Katie's Birthday Celebrations

Turning 5 was a big deal in our house... you are now a whole hand old! So as usual I wanted to make a big deal about this event!

Her actual birthday party was held very early to make our very hectic December a little less so!

One of Katie's best friends at school, Ethan, was not able to come to her party. So to make up for this we invited Ethan and his mom Emily over for lunch after school. They were so adorable together, everyone had a really nice time! I can't find any pictures now, but I hope to find them soon.

On her actual birthday her friend Samantha came home with us from school I and took the girls (and Jack of course) to Chili's for lunch. I have so much fun watching Katie with her friends interacting out in the real world and watching others reactions to them as well. I know someday I will be sad to go out in public and not have people tell me how adorable my kids are, so for now I like to soak up all the compliments!

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Christmas Pictures

Well this is one session we will never forget! Portrait sessions tend to really stress me out! Worrying about the kids cooperation, timing for naps & lunch, outfits.. you name it and I worry about it. This time was no different so I made sure we were extra prepared. All outfits had been laid out the night before, bags had been packed so we would be ready for out 10 am departure which was even going to be in sync with Luke's nap.

Well go to get Jack dressed and the pants are way too big, will not stay up and the boy does not own a belt! Thank goodness Meme was here and quickly came to the rescue with a needle and thread. OK all is good, crisis averted. I even decided to back the car out a few minutes early to make loading easier.. uh oh, car wont start! The kids had left an overhead light on when they were playing bus driver the day before and the battery was dead! Our neighbor Ken came to the rescue with jumper cables and we actually only ended up leaving the house about 10 minutes late.

The actual session went really well! The kids were very cooperative and gave lots of smiles thanks to our photographer's husband/assistant! At one point while Andy and I were having our shots taken we look up and her husband is holding Luke in one arm (not an easy task) and running while pushing Jack in the stroller keeping them amused! I would say that was beyond the call of duty! We think the pictures came out really well.

Thanksgiving 2010

Once again we were invited to the Woodcock's home for Thanksgiving! We had such a wonderful time and are so thankful for our hostess for having us. The kids LOVE their Aunt Sherri and it has nothing to do with the fact that she always has such sweet presents for them!

We enjoyed hanging around outside by the pool and much to Katie's delight, Thanksgiving dinner included macaroni and cheese! Jacks dinner got a little spoiled for all the cookies he was sneaking from the dessert table beforehand!



Meme and Papaw stayed with us for the weekend and lucky for them we got our Christmas tree up and decorated! The kids also got new inflatables for the front yard. The Santa and Snowman were a big hit and we found ourselves inflating them during the day just to amuse Jack.

Katie 5th Birthday Party

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Katie had such a wonderful birthday party! So glad we did it a few weeks early since December is such a busy month for us and since she has been talking about her party for months! Katie was a good little hostess and had such a great time with all her little friends. I think her favorite part was the special birthday chair that she insisted we move across the room so she could sit at the table with it!

Happy Halloween

Well I fully took advantage of being able to manipulate the kids once again this year. Katie wanted (with some gentle persuasion) to be Princess Belle this year. We had purchased the dress over the summer as a treat to wear to the Beauty and the Beast production. So after a lot of internet and catalog searching, I found an appropriately sized Prince Charming costume for Jack and what Princess would be complete without her little frog.. here comes Luke!

Trick or Treating was A LOT of fun this year. Katie was very grown up about taking Jack with her to the door of each house. It took Jack a couple of times to get it, but once he did he could not get to the next house fast enough.

Happy Fall!

I just love this time of year. The weather is just fantastic and there are so many family friendly activities around town that it is actually hard to hit them all. We were a little reserved this year and did not make it to as many as we would have like, if we had poor little Luke would have never been out of his car seat!

We did make it to the Houston Zoo for "Zoo Boo". This is a family favorite and we had a great time!

































We went to Sugar Land's Baptist's Fall Festival. The kids played lots of little games in exchange for Halloween candy, they jumped in the bouncy castles and enjoyed sausage on a stick (yes even Katie tried it!)

