Colin and Kaden's 2nd trip to the Dentist

Took boys to pediatric dentist for sealants on molars. Colin also had a tiny cavity filled. We said a prayer on the way that everything would be great. Kaden then stated that he wanted to say a prayer. "Dear God, please help me be brave." :-) so sweet. . .
For the procedure, they had nitrous. At which point, Colin brought his toy grasshopper and had said grasshopper "hopping" on the dentist's chest and face during the procedure! She said she thought it was cute. Colin said the grasshopper was trying to give her a kiss :-). So goofy!

Victoria's 4 month check up

She did great! 24 inches and 11lbs 8oz now :-). She is such a sweet baby! Doesn't cry very much and is usually pretty quiet, unless she want to "chat". She is reaching and grabbing toys without assistance now! She can almost roll over. Just needs to transfer her weight a little further. She loves to blow bubbles and "talk". I melt when she gives her goofy smile. Love her so :-).

Victoria sleeps through the Night!

Victoria slept through the night for the first time! Yea! So excited! My baby is growing up!

Emma's party and Kaden's compliment

Our friend Emma had her 4th birthday party today at the bounce place, Pump it up. We also had a birthday party to attend for Carly and Sophie, as they turned 5. Thank goodness, no marriage proposals today :-). Everyone had a great time. At Carly and Sophie's party, I was cleaning Kaden's face when he said, "Mommy, you are so beautiful. You look like a princess." Wow! How sweet is that! It means a little more from them at this age because they can be so brutally honest :-). Thank you Kaden! You made my day!

You are my best friend

Colin, Kaden, and Katharine were playing chase when Katharine ran up, threw her arms around me and told me, "Mommy, you are my best friend." How sweet is that! She can be a real sweetie!

Halloween 2009

We went to Lubbock for Halloween. Colin was Prince Phillip (a knight), Kaden was Jack Sparrow (a pirate), Katharine was a fairy, and Victoria was a disney Princess :-). We trick or treated in Lakeridge, Grammy and Big D's neighborhood. Big D is really sick, but he was glad to see all of us, and see the kids in their Halloween costumes :-). The kids did great trick or treating. Didn't try to go into people's houses this year! Good grief! Everyone made a haul, and had a ton of candy. When they were done, they wanted to go back to Grammy's and Big D's to hand out candy. So we did. Kaden must have thought we were slow, because he ran down to the side walk and yelled, "We have candy at this house! Come trick or treat here! We have candy at this house!" We all died laughing! Colin and Katharine joined in trying to recruit trick or treaters to Big D's :-). It was a great time! We always have fun trick or treating at Big D's house!

Colin receives his first love letter

Colin told his Daddy that his little girlfriend had given him a letter. This is the same girl he is "engaged" to :-). He promptly pulls an envelope with a purple cut out heart out of his backpack. She even wrote his name on it! He can't hardly write his name! She followed us out to the car today, and wished Colin a nice weekend. So cute!

Victoria's First laugh

Victoria laughed for the first time today! It was adorable! She laughed a few times in a row! I can't believe how fast she is growing and developing! She is all ready laughing! She is so sweet and patient. Very patient. I have to check on her several times when she takes a nap because she will just lay there awake for the longest time before she will cry. Such a good girl! Love her so much!

Get Out of My Princess Bed!

Katharine loves her princess bed. At naptime, I race her to her room and playfully jump in her bed and pretend to go to sleep. She runs, jumps in her bed, and states with great conviction, "Mommy, get out of my princess bed!" Oh, I feel so loved :-)

Colin is engaged!

I picked the boys up from school today, and Colin had some news! Colin: "Mommy, I asked Carly to marry me." Me: "What did she say?" Colin: "She said yes, but when she is a little older." Me: "Wow, Colin. Do you think you will marry her?" Colin: "Yeah, I trust her." I can't believe Colin is engaged! I guess it will be a long engagement! So cute!

Victoria is talking!

Victoria is cooing away! It's amazing that they understand even now, that conversation is give and take. She will coo, I will say something, she will coo back. So cute! She is smiling and so much more interactive at nearly two months old :-). She is sleeping 6 hours at night now. Yeah! Love the little stinker. . .

