Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas

2013

Merry Christmas to our friends and family. It's been a wonderfully crazy few weeks leading up to Christmas but with less than a week to go- we're excited to sit back and enjoy. 

We started off the new year with our little boy Brayden turning 2. Like his first birthday, he got the stomach bug and didn't get to enjoy his cake that I so carefully prepared for him. This year was a very big year for Brayden. From becoming a big brother, to losing his beloved "po" and potty training! Brayden welcomed his little brother with open arms. He LOVES him. I've never seen a newborn get as much attention as Brayden and Ruthie give him. Like Ruthie, I had hoped to potty train Brayden at 18 months- but with a difficult pregnancy, I had to postpone potty-training until after Marshall was born. Potty-training a boy was much harder than a girl- but he got it done! Brayden is so much fun. Works hard on not getting lost as the middle child. I can't even imagine life without my bold-headed little man. He is one of the most kind souls though it's hard to see through is scowl. If you can get past the scowl there's the biggest heart you'll ever see. 

Marshall was welcomed into our family on April 8th. Each of my children are so unique and so wonderful. I love each of them so much. I never knew my heart could store this much love. Marshall was born 9 lbs 5 oz and eager to eat! He continues to be eager to eat and really only cries when he's ready for his bottle. Marshall has the biggest smile. He is also my first mommy's baby! I love it! In his short 8 months he started crawling at 4 1/2 months, sitting and standing at 6 months, mastering going up the stairs at 7 1/2 and at 8 months trying to climb out his crib. Oy!

Ruthie- true joy is growing up so fast. I can't believe she turned 5 at the beginning of this month!! 5!! She is in pre-kindergarten and LOVES it!! She attends 5 days and can't get enough. She is recognizing some site words and is learning to sound out words with me. She is an encourager and very helpful. Eager to do chores around the house and the one I count on to help me clean up the toys after a long day. I just love her! 

Jonathan turned the bIG 30 in March. I thought for sure my birthday gift to him was going to be Marshall- but Marshall had other plans. Marshall spent his birthday like Brayden's... sick :( Boo! Jon is having an exciting year. He successfully passed his comps and finished taking classes in his doctorate program! Now on to the dissertation. I'm so proud of him!! And what an accomplishment! He also started a job at the Penn State Psych Clinic and is loving his work! We love having him home in the evenings for dinner and on the weekends. 

I am having a great year. After a very hard end to my 2012 this year as been great. After a long pregnancy, Marshall James is here. I love being a mommy to three of the greatest kids. Although tiring and tough at times, I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Merry Christmas. 

Wishing you the very best in 2014.  

7 Month- Happiness

7 Month

Happiness

 Look at this cute face!! I'm so in love with being a mommy!!! It's one of my greatest joys! Truly!! I love it-- even when it's maddening-- LOVE IT!

Marshall James is crazy mobile! In just one month he is crawling over the steps and standing. You can tell how badly he wants to be on his feet! I do not think we're going to make it to his first birthday without taking his first steps :) Oh boy!!

Marshall continues to love food! He has yet to taste something he doesn't like. He enjoys salmon, chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing (he's going to LOVE Thanksgiving!!) sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, anything and everything on my plate!!

At 7 Months Old Marshall is...

*crawling and pulling himself up

*eating table food

*can feed himself finger foods

Half A Year- 6 Months Old

Half A Year

~~6 Months Old~~

I cannot believe my baby is already half way through a year of his life!! He is growing up so fast and shocking his parents with all that he can do-- and with little assistance (he's is our third after all) Maybe being the youngest has his perks-- he already wants to keep up with the "big" kids! 

On September 25th-- Marshall decided to take all the practice on his hands and knees and start scooting across the floor-- from there-- he's only gotten stronger and now can get all over the place on his hands and knees (and he's getting quick!) Yikes! At 6 months old-- he's officially crawling! He also decided-- if he was going to crawl- he was going to have to show the world he can sit. He doesn't sit for long because the boy LOVES to move. 

