Life Update in Pictures #2

(I'm starting at Life Update #4 because about four days ago I posted the first three life updates and I'm just now getting around to sitting down at the computer again...)

4. Homeschooling/James' Kindergarten:

Of course, anything has it's challenges but overall this homeschooling experience with James has been wonderful. When people ask I often say that it's just the right choice for us with ministry and that is true. When Stephen is off on Monday's we can all enjoy time together as a family and I don't have to rush our kids home early when events end late or worry about sending overtired kids off to school the next day, but even if we were not in ministry I think I would still just desire this opportunity of homeschooling them. I think right now it is just the right choice for us...but we will take each year as it comes and look to God for direction for us in the decision of education or any decision. I'm glad that we live in a country where we have choices, and I really hope that other moms feel empowered to choose whatever is best for their particular family and set of circumstances in the area of raising their kids (even if the choice is different than mine or others). Here are some pictures of our year so far:

We use My Father's World curriculum. I cannot say enough good things about it. It's perfect for our active learner and I love the way that each theme is woven throughout every subject area. I also love the emphasis on reading, hands-on learning, and the biblical truths that he is learning. I am learning so much by teaching him and our days are exciting!

This is just some of our fun, and most days I don't take pictures. We have taken several field trips that are fun for the family but also correspond to the unit that we are on in school including: the zoo, The Space and Rocket Center, botanical gardens, parks, pumpkin patch, apple stand, library trips, and more!

5. Life with my boys is pretty grand, and I'm thankful every day for the gift of their lives. People comment on three boys a lot when we are out in public (usually it's positive), and although it's a wild ride at times I could not imagine life any other way now. There are no pictures of the hard moments, the tears, the discipline that takes place, etc. but those hard times are what makes these times even sweeter. Here is just a random assortment of life with the three (and of course with Joah that is changing so fast) and me (and Stephen when he'll get in on a photo).They grow and change so quickly.:

Most of the pictures above go all the way back to the summer with the fourth of July, visiting my sister in Florida, and Cow Appreciation Day!

And a few more...my 31st birthday, a long weekend in Chattanooga, Joah's first few swims at Nana and Grandpa's pool, Alabama football, etc.

Life Update (in pictures)

I'm so behind documenting family life on here but I'm going to attempt to hit the high points in pictures tonight. We have had a very busy and eventful summer and fall and the blog has just fallen behind, but I'm thankful we at least have lots of memories made and pictures to document, even if I haven't had time to share many here.

1. The most recent change is that about two weeks ago we accepted a position at another church (still in the Birmingham area). We had fully expected to just commute until our house sold, but we were very fortunate that there was a home that was owned by the church and they were able to shift those classrooms to another building allowing us to use the house for as long as we would like or need. We have been very busy packing and moving (while learning a new job, getting our house ready to go on the market, and caring for two kids with Hand, Foot, Mouth), but we are excited about this change and what the Lord has in store. We really feel like we have come home.

We were sad to leave our other church, and the decision was definitely bittersweet but the big and small of it is that we were in a church plant that comes with unique challenges (anyone that has been there knows) and the health of our family was beginning to suffer as a result and we knew that we could not continue in this particular position/place long-term. 

I took a few pictures of some of the rooms that are unpacked and decorated:

The boys have a schoolroom/playroom now.

And we were able to fit the bunk bed, crib, and dressers in the other bedroom. I know this room will be a lot of fun in the very near future, I'm sure.

The kitchen (with play doh everywhere!)

Our living room

I didn't get pictures of our room. There were laundry baskets and other random boxes still hanging out. We also have a great backyard that connects to all the church land with football fields, frisbee golf course, etc. The boys are in heaven.

2. We took a trip to Old Baker Farm for pumpkins with Nana. We were the last ones to leave and so they even let us help bottle feed the calves. 

