Six peas in a pod: February 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009

18 months~

I cannot believe that this little girl is turning into just that...a little GIRL! She's not so much a baby anymore! My how time flies.

I put together some pictures of some of her favorite pastimes at this age. She is very active and reminds me SO much of her big brother at this age. She hates dresses and HATES having her hair combed. In fact, every time I try to brush her hair and make it look all neat, she takes both of her hands and rubs them all over her head, making it look even more messed up than before. This behavior is much the opposite of her two older sisters.

She loves the outdoors. In fact, now that she can open the front door I have to remember to keep it locked...otherwise she will disappear outside in a heartbeat.

She also loves to ride her little bike, swing, and play with any kind of ball that she can get her hands around.

One of my least favorite activities that she seems to enjoy is climbing. Some days I feel like I spend all of my energy trying to keep her on ground level (this also reminds me very much of her big brother!)

Some of the few words that she says are "Mom, Dad, Up!, Hi, and bye." She has many other words that would be very difficult to type out. She has a unique name for each of her siblings, and will yell out their names at the top of her lungs if she can't seem to find them. She also signs "More," and we are currently working on "Please."

This little girl was by far the most difficult baby that we have had. As Greg put it one day this week, "It looks like our investment is starting to pay off." Of course he was being funny, but all through those difficult times and experiences we are coming to a stage that is very enjoyable for us all. She is becoming very obedient and she often loves to put on a show for her family which makes for some great times of laughter together.

Looking back, I would not trade a single moment with her for anything else in the world.

We love you Dakota Faith!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

35 weeks~

OK, so now I am REALLY counting down the weeks. I am also getting the stares when we go places and many times people will come up to me and ask me, "Oh my goodness when are you due?" When I tell them I still have about a month to go they usually act like they are in shock...like they have never seen a pregnant woman before. Actually, I just think it is human nature to forget how truly miserable it can be at the end and how enormous we can actually get as pregnant women. Actually, I correct myself...it is by the grace of God that we forget. Otherwise we wouldn't be populating the earth, right?

This pregnancy has been filled with so many highs and lows. You know, typical female hormones pumping on high... double time if you count the little girl inside of me:)

Actually, the one thing that I feel the Lord whispering to me over and over again are the words sacrifice, joy, and contentment. I constantly battle the "it's all about me" attitude in my state of being completely uncomfortable. Sometimes even to the point that it effects my family.

Every pregnancy provides an incredible opportunity for stretching me beyond my limits. It's a slow growing, stretching process of sorts and, sometimes it is just plain painful. It's also a daily battle to fight against the flesh during these times because all my flesh wants to do is cry out, "I give up!" Well, the Lord is teaching me joy, contentment and the meaning of sacrificing my SELF during these times. He has also shown me that He has sacrificed more than I will ever be required. I have it easy compared to what He has already done for me. In fact, I have learned that His grace IS sufficient, even at my weakest moments. For when I am weak He truly is strong and right now I definitely feeling slow, huge,and weak! To be honest I have also truly missed seeing some friends that I usually see on a more regular basis and that has been tough. I am looking forward to feeling up for preparing for company at our house once again!

On another note, I cannot wait to meet the little one. It is always amazing to me that there is a complete personality wrapped up in such a tiny bundle. I also ran across a verse that I have prayed over and over for her. It's really pieces of Deut. 30 :20, but I love it:

"...that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him; for the Lord IS your life..."

More Memories and Pictures from the week...

Dakota is taking the steps like a BIG kid!

A week isn't complete until you do a little worm hunting, you know! My kids have been on a quest to find some worms around our yard, and are convinced that they have to make some mud in order to find some. As you can tell everyone was involved, even Dakota...although I don't think she really knew she was looking for worms:

Six year old helper:

Dakota also discovered how to swing on her tummy this week and has been quite entertained by this pastime

Wanna go for a ride?

My messy, crazy little girl

SO far today this little girl has managed to pull all the toilet paper off of a roll,

has pulled all of my shoes off the rack in my closet,

re-arranged Daddy's stuff next to his side of the bed,

taken my wallet out of my purse, and of course, pulled everything out,

pulled out all of the wipes from a container,

taken all of the kids shoes out of the shoe baskets,

has dumped all of Caitlyn's Math manipulatives out of the box for school,

AND I found her re-arranging my drawers in the bathroom along with

pulling the toilet brush out and trying to clean who knows what.

I think the theme here is 18 MONTHS!

This is a fun and exciting age that always keeps me on my toes, AND reminds me of the OH so glamorous life that I lead:) A life that I would not trade for anything else. I sure do love this little girl!

And Yes, these days I can really find quite a few reasons to laugh:)

Happy Thursday!

This laugh is contagious...

Caitlyn has this way of finding a reason to laugh at just about anything around here...and she usually passes it on. It's a great quality to have and a great way to make everyone around here in a good mood. Yesterday as she was diligently doing school she made some kind of mistake and couldn't stop laughing about it! I can't even remember exactly what it was but apparently she thought it was crazy silly!