Thanksgiving 2010

This year because of Zane being a little guy still we decided not to head up to Traverse City for Thanksgiving. Instead we went over to St. Clair to my Aunt Judy's house and had a wonderful time with them and my Grandpa this Thanksgiving. We are thankful for family!

The children had a blast and even received some presents, hand picked by Great Grandpa which have been a huge hit. We watched the Lions loose, once again, then feasted on a wonderful dinner. The children even had their own little table, which was thoroughly adored.

This was the first meeting of Zane, and he was loved on by all.
It was a really great Thanksgiving and upon leaving Noelle didn't want to go! About twenty minutes into the drive it was silent and I glanced back to see ALL 4 sleeping...at the same time! Usually there is much chatter despite having the DVD player on, but they were tuckered out from a great day and slept almost the entire way home.

First Program

Tuesday evening, Noelle and Max had their first school program. It was adorable. Max was a bit out of sorts and did nothing. Really, I mean he just stood there the entire time and did nothing. He knew exactly what to do, as he had practiced it at home enthusiastically. Once he got up on stage he just looked at us. Noelle on the other hand did very well and performed the correct signs and songs very intently. The children had the opportunity to take the microphone and say what they are thankful for after their performance. Noelle was thankful for her kitty and Max for, no big surprise, Daddy!

It was an adorable little program followed by a real Thanksgiving meal for all the families to enjoy.

I have video, but I don't know how to flip it so you don't have to tilt sideways to watch. Pictures will do for now!

He's A Month

Zane turned one month old today (Friday). The tears flowed, as I am very emotional and it's a big milestone. Sobbing will ensue when he rolls, sits up, crawls, walks etc. He's my last, I can't help it.

It's been a great first month, although we are fighting pink eye and thrush in the house. Max, Violette, and now Zane have all had thrush, but this is the first time I have had the very unpleasant experience along with the baby. He seems fine, puckering when given his medicine is the only complaint. I have successfully kept pink eye away from him!


As for Zane's personality, it seems to be starting to come through. He is awake for longer periods and has begun to give real social smiles. Not a lot of them, but a few here and there have been experienced. Along with smiles he has found a bit of his voice, cooing while awake. The chaos of his brother and sisters around him keeps him entertained and at times overwhelmed. They bounce back and forth trying to gain his attention. I feel like I have to put a steel cage around him to ensure safety. They all love to try to hug him and kiss him while I tell them to back off constantly. He's well loved, nothing wrong with that.



Zane is getting big and filling out. Breast milk does a baby good! His cheeks are getting very chubby and he is getting very long.
We are not lacking on sleep. Zane has a last feeding around 9pm and sleeps until about 3am. His next feeding happens when the other's get up. I can't complain about one night time feeding. I enjoy getting up with him and catching up with some shows on DVR as I lovingly nurse and cuddle him. I look forward to the next month seeing Zane grow and develop. At the same time I want him to stay this little for a long time as I love the newborn stage so much.

Wordless Wednesday

Taken on Monday. I didn't get my camera out today.

A New Family Member

Because we weren't busy enough, we have added a kitten to our family. Noelle has been asking for a kitten as a birthday present and I couldn't think of a reason not to get one for her. Aunt Ceecee found a beautiful Persian and decided to get it for Noelle. She came over Sunday evening and Noelle had no idea about her early surprise.

Upon opening the box she was in shock and it took her a few moments to register that she did indeed get a kitten. Her face lit up and she was ecstatic! Max and Violette were also very excited about the new addition.

Miette has been a great addition. She is four months old, so not too little as we have to worry about her with the children. The name comes from the movie, Barbie and The Three Musketeers, where Barbie has a kitten with the same name. Miette is a docile kitten, taking the loving abuse of all the children with stride. She doesn't run away and wants to be near all of us. Noelle carries her around all the time and has yet to be scratched. I think she is the perfect kitten for our family and is adjusting to the chaos of three rambunctious children exceptionally well.
Yesterday was opening day of Deer Season and Zane was sporting his camouflage from Aunt Liz!

Wordless Wednesday

A Week With Four

It's been a week on my own. Nothing big to report. Things are good. I'm not back to normal and am still fighting a bit of pain doing usual tasks, but I am feeling a lot better.

Four children has been...challenging. Of course Zane is the easiest, sleeping for lovely 5 hour stretches at night and is so easy during the day. Noelle, Max, and Violette are demanding and unable to do anything on their own so I'm constantly at their beck and call. When I finally sit down, someone needs something else and I'm back up again. I'm learning this is life with my four children and I'm getting used to it. I love them all dearly!
Friday Zane had a two week check up and weighed in at 8 lbs. 4 oz and is now 20 inches in length. A good friend of mine came over during the day on Friday to spend time with me, help out, and take some pictures of Zane. She is very talented with her camera (amongst a long list of other things) and the pictures turned out great. I plan on using them for Zane's birth announcement so I don't want to spoil them, but here are a few: Zane lost his umbilical cord a bit ago (I honestly don't know the exact date. That is what happens the fourth time around. When Noelle lost hers we actually saved it!) so he can take a full bath now. This evening I put him in the tub with the other three. They all loved it!

That's all for now as motherhood is calling...