School Progress

So Everett has gone to school now four times this year and I am already so amazed at the progress he's made as compared to last year. Almost every day last year he cried when I dropped him off. He started to get anxious when I would tell him it was a school day and the tears were inevitable each time. However, this year he has barely shed a tear! This morning he told me he was excited to go and just walked right into his classroom! I was so impressed. He told his teacher, "Lots of kids come to preschool and they aren't scared." I guess something just clicked with him, or he just matured. His teacher also reported that he has been using the potty on his own and he has already made some new friends-girls. Ha! He loves PE and music class. I think his favorite has always been just playing on the playground though. I have also gotten more creative with his lunches this year as well. On Monday some of the cinnamon applesauce I made him leaked onto his grilled cheese sandwich (I pack his lunch in a divided tupperware container). When I asked him after preschool how is lunch was he said-"My applesauce got all over my sandwich. Why would you do that to me?" Funny boy. And then today I overheard him using his first naughty word-stupidhead. Yup. Since we control everything he watches on television I am pretty positive he picked up this word at preschool. Eric and I told him that was a naughty word and we don't say that. I am sure it was bound to happen. As much as I want to control everything single thing he comes into contact with, I know I can't. That is life. The best we can do is teach him here at home and pray that it carries over into his school life. Giving up some of that control is definitely not easy for me to do, but I know Who is ultimately in control. When I think of Ev going to kindergarten next year I would be lying if I didn't say I have a internal panic attack each time at the thought. He is still a baby in my eyes. But I know it is so good for him. He has matured so much over the past year and will continue to do so. I am so proud of my Evy boy. 

Preschool

Preschool

He went


I cried

And he reported a good time!
I will miss my Evy boy, but I know it is good for him. He is going Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-12:30. I cannot even imagine what next year will be like when he goes to kindergarten! 

Celebrating One Year- Family Style

Today we officially had Eleanor's one year party. Eric's brother and sister-in-law....along with our nephews Zeke and Daniel came in from Georgia. The children's Gigi (Eric's mom) was here as well. It was low key and lots of fun. It is always nice to celebrate one of our babies birthdays, but visit with family as well.

Oh Sassy- we have loved this past year with you. You have brought even more joy to our home. In the past week you have become this wild child! You are everywhere and into everything.
Also-Eleanor went for her one year check-up this past week and weighs 21 pounds (75th percentile) and is in the 75th percentile for height. Her head circumference was in the 95th percentile.


The Williamson came bearing gifts for Eleanor, but brought a treat for the boys as well! 

Hampton showing Zeke is train. Needless to say, Hampton was our entertainer. 

And Daniel was so sweet to Eleanor.

 

I loved watching all the children interact.

It was fun to finally decorate with pink!

The menu for lunch was simple, but good- barbecue chicken sandwiches, broccoli slaw, macaroni and cheese, chips, raw veggies, and an assortment of fruit.

 

And for dessert-cupcakes with almond frosting, courtesy of Black Mountain Bakery. 

Eleanor is a lover of food, but she is not fond of sweets. This was her first true sweet and she was not into it at all. No complaints from me though. I am glad she likes the healthy stuff!

Our tradition is to take the 1 year picture while having their cake/cupcake. 

 

The best shot we could get of all the cousins together.

Hampton liked the big boys.

And Zeke was so kind to read to Everett

And they both share a love of the Beatles! Everett was giving requests.

Such a fun day celebrating one year with Eleanor!

Time with the Twins

Okay so they are not technically twins....but it is what we fondly refer to them as. Since Everett will be in school three mornings a week, that gives me more time with my "babies." Yesterday we went to the park and walked a trail. I anticipate more fun activities and I am even joining a Bible study at church Wednesday mornings. Although we will miss Everett, we will make the most use of our time.


 

Eleanor Turns One!

Eleanor turned one today! We had such a fun day. I didn't have anything planned special for her to wear, but I did find the pink dress that we brought her home in. I had her wear it as a tunic and paired it with a pair of Gap skinny jeans. And she wore her new gold shoes! She is still getting used to shoes.

We went to Panera Bread this morning for breakfast. We had bagels, cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin muffins. So good! And the children were so behaved.  

We then went home and Eleanor went down for a nap.