Oops We missed a month

I know everyone told me the 3rd baby would not get as much attention, there would be less photos, and that generally he would just have to find his spot in the already established family routine. While I knew this was probably true, I have tried my best to prove them wrong. We bought a new camera while I was pregnant so pictures would be abundant. I got a new phone with video capabilities so I could send is first movements across the web, but at five months in I have already failed. I forgot to record his fourth month achievements and yesterday he was 5 months.

Time really is flying by with this one. Our Lovely Luke is precious! He has a big smile for everyone and hardly fusses at all about being carted around to all of his sister & brother's activities, play dates and parties. Our weekends are all about making special time for the big kids individually and little Luke just says OK, you go and have your fun, I am happy to just chill at home!

So here goes.. at 4 months Luke was 25 1/4 inches long and weighed 17.9lbs! That is getting close to being off the charts.. There was not an official weigh in at 5 months, but my aching back is telling me he is still putting on the lbs! Everyone loves a chunky baby, so Luke is getting lots and lots of love!

He is just starting to twist his little body around, and if left on his tummy he will scoot backwards until something or someone stops him. He is doing very well sleep wise, consistently sleeping from 7pm - 8am with feeds at 10 & 6. His morning nap is more often than not on the go in the car, but when at home he loves to stretch out in is bed and crash for a hour. Afternoon nap is still very temperamental varying from 1 -3 hours (oh how I wish this would become a nice consistent nap). I know these might be boring details to report, but I have always said this blog is for me, and I know one day I will appreciate being able to look back on these little details.

Next step is food.. we are prepared with bibs, spoons and baby rice. My plan is to wait as long as possible before starting solids, once you go solid, you can't go back! Since he is sleeping over night so well we will probably wait until that changes before we make a go of it.

The big 6 month weigh in is right around the corner, so stay tuned for the latest developments!

Katie's Last Year of Pre-school

Fall is in the air and school pictures are in. Once again the camera loved Katie for her school photos, she loves school picture day!

She is doing great as an Orange friend with Mrs. Sems and we have decided to help her better prepare for kindergarten by adding two more days to her school week. she is now a Butterfly friend with Mrs. Temple as well. So she is now in pre-school 23 hours a week which we think will really help next year with the shock of a 35 hour school week.

Katie is also really enjoying her new "grown up" dance class. The more structure we can provide for her the better and she seems to have a lot of respect for all her new teachers this year!

We did "try" soccer this fall and have learned that while Katie loves to run around doing drills & kicking the ball, full on contact with the other players was not for her. Oh well, if you don't try you wont know! So her soccer days were limited, we are just going to stick with dance for now!

Luke's Photo Session

Luke's 3 month photo session went really well. Jack could have been more cooperative, but I find as he is getting closer to two, his cooperation in such matters is waining.. I really just wanted one good picture of the two of them together for their future shared room and I think I got it. You decide!

Happy 3 months Luke!

Luke was 3 months old on Friday and celebrated by watching England play (and win) a football match with Daddy. He is a very happy baby and is in awe of his big brother and sister (as they are with him). Jack's first concern in the morning and after nap is Luke. He loves to give kisses and hugs..

With the help of a dream feed about 10:30pm, Luke is sleeping to sometime between 5 -7 and eventually rises for the morning about 8. It is nice to have a lazy baby! He is talking so much that he had a hard time feeding, so we have to ignore him a bit to make sure he eats enough (which by the size of him we don't have much to worry about)!

Luke has officially been in his own room for a couple of weeks and does not seem to miss the coziness of Daddy's closet. It has been nice having his own space and keeping all of his things in one place.

He is about to outgrow the baby bathtub and then the real fun will begin when it is boys v. girls bath night. Watch this space, but the first post after the boys' bath night should be interesting!

Fall is in the air!

Well thank goodness we have had a few "fall like" days to break up some of this horrible humid heat. It has by no means been cool, but we have had a few days were it was not completely unpleasant to be outside. We even made a quick trip to the park and the kids loved it.

Katie is back in school (and not a day too soon) and loving it. Next week is a full week (which is still only 2.5 days). She also started a new dance class, and Jack is back at Gymboree. Houston... we have structure again! I am loving it and I think the kids are as well.

