End of the Year

Ben had a little swimming party with his preschool class. It was great to get to know another little girl and her parents. Annie and Brynnley decided they were hungry and started munching on carrots; we weren't going to stop them. Emily just enjoyed the view from her carseat!

Playing with the Powells

Eddie needed to trim some trees, and Andy was only too happy to help. In the picture of Kisty, Kylie and Brynnely watching Andy and Eddie climbing the tree to get onto the roof, our van is in the background. Also we see Annie and her buddy Brynnley watching the ants travel across the sidewalk. These two are so cute together and greet one another with big hugs.

Series of Unfortunate Events...

1. I stepped on a plug lying in the middle of the floor and it broke the skin and left a nice plug-size bruise on the bottom of my foot (didn't get infected!)
2. While opening the fridge, a bottle of water fell out and landed directly on my fourth toe - also resulting in a very pretty purple bruise on the opposite foot (didn't break any bones).
3. Took Emily for 2 month appt to find she has an outer ear infection which is very uncommon for children this young. He thinks it started as a middle ear infection and moved to outer from what I described. I have never heard her scream so loud as when the Dr. looked in her ear with his tool - about rivaled the night Ben had an IV put in and I was at the other end of the children's hospital wing through 2 doors and could still hear it. Not fun to hear our child (or any child) cry like that. (she's continued to sleep through night!!!)
4. Woke up at 4am with burning on my arms. I somehow came into contact again with POISON IVY - the pain continues to worsen as the day goes on. (STILL looking for the silver lining in this one...)

On the side of things:

1. Ben did a great job participating in tball practice last night. I would run to third base with him and he ran home alone. He also did the drills and had a few hits that wowed everyone - shocked one of the dads because he had to chase it!
2. Annie and I sat and did the same puzzle 6 times until I had to put Emily down for a nap. We did it very quietly and just said the names of each animal as it was placed in the puzzle.
3. Emily is doing great (besides previous post). She weighs in at 13 pounds 3 ounces and is 95% for weight. She measures 23 1/2 inches and is 93% for height. Way to grow!!!

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa Maas

For Those Who Have Ever Shopped for Maternity Clothes

We have the cutest friends in our neighborhood that we love! We are very excited because the wife, Kate is pregnant with their first child, a little girl, who is going to be born on my birthday! For Mother's Day her husband, Scott, tried to get her something she would appreciate. She has been complaining a bit about the hot weather (shocker here in the Lone Star State while cooking a little bun 24/7), so Scott thought a tank top would be a great idea. Brave man that he is, he ventured into the Maternity clothes section. While looking around he found a really cute pink one that he knew Kate would love. He continued looking until he found the correct size, purchased it, brought it home, wrapped it up, and gave it to her Sunday afternoon. When Kate opened her present and pulled out the tank top, it looked a little bit big, so she checked the tag size (24W/26W). Scott was anxiously watching her face to see if he succeeded. "It should fit right? Because you are 21 weeks - soon you'll be 24 weeks and it will fit then, right?"

If that is not the sweetest husband gift ever, I don't know what is!

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians

Ben played in his first baseball game this morning! He was a bit timid at first and was quite reluctant about batting, but he ended the game excited to play again! He made a little friend named Lexi (the only girl on the team) and they got into their 'baseball positions' together. It was very fun to watch - and even though they only played 1 1/2 innings, Grandpa Maas said it was even more exciting than the Diamondbacks! :) Way to go Ben!!!

Parent/Teacher Conference - from the Parent's Side

This morning Andy and I went to our first Parent/Teacher Conference as parents! I honestly was a little bit nervous to hear what Ms. Adams had to say about Ben - as parents warned me about when I taught. Of course, there was nothing to really worry about. We spent a good 15 minutes going over the different sounds that he needs to work on over the summer and what types of speech patterns he is missing. She also told us a little bit about their morning routine and how Ben does in the classroom. She said he is one of the most social kids in class and made friends his first day there. He just jumped right into each activity. He loves to talk and raise his hand to answer questions. She said the only behavior issue she has had to work on with him is talking out (shocker) but he's only been there a few weeks and is 3 years old, so it will get better. Whenever she corrects him, he is immediately contrite. He has two little girls in class that he loves to be with - Andy said he taught him to go after the petite blondes (hahaha) - whom we hear about almost every day. He absolutely loves his class. Monday when I took him to school, he jumped out of the car and ran to Ms. Adams with his arms open wide for a hug. Then he jumped into her arms. It shocked me to see him so free with his hugs as he's always had space issues - not with her! We're so glad he made it into the program and is happy there while improving so much with his speech and his words. We talked a little bit about why it's so hard to understand him speaking and it's because he is missing the s blends, and that is what the English language is filled with. She said as soon as he gets those (st, sl, sh, sm, sn, etc.) his _________ (I forgot the word!!!) anyway - people will be able to understand him immensely. It's so hard for me to judge what other people can hear because I'm so used to the modifications he makes. Anywho - we'll work hard over the summer and hope to make a little bit more progress!

