Back to school

Better late than never!

Douglas is in 2nd grade this year.  He doesn't say much but he's enjoying it.  This kid loves to read nonfiction books about anything he's interested in.  (hunting, fishing, alligators, etc)

Harrison is in kindergarten and LOVES it.  All reservations he had about school are LONG gone.  His teacher called last week and said how much she is enjoying getting to know him.  She said he has missed some social centers because he is too busy visiting with friends.  She said he needs to work on his self-confidence on answer questions, thinking he can read and write, etc.  I think part of that comes from seeing Douglas read independently and write a lot and Harrison knows he can't do that yet and that is all he associates with reading and writing.  He doesn't associate the learning phases yet as real reading and writing so he doesn't think he can do it.

Harrison teared up a bit when we dropped him off the first day.

And finally this little bugger started preschool.  It has taken him a couple weeks to warm up, which surprises me.  I asked the teacher about it and she said he is quiet and observant most of the time.  At recess he'll stop playing occasionally and come stand by her like he's making sure she's still there.  Surprises the heck out of me b/c he is so full of energy and laughter.

 Our elementary does a parade a few days before school starts where they drive in the neighborhood w/ decorated cars according to this years theme (Learning is my superpower).  Here is the boys w/ the signs they made for their teachers.

Luke is 3

Luke is 3 today!  For the last 3 weeks he has been repeating constantly, "My birthdays coming up."  It was so cute.  Yesterday we had a family party after church w/ grandparents and great grandparents.  It was so cute.  After opening each present he would first take it over to Talmage and then walk around the room "showing" each person.  You had to look fast though b/c he didn't hold it in front of you very long.

(click on pictures to make larger)

I have lost steam with making "fancy" cakes so he got a simple cake but he liked it.

Today we went to Kid Mania w/ 2 friends.  He enjoyed it.

 Me tickling the boys as their teacups turned toward me.

 Luke holding Talmage on the spinning teacup.

 Oh my, what a different spirit he his compared to his older 2 brothers.  He really is a good boy but has so much more energy than D and H.  He is louder too.  He doesn't listen as well either so put that all together and I've had a very difficult time with him the last few months.  It's me not him.  He is a good boy but I am just not used to the challenges his personality presents and it has been hard for me.  However, as much as he frustrates me, he makes us all laugh and smile. Here are some things about Luke at 3. 

-He is full of life.  

-He is very expressive.

-He is very happy.

-He's loud.

-Loves to play with others.

-Loves to swing.

-Loves to sing.

30lbs 6oz (35%)
37.4 in (40%)

He loves Talmage.  I'm still frustrated w/ how many colds he gets and all the preventive measures I take.  He has been doing gymnastics for 2.5 months.  His last time is this week.  He is signed up for preschool for the fall. Luke is a blessing in our home. We love you Luke.

Luke is 2

Luke's birthday fell on Easter this year.  We spent all week learning about the week of Easter, (entry in Jerusalem, last supper, etc) and we spent the couple hours before church reviewing everything.  The afternoon was spent celebrating little Luke.

Great Grandma and Grandpa came to celebrate

 

It took Luke a while to focus on other presents b/c he just wanted to push his new dump truck.

 

He mostly got books b/c he loves them and with 2 older brothers we don't need anymore toddler toys.

 

Luke loves vehicles and everytime he sees a bus he calls it.  This is my ghetto cake decorating skills at its finest.

 

Luke couldn't care less that this dump truck moved up and down, forward and backward.  He just liked the music it played.

 

 

 

 

First 2 weeks of school

Douglas started Kindergarten 2 weeks ago and Harrison started "big boy" preschool.  We did a mom's joyschool preschool last year for Harrison but this year he goes to the elementary school for his preschool class.

Douglas loves school.  I'm not surprised and I had no worries about him adjusting.  I say this from a teachers prospective, thinking back to my year of teaching, but Douglas is the perfect student.  He wants to please the teacher, he's kind, and he's obedient.  For disclipine their names are clipped to green and they can go down to yellow and red or up to silver, then gold.  Douglas really wanted to be on "golden".  He made it to silver the first week for being polite in the cafeteria at lunch and receiving a super awesome compliment.  He brought home a "happy note" from his teacher.  Last week he made it to gold and he brought home a happy note and treasure box toy (aka happy meal toy).  On his 3rd or 4th day of school he wet his pants in music.  It was his first time to go to music class.  I asked him why he had an accident and he said the music teacher told them "not to talk when he's talking."  Bless his sweet heart, he didn't want to interupt the teacher b/c the teacher told them not to.  We had a talk about that.  Anyways, he's doing well and a couple of the kids from his class are in his soccer team so that's fun to.

