Walking and Talking and Growing Up

I was just thinking about my baby boy and how fast he has grown up recently. At certain moments I find myself wishing he could grow up faster (like when I am trying to get dinner made and all he wants is to be held), but as Brian just remarked today...we no longer have any babies in our house - only little boys. Justin has taken off with his walking and talking. It was all so gradual that I can't even tell you when his first steps were. Last month he finally got to the point where he was walking more often than he was crawling, and now he toddles everywhere and falls very little. He is so cute. I wish I had pictures to share, but as usual, they are all on the cameras instead of on the computer.
The best part about Justin growing up is getting to know his true personality. He is such a funny little boy. He loves to tease his big brothers (and his Mommy and Daddy, too). He is very social and curious, and he is great at imitating people. He is big and strong and quite tough. Grant and Christian are both dressing up as Star Wars characters for Halloween (Grant as Luke Skywalker and Christian as R2-D2), and I have joked that Justin should go as "the Force".

Oh, how I love my boys!
~Andi

A Short Break

I have just a few minutes to update you on my life. My first session of classes ended last week, and it appears I made an "A" in each class. This is good for my confidence and my self-esteem. My brain is perhaps not as mushy as I thought it was. This week I have no classes and will start again next week with a slightly different schedule - classes on Monday and Wednesday nights instead of Tuesday and Thursday. I don't think the difference will matter too much, other than adjusting bath night for the kids from Monday to Tuesday. We already decided that Family Home Evening was probably working better on Sundays than squeezing it in on Monday nights. So, school is going well. It takes up a lot of time, and I know other things are being neglected...but I also feel it is important for me and our family.
And that's all the time I have for now. Happy Birthday, Mom! (hoping you read this before Saturday).
~Andi

Multi-Tasking

The boys are all sleeping, and Brian is at tonight's football game with my cousin, Sam. What better way for me to spend my alone time than by blogging (and simultaneously doing laundry)? Even though I am not a natural multi-tasker, I must say that I am becoming quite good at it. Earlier this week before Grant left for school one morning, he wanted me to come see something he had done on the computer. I told him that I was busy and I couldn't come right then. He asked what I was doing, so I told him..."Making breakfast, helping Christian get dressed, getting out paints for Gunnar, mediating an argument between Trinity and Brewer, studying for my midterm, and holding Justin who just got his fingers stepped on by Riddick." I truly was doing all of these things at the same time (but probably not doing a good job at any of them - sometimes quality is sacrificed for quantity.) Grant didn't bother me again. He was probably sorry he asked.
I'm not complaining, mind you. About a month ago, my daycare had dwindled down to only 2 children most days due to various circumstances. I advertised a bit, trying to fill my openings, but I was getting worried, especially with school starting for me (knowing that I would have even less time to devote to growing my daycare). And finances were always a concern. Even when you don't make that much, it's hard when your income gets cut in half! Then out of the blue, the family whose two children (Tyler and Kaitlyn) I used to only watch one day a week asked if I could take them more often - blessing number one. Just a week later...also out of the blue...a lady whose little boy I watched last year (but who left because there was an opening at his brother's daycare) called me and asked if I would be able to take Brewer back because things weren't working out well at their other daycare. I adore this lady and really wanted Brewer back, but she was even more elated when I told her that I had room to take her older son, Gunnar, as well - blessing number two. She couldn't believe her luck in contacting me just when I had openings for two children. I couldn't believe how I was being watched over. I know my Heavenly Father loves me, but I was just amazed that He even cares about my little daycare. I hope He is still available to help me on the occasional day that I end up with 9 or 10 children to take care of at once!

