On the Move!

She's officially moving forward-- army crawl style! 

And still loving the solly wrap after almost 9 months!

We're headed to the pool now to meet some friends on this cold, snowy April day. Have a great weekend! 

 

Happy Friday!

Lots of cuteness happening around here this week :)

Playing piano after bath time 

First family swim time

Soccer and we finally had a sunny, warm practice on Thursday 

At soccer practice, sitting up like a big girl! 

Have a great weekend! 

Zeke's First Soccer Practice

I have been awaiting this day for nearly 5 years! Yes, you read that correctly. As soon as I knew I was having a child, I couldn't wait until they got started in team sports. Sure, I've enjoyed the baby and toddler years -- precious and cute as they are. But this, this is when I get to find out who my child really is! See, it's not so much about the participation in team sports as it is -- "Who is Ezekiel? What will he love to do? What will he be good at? What will he be passionate about?" Have you read that post asking if you're ok with your child being just "average"? Or something along those lines. I have. And I am. I don't really care if any of my children is the MVP for their team. Or the valedictorian. Or gets into school on a music scholarship.

What do I care about? That my kids (with my help and support) can find out what they love to do and go after it with all their hearts! I truly believe that God has given everyone special talents and gifts. Everyone is great at something. Sometimes it can be hard to discover what those things are, especially if a parent has an idea of what they want for their child's life... 'I love playing the piano so my children must love it and do it and excel at it and I won't stop for anything.'

I played sports in high school and it was fun, but I didn't have the drive. I was never on the 'A' team, but I sure had a lot more fun actually getting to play on the 'B' team. I honestly didn't care about winning, and I'm sure that was part of the reason I wasn't always picked. But it was enjoyable for me, just to play. Playing the piano, on the other hand? I could sit and play for hours. It wasn't work or practice for me. It was me. It is me. It's what I love. It's one of the only things in my life that I can do and not think about eating. Oh you know those people that look up at the clock and say, "Oh boy! I forgot to eat lunch!" Nope, that's ridiculous in my book. I ALWAYS remember and make time to eat. But occasionally if I'm playing the piano, I can delay my meal for a bit :)

But back to this next phase of parenting -- as much as I love the snuggles I've been getting from Zoë, how much she and Levi both need and WANT me, I am feeling the independence from Zeke and it's exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. How will he succeed this year? Will he be a natural at soccer? I'm not sure. At the first practice they started off with a jog around the field. Later on in practice they were taking turns kicking the ball and I had just walked up to hear Zeke asking his coach to do something. She couldn't understand what he was saying, so I had him come over to tell me. It took a few times for me to understand, but he was asking to "jog" more! So already I know a little more about something he enjoys! I cannot wait to find out more!

As I asked Zeke to come take a picture, Levi edged his way in :) 

They aren't apart much

Apparently he was still not feeling the greatest before his first practice. 

Rainy and chilly first day out

But he was a trooper and went out there and did it anyway! 

Zeke, I'm proud of you for taking on your first practice even when you didn't feel well and you were shivering and would have been more comfortable at home. Tonight you have your second practice (we skipped last Thursday because you were still sick and went to the doctor) and Daddy gets to come too! I pray that Daddy and I will be able to encourage and support you as you share your heart's desires and discover more about yourself. You are such a wonderful kid and I hope you know we love you for you, not any performance or accomplishment, just being Ezekiel Dekker. 

Zoë's Quilt

Zoë got her baby quilt from great-grandma Stenerson this week! And we love it! It's covered in cute, vintage animals! I'm sure it will be much loved! 

Thank you great-Grandma! 

8 Months Old!

Zoë, today you are 8 months old! This month has brought a lot of change for our family! And sickness too. Here's what you've been up to:

Easter Sunday -- just relaxing, and kicking Mommy in the face

-- You celebrated your first Easter. It wasn't too exciting, because you were sick. But you did look cute and wore one of my dresses! Mimi gave you a new, soft bunny, an egg toy, a light-up chick, sunglasses, a bright pink sun hat, and your very first swimsuit! I can't wait to see you wear it!

Easter Sunday nap

Happy to be in your jumperoo!

-- You got your first bout of sickness. A lung infection. How terrible!

But no one was feeling very good. 

-- You've completed your first move. Welcome to the family. There are lots of them ;)

You had a good time getting to know Mimi

Snuggles and Kisses

We are excited for spring weather! 

St. Patrick's Day 2016

We got out the jumperoo this month, you are loving it! 

-- You like to rub Daddy's beard and give him kisses. He can ask you for them and you'll lean in with a big smile, and many times, tongue out!

-- You are starting to get up on your knees some, especially when I set you down on your tummy, you'll tuck your knees up under you and stay that way for awhile. You are getting around the house via rolling and scooting.

-- You've begun to say "da-da".

-- You continue to twirl your ankles, especially when you have socks on. Constant circles. It's really cute!

Zoë Kayte, you are such a lovely addition to our family! You have become more interactive and I can see your personality coming through a little more. I love listening to you babble! Such a sweet sound. You are laughing more, weigh 13 lbs., and are almost 26 inches long! We love you so very much, Zoë! Happy 8 months! Love, Mommy

Friday Fotos

It's been a long, taxing 2 weeks. Here are just a couple pictures from Easter. No one felt great, so the pictures aren't great. But we press on...

He was literally on his knees, falling asleep at the table. I asked him to give me a smile. He turned, gave me this, turned back around and fell asleep! 

Happy Weekend! Here's to hoping for continued healing and health!