Emily's Blessing

Emily was blessed this past Sunday in church. She behaved beautifully and Andy did a great job! Ben and Annie weren't so keen on pictures, so we all need to get dressed up again to get a family pic!

They grow on plants...

With all the produce we have been getting, I want the kids to know how we really get food - since they know how we really get milk. :) I went online (pickyourown.org) and found a farm where we could go to pick strawberries. Thank you Maryanne for the inspiration with your pear canning last year! It was a 45 minute drive to this little patch of grass in the middle of Arlington. We got buckets and set off to work! Ben had a blast while Emily screamed the majority of our adventure. The day was overcast and misty which made the sugars in the strawberries melt - as was explained to us by the farmer. Good thing Ben wore his gloves!

Can't Stop Laughing!

This must be good if I am posting during halftime! Tonight was our first night to put Ben and Annie in the same room. Ben went right to sleep, but Annie didn't do so hot. I got home from church at 9pm to find her still awake. At 10pm Andy brought her in to watch the Mavs game and Ben trailed in about 15 minutes later.

So we are sitting watching the game when Baron Davis comes back in after having a lightly-pulled hamstring (someone can correct me if I got the term wrong). Andy and I thought they should be driving on him because his defense was pitiful! Of course, he was guarding JET who doesn't drive much, but still - the guy couldn't even run - until he started making a bunch of 3s, but that is a different story.

Quite exasperated I said, "Why doesn't he drive!?!"

Ben was sitting with Andy on the bed and said so sweetly - with his hands turned up - "Maybe because he doesn't have a car?" It was said in the tone of "well, Mom, can I answer this question for you because you just don't seem to get it but I still love you."

I love three year olds!!!

Going Fishing

We went to the Dallas Arboretum last week and used our new camera for the first time! It was great! The kids had a great time running around and looking in the reflection pool until... That's right - Little Miss decided to dip her raisins in the water before eating them because everything is better dipped! She is a bit top heavy... So, we took off her wet clothes and the only thing available (besides Emily's 0-3 month onesie) was a friend's 3-6 month little boy outfit. Thank you for sharing! We all had a great time!

"I Don't Know"

This seems to be my phrase of choice lately. Mom, why is the grass yellow? "Because the sun is coming through the fence and only landing on that grass." Why? "Because there are little slits in the fence that the sun can sneak through." So, is the sun yellow? "Yes." Why? "I don't know, Ben."

Saturday evening we found a small part of a dead bird on our front yard. Ben has been fascinated with it ever since. Mom, why is the bird dead? "Because it lived a long life." How did it die? "It was probably caught by another animal." But why did they kill it? "Probably because it was hungry." The next day - Mom, is the bird still in our front yard? "I don't think so, Ben." Did it fly away? "No, once a bird is dead it can't fly anymore." Where did it go? "Maybe it got washed away with all the rain we had." I think it flew away; it probably came back to life and flew away. "Ben, the only person or thing that ever came back to life after it was dead was Jesus Christ." Well, maybe Jesus came back to life, he helped the bird come back to life, and they flyed away. "Maybe - anything is possible."

I tell you, where does he come up with these things? He definitely keeps me on my toes and my mind is so mentally exhauted by bedtime! I take several deep breathes during the day to remind myself that he is not asking these questions to be repetitive or drive me crazy but because he wants to learn and has an active mind - right?!? The last week or so, I have been sooooo grateful for 7pm bedtime!

Ben's First Talk

Ben was asked to give his first talk in Primary for this past Sunday. For FHE the week before, we wrote down his talk (I wrote down what he said while he drew the picture to remind him of what to say). We talked about it a couple times during the week - I would get him pictures from the library on Sunday and hold them. Either Dad or I would help him with the words. He continued to insist that he didn't need help and he would do it all by himself - and basically refused to practice.