I have lots more updating to do and lots that I want to write. The kids do and say so many cute things, and I don't want to forget any of them, but I've got more housework waiting, too. Maybe I can get some new pics uploaded for the next post, too. No one can believe how big Justin is getting, especially me! His 15-month well check last week showed that he is 25 pounds (60th percentile) and 33.5 inches tall (95th percentile). Christian is just now outgrowing some of his size 2T clothes, and Justin is just growing right into many of them! Oh well, fewer clothes I have to box up and store. I can just move them right from Christian's dresser to Justin's. It's crazy!
~Andi

Zucchini Bread

My mom and dad brought us a giant zucchini a couple of weeks ago, and I knew I had to "hide" it in something to get the others to eat it, or else I would be eating A LOT of zucchini all by myself (seems I am the only one in this family who likes it). I found a recipe for chocolate zucchini bread that got rave reviews, and seemed easy to make, AND I had all the ingredients on hand. So I gave it a try, and everyone loved it. Brian hates zucchini, but he liked this bread. Grant opposes most vegetables these day, but he couldn't get enough of this bread. Justin has an aversion to bread of all kinds, but he loved the zucchini bread. Christian is ranked among the world's pickiest eaters, and he even enjoyed this bread and asked if we could make more when the first loaf was gone!
Here is the miraculous recipe that had everyone eating (and liking) zucchini:

Ingredients for One Loaf
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup grated zucchini
1/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Combine the eggs, butter, and extracts; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in zucchini, raisins, and pecans. Pour into greased and floured loaf pan (8" x 4" x 2"). Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in pan, then remove from pan to wire rack.

You will not believe how moist this bread is! We are now hoping someone gives us more zucchini.
Enjoy!
~Andi

School Days

Grant has been in school almost a week now, and is really enjoying it. He is excited to go to school each day (hope that lasts until graduation), and he even likes riding the bus. It is a lot quieter around here without him - and easier in some ways. Grant has always demanded a lot of my attention, but with him at school I feel like I have more attention to give to all the other children. But even when I try to give Christian my attention, there are many times when he just wants to do his own thing. He does not like playing with his Mommy in the same way that Grant does. Justin, however, is more than happy to take up Christian's share of my attention as well. There are lots of times when he will go off and play by himself, but it isn't long before he is back at my side clinging to my leg and keeping me captive. He can walk now, but mostly he chooses not to. He is too smart and lazy. He knows that if he holds onto my leg long enough that I will have to pick him up in order to be able to move myself!

I had my first night of classes last night (and I already have homework). Everything went well. Actually I loved my "Law, Ethics, and Education" class. Our first assignment in class was to make a short presentation about why we were looking at going into Education. I was so inspired, and even volunteered to go first on my first night of class in front of an instructor who I didn't even know! Thoughts and words just came to me that I didn't even know were there, and I got goosebumps as I spoke - just as I often do as a result of spiritual feelings. All my previous doubts about pursuing my teaching certificate were wiped away, and I knew I was exactly where I am supposed to be. I was worried about how I could fit in my student teaching when the time comes, but now I feel relaxed about my decision, and I believe a way will be provided for me to accomplish this goal.
~Andi

Am I Crazy?

All the children are napping peacefully except for Grant and Christian who are currently absorbed in a "Diego" episode, leaving me free to blog for a few minutes (probably not enough time to catch up completely, but I will hit on the highlights of our summer thus far).

Justin's Birthday was celebrated with family on Memorial Day, the day before his actual birthday. We picnicked at Stephen's Lake Park and went and played in the fountains afterward. It was a beautiful and fun day. Justin didn't want anything to do with his birthday cake (cupcake)...but I was prepared for that rejection and made him a fruit salad which he inhaled plenty of instead. We are glad so many members of his extended family got to be there. Thank you for coming and for the gifts you gave Justin (and me, since it was sort of a late celebration of my birthday as well).



Justin's checkup showed us he is huge, 95th percentile for height and 60th percentile for weight. He got a bunch of shots and got sick with what turned out to be pink eye the next day. That is the second time I have taken him to the doctor for a well check and he ended up getting sick. So, a week or so later we were right back at the doctor's office, and Brian and I both ended up getting the infection. Fortunately only one other child got it, but that was Kelly, one of our daycare children, and her eyes looked worse than anyone's.
Christian and Kelly

Justin still is not walking on his own, but we know he can. He walks all over the place as long as he is holding onto something or someone. I really expected him to be walking before our trip to Tybee Island, but it probably worked out better that he wasn't. He is climbing all over everything. He can climb the stairs, climb up on the slide, and climb on chairs and the low table downstairs. He is scaring me with how fearless he is!

