39 weeks

Here are a few last shots of me preggo! I have been thinking about posting something poignant about being pregnant - so here goes:

Dear Pregnancy:

I have spent about 3.07 years/160 weeks/1,120 days/26,880 hours with you. It has been bitter and sweet, but mostly sweet. Before I got pregnant for the first time I was convinced that I would have great difficulty, but you proved me wrong.

I won't miss the burning round ligament pain, the itchy skin, the hemorrhoids, the groin pain and the restless nights. But oh how I will miss the miracle of it all: feeling the babies move inside, seeing a little hand or foot brush just underneath my skin. Having people smile at me simply because they know. . .

I just cannot imagine not believing more in God after spending so much time with you. As I close on my last pregnancy, I am so thankful that you got to know me and I got to know you. I thank you (actually, God) for the 4 beautiful gifts that you have given me. In about 2 years I will long to be with you again, but alas our time together has to end at some point. Sigh. . .

Love,

Christy

Preschool Conferences for John and Will

Matt and I met with Will and John's preschool teachers earlier this week. It is always fun to hear about what the kids are up to at school and to see some of their artwork and hear about their development.

John is definitely a favorite of Ms. Constance and Ms. Charlene. Although he is one of the 3 youngest in the class, they both commented that he was much more mature/advanced and played with the older children - most likely because he has older siblings. He LOVES the sandbox, and is very verbal. Ms. Constance said that he loved music, singing and art as well. They were both floored by how much he ate and how quickly he could shove a whole banana in his mouth. She showed us artwork that reflected how he is learning to hold onto the crayon better and draw more consistent linear lines. Fascinating. They both were struck at his athleticism already and how he loves to climb, jump and run. They stated they have found him standing on tables in the class several times and have had to say "Both feet on the ground John!" HA! I'm glad to know it happens even when two adults are supervising him!

Next we moved on to Ms. Jenny (who we love) and the Jivin' Giraffes. Ahhh, Will. Last week Ms. Jenny sent me an e-mail stating that Will had SPIT on another child during chapel. Matt and I both had to contain our rage before dealing with the situation. Matt spoke to Will about it in his room and then spanked him. So needless to say that was fresh on our minds. Of the three children, Will is the most sensitive to change and I think he is acting out because he knows the baby will be arriving shortly. Anyway, Ms. Jenny was so encouraging and sweet and said that Will was definitely ready for Pre-K next year and was on track to go to Kindergarten in 2 years. She wrote this on her evaluation sheet:

Will is a very bright boy that likes art and exploring new activities that are introduced in class but most of all, he LOVES cutting/writing/creating at the writing center and building on the carpet. He is very independent and confident at school. Will has great verbal skills, using his words to clearly express himself. He can also identify many printed names in our class without photos to help. He has good fine motor skills (probably from all his daily cutting!) and can write his own name. He gets along well with his peers and is learning how to solve problems. Will is a fun boy and a joy to have in class!

I feel so blessed to have good teachers for the boys this year - they both really enjoy school and it gives me time to homeschool Alivia.

Alivia and Will's Annual Check-Ups

Today we saw Dr. Dawson. Alivia and Will got a clean bill of health and all looks good. Yay! Will had to get 2 shots which was very traumatic for him - especially since Sister did not have to get any this time.

Here are their stats:

Alivia: Weight: 52 lbs (75%), Height: 46 1/4 inches (75%)

Will: Weight: 44 lbs (90%), Height 42 3/4 inches (90%)

As it turned out, I had Dr. Dawson look into John's ears since he has been sick the last 2 weeks and he has an ear infection. Poor guy. I am going to hold off giving the antibiotics unless he starts acting sad. . . but it just goes to show how little he is slowed down by anything!

Playgroup Girlfriends

Tonight almost all of the original playgroup girls gathered at Melissa's house for fellowship and catching up with one another. Melissa made adorable blue cupcakes to celebrate Baby Risinger's upcoming arrival, and they each gave me some diapers and small gifts as well. It was so fun to see everyone - it has been awhile since I had seen some of them.