I am planning some play dates for Jack on Katie's school mornings and Luke it happy to just tag along. We are very excited that two baby boys have been born to friends in Riverstone this summer (baby Gavin just a couple of days ago..), so this time next year I am sure he will have his own little play group. As this will be Jack's last full year at home with just Mommy, we are going to take advantage and squeeze as much fun in as possible.

Our first morning with Katie back in school we hit Chuck E Cheese first thing and had the whole place to ourselves until some friends arrived. They all had a great time..

Orange is the new Pink!

Today was meet the teacher day for Katie, and PK4 is going to be a great year. She will be an orange friend this year with Mrs. Stephanie Sems. Although we met Stephanie earlier this summer, she and Katie really hit it off today. The room was all set up for the kids, Katie found where her back pack will go, where she will sign in each day and her cubby for her projects and papers. She and Jack jumped right up and colored a picture and Jack loved the "little" potty attached to the class room. Luke slept through the entire event despite being admired by all.

School starts next Tuesday and we can't wait, now to go and start collecting orange things!

Ahhh San Diego

We have been home for several weeks from our trip, I just have not found the time to write about. I realized I better do it fast as the Houston heat is making my memory the beautiful California weather melt..

We had a wonderful four days exploring all the different neighborhoods of San Diego. We had a nice lunch and view of the seals in La Jolla. We enjoyed the ferry ride across San Diego bay to Coronado Island and strolled across the island for the view of the Pacific from the decks of the Coronado Hotel. We drove north for dinner one night and enjoyed a delicious dinner while watching the sun set. We had a full day in Balboa Park wandering in and out of museums & gardens before finding a great spot for lunch and spent our last morning in Old Town soaking up some sun and shopping for those last minute souvenirs for the kids!

The best part of the entire trip though was the two on one time we spent with Luke. As the third baby he does not demand as much attention as the big kids at home, so being away with just him allowed us to dote on him like every baby should be. He was a great traveller and thoroughly enjoyed the lovely weather and being able to spend some time in the fresh air for the first time in his little life!

Luke is two months old!

I think the standard comment here is wow how time flies, but I can honestly say it does not feel that way to me. I do remember thinking the same thing with Jack at this age, so I can't say it is because he is baby no. 3. I feel like Luke has been apart of our family always. He has found his spot in our life and fits perfectly.

He is a dream baby, feeds well, sleeps well and is giving great smiles on demand. As with any newborn he has a fussy time, but this varies in time through the day which makes it more bareable since you dont know when it will happen you cant get anxious over it.

He had a great check up today weighing in at 13lbs 1oz and was 231/4 inches long. This puts him above average size, but not off the charts.

We are off to San Diego in two days with Luke and are both really looking forward to having some Luke time and giving him our undivided attention, these opportunities will be few and far between in the future.

Katie's Summer

Well our little Katie has been a star this summer. She has been to two Vacation Bible Schools, two weeks of camp and has been dropped off at new friends houses to play. She has done all of this with a smile on her face and has been very brave to try all these new things.

Here are a few pictures from her adventures!

Our biggest fish

We are so very proud of our Katie Button. She started private swim
lessons mid June to help her gain some confidence about playing in the
water and she ended up learning to swim!

Yesterday for the first time she swam across the width of the pool
completely unaided! Miss Jessica was there with her, but only for
safety reasons. She was beaming and exhausted when she was done. I had
her stand up and turn around to see what she had just done and I could
tell she and Jessica were very proud!!!

When she started these lessons she would only let go of her instructor
if she was holding on to her, an hated putting her face in the water.
So she has made some amazing strides!

WE LOVE YOU BUTTON AND COULD NOT BE MORE PROUD!

Luke is one month old

Happy one month baby Luke! While I can't tell you his vital statistics (his check up appt is on Tues), I can tell as evident in this video he is very much loved! I did not know we had a missing puzzle piece in our family until Luke came along and slotted right in. Andy and I were discussing it last night, and he is our bonus child, the icing on the cake. I have to say he is pretty sweet!

We are all doing really well, much in part to all the wonderful help the grandmothers have provided. Luke is giving us some long stretches in the night between feeds and is really starting to stay awake more during the day. He is developing a good schedule and for those of you who know me well know that makes me very happy. I like to be able to make plans, so a baby with a schedule really suits me!

