Wednesday, February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

The past couple of weeks have brought some changes around here. Francis made it back safely from Maryland and he had a productive trip. Nana and Grandad came to visit weekend before last and got to see William perform at his basketball game and then we spent the afternoon at one of the kids' favorite places: Urban Air Trampoline Park. It was fun for all and I am so thankful the kids have such amazing grandparents.


Last week was Valentine's Day and the kids had not one, but two Valentine's parties! The first was at CC on Tuesday. The second was at Bible Study. While it was very fun and the kids had a great time, it was sure a lot of Valentine's to make! All said and done, I think we did around 80! Tuesday  morning the kids woke up to cards and small gifts from us and their grandparents. Andrew really liked his stackable toys and looked super cute in his hugs and kisses Valentine's outfit. For dinner we had a special dinner together and played at home. It was a good day overall. Friday we had Junction (parents' night out) so the kids went to church while Francis and I went to a Brazilian Steakhouse for a nice dinner. I'm thankful for a church that gives us the opportunity to have a night out. I was a little concerned about leaving Andrew as he's gotten to where he doesn't like me leaving the room, but the experts in the nursery got him to sleep the entire time we were gone. Win!

This past Saturday was particularly special. After William's basketball game, we went to Houston to meet the newest member of the family: My nephew Jackson Boerger. We visited the hospital and the kids were able to meet him and play with their cousin Abby. I even got to hold Mr. Jackson. I can attest to the perfect little bundle being the highlight of 2019! My heart melted as I looked into his sweet little face. That little guy is loved far more than he will ever know. I did my best not to cry from joy while I was there (I teared up), but when we left I cried happy tears and praised God for the miracle of his life and his safe delivery. Welcome to the world, Jackson!

This week has been quiet but busy. Andrew is good at rolling around and can get up on all fours, but shows no sign of desiring to crawl. He can walk around quickly in the walker and can stand independently. He even tries to walk by letting go of things and taking a step...which ends in him landing on his bum or his face. But he's close! So it's possible he'll skip crawling all together. He smiles at anyone who will give him the time of day and still hates naps. He can get to anything on the floor and does, much to his siblings' chagrin. They love making him smile and he loves being prat of the group. I love seeing all of them bond.

Hannah is all spunk and sweetness. She is a sponge and is quick to correct when she sees an error has been made. She loves doing her "schoolwork" and already wants to learn to write her letters and numbers. She loves hanging out with her brothers and her friends and is at present the most extroverted of the bunch (which is saying something). She may be smaller and younger than many of the kids she hangs out with, but she doesn't let that stop her from keeping up. Her favorite spot is still my lap and I will love that for as long as it lasts. She lives up to the name "Princess Hannah" and we love her for it.

Robert is growing so much that every time I turn around I notice the change. His height has increased again and his mind is overflowing with information. The "what ifs" never stop flowing and lead to good deep conversations that I never thought I would have with a 5 year old. He is so loving and is the best at finding a way to compromise with his siblings. He is sharp and knows not only what his is doing for school, but is such an avid listener that he can generally answer most of the questions from his siblings' work too. He loves to listen to his memory work on his MP3 player at night and probably can recite more verses, history facts and science information than most adults.

Monday the 11th  was William's half birthday. He wanted ice cream to celebrate turning 7 1/2 and I'm all about celebrating. I can't believe he's already more than halfway to 8. His mind is changing as he challenges what we say with logic (sometimes good and sometimes bad). I am working on the balance between helping him think critically and making sure he isn't disrespectful in the process. He's a sweet boy and so smart, and I want him to cultivate a spirit of curiosity and also wisdom.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

February 5, 2019

We have been busy! Andrew turned 7 months back on January 22. I can't believe that has happened so fast! He's got two teeth, is very mobile even though he doesn't do a proper "crawl" and is discovering the world around him more each day. He laughs often and will give his (loud) opinion about anything that captures his attention. He's a joy and a character, and I wouldn't trade anything for him.

Hannah's half-birthday was that Thursday. I'm not sure how half birthdays are a "thing" in our house (it's probably because I like sweets), but we got a few cupcakes picked out by Hannah to commemorate the occasion.