So, on Sunday moring he went right to the Primary room and sat in the chair at the front of the room for the child who is giving the talk. Andy was trying to leave Annie in Nursery (who was screaming bloody-murder). A friend (or two) were watching Emily so I could help Ben. Emily also started screaming, so I quickly fed her a little bit while the children were singing the opening song. As soon as I handed her back, so again commenced the screaming.

I went to the front of the room to kneel by Ben (who would NOT stand up). He also did not want to hold the microphone or the pictures of Noah that I got. (We planned his talk around Noah and the ark because that is his FAVORITE story - all about animals!) He got this "deer-in-the-headlights" look and wouldn't say a word. So, the choirister held the pictures while I said his talk. :) It was fun!

"Oh Lord, You gave me a truck!"

Who can quote that movie? Last night Andy and I rented it (and paid $4.68!) and LOVED it! I either laughed or cried during the entire movie - while holding little Emily. :)

Stories from this past week:
1. Friday I told Ben that he needed to take a nap if he wanted to go to Dad's soccer game that night. He asked if he and his purple baby could go camping. I said yes, if they fell asleep. I went to check on him about five minutes later. Ben had spread a blanket on the floor and brought his pillow off the bed. Then he and purple baby must have looked at a few books and "both" were sound asleep.
2. Ben was on the phone with Nonie and asked is she could hear "this." He was holding the phone against the duck vibrating chair that Emily sits in because it has a faint humming sound.
3. We took Ben kite flying yesterday for the first time. However, since our camera is broken we don't have any pictures...however, we did buy a new camera Friday night and hopefully it will come early next week!
4. Tuesday I was doing laundry - Ben told me he and Annie were playing dress-ups. As I was hanging clothes in Andy's closet, they ran into my room and yelled, "Trick-or-Treat!" with Ben dressed at a cowboy and Annie as a knight. I told them they would have to do a trick because I didn't have any treats - as much as I wanted some too!
5. Thursday morning the kids and I did some yardwork. We started out mowing the lawn. Emily was in her duck chair and fell asleep on the porch. Ben had on his earplugs and goggles to help me push the lawn mower and Annie was about five feet from us pushing her stroller up and down the lawn. That was fun for about 1/2 the yard, then Ben and Annie played on the porch by Emily. Then we all planted flowers. We also did this last week and realized we needed A LOT more flowers to make the house look even decent. So, this planting saga ended with Ben completely naked because he kept taking off clothes that got wet. It was quite a comical scene. :)
6. The movie is Facing the Giants- we would highly recommend it - although, as we were warned, the acting is not quite what one would expect from a movie. That made it even more endearing.

Bubble Fun

I didn't realize how much fun bubble guns could be - easily an hour of play time on a Sunday afternoon!

A Month Old

Emily is already a month old (and a few days because I am a bit behind...)! She is getting chunky and we LOVE it! Those thighs... She enjoys laying on the floor and looking around and is also happy in both the baby carrier and the bouncer! Life is definitely getting easier!

Not a Bad Deal

Andy sold his 1988 Honda Prelude earlier today to a college kid who fixes up old cars and resells them. It was quite sad to see the little car go since we've had it almost 5 years, but we just don't all fit! The great part is he sold it for $475 less than he paid for it! That's what - $100 a year to own the car - plus the MINOR maintenance we've done. Great job Andy! Now he gets to buy a new camera since ours got dropped last night and no longer takes pictures. :( Not acceptable with a new baby around.

A Reason to Celebrate!

Well, nights with a newborn can be a bit hectic. However, we (okay - pretty much just me but everyone was happy when I told them too) are so excited because Mom slept five hours in a row! Such a reason to celebrate, huh? Emily slept from 10:30 - 4:20 Saturday night to Sunday morning. She ate and went right back to sleep for another 3 hours! If only everyone else had stayed asleep also... :) If she's done it once, that means she can do it again, right?!?

My Little Do-er

Ben is definitely one to just take situations into his own hands! One instance - this morning I told him I would set up Bob the Builder on the computer as soon as I finished washing the produce. About 3 minutes later I turned off the water, dried my hands and turned around to only see Annie in the living room. "Ben?" "I'm in the computer room!" When I got there, he had the game started! He explained how he had stood on the chair, found the disk in the bag on top of the 4-drawer filing cabinet, opened the cd-rom (also on top of the filing cabinet, so there must have been some standing on the desk - forgot to ask about that one!), took out the cd that was in there, put in Bob and clicked on his icon to start the game. We've only played this twice before! If he can do it himself, why should he wait for me to come and help??? Of course, during these events, I also lost the picture that was my wallpaper and all my icons in outlook. Guess it's time to logout each time I leave the computer...