Speaking of Tybee Island, I'll jump to that next since I don't want to talk about the failure known as my yard sale. The only memory of that I need is that I resolved never to have another one in my life.
Our trip was fun and such a nice break from our day to day lives. It was also great to spend time with family, but I think we were all glad to be back home. When Christian walked into his room after getting home, he said "My bed! My own huge bed!"
We got to spend a night at the Chatanooga Choo Choo Hotel, and see the old train and a really neat aquarium in Chatanooga where we could pet sting rays and butterflies and see sharks, jellyfish, turtles, and lots of other aquatic creatures. It was beautiful, and we would like to go back there when we aren't so rushed trying to get on to our final destination - Tybee Island, Georgia.
Christian in Shark Cage

Once there, we got to stay in a really nice beach house with 3 floors, an elevator, and a backyard pool. We got to see some of Savannah, have lunch at Paula Dean's restaurant, spend some time at the beach, walk in the Atlantic Ocean, see some really big waves, take a trolley ride and have lunch at the Pirate's House (where real pirates used to eat), and visit Fort Pulaski. Our camera is old and holds very few pictures, so we took a lot more videos. My brother and sister-in-law set up a Shutterfly website where we could all share pictures of the trip though, and I think anyone can go look at the pictures by going to this web address: ourtybeeislandadventure.shutterfly.com (if you want to see some more of the fun we all had). The boys were really good on the trip and while we were there. Justin slept all night every night...apparently he sleeps better when he is cold! He was wary about getting back in the car while we were there, so to make things easier for everyone, we started home at bedtime so the boys could sleep while we drove. Brian and I took turns sleeping and driving, and we made it home without any trouble by early afternoon the next day.

Fort Pulaski

Our Fourth of July was completely uneventful this year since we had just returned from our trip the previous day and because the 4th fell on Sunday this year. We were kind of worn out, and nobody even stayed up to watch the fireworks. Grant and Christian can't wait until our next trip though. Christian always asks now, whenever we are going somewhere, if we are going to Tybee Island, Georgia. He always adds the "Georgia" when he talks about Tybee Island...but for us there will only ever be one Tybee Island.

The Saturday after returning from our trip, I got to go to St. Louis and see a musical called "Wicked" since Brenda had given me and Sarah tickets to it for our birthdays this year. It was lots of fun, too. The musical is about the Wicked Witch from "The Wizard of Oz", and how she came to be "wicked". It all ends up being just a big misunderstanding, really. It's pretty funny with all of it's one-liner references to "The Wizard of Oz". I will never be able to watch that movie in quite the same way, but that's okay because I was desperately afraid of the wicked witch when I was a child. That movie always gave me nightmares.

So the funnest part of our summer is over now, but Grant started his 3-week long summer preschool last week, and he is having lots of fun there, even if it is only 3 hours a day for 3 weeks. He gets along best when he is eased into changes and new experiences, so this is a good transition for him to kindergarten, which he will begin just 2 weeks after he finishes his summer school.
And Grant probably won't be the only one in our family going to school in August. Here comes the big news - the reason for the title of my post today - I am going back to school myself! I haven't been in college for 12 years, but now seems like as good a time as any to get back to it. Brian is finished with his undergraduate studies, and I have almost exactly 4 years more as a daycare provider before Justin will start kindergarten. In four years, I should be able to finish a Master's Degree, and then I can (ideally) walk right into employment at the same time all the boys are in school. I will have to go to school nights, and Columbia College is the best evening school around...so that's where I'm headed. Now I just need everyone to pray for me that I will know what direction to go in. What do I want to do with my life now that I am 36 years old and have 3 little boys? It's probably completely different than what I wanted to do when I first began college as an 18 year old or even what I wanted to do when I returned to college as a 22 year old after completing my mission. Am I crazy? I have never felt like the superwoman that I see in so many other women I know...but if I can pull this off - full-time student, full-time daycare provider, nursery leader, wife, and mother of 3 - I might just start to feel like superwoman!
~Andi

