Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Hammy goes to school!

When Hammond was born, Jamie and I made the decision (because there was opportunity) for me to stay home.  It is SUCH a gift, but it's not always easy.  However, we also decided not to put him in any sort of day program (which, depending on where you are and who your friends are, may or may not sound normal).  So, aside from the gym and a Bible study I do once a week, we spend most of our days together!  Until now…

With little sister joining the chaos, we decided maybe it was worth a try for this fall.  Not to mention that Hammond is a social kid.  If he's given the opportunity, he wants to be with friends. All the time.  

After asking to go to school repeatedly, I decided to try out a VBS this summer that his friend, Conrad, was going to.  

Here he is!  Day 1.  SO excited!

That week went really, really well, and he had a blast.  5 days was definitely too much for him (although, if he could, he probably would have told me otherwise), but it was such a success that we decided to try out a program this fall.

After much procrastination, I finally signed him up for the PMO at our YMCA (I have a post coming dedicated solely to that place…we LOVE it!) for two days a week.

Day 1

Day 2 (with the support of baby sister)

And here he is being walked into the building after 
drop off!  Does he not look like such a big boy?!

picnic at the playground after his 2nd day

So far, it's pretty good!  The program we're doing is such a baby step into school for him, which is perfect for where we are right now.  It's not a formal program, and some kids only sign up weekly.  But, he is enjoying his time with new friends, play time, and crafts.  I mean, he loves it!  And I'm actually getting a few things accomplished in a day!  And getting to spend a little more one-on-one time with sweet Delle.  

For me, I think there will always be tension with how much time our kids spend away from the influence of our home.  And I'm ok with that.  But, this is certainly a fun new season for the little man, and for mom. :)

Monday, October 27, 2014

Months Four and Five :: Delle

(Disclaimer: Wrote this post a month ago, and just now posting it!)

Delle has turned four months, and now five (!), and we are into such a good groove.  When you have a fast-paced toddler around the house, you just have to keep moving, but I am realizing a few things about our sweet baby girl.  

The most profound :: she's not her brother.  The first few months she was as laid back a baby as he was.  But she's changing, she's teething, and she's sassy!  While big brother would lay on a mat for days, playing with toys, rolling, trying to crawl.  Delle would prefer to spend 5 minutes on the mat, then the bumbo, then the exersauser, maybe the swing, and then "would you just hold me?"  She's a little more high maintenance, and that's ok!  (Can you tell I'm trying to convince myself?!)  

Anyhow, here are her four and five month photos - 








A week before she turned 5 months, we switched to a two nap (and a cat nap in the evening for about 2 more weeks) schedule.  She's done great with it.  

She's rolling over, as little as she has to :).  

We also started solids, taking it slow and steady.  

At her four month appointment, she weighed 16 lbs 5 oz (90th%), and was 26 in tall (98th%).

In the meantime, we've had some quality time with family...

four generations

solids

celebrating our BFF and cousin, Riley Kate's, baptism