Oh, Pre-K love

Kaden, Colin, and Katharine met their Pre-K teachers today. The boys ran into the loves of their lives, Carly and Sophie (also twins). Kaden says, "I like Carly. She makes me fall in love. . ." Colin says, " I want to marry Sophie." I say, "Colin, you said you didn't want to get married because you don't want babies." Colin, "Yeah, I'll just marry her a little :-)". Oh my goodness! I can't believe it starts this early! You guys have more game at 4 than your Daddy ever did! So funny!
Katharine did great meeting her teacher, too. No love stories there, yet! I'm hoping she will do well. This will be her first time in school. Also, Kaden and Colin will be in two different classrooms. I'm hoping that will go well, too.

Katharine's Princess Bed

Katharine has a princess bed with a headboard that has the Princesses in a castle. At night, when I am putting her to bed. She says that she "wants to go in there. Want to go up the stairs." I then explain that it is just a picture. She stares at me a moment, "Is it closed?". Yes dear, it is closed :-). So cute! I then promise we will one day go to Cinderella's castle :-)

Truman's Birthday Party

We all went to Truman's Birthday party on Sunday, and much fun was had by all. There was a bounce house, a pool, cake, and other treats. What more could preschoolers want? A little worried about the twin thing. Whenever Colin could not see Kaden, he was looking for him and vice versa!
Kaden is a great big brother. As we were leaving our house, he asked if the new baby was in the backseat and if Katharine was in the back seat. He wanted to make sure that we weren't leaving them at home! So funny! At least someone is trying to keep up with the plethora of children! We told Truman's dad to call is if we misplaced any children at his house :-). I keep telling the boys we need to go shoe shopping for the shoe we need to live in, as we have so many children! We then read the Nursery Rhyme about the old woman who lived in her shoe. Colin and Kaden counted 21 children in the picture. They then counted the four of them and stated that as we only have four, it is not neccessary to live in a shoe :-). So rational for 4 year olds!

Victoria is 3 weeks old!!

Wow! We are really sleep deprived, but cannot believe it has been 3 weeks! She had her 2 week check up a few days ago and is back at her birth weight of 7lbs 5 oz, so that is good. Kaden, Colin, and Katharine are really sweet with her. They are very curious and want to "help" with diaper changes, feedings, etc. They also like to watch her while she sleeps : ). So very fortunate to have four healthy children. Wonders never cease!
Colin, Kaden, and Katharine got haircuts today with Daddy, then they went to Petsmart to see the animals and fish. It's sometimes nice to spend a little alone time with Victoria. She won't be so little for so long.

Kaden, Colin, and Katharine are Home!

The kiddos are back from their week at Nana and Papa's house! I missed them so much! The house was crazy quiet. . . Twilight zone quiet. . . really glad they are back! They say they had a great time with Nana and Papa. They even got to see Big D and Grammy. Daddy took you all to Big D's ranch to go fishing. You guys played with the worms, more than fished. Papa went, too. Then you guys all rode on the tractors :-).
Papa took you all to the lake by their house where Colin picked up a dead fish! Gross! When asked why, Colin replied that he "didn't know it was died. I only thought it was sleeping!" Still gross! Nana took you all to the mall in Lubbock to ride the rides and throw coins in the fountains. Sounds like a super fun trip. Special thanks to Nana and Papa for giving Mommy time to recover, and for giving you guys a great vacation! So glad to have you all home!! Love you!!!

Meeting Victoria

Nana and Papa brought the kids up to meet Victoria this afternoon. They all did great! Very gentle and loving. They were each allowed to hold her. When it was Kaden's turn, he held her and started to sing a lullaby from one of the shows he watches. It was so spontaneous and sweet, I cried!! "Baby buggy rest your head, in your precious baby bed. I will keep you warm and snug, til you wake my precious bug." It's a show about bugs :-). Anyway, the sweetest thing. He and Colin then played "One little piggy" with her toes :-). Katharine held her and gave her kisses. I'm so fortunate to have such loving children!

