Sunday, March 17, 2013

Jan-March 2013

At the end of last year we took a visit to the new aquarium in Milwaukie.  I was a tad disappointed.  Maybe just because I had built it up in my head to be really great...not that I actually had a reason to do that, but I just expected a little more.  My wee ones still really loved it though and that was the important thing.  Jack still loves sharks and everything ocean related, so he was pretty eager to dress up in the Hammer head shark costume and touch the sharks and stingray as they passed.  In the spring they were supposed to be getting some seals and puffins, so we may have to take another trip back sometime during Spring Break.  
Our Valentine's Day traditions are fairly simple; we make each other some lovely handmade cards, the wee ones get some fun goodies and we get a yummy Abby's Heart shaped pizza for dinner.  I was completely floored by the amount of Valentine's Jack got from school.  He made a great folder to hold them all in and was very generous in sharing all his wee sweeties with Peter.    
Jack had his two front teeth fall out in February.  He always gets a little upset when any teeth fall out, but then he remembers that the tooth fairy will be visiting and he becomes very excited.  When asked by anyone what he's done with his tooth fairy money, he immediately replies, "It's in my piggy bank for Scotland!"  I did not tell my kid he needs to save anything for Scotland, but oh how happy it makes me that he wants so badly to go and spend time with his family there.  He is my budding little artist boy; drawing at every opportunity he gets.  I can't get enough of his artwork and love that as soon as he sits down to draw soon enough the whole family (bar Ryan due to being at work) are sitting around the kitchen table drawing along with him.
Peter has been learning to write letters (there he is with his first 'm' that he wrote without any help).  I am still shocked by how eager he is to keep up with Jack...he may be a wee bit competitive actually, ha! 
I have been thinking about whether or not to put him into some kind of preschool next year when Jack is gone all day at school, but I may just do some more at home stuff with him myself.  He gets on so well with the girls too that he won't be lacking in wee play pals.
He has been asking me for chocolate at least once a day..heaven help me...that kid is a blooming chocoholic.  He's so excited for Easter, I guess that makes sense since there is so much chocolate involved.  
Penelope has been playing 'Mummy' a lot.  It's great fun watching her feed her wee babies, but FLIP, she's still a wee baby herself...at least that's what a keep telling myself.  
Olive is the funniest wee girl I have ever met! She's been singing up a storm lately and will come sit with me for ages during the day just to have a good sing-a-long...we have a brillso time together! 
In February my very first roommate ever at BYU came with her husband to visit us.  They moved to Seattle after being married last year and for so long we have talked of getting together.  Finally it happened, and it was just so lovely to visit with her and meet her new man.  The last time I saw her Jack was a newborn, so she was really excited to meet the rest of my brood.  We won't be leaving it 5 years till we get together again that's for sure!  I love you, Kat!  
Lastly, just some cute pics of my wee ones that I thought I'd throw in.  After I got this new laptop and got some photo programs on here, I think I got a wee bit too carried away with all these collages! Ha. It's quite fun though, isn't it?! 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Dear Penelope,

Hiya Gorgeous girl!  I just reread the letter I wrote to you back in Nov.2011.  It was so funny reading that I called used to call you "wee Madam"; my, how you have changed.  I remember thinking that Olive was going to be my mellow child always and you my little outgoing, social butterfly.  How strange that you would reverse roles.  

You are still very dainty and gentle; a mere 20.5 pounds (at your check-up recently due to an ear infection, sad).  You're due your eighteen month check in a few days though, so we shall see if you are still the same.  Boy, you hate going to see the Doctor and subsequently, I hate taking you! Ha!  It is one of the hardest things for me to do, being in there with you and your sister while you get your jags.  You'd think a murder was taking place in our room if you were a passer by.  Heavens!  
Just like Jack, you are very hesitate of anyone new, and being touched by anyone you don't know is a massive 'No No' in your opinion.  
But, at the same time, if you are left with a babysitter you won't fuss too much at all, so long as you can hover close to your brothers and sister for...protection? comfort?  I'm sure a bit of both, ha.  It still surprises me though how well you can manage without me so long as you have your entourage by your side.  

You have gone to nursery a few times now at church and are getting on well there.  I've noticed more and more how much you like baby dolls/prams, superheros, and most importantly colouring with pretty much anything you can get a hold of...you do not like to eat crayons like your sister, you use them properly! 
Some other favourites of yours are:  Helping Mummy with the laundry, watching 'Peppa Pig' on Daddy's tablet, watching 'Yo Gabba Gabba' with Olive and your blankie, your dummy(we will need to start getting rid of that soon), your Teddy bear blanket, listening to Daddy play his guitar, rocking with Dad in his chair, getting your shoes on and being out at the shops, skyping/waving at Granny, and going to bed.  

What? Going to bed? You used to be my worst sleeper, Miss Mouse, and now, you are an amazing, superb, incredible, and utterly fantastic sleeper!  I put you down at 7:30/8pm and don't see you up till 9/9:30am! Heavenly.

You aren't talking as much as your sister yet, but that is all good and well.  Since you are like Jack in just about every way I assume you may speak a little latter like he did as well.  For now you say, "Mum, Dad, Yes, Gabba, No".  I'm sure you'll be chatting my ear off one day like your other siblings.  

You are a quiet, beautiful, sensitive wee soul, my lovely, and oh how I love watching you grow.  I love being your Mum.

 Squeeze hug, Mum x