~ 2 Weeks ~

Subtitled: The Good, the Bad, and the Pretty

Here's the Good

Well Baby E (I just absolutely love calling her Baby E) is officially 2 weeks old now. I really can't believe how fast time flies. At two weeks, she is still wearing newborn diapers and mostly all newborn clothes. I estimate her being around 8 lbs. She is a champion nurser and burps like a grown man!!! She has starting spitting up a little in the past couple of days, and I'm pretty sure it's because she over eats! :) She sleeps pretty good too. We are following the same bedtime ritual that we've used with all the others, and are hoping for the same results since they've all been/still are excellent sleepers. We aim for putting her down around 11:00 PM, and we try to get in bed at that same time. She usually wakes up the first time at around 3:00 AM and then again around 5 AM. Lately she ends up staying in the bed with us after that 5 AM feeding. That makes Wesley a little bit crazy, but I just can't help it. I was getting up and nursing her in the living room, but I kept falling asleep and spending the next few hours in the rocking chair. So I just gave in and started nursing her in the bed, and well I fall asleep there too of course!!! We usually get up for good at around 7:30 AM. I nurse her again at around that time and then all the little people get a turn to hold her while we get the day started. She does not like to be swaddled. Swaddling just makes her mad, and she fights her way out. :) We are finally starting to see her eyes. She's starting to be more alert and stay awake for a little while after feedings. This morning she was up for about 1 1/2 hours after her 8 AM feeding. A lot of times she watches us with just one eye which has led to me nick naming her "one eye". :) After a little working with her, we've got her using the "Nuk" pacifier. In the hospital, she was given the "Soothie" paci and she preferred that type at first. However, we did not. It's just a personal preference, but we like the Nuk better and feel like it is better for babies mouth and teeth. So we've now successfully made the switch. Although if we just left her along, she would totally be a finger sucker. We are trying hard to avoid that. :) So she sleeps, nurses, soils A LOT of diapers (we've gone through I think 5 packs in these 2 weeks), and enjoys being held and cuddled by the "minor" crew quite a lot!!! Elizabeth is just a sweet, sweet easy baby, and we all love her to pieces!!!

Now for the Bad

Don't be fooled though! Everything around her is not peaches and cream. Life is awesome, but it's also awesome HARD! I wouldn't trade these days for anything and am so, so, so grateful to have a new baby in my arms, but it's not without a lot of adjustment. My house is a total wreck (yes I know that doesn't really matter, except it does matter to me), homeschool has been hard (I'm learning to like the classical approach more and more since I can read to them or listen to them read while I'm nursing) (Heather I see you smiling, I see you!), we are watching a lot more TV than before, and Bella Peace uses Elizabeth's feedings to create havoc and chaos (BP is going to be the death of me!!). We are in desperate need of a new schedule and routine. Some structure. I feel like I need a paper bag or drugs or a straight jacket every time Wesley walks out the door for work. I'm sure I flash him puppy dog eyes which say, please don't leave me here alone with all these children, with this chaos, with this messy house, with all these school books! I know that I do, because he looks at me as to say I'm sorry I'm leaving you but I really have to go we have to pay for all of this. :) Does anyone else out there know what I'm talking about? It's like this is so totally my dream life, but that doesn't make it easy. I know that there are some who have the total misconception that if you have a big family you must be supermom or you must have it all together. My family and close friends know that's a lie!! I'm not supermom and I don't have it all together. Most days I'm barely hanging on and praying that God's grace and mercy covers over my many mistakes!

And finally, the Pretty

No ugly, only pretty. Pretty pictures. These pictures are all from the past week.

I think Elizabeth is going to like mirrors as much as the other Minor girls. She loves to look at her reflection in the mirror when she's on the changing pad. Vanity, already!!




Big Sister Bella Peace giving Baby E her pacifier. In this picture, I think Elizabeth looks a lot like pictures of my younger brother.


Here's "One Eye" at 2 weeks old



Wide Awake!!