Nana and Papa are here!!!

The kids are beyond excited. Nana and Papa are here to help me out while Jason is in Lubbock with Big D. They love playing with Nana and Papa. Papa always invents cool new games for them to play. They just have the best time. Cousin Aidan, Aunt Mindy, and Uncle Shawn are coming tomorrow to celebrate July 4th. Our last family hurrah before Baby Rogue on July 15th : ). Yeah!

Colin wants to trade Mommy in : )

I always tease Kaden and Colin that if they are not good boys, I will take them to the Boy Store and trade them in : ). Colin then says that they are to big to fit on the counter to be checked out. So funny. Anyway, I spilled Katharine's water while attempting to refill her cup, and I asked if I needed to go to time out. Colin said yes, and that he wanted to take me to the Mommy Store and trade me in for a nice Mommy! I acted appalled, and he then said he was teasing me, too. That he wouldn't trade me in. So funny how they take what you say and manipulate it to suit them! I laughed so hard. I wasn't expecting that! Guess I need to try to be a nicer Mommy before I get booted!

Baby Belly

Katharine can be so sweet. She is always asking me if I'm okay, and if the baby is okay. When I have contractions, she gives me a hug and says, "feel better?". She also likes to rub my belly in with lotion and give it kisses : ). So sweet : ).

Baby Rogue's sono

Baby Rogue is a big girl! At 35 weeks, she is measuring 38 weeks and 6 1/2 lbs!! Craziness! At this rate, she should be over 8 lbs by her birthday! I'm feeling every bit of this baby! So glad she is so healthy and doing well. Can't believe we will meet her in just a few weeks! Love you, little Rogue. . .

Potty training Katharine

Katharine is potty training so well! Just one minor problem. With two older brothers, she sometimes wants to mimic the way they potty. She can be very stubborn : ). When I tell her that she has to sit down to potty, she says, "No! Stand like brothers!" It's difficult to explain to a 2 year old why she cannot potty like her brothers : ).

Mommy and Daddy's Wedding DVD

Today, Kaden and Colin wanted to watch Mommy and Daddy getting married. They were very intrigued and excited to see us on DVD. Colin then stated that when he gets married, he wants to be the mommy. I asked him why, and he said it was because the Mommy is sparkly : ). Kaden then stated that he wanted to be sparkly too : ). So cute!

Rogue's Doctor appointment

Today was Rogue's 31st week check up. I decided to take Kaden, Colin, and Katharine with me since we were having a sonogram. I thought it would be neat for them to see the baby. They did really well, and it held their collective interest for a while.
Rogue is in 75th percentile for growth! Dr. Elliott said if she continues on this track, she will be over 8lbs! Wow! I've never had a baby that big : ). T- 7 weeks and counting til Rogue. We are excited and scared at the same time! It's slightly frightening to be responsible for 4 children, 4 and under : ).

Memorial Day at the Park

We went to Frisco Commons today for some family time. Kaden, Colin, and Katharine love to feed the fish in the lake. We usually stand on the bridge and throw the bread into the water. Today, they wanted to stand on the edge of the lake. Everyone was having a great time. Katharine was throwing her bread in whole. During one of her throws, she slipped and fell on her bum in the mud : (. Most upsetting. Thank goodness we had an extra set of clothes in the van!
Once recovered, we all traversed to the playground where they all proceeded to have great fun in the sandbox and on the slides. We then ate a nice picnic lunch in the pavilion. There was another family celebrating a little boy's birthday next to us. Of course, Kaden and Colin don't know a stranger. They went right over, made themselves at home, and sang happy birthday with the other family!! Katharine was, of course, right there with them : ). They were even offered some cake, but sadly, it was naptime and time to go home : ).
We had a good time as a family. Once home, we had Movie Night and watched Bolt. It was a hit, and everyone enjoyed the popcorn. We'll have to have more Movie Nights. . . and more park time, just with less muddy consequences :).

Colin's Advice to Mommy

This morning, while I was getting ready, Colin asked me if I was okay. I said that I was and that I was just tired. He then said, "Mommy, you just need to get some rest, and you'll feel like a brand new woman." So funny!!! I asked him where he heard that, and he said Aunt Brandi!! They have memories like elephants!! Cracks me up : )

Katharine's first Dentist appt.