Throughout that week, Francis worked hard to complete a robotic hand which he received as a kit back on his birthday. With much effort it was completed and he has enjoyed teaching the kids how to use it. Saturday before last was busy. We had William's basketball game at 8am (early!) followed by donuts and a petting zoo outside a local store. If that weren't enough we had lunch and then went to a birthday party all afternoon. Finally I was too tired to cook and we tried out an Asian Buffet in town. William is really into trying new food right now and that was the ultimate experience for him. His favorite thing he experienced (other than all the new desserts) was the clams which he said were, "much better than I expected". The other kids tried new things too and a good time was had by all. I even found a pastry with bean paste inside that immediately transported me back to the days we had in Korea. It was a wonderful moment of nostalgia and now I'm aching to travel again.

Last Monday the big boys went to an orchestra and ballet concert. The younger two were not old enough to attend (you had to be school aged). Robert particularly loved it. He sat enraptured through the entire performance and spent the rest of the day talking about it. He has such a wonderful imagination, and the experience only fueled that flame. He really loved the costumes of the dancers who played animals and other characters to accompany the songs. I'm so glad!

Tuesday we had CC, then went home for an hour before going back for a special play group at church in the children's playground. We then had a quick snack, dropped off William at basketball practice (the next building over), and hurried Hannah to dance. Francis brought the big boys home after practice and we met at home for a late dinner. You can bet I slept hard that night!!! Wednesday afternoon we went to A&M's Kyle field to watch a flag football game between the State Representatives. Mom didn't play but was there to cheer on the freshman. The kids got to sit on the seats of the famous cannon, got to feed Reveille treats, and took pictures on the field. Francis showed up later and we all had snacks in the Chancellor's box before heading to Wednesday night church. Thanks mom, for all the fun!

Thursday was a quiet day where we "only" went to morning Bible Study. The only other thing to mention is that while I was out Thursday evening, Robert hit his head on the corner of the wall while playing tag (we think) and it bled quiet a bit. Francis just came around the corner and Robert was standing there covered in blood, and had no clue that he was bleeding (which is why we have no idea what happened). He got cleaned up and was fine before I got back. Friday I planned to stay home, but Robert smacked his head yet again (on the ground this time thanks to his sibling) and blood again burst forth from his head. I rushed him to urgent care. Turns out a hematoma had formed below his scab that was under a lot of pressure and that's why it was such a spectacular display. They wanted to do a staple but decided against it because they were concerned they'd cause another gush (the thing they were trying to avoid). So they wrapped up his head and he got to look like a revolutionary soldier returned from war for a couple of days (dad said all he needed was a fife). He's fine now and I'm so glad it was not more serious!

Saturday was another crazy day. We started with a meeting for Hannah's upcoming dance recital. She got her costume, which fits, and I heard all about what is expected. It was a lot of info! We went from there straight to Houston for my niece Abby's 8th birthday. It had a bounce house and crafts and was all mermaid themed! Hannah was in heaven, let me tell you. She painted a mermaid bank which now sits proudly on her night stand. After the party we drove straight to church for William's basketball game. After the game we grabbed a late dinner and headed home. There's never a dull moment around here with so much going on, but at least it is all fun things.

Sunday Francis left for Maryland. He returns tonight after having a bunch of meetings. Instead of taking it easy, I was in charge of a Super Bowl party at church Sunday evening and a field trip yesterday. Thankfully both went well. My Dad came into town late Sunday evening and has been here to help. Yesterday my dad, the kids and I went to Austin with most of our Classical Conversations homeschool group. Why? To get a tour from my favorite State Representative, Candy Noble (my mom!). She showed us around and gave us a ton of cool information. It was also rattle snake round up so the kids all got to touch live rattle snakes in the outdoor rotunda of the Capitol. It was a great time and dad, the kids and I even got to have lunch with her in the Capitol afterward. It was a day I won't soon forget and I know my kids won't either. Thanks mom, for letting my kids (and I) get to do all these cool things. I know they have no idea how cool it all is, but I do.

Today my dad and I have taken the kids to the park (where they played basketball and swings with Papa) and now the big 3 are playing video games with Papa. They will miss him when he leaves tonight!! My dad is taking Hannah to dance for Dad/Grandad night tonight. I was sad that it was this week when Francis told me about the trip, but Dad has filled the gap and I cannot say how grateful I am. Thanks Dad! I'm not sure how I would have been in two places at once tonight (dance and basketball), but now I don't have to be. I am so very very blessed.

Well, that's it for now! Till next time!