimist or a realist?

This morning Faith and I were doing some light stretches and I told her to "Stretch.  Stretch.  Stretch!  Let's reach for the sky!"  And Faith just stopped, looked at me and said, "I keent do it.  I need la-er."  (I can't do it.  I need a ladder.)

100 days of school

Today was 100 days of school  party!

So Grace dressed up like she was 100 years old.  We tried to give her white hair with baby powder but those curls just drink it up and it didn't turn out quite like we had hoped.  But Grace was happy.

And took her 100 "diamonds" poster to school.

They had a parade first thing this morning.

Mrs. Gipson really looks like she's 100!

There's Grace.  She was hot so she took her cardigan off.

And here's her class.  Aren't they darling?