Unfortunately, Katharine was not nearly as excited about her Dental visit. Kaden and Colin loved it so much, you guys often ask when you can go again! You both have said you want to be Dentists when you grow up : ). Of course, this is a pediatric dentist, so the visits are more pleasant : ).
Katharine, however, was having none of it. She cried the entire time her teeth were cleaned and examined! Luckily, she kept her mouth open throughout the crying spell, so her exam and cleaning were not hampered : ). The Hygenist kept asking if I was okay with her crying, and I informed her I'm a PICU nurse, and this is nothing compared to what I've experienced at work : ).
Katharine was fine as soon as she was back in my lap with her balloon and new "elefep" toothbrush. It's really a toothbrush with flying pigs, but she still insists that pigs are "elefeps" (elephants : ) ). She returned to great spirits as soon as we left the office! Good report, no cavities! Katharine, you did great, considering you are 2 : ).

Colin at the Elevator :-)

Took the kids to my and Rogue's checkup. She's doing fine. We were waiting for the elevator, as we were leaving, when Colin began to study the man standing with us. Colin looked at the man, then looked at me. Looked at the man, then looked at me. He finally said, "Mommy. That man has a baby in his belly just like you do!" Oh My! I wanted to laugh so bad, but did not want to embarrass the poor guy any more! He was a little round :-). I love kids at this age! Hilarious!

Colin and Kaden's Names for Baby Rogue

I asked the boys what they thought we should name Rogue. Colin wants to name her Butter : ). Kaden wants to name her Sandwich : ). I guess there is a reason 4 year olds do not name babies : ).

Katharine's Birthday Party

After Imagination Movers, we had a birthday party for Katharine. Nana and Papa came in for the party. She was excited to wear her birthday shirt. We had cake, sang HB again, and opened more presents. She loved her Fisher Price Twirling Castle where the Prince and Princess "dance". She was very gracious and allowed her brothers to help her unwrap her presents. She was thrilled to have Nana & Papa here. Great day :)

Imagination Movers

We took the kids to Fort Worth to see the Imagination Movers. They all love that show on the Disney Channel. I got great seats, and we were on the fourth row center. They had so much fun! Colin and Kaden actually got up out of their chairs and participated more than I thought they would! Katharine was wondering what was going on at first, but by the third song, she was dancing in the aisle beside our seats! However, she did not appreciate them coming off the stage and going down the aisle beside her! She made a bee line for my lap, then! They all had a great time, so we were relieved :). You never know about taking young children to these types of shows. It backfired on us last year when we took Kaden and Colin to the Playhouse Disney show. Kaden could not be still, so I finally told him if he couldn't behave, we would have to go outside. Then he starts yellling, "I want to go outside! I want to go outside!" What a mess! So glad Movers was such a better experience!

Colin wants to get married :)

Colin was carrying around a picture of a neighbor's baby saying it was his baby. I told him he was to young to have a baby, and he asked how he could have a baby. I told him he had to be older, and he had to get married. He then asked, "Mommy, can I marry you?" I told him I was all ready married to his Daddy. He was upset and asked, "Well, who can I marry? I know, I can marry Kaden!" Then Kaden looks over and asks how one gets married. I told him you have to love someone very much then go to church and promise God to love that person forever. He contemplated for a few seconds, then looked at Colin and said, "I don't think I want to do that." So funny!
Later that day, we were looking at pictures online of my friend Angela's little girls. Colin asked if he could marry one of those cute girls. I told him yes, that they were not all ready married. He got this sly grin on his face and raised his eyebrows like, "Hey, how you doin??" Oh my goodness, they crack me up!

Dancing

I got the kids a new kids dance cd, and they love it! Katharine, who was known as "dancing queen" in utero, is living up to her name. That girl loves to dance! They are all so cute dancing the Hokey Pokey and Pop goes the Weasel. Though I'm afraid Kaden and Colin have their father's rhythm, or lack thereof :). Even at 4, I bet they could beat Jason in a dance off :). Katharine runs around and says, "More dance! More dance!" She loves it!

