MARCH ON BY!!

Can't believe it's the end of March! The snow is finally gone, we survived another winter and have played outside in the fresh crisp air! Emery turned 5 months old yesterday! We're getting ready for spring, Easter, a trip home (Emery & I), baptism and all that comes with raising two beautiful kids! Alex has begun travelling more and in April it will be every other week~yikes! If this last week was a testament of how it will be...then please pray for my survival!! Evan was a bear and Emery has been struggling to get over a cold and not sleeping well, and on top of it -I'm weaning her! I'm hoping the sleepless nights is a growth spurt phase or due to her sniffles and not due to me :( But looking back, I'm sure I didn't have the most patience this last week so Evan probably was reacting to it. We all have bad weeks I suppose!!

Evanisms:

same night at 9:00 while trying to get Emery nursed and to bed Evan wakes up. I told him to curl up on the couch and I would take him back to bed once Emery went down. I was catching up on my Young & the Restless:

"Mommy, who's that? What happens next...is that a bad guy?" too funny b/c we all know how long it takes to explain soaps

"Mommy, you watch American Idol? No, you can't that's Daddy's show"

Evan and Avari were chasing about 30 deer in their backyard the other night. Alex asked Evan why he was chasing them. Evan with the "duh Daddy" look: "Cause Daddy, I want to catch one and ride one" Alex said "Why do you want to ride it?" Evan "To see Santa!"

Emery has been a doll (other than at night this week!) Her whole face lights up when she smiles and she's interested in all her surroundings. I took her with me to Mall of America last week and she rode in the stroller for the first time (w/o carrier) and just amazed by her environment. She got the good shopper gene from me!! She rolled over on 3/17 from front to back and is nearly there going back to front..hopefully this weekend! I know she can do it...she just loves lying on her side to watch us. She's talking a ton, especially in the car..every morning. She has this raspy voice and I think it's just from having a cold..but so cute to hear it! Her eyes remain the bluest of blues!! She loves the exersaucer and is grabbing for things constantly. She expresses frustration when she drops toys or can't reach. Emery has also joined us at the dinner table this month. She loves the high chair and this weekend we will start rice cereal! Oh, my girl is growing way too fast!!!

Since the snow has finally melted which caused a ton of fear around town because it happened so fast and with a lot of rain --the rivers/creek were flooding. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the white stuff but at least the brutal cold has passed!! We also finally were able to take down the Christmas lights a few weeks ago! My biggest pet peeve...is holiday decorations up past New Year's. Since living here, I've had to learn to accept that weather is the culprit. But there is no excuse once the snow is gone that people still have lights up or plastic Santas in their front yard!! It's officially Spring and stop confusing my 3 year old who thinks it's still Christmastime b/c he sees Santa outside!!! ;)

So here are photos from this month....starting with my 5 month old cutie and absolute new favorite of Evan.

 

My new favorite photo of Evan!!!

Had to keep Evan in the photo b/c it explains Emery's look! She adores him!

Finally taking down those lights!!

What's left of the snow!

Pouting because he didn't want me in "his house" (the gazebo on our porch) didn't last long before he cracked a smile!

5 months old!!!

Emery ~ 4 Months Old!

I can hardly believe this sweet child is 4 months old!!! Time has truly flown by. She's as calm and collected as a baby can be and she absolutely ADORES Evan! If he's in the room...her eyes are glued to him....she watches every movement and coos.

At 4 months, Emery is right on track:

14.3 pounds (75th percentile)
24 inches long (50th percentile)

Although she hasn't rolled over yet, she isn't far from it! She's begun to lift her butt up while on her back and wiggle/rock, brings her legs up and is getting better at tummy time. She has never been a fan of being on her tummy, but if Evan is around ...she tolerates it! She has discovered the exersaucer and enjoys looking around and playing with some of the toys. Emery continues to sleep through the night and occasionally wakes up for a 5 am feeding for a mere 10-15 minutes! I don't mind at all and cherish the moments where the house is so quiet, dark and just the two of us! We love watching Emery discover herself in the mirror during bath time and she loves kicking around naked and coos nonstop!

This past Friday night, my work held a belated holiday party at the bowling alley for employees & their families. It was such a good time to relax after a crazy holiday season for the country club staff. Alex was up to bowl, and Evan asked to go potty. I took Emery with me and helped Evan. Sitting comfortably on the potty, Evan let out a toot and Emery let out the biggest belly laugh! It was hilarious. It startled both Evan and I--we looked at each other and busted out laughing. He tooted again and she laughed! The giddiness was contagious as the three of us couldn't stop laughing! I'll always remember Emery's first true belly laugh and it's only fitting that it was because her older brother tooted! I'm sure many more toots & laughs are to come throughout the years! Last night, Alex witnessed it and we just enjoyed the fun. Evan would laugh (fake at first) and then Emery would giggle, then we'd laugh, and she let the belly laughs roll! Joy.

Lastly, an Evanism for the week. Our morning routine has been the same for a long time. I'm usually up and showered before the kids wake up and then while Evan watches his "shows" & has breakfast, I nurse Emery and/or finish getting things ready for the day. The other day, we were running a little late and kept asking Evan to go potty, get dressed, eat breakfast. I think I asked 5 times for each action (which isn't surprising but when running late, it became frustrating!) He kept asking for another episode and I refused until he listened. I finally got on to him and said "EVAN...DO WHAT I SAY AND GET YOUR SHOES!" His response: "MOMMY...DO WHAT I SAY AND PUT MY SHOW ON!" I laughed on the inside, but must have given him "the look" because before I could say a word he ran to get his shoes!

We've had a fun week and can't wait for the weather to warm up for good! We got to 33 on Monday and it felt sooo good outside. Amazing that it's still so cold but in comparison it feels warm! So, I took Evan outside so he could ride his trike for about 10 minutes (yes, he was wearing a coat and hat!)