Memorial Day Weekend

This Memorial Day Weekend was pretty low-key. Jonathan was at a conference for church from Friday night to Monday night (coming home for the evenings, with a break from church until later Sunday afternoon). Also, my sister and Mom worked a good deal of the weekend, so we didn't spend a whole lot of time over there either.

Saturday

We started the day with a trip to the park with my friend Jennifer and her husband, YiFeng. It was awesome having a 1:1 ratio (though I will admit, YiFeng spent some time looking after the two older ones while I got to catch up with Jennifer). We decided to leave just as the ice cream truck was arriving. I ended up leaving the parking lot with three whining/crying girls. Thankfully they were all calm by the time we got home. We then headed over to Jonathan's conference, where they invited families to join in on lunch (thankful for that!). That was followed by a walk around downtown Winchester, a bath, and a low-key napless afternoon at home. I had the two older girls tucked in bed by the time Jonathan got home.

Sunday

After church we had a nice lunch and a lazy afternoon before Jonathan headed back to the conference. Sarah fought sleep like nobody's business during her nap time. So, we had an early dinner followed by an early bedtime.

Monday

The girls and I headed out early to Nonna and Papa's house to visit before Nonna had to head to work. It ended up being more than just a visit. Abigail, Sarah, and I helped Nonna and Papa plant a few flowers-which was fun! We don't get to do this sort of thing living in an apartment, so it was nice to do something new. We look forward to someday gardening in our own yard.

We went home for a little bit and then headed out for the final celebration at the conference Jonathan was attending. A lot of people shared their testimonies and it was pretty clear that me spending the weekend with the three girls was totally worth the experience Jonathan got to have.

Photo Fridays 05.25.12

Abigail has, shall we say, been more gutsy with our little Lily. Sometimes I won't get Lily out of her crib right away after naptime and Abigail will ask permission to go into the room and turn the light on. The other day I went in there to see Abigail in the crib with a book "cradling" Lily in her arms/lap. I'm just glad she didn't try getting Lily out of the crib. And just yesterday I caught Abigail spreading out a play mat and successfully moving Lily from one spot on the floor to the mat. I'm wondering when Abigail will go ahead and attempt to lift Lily and carry her around!

Photo Fridays 05.18.12

Lily's First Veggie

In an effort to save money I thought I'd give homemade baby food another try. Last night I made butternut squash and sweet potatoes. I got a lot of great information and "recipes" from momtastic's Wholesome baby food website. Here's what Lily thought of the squash.

 

 

I think she really liked it. I was surprised we didn't get more of a reaction from her though.

We'll see how things go with the whole homemade baby food thing. I tried making food for Abigail back in the day but didn't stick with it. At the moment I am pretty determined to go this route because it will be such a money-saver.

Six Months!

Lily officially turned 6 months old yesterday, but I didn't get around to taking her monthly picture until this morning.

Lily is trying her hardest to scoot. I'll see her reaching for a toy (or something she shouldn't be going for, like a little girl's sneaker). Then she'll bring her knees in...and then...she goes backwards. She has mastered moving sideways (like the arms of a clock).

We've been better at giving her solids and will probably introduce a few veggies now. I think she is eager to eat. Jonathan often holds her during dinner time and she'll follow his fork with her eyes.

We haven't done official sleep training yet. On occasion I would put her in her crib awake. The problem we have now is that the two older girls will sit up in their bunk beds and squeal, laugh, and talk with her. I think sleep training will involve training the other girls as to how this whole thing will work.

I cannot believe half a year has gone by since Lily came into the world! Time flies!

Mother's Day 2012

Happy Mother's Day to all you mommas out there. I had a great day that started later than usual. Jonathan gave me the great gift of sleeping in for 90 minutes! He took care of all three girls AND made a wonderful breakfast. Abigail and Sarah greeted me with smiles and sweetly saying "Happy Mother's Day"s.

After church we headed over to Nonna and Papa's house for dinner. The girls played outside for a bit beforehand.

 

 

 

 

 

As hard as I've found motherhood to be I can say that it is a blessing to be a Mom. I can also better appreciate all that my Mom, Mother-in-Law, and Grandmothers have done.

Photo Fridays 05.11.12

I don't know why, but I really like this picture of Lily.

Photo Fridays 05.04.12

 I am SO excited to celebrate with my friend Jennifer when she gets married tomorrow!