Although the following picture may not look like he's "sitting" this is Marshall's favorite "sitting" pose. He's more of a lounger ;) If we sit him on the floor-- he can sit but much prefers to get down an move-- but when he wants to stop and play- he'll get into this position. :) Isn't he cute! Ah! I can't stand the cuteness :)

Marshall James is a eater! The boy LOVES food. Especially if you add a little oatmeal to the flavor-- he can't get enough! He is also a huge fan of puffs and will do his best to eat them all by his big self-- but sometimes mommy has to help ;) And another happy report-- we don't believe he has any food allergies to any of the "new" foods he's tried-- I believe it has more to do with the fact that he's a drooling mess and with the seasons changing-- he has irritated skin. 

My baby boy has also transitioned into sleeping through the night for a solid 12 hours. Every once in a while Jon (I can't take any credit) will get up and "po" him if he can't find it-- but we're making huge progress. Oh-- and I might add that Marshall has moved into a pack-n-play at night in his sisters room while Ruthie and Brayden sleep on the bunk beds in the "boys" room. Some cute little girl didn't like sleeping all by herself. 

All in all- we're having a great month in our new home. The kids love the extra space outside and downstairs.

At 6 Months

*sleeping 12 hours at night

*taking 3-4 naps during the day for 1 1/2 hrs

*eats three solid meals a day (carrots, apples, bananas, pears, guava, peas, squash, sweet potatoes)

*drinks 7 oz bottles 5 times a day. 

*crawls across the room

*sits when we prop him up and does his own "sit" by himself

*smiles and laughs ALL the time

*making the "mama" motion with is mouth

*waves here and there

*loves to chew on toys

*feeds himself puffs

*reaches out his arms for his mommy and daddy

*snuggles in tight when he doesn't want to leave mommy or daddy's arms

Schedule:

8:00 am wake time

9:30 am nap

11:00 am- bottle

12:30 pm- nap 

2:00 pm- bottle

3:30 pm- nap

5:00 pm bottle

7:30pm- 8:00 pm bottle and bed

Ruthie's 2nd Year of Preschool

Ruthie's 1st Day of School

2nd Year Preschool

5 Days A Week

Teacher: Miss Tracy & Miss Diane

Ruthie was very excited about starting back at school. She was a little nervous about meeting new friends but after a reunion with her friend Addie-- she was at ease. Ruthie originally was going to do three day preschool but after waiting with no success on the waiting list- we decided to jump her to 5 days-- and we're very glad we did. Ruthie LOVES school and the teachers adore her. We have noticed she's a tad more tired but not tired enough to slow down and take a nap-- just tired enough to start getting ready for bed by 7/7:30. 

Ruthie is learning all about the weather and loves to be the class helper. She's become an excellent door holder and and even better cleaner. She def makes her mommy proud. 

Interviewing my ALMOST 5 Year Old

Questions about Ruthie:

What are you afraid of? Alligators

What makes you happy? Daddy's kisses

What makes you sad? When mommy yells

What is one thing you can't live without? Mommy

What is your favorite movie? Lady and the Tramp

What is your favorite thing to watch on tv? Alex and Leah (Signing Time)

What is your favorite song? Beautiful Things

What is your favorite cartoon character? Pidge (Lady and the Tramp)

What is your favorite food? Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

What is your favorite snack? Fruit Snacks

Questions about Preschool:

What is your favorite thing about preschool? eating snacks

What is your favorite job? being the leader (with a smile)
What do you do as the leader? the leader holds Miss Tracy's hand.

Who are your friends? Addie, Alexa, & Jamie & Asher when he's not being rough ;)

What do you like about your teacher? when she gives me cheese its and goldfish. 

Questions about Mommy:

What does mommy always tell you? She loves me

What makes mommy happy? Cleaning up my toys

What makes mommy sad? Stealing

How old is mommy? 39 ... is that right mommy?