Katharine's Birthday!

We had a quasi birthday for Katharine. We all went to Chick-fil-a with Aunt Stephanie and Uncle John. They had a great time playing in the indoor playscape. We then went home and had cupcakes and opened presents. Katharine fell right into the swing of things! She helped sing "Happy Birthday". She, again, did not eat her cupcake, but she was all about opening her presents and kept saying, "presents! presents!". She really liked her little purse and sunglasses. She wore them to Lowe's the next day and gave everyone a little laugh! They said she was a little starlite, and she hated all the attention :).
She is trying really hard to potty train herself, which is so refreshing after her brothers! She is doing it, basically, on her own. She is so independent, she gets upset when you help her. She is such a sweet little thing, but so strong willed at times! I have definately met my match with her! Happy Birthday, Katharine!!

Park day and Kaden likes a girl!

Kaden and Colin were making art work the other day. Colin told me that he made his for me. I asked Kaden if he made his for me, too. You said, "No. I made this for Sophie." Wow! Now he is making art for this girl?? Good grief!
This morning, Kaden was very concerned about forgetting Sophie's "card". He was adamant about making sure we brought it to school. At school, Kaden walked into the classroom and gave his "card" to a bewildered Sophie. So sweet! Oh my goodness! Aren't we to young for this stuff?? It is really sweet, but I did not expect this type of behavior at barely 4! We are going to have to keep an eye on our little casanova :).
Mommy and Katharine go shopping while the boys are in school. Katharine, you are such a good shopper! You love to push the cart around, though you "drive" about as well as I do :). We picked you guys up after lunch because it was a beautiful day, and we all went to the park. When we pulled in the parking lot, Colin said, "Thank you, Mommy! Thank you for taking us to the park! We love this park!" Kaden then said thank you, too. So sweet. You guys were all over the big kid slides and rock climbing wall. Of course, Katharine was following your lead :). She has to do whatever you guys do, or at least try :) We all had a great time.
Tonight we went to the mall. You guys love going to Pottery Barn Kids and the Disney Store. You also love the carousel. You guys all got little trinkets from the Disney Store because Daddy has very little will power :). Tomorrow is Katharine's Birthday! Can't believe she is going to be 2!!

Kaden is sick

You have been fighting a cough and drainage for a week now :(. I heard you coughing at night and went to check on you and give you some medicine. As I was walking out of your room, I heard an awful sound. I asked if you threw up, and you said yes, very matter of fact. So calm. We changed your clothes and bed, and I slept in your room for the rest of the night. You are so sweet and calm when you are sick :). Hope you feel better soon. . .

Daddy Donut Day!

Today was Daddy donut day at preschool. Daddy went to work late, just so he could go with you guys. You all really enjoyed having Daddy there with you. When it was over, Daddy told me that Kaden got up and gave a donut to a little girl named Sophie from his class. When I asked you why you gave her a donut, you said, "because I love her." Oh my goodness! Aren't we to young for puppy love??

Outside!

It's a beautiful day today, so we go out to play in the backyard. I pull weeds, and you guys are enthralled. You both want you own shovel and "globes". We go to Lowe's and get you guys your own shovels and gloves :).

President's Day

Daddy was off today, so we had a family day and went to the Dallas World Aquarium. You all fell asleep in the car. Colin woke up and vomited in your car seat. I turned around and asked if you were okay. You said, "It's okay, Mommy. It's all done. There's no more going to come out." You throw up, and then you comfort me! So sweet. We stopped at Target and got you some new clothes, and you said you still wanted to go to the aquarium. So to the Aquarium we went! We all had a nice time. You boys like the crocodiles and the spiders. Katharine likes to look for Nemo :).

