10 Months

10 months old already and into everything.  Each month it seems we have to step up our baby proofing as Haven's skills increase.  This month she started exploring cupboards. The cleaning supply stash is the only area off limits and of course that seems to be the one cupboard she is most interested in.  Still no (new)teeth but I think I can see some blanching on the top two slots.  We hope to gain some Irish teeth this Summer as we leave for Kilkenny on May 27th.  We will celebrate months 11 and 12 overseas as well.  We look forward to celebrating Haven's first year in Irish style.  Not sure how much posting I'll be able to do while we are there, but I will do my best.

randomness

Easter came far too quickly this Spring. We did manage to paint some Easter eggs and tackle 3 or 4 Easter egg hunts during the holiday. We read and discussed the story of the resurrection and continually pray that the truth of the Gospel and the power of the Gospel would penetrate our children's hearts and our own.
I captured this funny shot of Henry at 10pm or so when I was on my way to bed. I usually check on the kids before bed and half the time I find them in incredibly hilarious positions. In case you can't see it, Henry is half standing half laying on his bed and fast asleep.
Maggie used her birthday money from her great grandparents to go to build a bear and make a fairy bear. She had fun stuffing it and picking out her accessories. Thanks to the Nietfelds!
And, finally here's our cute crew on Easter in their finest apparel. Grandma and Poppa gave the girls a slew of matching dresses for their birthdays and so Maggie picked out the pinkest for them to wear on Easter morning. And, of course who can resist a cute southern gentleman in a bow tie?

Beautiful 5 year old!

Our sweet Maggie Muggins turned 5 years old last month. What a sweet little girl we have. To celebrate the occasion we had a fairy/princess birthday party. We had some fun friends over for crafts, games and a tea party/dinner (we dined on turkey sandwiches and blueberries as requested by the birthday girl). Maggie just had her 5 year old doctor's check up yesterday with her sister. She weighed in at 38 pounds and was 42 inches tall. She was 35% across the board for weight and height. (Not sure how much longer I can post those sorts of stats now that we'll have an elementary schooler on our hands). She continues to be such a sweet heart. She has a sensitive, servant nature. Her nurturing and caring personality is a blessing to all of us. Her best friend right now is Henry and they have some amazing adventures together in the back yard, mostly climbing our pathetic little trees and collecting caterpillars. We love you Margaret Grace and pray that the Lord continues to pour His grace onto you as you grow into a Godly young woman.

9 months

Nine months old this month. Where does the time go? Haven is crawling around everywhere, eating table food, climbing on everything and trying her very hardest to keep up with her big brother and sister. At her check up yesterday she weighed in at 17 pounds (19%) and measured 28.5 inches long (82%) and her head size increased to 17 1/4 inches (46%). Her weight corresponds exactly to how much she likes to eat and drink...not much. This girl is far too busy to stop and eat or drink. Not to be concerned though, the doctor says this is perfectly fine. She continues to be such a blessing and we are so thankful to have her in our family. She adds so much joy to our lives, 9 months is such a fun age. Still only two little bottom teeth, I'll keep you posted if any more come in. P.S. I just got these pictures taken of her this week, so family members don't fret, I will put some in the mail ASAP so this cute little face can brighten up your home.

8 months!

How is it possible that my newborn is 8 months old already? This month has been a busy one, that's probably why I have done very little posting this month. It started out rough as Haven grew two new little teeth. She wasn't the happiest camper during this time. She also had her second ear infection. The combo was killer. She has started climbing stairs (as you saw in the last post). She is trying her darndest to keep up with her big brother and sister. And of course they love it. This girl has got people in her face 24/7. She is indeed loved by all of us. We can't get enough of this little bumblebee. In fact I overheard Maggie praying in the car yesterday for another baby...this time a baby brother. Good Gravy!!! But, for the time being she will have to enjoy her new cousin coming this July! Baby boy number three for Christine and John. Congrats guys!

The latest and greatest

Sorry to all for being slack on my posting lately. But, better late than never right? So here are some fun things going on around here. We'll start with Henry. What a funny little boy. Most mornings it is just he and I as Haven naps and Maggie goes to pre-school. I really love our mornings together. Mostly we put puzzles together or bake, play games and write on the dry erase board. Henry is learning to write his name and so far we have made it to HEN. He is also learning his numbers and letters. He is extremely motivated since big sister is learning the same stuff. He is heading to pre-school next year and I will miss our mornings together. He is such a joy and will try anything to make others smile. His favorite thing right now is "super heros" and "star wars." He has never seen star wars but thinks that he knows everything about it. Most afternoons he dresses up as his favorite super hero. We have seen Thor, Spiderman, Iron Man, Superman, the Incredible Hulk, Super Dog and many more around here lately. We've also recently started checking out super hero comic books at the library. Didn't know this was an option until Henry clued me in. It has really opened him up to new avenues of play as he attempts to reenact what he reads in the comic books.
I'll get to this little munchkin in my next post, but lets just say we have a very active little lady on our hands. Climbing stairs already...geesh!
Waiting for Mags to get out of school by the fountain, behind First Baptist.
Maggie Grace, another love of my life. This little girl is growing up way too fast. I just got a lump in my throat typing that last sentence. She is learning so many things at school and church. She is asking great heart questions and seeking to set a beautiful example as "Big Sister" of the house. She is such an obedient little girl. So observant and inquisitive. Loves to help me and obeys right away...most of the time. She still loves Princesses and dress up. She and Henry started taking gymnastics together this month at the Y, and she enjoys it very much. She has wanted to do this for such a long time and I love that she and Henry can do it together. They are each other's bff.
Mags usually goes to bed after the others, and this has afforded us the opportunity to have some great one on one time with our oldest. She usually chooses to read books during her time with us, and we have practically read through Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
She has also started helping with the dishes and laundry, something I find myself doing most often after the kids have gone to bed. She loves to sort the utensils and laundry. She is a very tidy child, not sure if this is because she is a first born or because she is the daughter of Tyler Dirks and granddaughter of Randy Dirks. I'm not complaining mind you, but she definitely doesn't get this from me. This little one heads to Kindergarten next year. Can't type any more on that or I may soak the keyboard. So we'll stop right there. Love my big girl.

7 months!

Another month bites the dust! As promised Haven's 6 month stats: 15 pounds (32%) 26 inches (61%) HC 16.5 inches (36%)