Isabel's Birthday Party and 12 month stats

We had Isabel's birthday party today, and it was low-key and pretty perfect because of that. We just invited our immediate family because I've learned my lesson on not stressing out the kids for their birthday parties. So, we were able to visit, eat, watch some football, and play with cousins.

On Friday Isabel had her 12-month check-up, and I was once again shocked by how little Isabel weighed. She weighed 16 lbs., 15 oz (under the 5th percentile) but she was 29.5 inches (around 65%) and following in the tradition of our other kids, she has a ginormous head. I don't remember the exact number but it was in the 90th percentile.

Here are some pictures from the party. She wasn't as interested in eating the cupcake today as she was before , but she enjoyed smashing it. Oh, and she's been doing this funny thing with her tongue, and she sticks it out all the time. I think part of it might be because she's teething and trying to feel her gums, but her tongue is out in most of the pictures I took today.

Tickling Isabel's leg to get her to smile:


Love this one because it captures Pierce's love of his sister:


Playing with a new toy from Nana and Granddaddy:

Early Birthday Celebration

Isabel turned one yesterday. Yes, it's hard to believe, but the calendar doesn't lie. Her official party is next weekend, but we had an early celebration last week when my parents came for a visit. Here are some pictures from that:







The cupcakes were a success:














A present all three will enjoy--a Buzz Lightyear riding toy:

Will he remember this when he's 15?

Pierce: Mom, how long can I stay here?
Me: What do you mean?
Pierce: Do I have to leave?
Me: Leave home?
Pierce: Yes.
Me: Pierce, you can stay here as long as you want.
Pierce: Okay, I'm not getting married. I 'm going to stay here forever.
Me: Well, one day you might want to get married.
Pierce: Nope. I need to stay with you.

Pierce's First Day

Pierce's first day of school was Monday. He's had a great two days (He goes Mon., Wed., Fri.) and is very excited to go. He was also very excited to learn that a couple of his classmates from last year were in this year's class, particularly a cute little girl, A.M. The feeling appears to be mutual because A.M.'s mother said that A.M. wanted to know if she would see Pierce in class. Hmmmm...

Pierce, Nana, David, and Goliath

Pierce: Nana, you be David and I'll be Goliath.
Nana: Okay, Pierce.
Pierce: Now, pick up five stones.
Nana: Okay, Pierce, I've got them.
Pierce: Nana, did Goliath have a penis?
Nana: Well, he was a boy, so yes, yes, he did.

Space Adventure

Pierce and I have enjoyed some one-on-one time since Madelyn has been in school. (As a side note, this schedule has been killing me, and it's required a lot of adjusting. This is an ongoing process and my frustration levels tend to fluctuate wildly. This topic, however, is another post for another day.) Pierce is very creative and quite imaginative, and I'm learning as I go to help foster his creativity. Yesterday, he said he was going to be a space man and fly into space. Sounded good to me. He already had a plan in mind with exactly how he was going to achieve this. He was actually getting annoyed at me when I didn't fully understand his plan. Here are some pictures of when things finally came together.

This is Pierce preparing to board his space "vesicle." The helmet protects his head and helps him breathe. He must wear his safety glasses to protect his eyes as he approaches the sun--not to mention the fact that space is dark and sunglasses help make it look dark outside.






Here Pierce is preparing for take off. He boarded his vesicle and was ready for launch. We counted down, and he took off (down the driveway). He crashed into a few "ashtroids" along the way, but he eventually made it safely back to his "point of origin."

Isabel's new skill

Today

Today wasn't an ordinary day.



We took lots of pictures at the house. One with Madelyn and me.


One with Madelyn and JD


One with me and the two big kids


A sweet moment between Pierce and Madelyn


You see, we took these pictures because today Madelyn started Kindergarten.



The day started in the worship center where we prayed for the year, were introduced to some of the staff, sang some songs and met up with the class. Then, we walked to the classrooms and Madelyn found her name.


She was excited to be sitting beside a friend from church. We'll see if this seating arrangement lasts. :-)


Mrs. G explained how the children were like God's garden and that they would continue to grow and learn throughout their kindergarten year. She read a book about God's garden.

Then she started explaining some of the class rules. Look how intently Madelyn is listening.

Then, Mrs. G prayed and after the prayer, parents were dismissed.

I picked up Madelyn and she hasn't stopped talking about school. "Mommy, did you know...? " "Mommy, tomorrow..." , etc. I think it's going to be a good year.