Graceism

Grace has taken off with expressing her thoughts more clearly. She tells us long stories that are either "awesome, really funny, or amazing." She talks with Cait a lot, however, when Cait is not in the car with us I don't think she ever stops talking unless she is tired! Here are a few classic Grace comments:

We were in the car driving and Grace was using her imagination (something she does often). All of a sudden I hear her talking to her feet. So, I asked what she was talking to them about. Her response, "I am naming them!" "What are you naming them?" "Tinky and Nicki."

Right before easter her and Cait were downstairs in their room. Apparently Cait knocked Grace's popscicle cross she made at church off their dresser. This is the conversation that followed:
G: Cait, you knocked the cross that Jesus died on for our sins on the ground!
C: He didn't die on that cross Grace so why do you want it?
G: So people will know that He died on the cross for our sins
C: People know that Grace
G: No, there are people around the world that do not know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins!
C: Well they are not coming to our house
G: Well, I want to keep it on our dresser if they do

I love her sweetness, silliness, and crazy imagination!

Tricks!

Lately my kids have been really into doing "tricks." Here is Cait balancing.

Carson, very proud of his ingenuity in balancing the chair upside down against the side of the house!

Cait working on her headstands

This doesn't look like much, but it is the beginning of Kaylee starting to move (she was on the mat originally). This was almost 2 months ago and now she is scooting backwards like crazy. She really wants to chase her brother and sisters (mom's not sure shes ready though)!

Carson, balancing on a chair again. Notice a pattern?! If he wants to do something or needs something a chair is his current solution. In his mind he can do everything as long as he is able to get a chair to the spot needed!

Rainy Days

Lately we have had a lot of rain. And finding ways to keep everyone busy and able to expend the necessary energy has been well, difficult. Especially when it comes to Carson! He is a very busy little boy! So, we play Hide and go Seek, read books, jump, play ball, make forts, make more forts, play with blocks, go visit people, take walks when there is a small break. Enjoying extra time in our p.j.'s

Carsons hat that daddy made him

Grace decided that Makaylee needed to be part of their fort making, so she made her one.

Auburn Snow in February

One of the things I love about auburn is that we occasionally get snow. Every year for the last 3 or 4 we have gotten enough to build a snowman on our front lawn. The girls love it. This year Carson got to join in the fun. He wasn't too fond of being "old" (cold) but he joined his silly self in the picture.

4 Months

I love this girl so much! She is sweet, smiley, and loves interaction, especially with mom and dad. The first 2 1/2 months of her life were a little rough. She has really bad acid reflux and it took us awhile to figure out how to help her. So, now with the combination of me being on a really strict diet and the right medication she is not in constant pain and we get to see the happy, fun baby she is.
One of my favorite times of the day with her is at night. We tend to be pretty laxed with her compared to the other ones and keep her up later just to be able to play with her and enjoy her. She loves these times. She talks, giggles, smiles - she knows she has our full attention.
She also loves her siblings and they love her. She lights up when they walk in the room. Grace can get her to full on belly laugh better than anyone.
Being the fourth she is ready to move and chase everyone around. She rocks when she is on your leg to try to get something and she turns herself in circles on the floor. Before I know it she is going to be moving, and my life will get a little crazier than it already is!

Award for the first broken bone goes to...

...Makaylee. Yes you read that right, and before you report us to CPS please know this is not a result of any member of our family harming her in any way!
I took her in for her 2 week appointment today and found out she broke her collar bone when I delivered her. I guess it is fairly common when babies come quick, which she did, and are big (average size baby is 7 lbs, so I guess she is considered big). I feel so bad for my sweet girl. However, I will say it is a little relieving to know why she would randomly cry in pain when I would pick her up or change her position when holding her. Her Dr. said it should only bother her for another week.

Makaylee Faith Pickard

This morning at 4:59 am we welcomed Makaylee Faith Pickard into the world. She was 8lbs 30z and 21 inches long at birth. Even though its our fourth the same feelings of shock and wonder overwhelm me. I'm sure Nicole will fill in more details later (hopefully not to many details) but for now here are some pics for your enjoyment.

Waiting on Monday night- eating dinner in the hospital with mom. The excitement of a hospital room wears out after about 5 minutes it seems...

Minutes old...

Makaylee seems to have acquired her dad's ability to sleep...

Some pretty excited siblings...