While we no longer get together for play groups with our oldest kids (all around 6 years old), we still try and meet for a girl's night about once a month. I hope we can continue to do that even as our lives and kids take us in different directions.

Thank you to Melissa, Beth, Amy, Kathryn, Shannon, Jill (and Brandi - not pictured) for celebrating with me tonight and bringing in some much loved laughter and camaraderie into my life as we move through motherhood together.

Alivia is SIX!

Alivia's Birthday was January 9th. Here is my letter to her:

Alivia:

My sweet, caring child. You love writing notes to friends and sending them in the mail. With the money you collect each week for chores, you always think about buying gifts for friends and family when you have money left over.

I have loved homeschooling you this year. Getting to know the way you learn has taught me so much about you (and me!). You are so similar to me in that you get frustrated easily when you cannot understand something immediately or do not do something perfectly. You are tentative in new situations and like to make sure you understand what is going on before jumping in.

You are so excited about your new baby brother who will be born in a month. You were thrilled the other night when you put your hand on my belly and the baby kicked!

You lead your brothers in a positive, caring, loving way and are such a good Mommy's helper. Your willingness to help out around the house is appreciated so much.

I love you,

Mommy

And now the interview:

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Turquoise

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: cous cous and noodles

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Marie Grace (American Girl Book)

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: A Mommy, a cheerleader and a worker (for Daddy’s company)

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: My Fur Real Dog

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: Play with my Fur Real Dog

Q: What is your favorite memory from this year?

A: Having a play date with Aubrey

Q: What is your favorite thing about kindergarten?

A: That my teacher is so nice (Mrs. Foulkrod)

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: Arthur

Q: Who are your favorite friends?

A: Aubrey, Avery, Samuel and Jane Ann

Will is FOUR!

Will's Birthday was December 5th, but I wanted to write a special note to him.

Will,

My precious boy. You are quickly changing physically and getting taller and thinner. You are still as verbal as ever and amaze me with your vocabulary and quick wit. You love telling jokes like "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Because "He wanted to jump over the moon!"

You are a bit tentative with new situations and still trying to grow into your body a bit, but right now you love riding your electric Jeep in the front yard and can drive it amazingly well.

You have learned how to annoy your sister (repeating what she says, stealing things from her) but most of the time you follow her lead and learn along side her.

You have a special relationship with Grandpa (who is also the 2nd child to an older sister and younger brother) and have gone on several outings with just him to the ranch which you love.

You are jealous of Mommy and Daddy's attention to any other children besides the ones in our family and can have wild mood swings between gleeful laughter and somber sadness complete with dramatic facial expressions to go alongside these changing emotions.

As I continue to get to know you, you make me laugh and my heart smile. I love you sweet child!

Love,

Mom

And not to forget a tradition, the annual Birthday Interview:

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Green

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Strawberries and macaroni

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Dump Trucks

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: A veterinarian, a firefighter and a worker and a Daddy

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: My backhoe

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: Make stuff

Q: What is your favorite memory from this year?

A: I like the lake

Q: What is your favorite thing about preschool?

A: That I can make stuff there

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: Clifford the Big Red Dog and Third and Bird

Q: Who are your favorite friends?

A: Henry Baumhover, Paige, Josh and Drew (cousins), and Jack (Dugan)

Alivia's 6th Birthday

We all had a blast at Alivia's 6th Birthday Party at the Build a Bear at Lakeline Mall. Alivia was over the moon to have her best friends come share the day with her. It was a small party which made it even more special. After they made their bears, we headed up to the Food Court for a cookie cake and milk. Happy 6th Birthday, Alivia!

Attendees included: Avery and Paige, Samuel and Jane Ann Skaggs, Katherine Dugan and Will. Unfortunately, Aubrey Baumhover could not make it. :-(

Avery and Paige were a bit late because Mimi and Grandpa took them to the Build a Bear at Barton Creek Mall - Oops!!!