After Eleanor's nap we went to Everett's preschool for orientation. Everett went with his classmates and teacher while Hampton, Eleanor, and I stayed for the meeting. It was so hard to keep Hampton contained and I probably looked like a mess trying to do so. I am so excited for Everett to start pre-K tomorrow! 

After orientation we went to Chick fil A and picked up lunch. This is not our norm, but I wanted to keep today special. 

And they loved it! They ate a huge lunch.

After lunch we all went down for naps. Everett didn't nap, but had his "rest time." After lunch we went upstairs and played. This girl is into everything! She is definitely keeping me on my toes. She is on the move always.

And she is so silly! She has the best sense of humor.

She loves to play with her noise machine in her room.

 

 

 Later this afternoon, the children's Gigi came in town. We had tortellini for dinner and then did the whole bath time, bed time routine.
We had such a fun day celebrating Eleanor. I still cannot believe she is now one. I think we may have sang Happy Birthday about a dozen times. She is so special to us. 

First Trimester Reflections

The news that we were expecting our fourth child was definitely a surprise! Here are some things I want to remember about my first trimester......

I was out picking up some groceries with Eleanor one evening when I suddenly on a whim picked up a pregnancy test. I took that test that night (and maybe 4 others) only to find out it was positive! We were so shocked, but so excited!

At 6 weeks I got to go have an ultrasound. It was neat seeing the little speck that was our next child. The tech was able to record a heartbeat as well. It become really real then.

With the boys I had no sickness, but with Eleanor I felt terrible. This baby has caused those same symptoms. I have nausea most in the morning and late at night.

I have been craving really salty things. I have mostly stuck to our healthy eating plan though.

So far I have gain about 7-8 pounds.

I have showed so much earlier. I have a legitimate baby bump and I am surprised at how many strangers have asked me when I was due.

I'm sure having three other small children can contribute to this, but I am so tired! I told Eric the other day that some days it feels like I have just run a marathon.

Our next ultrasound is on September 28th and I can't wait!

Our due date is on February 22nd, but if history repeats itself a fourth time we would deliver 3 weeks prior to that.

We are so grateful and feel very blessed that God has entrusted us with another child. 

Apple Party

Last Saturday we went to Skytop Apple Orchard to celebrate our friend Abigail's 3rd birthday. We had so much fun!

The boys LOVED this playground.


Hampton peeking.....he is getting much better with his climbing skills. 

After playing on the playground we all went to feed the goats some carrots.

Hampton was very excited about his carrot.

And unfortunately the orchard dog stole Everett's carrot!

 

Sweet Abigail-the birthday girl.

We then walked through the bamboo forest to get to the chicken coop.

After visiting the chickens and rabbits, we went on a hay ride!

Eleanor had missed her morning nap and fell asleep on the hay ride!

After the hay ride we had a yummy lunch of sandwiches, vegetables, and fresh fruit. It was then time for apple pie!

I think the lunch portion of the party was Eleanor's favorite! She got to try her first real "sweet"- cinnamon ice-cream.

 

It was then time to go home. All the children had such a great time and fell asleep on the way home.

 

Breath of Fresh Air

I am really not a fan of hot weather. Or really cold weather. Let's just say I love the Fall and the beginnings of Spring. That being said I have been a complete failure at getting the children outside this Summer. With the start of another pregnancy and all that accompanies that, I just have not felt up to it.

But when the children start to gaze out at the backyard longingly.....I have to oblige.

So last week I was pretty proud of myself that I took them to the park/playground twice. I went in the morning and the weather was not yet unbearable. They had so much fun and I will say that the fresh air did us all some good.

And this boy got out all his 4-year old energy.....because he has a lot of it.

And this week the children's Gigi is visiting which meant we were able to get out even more. Yesterday the playground and today the arboretum. But we first had to make a stop along the way today to say hi to this horse. Everett's lack of fear of animals served him well and he even touched the horse's nose.

Hampton not so much. In his words, "No like neigh neigh." 

The arboretum delivered today as it always does-with beautiful weather and a place to just run. And I had to capture this classic nose-pickin' moment of Everett.

 

Hampton may be apprehensive toward animals, but he flocks toward people. He talked to these kids, however I'm sure they had no idea what he was saying. He makes friends wherever he goes though.

Hello brown eyes! And just ignore the food on his face. 

 

The best I could get with Gigi and the three.

And sweet Eleanor is always along for the ride.

 

 

So happy for opportunities to get out and enjoy the outside.