3. Life with Jude:

Jude still enjoys participating in school with us. He likes/asks to color more than James did at this age (sometimes things he shouldn't), and he is picking up quite a bit from learning a long with us. He called it "apple school" last week when we did a unit study on apples. He often asks "what's it's name?" and "James, I have a question."

He still loves Mike...

I caught him "painting" his toenails blue after asking about my blue toenails. Ha!

And he loves, loves the grinch! He's going to be "the grinch stole christmas" for halloween this year. We found some green, furry fabric for pants that is going to be perfect!

Joah at 5 Months

Wearing:  3-6 or 6-9 month clothing, size 2 or 3 diapers 

Weight and Height:
I don't even have a guess this month but he's growing growing growing!

Appearance: Joah still looks mostly like James but with his own look too. I think he has some similarities to Jude too. His eyes are still light-ish. They are probably going to be blue but some outfits he wears makes them look hazel-ish. I guess we'll wait and see how they end up...Most of his dark has fallen out too and is coming in much lighter. He has the biggest smile! 

Eating: Nursing on demand all the time. He eats usually just once during the night as well. I have not started any solids yet. I'll probably start closer to six months. I'm not really in a rush because I know his meals are nutritionally complete at this age anyway (and just for practice) and because we have been in the middle of moving and transition and honestly I'm just lucky to be getting meals on the table for the rest of us some days. 

Sleeping: still sleeping about 5-7 hours before waking to eat at night (and maybe even regressed a little) He still generally sleeps many times throughout the day with the longest nap probably in the afternoon when Jude (and a lot of days James) naps. He sleeps swaddled in the rock n play but we are transitioning out of it, can sleep unswaddled really well now now *if* he's snuggled up close to me, loves to sleep in the ergo, and he will sleep in the swing at home and in the church nursery. He even fell asleep in the middle of our empty living room floor in the middle of moving this month. The only place he really doesn't enjoy sleeping is being completely alone in his room in his crib...like all my babies. 

Interactions/Development: he is smiling all the time with big open mouthed smiles, he is really watching things and people this month and loves to interact with sweet smiles (he will smile at people until they acknowledge him), cooing, giggling, watching everything, he has found his hands and sticks his whole fist in his mouth and his feet and sticks those in his mouth too, kicking his legs and swatting and grasping at things with his arms (just a lot more active and squirmy this month), holding his head up really well when laying on his tummy, and overall just seems a lot stronger. He is rolling over in both directions and even pulling his knees underneath him like he wants to crawl. He is managing to get all around the floor now somehow. He's able to put his toys and paci in his mouth now and seems to be in the beginning stages of teething.  He also is acting like he wants to sit up when reclined in the chair/swing and lean towards Mama to pick him up. He is also really strong as far as bearing weight on his legs. He has been using the bumbo and exersaucer this month. 

Outings: Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville at the very beginning of the month, his first pumpkin patch experience, we moved to a new home/church still in the Birmingham area, all the regular places, and he's staying very well in the church nursery (sometimes I still take him with me for Sunday School or the service since he's quiet and content.)

Things he seems to like: being held, being worn in the ergo carrier, bath time (big time splashing now!), being outside, his mam pacifiers, watching his big brothers, his play mat, he's enjoying being laid down more now and swinging in his swing, enjoying toys and the exersaucer 

Things he dislikes; being in the car seat especially later at night or when it's dark or really sudden and loud shouts from his brothers (he doesn't mind their regular noisy playful sounds)

Health: he's been very healthy this month! We are so grateful! He's been spitting up more than ever but doesn't seem bothered by it. 

Temperament: He's probably the most happy, easy-going baby of the three! Everyone comments on how happy he is.  

