39 weeks with Babies 1, 2, and 3

Fall Ministry 2013

Nate just sent out an "official" update but I kinda like these two pictures and wanted to share them.  The first one is a map of all the towns in MA.  We have the same one hanging in our house and its been so great to see where the students we meet are from.  For survey tables, Nate had the great idea to ask students to stick a pin in the town where they are from.  We had two tables, so this is only one of the maps and you have to look close in the picture, but I think its so fun!  Nate and I both have a heart for the people of New England so its amazing to be at UMASS where so many of the students are not just from New England, but are natives of MA.  We love it!


And as a Mom to (almost) three little ones, I have stepped back in a major way from active ministry this year ( if you are a mom and want to talk about work vs being home vs ministry, I would LOVE TO discuss!) but Nate did ask me to talk to our staff team about following up surveys and building relationships.  And Jeff snapped a picture:)  I just wanted to share:)


Today Nate made it to the top of Mt. Sugarloaf with a group of students- I am home with the kids and waiting to hear more about how it went.  Also nesting as its less than 6 days till we meet this little guy!!!!

Just checked facebook- here is the group:

Olivia Goes to Preschool

Today was Olivia's first day of preschool and though not shocking, she did GREAT!  We decided to send her to Crocker Farm Preschool which is a 5 minute drive from us and part of the Amherst Public School system.  She has at least 4 teachers and only 15 kids in her class.  Yesterday we went for a preview day and today was the real deal.  Yesterday she played with playdough and blocks and back to playdough and then the sand and then it was time to go.  Today I think she did much more, but she only told me tidbits:)  I am so proud of her for making this big step and excited about all that she will learn this year and the friends she will make!

Family Photo before Preview Day

Silly Faces!

So excited!  The expression of Isaac here is one you might see often in real life.

The morning before the first real day.

Had to show off the owl back pack to our neighbor, and now to you all!  

Isaac, 18 Months

Isaac turned 18 months old on Monday.  Some updates on this sweet, handsome guy.

• He no longer uses a bottle!  
• An explanation:  Nate gets up with him in the mornings, often around 6:30 and after a diaper change and milk and coffee pouring they watch something together- the last two days has been Bob the Builder.  A few weeks ago (maybe less) Nate called and told me he had actually bitten the nipple off the bottle and probably swallowed some of it.  Later that day the kids and I went to Marshall's and found some new cups:) He has done great with them and then this week, really wants his sisters cup- so I guess we should have fully upgraded sooner!  He has also been getting a lot more teeth which should also be part of this explanation.  I havent dared put my finger in his mouth to figure out how many more, but his fingers are often there which I think is proof.
• He is saying so many more words and sounds and definitely understands and communicates.  If you ask a yes or no question he will nod his head to answer appropriately.  I have been a little too thankful he doesnt say NO yet, so I am sure that is around the corner.
• He dances when there is music by fist bumping above his head.
• He is starting to really love trucks- pointing them out when we see them and vrooming our toy ones all over the house.
• He gives kisses and hugs and I love them.
• He and Olivia started going to bed together at the same time and for the most sleep through the night!!!! This is huge as we expect a new baby soon and has been such a blessing.  I am not even sure exactly how it happened or when but I am SO thankful we and they figured out this routine so early and so well!!!  Lets pray it continues even with newborn cries next door.
• He seems to hit his head every other day and almost always has a bump on his forehead:(  
• He has a killer smile.
• He does like to  hit and throw things/ push people.  We are working on it:/
• Olivia started school today so I am hoping to make the most of my mornings with this guy who is soon to become a middle child.  His doctors appointment is Monday so I will try to update his size then- but he wears 18-24 month clothes for the moment.  And Olivia's crocks from last summer!

Early mornings with Daddy- Isaac LOVES his Daddy

17 months

At the beach in August, he is often found very messy!!!

