Zephers

 How could you not love this sweet pea. I know I am biased but he is just too sweet.

And now smiles well it is the best!

This one was taken on the changing table - it is his spot. Not sure what he loves but he is always all smiles.

 Of course you need size comparison. right?

And he is mommas right hand man.

With a spit rag always on hand.

Happy Halloween

Shaddy School Update

Shadd loves school. He really does. He loves a good shortened week though. 

We had his conferences last week and he is doing great. He is excelling. He is almost reading past kindergarten and we are continuing reading lessons and home and his ability to sound things out and not give up has improved greatly. 

His favorite thing about school is writing. He loves to write his books. He is a whiz at math and we have been gearing up for his timed tests. He knows a ton of sight words and we are mastering the spelling of most of them and a lot of other words. 

But most importantly his teacher said he is gaining confidence, speaks up in class and is a leader. 

We were both super proud of him. 

The latest this week is he is riding the bus home from school. The first day didn't go great as the bus driver had him sit in the front next to someone he didn't know so he was teary when he got in the door but it has gone a lot better now that he gets to sit with his little neighbor buddy. 

It was a tough call for me as I it is just another step of independence but it sure saves me the hassle of waking everyone up to see him for an additional 15 minutes or so. I think I will be super thankful in the dead of winter. 

Sager Potty Training Update

So knock on wood

We are going on our second full week of no accidents. 

Amazing! 

He has figured out how to pull off his pants and underwear and goes like this...

I know crazy but he's actually pretty accurate and it just cracks me up how serious he is. 

He loves the treats as a reward and we are slowly trying to wean him off the candy. I mean the kid loves his candy. So now we are down to 2 M&Ms each time and that seems to suffice. 

He did go number two in the potty last night and he got a standing ovation from everyone in the house! Also awesome as the other two were slow to master that task. 

With accidents we got on a shower kick and he LOVES them. Like wants to get in anytime anyone is showering. Crazy kiddo.

Definitely in full tantrum twos and it makes this momma really tired most days. 

Adamo Design Frame Giveaway

My friends Tara and Matt make these amazing huge frames. I have three (going on four) yellow ones in my front entry. And another gray one in our bedroom.

They are uber talented and can make you pretty much anything you can dream up. Anywho they are giving one away on www.lifeinyellow.com's blog. So go ahead check them out and enter to win the graphite frame (which is the color my momma has three of at her house).

You can check out their Facebook page too if you want more information! https://www.facebook.com/adamodesigndsm

Junk Bonanza

Almost every year for the past five or six years, one of my best friends and I get to get up early, drive to Minneapolis, look at junk, hit up ikea and a few outlet stores and then drive home. All in one day. 

This year was no different. Thanks to d..I even got to leave the Z-man at home. We scored some goodies and had a great time. 

some of our goodies

just a cute booth

my new table decor

Kindergarten

Here is Shadd's school picture from this year.  Missing teeth and all. Just so thankful he is a boy. I mean we just grabbed a t-shirt and it was another day. Now ells will probably want a fancy dress and curls or something.

Something I haven't quite figured out yet though is how to get much information out of this boy. He will give small bits and pieces but for the most part I haven't learned too much about what goes on day to day in his classroom. So we tried a coffee date. I had to run an errand so it was exactly how I wanted it to go but still it was nice to spend one on one time with him. Its tough to schedule but something d and I are trying to put more and more effort into. We want them to know we value them and with three others demanding my attention its tough to get a quiet moment to really listen to each one of my kiddos. Any tips? I would love to hear them.

ells - the gymnast

this girl was more fired up about gymnastics than i have ever seen her.  i really wanted to get her involved in something during the day since she isn't doing preschool and she is going to school next year so we settled on gymnastics. she goes once a week and loves it. and her brothers and i just get to chill and watch her or hit up target quickly.

ells on the balance beam - they slowly worked themselves up to the big one.  the trampoline was her favorite though.

practicing at home. she loves her purple leotard too.

zephen - 2 months

its always hard to believe but this little dude is two months old already. 

here is a little update.

eating: still about every three hours during the day and clustering a bit before bed. then a long stretch of about 8 to 3 at night which is wonderful. you still are the spitter of the family. we don't go anywhere without a burp rag or we are usually yelling for one. 

sleep: a few naps during the day. sleeping in the car a bit better so that makes car rides more tolerable. 

one long stretch at night and then you go back down great unless i fall asleep in the chair with you which is the case most nights. 

awake: you love to be held of course. like sitting on my lap making me type one handed right now. you smile and love to hang out on your changing table. why i'm not sure but it is the spot. you enjoy your siblings. and you love daddy more and more as you aren't too fussy at night anymore. you can sit in the swing or bouncy seat or lay on the floor for a lot longer and stay more and more content.

you are getting so so big. haven't had your appointment yet so not sure on all your stats. you are such a little joyful thing and we are loving you up.

lots of love for the littlest

the littlest sure gets a lot of attention and love around here

sweet chats and lots of face time with sage

snuggles and hugs from ells.
she loves to carry him around. still has me a bit worried as it looks a bit awkward

and even shadd gets his turn to help out and converse with his little bro just not as often as he would like.

Headache Update: New Things

we have a new little machine at our house...the cefaly

it just got approved for migraines in the united states and on ds last trip to mayo they recommended we try it.

it was on back order for awhile but we have had it for about a month and it really seems to be working. at least headaches are minimal and no major migraine since. only time will tell.

of course he wouldn't smile in the picture but i had to document the star trek looking device.

5 teeth

Yes.

Shadd is now missing 5 teeth. 

Crazy. 

This boy is one toothless grin! 

Love it!

of course super cooperative

Apple Orchard

On our first vacation day from school we ventured north to the apple orchard with some friends and cousins. It was a blast as usual.

It amazes me how much better we are getting at riding these things. Forever it seemed Shadd dreamed of riding them and now he and ells are pros. Sage couldn't quite get the tractor going.

The beloved jumping pillow. I was nursing Z and someone pulled up there stroller and blocked my view for picture taking so thats all i got. We did stop and jump twice though.

Gotta love the goats and Ells was feeding him grass - slightly disappointed I think

Loving the corn pool - this place is huge. Ells isn't a big fan but she loves her cousins.

The giant slide. Usually I have to go on this one. Not this year. Ells and Shaye teamed up and so did Shadd and Sager. Amazing. It was sure fun to watch and listen for their giggles as they enjoyed the rides.

Racing ducks - I think this was the first year Shadd got his across.

And all the sweet babes in tow. We were quite the crew. Next time Daddy is going with us to pick apples and pumpkins (although we have quite the bummer crop already)