What's Happening . . . Now

Olivia is settling in nicely. She is really turning out to be a very easy baby. She sleeps well through the night and is, in general, a very happy baby. Her sleep patterns, and some other aspects of her personality are already proving to be very similar to Russell. Unlike Zeke and Caden who both seemed fairly disinterested in going anywhere (crawling or walking), or even holding their heads up, she seems ready to get moving already. She is already working hard to hold her head up and insists on being sat up. She does not like to be laid on her back for anything.

The boys are still anxious to spend time with her everyday. I am wondering when the novelty will wear off. Caden gets very concerned whenever she grunts or groans and wants something to be done about it. He loves to give her kissed and "pet her hair". Russell has really done well with holding her on occasion to give me time to get other things done. It is nice that he is old enough to hold her without me sitting right next to him. Zeke likes to hold a couple times a day. He is still young enough that I think he is just ready for her to be old enough to play with.

The boys had their first soccer games last Saturday, and they both lost. Zeke scored a goal and saved several goals against his team. He really is doing great this year. I am so impressed with the new light bulb that seems to have turned on for him. Russell's team did ok. I think their team is made up mostly of children who NEVER play outside or participate in sports at any level. It is turning out to be a real character building experience for Russell. It is his chance to help others and practise a little humility. He is doing really well. It is always nice to here the other team talking about your kid and saying watch out for him because he is really good. It is amazing how good it can make you feel to see your children do well. Caden is not old enough to play this year, but Chris bought him a cheap pair of cleats to wear when the older boys go to their practises and games. He is so cute.

School is going pretty well. It is taking a little longer than usual because we spread it out throughout the day. We have to break from schooling to feed Olivia or to put Caden down for a nap etc. . . Right now we are winding down all the books we have been working on this year. The only thing left are the boys weak subjects. Language and Spelling ( and a little history ) for Russell and Spelling and Math for Zeke. We are just focusing on these right now and for the next month or so. The boys just finished memorizing all the Presidents in order. Next we will learn all the states with their capitals. This will be review for Russell but new for Zeke so Russell will get the chance to help Zeke master them.

Chris is in North Carolina at Ft Bragg for a school this week and next. On Sunday he is coming home for a day because he has to be at a meeting on Monday. Then, on Monday the kids and I will drive down to Bragg, and meet Chris their when his plane gets in that night. We are going to spend the week with him there and all drive home together when his class gets out on Friday. The boys are excited to get on the road. Probably because they think there will be no school work while we are gone. LOL.