MY Time

You might think I'm just really lazy about blogging, but the truth is that it's on my "To Do" list all the time...I just can't get any time on the computer. Now that Grant and Christian don't take naps, I don't have that time anymore, and now that Brian is finished with school, he is home every night and uses the computer after the children go to bed. My only option, it seems, is to wake up extra early (as if I don't already get up early enough). Justin is still recovering from an illness and even though he is sleeping better than he was, he is still waking up at least once during the night. Prior to him getting sick, this would not have been a problem. He would just take his pacifier and go back to sleep. While he was sick, he started refusing his pacifier, and now I can't figure out anything to get him back to sleep. For the first time in his life, he is having to cry himself to sleep. Nothing stresses me out more than hearing one of my children crying. He woke up at 4:30 this morning, and I tried to be positive and think, "well, at least I can get on the computer now." However, it's very difficult to type with him crying in the background. My mind cannot focus on anything well enough to write about it now. I'll have to find another time to tell you all about my cute boys.
~Andi

Justin Then and Now

Justin Charles Moegling, first day home from the hospital, June 4, 2009

Justin Charles Moegling (aka "Silly Britches", "Little Britches", "Bustin'"), fresh from his bath, May 2010

It's been a fun year watching him grow. We're so glad you are in our family, Justin.

Birthday pictures forthcoming...
~Andi

Don't Believe Everything You Hear On PBS

Here's an excerpt from our lunch conversation today:

Me: "Justin, don't throw food on the floor."

Grant: "I saw a commercial on TV saying that you should let babies test their environment."

Me: "We have to teach Justin not to throw food on the floor."

Grant: "Well, maybe it will teach him not to throw it on the floor if you make him pick it up."

Me (thinking): Well, maybe it will teach you not to give parenting advice to your mother if I make you clean it up!

How Time Flies!

Here we are in May already! There's nothing like having a baby to make you realize just how fast time flies by. Justin will be a year old in less than a month now. Of course this realization is both exciting and heart wrenching at the same time. He is suddenly mobile: experimenting with crawling and pulling up onto his feet. It's a relief in many ways since I have been worried that there was something wrong with him because he wasn't crawling yet. He also got his two bottom front teeth in last Sunday, and he has gone back to being a good sleeper. (Although I'm not sure I should say that here since in my last blog I bragged about how Christian had been accident-free, and the day after that post he started having accidents again! Did I jinx myself or what?)

Speaking of sleepers: Grant and Christian are now non-nap-takers. They quit "cold turkey". This has been a trade off of sorts, but overall, I think it is working out well for everyone. The boys were always good nappers. They would sleep for two or three hours in the afternoon and still sleep all night. But lately, it was becoming increasingly difficult to get them asleep at nap times. And after they slept so much in the afternoon, it was difficult to get them to go to sleep at night. We would put them to bed at 9 o'clock, but they really weren't tired, and often didn't even fall asleep until 10 or 10:30. On days when they missed their naps, we would put them to bed early - at 7:30 or 8 o'clock, and they would fall asleep almost instantly. It was on those days that I realized how great it was to have the boys asleep for the night and not be completely wiped out myself. Since Grant's not going to be able to take a nap once he starts kindergarten in a few months anyway, I decided he might as well go ahead and get used to not having a nap everyday. And since Grant and Christian share a room, it was just logical to keep them on the same schedule.

The trade off is that I no longer get a break or any time to myself all day long...but I do get some special quiet time (and they know it has to be quiet for the daycare children and Justin to sleep) with just Grant and Christian each afternoon. Grant tends to dominate this time period with the things he wants to do. Christian is so much more independent, that I don't feel like he wants to "play" with his Mommy. But this situation has taken me from just being excited about Grant going to kindergarten for his sake, to now being excited about it for me and Christian. I can't yet imagine what Christian and I will do with this time each afternoon, but I am looking forward to finding out...and finding out so much more about Christian. Of course it would be presumptuous of me to think that I might completely figure him out. He is still, and always will be, Christian, our enigma.

