Remembering: Duncan's First Day of School

Once upon a time, in August, Duncan had his first day of kindergarten.  He was very excited.  He got up and got his clothes ready.  Then I told him, "Don't get dressed yet, I need to give you a bath."  Then Duncan said, "Well, maybe could I just take a shower by myself?"  I said, "Sure why not?  You already know how you wash yourself."  Duncan, "Okaaaay!  But, I need you to turn it on for me!"  He was so excited and acted like he was so grown up, telling me I can just put his towel on the toilet and such.
Mark was able to have half of the day off of work so that we could all take Duncan.

He was so excited and cute about the whole thing.  I got a little choked up as we left, until Liam had to use the bathroom.  He went in the little boys' restroom and used one of the urinals.  Mark went in to check on him and had me go look.  Liam was using on the the urinals with his shorts around his ankles and his little bum hanging out.  It was so hilarious!!  I have no pictures of that, but it was truly a "moment."

A picture of the clan.

After we dropped off Duncan, we went home and had lunch.  Then we went to check out the progress on the house.  Gwenie and I hung out in the car.  It was really hot out.  I do NOT miss that August heat.

She had cute hair that day, so I took a picture of it.

Then we went to the park by the school and chilled a bit until Duncan got out.

Gwenie had fun pushing Rozzy around the pavilion.

The End.

Remembering: Rosaline's First Year

Rosaline,
My second girl, my fourth child whom we thought might not be.  When you were in my belly they found you had club feet.  They thought that might be a sign of something much more scary, called Trisomy 18.  We were so scared, but knew no matter what happened, you were our little girl and we would be with you after this life.  We were so blessed and lucky to find out that not only did you not have the chromosomal defect, just club feet, that you were growing so quickly and well.  The results were not fully conclusive, but we felt that you would be just fine.  We were anxious to have you out to make sure you were healthy. 
You were born 2 weeks early.  We were so happy to have you join our family.  We were such a good, calm baby.  Even with your casts and brace, you always seemed to take it in stride.  You started out so tiny and stayed that way until you didn't have to wear your shoes all the time.  We learned that you were a fan of FOOD.
You are such a goofball.  You always try to make us laugh.  You are cuddly and squishy.  You learned to crawl at 11mos.(your sister waited until 14mos.) and are now an amazing walker.  You never let your club feet hold you back in anything.  You crawled with your shoes and even walk along furniture with them on.  You amaze me everyday and bring a smile to my face all the time.  You are so polite, saying "thank you"(in your own way) whenever someone does something for you.  You can hold your own in a family with two very physical brothers and a crazy sister. 
You make me laugh all the time.  You are a good helper(more so than your siblings).  We are so grateful to have you in our family.  You bring a joy and spirit that is uniquely yours.  Thank you for being you!

The sibling you look most like.

We loved your club feet, but we are happy to see you walk.

1 month old.

2 months old.

3 months old.

4 months old.

4 1/2 months old

5 months old.

6 months old.

7 months old.

8 months old.

9 months old.

10 months old.

11 months old.

12 months old.

Wow, I don't know about you guys, but a beautiful baby like that makes me baby hungry!!

Remembering: Rosaline's First Birthday

Back in the olden days, Rozzy turned 1.  As we usually do with birthday festivities, we invited the party, also known as Geof and Jessie.  I hadn't finished wrapping, as it was Sunday and during this time I was nursery leader and Mark was usually working.  Those things make for full Sundays.  Geoff went to entertain the boys.

As you can see, Liam has a lot of "mommies."  He adopts any female as his mom if she is willing to give him the time of day. 

Jessie can multi-task.

Geoff is incapable of saying "no" to playing swords with someone.

The Birthday Girl up close and personal.

Let the unwrapping begin!

At this age, wrapping paper proves to be the better gift.

 

Whenever I would tell Rozzy to smile, this is the face I would get.  Smile must also mean shock and surprise.

This is really what Barbie is good for.

Rosaline got a princess chair, Gwendolyn needs to see if it is good enough for Rozzy first.

"Smile!"

Finally, I got a real one!

And we're back to "normal."

The "Party."

Duncan's faux smile.

Gwenie insisted on a picture of the fairy Barbie.  The thing I notice different between the old and new barbies is that the old ones sat with their legs together.  Today's barbies, well, you can see.  What does that say about this generation!!

The cake,  I am no professional.

Happy Birthday Smiley!!

Remembering: A Haircut Already Grown Out

Many, many moons ago, when I was in Colorado I got my luscious locks chopped off by my sister in law, Holly.  This inspired me to do the same to Gwendolyn.  These are the results of that.  This was in July, so obviously her hair has grown out since then, but I think I might want to cut it again!!

Yikes!  Still a victim of bad photography.  With teeth? or without?

Gwendolyn doesn't want to become a victim of bad photography.

The shame the poor girl feels!

I know you all were probably bored with these pictures long ago, but I couldn't stop taking them or posting them!!