And another one gone...

Okay, maybe that title is a bit melodramatic. But Gage did start preschool this past week, and the mornings felt oddly quiet. I remember the first day Addie went to preschool, and the quiet was the hardest thing to bear. Apparently that still holds true. Sad Mommy musings aside, he was so excited to start school. He kept asking how many more days until I start, will I get to do homework, etc. I was a little worried that when it actually came time to drop him off he might panic, but he did great. When it was time to say goodbye he hugged me a little tighter and longer than normal (he can be pretty stingy with his affection sometimes), but he went off to the playground without a fuss. I on the other hand, was very glad to be wearing sunglasses so he couldn't see my tears. I watched him play from the parking lot for a few minutes, and when I was satisfied that he wasn't going to need me, I left. It is such a strange combination of happy and sad when your children are growing up. We couldn't have been more proud of him that day, but I didn't want to let him go all the same.

He really wants to drive a dump truck or big tractor someday. :)

That face says it all!

He was pretty stoked about this R2-D2 backpack. Who wouldn't be?

His very own cubby.

Everyday he has to find his name and "check-in".

"Who is at school today?"

Can't get enough of this pic.

And if Gage starting school wasn't enough, we have a 3rd grader this year. It still boggles my mind that we have a child old enough to be in 3rd grade. Our sweet girl is becoming a wonderful young lady. She had a few more nerves leading up to the start of school, but she did amazing. She "graduated" to the big kid building that houses 3rd through 5th grades. Her teacher seems pretty awesome so far, and Addie's adjustment to the new year has gone more smoothly than it did last year.

I like to call this pic, "Stop growing up!"

Firefighter, police office, or babysitter. So, she's going to save the world and like kids all at the same time. :)

And we can't forget Finn, he was there too.

Oh, my sweet babes, may the Lord protect and keep you always. We are all excited to see the ways you will let your lights shine in this world.

That one time my life was like a sitcom...

Once upon a time I was cooking dinner, the big kids were happily watching a movie, and Finn was toddling around pulling things out of kitchen cabinets. I had a spare minute and noticed the odd quiet, the one moms everywhere recognize as trouble. Looking around for Finn, I can't see him anywhere. Walking past the bathroom, I note with my amazing detective skills that the door is closed and the "childproof" latch is in the locked position. I move toward the room where the kids are watching Mulan, and I hear his little voice and assume he is with them. Looking around that room, he is definitely not in it. *momentary panic* Hearing him talk again, I realize the sound IS coming from behind the closed and latched bathroom door... I open the door and there he stands drenched from head to toe holding a plastic cup from his aforementioned forage in the kitchen cabinets. With the toilet lid standing open and most of the bathroom very wet, I quickly gathered (I told you I had amazing detective skills) that he was scooping toilet water with his cup ALL OVER THE PLACE. A quick peek in the toilet and I see that Gage hasn't flushed. Again. So not only is there toilet water everywhere, there is pee toilet water everywhere. *cue womp womp music* I peel his clothes off and put him in the tub while frantically trying to dry/clean the bathroom. Meanwhile, the broccoli roasting in the oven is getting too toasty and the smoke alarm starts going off. *cue laugh track* Addie had to get in the tub to watch Finn so I could deal with the broccoli and quickly drain the pasta as it started to boil over. Bleah. It doesn't sound nearly as stressful written out as it was at the time. :) Saving grace: it was only pee water and not poop water. Needless to say, it bought the little hellion some time in baby jail.

Pouty face for being imprisoned

I can only guess that the bathroom door was not fully closed and he was able to push it open and shut it behind him. He's lucky he's adorable. Time for wine.

Things Kids Say vol. 4

Gage, playing Mario Bros., squishes two goombas at once. Me: Whoa! Nice job! Him: Yeah, that's the best thing about me. That I can squish two guys at once.

Gage: I don't want to go to bed, it's just so boring when I sleep.

Gage, after building a campsite for his tonka trucks: It's good I'm using my 'maginations, right?

Finn covered in food, Addie says: He looks just like me in a picture when I was a baby. So, we have an interdisciplinary relationship. Me: That's a big word, do you know what it means? Addie: Nah, I just saw it on something at school.

Gage lying in fetal position on the floor says: Mom, you be Optimus Prime and give me energon cubes. *thinks* I need 10 of them.

Gage: Papa is really smart because he has a big belly. It looks like a big blueberry!

Kids playing Nerf guns, Gage: Mom! Look at these big Nerd guns!

Addie inquiring why they were sleeping at Grammy and Papa's. Me: We just want a night to ourselves. A: Oh, you want the tv and dessert bowl all to yourselves?

Gage: You always need to make sure you say your prayers at church! (He then proceeds to sing the words "Lord, Jesus Christ!" to a little tune of his own design.)

A SUPER 1st Birthday!

We celebrated our little Finners turning one with a superhero themed party. It was a super good time. Hardy-har-har.

Almost everyone came dressed in their favorite superhero t-shirt, and we even had someone show up dressed as Spiderman! The kids thought that was the BEST thing ever and it was like we had hired someone (Thanks, Nicky!).

Most of the kids and Spiderman. They are wearing masks they decorated.

He did pretty well opening his gifts. This one was more fun to crawl on top of than finish opening up. :)

 

 

Not too sure about everyone watching him...

But this cake is good, so I don't care who's watching anymore!

We were finally able to get a picture of all the super cousins, dressed and ready for action! Just pretend I'm not in the background keeping Finn entertained.

Finn - Month by Month

Our little man turned one last week on February 25th. Here is how he has changed month by month during his first year. I did this with Gage, and I soooo wish I had had the foresight to have done this with Addie, too. Love seeing the changes. :)



1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months

One year stats and whatnot:
Weight: 20 lbs. 15 oz. (25%)
Height: 28.5 inches (10%)

Started *really* walking today! Loves cheese, bananas, and drinking out of everyone else's cups. Throws his head/body back in protest when he is upset which can make for some interesting almost mishaps... Thinks his sister and brother are the best thing in the world (right behind Mommy and Daddy) and laughs at their silly antics. Takes 2 naps. Basically sleeps all night, if you count waking up at 5 am morning... Is almost completely weaned from Mommy *happysadface*. No words yet, but lots of very pointed screeching/grunting. :)

I can't believe he has been with us for an entire year. Love him so much. Happy Birthday little man.