I will update more on Tues after the official measurements, but I am sure we are going to be pleased with the results as you can already see baby fat builing up on the little guy and we are now completely out of newborn clothes and are stretching out the 3 month sizes!

Update: Luke had his check up today and was a super star. He is now 10lbs 15 oz and 221/4 inches long! This puts him approx in the 80th percentile (he is another big one)!

Jack is on the down slope to 2!!!

Wow, we are already 18 months old.. where does time go??? Jack is amazing! He is such a good spirited little fella (as Katie likes to call him!). His comprehension of what we are saying is unbelievable. He follows instructions (when he wants to) very well and understands almost everything we say. His words/phrases are really coming together, he adds to his vocabulary almost daily. He is still eating almost everything in sight, but is burning it straight off with all his activity. He is climbing on everything and unfortunately has started jumping off things thanks to his big sister!

Jack LOVES baby Luke and constantly wants to hold and kiss him. When he holds him it is pure brotherly love and Luke seems to enjoy it as well! Jack wants to do everything Katie does and it is our challenge to have her be a good example to her little brother. He is a cuddle bug especially first thing in the morning and right after nap (or if a stranger tries to say hello). He is not shy with his kisses or pats and my favorite time with him is right before bed when he strokes my arms before I put him down.

He loves to play outside and if he had his way would be pushed on his trike every morning despite the heat. He had a great water fight with Katie & Meme this past weekend and now loves going to the swimming pool with Andy.

He feeds himself really well and always starts off with a spoon or a fork, but usually ends up using his hands!

While bed time has gotten to be a challenge, he is still sleeping well even if he is getting up a little earlier than ideal... but he is just so busy he needed a little extra time in the day to get all his business done.

The most amazing accomplishment so far is using the potty. We are not pushing potty training at all, but he has shown an interest and ability and has started using the potty almost once per day. So hopefully we wont have two in diapers for that much longer.

Jack has loved having Nana & Meme here helping us with baby Luke. He pretty much sticks right to their side and rides along to help with all the errands, he is going to be really bored once he is just stuck at home with me in the Fall!

I love you my little man, it has been a fantastic 18 months! Can't wait to see what you do next!

weight -25.2lbs (50%)

height - 31 inches (85%)

Luke's second check up

Wow, this boy is growing. He is now 8lbs even. So in 12 days he is
already above his birth weight and has averaged 1.5oz gain per day
over the past week. He is sleeping well over night going about 4 hours
between feeds, now we just need to cut down the feed time from 45
minutes!

Jack has been allowed to hold Luke, and they both seem to really like
it. I think Luke is actually safer in Jack's arms, when his arms are full he can't poke Luke's eyes!

Jack is almost 18 months and is starting to string words together. He is also starting to have really enthusiastic babbling conversations, I worry when ge gets going bc he loses his balance!

Katie started her first VBS this week. She was a little reluctant for Meme to leave her on the first morning, but after a great first day, she was eager to go back.

Stay tuned, we have an exciting summer ahead!

Welcome Home Luke

We are home with Luke. He seems to fit right into our little family.
Katie is in awe and continuously declares his cuteness! Jack would
love for Luke to be his own personal baby doll and be allowed to pick
him up. He has settled for a few kisses on the head.

Luke had his first check up today. He has gained 3 oz since leaving
the hospital putting him at 7lb 4oz, so doing really well. He is
slightly jaundice, but nothing a few days of good feeding won't cure.

He has his newborn pictures scheduled on Friday, so I am really hoping
his orange tinge fades a little, otherwise I am going to dress us all
in yellow!

He has been a very good baby so far, he is a perfect little eater,
sleeper & pooper! He has spent most of his first few days in our
bedroom, but we have noticed he loves the light and sounds in the
playroom, I am guessing he can't wait to get down and participate in
all the fun!

Eviction Notice!

Well as it turns our last weekend was not our "last weekend". I have officially been pregnant longer with Luke than I was with Jack which I am finding very surprising and frustrating. So it is a nice long weekend, Andy has been off for three days and still has one more to go! It would have been a perfect time to have a baby!

I have my LAST ever OB appointment on Tuesday and a planned induction on Thursday, June 3rd. I think that has a nice sound to it for a birthday.

