My Chunky Monkey

I know I post a lot of pictures of Finley, but I just can't help myself! Babies change so quickly. I could kiss his cheeks all day and these pictures make me smile.

Six Week Checkup

Today was our final visit with our Midwife. It has been such a great experience working with these ladies over this last year. They were so great about catching things and helping me cope emotionally with everything. I love how much they involved the siblings in everything. Today when I asked if they would prefer me to lay Finley on the couch or the floor they told me to lay him on a blanket on the floor so that everyone could help. I love how laid back they are and how long our visits are. Finley checked out just fine and weighed in at just over 11 lbs. At the end of our appointment the children helped me give the midwives their gifts and thank-you cards. Just before we left my midwife hugged me good-bye and told me to come back if we find ourselves having another baby. I am so pleased with our experience and with midwifery care. I am also super grateful that is covered under healthcare and available to those who would like it. Though it was freezing cold outside, we left with warm hearts. 

Filled with Love

 Happy February! We have been busy finding ways to decorate and fill our home with love this month to celebrate valentine's day. For FHE last week we talked about all the different ways we could fill our home with love and it has definitely improved the mood around here this week. There is a lot less fighting and the children seem a little more agreeable throughout the day.

We have also  been working hard to keep the cookie jar full of our traditional heart cookies.

I think Camilla's sign has been working well because I have made three batches of sugar cookies already this month.

 

One of the ways Hyrum likes  to show love is by holding his baby brother. 

 

I've been trying to cut out Joseph's naps to see if it will help him sleep better, but he usually ends up crashing before lunch on the couch. Doesn't he look delicious? I could kiss those cheeks all day!

Sunday Snapshot

Monster Jam

Tonight all of the guys got together for a 'boys night out'. Uncle Ryan scored a few tickets to Monster Jam and the guys went to watch him race and take in the rest of the show. Hyrum was so excited to spend the night out with his Dad and the rest of the guys. Throughout the night Mr. Stannix and my brother sent me pictures to keep me up to date. I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

On the LRT

At the Jam

The end of the show

All Smiles

Look who's all smiles this week! All of the kids compete now to see who can get the biggest grin. Finley loves all of the extra attention.

My Joe

I have been thinking back a lot lately on Joseph's baby blessing and the part where he was blessed that he would have a special relationship with his mother. We definitely have a special relationship and though it has come easy because I am his mother and he is my child, it has still been a long road. Joseph is by far my busiest child, and has been since day one. He wouldn't sleep until well past midnight and even now he wakes up often in the night. When he is awake during the day, he must be kept occupied or he finds his own fun in my brown sugar container, the fridge, or the bathroom sink. There are days when he makes me want to pull my hair out and Mr. Stannix sometimes jokes that he's taking years off his life, but we sure do love our Joseph. Over these last couple of weeks when I find him in the middle of one shenanigan or another, I constantly remind myself that he is not a bad child, he does not mean to be bad, he is just curious and busy, oh so busy. This morning he polished off three yogurt containers before I even woke up. He's the kind of kid that likes his breakfast at 5:30am. He would eat cookies for breakfast lunch and dinner and has asked for them at 3:00am on more than one occasion. Before lunch he flooded the downstairs bathroom by repeatedly dumping boat fulls of water on the floor. After his nap he chased his siblings with a pair of scissors, snipped my yarn project before it was finished and covered himself in Vaseline all while I was changing Finley's diaper. And don't even get me started on the bedtime struggle. Usually I say a lot of "Get back to bed please!" and he replies, "Akay akay, I wiwll I wiwll..." Then when I need him to do something and he doesn't "wanna" he will usually respond with "I un waaaaana" in a low growly voice. Because our days can be so chaotic and busy sometimes, I cherish the quiet moments I get to spend with him. He gives the best hugs with his arms wrapped tightly around your neck. He still kisses me on the lips and asks for it often. He loves stories. He loves to play this game where he runs at me from the otherside of the room and knocks me over with a giant hug over and over again. He is pretty rough and tumble and likes to tackle his siblings to the floor and put them in head locks. He hasn't quite grasped the concept of whispering when the baby is sleeping and will talk even louder if I ask him to. Sometimes I just need to remind myself to forget about the dishes and laundry and just sit on the floor and play with him, because when we are playing together he doesn't get into as much trouble and I really love his belly laughs! He really is a good kid, and we really do have a special relationship. He has a big heart and a lot of love to give! I love this kid more than he will ever know!

Cherished Treasures

 I spent some time this afternoon scanning some of the artwork that decorates my fridge. My shoe box of special treasures is pretty full with two children who love to create and I just can't keep everything. I figure this is a good alternative, and I can still treasure them forever.

 (The top two lines are Camilla's work, and the bottom are Hyrum's)

(The top line are Camilla's drawings, and the bottom are Hyrum's)

I especially love Camilla's unicorn (in the middle), Hyrum's picture of us hugging, and Hyrum's yellow power ranger. We can finish off a stack of paper pretty quickly around here, but I love watching the children create. I love that Camilla gives me twenty cards a day folded backwards with MOM written on the back instead of the front. They are both super thoughtful and I cherish their little drawings so much!

Freshly Bathed

(Picture taken by Camilla)

I love drinking in the smells of a freshly bathed babe at days end.

Our Littlest Gentleman