The kiddos have enjoyed several field trips lately. In 4 days, they went on 3 different trips. Last Friday Wesley took them to see Columbus ship replicas, the Nina and the Pinta. The ships are on tour and in our area for a stop. Saturday was free museum day so of course we took advantage of that. And yesterday, they went to a local farm/pumpkin patch. This many field trips is not usual for us. It's just worked out this way lately. I've hated to miss out, but I have to admit that I've enjoyed the time to lay around and cuddle with Elizabeth. Here are some pictures from yesterday's trip.


Is he a country boy or what!?!

Counting Bears and Cars

Not much to report on the job front. Wesley is still at his same school per his supervisors instructions. He's of course being very much a gentlemen about the whole thing. He's being careful to do the right thing. The principal has not run him off yet. It seems everyone realizes a fight has begun, and everyone seems to be cordial, careful, and calculated. Wesley is very limited as to what he's able to do, because they've already brought in his replacement. It's a unique and awkward situation. In our area, tomorrow is the first day that high school athletes can practice with pads on. So, the football coach has called a practice for 12:01 tonight!! Can you imagine having football practice in the middle of the night like that?!! So, Wesley is getting in a few hours of sleep as I write this so he can be prepared to be at work only to not really work in just a couple hours. Very strange situation, folks!

Today was spent doing school, household chores, playing, and car (again I mean big vehicle) shopping via computer once again. Actually, I car shopped via computer a whole lot yesterday and last night. Today I made contact by phone with a dealer who has something that appears to be what we are looking for. I think I've gone into great detail about what a challenging experience car shopping has been. It kind of took the back burner a little (but not really) this week because of the developments with work and beginning school, but it's never been far from our minds and we've still worked on it as we could. Actually we thought we had something Monday before everything happened at work, but it also didn't pan out. Anyway, I really think this is the one!!! Because of Wesley's middle of the night work schedule, he's available in the day tomorrow to go check it out. I feel really good about this one. Maybe it's the one!!! Hopefully tomorrow I will post a 34 week picture of me and my new wheels!!!

So that's the work and car update. Now for some fun. The picture below is of Bella Peace doing her school. At least that's what she says. She calls it her math, and begs to do her "counting bears"!!



I bought these for I think $8 from Amazon this summer when I was ordering homeschool stuff for the big kids. I thought it would be a good activity to entertain her while we did school. I was right. She will sit and play with them for quite a while. There's so much you can do with them. Learn colors, matching, sorting, counting, etc. There are 50 bears in all in 5 different colors (10 bears per color). There's also 5 cups in matching colors for sorting. Bella Peace loves sorting the bears into their appropriate cups. I think it's a neat and fun activity! I will admit they have given us an opportunity for character training as well. When she gets done playing with them, she typically starts to drop them from her high chair to the ground. She's been none to happy to have to get down and pick them up off the floor thus providing us with an opportunity to deal with many character qualities. Hey, these are practically an entire curriculum!! :) (They do come with a warning about not being suitable for children under 3 because of the size of the bears, but I'm always sitting beside her when she plays with them and she good to not put them in her mouth.)

I titled this post "counting bears and cars" because it feels like we've checked on as many cars has Bella Peace has bears, maybe more!! We also been doing the "math", checking cost, sorting good and bad, comparing mileage and other details, etc. And let's not forget the character lessons we've had! Only "counting cars" hasn't been nearly as fun as "counting bears". :)

On a final note, I want to brag a little on my Mary Ruth. Today our preschool homeschool group had a playgroup. It was the first event of the new school year. With all that's already going on this week, I knew we could all make it today. It's going to be impossible this year to do all the activities available to us. However, I did ask a friend if she would mind picking up Mary Ruth on the way so that she could go. Mary Ruth was so excited to be getting to do something special, just her!! She was also so wore out when she returned home! I'm so glad she got to go. Thank you so much Heather for taking her!! She got a good report from Heather which pleased me, and then another precious friend emailed me to share what a sweet girl she was while at the playgroup. Thank you too, Melody!! Of course nothing makes a Mommy happier than good reports on her children. And it earned Mary Ruth the "special red plate" for dinner! Too bad I didn't get a picture.