~Andi

Christian's Epiphany

When Justin turned 6 months old, I decided it was time to get Christian potty trained. I wasn't feeding the baby as often at that point, so I had more time to spend in the bathroom with Christian. As soon as we discovered that Christian was a "stander-upper" instead of a "sitter-downer" like Grant was, he was staying dry most of the time. A "Dry Days" chart worked really well for Christian. As soon as he got so many stickers on his chart, he was allowed to pick out a new (but inexpensive) toy from the store. Although staying dry most days, Christian was still having trouble with going "number 2" in his pants. I made a new chart called "Christian's Poo-Poo Chart", but the only stickers on it were from the couple of times that I caught him just about to do his business and rushed him to the bathroom just in time. Most other times I just had to clean up the mess and change his underwear, all the while reminding him that poo-poo goes in the potty not in his underwear.

And so it went for a couple of months (what seemed like an eternity) until 2 weeks ago. Christian told me that he had to go to the bathroom - I assumed he just had to go pee-pee, but a few minutes later I heard him shouting with joy, "Mommy, I made poo-poo!" I hurried in to verify this fact and congratulate (and wipe) him. Indeed, he had gone poo-poo in the potty all by himself! As I was helping him put his pants back on, he looked up at me and said (like it was a new and profound idea), "Poo-poo goes in the potty and not in my underwear." I said, "Yes, that's right" (while in my mind wondering how many times I had said this exact same thing to him over the past few months). Well, no matter now...it was like his own personal bit of revelation. Christian hasn't had a single accident since his epiphany (knock on wood).

~Andi

I figured it out!

I got the pictures from the camera to the computer...seems like I am missing some, though. Most are from outside since that's where we are spending much of our free time right now.

Here's Justin - fast asleep. He sleeps exactly like Grant with his hands behind his head.

This is one of my daycare children, Trinity. It was such a nice day outside yesterday, that she just climbed onto the swing and fell asleep.

Here is Christian playing in the sandbox - pink sand (Grant's idea).
This was back in March when it wasn't quite warm yet, but we still bundled up and went outside anyway.

Justin loves to swing - the faster the better. He giggles a lot. I need to get it on video.

Have a wonderful Spring!

~Andi

Late Bloomer

I'm certain I won't have much time to write...one of the seven sleeping children is bound to wake up soon, but I'll just take advantage of the quiet while I have it.

Here it is April already. March actually turned out to be quite a busy month for us. Justin had a 9-month checkup, Grant had an eye exam, dental exam, and medical exam/immunizations to get all ready for Summer Enrichment Preschool this summer and Kindergarten this Fall. His kindergarten registration was also in March, so he got to see his school and meet the two kindergarten teachers (we won't find out which one will be his teacher until this summer).

Everyone had another cold in March, just to make sure winter didn't go away without us going through at least 3 more boxes of kleenex. The illness was short-lived for everyone except Brian, and Justin's runny nose kept hanging around and making him kind of miserable. We all seem back to good health now though. This beautiful weather is certainly helping.

Justin turned 10 months yesterday. He is double digits now! He is 29.5 inches long (85th percentile) and 21 pounds (50th percentile). He still has no teeth and still is not crawling, but his checkup was good and he is excelling verbally. He already says lots of words with meaning, and he is really showing his personality to us now. He loves to be played with, especially by his brothers. He is very social and will cry if he is left alone in a room. He also cries if I take him into the bathroom without giving him a bath. He LOVES baths. I think he's cuter than ever, and other people are constantly telling me how cute he is, so it must be true. I would post pictures, but they are all still on the camera. Brian made some changes to the computer and the old way of transferring pics to the computer doesn't work, and I haven't figured out the other way yet...but as soon as I do, there will be pictures. We did have family portraits taken in March, and most of you who read this blog will be getting copies of those pictures if you haven't already received them.

