Happy Birthday Molly!

Yes, Molly is one. We made it and we both survived the first year. I'll let you in on a little secret. I don't really enjoy the first 6 mths after having a baby. Don't get me wrong, I love my children dearly from the first moment I lay eyes on them (even before), and woe to anyone that comes between me and my chillin's, but if they could come out already sitting and smiling and not crying so much in the evenings, I would be set. (was that the longest run on sentence ever?)

Anyway, Molly had a few strikes against her from the get go. First, I didn't even want to be pregnant (oops) and second I wanted another boy. It's a great thing she was a great baby and being cute doesn't hurt.

So what's Molly doing now? Well she's not walking yet. I'm not sure why. All of my kids have walked by 11 months (10 months for Ellie) and certainly by their first birthday. She takes steps and she walks holding on to our hand but chooses to sit down and crawl.

She is finally wanting to eat table food but still loves to nurse. She'll say "nigh, nigh, na" when she wants to nurse. Translation: nigh-night nurse. As in what she does at nap/bedtime or anytime really. I'm loathe to wean her as it helps me lose weight. But the day will come in the next few months. I'll milk it for all it's worth (pun intended).

Here's her favorite spring pastime, having Ellie pick her peas, open them up and feed them to her.






Notice how tiny they are! The kids can't wait until they are big and plump.


Grae wanted me to take his picture. He's a knight wearing a pirate shirt.


Molly ate her birthday banana We have to call everthing that they eat on their birthday the "birthday" this and that.


And birthday tearing the couch apart playing (which they do every.single.day).


Ava made her a banana bread cake which was promptly devoured by the kids. I think Molly got a piece. We didn't get Molly anything for her birthday (bad parents). Well we did make a rather large payment to the van to help get it payed off. She rides in comfort and in semi-style so there you go.

I'm really looking forward to this year with Molly. I can't imagine life here without her. She's really fun and really, really fun to kiss and cuddle. Happy Birthday Miss Molly Kate.

A thing I never thought I would say...

To Grae:

"Don't stick bagels in between your toes."

and then even worse...

"Don't eat bagels with your feet."

What things have you said that you never thought you would have too?

Back from vacation!

We spent all last week at the beach (Garibaldi) for our church's annual Family Camp. Just picture: sleeping in nice cabins, two bathrooms (we have one bathroom here so it was a luxury, lol), all meals provided for (fresh bread at every meal), nothing to do all day except pretty much what we wanted. They did have scheduled activities for the kids. This was Grae and Molly's first family camp and they did very well.

Can you believe I didn't get any pictures? I take that back, I did get some pics in the cabin while we were waiting for the breakfast bell to ring. Want to see them?

A regular sight.


So was this. "Can I have a juice box, pleeeeease."


Molly trying to get into my lap as I was backing up trying to take her picture. Yes that is Grae's pirate sword next to her. We wouldn't dare leave it at home.


Ava following her.


Grae wanting to eat pirate cereal (Captain Crunch.)


And my big accomplishment. I cloth diapered the whole time we were there! Wohoo!




It was a very fun trip but we were so tired when we got home. We actually skipped church on Sunday and slept on and off all day. I'm caught up on the laundry so that's nice. Oh and I lost a pound while I was there. I really watched the carbs and tried to drink plenty of water. Plus we had to walk everywhere. So now to start saving $$ for next year!

Oh my...

So my last post was about how we just got over head colds and then we were hit with the stomach flu. Monday night Brian complained of his stomach hurting and within a few hours Maddie and Lauren were throwing up. The next day was Ellie's turn followed by Graedon, Molly and Ava. I was feeling pretty proud that I didn't get it when Thursday came along and I got it.

The funny (or not so funny) thing is about 20 families in our church got the same thing at the same time. Thankfully the bug is short lived and we're all feeling much better. I lost 2.5 pounds in 1 day! Not a great way to lose weight and I'm sure it will come back when I feel up to eating.

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On another note, in an effort to remember the cute things my children say, here's one by Graedon.

We were watching the Pirates of Penzance again and the song was "how pitiful his tale, how rare his beauty...." in reference to a particularly handsome pirate with a sad story. This is repeated several times.

Graedon turned to me and said "Mommy?".

"Yes."

"Pirates don't have tails."

I had to stop and think for a moment and then agreed with him. I'm sure he didn't understand what I found so funny.