Life Around Here...

Trying to keep up with all the baby book updates...

This year, one of my goals was to finish all the kid's books - so behind - and am so tired of being behind. So I split them into months, where I just do that particular child. Breaking it into very small goals, and doing it in an easier system... And so far it is working. I've got four done, and now to finish the first two.... 

Tried potty training Leanne for three weeks, but even though I thought she was ready - circumstances proved otherwise. :) She totally loved sitting and watching Peppa Pig for a long time, (as did the other girls when they could gather round...) but even after three weeks, didn't perform so well... so I'm gonna wait a bit. 

Little Jason at Seven Months

 Look who's 7 Months!

Don't ask me how we got to 7 months. Though, there have been some long moments, so crazy to think we're closer to being a year, than not.

Jason's latest and greatest

-On March 3rd, he started saying new sounds - like "yah yah" "mah mah"... which makes me so happy - feel like the brand new mom, and their child just does "anything" and I think he's brilliant. :)

-Sits like a champ. I now can plop him down anywhere on the ground and he just plays with the toys I put in front of him for a while.

-Is eating solids and eats a lot. :) Starting to learn how to drink from a sippy cup

-Started sleeping through the night again - since his last surgery in December - took almost 3 months to get that whole night back. (though he would sleep through the night in between all the hospital visits, and then there, would be put out of sync... but we're back!)

-He had his six month assessment just a week ago, and we are making all the typical child's milestones, except for rolling over - a bit behind - but maybe that's cause of his big belly. :) 

This is Leanne, trying to help make him smile for me. :) 

Doesn't he just make your day? :) 

"Our" Emily

I think I have introduced Emily to you guys by now right....?? my right hand woman - the "one who keeps me and the house sane" - as I say as a quick intro to anyone who meets her here. :) 

Crazy to think it's been a year and a half since she started working for us. So patient, and great with the kids, and all the many household stuff... she tackles it well. We chat about everything - she gives me her "special needs" knowledge as she has worked with kids that have "needs" at a school... she bakes THM for me, and keeps up with the laundry... I know - she's amazing. 

This mess on Jason happened while Laura was feeding Jason for me... and he grabbed the container and "blam", this mess happened. :) 

But Emily took this one for me. :) Love the joy these two have here. :) 

Thankful for her - and whatever time I have left with her!

Bubbles, Zebras, Lego and a Helmet

 This girl - at 3 - does what I have never been able to do.

Blow bubbles... 

Laura drew a cowboy and lots of cacti. :) 

Playing with the zebra. 

Kisses

Amy doing some babysitting time with Jason. :) Using a foam block as a phone. 

 Erik put his hockey helmet on Jason - and thought it was so cute he grabbed my phone for pictures. :) I had to take one too. 

Erik's boat on a "wave" 

Love seeing what he creates...

Jason & Andrea

 Just had to share a couple pictures of these two - Andrea got in some good snuggles with Jason while she was around - and I loved these of both of them. :) 

Sarah's 30th Birthday

Sarah's birthday was supposed to be a suprise party - but she ended up getting there earlier than most of us. :) So she surprised us. It was a fun evening - with a Western theme - most of the kids were babysat, but Jason could come. :)

Tim, Lannette and Diane (and a few others) did a wonderful job of the food  - such great snacks and supper. 

Brad and Tim

Amanda and Will - with the little Jay man

Holding his first rifle. 

First Cowboy hat -with Mr. Eelman - Sarah's father in law. 

Half candid, half posed - watching a slideshow of Sarah that Lannette put together. 

Beautiful birthday girl. 

After the supper - we all tried some square dancing... with half decent results. It was just mainly us family there, so trying to do some footwork, and "do-si-do" worked out well... They had rented a "caller" who taught us how to go around in circles, and some well known patterns. Lots of laughter as we tried to keep up... 

Julie was James' partner when I had to step out for Jason's supper. :) 

Trying to get a shot - knew there were people behind us, but didn't know Jason was photo bombing us!

My pretty nieces. 

The hot shot. :) 

Look a likes. 

Thankful for this wonderful sister. 

Crazy to think that all of the Heikoop siblings - are now in their 30's and 40's... life is fleeting... 

1 Peter 2 Clubhouse

The kids just finished memorizing 1 Peter 2 with James - and for their reward, they got this cardboard house to paint and enjoy. It was originally a Christmas present from a lady in our church, but since they didn't need it right away at Christmas we saved it for a memorization gift. :) 

Katie was the site manager - delegating who paints what, and heaven forbid if you do more than your job was to be. :) Such a leader. 

Carefully doing some details.