On the move

Caroline is now on the move. She has looked for a few weeks like she's wanted to move, but this past weekend she got herself coordinated and now military crawls, just like her brothers did. Watch out, Jack and Grant! You don't know what's in store for you--and your stuff! Here is a video to see her in action.

a lovely picture of Caroline sitting (We're still working on staying up without needing a spotter!)

Things That Go Rodeo

On Saturday the Carmel Clay Library held a Things That Go Rodeo. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but figured that since Ryan had the Fantasy Football draft, it would be a good way to fill our morning. It was a beautiful day so there were a lot of people there. The lines to see inside the vehicles were long, and at times I questioned if it was worth it. However, the boys loved it, and Caroline did okay. She probably would've liked a nap better, but I guess that's what happens with the third baby! They had a tractor, dump truck/snow plow, big rig, racing tow truck, police car, school bus, bubble truck, and a trash truck. Here are a few pictures to show the fun time we had. (I was wearing Caroline so there are no pics of her--sorry!)

There was a mini loader. They each enjoyed different parts of it.

There was a bubble truck that pumped out bubbles. It was super fun!

The boys had fun making bubbles using different tools.

They stood on the back of a trash truck (it stunk!).

Too soon they'll really be riding a school bus. *sniff*

They went on the back of an antique fire truck and played with the hose.

Then they went in the front and took turns driving and ringing the bell. I love how that steering wheel is as big as Grant!

It was a great day, and I really hope they do it again next year. Maybe Ryan will be able to go, too, and I can go inside of some of the trucks with the boys!

State Fair fun!

We love the Indiana State Fair! We live just 10 minutes from the fairgrounds so it's always exciting each year to the State Fair arrives. Actually, I should clarify that last year was the first time we'd been in several years and the first time we'd been since having our kiddos. So...I suppose it's not a tradition or anything, but it is quickly becoming one.

This year we went to the fair two times. The Indianapolis Star had free tickets to the fair for certain days so we were able to go for free two times. Hooray! We LOVE free--more money to spend on fair food!

Jack enjoying the tractors...

which was also one of Grant's favorite parts of the fair.

my beautiful little girl--next year she'll be participating a bit more!

We discovered they have a tractor parade every afternoon. We were all captivated by it!

the water exhibit--The boys loved the water pump but did not like the taste of the well water. (I don't blame them!)

The boys riding tractors that were more their size.

They got these hats at one of the attractions (where the small tractors were). I just love this picture for some reason.

First day of school

Today the boys and I started our first day of school. It's nice for me to have the boys in the same preschool where I teach. I feel comfortable leaving them with their teachers, and I know many of the children who are in their classes. I had work to do to get ready for my class so I put them in child watch before school started. Grant was so cute. He loved his backpack so much he left it on until his teacher, Miss Tammy, took it off in the classroom half an hour later. Jack was totally fine going to his class, but I figured he would be. He knows his teacher and many of his classmates well. Grant, however, was a bit teary when they picked him up from child watch. He quickly calmed down,though, when they told him he would be able to play in the motor gym. My day was a bit chaotic. There are 23 children enrolled in my class even though the cap is at 16. I have two assistants, which is great, but I think it's going to be a tough year. We shall see how it goes.

It was also the first day for me to leave Caroline in child watch for an extended period of time. Last spring I'd exercised and left her there for an hour or so, but it's hard for me to know that she is going to be one of many babies that need attention and that she won't be held or loved all of the time. I am so thankful that I get to stay home most of the time!

Jack on his first day of school--sadly this is the only in focus picture I have from this day.

Grant on his very first day of school!

Caroline just looking cute on her brothers' first day of school!

6 Months!

Caroline-

You are six months! Where has the time gone? I cannot believe you have been a part of our lives for that long, yet I hardly remember what life was like before you came! It seems that just yesterday you were a helpless, crying little baby who I did not know at all. Now you are rolling, babbling, smiling, laughing, and sort of sitting. I love how you bashfully look away when anyone says hi to you when I hold you. It is so precious how you bury your head in my shoulder before looking back out at the person. I love your sweet cheeks--as does everyone else who meets you! They are so fun to squeeze! You have bright eyes that sparkle when you are happy and smiley, which is often. You're an easy little girl who is constantly entertained by her older brothers. (Who isn't?) I daily thank God for you and the blessing you are to our family. Your brothers and Daddy and I love you so much!

Food, Glorious Food!

Caroline started cereal a few weeks ago. Or, should I say, we attempted to feed her cereal. The boys did a great job when they started food. They seriously gobbled it up and looked at me like, "Hey Mom, why didn't you do this earlier?" Here are some pictures to prove that they happily opened their mouths and ate. My sweet little girl very dramatically let us know that she would not go down the solid food path without a fight. She has now decided that she is willing to eat pears, which is the only other food I've tried. Here's to hoping that she won't be nursing forever!

Jack at 5 months, eating cereal for the first time

Grant at 6 months, eating cereal for the first time

Caroline promptly spitting out the cereal at 5 1/2 months

She did give me a big smile at the end, though! (It's hard to tell with her eyes closed, but trust me, it's a smile!)

