September Flash Back

Here is a some of Elaina having some fun. She is my smiley, very happy baby. She loves the jumper, which I'm happy to see another little one enjoying it. Julia was the last to enjoy it, and Andrew was my swing baby.

Elaina turned 3 months old this month. She has been doing great at the sitter's and at home. Sometimes it seems like she's just along for the ride hanging out while taking kids here and there. Here she's just hanging out before dinner. 


Julia & Andrew continue to enjoy school. I need get to schedules buttoned down just a little bit better so the week doesn't get away from us, and then we're doing Julia's homework the day before its due. Andrew comes home with a bit of homework each Friday. Last week he had to draw a picture of himself, and of his house. It's really quite funny. This week he brought home a page with dotted lines on it with slashes and curves for him to trace and work on his fine motor skills. He pulled it out of his folder and did it in 5 minutes and tucked it back in his backpack. He did a great job on it, so he's done for the weekend. He goes on a field trip next Friday to hang out at our beloved apple orchard, Klackle's, with his class. He'll come home with a nice bag of apples and a pumpkin. The kids love it!

Back to School

Have been meaning to post about our school days, but have had illness and baptism preparations to take care of this past week. Julia sounds like she will have a really great year. She is excited about being a Second grader and being in class with our neighbor. They do a good job sticking together. We have many things to look forward to this year. She will celebrate her first reconciliation as well as her first communion this spring!

The first day of work was VERY rough for me. I ended up taking Julia to school and heading to work for an hour before I headed to the Dr., then to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for mastitis and then back home to bed.

Andrew started his first day of school today. He was very talkative this evening. Telling me of his adventures in the woods, on the playground, in the classroom. His teacher let me know that he interacted well with some of the other kids today, so perhaps it won't take half the year to cure him of his shyness!

And at last. Elaina was baptized this weekend. She gave me my first full night of sleep, not waking up to eat at all that night until I woke her up at 9:30 that morning. It was very pleasant to get that full amount of sleep. She really has been such a sweet baby lately.

Another tooth!

We have lost another tooth! We're well on our way to getting all the snaggle teeth out. It's funny how twisted and distorted a tooth becomes before it falls out. She promises that she will work on her bottom teeth now and try to wiggle those out as well.

Labor of Love

My last post was a little excerpt from the book I have been reading. I think that the passage sums up a great way to find peace when life seems to be in chaos. I love how service is included within the path to peace, because in the past few years I have forgotten how being of service to others helps me to find a place in my community. And I'm not just talking about the "service" I perform everyday for my family. I will have a few opportunities this fall to be of service to my community. We have our parish fall festival coming up, and I am hoping to volunteer some time there. I also hope to become involved with Walk to Remember and meet other Mom's who have had a still birth or miscarriage.

We are all set for school. We shopped yesterday and bought everything we needed to have a great school year. I talked with Stephen about the excitement of a new school year, reminiscing our new shoes, socks and underwear each fall. He gave me a funny look recalling that he only got new shoes. It just seems like a good tradition to start the school year with new undies & socks. By spring you're ready to toss those old nasty socks anyway.

A Simple Path

The fruit of silence is 

PRAYER.

The fruit of prayer is

FAITH.

The fruit of faith is 

LOVE.

The fruit of love is 

SERVICE.

The fruit of service is 

PEACE.

~Mother Teresa's Simple Path

2 Month Stats

Elaina is 2 months old and boy has she been busy these first 8-9 weeks of her life. Here she is on her first boat ride. That life jacket practically swallows her whole. It was pretty humid that day as well, so she was one hot baby.

Here are her Dr. stats. 

Weight: 14.8 lbs  98%

Height: 24"  95%

Doesn't it seem crazy that a baby can grow (about) 2 inches in 2 months? More on the other kids in a bit.

2 Months Old

Elaina is 2 months old, acting like such a big girl. I have to say that I have never before put barrettes in an infants hair for a few reasons. First, I have a hard time letting my girl babies be "too girly" and second, Julia just didn't have enough hair. I'm having fun with Elaina since she has hair and because I may not have another girl. :)

Exersaucer

Elaina loves to be upright. So, an exersaucer is very handy (with a little stuffing for stability). Gives her lots of things to look at and try to touch. I think that she will really enjoy it.

Wrestle Mania & Monsters in the Closet

Well, Andrew has come to an age where there is a monster in his closet. It has not been fun, as he is scared to go into his room at night and mostly wants to sleep in our room. (Which he has gotten to sleep on the floor on occasion for the air conditioning anyway.) We have talked to him about the "bubble" that is around him and makes him untouchable, as well as the "monster spray" that we spray in the closet every evening to take care of "monsters" if there happen to be any. I will say that kid is more brave than I. I remember if there was a monster/ghost in my closest I would sleep with my head under the blanket, my eyes squeezed shut, and I would lay as still as possible so the monster wouldn't know I was there. (No matter how hot I got.) Andrew likes to sleep with the closet door open, the closet light on, staring straight into the closet until he falls asleep. I guess he's the type that is gonna see what's coming for him. It does help that he has a light in his closet. I know I didn't have one in mine. But, lets face it...closets & attics have bad reputations. They are definitely homes for monsters.

