Natalie’s 9th Birthday

Natalie had her golden birthday this year. She was sure excited for it. With being a Harry Potter, a lot of it was themed around that. The Saturday before her birthday she was able to make use of a Wahooz pass she had earned from school. She and Justin had a fun date that day. 

Then on her actual birthday she had treats at school, hamburgers for dinner, chocolate cake and presents. We had my parents and grandma over. She was able t facetime Justin’s mom. It was a fun and busy day. 








I forgot to get the correct amount of candles, so we made it a bit of a math problem. 6+3. My dad was quick to remind us that she is at the halfway mark

of living in our home. It is so crazy! Time has flown, just like everyone said it would. 

The Saturday after her birthday she got together with a few friends to drink butter beer and watch Harry Potter. I sadly forgot to take pictures. Her and her friends dressed up and had a great time.

Natalie loves reading, friends, piano, chocolate and her family. She is very spiritual and has great faith in God. She works really hard at school and being a good example in our home. She is quick to forgive and tries to help here at home. She loves to write stories and little jingles. My favorite she wrote is about Tapatio, the hot sauce. Natalie teaches me how to be more kind, aware of others feelings, and to smile. How I love her! Happy Birthday sweet girl. 

Ordinary Day to Remember

I haven’t taken many pictures of the girls lately. I am not great at snapping photos, and their milestones seem to spread out the older they get. This evening was a bit calmer than some, and I decided to grab a few photos to help me remember.

Remember how this little guy is doing better at eating pureed food. Though it still only amounts to about a tablespoon and a half and of that only part makes it in his mouth. He seems to enjoy carrots and his sisters want to know how you mush up carrots when they are so hard? His hair is growing in thicker and he is grabbing for everything he can get his hands on.

Remember how Beth more dances around her chair during dinner rather than sits in it. She rarely eats a whole meal and most of the time dinner is spent in negotiating. Remember how you were a good mom and bought a pumpkin pie for Pi day. You let the kids choose even though you would have preferred coconut cream. 

Oh, and don’t forget the conversation at dinner from J about how “Santa, the Tooth fairy, and the Easter bunny are the only real magic in the world. Because how would we have presents or money or egg hunts without them.” 

We miss Dad at the dinner table as this is a night he works late. The table is a different place without him, but we manage. 

Remember how your oldest baby now takes care of the youngest baby with such gentleness and love. She does fun activities with him and sings to him. It is beautiful and incomprehensible that she is old enough to do this. When given the option to clear the table or tend the baby so you can do dishes, she beats her siblings with a resounding, “I will watch the baby.” The baby loves her and often times gets excited when she walks in the house after being gone all day. 

Remember how these girls recalled mom had put their Barbie camper away months ago and decided it is time to be played with. It will keep them entertained for the next week as they come up with different scenarios for their barbies. They asked you several times in the last 24 hours when you would get it out for them. 

These ordinary days are the gentle rhythm of our lives. They string together much of the growth and learning we encounter. When I look back, I know I will want to remember not only the grand but the simple days we live as a family too. Grateful to get to experience life with my family. 

5 Months

At 5 months he is:

Sleeping better at night

Has tried baby food, but not overly excited about it yet. He seemed to enjoy carrots the most of what he tried. Still nurses. 

Is great at smiling and very happy in the morning

Can roll from tummy to back, but bot proficient yet

Loves to be entertained by his sisters

Done with being swaddled

Loves to be outside and go on walks

Enjoys Dad but loves mom the best right now.

Has been the best part of 2022. 

Jenna writes on her school papers how grateful she is for her brother Jim.

Beth has to give him a hug every morning upon waking and Natalie spends lots of time holding him so I can cook or help her sisters.

 She does really well with him.