Harrison has been loving school too.  I thought he would whine a little the first day but no.   He does a great job telling me about school when I pick him up. 

I'm very glad the boys like school and seem to be doing well.

15 months- Luke

Luke is my monster child.  He's 15 months going on the terrible twos!  I've never had a child start this early.  When he's mad, he scrunches up his entire face, open his mouth and SCREAMS.  Good thing he's so freaking adorable and the first 14 months of his life he was so sweet. Luke
-loves to play with his brothers, although Harrison just loves to knock Luke over
-Luke has up to 6 words (which is phenomal to me since the other 2 boys only said dada at 15mths) dada, bye bye, hi, go, nigh nigh (night night), mama
-He tries to repeat what you ask him to and comes pretty darn close
-signs "all done" and "more"
-loves to go upstairs and play w/ the boys toys
-Can climb the boys bunk bed ladder  :-(
-Can climb the OUTSIDE of the stairs  :-(
-Is NOT shy.  He'll go to anyone, sit in their lap, have them pick him up, etc
-Has A LOT of teeth.  11 teeth w/ 2 of his molars coming in.

I have to take some pictures and post them later.
-21 lbs 10oz (12%) 
-31.5 inches long  (62%)

Sweet Luke

Luke's been walking for about a month now.  The end of March he would let go of things and try to walk but fall.  A couple weeks later he was taking about 3 steps, fall, get back up, repeat.  He's still wobbly but he's walking.  We took our family pictures in April and I made a special cowboy onesie for Luke.  I'm a little proud.  :-)  Then I found the boots at Old Navy and I couldn't believe my good luck.  Enjoy!

This is a classic Luke look.

Beautiful boy

Luke is 1

My baby is ONE!!!  This year has FLOWN.  It gets faster w/ every child.  I wish I could bottle up moments at each stage so when they are grown I can visit that again.  Luke is a gift.  And I don't mean he's a  lovely little boy.  I mean he is a GIFT right from God.  A true blessing indeed.

Click on the pictures to make them larger.

Caterpillar cake

Oh My Goodness!!  What Luke did w/ his cupcake was amazing!!  I've never seen or heard of a 1 year old eating his cupcake like this.  Luke knew EXACTLY what to do w/ that cupcake.  He picked it up w/ 1 hand took a bite and repeat.  He did NOT let that cupcake out of his hand.  He ate the WHOLE cupcake out of his hand and when that was gone he ate the pieces that had fallen off.  I couldn't believe it.  Grandma and Great Grandma also gave him some ice cream.  I was just stunned that he ate it one handed.  He knew what to do and we didn't have to show him.  CRACK me UP!!

one handed grab

20lbs     11%

30in     55%

-speed crawler

-waves and claps

-screams loud!

-has 4 top teeth and 3 bottom

-loves muffins and pancakes

-really likes pulled pork and meatballs too

-Had more illnesses that I can count his first 12 months.  HOLY COW

-He is just a happy easy going boy

-nickname:  Luke-ia  (Harrison started calling him that a while back and it's stuck.)

-If you lay on the floor, he is sure to crawl over to you and "flop" himself on you.  Either that or give your hair an open mouth kiss.  ;-)  Drool galore!!!

I thank Heavenly Father everyday for my little Luke.  I'm so thankful to have him in our home.

"Thank you Heavenly Father"

is what I've been saying over and over this afternoon.  That and "I'm a horrible mom."  We were at Target getting a RX.  I put our grocery cart cover on the seat and set Luke in.  I didn't realize that he hadn't put his feet through the holes.  So his legs were scrunched up in the chair.  Our backs were turned at the pharmacy and I heard a thud and Luke crying.  I looked over and he was laying on his back.  He fell out of the cart.  We scooped him up and he stopped crying fairly soon.  The pharmacist just waited.  I asked how long I should keep him awake and he said to call my doctor.  So I called my doctor right then and they told me to take him to the ER to get his head/neck scanned.  I felt horrible and so embarrassed.  What kind of mom was I?!?!?!?!?!?!
At the ER they wrapped his arms next to his side and put the robe on him to protect him and they stuck his head in to be scanned.  That's when it really hit me as to how horrible I was.  Here my 8 month old was getting scanned, something I have never even done. Just to think of the potential danger I put him in.  I started to tear up.  Well it turns out that the only thing the scan showed was an ear infection.  So that was good.

