One Week and Counting (for sure)...

until Spring Break, that is. Having been back at school now for 7 weeks, I am realizing how much work it is to be a wife, mother, housecleaner, cook, errand-runner, dog-walker, grocery-shopper, let alone friend, church-goer, sister and daughter. I find myself pulled in so many directions, and at times, I don't think I can do it all. But then I have to remind myself that I am truly blessed. Between all the stressful situations in our lives lately, (and we've had our fair share) Grant and I are so blessed to have each other, our families and friends, and especially Drew, who is a happy, healthy almost 5 month old, whom we love with all our heart and soul!
Teaching has been another challenge for me this year. I have quite a difficult class, where there are lots of high needs children. With only about an hour to and hour and a half of help from another teacher each day, I am finding myself not being able to meet all my students' needs. I teach 4th grade, and just to give you an example, today one of my students asked me, "How many more years until the end of the school year?" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Thankfully, in just over a week, we will be on vacation with my parents, visiting David and Amy in sunny (hopefully) California! I hope I can make it...
Pray for me and my patience!

New Toy

We caved in and bought Drew a new toy. After spending some time in Kira's jump up, we decided that buying one would be a good investment. Drew in no longer content in his bouncy seat on the counter. For starters, it's not safe, especially since the boy moves like crazy now! And secondly, he gets bored. He like an actual kid, instead of just a lump! We had been lugging the exersaucer up and down the stairs, which is not an ideal situation. So, for $29.95, we got one that hooks in the doorway. So far, Drew has been enjoying his new toy. It even lights up and makes all sorts of fun sounds!

Bramley Love

Thumb Sucker or....

fist sucker? Which one will it be?

Fun with Grandpa

Drew's new thing is to touch the person's face who is holding him. He especially likes it when there is a moustache to grab!

Photo Shoot Part III

Photo Shoot Part II

Photo Shoot Part I

Today, I took advantage of the sun and took some photos of Drew. We caught some priceless moments.

Music to My Ears

Although Drew makes all sorts of noises, until last night, I had yet to hear him really laugh. That is until I heard the sweet, sweet sound of his little laugh. And what, you ask, was he laughing at? His mother dancing, of course! I'm sure he won't be laughing 15 years from now at mother dancing in front of all his friends. I'll have to remind him of this. Here's his sweet little face right after he laughed!

Bath Time

Drew still does not really enjoy bath time. He screamed louder than I think I've ever heard him scream. I'd like to take him to swimming lessons in the summer, so I hope he starts to like to the water sooner than later!

He Likes It!

After numerous attempts of feeding Drew rice cereal, he finally ate some like a champ, and didn't fuss or cry when I fed him. He still makes a mess, though.

A Nice Day...Finally

This morning, Drew decided he was up for the day at 5:45. So, after going to Jay and Erin's this morning, Drew finally took a nap at 1:30 this afternoon for the first time. After he got up at 3, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and take a stroll in Lincoln Square. We broke out the Baby Bjorn and bought a pair of shades for Drew and we had ourselves a nice brisk afternoon walk. We even stopped in for a quick dinner at Essence of India. Drew was a very well-behaved sleep-deprived 4 month old. He didn't start screaming until the car ride home. And now he is sleeping. Let's hope for the rest of the evening.

Marit Visits!

Today, Marit and her boyfriend, Seth stopped by Erin and Jay's to meet the babies. We had a nice breakfast and got a chance to catch up. Of course, Kira and Drew were all over each other!

Compromising Position

This morning, after I dropped Drew off at the Stroms' house, I parked my car in the school lot and got out, holding my coffee. I reached to open the passenger door to grab my bag, but failed to realize that I was standing on a sheet of ice. With my coffee in one hand, and my keys in the other, I watched my feet slide farther and farther apart, until I was in the full-fledged splits position. Now, I have never been able to do the splits, even before I was pregnant and out of shape. So, for me to do them today was not natural in the least bit. Unfortunately, my friend pulled up just in time to see the horrific sight of me trying to haul myself back up. It was not pretty. Thank goodness I didn't bust open my pants. And no, there are no pictures for this posting. I have a feeling my body is going to hurt tomorrow.

Drew's 4 Month Stats

On Monday we went to the doctor for Drew's 4 month check up. Drew was a trooper when he got his shots! He only cried for, literally, 10 seconds. Here are his stats: 14#14oz, 24.5 in. long, 17 in. head circum. Right in the 50th percentile! And, on Monday night, Drew slept through the night! I'm not sure if it was due to the shots, but he's been pretty consistent since.

Drew at 2.5 months old

Drew at 4.5 months old--look at the chunky legs!

Poor Dog...

Samson has bad hips. A couple years ago, we were in a car accident and Samson was in the back of our SUV. Since then, he has had flare-ups that really bother him. Just a few days ago, we think he slipped on the snow-covered ice and hurt himself. He had been limping around the house, looking for sympathy. Well, he gets it. On this particular night, he were coaxing him into our room to lay on the floor by the bed for the night. Before we knew it, we see him come flying up onto to the bed, plop down, and make himself comfortable. Apparently, his hips don't hurt as bad as we think...

Favorite Highchair Photos

We've been trying to get Drew accustomed to sitting in his highchair. Here's a couple pictures of him. Too cute!

It Finally Fits!

Drew got this hat from Aunt Kari when he was born. It was HUGE when he first wore it, but now it sure fits well!

I Love My Feet!