Elaina smiles.

It has been a VERY hot week here. We did our best to do some activities outside, but we did end up staying indoors in the air conditioning some. I really can't wait to turn off the air, when we turn off the air, we can turn off the noise. We have played hard inside. Here we have a funny picture of wrestle mania.

Elaina is now 8 weeks old. She is very personable. She is talkative, smiley, interactive & busy. The other day I gave her an object to work for, and she got her hand moving around busy trying to grab onto it. She definitely likes to sit up. If I have her lying back or reclining she will try her best to sit forward. It's funny, just because there aren't the stomach muscles she needs to get herself to sit up. Luckily, we'll have a bumbo come our way soon.

Happy Birthday Julia!

So, we've been super busy. I have had numerous vacations these last few weeks, I feel that I am playing "catch up" this month. Responding to email, snail mail, medical bills, a mortgage that was sold, getting insurance figured out, looking at fall schedules, preparing for school, cleaning the house...etc. All while juggling an antsy husband (he's ready to go back to work), emotional 7 year old, an obstinate 4 year old & a nursing (soon to be) 8 week old. I will say that it has been an enjoyable summer.

 Julia 7 years & Elaina 6 weeks

Julia received a razor scooter for her birthday, and has been riding and enjoying it like crazy. We enjoyed our day, starting out with lunch at our friends house. A swim in their pool, some basketball shooting, coming home with her requested Papa Murphy's pizza and then followed by some yummy butterfly cake. She had a good birthday.

Talking with Elaina

Having a little chat together.

Summer Heat Wave

Finally am up before 9 AM for the first time in a while. (Elaina likes to wake up around 6, fill her pants and mess around a little bit before going back to sleep.) During a heat wave like this, it's nice to sit on the front porch at 7 AM since it's so cool out this morning. Here are a few of our summer adventures.

Julia finally lost her first tooth. The other one is right behind it so we won't have that gap for too long.

Elaina had her first REAL bath. She didn't care for it. Although, it doesn't seem to help when I give her a bath during the times when she would rather be eating or sleeping. But, a bath feels good after a hot day to get off all the stickiness.

We have made a "tire swing" for the kids out of items found around the house. Stephen used an umbrella stand with some lead pipe underneath (attached to the rope). It was pretty inventive. The kids love it and played on it for quite some time. Although the newness has worn off, and the silliness with the swing has begun. Andrew was whipping it around on it's own, thinking it was funny to see it hit the tree until it came back and bopped him in the head. "And his down! 1...2...3... KO!"

 Here's a preview of some of our days...

Snaggle Tooth

I wish Julia would lose a few teeth, because this snaggle tooth stage is getting old. She knows it grosses me out too, because she'll display it for me when she tries to get my goat.

Welcome Elaina Louise Sanford

After waiting 8 days past her due date, my sweet baby girl has arrived. She came in a rush (4 hour labor) and was very busy once she got here. Born 6/18/2010 7:24 pm weighing in at 8lbs 15.6 oz and 21 inches long. Our new life as a family of five may begin!

Andrew's Last Day of School

September 2009

June 2010

Andrew wasn't fond of taking school pictures this spring, just like last fall. It was fun for Julia and I to put him on the bus and watch him be a big boy. He'll be going to preschool this fall at the school that Julia will be at. That school is an all day everyday preschool, which will be nice and steady for him.
This is my daughter, who is expressing her unique ability to "match" her clothing. She was allowed to wear this outfit to church. Although, I might have a chat with her about what does "match". Makes me laugh, and I can definitely haul this out for later events...like graduation.

Another year goes by...

September 2009

June 2010

Julia is now one year smarter, more experienced, and older. Her last day of school was today, and time seems to go by faster each year. As we prepare for new life in the house, I also have been preparing to spend the summer with my kids. I will definitely need to find tools to keep her brain busy and prepared for next fall. Math & spelling here we come!

Cinco De Mayo

On a lighter note from my last post...

Things have been very peaceful around the house (before and then after the carnival left town). Stephen and I have enjoyed a very long stretch of time where things have been balanced in our marriage. (Which is good since I have been so emotional lately.) With very few tv channels, and not much to watch on those few channels, we've been talking and discussing things that weigh us down or that are close to our hearts.

Andrew has done some maturing lately. He's come into his own a little bit at daycare. Laurie has said that he's even started to become a little bossy with the other kids, which she is allowing for a bit since he's never asserted himself like that before. We have his interview for preschool this fall on Friday. I'm going to stay positive that the transition to a new school will go well. He does not do well with change. His big joys lately have been putting together lego cars/boats/houses. He's pretty imaginative with those. He has also started to sit down and play games from start to finish...even if he loses. We played Candyland 3x the other night, two of them he has legitimately beat me. Don't know how he does it.

Julia has her last parent teacher conference next week. She has started (with the rest of her class too) a new list of second grade spelling words. We'll be making a timeline of her life due next week and then the closing activities will probably start coming up fast. We'll have to squeeze in field trips, field day, class parties...