How tall is mommy? 5.60

What does mommy love to do? Painting hands and placing them on paper

What's mommy's favorite food? Vegetables

How do you know mommy loves you? she gives me healthy food every night, morning, and noon

Where is mommy's favorite place to shop? Target

Questions about Daddy:

What does daddy always tell you? He loves me

What makes daddy happy? Hugging him

What makes daddy sad?

Where does daddy go in the morning when he leaves the house? work

What does daddy do at work? he works with his computer

How old is daddy? 30- I know I'm right mommy

What's daddy's favorite food? Chicken

How do you know daddy loves you? special warm hugs

Questions about your brothers:

Favorite food? Brayden- pbj/Marshall- milk

Favorite toy? Brayden- Thomas/Marshall- monk monk

What makes your brothers happy? Brayden- loving him/Marshall- finding his monkey

5 Month Awesomeness

5 Month 

Awesomeness

(one of many many moments where the older two just adore their brother)

"Marshall Marshall Marshall man" (Brayden sings) We are all in love with this little guy we brought home 5 beautiful months ago. I cannot believe Marshall James has been in our lives for 5 months-- it seems like we've known him for years-- he is just the happiest, easy-going baby. That said, we knew something was up when our "perfect" child started crying and not sleeping... and then we saw this white thing coming up through his gums-- and then-- two days later... a tooth! On September 9th- after a night of no sleep (unless he was snuggling with me) a beautiful white tooth made it's debut! And now another-- not even a week later. 

(with teeth-- come runny crusty noses)

Just incase you wanted to try and pop our bubble-- we know Marshall is not perfect :) - but we love him. Ruthie, Brayden, & Marshall James light up our worlds and I tell them each and every day-- they are my favorites, because they are! 

Big Changes: Marshall James is blowing me away with his strength. Before he was 5 months old he started pulling himself up onto his hands and knees ready to crawl at a moments notice. He has taken a few strides but doesn't have the entire concept yet... yet! I'm excited for his mobility-- though I'm hoping he waits until we get settled into our new house. 

Marshall also has started on solids! He LOVES to eat! He reminds me a lot of Ruthie and her eagerness to eat anything in sight. :) He opens his mouth anytime the spoon looks like it could come in his direction. Again, I'm hoping to make our move quickly because I'm eager to make more baby food-- and I have packed away all our tools! 

First foods:

Rice- he made some great faces- but enjoys it

Banana--oh does this boy LOVE banana! 

Sweet Potato- yum yum yum

Pears- take it or leave it (also watching for a possible allergy)

Avocado- by itself- not a huge hit but with banana-- yummy

Marshall appears to have hives around his mouth so we're taking a little break from the foods. He also is drooling a lot and uses his po so it could be very very dry skin gathering around his mouth-- but with a history of allergies in our family-- doctors want us to take caution. ugh! We have an appointment on Friday for Brayden and I will def be having Dr. Jarvie check out Marshall's face if we're still having an issue. 

Marshall James at 5 Months

* opens his mouth and is very interested in people food

* loves bananas! and has tried sweet potatoes, pears, avocado, and peas!

* pulls himself up on his hands and knees and has started crawling like motions! ah!

* has two bottom teeth

* wakes once in the middle of the night to be "poed"
* loves his toys (Coco, Puppup, & Hungry Caterpillar) (oh and ducky too!)
* likes to fall asleep to music
* Matt Maher "Lord I Need You" will instantly soothe him

* is happy and smiley. Very interactive with others

* very calm and peaceful

Marshall's schedule:

8 am- wake and eat

10 am- nap

11 am- wake and eat

1 pm- nap

3 pm- wake and eat (just a bottle)

5 pm- nap

6 pm- wake and eat 

8 pm- bed

3 am- wake (grrrr) :)

10 Commandments

10 Commandments 

This summer- as part of our churches summer Sunday school program the children are memorizing the ten commandments.   I'm amazed at Ruthie's eagerness to learn each week our new Bible verse and equally amazed that Brayden is also picking it up. I am so proud of them and hope they continue to soak up God's word. And hey-- guess who else is memorizing the word... This Mama.

