Special Bond

Will has a special bond with Matthew. I often catch Will down on the ground stroking Matthew's head and talking to him quietly. It has really surprised me how much Will notices Matthew and helps to care for him. I think a 4 year age difference makes it easier - there is less competition and Matthew can't stand up to Will yet! :-) I hope their relationship continues to grow through the years. I pray that all of my children will remain close into adulthood. I pray that God will help me to know how to foster that.

Attempt at Family Pictures

As if getting to church on time is not stressful enough, I thought this time in the morning would be a perfect time to try and get a family picture. I got all the kids dressed in coordinating outfits. I seriously turn into a crazy lady when we try to take pictures. And of course the more I push the children, the more they rebel. . .

Of course Will decides this is the perfect time to gag himself.

John, I was feeling the same way at this point

At this point we had given up on including John and had turned into a family of 5 again

John is still having a tantrum in the driveway during these shots

This is about as good as it gets - we took these after we got home from church

All the kids at 4 months

People always ask me who I think Matthew looks like. . . I'll let you decide.

Alivia

Will

John

Matthew

Matthew is 4 months old!

Matthew got a clean bill of health at his 4-month appointment. Here are his stats:
Height: 24.74 inches (30%)
Weight: 15.8 pounds (55%)
Head: 42.3 (97%)

He just rolled over for the first time a day or two ago! Yay! We are putting him down for the night between 7-8 pm. (YAY!) But now he is getting up every night around 3 am to nurse (BOO!) I was so hopeful he would continue sleeping through the night, but I think he will join the others and start that around 7-8 months.

He rewards any attention with beautiful smiles and gurgles.

This is one of my favorite outfits that he has worn.

Flashback to High School

Me (with Matthew 4 months), Christie, Clark and Wes

Christie Zatopek Harmon was in town, so we gathered the gang for some burgers at Clark and Meredith's house. It was fun to see everyone and catch up. It takes my breath away to see how old our kids have gotten. And I paused occasionally when I realized we all HAVE kids! I look back on my high school experience with such fond memories thanks to these friends. We never got into any trouble and had good, clean fun that revolved around Covenant Presbyterian Church and its youth group. Clark and Wes made me laugh so hard and Christie was (and is) such a precious friend. Everyone called us "Christy Squared" because we were always together.

Blue Wave against Westover Orcas

Alivia and Aubrey both looked precious in their suits and swam great!

Happy Birthday Jill!

Spent a fun night with fun friends celebrating a lifelong friend's birthday.