Happy Easter

The Easter Bunny visits our house on Saturday.  So this morning the kids woke up to watch cartoons.  They didn't notice the note on the playroom door downstairs from "E.B."  It wasn't until I was fixing breakfast that D went downstairs and found the evidence of a visit.  After that it was 5-10 minutes of excited egg hunting and treasure discovering.  Then the sugar fest commenced.

Caught in the act!

Visit from a Leprechaun

K has been talking about leprechauns quite a bit because they've been having leprechaun visits at school and writing notes for the leprechaun.  She just knew a leprechaun would come to our house for St. Patrick's day.  I've never done anything for St. P's day.  I've always looked at cute things others did and though, "How nice.  Maybe next year..."  I figured I'd better get in touch with a local leprechaun and have her visit our house this year.

 She did a pretty good job.  She snuck into the kids' rooms and left gold coins on their floors and a couple in K's leprechaun house.  She left a trail of gold coins down the hall.  On the bar she left a box of Lucky Charms and a bottle of green "leprechaun juice" for breakfast and bags of gold treats as well as green jelly beans scattered all over.  Plus she hung green crepe paper all around creating a fun atmosphere.

Here's the note Mrs. L left for the K.  K had started a note before bed to leave for the leprechaun. The leprechaun left a response on the bottom of K's note.  K thought it was pretty special that Mrs. L would come and respond.  Really, K was so excited.  The other kids were too but K was the one who had been anticipating a leprechaun visit.  I'm so glad she wasn't disappointed!

Derby Time!

Roy and D have worked very sort of hard preparing D's 1st pinewood derby car.  They found a design online that D liked and Roy felt confident he could do. They went one Saturday to D's scout leader's house to cut the car out.  They sanded, painted, added weights and whatever else good pinewood derby makers do.  Then today was the moment of truth!  I stayed home with the baby so we'll all live the moments through the pictures, okay?

Getting ready for his big debut!

I can only surmise that Roy handed the camera to D to take pictures.  I have no less than 16 race photos.  This is the best one.
I do believe that green blur in the lane closest to the camera is D's car.

The 4 fastest cars are going to District!

Overall, D took 4th.  He raced 4 times.  The first time he came 1st, then 4th, then 1st again then 2nd.  He's pretty excited that he gets to race at the district level!  Good job D!

On my own

Mom left today.  She flew home leaving me all alone with 4 kids.  Oh, and a husband.  Right.  I've been repeating to myself over and over, "I've done this before, I can do it again.  It gets easier.  I CAN do this!"  And it is all true.  Still, that doesn't stop the anxiety from being there. 

We've had a good visit.  She flew in two weeks ago.  She was only going to stay until last Friday but since little C didn't come as quickly as we'd all hoped, she decided to extend her flight out to today.  I'm sure glad.  It has been so nice having her here.  The best part?  In the morning, I don't have to get up to make breakfast and get the kids ready for school.  Tomorrow morning?  All me.  Oh yeah.  Bring it on!

She was able to go to the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast at D's school.

We're all grateful she was able to come and that grandpa was able to let her come!  I know it is a sacrifice for both of them and I appreciate it.  I'm thankful to have supportive, loving, helpful parents.

One Week Old

This little boy is bringing such joy to our family.  He doesn't even have to do anything, which is good considering he's a newborn and doesn't do anything!

A wanted to take a picture of the baby and I. It turned out a bit blurry but when
you consider it was taken by a 3 year old.... not bad!

The blankie handoff

I mentioned in my last post that A has decided to donate her blankie to her baby brother.  She has been telling us she was going to do it for months.  I wasn't sure she would actually do it when it came right down to it.  The night we came home from the hospital she had tried to leave it C's bed but daddy made her take it out until it could be washed.  A very wise man, that daddy is.
Today it finally got washed.  A saw it in the bottom of the basket and got it out to take up to C who's napping.  I grabbed my camera so I wouldn't miss this.  A went up to C's bed.  She found her favorite corner (the one that's been loved into almost oblivion).  She assumed her snuggle position for one last suck on her thumb with her corner then put the blanket over C.  It's about all I could do to get this picture and not just dissolve into tears and hug the stuffing out of this sweet girl.

As we walked out of the room she commented that C wasn't sucking his thumb.  I tried to explain that not all babies suck their thumbs.  This is A's personality.  She is a lover and nurturer.  We are so lucky to have her as part of our family!

Big day for our family

So today has been kind of another big day.  It is C's first day home since we didn't get home until nearly 9 last night.  His first night home was rough.  He had gas all night and the only way he could sleep was if I was holding him upright while he lay on my chest.  He's done great today though.

K decided she wanted to learn to ride her bike without training wheels today.  Roy took them off and helped her get started.  A and I left on a little walk and when we got back, K could ride her bike without any help!  She is so able especially when she is determined!  I'm so proud of her.  She's getting so big!  I don't have any pictures of this event though.  I took video.  Grandma took a picture so maybe she'll send it to me *hint*hint*.

Also, tonight was the opening of a school district wide elementary art show in which D had a piece selected by his art teacher to be displayed.  Roy and my mom took the kids down to the opening while I stayed home with C.  I really wanted to go see D's art and celebrate with him but I am not taking C out just yet.  He's not even 48 hours old yet!  D drew and painted the shell in the picture above him.  He also mixed the paint to make those colors.  I'm very proud of him!  And look how handsome he is!

I am so lucky to have my family.  And I know I'm getting emotional from all the postpartum but I really am lucky.  I love each of my kids so much.  They have their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses.  I feel fortunate to be able to raise them and be their mother.