(and I'm not looking this up)

And God spoke all these words, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. Out of the land of slavery. You shall not have any other gods before me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGPl3VbsHeI
(Video of Ruthie)

You shall not create for yourself an image in the form of anything. In the heavens above the earth beneath, or the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. For the Lord will not find anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.  You have six days a week of ordinary work but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day, a holy day dedicated to the Lord your God

For in six days, the Lord made the heaves, the earth, and the sea and everything in them. But on the seventh day he rested, that is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

Honor your father and your mother. Then you will live a long full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You must not covet your neighbors house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.

Romans 13:9-10
The commandments are summed up in this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to your neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law

WAY TO GO RUTHIE!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! 

4 Months

4 Month Blessing

Weight: 15 lbs 3 oz (36%)

Height: 2 ft 1.5" (52%)

Marshall James is 

• rolling over from back to belly (August 1st) and belly to back consistently. (yay!)
• eating every 3 hours- 5 oz bottles
• sleeping 1- 1 1/2 hrs each nap cycle
• drooling like a crazy man! are teeth coming?
• pulling himself up on his knees and scooting (yikes!)
• starting to hold his own bottle (another yay!) and started sipping from a sippy cup
• sucks his thumb more regularly during the day and is using his po less and less for sleep time
• playing with his toys
• loves attention from his brother and sister (mommy and daddy too!)
• happy to wake up once throughout the night to suck down a bottle (I see sleep training in our near future)
• still the very happiest kid I know!

Current Schedule:

7 am wake up & bottle

9 am nap time

10 am bottle and wake time

12 pm nap time

2 pm wake up & bottle

4 pm nap time

5 pm bottle and wake time

7 pm bed

8 pm sleepy bottle

11 pm night bottle

3-4 am- bottle (if he wakes)

We are really working hard to eliminate the 3 or 4 am bottle but with all the busyness this summer has brought on- sometimes it's just easier to feed him and jump back in bed. 

Eagerly awaiting Marshall James 4 month well visit on 8/19 to see how he's growing :) Update coming soon.

 (Kathryn meets her buddy MJ)

(Auntie H-- I love my Auntie)

 (Big cousin Miles snuggling Marshall James)

 (Auntie Kristen meets Marshall James)

 (Daddy and his boys)

 ("I'm his favorite")

(She loves to make him laugh)

(Sucking his thumb-- he's so chill)

3 Month

3 Months

Marshall James 

• Holds his head up extremely well
• Can almost find his thumb!
• Loves to face the world and check out his surroundings
• Loves to go for walks outside
• Drinks 4 to 5 ounces of formula every three hours each day 
• Sleeps over 8 hours each night (normally needs to be po'd once or twice)
• Still sleeps in mommy and daddy's room in the bassinet
• HATES the crib!
• Does not like the car seat / car rides 
• May be working on his first tooth (drooling like crazy)
• LOVES the smile and giggle
• Wears 3 month to 3-6 month clothes
• Size 2 diapers
• Rolls Over from belly to back consistently 
• Loves his cradle swing and time on his baby mat
• Loves his ducky
• Can almost hold his bottle all by himself
• Happiest little man! 

Marshall James is one of those babies as a parent- you'd be so envious of. He is such a good baby and as sweet as candy. The only time he really fusses is when he's hungry or when we're in the car. Though, if we're doing a road trip- he does very well. I just love being Marshall James mommy and I think he loves being my baby. This morning, we laid in bed- Marshall James laying on my tummy just smiling at each other. It was wonderful and refreshing. Brayden and Ruthie continue to LOVE every ounce of him. They are constantly grabbing at his arms and legs and in his face. Thankfully, he's so easy going he rarely fusses at them. During our days at home, Marshall James will drink a 4 oz bottle, burp, and then we'll have some play time on his playmat or spend time in his cradle swing. We are getting ready to start using his bumbo seat to add to our activities at home. Because it's summer, we rarely spend much time in the house. We'll spend mornings at one of the local parks (which Marshall James LOVES) and if the weather is nice, we'll head to the swimming pool. Marshall James is a snuggle bug for his mommy but definitely enjoys to face the world and check out his surroundings. We are in love with our sweet baby boy. Life is so good.  

