Bumbo

I just think this photo is cute.  He was sitting up in his Bumbo chair for the first time this week.  He got tired pretty quickly, but still thought it was fun.  :)

Halloween

As a Christian parent, I really struggle with the idea of celebrating Halloween.  I know the kids only think of dressing up and getting candy, but I also know there is a very dark, spiritual side to this "holiday".  I try to make it a celebration of the Fall season as much as possible.  My kids know they are not allowed to dress up as witches, vampires or any other scary being and our decorations consist only of pumpkins.  It is supposed to be such a fun time for kids and I want them to continue thinking of it that way.  I don't talk about the scary side of Halloween, but my little ones find their own fear.  Caelan refused to go to any house that had any scary music or unfriendly decorations, or to people dressed up in strange costumes.  He was up three times in the night after trick'or'treating because he was having scary dreams.  I don't think a celebration that is meant to be fun for kids should end in nightmares.  That is just my opinion!  Enough of that....here are my adorable kids dressed up in their favorite costumes.

Bedtime reading

Last night, Shaylah decided she would like to read a story to Micah.  It was so sweet!  :)

6 weeks old!

My baby is already 6 weeks old!  I am wishing time would slow down, as he is changing and growing so much. 

His eyes are open much more frequently these days, but he still sleeps the majority of each day.  His night feeds are at 11:00pm, 3:00am and 7:00am pretty consistently.  We still don't have any kind of routine during the day...we just go with the flow.  I am hoping to get a napping routine going soon.  He is just moving into size 1 diapers and out of his newborn clothes.  He continues to be so easy to care for and is loved by all!

First day of school (a little late)

Shaylah started grade one this year.  She is in a grade 1/2 split, with only 7 grade ones.  They seemed to have put the kids that can already read and write into this class.  She is still with her best friend though (Bronwen) and is so happy to be back at school.

Ashlyn and Caelan are also in a split class (Kindergarten/grade 1) and have the same teacher that Shaylah had last year.  I requested that they keep them together, since they are such good friends with each other.  I think they would be devastated if they were put into different classrooms.  Caelan's best friends are in his class, but Ashlyn's pre-school friends were all put into the other Kindergarten class.  She doesn't seem to mind the separation though and is already making new friends.  They are thriving in the all day class and love school too!  Hooray for a great public education system.  :)

one month old!

I just realized this week that I have started referring to Micah's age in months, rather than days or weeks.  I am so sad about that and wish that time would slow down!  I am savoring every moment with this sweet baby.

He continues to be so easy to take care of.  He cries when he is hungry and is generally fuss free the rest of the time.  He loves to be held and falls asleep instantly when I put him in the Baby Bjorn.  He also amazes me in the fact that he never spits up.  The other three kids threw-up all the time, but this little guy can wear the same sleeper for days without having to be changed.

He seems to continuously have a "goopy" right eye.  I have to wipe it with a cloth a few times each day to keep it clean.  I am hoping that gets better soon!

His biggest sister absolutely adores him.  Shaylah is constantly giving him kisses and asking to hold him.  She checks on him the moment she wakes up and wants him close to her all day long.  I am so glad she loves him so much.

Micah John Black

Micah is now 10 days old and is still a sweet, laid-back baby.  He sleeps most of the day and goes 4-5 hours at night before needing to be fed.  He was weighed this afternoon and is now 3760 grams (8 pounds, 5 ounces), which is up from his birth weight.  Hooray for feeding well and not throwing up!  He has beautiful blue eyes and is reminding me of Shaylah each day.  Here are a few pictures of our amazing new family of six!