Have a Happy Easter, everyone.

~Andi

Grant's reverse-evolution

Last falls PBS premiered a new children's show that airs every morning called Dinosaur Train. I have personally come to really enjoy the show, and it has done a fantastic job of making Grant and Christian up and coming dinosaur experts. I also loved dinosaurs as a child, and the way this show is put together is ingenious in my humble opinion. The songs "Hungry, Hungry Herbivore," and "Every Dinosaur Poops" should be required viewing for children of all ages world-wide.

A couple nights ago, this dinosaur fascination reached new heights in our family. Grant was chasing Christian around the house after dinner with a T-Rex toy he has, and that quickly turned into me suddenly getting eaten by this toy. As I rose from my chair and declared my lack of fear for a tyrannosaurus-rex, justified by my bold announcement of being a Daddysaurus-rex, I delighted in the screams of my two oldest sons as they ran down the hallway towards their bedroom to get away from the family's newest version of the daddymonster. My joy was short lived...

Upon reaching their bedroom, the boys realized that they had effectively trapped themselves and guaranteed their quick demise. This epiphany held Christian in wide-eyed giggling fear as the Daddysaurus-Rex slowly came down the hallway, shaking the whole house with each step. But this epiphany did not have the same effect on Grant. In one of those moments of fatherhood that completely amazes you, my oldest son stepped in front of his younger brother and thundered at me in complete and total defiance of his fear the following:

"I'm not scared of the big bad Daddysuarus-Rex, because I'm a Monkeylawfulsaurus!!! ROOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!"

After this shockingly brazen statement of fearlessness, I did not have a moment to think or act or respond in any sort of way before I had this new and unknown creature flying down the hallway at me with nothing in its eyes other than reckless abandon. Imagine my confusion and shock- I was the Daddysuarus-Rex, the terrifying king of the household, and I was suddenly being attacked, ATTACKED, buy this strangely courageous new villain. So great was my shock that I could not respond, I was spellbound by the defiance, the boldness, and the hilarity of my sudden change of circumstance. "Monkeylawfulsaurus? How the heck did he come up with that?" I thought to myself as I was pushed down the hallway and into my bedroom by my new nemesis. I was still chuckling at the name of my attacker as I was shoved onto my bed face-down. My mirth, however, quickly turned to utter horror as the reality of what a Monkeylawfulsuarus was capable of doing to a Daddysaurus-rex. Who would think that such a silly little creature with such an hysterical name, would be so devastating? My laughter became screams as the Monkeylawfulsuarus ferociously plunged his face into the small of my back, shaking his head violently back and forth, roaring like a bloodthirsty demon, and using JUST enough teeth to make me wonder if I was about to get bitten for real. The worst part was that it tickled. It tickled TERRIBLY!!! For a solid five minutes I lay face-down on my bed writhing in agony, screaming like a little girl while under the assault of this fiendishly wicked man-eating monster. I begged for mercy, I screamed for help, I flailed anything I could flail, but it was to no avail. From the dining room I faintly heard those most cruel words ever shouted, condemning me to my fate:

"Sorry I can't help you right now, I'm feeding Justin."

Eventually, the villain had his fill and victoriously climbed off his prey, turned off the light, and left the room, shutting the door behind him while I was gasping and choking for air. Never before have I known such fear. It is difficult for me to sleep at night now, knowing there is a Monkeylawfulsuarus lurking in the very next room. I do not know if I will ever be attacked by one again, but it is something I would not wish upon my worst enemy. I have been permanently scarred, psychologically speaking, from this terrifying event. Does Aflac cover Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? I should look into this. In the mean time:

FEAR THE MONKEYLAWFULSAURUS!!! AVOID HIM AT ALL COSTS!!!

