The Update!

I have been terrible about posting mainly because there is not enough hours in the day. I'm not even sure where I left off or where I should start.

Jaxon is doing great in Grammy's kindergarten class! He is already reading very well. He loves playing a game with his flash cards. For a while we were rock stars at home work and reading, but the past couple of weeks have been beyond hectic. We are past one of the big hurdles so now I think we can get back to it. I'm so proud of him though. He is almost a year younger than the rest of his class and he is rocking along!

Eli is also doing great in school. I'm very pleased with Mrs. Fromhold, his teacher. He is continuing to learn and progress. We've noticed a difference in his reading and writing in the past 2 months. Honestly, he is blowing me away with how smart he is. We think he has also grown an inch or two in the past couple of months. It is a good thing he is smart because everyone assumes he is much older than he actually is.

Eli also pulled his own tooth a few weeks ago. He has now lost 4. Jaxon is quite jealous and can't wait for the toothfairy to visit him.

The boys were ring bearers in Uncle Aaron's wedding this weekend. They were amazing! It was really stressful (and I felt terrible getting onto them) before the wedding. They were running, crawling, climbing, and exploring just like the little boys that they are, but unfortunately they were wearing tuxes that cost $180 each to rent for one day. There was NO WAY I was going to let them destroy, damage, stain, or scuff their tuxes or shoes. Once it was time for them to walk up the aisle, they did so perfectly! They also sat through the whole ceremony reading books and drawing pictures. Basically, I couldn't have asked for better behavior from them. They had a great time on the dance floor at the reception. Thanks to all the cousins who were out there with them!!!

A couple of the cute stories from the wedding weekend:
- Jaxon - After the ceremony, Jaxon asked if he was married too.
- Eli - Eli started crying late Saturday night, and when Brian asked what was wrong, Eli asked Brian if he missed his brother. After a bit of discussion we realized that after Aaron got married, he went away. I think Eli thought that he wasn't coming back (and I'm wondering if he thought he might lose Jaxon that way). Once we explained that we would see him soon, he calmed down. He is also working through what dying actually means. A couple of weeks ago he was quite distraught because he didn't want to die ever.... even as an old man. I told a bit about heaven, and it wasn't working so eventually I caved and told him that there are video games and ice cream in heaven. His next questions were, "how do I get there?" and "who will take me there?".

The other big news that I can finally talk about is Kristin is engaged. There is another family wedding in the works! I'm very excited because this one will likely be in MIAMI!!! Anthony (Kristin's fiance) and his parents are already settling into the family quite nicely. They are all really sweet and put up with our chaos like professionals. If this past weekend didn't send them away in fear, nothing will! In all seriousness, I'm very happy for Kristin and Anthony. Congratulations to you both!

Alysa is doing well. I've had a couple of sonograms over the past couple of months because she continues to grow quickly and was breech for a while. I didn't know it, but when they are breech it HURTS! I went to the doctor thinking something was wrong because it was way too early in pregnancy to feel the way I was feeling. Thankfully, that problem resolved itself quickly. Now we are just keeping an eye on her size (which is probably just over 7lbs now and I'm 36 weeks today) and my platelets. So far so good. We have an induction date set which is nice because I can set my mind to getting to that date. My last Zumba class was last Tuesday. I can't wait to get back to it. I hate treadmills. I'm thankful I only have to deal with them for 3 weeks. I need to pack the hospital bag and start setting up her swing, packnplay, and miscellaneous other items around the house.

We have had some really sweet friends get the most adorable outfits and blankets for Alysa. A few of my coworkers even did a small luncheon for me complete with chocolate cupcakes! Seriously, I'm spoiled! I love that even though she is a 3rd child I can tell her that people were excited about her arrival just like when I had Eli and Jaxon.

This weekend we are having a party for Eli. I feel bad for him because I know it is a weekend where everyone is crazy busy, and the party is on Sunday. I hope enough kids show up to make it fun for him. I know he is very excited about it. I would have put it on the following weekend, but that is getting close to Alysa's arrival. As much as I want kids to come, I want to be there myself!