First time parent: A reflection

Yesterday we spent some time with some friends who just had their first baby a couple of months ago. Talking with my friend who is now a fellow mother made me think about my own foray into parenthood. I'd wanted a baby for so long, so when I finally had little Jack I was thrilled! Needless to say, it did not take long for the reality of my new role to hit like a ton of bricks! Here was this little person, completely dependent on me, yet completely foreign to me. I thought that, because I'd babysat, been a big sister, and taught elementary children, motherhood would come naturally to me. I imagined those ads you see on TV where the baby is peacefully sleeping while the mother stands there, watching, with a sweet smile on her face. Instead, there were days of multiple bouts of crying (and not just from Jack) and thoughts of, What have I done? I remember wondering why no one had ever told me it would be so hard and deciding that I would definitely warn all my friends in the future when faced with their first pregnancy/child.

It's funny to think back on this time in my life. I've not warned anyone in, oh, probably 4 years and have always been excited to hear of new pregnancies. It's amazing how God can give you a mind that forgets the difficulty of those first few weeks, just like you forget the pain of labor. I have treasured these newborn days with my other two children because I know how quickly they pass and how easy it is to forget the joy of their snuggly little bodies pressed up against your chest as they sleep. Being a parent is such hard work, but the benefits are enormous! If I could go back to my sleep-deprived, anxious, new-mom self, I would tell her it will all work out okay. The baby will gain weight (did he ever!), he'll eventually sleep, and you'll have so much fun getting to know him.

me with four-day-old Jack--The fun begins!

my beautiful first-born son--He really was adorable (and no, I'm not biased or anything)!

Pictures from Big Cedar Lodge

the falls that cross the road--so beautiful!

the boys loved eating breakfast on the balcony outside of our room

Jack going on the waterslide under the waterfall. He loved this slide and probably went down 20-30 times!

Grant preferred the indoor slide but only went down twice. He didn't like getting his face wet.

Jack and Grant waiting for the shuttle bus that took us around the lodge's property.

all of us sitting at the pool, waiting for the "dive-in" movie (Caroline and I left as soon as it started, and the boys left after 30 mintues.)

Grant jumping into the kiddie pool

big smiles from Caroline!

Jack with Mimi and Papa at the pool

me and Caroline cooling off in the kiddie pool

the pool by our room--it was so great!

the lines on the parking lot--thought it was so cool that they were fish!

Papa and Grant making s'mores together. This only lasted long enough to take the picture!

the boys enjoying their king-size bed--so sweet!

Vacation!

We just returned from vacation--not just the "crash with relatives and let them feed and entertain us" vacation. A real, live, plan a trip, stay at a hotel, eat out vacation! The first time we took a vacation with kids (or, should I say, "kid" as it was only Jack at that point), we realized that our definition of "vacation" would no longer include sleeping late, eating at nice restaurants, and lounging peacefully by the pool while reading books or people-watching. Once we got that into our heads, vacation has been much less of a let-down and much more fun.

But I digress...

We visited The Wilderness Club at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, MO, which is about 10 minutes from Branson, MO. We didn't quite know what to expect as we'd never been there but had read a lot of great reviews of the place. We drove down on Sunday from my parents' lake house and only had to stop once to feed Caroline--whoo-hoo! When we got to the resort, we were immediately impressed by the room and the attention to detail. Big Cedar Lodge is owned by Bass Pro Shop so it has a very outdoorsy feel (complete with mounted deer heads and fish). Our room had a living room and two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. The boys shared a king-size bed in one room, and Ryan and I shared a room with Caroline. There was plenty of space!

Each day we would go to the pool. Most days we just went to the one right next to our building. That one had two pools connected by a waterfall and a kiddie pool. The boys loved going between the pools and floating with their life jackets and floaty toys. Caroline (and I) often only spent about an hour at the pool since she had a to take a morning nap, but the boys spent about 4 hours there each day and loved every second!

In the evenings we ate at one of the restaurants there (Devil's Pool) and walked around the grounds. We savored a gorgeous sunset, ate dessert next to an Airstream trailer that functioned as an ice cream truck, and made s'mores by a campfire. It was a lovely, relaxing vacation, and we would definitely love to go back!

Here are just a few pictures from our trip. I'll post more later.

the 5 of us by a fountain in the Branson Landing area

my parents (who came with us) and Ryan and Caroline

the boys at the campfire after making s'mores

Nicknames

As a teacher I've often wondered how students have gotten their nicknames. Sometimes the nicknames make sense--for example, Jen for Jennifer or Jon for Jonathan. Sometimes the nicknames are the middle names. And other times, the nicknames make absolutely no sense whatsoever. My dad was called Jack but that was neither his first nor middle name. Well, when we decided to give little miss her name we knew that she would occasionally be called Carolyn and tried to think of a nickname that we could call her in case it became an issue. We settled on Callie. Once she came, though, we decided that we liked the name Caroline so much that we would just use it. Jack, however, has taken it upon himself to give his little sister his own special nickname: Liney. We never would've thought of that one, but many of us now call her that. Several weeks ago he added the "Bruin" to it. When I asked how he came up with that he said it was because of "Lizzy Bruin" in the Berenstain Bear books. So now Caroline's nickname is Liney Bruin. Hmmm...that child is nothing if not creative!