Another life change....

As many of you know, I have been working 4 days a week watching 2 other girls (along with Alethea). After much prayer and discussion Jacob and I have decided for me to quit that job and focus more on our family. I had been stugggling for a long time about what my purpose is and what God has called me to do. I have always felt like I was called to be a stay at home mom, and just couldn't believe that God had called me to work. We are very thankful for the time that I was working, and believe that was what God wanted me to do. Now that Jacob is back in classes full time (15 credits), and working 2 jobs, we feel it is best for me to be at home with Alethea. I am very excited about this new journey and able to be a stay and home mom.

I will be doing lots of fun things with Alethea and plan to share them weekly on this blog. We hope to start doing more structured learning as Alethea gets older. I have many ideas on what I want her to be learning at this age and how to make it fun. I am so excited to start homeschooling Alethea and begin teaching her so many new things!

A long with homeschooling, I have a long list of things that I would like to accomplish at home (rearranging, freezer meals) and in the community. My hope is to have time to make new friends and evangalize, as well as grow in my faith and church community throuhg Bible study. I am excited about this being able to do what I've always wanted to do.

If you could use help in any way please let me know!

9 And 10 months

The past month was so crazy I completely forgot to post. We were just having too much fun as a family. You are now 10 months old and have grown and done so many things!! (you were 9 months on July 14th, and won't be 10 months until August 14th, but I'm posting this a little early) Stay tuned for her 10month picture with her bear, when she is "officially" 10 months old.

Our darling Alethea,
       If I thought you were crawling last month, man how you have surprised me. You are so quick! I am amazed at how fast you can crawl around on those little legs of yours. You love to sneak out of the living room and bolt right for Wallaces' food and water bowl. Not only do you love to go after his bowls and toys but you LOVE to chase him! Some days you and Wallace will spend what seems like hours chasing each other back and forth in the hallways and playing together. Wallace is very nice to you even though you are still learning to not pull his fur too hard. I am so thankful that we have you and Wallace and that you are able to have a play mate at home.

Her favorite spot in our hotel room while in Michigan. 

     There has been so many new things these past two months! You have now taken 2 trips to Michigan (over 8hours) and have done wonderful! We left in the middle of the night so you would sleep at least one way, and then on the way home we would usually do the trip in two days. You were great with the adjustments and all the new people, but did have some trouble sleeping. Most nights you ended up in bed with mommy and daddy, which was fine with me. :) I know there are only going to be so many times that you will be little and want to cuddle and sleep with us and I am glad to soak them up!

You would never know she had a fever in this picture...

     Some new things that you are now doing; climbing stair, eating solid food, giggling, and saying "da". You are talking so much more now! You say "mama", are working on "da da" and scream A LOT! Screaming is your main form of communication and we are trying to fix that. You have been great at learning signs and love your signing videos. You understand most of the signs you have been taught, and can sign 1 so far. (all done) We are hoping that as you continue to sign more the screaming will decrease. (not all the screaming is bad, most of it is for fun)

Crawling on the bed.. an everyday occurrence

     You have a new favorite toy! You use to love these wiffle balls that you loved! You would carry them around with you all over the house and even sleep with one, but not any more. You are now into books. You of course, have your favorite books but love them all. It is so great to see you sitting on the floor flipping through the same 2 books over and over again. Right now you love the 'pop up' book where the pages flip open. I hope that we will be able to get you some more like that since you love opening and closing the flaps so much! You also have your favorite book that you sleep with, and flip through as you are falling asleep. I love that you are into books and hopes this continues and is something that we can share together; a love of books!

after eating a cold ice cube

     I can't believe that you will soon by a year old. This past year has just flown by and you have grown so much! I can't wait to see how much you will grow in the next 2 months, but am also excited to just cherish the time we have together now. We love you so much Alethea! You are a light in this world and bring so much joy to not only us (your parents) but to everyone you interact with. It is wonderful to see how God is already using your life for His glory at your young age. God uses EVERYONE for His glory and you are proof of that. We love you so much sweetie!!

Here are the few Attempts of trying to get her to sit still for her 9 month picture.. thought everyone would enjoy the candid shots

8 months

Life has been so busy! I can't believe you are already 8 months old. (June 14th, I'm posting this late). You are getting so big and changing everyday. There is no question that you know people now and have your own thoughts and opinions. You are now crawling full force! You follow us around the house and climb all us! Not only are you crawling, but you are now able to stand for about 2 seconds by yourself. I know you will be walking before we know it. You play more and more with your toys everyday. You have started to investigate your toys. You pick them up, twist them around and just watch them move. You have also been consistently saying "mmmm". I can't wait to hear you say "ma ma".

You are eating 3 meals a day and eating them with mom and dad. Although you eat more food now, you still prefer to nurse over eating "real" food. We have finally gotten you on a nap and bed schedule! Most of the time you will go to sleep in your crib right after we nurse without any problems. Occasionally you will cry when we put you to bed but not for very long. You always cry when you wake up. Most of the time you cry for a few seconds and when I come to get you, you are standing in your crib waiting for me. One of your favorite things to do is to lay in bed with mommy and daddy. Most mornings you get to come lay in bed and play for an hour or so before we all get up.

Peek a Bo is a HUGE hit around here these days. As well as playing and petting Wallace. Now that you are crawling so good, you chase Wallace around the house. You two have so much fun chasing each other around the house. I can't wait to see how much you and Wallace will become friends in the future!  Happy 8 Months!!!

Mama!!

Mama mama mama! I have been waiting my entire life to hear that word come from my child and the day has finally come. Alethea now says "mama"!!!!

She has said "mmmm" for a long time but didn't put the syllables together until last week. On July 4th she said "mama". We were in the car driving to Michigan and while Jacob was filling up the car I hear "mama" from our little girl. I thought I heard wrong at first and made Jacob come over to listen and confirm that she was saying. "mama". She hasn't stopped saying it yet. Not only is she saying "mama but she has started calling for me. (saying mama as she looks for me then crawls and lifts her arms up to be held). Hearing those words and knowing she is referring to me is one of the best feelings in the world!!

Now to work on dada.....

Crawling?

Friday June 1st. Alethea was 7 1/2 months old. The day it all began... (sorry this is late in posting)Check it out here...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8jOGvvyGDs&feature=youtu.be

Father's Day!

Happy Father's day to the best Dad!!

Jacob,
I always knew you would be the best dad ever! Ever since I saw how you much you love the family of 7, and loved taking care of their children. I always dreamed of what type of father you would be, and you have lived up to and exceeded those dreams. You love to be with Alethea and have done such a great job at being her daddy. I can't wait to see your relationship grow and for Alethea to become a true "daddy's girl". Enjoy these great Daddy-daughter moments!!

Park

One of our favorite family activities to do (when its not too hot) is to walk down to the local park. When we first moved to St. Louis, Jacob and I always talked about pushing our children on the swings at this park. We love that we are now able to live that dream!!  We try to take Alethea to the park once a week (again depending on the weather) and she LOVES IT! She loves to sing and go down the slides!  Here are some pictures from our various trips to the park.