The whole time I felt fairly calm and thought that everything would be okay.  I can't thank Heavenly Father enough for protecting Luke.  I apologized to Him for not taking better care of His son.  I would die if something happened to Luke and it was my fault.  I'm sooooooo thankful that Heavenly Father was watching over him.

Luke is 7 months

I clearly need to take more pictures of my little man b/c this is the only one of him that hasn't been posted this last month.  Luke was 7 months old on October 31st.  His first tooth appeared days before.  It's on the bottom.  I think he may be working on his other bottom middle tooth.  He weighs 16lbs 13oz.  He moves around on the floor, either by rolling or he's starting to scoot by pushing forward against his toes.  He had yogurt for the first time and liked that.  He does NOT enjoy green beans.  He also doesn't like his rice cereal anymore.  Weird.  Anyways, I can't believe it's been over half a year.  Where has the time gone???

Luke at 6 months

Just look at this sweet boy.  Seriously, how can you not love this little man.  I continue to be enamored by this fellow.  We started solid food this last month in this order: rice cereal, avocado, squash, sweet potatoes, and peaches.  He loves the squash and sweet potatoes.  The avocado and peaches are okay.

15lbs 12oz 17%

26 3/4inches long 58%

Luke has always been a super smiling baby but seldom laughed.  However, 2 weeks ago he discovered his laugh.  He does this fake laugh all the time.  He's getting closer to sitting on his own.  He loves his jumper too.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this boy!!

Luke at 5 months

Wittle Wukey is a little over 5 months.  Here are some things about our love bug.

-Immediately rolls over to belly when placed on back.  He'll rotate 360 searching for chew toys.
-EVERYTHING goes into his mouth.  I don't remember my other boys doing this so young.
-He has started sleeping on his belly.  I put him on his back and usually he winds up on his belly sleeping.  Again a first for us.
-He likes rice cereal!  A first
-He just started taking a bottle.  Woo hoo!!
-He goes down to nap much easier now.
-He still wakes up once in the middle of the night. 

I can't say enough about my little bugger.  I adore him.  Today I was holding him and took him over to see Travis and Harrison.  Travis made some goofy face and Luke grinned with his whole face and then buried his head in my shoulder, almost like hiding.  Then he'd look back at Travis, Travis would make a face and Luke would grin and bury his head again.  When Travis stopped and continued eating Luke just stared at him waiting for Travis to look at him again.  I said, "Travis, look."  and he'd make a face and Luke would do it all again.  SOOOO cute.  I can not believe it's been 5 months.  SLOW down

Little Luke, 4 months

He's actually 4.5 months but who's counting.  :-)  I love my sweet little Luke, like really really love him. After I feed him in the middle of the night and during his diaper change he usually just smiles and coos.  It is seriously beautiful.  Twice in the last month it's touched my heart so much that before crawling back into bed I drop to my knees and thank Heavenly Father for blessing me with him and all my children.  He is such a beautiful baby and his face lights up when he smiles.  It still amazes me how much I can love all of my children.   

Travis' family met him for the first time this month and I kept hearing them say what a "good baby" and "easy baby" he is.  He really is.  Anyway, he's following the other two boys almost exactly as far weight goes.  But the doctor isn't concerned b/c all 3 boys did it.
 

weight: 14lbs 20%

length: 25.5inches 58%

head: 16inches 7%

This is pretty similar to the other boys.  Both boys were 25% at 4 months and had small heads.  It will be interesting to see if Luke falls to 5% in weight at 6 months like the other two.

Anywho, Luke has rolled over twice but its like it was an accident.  I don't think he realizes he can do it.  He loves to stand.  He found his toes right after turning 4 months.  He also loves to suck on his hands and fingers.  Little Luke is near perfect.  My only "problem" is sleep.  I was such a schedule Natzi with the other two and started "sleep training" early on that they were easy.  You could lay them in the crib wide awake and walk out with little to no crying.  I haven't been that way with Luke b/c I didn't want to be confined to the house with the older boys while Luke napped so Luke has gotten used to falling asleep on me.  So, I've started sleep training today.  Luke can cry FOREVER, much longer than the other boys so its killing me.  I'm rereading books and checked out some new ones so I have different strategies for it.  I can't stand to hear him cry for long.  Anyways, other than that, he is golden.