Schedule:

6:30- Wake-up

9:30- Eat & Play

10:30- Nap

12:30- Eat & Play

1:30- Nap

3:30- Eat & Play

4:30- Nap

6:30- Eat & Play

8:00- Bed

11:00- Dream Feed

No More Po-- bye bye

No More Po

Bye Bye

On June 12th after a morning full of whining whining whining for his beloved po I made a spontaneous decision to get rid of Brayden's po. I had had it with the constant nagging for his po when it wasn't bed time or nap time. 

It was hard to hear him cry and mourn the loss of his po. I hoped I would have the energy and the strength to not back down. The first night he came out of bed a few times crying and the next morning he was up super early and wanted comfort from his po. I snuggled him and rubbed his head while he drifted back to sleep. The only time he cried after that was at nap and bed time. I simply stated po po was bye bye. He in return would try to convince me po was not bye bye-- but I stood strong and by the next day-- he didn't ask for it. 

It's almost been a week and I think he's doing really well. He's much happier during the day and rarely mentions his po. If he does, he's content with me stating it's all gone. 

Good job Brayden boy!! 

Life with Three

Life With Three ...

Everybody told me transitioning from two kids to three was the toughest-- for the first time, the parents are outnumbered. As my pregnancy was nearing an end I started to prepare for the worst ... And then, Marshall James was born and well-- life became even more wonderful. I just love being a mom to these three amazing kids. Each of them so different and yet- so similar. Even through the tongue-tied issues and having him sleep on when he was on my chest-- life was precious and I found myself wanting to pause life and just soak everything in. Already Marshall James is two months old and his personality is starting to come out and it's just going way to fast. Slow down!!

The month of May was a spectacular month. So many wonderful things happened:

• Marshall's tongue-tie issue was taken care of
• Brayden became a HUGE fan of cars and I love watching him line up his cars each and every day
• Shannon and Tommy Frey's son Joel David was born
• MY FIRST NIECE -- Eleanor Grace arrived on May 23rd 
• Katie and Esli got married and Ruthie and I were a part of the special day!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Here are some other great shots:
  
  
  
   (Jon and I at Wes and Steph's wedding)
  
   (Ruthie and I)
  
  The Family at Chris and Laura's Wedding

Two Month Old

Two Months Old

11 lbs 14 oz (43%)
23 inches (49%)

At two months Marshall is:

• Nursing every other feeding 
• Taking a 4 oz bottle
• Sleeping 6+ hours at night
• On a pretty regular 3 hour schedule
• Sleeping on his belly which has been amazing. And so easy to transfer from my arms to the crib!
• Holding his head up high and my 1st to love belly time!
• Smiling (especially at his big brother and sister) He smiled at mommy first right around 1 month old
• Follows big brother and sister around the room and coo's when the squeal at him!
• Love's his po- but I can still see him being a thumb sucker- he every so often gets his thumb in his mouth and is so happy and content.
• Wearing size 1 diapers (almost time to move to size 2)
• Wearing size 0-3 month to 3 month clothing
• Is a mommy's boy!

Marshall,

We all love you so much! You put a smile on each of our faces. Ruthie and Brayden love to sing to you and touch you constantly. I'm sure in a few months you are going to find it frustrating when they grab your hands and don't let go- but right now- you smile. Here is the sweetest video of you and your big brother Brayden. In the video-- Brayden says "hi Marshall James" "not up in the ceiling, not up in the ceiling Marshall James" This is such a silly thing to say, but when we first brought you home, Ruthie was trying to get you to look at her but your eyes were focused up somewhere towards the ceiling-- and so it started-- "not up in the ceiling, not up in the ceiling Marshall James". I wonder how long these adorable words will stick? Will we still be saying this phrase when your in kindergarden? Probably not! But for now- I love hearing Ruthie and Brayden  talk to you. 

Pictures By Hilary Kline

Pictures By Hilary Kline--