the Bird, the Bottomless Pit, and the Boxer

The differences in our daughters sometimes astounds me. So far, I haven't confused one with the other except for the occasional slip of the tongue, calling for one when I meant the other.
For example, one eats like a bird, the other is a bottomless pit.

Emily

Playing Emily-Guitar

Her eating habits have definitely improved. She's packing away an average of 1400 calories a day. In the last two weeks, we're enjoying less food fights at the table because she's eating more AND trying new foods! This week's special, sloppy joes! The jury is still out for Lizzie on that one. As a joyful result, Em has gained and maintained 3lbs in the last 9months.

Part of her weight gain and increased appetite I have to attribute to her new gymnastics classes. Her arm and leg muscles are very noticeable. Her classes have included the following activities and equipment: jumping, somersaults, rock wall climbing, swinging on the rings, parallel bars, floor-level pomel horse bars, balancing on the beams, full body stretching (pre-handstands, cartwheels), even a spring board and trampoline. It's hard to get good pictures because I'm so far up in the observation bleachers and we can't use a flash. I will say that last week was the first time I got really nervous while watching. Em was on a set of short uneven bars. She held onto the top bar while walking on the bottom bar. The coach was right there spotting her, but still, I was a shaky mommy. *shudder*  Now, she's using terms "pike" and "present".

Since our incident at the indoor playground, Emily has improved her sharing. I'm hoping it's because I've given her more opportunities to play with children that challenge her mind and body. The worst fights usually break out between her and Lizzie. (big surprise)

Along with that, I have to brag on Emily's GREAT day this week. We went to the library for the pre-school story time. Sitting still for the story was a bit of a challenge, but she did participate in the story while standing.  The craft was what really struck me. She followed directions and pasted the puzzle pieces down herself and colored it mostly in the lines. When I said we could finish it at home, she proclaimed she wanted to stay and finish it at the library. This was an unusual response because she's hasn't been overly interested in the crafts. Later, she sat nicely at a table chatting it up with a brother and sister.

Emily's dragon sculpture

After the library, we wound up at the park with Phebus' and Sawyers with bikes. Emily rode on her bike for about 25 feet. Minimal pedaling and steering, but she was on it! This is a vast improvement from her previous activity of just standing beside the bike and ringing the bell. Also in the day's amazing advances were Em climbing a curved ladder without fear and jumping up after falling down on the concrete to sport a brand new elbow scrape. I know it sounds like small steps to you but, for me, they are cause for celebration! Again, I have to give credit to her gymnastics classes where she's learning she has muscles and is able to support herself. I just had such an apprehension about the investment.

So, on top of this great day, Em is just a little joy full of song and dance all night. I love it. Every time she picks up on a tune, it's coming out of her mouth. She loves to laugh and be silly. She likes playing pretend with horses or being creative with mundane objects. I love my little girl.

Liz

Lizzie In-A-Box

 Elizabeth's personality is starting to show. She loves to eat. However, gone are the days when I could give her anything at all. She's become somewhat selective about her menu. Spicy things are out. Completely. Rice, oatmeal, yogurt, bread, fruits, cooked carrots, corn, pasta, cheese and veggie soup are always on; cereal, stand-alone meats, raw veggies, and anything else is up in the air.

She's adventurous and determined. Discipline via time-outs is in full swing at our house. (Side note: Some folks look at me weird when I put her in time-out. I presume it's because they don't think it'll work because she's so young. I can confidently say it does work. She's noticed that certain things will get her in a corner and has begun testing those items periodically. /endsmallrant)

Not all her days are spent looking at a wall. On the contrary, we have lots of conversations. Mostly about things she sees. "Whassis?" is repeated hourly. She still loves to read books. She enjoys watching certain tv shows, particularly Team Umizoomi on Nickelodeon. We all like watching it together. The interaction is easy enough for Lizzie to pick up on too. Sesame Street is a favorite too. Both girls enjoy dancing to the music. (Yes, mom does too.)

Besides being one of our future Julliard attendees, Lizzie has started some elementary pretend games with her cars! We caught her rolling some along the race track making siren sounds! Some of her other advancements are using a spoon to feed herself (on occasion), becoming more sociable with adult caretakers or less separation anxiety, and learning to color. She's also become an accomplished hand-holder.

Cora

Well, at the time of this post I am 33 weeks. Our counter up at the top says exactly how many days we've got left. Today, I scheduled our c-section for November 21st. However, I'm getting a little nervous. This week I've experienced some serious Braxton-Hicks contractions. (Practice contractions) Cora has been kicking me pretty bad. Sometimes one kick at a time, but mostly a full on barrage of machine-gun rapid fire kickkickkickkickkickkickkickkickroooooolllll.

Ironic that I might actually go into a natural labor with the third one when I'm completely unprepared for it. With our days running out, the hospital bag has yet to be packed and arrangements for Em and Liz need to be finalized before we welcome our third little girl into the world.

Laura

Guess what! I've got a belly!!! I've finally got my pregnant belly and I'm loving it.

I'm becoming less apprehensive about being the mom of a big family. I've read some encouraging articles and received some encouraging words from many friends.  My largest bit of stress comes from being able to give my girls enough attention. Em frequently asks to play but unfortunately it's difficult to be comfortable getting up and down, so I sit. Sitting becomes uncomfortable, so I lay down. Laying down quickly becomes being drowsy...you see where this is going...

Well, I'm frequently moving about just to stay awake. As for Liz, I've already stated that she's a handful, but it's hard to watch her because that becomes sitting down in one place....

On top of the fatigue, my temper is harder to control because of the hormones. Naturally, because I spend all day with the girls, they get the brunt of it. I feel like a terrible mother at those times. I pray that they won't remember too much of it.  *sigh*  I really don't understand the phrase the "joys of pregnancy".   I have none...except the end of it! :-D

We had a little scare last week. I fell down five steps and landed on my back and bum. I'm still tender but Cora is fine. We spent four hours at the hospital for monitoring. It scared me enough to slow down our calendar. We won't be planning any more big events for the family until Halloween, then baby arrives. I'm also cutting out my Thursday afternoons at the church just because of the hauling it requires.

Len

"Daddy" by Emily

 Len has become Superdad. He's working hard and comes home to wrestle with the girls. He also eats my half-hearted cooking without complaint! His enthusiasm for the new baby hasn't waned a bit. We've discussed the arrangements and getting his mom and dad here to see Cora for a couple of weeks.

At her 4yr checkup, Emily drew this lovely portrait of Daddy. I just had to share it. It's her first person picture. 


Len keeps up his drumming and he's been filling in as bass player at church. It's always a thrill to watch him play. Always his drumming is improving. He's trying more difficult rhythms. My recording has proven difficult to post because it's audio only.  I'll get it up for you guys soon.

Now for his biggest news:  the new ride.  It's beautiful! I can hear it coming a mile out because of the signature Harley rumble... :)

Well, that's our update. Other things are happening for us. We did the fair circuit and Em had a birthday that I'll post soon.  See you guys soon!