This is also the little boy that when I tell him we can make a cake/brownies after _______, he goes to get the handmixer, a bowl, eggs, cake mix box, oil, a wooden spoon, and the scissors to open the box. Somehow I don't know how he does this all so fast! However, he also occasionally picks up ALL the toys on the floor - even if he didn't play with them and I'm not helping. He's just a little do-er. I need to remember that's a good thing - especailly when our "doings" are not consistent with one another...

The Egg-ngineers Dream Car

We had a ward Easter activity with dinner, an egg hunt for the kids, and then a pine-wood derby type car race to carry an egg for the BIG boys. Andy and Ben spent most of the day Saturday working on their special car.
I must tell you this was definitely a community car. We "borrowed" some 45 records from a friend, got the bumper idea from an other friend, the colorful paper from me, and I know someone else gave another idea, but I can't remember who...
So, the races began and the first car Andy and Ben reaced against was a 7-8 year old. In my mind I thought, "Oh poor kid - I hope it doesn't hurt his feelings if he loses." THEN, I thought, "Andy would be devasted if he loses to this kid! We better not lose because we spent alllll day on this _____ car!!!"
Well, the evening went better than expected. Thankfully, Scott (the boy Mrs. Morrison), suggested we bring extra wheels in case one broke. Thankfully, Karen had two more records that she was willing to donate to the cause. Because, a wheel did break and they had to do emergency surgery on the car.
It came down to the very end, but, yes, Andy and Ben did win First Place - complete with a trophy! Ben came running over to me - I won! I won! It was priceless!!!

Egg Hunt in the Snow?!?

Yes, we were waiting to begin the egg hunt at the church behind our house and there were snow flurries! It was VERY cold and the kids weren't so sure they wanted to do this! It was a fun hunt with lots of eggs and not very many children, so both Ben and Annie had to be persuaded to continue picking up eggs even while baskets were overflowing. Annie had an egg open and she found CHOCOLATE! After that, she had absolutely no interest in finding more eggs - just eating that piece of candy. We went inside after and had to sit by the fire to warm up. Brrr - it's not supposed to be like that in April. Wait - this is Texas! Weatherwise - anything goes!

Love That Girl

Anytime Emily is laying on the floor, either Ben or Annie (or both) need to be talking to her, touching her, or kissing on her. I'm sure she loves it! This picture is Emily at 9 days in the outfit Annie wore home from the hospital. She is so long and loves to stretch out!

I Feel Like Supermom!!!

Yesterday was full of accomplishments! After getting the car registered and some license plates (after two trips because they only take cash or check - not debit!), Annie, Emily and I went to pick up Ben from school. Then we alllll went to Target and Walmart for two very short shopping trips. And - it was not completely horrible! Of course, while in Target I realized Annie had a fever and that was probably why she was so sad and needed to be held, but we still made it through! THEN (oh yes, there is more!) last night I gave all three children a bath and got them into pajamas by myself becasue Wednesday is Andy's night to be at church. It was a very proud moment - of course, a friend did come over and rotated holding Emily and Annie with me because both were sad from 5-6, but we managed! It's so fun! About 95% of the time, there is nothing else I would rather be doing. The kids are fabulous, and Emily is growing so fast, a little too fast I think. I'm not quite ready for the newborn stage to end. Those 3 1/2 hours of sleep last night did feel really good though... However, I am very excited for this weekend for my dear helpmate to assist/takeover. :)

It's Finally Here!

At long last, our beloved car with more space has arrived! We are all so excited! As we went to meet the car carrier tonight, one of those famous Texas thunderstorms began. Perfect timing... It was really neat to watch it be unloaded from the car carrier, especailly since we read books about them this morning. When we got home we all piled in the middle row to watch the promotional dvd they sent. Lots of gadgets for kids to touch and play with, so we'll have to be careful. Wait, that means Andy will want to play also - like he is right now figuring the ins and outs. I am also surprised because I REALLY like the black! At least while it is clean. So, now we can all fit in the car without having to slam doors so car seats will fit. :) Hooray for minivans...

