Graduation & Catching Up

Sorry it has been awhile since I have last blogged. I have been really sick this past week and it has been all I have been able to do just to survive it... plus I have 3 kids now, so perhaps blogging will slow a bit, but I will try and catch up.

Like I mentioned before, my parents went to California last week after my grandmother's passing. Below is a picture of my dad (left) and his brothers.It wasn't great timing as far as my needing a little extra help, but we all survived and are fine. As soon as they got back, it was kind of crazy because my sister and her family were coming into town for my brother's graduation. We hired a couple sitters for Ellie, Owen, Kyra and Addy and took Maggie along with us to dinner and the graduation. We ate at a yummy steak place and then went to the graduation. Here is Daniel and at the Saltgrass restaurant. Yes, I know... I need a hair cut.We are really proud of Evan, graduating is a big deal and we are excited for him to discover what life holds for him in the future.-- He doesn't always have this look, but it is a favorite of mine! :)

Mags came to the graduation with us. She even dressed up in this dress. She was in the ergo pack most of the time but she came out for a little bit to show off her cute self.

Here are some of the other things that are happening:

Maggie has decided that being awake for a few minutes at a time is ok! It's good because she is really cute when she is looking around and we think she is pretty sweet. Magdalyn is starting to chunk up a bit... Last Friday I took her to the doctor and she weighed 6 lbs 2 oz, but as of a week later, I would guess she has gained quite a bit as she doesn't ever really stop eating. I think she might be quite a chunky little girl... we will see!

Poor Owen has been sick along with mom. This has been hard because he just wants his mom most of the time and has been having a hard time sleeping and has been pretty whiny (not normal for Owen). He has also started to look like he got beat up at the end of each day. He usually has a couple new bruises on his face... the boy just plays so hard.

Here is Grammy (my mom) with Maggie. Mags is named after my mom (Magdalyn Beth/Maureen Beth). Rightfully so as she has done more to prepare for this child coming into the world besides myself. I think they will have a special bond for that. Plus, my mom holds Maggie quite a bit for me since I am usually chasing after Ellie and Owen. It's a good thing because it alleviates some guilt I feel for not giving her the attention that I wish I could give to her more.

As you can see, my mom isn't the only one who doesn't mind holding this little sweetheart.

My mom has made a quilt for each of my children and this is the one she made for Maggie... and of course, that is Maggie laying on it. It's so pretty that I hardly want to use it! However, I am sure we will have to bring it out for photo ops and when we start doing more tummy time.

Ells with Maggie on her quilt. Sometimes Ellie likes to be a little mom. She would like to do more like carry her around the house so I have to watch her... it is a fear that I am sure will eventually happen that she will pick Maggie up and bring her somewhere. Scary.

Here is Owen on another one of my mom's quilts. My mom was taking pictures of a few of the quilts she hadn't pictured before so the kids were eager to climb on.

Ellie sporting a sweet smile... don't let this smile fool you. She has become quite the sassy little thing and has meltdowns several times a day... I am telling you, I wish we could go back to being 2... 3 is turning out to be a real downer.

Owen saying, "cheese"! Thankfully he has started to smile for the camera again. We went through a six month period or so where I could not get him to smile for the camera. I am glad that is over!

This week should be a good week since we will be preparing for more family to come into town. Daniel's mom is back from Nigeria now and has already been a lot of help for me since I have been sick by watching Ellie and Owen.