Well that's all for tonight folks! Check back tomorrow to see if I've got wheels. I'll update if I'm not too busy burning up the highway!

Starting School

First, how do you like the new blog design? (Thanks, Katy for the help!)

Tomorrow we start back to school full time. We've done a few days over the summer, but not many and not every subject everyday. I've just finished up a few details and need to get in bed soon, but thought I would jump on her real quick. I really mean that tonight. :)

Luke starts 2nd grade. Grace starts 1st grade. Mary Ruth is doing some pre-K work. And Bella Peace has a few special activities too. She calls them her "cool work".

I'm excited to start back. It brings a sense of structure to our days. But, summer isn't over, and we there's still plenty of spontaneous fun to be had!

As cliche as this sounds, all of life really is a classroom. I've been getting "schooled" lately myself. Guess we all are, all the time.

One cool thing I learned today is this:

"The just shall live by faith" appears 4 times in scripture.

I love this simple reminder of how we should live. By faith. So good!!

This verse was a special one to us as we began school last year:

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12

There are several that stand out to me in regards to school this year. Here's a few:

"Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12

and this passage:

Proverbs 2:1-11

1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee

Since Luke started kindergarten we've memorized an entire Psalm each year (along with other verses). This year, we may just have to consider that passage about for our memory selection.

Well, it's time for bed. I know many of you are also starting school tomorrow. I will be saying a bedtime prayer for us all!

(BTW, scroll on down. I've got several new post up.)

Computer Break

Well I never did finish my blog projects. I have several post in my head including finishing my "March Madness" post, Grace's birthday post, writing about my mom's retreat, and sharing what God is teaching me these days. BUT, nevertheless, it's time for my computer break. This comes mostly by necessity, because after this morning I will be without a home computer at least temporarily. Our home computer crashed a while back, and we've had a temporary solution that is ending today. Although I would not chose this myself, it's probably a good thing. No, it is a good thing. Sometimes I spend too much time on the computer. Also sometimes I get more caught up in recording every moment and miss out of enjoying them as they come.

So, I will have Wesley post baby updates from work and will take advantage of opportunties to update when I'm around a computer. I'm not sure how long this will last, but I will be back!!

Here's an email I sent out to let family and friends know of this break. I think it's cute and funny. So I thought I would share it here.

Just wanted to let you all know that I will be without a computer for a while. GASP!!! A while back our computer crashed, and we've had a temporary solution that has ended. Maybe this will be a good thing. Will no computer = more productivity? We will see! I will have Wesley occassionally check my email from work and pass on information to me. I'm usually pretty terrible at answering the phone and returning calls, but with no computer and school ending Friday, I hope to do better. So if you need me, please call me instead of emailing me.

BTW, did you catch that, school ends this FRIDAY!!! Whoo Hoo!!

Please continue to pray for baby Elizabeth and Mommy. We have our 20 week appointment tomorrow! Also please pray for a quick resolution to our computer issues and good productivity while without a computer. Finally, pray for the work that God is doing in our lives right now. We have been, currently are, and probably will always be on quite a journey of faith. If there's anything I can pray with you about, please email me, no wait make that call me! Ha, ha!!

A Few Things I Love About Spring

Freshly mowed grass


Luke mowed the entire front yard and part of the back BY HIMSELF!! Of course Wesley was out there with him. He supervised Luke while he got some weed-eating done. Love that too! I can't believe my little boy is cutting the grass now, but I like it! How did he get to be 7 years old and so big!?!

This purple tree in our front yard


It's only purple like this for a short time. It's beautiful!! It was here when we moved in. I have no idea what kind of tree it is. Guess I should research that, huh?

This weeping willow on the side of our yard


Dandelions


How dare you call them weeds! I actually encourage our children to blow the seeds all over the yard after they turn into that white seed ball. Have you ever seen that TV commercial for round-up that shows someone spraying a dandelion? Breaks my heart!

Reading books outside with my monkeys


We just finished this one. I don't remember reading these as a child. I'm enjoying them now. I thought this one had a sad ending.