Things That Upset Me

As we approach the final weeks, I have noticed that I'm in no mood to take crap from anyone. There are many things that I have had very strong opinions on. We went out to dinner as a family on Saturday night and had to wait 40 minutes for a table at On The Border. (I really wanted their chips and salsa.) I can't tell you how many kids we saw between the ages of 6-9 who had some sort of electronic device going to pass their time. One was playing a video game on an iphone, another family had been sat at a table and their kids were still playing their gameboys. Just makes me sad that even though they were doing a "family night", there was very little family interaction going on. (Might as well stay home and ignore each other instead of going out and ignoring each other.) Our kids have had to learn the patience of waiting for something, without the distractions of an electronic device. So what did we do? We talked about the environment we were sitting in, chose our favorite pottery that was hanging on the walls, counted light bulbs that were out on the string of lights.

Another thing, if you are going to go to Subway and order a sub...don't take a phone call just as you are about to order! With all the decision making that goes on to build your sub, why would you answer the phone??! That 20 year old in front of me today was lucky he hung up when he did, I was about to tell him to get off the phone or I was going to load up his sub with jalapenos.

Other items on my list:
1. The cramps in my feet (usually in the morning) that hurt so bad I have to get out of bed to make them stop.
2. Not being able to ride my bike w/o hitting my belly each time my legs are at their highest point.
3. Not being able to roll over without waking up because I have to "adjust" everything from the pillow between my knees (so my hips don't hurt) to my belly.
4. Indigestion
5. It's called walking, not waddling. (There are definitely days when waddling feels better.)

I know that these are all items that will take care of themselves in a few weeks. But, I can't help thinking of a conversation I had with my parents when they were here. We discussed parenting, and how they wouldn't possibly want to be a parent during this day and age. We definitely have a difficult role raising children who are respectful and aware of their surroundings. It is on our shoulders to be sure that our sons and daughters get through these years without being exposed to everything that forces our kids to grow up faster than they should. It is our right to say "no" for the reason that our society is ready to corrupt our children.

I'm putting my soap box away, for now...

April

Was at the library tonight. A family came in with the 18 mon./2 year old, and boy did she have a poopy diaper. I thought to myself, that could be me in a few years. Either ignoring the poopy diaper at the end of the day, or so used to the smell that you don't notice. It's been a while since I've dealt with baby diapers.

7 weeks to go. There are times when I think that it's taking forever, and then there are moments (when I'm really thinking about it) that it's coming way too soon. I'm really looking forward to that "vacation" from work, but also very scared and nervous to spend my entire summer with my children and husband without some break or routine. We will all be off work/school/daycare with no set routine (and a newborn).

One last thought (I'm keeping this short), my children are so different. Julia definitely lives up to her dreamy state of mind and that has caused hardships between our relationship but also the relationship between her and Stephen. (He likes to move faster than her speed of slow.) Andrew is Mr. shy/speedy/sneaky/anti-social (on occasion). What could the personality possibly be with this new baby? Is it possible we'll get the smiley/happy/bubbly/camera ready baby? It would really be nice for that personality...should we place bets? I know it can happen. My niece Abby is proof that it exists. Will lightening strike twice in the same family? I'm just very excited to hold this baby in my arms and welcome her/him to the family.

Lent Kicks Off

Does it seem strange that people should look forward to lent? It is definitely a hard/solemn time of year, to give something up that you love or love to do. I think maybe I look forward to it because of the life changes it can bring. I am taking a look at my free time, making sure I spend more time with Stephen. At the end of the day, after work, dinners, kids, activities, I just look forward to losing myself in a good book or a movie. Where is the bonding time with my husband? So, I am giving up my "selfishness" to make sure we spend some quality time together.

Julia had her 6 year check up today with our new doctor. We switched Dr. offices because I was never truly happy where I was at. I felt rushed through any visit. The hours never seemed to work for us well, and I felt like the way my Dr. wanted to deal with any issues was to write prescription. I'm not one of those people who go to the Dr. expecting to be healed or given a pill that will cure all. I'm very happy with our new place & Dr. She was a quiet little woman, but she took the time to talk with us about Julia's medical and health history. We did chat a bit about her "shark tooth" coming in (which the other one is breaking thru the gum right beside it) and I feel confidant that things will move into place. Now, if only we can lose a tooth so it can move into place.

Stephen is back at work where he should be. He gets so anxious when he's in the house too long, and boy have we been in the house too long. He did get my dining room painted back to red again. Just the way I like it.

Andrew is Andrew. He is sweet when he wants to be, doing better about staying out of my cupboards and being obedient. He still has serious sugar tooth. (Stephen thought he should give up candy for lent.) But, there's no way we were going to make it 40 days w/o giving him some kind of "reward".

Last of all, utero-baby Sanford is a mover & puncher. (I think it's a puncher because all the movement happens very low, so unless baby is the breech position...) The great thing about carrying high is that I can still wear my regular pants (most of them) for longer. I am going on my 6th month this week, still fitting into my work pants. No super stretchy mama preggo pants for me...yet. :)