Sandy Cove in July

Much earlier this summer, in his favorite milk position

At the Taste of Amherst back in June 

Isaac ~ 14 Months

Isaac is 14 months old today, though most of these pictures were taken yesterday.  It has turned into summer overnight here and its been wonderful to be OUTSIDE and playing so much!  Isaac got new shoes yesterday as he is a WALKER- you can't hold this kid back!  He has no fear!  At the playground he climbs and bounces all around.  He loves the seesaw and slides and swing. At a friend's house on Monday their slide had a tube shape to it and he managed to climb up it multiple times! 

About a week before Easter we officially weaned him- a short and much needed break for me from nursing!  He cried a bit the first night but has taken to a bottle extremely well since then.  He loves to eat!  Especially eggs for breakfast and any kind of meat or noodles.  We are signed up for a farmshare this summer and I am excited to offer him many veggies!

He LOVES his big sister Olivia- following her around, wanting to do what she is and playing with her.  He also loves hair.  He likes to eat my hair (cue my need for a haircut!) and pull his sisters.  We are definitely in the throes of sibling rivalry- just the beginning I suppose.  Any good sibling book recommendations out there?

He definitely has a loud and strong voice, but it is questionable as to whether he has any regular words yet.  He can make all the sounds. He says "dat" a lot- especially when pointing at light/fan ceiling combos.  He will sign more please- especially for a bottle of milk, or more food.  

In some moments, when he as a bottle or is sleepy, he is still my little baby but in others he is very much a little man growing up before our eyes!  I love him!!!

ME to PA in a week

A week ago we had the chance to accompany Nate to ME for his NELT meetings with the Navs.  The kids and I got to spend much time by the ocean and with our friends from VT and NY.  On the first afternoon we got to play in the sand, but then got caught in a major rain storm.  I wish I had pics of me carrying Isaac back on my shoulders in the rain while Olivia rode in the stroller...

On Thursday we headed through 6 states- Olivia kept track for us- to visit our friends at PSU.  Over the weekend we spent time with much loved and missed friends.  Thanks for seeing us!!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Olivia!

Yesterday we celebrated Olivia's 3rd Birthday.  We kicked off celebrations Friday night at our Navs dinner at our house.  Saturday morning we had a change of plans :)  Originally we had planned to head to Bolton to spend some much needed time with Nana and Papa, but they called early in the day to say they were heading to Boston...more on that in a minute.  So we had breakfast at Atkins, Olivia enjoyed some apple juice and a chocolate chip scone, while we visited with Mary, our edger, and her parents who were down visiting from Maine.  Then our other Edger, Becca, offered to watch Isaac so Nate and I could take Olivia out for a special lunch, juts with Mommy and Daddy.  We headed to Friendly's where Olivia enjoyed some chicken fingers and fries with lots of ketchup, followed by a sundae!!!  The staff even sang to her and she blew out her second candle.  When we got home she opened her presents and played with them the rest of the day.  Later in the afternoon, we found out her very first cousin (my first nephew!) had been born!!!!  What a present!!!  Next Saturday we will have a party to celebrate both Olivia and Isaac!  

Olivia is one amazing little girl- independent, extroverted, expressive, fun, caring- she loves to help cook in the kitchen, or make her little brother laugh.  Recently we noticed she can color within the lines, really well, and is often drawing pictures of everything.  She went through a Cinderella movie phase, but currently likes to watch the veggie tales JONAH everyday.  She also likes Sesame Street, Word World, Daniel Tigers Neighborhood, and Sid the Science Kid.

This last year she had many changes and she really handled them well for such a young girl.  She welcomed her baby brother with open and gentle arms.  She moved to a toddler bed.  She said goodbye to PA and friends there and moved to MA with us.  She visited a new church every week this summer- doing amazing in each churches' Sunday school while we visited grown-up church.  She shares a room with her brother and sleeps in a twin bed.  She is fully potty trained, day and night, having completed potty training boot camp.  And really that was all before October!  

I am so thankful for Olivia- Happy Birthday!!!

First Birthday Cake on Friday Night with Navs Students

SO excited face about her birthday presents!

Learning to stamp with Mommy