Four Years Old!

Levi Olin, you are 4 years old today!

- You love to be outside! And even though it's gotten colder, I still get you out there most days. You like to use your imagination, using your rake as a sword and doing tricks. You run and run in our great backyard. You are getting better at playing with Marshall although he is still a puppy and likes to run and jump and nip and knock everyone over! You have so much energy, so I'm always thankful on the days you can get outside and run some of it off!

- You love "Meomi" so much! You like to give her bottles, hold her, and play with her, right in her face.

- We've recently begun to eliminate gluten from your diet. The chiropractor thinks you might have leaky gut syndrome, so in addition to dairy (which we were mostly doing anyway) we have gotten rid of most gluten and you do seem to be doing better - behaviorally, less tantrums and out of control behavior, and physically - you don't seem as bloated and uncomfortable. We are happy with the progress we've made!

Halloween 2017 

I love your sweet smile in this picture. You loved these bat ears we picked up for your Halloween outfit!

I hope you will be best friends!

- You love animals. Here, you were playing with a cat at Aunt Heather's house and trying to convince us to take him home with us. But we are pretty much at capacity here ;)

- You were so proud you used some of your piggy bank money to help us get supplies for Marshall before we brought him home with us in August.

Mother's Day 2017

- You had some cavities filled and covered in the spring. You did an awesome job! You followed the dentist's and nurse's directions so well they were impressed as well! They were actually able to get all the work done in 2 visits instead of 3 because you were so cooperative. This picture is from the second visit when you got so relaxed you actually fell asleep by the end :D

Easter 2017

- You have really begun to thrive when we take you on special time with either Daddy or I. You enjoy going out and about and meeting and talking to new people. Noodles and Co. became a favorite earlier in the year (before going gluten-free) because your love spaghetti! Whenever I ask you want you want to eat your response is *almost* always "Pasta!" I am excited to take you out with Daddy for special time to see your birthday movie "Ferdinand" and then we are going to Red Robin to eat afterward. I think we look forward to this yearly tradition almost as much as you do! You have a countdown in your room to keep track of the day until special time as well as your birthday. You've been talking about your birthday for months now! It is one of the things you say you are thankful for when we go around and ask everyone at supper each night.

February 13, 2017 

- You sing a lot! If we aren't listening to music, you are often singing a song, sometimes with made up words.

December 19, 2016

Birthday Interview: 12-16-17
What is your favorite food? Cupcakes!
What is your favorite movie? "How to train Your Dragon" and " ferdinand"
Favorite Drink: smoothies (pronounced smoovies)
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Song: Jingle Bells
Things to do: Help Daddy go window washing. and, i know, lights! that's everything I want. 
Favorite Outfit: Long sleeves. 
Favorite Outing: Go to church and sing and go to my class. 
What do you like about Zeke? I like sleeping with Zeke, and resting with Zekey, and making gingerbread houses and blankets. 
Zoë? I like Zoë not pinching me and... toys with Zoë, music with Zoë and playing guns and shooting with her. 
Naomi? Looking at me. Meomi, Mommy feeding Meomi.
Mommy? Feeding Meomi. 
Daddy? Daddy... sleeping with us and scratching {my back} and telling us stories. 
Summer or Winter? Winter and snow. 
Anything else? No, that's all my things. 

Happy Birthday Levi! You are a wonderful boy! You are outgoing and kind. You care deeply about your family and have a great sense of protectiveness. You like to enjoy life and laugh big. You have begun dressing yourself {so awesome!!} and help us set and clear the tables at meals. We often come up with "jobs" around the house to keep you out of trouble; you like to stay busy and keep moving! When we leave a place, or when Daddy leaves to work, and at night you have to give "a kiss and a hug!" sometimes more than once. You wake up in the morning ready to talk and do. Sometimes Daddy or I have to ask you to be quiet or go to a different room because you're ready to help and ask questions and we're suffering from sleep deprivation ;) I hope you keep your zest for life! I pray you will use your strength for good and together we will learn how to harness and embrace those big emotions. Have fun! Live big! Love well! I pray these things for your life now and in the future. Love, Mommy     

One Month Old!

Naomi Irene, our sweet new addition, you have survived the first month with your family!

- The first thing everyone notices is your gorgeous head of hair. I would love for it to stay dark!

- We've begun to have some chilly days so you've worn the bear outfit I bought six years ago for Zeke. I think all four of you have worn it at least once.

- You have become more alert! You stay awake for longer stretches of the day. I've also noticed that when I leave a room, you look for me until I come back and then follow me with your eyes around the room. Your eyes are a beautiful blue!

- Your brothers and sister love you so much! You have fallen asleep a few times while Zeke rocks you. Levi likes to give you bottles and Zoë brings you blankets, clothes, and bows. She also lets me know when you're crying, "Baby needs you!"

- You sleep and eat well! You are very close to 8 lbs. I plan to put away the newborn clothes today because your feet are long and don't fit in the sleepers anymore.

- You've been out and about for several activities in your first month -- Friday night dinners at Aunt Teresa's house, Thanksgiving Day at Aunt Heather's, to chop down our Christmas tree, two doctor appointments, and you've been to church once.

- We brought you home from the hospital on Monday, November 13. We were happy to all be home together as a family of six! Your siblings came to visit us several times in the hospital during our stay.

- You seem to enjoy bath time. Not so much when I hold you in the tub with your siblings, but when I fill up the baby tub and you can sit in the warm water on your own. You calm down and relax- it must feel pretty good!

Naomi, you are dearly loved! We prayed for you to be both pleasant (Naomi) and peaceful (Irene) and you seem to be displaying these characteristics already! This first month has simply flown by, but we are finding our new rhythm and adjusting to life as a bigger family. You are finding your place among us and we can't imagine not having you with us. I look forward to this Christmas season with you with all the baby snuggles and sighs and breaths on my neck.