Six years ago today...

Six years ago today this cute little guy was born around 7:30 pm. It was only a twelve hour labor, and one of my easiest labors. He was 7 lbs, 10 ounces. He screamed and screamed when they took him from me and put him in a bed to measure him. Roger walked over and quietly said in his ear, "It's okay, buddy. Daddy is here." He suddenly became silent. I had never seen anything like it. He knew who his daddy was. We had a doula during his labor and she was stunned, as well.

I was sick for the first 21 weeks of pregnancy. If I could eat a few pieces of cheddar cheese, and some saltines I could keep myself from vomiting...at least most of the time. I only gained 13 pounds during his pregnancy. I guess I was busy chasing Lauren!

Franklin's nickname was smiley when he was a baby. I often called him my "little politician." He would smile and say "hi" to everyone at the grocery store. He brought smiles to many faces! With the exception of when he first woke up in the morning (he was always too hungry to be happy), he was a very happy baby.

He rolled over at 5 months, sat up at 6 months, crawled at 8 months, and began walking at 14 months.

And now he is six! Franklin is my cuddler. He wants to be right next to me with his arms wrapped around me if I am on the sofa. He gives me kisses and hugs all throughout the day and constantly tells me he loves me. He is really well-behaved, and works so hard to have good manners. He is so thoughtful of others. Franklin is very sensitive. He can get his feelings hurt very easily and is quick to tear up.

I love Franklin so much! He is such a wonderful little boy! I truly believe he will grow up to be a wonderful, godly man, and I think he will be an amazing husband someday.

A wonderful dinner

Fresh apples, bell peppers, blueberries, lettuce...and cheddar cheese. The kids were so excited!

Storytime--Lauren, King Ian, and friends

So cute! I walked in Lauren's room to find her telling a story to "King Ian" and others. I love this little girl!

I don't know...I really don't know

They stuffed their pants. They waddled around. They giggled a lot. I still don't know what they were. I love their imaginations!

School--Jamestown 1607

We are really enjoying studying history. This is our Lincoln Log rendition of the first fort built in Jamestown. How fun?!

You are my sunshine!

Cute little Ian

Ian--Twenty three weeks + 2 days

Ian's eating schedule is still the same. He is eating the same amount and at the same times. His pediatrician told me at his 4 month well visit that I needed to start him on cereal by six months. That probably is not going to happen. He is doing fine without it, and he and I are going to Kansas the first week of August, so I am going to try to hold off until we get back. He will be just over 6 months by the time I start it. It would be so much easier if he is only on a bottle than on a bottle and cereal, too. We'll be spending a lot of time at the hospital (my dad is having surgery), so I would much rather find a place to heat up a bottle than to figure out how and where to mix cereal...and the mess that ensues.

His nap schedule is changing. He eats around 7:30 am and is ready for a nap at 9:00. Then he wakes up and eats at 10:30, but has been staying awake until his next feeding, which I sometimes have to bump up to 1:00 because he is getting too tired, and then he sleeps until his next feeding at 4:30. Then he may stay awake until his last feeding, or he'll take a little nap from 6:45-7:15, I wake him up, get him ready for bed, feed him, and he goes right to sleep.

Lauren had him giggling a lot yesterday. I need to get it on video. She loves to play with him!

As you can see from this weeks pictures...he loves to swing, and his sweet sister provided him with an audience on his high chair tray that he really enjoyed.

Thank you, Aunt Cami, for the new high chair!!!

More fun with school!

Today was a fun school day! Yesterday was, too! We have been talking about the discovery of America by the Vikings, where they came into contact with the Indians, and then the later discovery with Christopher Columbus. The kids are facinated by Indians, so we looked on line at what Indians look like, then the kids decided they wanted to dress like Indians...hence the crazy garb! And yes, Ari is wearing Lauren's tights...and no, I have no idea how that makes him an Indian! We also made the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria out of foil and set sail in the bathroom.
I love teaching my children!!! (at least most of the time)