A visit from the Reptile Man

PTA always sponsors a variety of programs for students at our school, and this year they choose "Reptile Man." I myself have a great deal of respect for reptiles, and enough sense to know that a healthy amount of fear for these creatures isn't necessarily a bad thing. My fear level may be a bit on the high side making the day that I would be in charge of a 14 foot long snake a bit stressful! Here are some fun pics that one of our favorite PTA moms took after the show!

Ethan and Rachel were very brave!

Mr. Danny called me Braveheart. I wonder why????

One time he just handed me the Gator and said hold this, and some of our children nearly died because I wanted to throw that gator on the ground!!!! Notice that when I had a choice I did not volunteer to be anywhere near its mouth!!!!

Coach and I with the "Garden Ridge Gator"

7 months old!!

Claire "Boodle Miss" is already 7 months old today. Each month seems to pass by more quickly. I just realized that I never rescheduled your 6 month well check! Guess I need to get on the ball.

According to my scale you now weigh roughly 15lbs 2 oz. This is not bad if it is accurate considering you were 14lbs and some change at your 6 month sick visit and I was told we would discuss your weight at your well check. Along with the topic of weight comes the topic of eating. You are currently on day 3 of a "nursing strike." This has left me with a major decision. Do I pump and hope this eventually passes, or do I just go ahead and wean? I am so torn!! This is such an emotional decision. Unfortunately, you are my last baby, and when your done nursing that is it for both of us forever. I thought I would be thrilled at the prospect of being able to truly have my body back to myself for the first time in 16 months. I wouldn't have to worry about eating spicy food, or vigorous exercise, etc. not to mention we are having to heavily supplement already do to under production issues which is really strange because I over produced with your brothers. I must admit that this has done a little damage to my "mommy pride." I should be able to provide adequate nourishment for my child, and for whatever reason I am not. I was planning on rebuilding my supply by exclusively nursing over Spring break, but your little strike is throwing that plan! I guess we will see what happens over the next couple of days....

The one upside to your bottle feedings is we have finally established a reasonable schedule with you. You are eating 8oz every 4 hours now. Most nights you are even sleeping and 8 hour stretch or so in your crib that we moved into our bedroom. I am not ready for you to be all the way upstairs yet!

Check out those little rolls!

You are such a great baby! You rarely ever cry. You open your mouth like a little baby bird whenever you see someone eating. It has become almost impossible to hold you and have a drink or food because you practically attack those items. You have started reaching for people this week, and even cried when I walked away at your brother's party last night.

You are smacking your lips and drooling a ton so I think your may cut your first tooth very soon! Could this have something to do with your little strike?

You love playing with any toy, but you seem particularly interested in balls and balloons. You are very fascinated with your brothers and the dog. You are getting on your hands and knees and rocking and inching yourself forward, but you are not crawling just yet, and that is fine by me! I am in no hurry. We all love you so much, and we are all enjoying every minute of our sweet little Claire!!

By the way...if I took a picture outside right now it would look like we are in the middle of a blizzard. The funny thing is it has already snowed so much this year that the kids could care less! I told them it was snowing, and the were completely unimpressed! Ethan said, "Is it supposed to snow in the Spring?" Only in Texas :)

ice skating fun

We had so much fun ice skating for Emily's birthday that we decided to go back and do it again with Daddy. We had a great time! The Wentworths were even there.

I love that cheesy smile. Davin was such a tough boy. I was holding his hand when someone skated right into us, and we both went tumbling down. Davin busted his lip on the ice, and it bled on both of our jackets. As soon as the bleeding stopped he was ready to go again!

The dynamic duo

Mikey

Uncle James and Aunt Whitney joined us as well. Claire Boodle stayed with Grandma and Grandpa where it was nice a warm. What a fun day!!!

Happy Birthday Davin!!!

My sweet little Davin is now 3 years old! Where did the time go? He has so much personality, and is such a blessing to our family

Davin was promised lunch at "The Rat" also known as Chuck E Cheese. He enjoyed his time there with the family before his party that evening. Ethan kept asking what time is was so he would know when Davin was "officially" 3 at 1:31p.m.

The boys played games until they got 100 tickets.

Claire had a great time playing with a paper plate.

Davin and Chuckie

Mommy with her Birthday Boy who kept asking if it was time to go yet.

Isn't his shirt cute!

Davin's Party was at Paradise Pond in Grapevine. We decided to have it there after his friend, Brody, had his 3rd birthday party there in January. It is a perfect place for a toddler/pre-schoolers birthday party. I was thrilled to have a party in a place that was geared for Davin and his friends! This was the first party we have ever had somewhere other than home, and it was really nice! It is a little different in that you must keep guest counts in mind, etc. but it sure was much easier. I am thinking this will be the way to go from now on.

dress up fun! hmmm

Kimberly and Claire in "the pond"

Micheal. hmmm

Group shots

Cake and Pizza Time!

More time to play!

Davin didn't open any presents until we got home to allow more play time at the party! It sure did make a late night, but he got lots of great stuff. It was 76 degrees today, and tomorrow will be snowing. The downside is lots of Davins' gifts were fun outside toys! Oh well, Spring will be here soon enough I hope!

A funny side note is that Davin really wanted a Dora the Explorer party, and I had to talk him into Diego instead. I told him that all the Dora stuff was pink and purple because it was really meant for little girls. He didn't really care, but I eventually got him to agree. Silly boy!

Bowling fun!

Spring break Thursday, and we decided to go bowling with the Wentworths. I needed to get some stuff done anround the house so we dedcided to stay close to home. Ethan did pretty well.

Look at that form. Notice Davin pouting? This will be the norm for him in this post.

Silly Davin and Anna

Ethan and Michael

Davin felt the need to "guard" his ball the entire time! He also had some difficulty being patient and waiting for it to be his turn. When it was finally Davin's turn, we were the ones that had to be patient. I think it took his ball 5 minutes to get down the lane!

We attempted to go to lunch at the new El Fenix, but there was a wait so we ended up walking across the parking lot to Grandy's. After a quick trip to Party City, Davin took a nice long nap. I just love Spring Break!!!!!!!