Joah Baby, I absolutely adore being your Mama! These five months with you have gone by way too fast and I don't sweat the small stuff with you because I know it's all the stuff that I'll miss the most before I know it. I'm so thankful for the sweet, precious little boy that you are. I love your big smiles, adorable giggles, and just everything that's uniquely you. I am so grateful that God saw fit to give me a third, special boy to love. I couldn't imagine it any other way. And I hope you know that you are loved always...forever and ever. 
Love, Mama

Joah at 4 Months

I'm so behind on blogging and documenting our lives here. We have been busy making lots of memories and I still manage to take lots of pictures (even if they are just on my phone) but it seems like I don't have time to share them here anymore with three kids 5 and under, a newborn, our first year of homeschooling (which is going so incredibly well!), etc. I'm forcing myself to take a moment to write these monthly updates for the boys when necessary to print off for their memory books (or I'd never remember all the specifics later). Hopefully I can post some pictures of life lately soon but we will see...

Joah was four months old yesterday. How is that even possible? Here is an update on him at four months:

Wearing:  3-6 month clothing; size two diapers for a while longer (leaking some as he is getting longer)

Weight and Height:
16 pounds 9 ounces (around 75 percentile for weight) and 25 inches (around 50% for height) - he has gained/grown exactly 9 pounds and 6 inches since birth, which the doctor said is wonderful!

Appearance: Joah has been looking so similar to pictures of James at the same age, but the other day while he was asleep I thought he looked so much like my Dad as I was watching him so I think he has some Lakes in him too. (Which, of course, we know he does. But I actually see it coming through in him...) Genes are a funny thing. Ultimately, all our boys look so similar and I see different people in them at different times too. But Joah is, for sure, his own unique creation too! Still has blue-ish eyes and dark hair that has lightened some. His doctor said today that his eyes are looking lighter and probably will not be brown which is what I had been thinking. Jude's were brown so early!

Eating: Nursing on demand all the time. He eats usually just once during the night as well. Our pediatrician said he really doesn't *need* to eat during the night anymore, but I just trust my heart on this front and know this too shall pass. He still has not had a bottle because I honestly don't have time to pump. It's just easier this way!

Sleeping: still sleeping about 5-7 hours before waking to eat at night (and maybe even regressed a little. It always happens at the four month mark). He still generally sleeps many times throughout the day with the longest nap probably in the afternoon when Jude (and a lot of days James) naps. He sleeps swaddled in the rock n play at night...maybe for a little longer. I definitely dread transitioning out of it because it works so well! He also loves to nap in the ergo when we are out or now while I'm busy homeschooling James.

Interactions/Development: he is smiling all the time with big open mouthed smiles, he is really watching things and people this month and trying to interact with sweet smiles, he notices the lights on the tv now when it's on, cooing, giggling, watching everything above him (ceiling fans) and around him (big brothers playing) or passing him by (trees when we walk or are driving in the van), he has found his hands and sticks his whole fist in his mouth, kicking his legs and swatting and grasping at things with his arms (just a lot more active and squirmy this month), holding his head up really well when laying on his tummy, and overall just seems a lot stronger. He hasn't rolled over yet but I wouldn't be surprised if that happened soon. He also is acting like he wants to sit up when reclined in the chair/swing and lean towards Mama to pick him up.

Outings: no major outings this month. Just our normal places: church, grocery store, library, park, etc. We did go to the zoo and botanical gardens in Birmingham this month as family outings/school trips.

Things he seems to like: being held, being worn in the ergo carrier, bath time (big time splashing now!), being outside, his mam pacifiers, watching his big brothers, his play mat, he's enjoying being laid down more now and swinging in his swing

Things he dislikes; being in the car seat especially later at night or when it's dark or really sudden and loud shouts from his brothers (he doesn't mind their regular noisy playful sounds)

Health: he's been very healthy this month! He is really just a happy, healthy baby and I give God the praise for the gift of his health. 

Temperament: He's just pretty laid back and happy for now!

Sweet Joah, you are evidence of grace upon grace in our lives. I'm thankful every day of being your Mama (that are going by so very quickly). I love you, forever!