The Little Monkeys

We went to the park today and Ben made it alllll the way across the bars - this is the first time he's ever made it through any! We cheered for him. A few minutes later Annie kept calling to get my attention. She was also swinging on the bars and wanted some cheering! Funny kiddos!!!

Which is which???

Here are pictures of Annie and Emily both around 2-4 weeks in the same outfit. Can you guess which is which??? Andy told me I can't dress them in the same outfits anymore. :)

The First Real Bath

It's always a joyful day when the umbilical cord falls off - then I feel we don't have to be so careful! Although Emily
enjoyed her sponge bath, she REALLY liked being submersed! We've been able to bathe her the same time Ben and Annie are in the big tub. However, getting everyone in jammies at the same time takes a bit of coordination...

3 1/2 days...

Andy has been back at work for 3 1/2 days, and I'm glad to report we are all still alive! We are still stuffing (and I do mean STUFFING!) 3 car seats in the back of the little Honda Accord from the rental car agency. Andy went to pick up the Camry this morning and while driving home the alignment was horrible, so he took it back. Someday we'll get our car back! We are still waiting for the van (that sounds sooo wierd to even say the word! On the way home from the hospital I told Andy I wasn't floored because we were bringing home our third baby - more because we bought a van.) to ship. If it hasn't gone by tomorrow night, Andy has a ticket to fly to Vegas and drive it back this weekend. So, either way, I should have more space by next Monday. Another thing to keep clean. :) A friend wrote in her Christmas card that one of the three things she is grateful for are the hours between 7pm and 7am when her house is clean. I totally agree. However, we would really be in business if the laundry was also completed during those hours...

As a side note for those with extraordinary English skills (Mrs. Gorman) - how do I write that sentence starting with "A friend wrote...?" Because the noun is 'one' which is singular - so the verb should be 'is' not 'are' - right? I put 'are' because it sounds soooo much better! However maybe I made the sentence too complex - with the 'she is grateful for' - I can't even remember what that is called! I need to go back to 7th grade so I can diagram this.... has, have, had, do, did, does, may, might, must....

First Day of School

Ben started preschool today! We had to take his picture for the first day of school! He is going to a speech preschool offered through the school district, and he loves it! We went and met his teacher, Ms. Adams, last week. We love the classroom set up, the flipbook of words to practice, the fun art project he came home with, and especially our information on what sounds they are working on with suggested home activities. This week is blends with sm- and st- both sounds that we currently aren't hearing! What a big boy! Surprisingly, I didn't cry when he left this morning - I asked Andy to take him because I knew that would be too hard to see my little boy all grown up walking into the elementary school holding his teacher's hand.... :)

A lot has happened

So a lot has happened in the last couple of days. Let's see where to begin...
Friday our newest little addition was born, Emily. She is the cutest thing you have ever seen. She has the eating thing down pat - now we just need to work on the sleeping. Another big event happened on Friday - we bought a car (actually it is a van). We bought a 2005 Honda Odyssey in California. It is going to ship to us this week. We are very excited and can't wait to have a vehicle that will carry our family comfortably. Speaking of cars - 2 weeks ago yesterday we were in a little bit of a fender-bender (preggers wife and all). We were sitting at the intersection of Cambell and Plano waiting to turn left. Our arrow turned green, and I went. Meanwhile an elderly woman decided that she would run the red light. Luckily she did not hit us, but we hit her on her side. Everyone is okay and the police officer issued her a ticket for running the red light. So to make a long story short our car is currently in the shop getting fixed. So we are currently driving a rent car. Now back to your regular programming...
Saturday and Sunday I stayed in the hospital with Lindsey while Barbara, Mike and Jamie played tag team with Ben and Annie. Sunday afternoon we were discharged from the hospital and came home.
Monday to Saturday I took of from work and stayed home to help with things around the house. I actually have accomplished quite a bit. All of the neglect that I have been showing our house for the last 1 1/2 years has added up. I finally finished our entry hall with baseboards and trim and paint. I must say that it looks much better finished than it did unfinished.
Friday we took a day to go to the Dallas Arboretum and see Dallas Bloom(s). It was really fun and we had a great time.
Saturday was a very busy day and Ben and Annie did not get naps. So at dinner we had a little sleeping incident:
She's starting the famous head bob...













She's dropping quickly...













Down, down, down...













And finally comes to a rest on her food...













Does this remind you of anyone...

















So there you have it - like father, like daughter. Have a great week.