So Luke, if you would like to come out on your own before Thursday I promise to keep you safe and warm and smother you with kisses and cuddles, but if not, enjoy your last 4 days in the womb b/c sweet boy the time has come for us to meet you and for mommy to have her body back to herself!

So again, we have had a nice last weekend before baby. Katie and I had a girlie morning out yesterday with pedicures, a trip to the library and then lunch. Andy and Jack ran errands and in the afternoon we made a trip to the mall for some indoor playtime and ice cream! Today we have Jacob's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese and both kids are excited since it has been a long time since we have been there!

Countdown to Baby Luke!

I had what I hoped to be my final OB apppointment yesterday, but that may not be the case. Although I have been consistently contracting every day for weeks, the contractions don't seem to be getting me any closer to a delivery. So I have been given an induction date of June 3rd when Luke will be exactly 39 weeks....



So this next week will be all about quality time with each of my babies and trying to squeeze in as much fun outside the house as possible since we will be homebound for a few weeks after. We are starting today by meeting the playgroup at Memorial City Mall, and since Katie is out of school she finally gets to attend and is very excited.

Last breakfast at Nana's

The kids are now happily home! They could not have jumped into my arms fast enough, it was a happy reunion on the drive way. When Jack saw Lucy, I was old news! He followed his puppy around until nap time!

Thanks to Nana for a wonderful weekend, but now we are ready to move to the next chapter of our lives... let's bring home baby Luke!

The Last Weekend

We have been given a gift! A weekend at home to do absolutely as we please... without kiddos! Nana has taken Katie & Jack to Georgetown for a fun filled action packed weekend, leaving Andy and I at home to have less than an action packed weekend! Well Andy has started off his free time with a little run (he bought new shoes yesterday and was looking forward to breaking them in)... I am about to go and do a little more baby organizing in the "boys" rooms, then we are off to have a relaxing day. A little model home touring, some lunch and then maybe a movie! Can't wait... we don't have to be home for nap time and we certainly don't have to eat at a kid friendly venue!

Update from Nana last night:

Didn't put up too much resistance. Very sweet. Had a fun time playing for a bit in the tree house with Katie and Storm. He really enjoyed peeing on my bed the most though. :) Linens wasn't on my list but then neither was locking the dogs in the bedroom! Storm had to crawl through a window to get into the den (my bed area) to free them. Ahhhh yes - and little man was fed/med/and in bed by 6:55! Katie is sleeping with me. I'm not comfortable putting her on the floor here. Haven't seen a scorpion this season but don't want to find out we have them via Katie bug. She is down and quite happy that I will be curling up with her tonight. Clearly I can't keep her out of the back with Jack sleeping in that bedroom but doing the best I can to minimize her time spent back there. They were both VERY good on the trip. Couldn't have asked for better behaved children. Made me very proud in Giddings at Reba's. Brought smiles to everyone in there. Hope you are enjoying your evening. PLEASE, try and keep those feet up as much as possible.. This not sleeping at night is going to catch up with you. At least if you can rest during the day you might not be so exhausted to welcome Luke into this world. REST, REST, REST. love, Mom Saturday with the kids: Woke up happy and ready to get on with first day at Nana's Camp for precious children" We had breakfast - Katie had cereal and licked the bowl / Jack had his cereal bar w/Milk and banana. Then it was up to the treehouse for a few stories b4 it got so hot. Of course Katie's favorite part is opening and closing the special 1/2 door. She also loves to sit on the little couch for puppies. Wished I had taken my camera up. She sold shakes to Jack over the 1/2 door. He would have been much happier had they not been invisible shakes. :( Off to Sun City by 9:00 for the start of the fundraising run/walk. My friend was performing in a band that performed. Katie and Jack both contributed to the entertainment with dancing and smiles. There was a great playscape as well that they played on. Weather was perfect for it. I think they appreciated as well after the humid/hot day in Houston just yesterday. There was a little boy Jack's age and a little girl Katie's so fun was had by all. We had our snacks, said our goodbyes and raced home as I was afraid the great grandparents my arrive early. Well, they did. Mom was just getting ready to call you to see if you knew what had happened as she was sure something dreadful must have happened or we would be here. Everyone is gone now and the kids and I are resting. Jack sound asleep and Katie nodding in and out. Don't know what we will do this afternoon. Probably very little as the temps are rising outside. Katie has missed Stormy today. She sure bent her ear yesterday. Jack still not sure about this Stormy girl. Verdict still out. Better get churning. Much to do b4 my little charges wake up. We may go to Dog Eared books and an early dinner.
love, Mom