Grandpa Mark and MeMe visit

Grandpa Mark and MeMe came to visit us this afternoon. You all were so excited that they were here! They brought you guys trucks that play music, go, and come back to you. You loved them! We were not as pleased with the musical aspect of them :). They brought Katharine a pink rocking horse that sings while you rock. You loved it! You guys were all telling Grandpa "knock, knock" jokes, including Katharine. However, you don't fully understand knock knock jokes :). You say knock, knock, and then you guys scream and run away!! So funny! Katharine, of course, follows your lead. Katharine, you finally warmed up to MeMe and let her hold you :). We all had a great visit, and you all were sad to see them go. . .

Colin and Kaden's 4 year check up

Bummer. . . We had to go to the Doctor :(. You guys are growing fine, but could stand to gain some more weight! Your hearing and sight were fine. Even though you both had been fighting a cold, Dr. G thought you guys were well enough to get your shots. Yuck :(. I held you guys and told you this would be a big ouchie, but it would be quick. I hate it when you guys have to do something that hurts you :(. Colin went first, and he cried during the shots, but was fine once he got his lollipop. Kaden went and I held you too, but you always take it a little harder. Even after your lollipop, you still cried for about 3 minutes over the injustice of it all :(. Then you were fine, too. I was so prould of you both. It's no fun to get shots. . .

Our First Dentist Appointment

We had our first dentist appointment today. You both were really excited about going and getting new toothbrushes and meeting the "tooth doctor". I had to finish filling out your paperwork, so you guys went back without me, and you didn't mind! When I finished, I found you guys lying side by side in the dentist's chairs watching Dora on TVs in the ceiling! The hygienist was cleaning your teeth, and you both laid there so still. She commented on how sweet and good you both are.
When the Dentist came to exam Colin, you started blowing her kisses! So sweet! Plus, no cavities! When she examined Kaden, you sat there with your legs crossed at the ankle, just chillin :). No cavities for you either!
You guys got balloons and new toothbrushes! When we left, you both said that you wanted to be a "tooth doctor" when you get big :). Then Colin said that he wanted to go see the tooth doctor every day :). I am so proud of you guys!

Telling Colin and Kaden that we are pregnant

Tonight we told you guys that we are going to have another baby. You were both really sweet and said you were excited. You both touched my belly and marveled there was a baby in there. Colin then said, "Mommy, you've had a lot of babies in your belly!" Yes, I have Colin :). Kaden said he thought the baby was going to be a girl. Colin then asked if Katharine was a girl :). I said yes, then you said you thought the baby would be a girl, too :). So glad you guys are excited about being big brothers again :).

Colin and Kaden's 4th Birthday

I cannot believe you guys are four! What an amazing blessing you both have been. You both have accomplished so much this year! Potty training is completed! Good grief, I was beginning to wonder :). We moved from Lubbock to Frisco, and you guys took it all in stride. So brave. You both adjusted so well, but you always have each other for support.
You also started preschool this year and handled that with great aplomb. It was as if you had walked into that classroom for years. I was so proud of you, and just a little sad you were both that self sufficient :). Mommy still likes to feel needed :).
You both are taking such large strides in becoming the little people you are going to be. Colin is so empathetic and caring. You are so sensitive to other's feelings and can pick up when people are not acting themselves. Then you give them a hug or a kiss and say it will be "otay" :). It instantly makes me feel better. You are very intuitive.
You are also a little thrill seeker! Ginormous slides for much older children do not dissuade you from going down them. . . on your belly. . . laughing all the way :) There is a huge twister slide at church that is at least two stories tall. You went up to it with Daddy while I waited at the bottom for you to come out. I heard you giggling all the way down and knew exactly when to expect my son to emerge :). You are usually very calm and patient, to a fault. Sometimes getting you ready in the morning is like watching paint dry! You can be laid back to a fault :). When I ask you to hurry, you then turn my words against me and say, "Mommy, you need to be patient with us." So funny.
Kaden. You are so aptly named for your Grandfather. You like to push limits and boundaries, and you do it with a smile :). You enjoy talking and speaking your mind. You often speak for Colin as his spokesperson. When you guys go to bed at night, you will sometimes come out and report to us that Colin needs this or that. You are a good big brother and keep an eye on Katharine. She likes to hold your hand when we are in public places. So sweet.
Happy Birthday to my favorite guys. I love you more than you will ever know :).