Christian Speak

It seems like Christian is talking and talking nowadays. All of a sudden I recognize about 99 percent of the words coming out of his mouth. However, just because I know the words he is speaking, doesn't necessarily mean I understand what he is trying to say! And sometimes he makes up funny words on purpose - just to throw me.
His imagination is just exploding right now, too. He loves to pretend that he is a character from a book or movie that he has read or seen. And the rest of us always get assigned a character as well. It is really fun to see who I get to "be" each day.
Recent funny things Christian has said:
One morning I came out of my bedroom before sunrise and heard a little voice saying something, but couldn't quite make out what it was...The door to Grant and Christian's room was open a crack and the hall light was on. As I opened the door to the boys' room, I saw Christian put his hand over his eyes and say "Aaaaahhhh! It's the Ghostlight!" This will only be funny to you if you have seen the movie "Cars". It was so funny to me that I am still laughing about it.

The other day Christian was sitting cross-legged for a while and tried to get up and told us that his foot was "broken". We think he meant that his foot was asleep.

Today he was playing a game with Grant called "Hullaballoo" (not too sure of the exact spelling). At one point in the game, Grant was supposed to do a dance. Grant's idea of dancing is running around the room as fast as he can. When he was finished Christian said, "Grant, that's a great funky dance!"

Amazing what little it takes from my children to elicit a smile from me.
~Andi

Grant's Sleepover

Grant's sleepover went off without a hitch. He was such a big boy about everything - he even packed himself. It was interesting spending that much time with Christian without Grant. He seems so much better behaved without Grant around...imagine that. It was quiet, too. Grant is our little "bossy boiler" and thinks he runs the show around here. While it was a nice break from him Friday night - both Christian and I were happy to see him on Saturday.
~Andi

An Update...How's That For a Catchy Title?

I can't say that I started this New Year off quite the way I wanted to. January is nearly over and I haven't even posted Christmas pictures yet. By way of excuses, the rest of the family (and daycare) and I have been sick for over two weeks now. We've all had a cold, and just when I thought I should be getting better by now, my ears started hurting mercilessly. Good thing I gave in and went to the doctor yesterday - I have a double ear infection. Apparently adults CAN get ear infections. I just don't think I've had one since I was a child. Antibiotics - what wonderful inventions! This is the first time in two weeks that I have had the energy to do much of anything after putting the boys to bed for the night. Unfortunately, my post will still be short as I have A LOT of housework to catch up on as well.

If the Christmas pictures look like they were taken by children, it's because they were. Grant and Christian both received "Kid Tough" digital cameras from Santa, and they took lots of pictures, about 300 each to be inexact. Most weren't worth saving, but they did manage to get some good ones. Grant's favorite subject is Justin, so he took lots of pictures of him. That's great since he is growing and changing so fast right now. I can't believe he will be eight months old next week! He had a checkup earlier in the month, and measured 28.5 inches long and 18 pounds, 3 ounces. His weight was (shockingly) only 50th percentile, but his height was 90th percentile. I could tell he was tall, as he has already started wearing some 12 month clothes, but it didn't really hit me how tall until that checkup. He is doing well, now that he is mostly over his cold. He still has a lingering cough (we all do), but he is back to sleeping through the night and smiling and laughing and being himself. Christian is mostly potty trained now. At least he is staying dry most of the time...number two is still a work in progress. He is not too happy about leaving nursery for Sunbeams in primary, but he is adjusting slowly. Grant, on the other hand, seems to really enjoy being the older brother in Primary. He takes Christian by the hand and walks him to the Primary room, and has even started participating at times. He has another "big boy" moment coming up this weekend. For Christmas, his Grandma Pabst gave him a little red duffle bag and told him that he could use it for sleepovers at her house. Grant has never slept over anywhere without Mommy or Daddy. He thinks he is ready now, but Grandma lives in Hannibal, and he wants to do a trial run a little closer to home. This Friday night he will be sleeping over at "Grandmommy's" house without Mommy or Daddy there. He knows we are just across town from them, so he will be fine. We'll let you know how it goes. All my babies are growing up. It's exciting and scary at the same time.

Happy New Year!
~Andi