Sunday: Their bags are packed. All but the early morning bits. . . breakfast, clean clothes for the road trip. (haha - why do I bother) It seems they are always so spotless at your house and look like little mud pies here. Delectable little mud pies! After our "treehouse" time, we went to Round Rock and played on the playscape behind Ikea. Uncle Dale joined us (thank goodness) and then we had some lunch. We made it to our inside gigs before the heat got unbearable. Dale said I was a light weight and the kiddos laughed and thought so too. They weren't bothered a bit by the 80 degree morning. Then, we were off to Jump and Climb which was right there in the neighborhood. We had it all to ourselves since we were there knocking on the door when they opened. Katie didn't mess around. She was off like lightning into the balls and slides. Jack thought opening and closing the gate was the cat's meow for him. He later was a bit curious about all the squeals and giggles coming from his sister and decided to join her. He is quite an adventurous little dude. He watches, thinks it through then he's off! Dale walked out of there on cloud nine. For absolutely no reason at all, Katie ran over to him after sliding down a bit challenging slide and jumped in his arms and gave him the biggest kiss. Wish I had captured that one in a pic.













We came home exhausted and were down for the count within minutes. We decided what the heck, it's our last night so off to Luby's for some veggies and grilled chicken, and any and everything else Jack could talk us into.


The only way I will be able to load them up in a few hours and head your way is knowing I'm staying on. At least until I can wean myself. Is there such a thing?
Love, Mom

The End is in Sight!

I am now 37 weeks along and feel like baby Luke could be come at any time. Daily tasks are getting harder and harder, but the kids & Andy are cutting me a lot of slack! Luke's room is done (well the guest/nursery) and all of the baby equipment is scattered across the house. The last thing left to do is install the car seat.


Now that is going to be tricky... how to position all the kids in the new mama mobile! Do Katie and Jack go in the very back together leaving Luke in the middle on his own or does Katie reign as princess leaving her on her own in the back and the boys can stick together in the middle... then there is the decision as to what side of the car the infant seat will go! Oh the decisions (my life is pretty good seeing as how this is all I am worried about right now!).


Nana is coming back this week to hopefully collect the kids for the weekend + a day! I really don't want to spoil this opportunity by going into labor. Andy and I are very excited about the possibility of just staying at home, a little relaxing, a little shopping and a lot of sleep!

Today was Katie's last day of school and the MDS Fun day! It was a lot of fun and Andy and I both got to participate! Katie acted very shy towards all the fun activities at first, but after she warmed up she was all about winning prizes and playing with her friends.

Cinderella

I took Katie & Saige last weekend to our favorite little children's theatre, Company on Stage, to see Cinderella. They watched the Disney version in the car on the way and both loved the show. The fairy godmother and her purple hair was the biggest hit!

Little Swimmer

Katie has resumed swim classes at Sea Star and for the past two weeks has been going every day. Jack has been such a trooper spending his favorite play time watching Katie swim. He found her goggles yesterday and with Andy's help put them on. He thinks they are great and wants to know when it is his turn to swim!

Katie's Dress Rehearsal

Katie had her dress rehearsal for her dance recital last night. We were lucky to get their early and got to see Saige's ballet performance. Katie was so excited to see her buddy! Katie's rehearsal went great, which I hope does not mean the performance on Saturday will go wrong! She is in a great class and all ten girls are participating in the recital, so they look great on stage. Nana, Meme & Papaw are all coming to the show and I am just hoping to make it as well... little Luke just hold on a few more days! ;)

Preschool Open House

Last night was open house at Katie's school. The evening started with a precious concert put on by the kids. Katie class performed Warm Wendall and The Wise Man & the Foolish Man.

Then it was off to her class to see what they have been working on. Katie was so proud to Andy her scrapbooks and art work posted around the room. I think Andy was equally as proud to see it all. She has had such a great year in pre-school, I am so glad she has one more year at this wonderful school!