And speaking of my monkeys, here are a couple of them hanging in and from trees. Only thing missing is a banana.



And just one more...

Flip-flops by the door


So yes if you are thinking I might be slightly bipolar, it could be true. I know that my last post was about how stressed I was feeling. But, I'm feeling better now. :) Also I did this post a couple of days ago, and it just needed some finishing touches so there was nothing to it.

This is obviously not a complete list of favorites. Just a few we enjoyed earlier this week.

Tomorrow is a big day around here. Maybe I will find some time for an extra special post!

March 31, 2009

I can't believe it's already the last day of March!! Spring is definitely here, hopefully here to stay!! We've LOVED the weather this week. Although I must admit it sure makes it hard for a homeschool mom to get it all done. Yesterday we took a play break before we had finished all of our school work, and well everything didn't get finished. I know plenty of people who say take it outside, but I would say that those people don't have some of the challenges that I have. It's hard enough to keep up with my little sweetie pie, Bella Peace in an 1100 square foot house. If I were to take school outside to the vast outdoors, there's no telling what would happen!! Plus when we've tried it, Luke is totally distracted. It takes him twice as long to get his work done. So while we might get creative sometimes and do a few things here and there outside, we will for the most part keep our phonics, reading, and math indoors. We do however look or educational experiences outdoors, and there is no shortage to be found!!

Today the big kids had big plans so we had to really get after it to finish school early. Wesley didn't have to go into work until around lunch time, so he took Mary Ruth and Bella Peace on a "nature walk". They had so much fun. Mary Ruth took her camera and took pictures of any "nature" she could find. She made some interesting finds too! They walked over the park behind our house and found a large bone. Wesley said it was part of a deer. YUCK!! Luke ask later if he could go get it and bring it home. Double YUCK!!

So what were the big kids plans? Papa and Nana Mathis picked them up after lunch to go to the Treehouse Exhibit and the Spring Flower Festival at the Botanical Gardens. We don't have a membership and have never been to either of these, so I know they will LOVE it!! Hopefully I will get some good pictures from them and can share them later. I'm going to pick them up at church tonight. A friend ask what I would do with myself the rest of the day. Well I will be doing pretty much the same thing I do when they are here. Keeping up with my favorite almost 2 year old!!! Now if the it were reveresed and the big kids were here and the little one wasn't, then I might get seriously caught up on some things. Ha, ha!!

In other news, Grace lost her second tooth today!! I have a picture, but it's on the camera I sent with them to the Botanical Gardens. I will have to come back and add it later on. She was soooooo excited. The tooth was really loose and had been really bothering her, but it was a booger to pull!! Like I said, it was really loose, but it was deep rooted. I had to really tug on it!! She was such a trooper and so brave! Our thoughts about this is that if the tooth is really giving them trouble the best thing to do is to just go ahead and pull it, because then it won't hurt anymore. I know other parents chose to just let nature take it's course. Luke has lost 8 teeth so far, and that has been the case for a couple of his teeth. For the most part, we let them decide when it's time for it to be pulled, but they've learned it really does feel better after it's out. It also puts an end to all the drama. Some kids really suffer with anxiety about the whole thing. We've also sugar coated the deal with a pack of M&M's as a special treat for losing a tooth. So really, they look forward to it a lot!! I'm sure a dentist would say that the M&M's are going to lead to a lot more missing teeth. Ha, ha!! But it's not that often. It really is a special treat, and it's just become a "minor" tradition. Somehow Dr. Pepper is finding it's way in this deal. Not sure how that happened. I think it may have came up when Luke recently lost his 8th tooth and convinced his Daddy that he was suppose to get both. Or was it me that he convinced. Hummmm. Mary Ruth can't wait to lose a tooth!! At least Luke and Grace are always good to share their treats with the other kiddos. Her day will come! It's so funny that kids get so excited over losing teeth!!

Well one of the things I hoping to do today is finish up a couple other post I have started. I think I'm going to get busy on that now, and we shall see how far I get before Bella Peace wakes up! Pictures coming soon, I promise!!