Where's Gretchen?

Looking back over the past few posts, I realized that Gretchen's been inadvertently left out. Sorry, Baby Girl. She's been pretty sick for the past two weeks, but is surprisingly still fairly content and happy when she's awake. She is quick to smile and tries to get everything in her mouth these days.

She's very intent and focused while watching Rooke play:

The best part of waking up (she's like this almost every morning!):

She loves her bath!

Big Boy

Rooke's been sleeping in his Big Boy bed for about a month now (it hardly ever looks this nice!) and has done great with the transition.

You know a good friend when you get a call about a "bargain alert" that must be checked out. Thanks, Sarah, for tipping us off on these building blocks that were 12/$1.00! I love a good deal, especially when it makes one of my kids happy.

I love my Daddy because . . .

He reads me books before I have to go to sleep.

Even when he's tired, too.

He took me for a surprise lunch to McDonalds to get my first Happy Meal.

And let me drink the entire juice box without watering it down like Mom does.

He goes to school close enough that I can walk with Mommy and Gretchen to see him

And his school has a fountain I can play in!

When I get to his school, he takes a break from studying and lets me practice jumping

He's really good at catching me

. . . even though he has to work and go to school and doesn't get much sleep, he still has lots of energy to play with me when I want to wrestle or chase. He's the best daddy ever.

Chillin' at Home

We had a sick bug visiting this week. No fun. We tried to keep things interesting at home:

Yay for paint dots and stickers! Rooke isn't much into "crafts", but enjoyed this large cardboard canvas. Although most of the stickers ended up on my shirt.

His most recent discovery: toe jam. I know. Gross. He's obsessed. He checks his toes at least three times a day and has started checking Gretchen's toe jam too. Today he called me in from the other room and said, "Look at this huge toe jam, Mommy!" Awesome.

She likes watching Rooke play with his cars and trains

He fell asleep watching Cars (the movie) for the first time (that's what we get to do on really sick days!).

Bumboing

Let the Bumbo fun begin!

Happy Birthday, KayeK!

Since my parents are traveling and aren't easily reached by internet or phone, we thought we'd send a little Birthday hello to KayeK here . . .
Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you!

Potty Training?

Is this the kind of conversation "they" say is an indication that he is getting ready to be potty trained? If so, it doesn't offer me much hope.

Rooke was in the kitchen with me and then suddenly darted into the living room. I followed him to see what was up until he stopped and spoke sternly . . .

"Don't come in here!"
"Are you pooping?"
"Yes."
"Ok, I'll come back later."

A few minutes later, Rooke runs into the kitchen . . .

"I'm going to play for a couple more minutes and then I can go poo poo in the potty."
A little backwards, but, "Ok."

A few more minutes later, I walk into the living room . . .

"Rooke, it's time to change your diaper and get rid of your poo poos since you didn't use the potty."
"No, I'm going to keep them."

Easter 2010

Christmas is about the only holiday I enjoy more than Easter. Christ is ALIVE! What a glorious day to celebrate our RISEN Savior and the eternal hope we have in Him.

Among other Easter traditions, we get new outfits for church each year (maybe that "we" will include Ryan and I some day! For now, we'll focus on the kids!)
Rooke's first Easter, 2008:

2009:

Gretchen's first Easter 2010:

Thank you, Nana, for the Easter dress!

After a wonderful morning at church and some afternoon naps, we headed over to enjoy the rest of the day with our dear friends and their family.

Another Easter tradition we started with Rooke this year was making and opening resurrection eggs. He was surprised to learn on Sunday that other things can be found in easter eggs . . . namely, candy! Here are the kids with their bags just itching to hunt for the hidden eggs.

"What's the big deal, Mom? There's no way that candy is better than the milk I get."

Slightly confused, but he still enjoyed the hunt

Happy Easter!