The boys still adore him and I must say "Get out of his face" 100 times a day.  I feel so blessed to have him in my life.

Hands full

Last week I was at the store w/ the boys, no different than usual, except this time I changed up the seating arrangements.  I was wearing Luke while pushing Douglas and Harrison in the massive 3 seater cart at walmart.  I got so MANY stares, like I was crazy for having 3 kids.  Seriously, so many people were staring at me.  Maybe I had something on my bum.  Who knows.  An employee stopped me and went on about me having 3 boys and them looking like me and not being able to pawn them off on someone else b/c they look like me.  I've been told that Chinese think it's good luck to have boys or something like that and that I should go to heaven automatically for having all boys.  I'm down with that.  What is it about boys that make people say, "Oh, you have your hands full."  Do they say that to other people with all girls or boys and girls?  I do have my hands full but mostly from this little dude

Oh Harrison, you are a lively child.  He wears his mood and feelings on his face, just like his momma.  There is no mistaking how he feels.  And the lungs this kids has.  Holy moly he is LOUD!!!!!  He is still figuring out what gentle means when it comes to Luke.  He LOVES Luke so much and always is touching him but he's overwhelming which often translates to rough. 

Douglas can be overwhelming too when it comes to Luke but he is gentle.  Douglas is my mild manner child.  The other day the boys were throwing a toy and racing to grab it.  Of course Douglas was faster.  On his own, Douglas let Harrison get to it first and say, "You won Harrison."  Harrison would laugh and come up to me and say, "I weally (really) happy."  That repeated over and over.  I pointed out to Douglas how happy he was making Harrison by letting him "win".  He was surprised that he was the source of Harrison's happiness and said it made his heart feel good.  Douglas is an excellent big brother and I wouldn't want anyone else to be the oldest of the siblings.

Little Luke is a gift.  (they all are.)  He is the smiliest baby and coos up a storm.  It might be just my imagination but it seems like he lights up when I talk to him.  He is such a good baby.  The other night was his first bad night and he's nearly 4 months old.  It was only bad b/c he is sick.  We all love him.  He makes my heart melt. 

Yep, I definitely have my hands full but in a good way.

Luke, 3 Months

Well things are definitely a little better with the adjustment to 3 kids although some days are better than others.  I can't believe little Luke is 3 months already.  Here are some things about the little mister at this age.

-He is such a sweet, good baby.  It's easy to make him talk and he smiles pretty frequently too. 
-If I brush my finger across his lips or by them he will start to coo and usually throw in a few smiles too.
-He's laughed (full belly laugh) once but at what I have no clue so I think it was a delirious laugh.
-The boys can NOT get enough of him.  Holy COW!!!  Harrison is the worst.  Douglas understands the delicate nature of a baby.  Harrison clearly does not.  Douglas also thinks that Luke is the cutest baby.  One day he saw a baby girl and said, "They have a baby too."  Long pause, "Luke is cuter."  I laughed and said that I agreed, although I didn't see the baby but I didn't have to to know Luke was cuter.  (hahaha, yes I'm biased.)  I told Douglas that we shouldn't say that though.
-Luke prefers to be held upright/vertical.
-Luke still likes to be swaddled.
-Luke has an interesting way of falling asleep.  I'll swaddle him, hold him up right, pat his back, and he'll fuss and squirm for a few minutes, banging his head against my shoulder,  then he'll conk out by face planting into by shoulder.  I don't understand how smothering his nose and mouth against me could be comfortable but apparently it is.  I turn his head so he has better access to air.
-Oh, and Luke has BEAUTIFUL blue eyes.  I'm assuming they'll stay blue b/c they are a light/bright blue. 
-Sleep:  it's hard to say b/c just when I think we have a pattern he'll change it up on me but lately he's been going to sleep between 7 and 8:30pm and waking up between 1:30 and 3 and then waking up 3.5 hours later (so 5-6:30am) to eat.
-He started slowing down in weight gain (typical of our boys).  He weighs 13lbs 8oz. 
-He laughed for the 2nd time today (7/11/11) at the doctors office.

Anyways, we love Luke.  I feel bad that he doesn't get a schedule like I did with the other two.  However, that will change mid August when summer will be winding down and I can cater more to his needs instead of trying to entertain the other two.
Oh, here are the boys at 3 months of age.  Does Luke favor one or the other?

Luke at 6.5 weeks

We had Luke's pictures taken at 6.5 weeks at JC Penny.  Luckily he was awake and  content the whole time.  Enjoy!