Interview with James at 5 1/2 years old

Interview with James at 5 1/2 Years Old:

1. What is your name? James
2. How old are you? 5 and a half
3. What do you like to do? Play with Star Wars Legos, play with cars, ride my bike and power wheel, video games
4. What do you want to be when you grow up? A policeman
5. What is your favorite food? "Snowflake frosted cereal" (frosted flakes); then he wanted to be sure I recorded his favorite dessert: cookie cake (but really he likes all desserts like his mama and daddy)
6. Who do you like to spend time with? Mama (he's always been our biggest mama's boy)
7. What do you do really well? soccer, basketball, remembering things
8. What makes you laugh? Minion talk, someone tickling me
9. What is your favorite time of day? When it's not too hot and sunny to play outside
10. What are you afraid of? Spiders... and bees too
11. Who is your best friend? Jude, Joah, Daddy, Mama, Mahlon, Bentley, Jonathan, Samuel, Reagan, and the new boy baby (he didn't want to leave anyone out!)
12. What do you like to do with your family? Go to McWane Center with my family, playing games
13. What are you excited to learn in school this year? "How sea animals grow." (Maybe this is because of a recent aquarium trip
14. Where do you like to go? Go to the zoo and Disney World
15. What are your favorite books? Three Little Kittens (from Despicable Me), Don't Open This Book, Little Red's Riding Hood (about a monster truck!)
16. If you had one wish what would it be? That I could
grow up to be a Jedi
17. What is your favorite TV Show: Star Wars Rebels
18: Movie? Inside Out, Minion Movie, Polar Express
19: Favorite Video Games? Minion Rush, Star Wars Rebels, and Lego Star Wars
20. Appearance: (I just filled this one in!) Height: 44 inches weight: probably around 39-40 pounds, wearing size 4-5 and size 12 shoes, his blonde hair continues to get darker and still had big blue eyes and fair skin. He is tall and lean and looks so grown up lately with hardly and look of baby left. His legs look so long.
21. What grade will you be in and what are too most looking forward to? kindergarten; ant farm and butterfly garden
22. Milestones in his life this year: accepting Jesus as savior and being baptized; starting kindergarten; beginning to read some cvc words

James, my little one in constant motion. Everything you see has always been an opportunity for you to touch, explore, and figure out how things work the way they do. Sometimes this trait gets you into trouble, but I can't wait to see how the Lord uses your energy for the good of his Kingdom. You are passionate. There's no in-between with you. Most days we are either butting heads or loving hard. Keep loving hard and shedding tears on behalf of others. This world needs extreme love. These days you have a love for all things law enforcement, legos, and light sabers. Continue to shine that light everywhere you go! Always be you because God made you wonderfully. I love you big boy! Love, Mama

Joah at 3 months (and my "y" condition)

Wearing: moving into 3-6 month clothing; size two diapers

Weight and Height: just a rough estimate at home but maybe between 15 and 16 pounds and around 25 inches.

Appearance: I think he's a mix of James and Jude still, but looks like Joah. He has his own look now. I think he may have Jude's hair and James' eyes (still looking blue to me!). This is the opposite of what I predicted.

Eating: Nursing on demand all the time (even more so during a little growth spurt he seems to have just gone through.) He eats usually just once during the night as well.

Sleeping: still sleeping 5-7 hours before waking to eat at night (and maybe even regressed a little or could just be the growth spurt he went through). Luckily I don't waste energy freaking out about it since we've done this with two little boys before him and I know it all works itself out. He still generally sleeps many times throughout the day with the longest nap probably in the afternoon when Jude (and a lot of days James) naps. He sleeps swaddled in the rock n play at night. He also loves to nap in the ergo when we are out (he's finally big enough for the ergo without the infant insert. Hallelujah! Anyone that's used one knows what I mean.)

Interactions/Development: he is smiling all the time with big open mouthed smiles (he is most smiley for Mama for now), cooing, giggling, watching everything above him (ceiling fans) and around him (big brothers playing) or passing him by (trees when we walk or are driving in the van), he has found his hands and sticks his whole fist in his mouth, kicking his legs and swatting and grasping at things with his arms (just a lot more active and squirmy this month), holding his head up well when laying on his tummy, and overall just seeming a lot stronger.

Outings: he went out of Birmingham and out of state two times this month. The first time we made a really last minute decision (two days before Stephen left for camp with the youth) to go visit my sister in Fort Walton Beach, Florida which is right at four hours from here. She is now the closest of my relatives to me and it was really nice to just have some special time with her which is something we've never really had as adults since I've always lived out of town. And, of course, we went down to the beach a couple of times although it wasn't easy with three little boys (and my sister and I hauling them and all the stuff) but they really enjoyed it. And then a few weeks after Stephen got back from camp, our pastor let us use his cabin in Chattanooga, Tennessee which is two hours from here for a couple of comp days he had earned from being gone so much this summer. It was beautiful and refreshing after a long, busy summer. (Maybe I'll post on those trips soon if I get a minute!)

Things he seems to like: being held, being worn in the ergo carrier, bath time, being outside, his mam pacifiers, watching his big brothers, his play mat, and if he has to be laid down he prefers the pack n play in the window where he can look out.

Things he dislikes: being laid down for a long period of time or being in the car seat especially later at night or when it's dark

Health: colic and stomach bug are behind us!  He did get a weird rash/blister this month while out of town that alarmed me but they called in a prescription and it cleared up quickly. He is really just a happy, healthy baby and I give God the praise for the gift of his health.

Temperament: He's pretty laid back these days especially now that the colic is behind us. His temperament right now is more similar to Jude's as a newborn (I stress newborn because Jude is currently two and very challenging at times these days! Ha!)

Confession time. Let's just put it out there...I have this thing about tacking on an "y" sound at the end of my boys' names. James-y happened very early on in his sweet, little life and I still call him that about 50% of the time five and a half years later. And then when Jude came along and I called him Jude-y for the first time, Stephen informed me that not only is that feminine sounding but actually a real, woman's name this time. But in my head, I was just calling him Jude...y. Not Judy. Surely a mother understands this affinity for the "y" at the end. Right?!? The "y" is like that extra little dollop of love on a name that's already music to a mama's ears.  And then wouldn't you know, Stephen now calls him Jude-y more than even me?! Jude-y not Judy, of course...it's all about how you spell it in your head or on your blog...never mind that they sound exactly the same. And then when Joah came along, we said there was no way to even put a "y" on his name. And for the first few months I didn't. Because I couldn't. It just didn't come naturally like the other two. We called him Jo, Jo Jo, or even Joah Boah Baby Boy (also not at the top of the masculinity chart). And then the last few weeks, out of nowhere Josie has been slipping out of my lips. It's seriously like a "y" at the end of the name condition that I have. Josie...another real woman's name...I don't even know how to spell it in my head or on my blog in a way to justify calling my masculine little bundle of love by it this time. And yet I do it. And I'll probably continue to do it indefinitely yet try not to around other humans that don't live in this house until it inevitably slips out one day when I'm chasing after him months from now. Stephen will have to muzzle me when we go to his first sporting event because surely I can't call my son Josie (Jos-y?? Maybe?) there. And, of course, now I've confessed it on the blog... So, whew...with all of that said:

Joah, Jo Jo, Little Jo, Joah Boah Baby Boy, Jos, Josie even...whatever name we call you, please know that it's just such a joy to call you. It's a joy to have another sweet name to tack an "y" on to in this house. Another life. YOU are the extra little dollop of love on top of this crazy, imperfect family that doesn't always get it right but that, at the end of the day, loves each other. Please excuse your silly, slap happy, smitten mama. I'm just so crazy about you. I celebrate you in all of your masculinity and boyish ways. I wouldn't change a thing about you. And one day when you hear me calling and "Josie" rings out loudly through the house please just know that it's my extra little dollop of love.
Love, Mama