Bumbo

Lauren loves to sit up, and not in a "reclining against you" position, she wants to be straight up so she can see what's happening around her. She loves this more than the other kids have. If you are holding her in a semi-reclined position, she will pull herself up to a fully sitting position. This being said, I thought a Bumbo would be a perfect thing for her, but they are a little pricey. The perfect solution...Ryan's coworkers at school were having a shower for us and asked what we wanted. Ryan, not even knowing what a Bumbo was or that I was thinking of getting one, agreed that we could use one when a teacher asked him about it. So, we've had it for about a week, and Lauren loves it! Thanks L&M teachers for this great gift!

Airplane Fun

Well, our trip was successful. We saw two planes take off and another plane that was practicing landings and take-offs. It kept circling, so we got to watch it several times. I took a snack for the kids and they had a great time. I think they were ready to get out of the house too. Lauren fell asleep, so even she enjoyed the mini trip!

Here's the plane that was practicing and provided us with entertainment. This was such an answer to prayer. I know that may sound weird, but God knew that I needed a little break.

Stir Crazy

I am going stir crazy. For the last 4 days, today is day 5, we have been battling a fever. Aubrey has woken up every night, sometimes multiple times a night with a fever, coughing and complaining of being sweaty. YUCK! The good thing is there has been no vomit or such, but the bad part is, it is a teaser. Just when we think we are in the clear and almost 24 hours has gone by, the fever strikes again. I've heard that this goes away after 5 days, so I'm praying that holds true for us. I'm also praying that no one else comes down with it. So far, so good. I know all moms know what it's like to have sick kids, especially Melanie because she has the same thing at her house right now. Yesterday we watched way too much tv and I let the kids put on their swim suits and play in my tub for an hour. Today we might go for a drive and see if we can park across from the airport to watch the planes take off. Who knows, maybe there won't be many planes today in Iowa City, but it's worth a shot. Please pray that the end is here!

Computer Fun

We recently got an external mouse for our computer (we have a laptop) so that Aubrey can play on it. We really hadn't let her on the computer before, mostly because I hadn't taken the time to find something for her to do. Last week I was searching for websites that would be good for her to use and I came across one called Starfall. It is great! Aubrey loves it and I feel like she's actually learning from it, not that pure fun isn't good too. If anyone else knows of good websites for preschoolers that are safe, let me know. I know we would love to explore more games and activities.

First laugh, thumb sucking and other things

Today Lauren is 3 months old, I can't believe it! For awhile I've been anxiously awaiting her first laugh. I remember Aubrey laughing at 3 months, probably because it was at Thanksgiving, so it is easy to remember, but I don't remember when Cameron first laughed. Anyway, I knew it would be soon because she would smile so big and catch her breath, but no noise would come out. So, this afternoon at faith family she was on my lap and I was playing with her feet. I put them up to her cheeks and then she let out her first laugh. She even giggled, not just one little laugh. I love baby laughs so much. Talk about pure joy.

In other good news, it has been a week since Cameron has stopped sucking his thumb and he continues to be thumb free. I think I may have negated the good he's doing for his teeth because my bribe for him was candy in the mornings and after nap if he didn't suck his thumb. I've checked on him multiple times and he hasn't had it in his mouth. He is taking longer to fall asleep sometimes and he has been somewhat sad about it, but since we talked to him about it the first time, he hasn't sucked his thumb since. If only potty training would be that easy...

One last thing, Aubrey and Cameron have been playing fairly well together this weekend and we've heard a lot of laughter from them. Their laughs are contagious and I have actually laughed out loud just by listening to them laugh. God is so good to have blessed us with 3 healthy, beautiful, fun-loving children who some day soon will all be laughing together!

I Just learned it

Ryan was showing Aubrey the atlas on Saturday, yes this is normal in our house. Aubrey was saying the names of states and cities that she knows. Ryan asked her how she knows so much and she responded, "I just learned it and then I know everything." Enough said.

Three Days a Week

Good news! We went back to the eye doctor yesterday and found out that Aubrey's eyes have stayed the same (they are where they need to be) so she can decrease the patch from 5 days a week to 3 days a week! God is so good, he has answered our prayers that this would be a short process. She got glasses in September and started wearing the patch in November (I think). In January she was able to go down to 5 days a week, and now, 2 months later, 3 days a week. She has done such a good job and has NEVER complained about wearing it. This is such a God thing because if you know her, she can put up quite a fight if she wants to. I think she realizes that she needs to do it in order for her eyes to improve. In the doctor's office Aubrey was very serious and didn't hardly say anything, but when we got out to the van and I started talking about the 3 days a week, she was very happy and started laughing and smiling! I let her choose the 3 days that she wanted, so she chose Monday, Friday and Saturday.

Fun Friday Night

Shannon and Scotty recently got Guitar Hero, so they invited us over on Friday night for some fun. It was the first time I'd played and the second time for Ryan. No matter what Ryan says, I beat him. He thinks that because he beat me in the last song that he won for the whole night, not so. Anyway, it was great fun. Cameron tried it for a little, but soon got bored. Aubrey played and did a good job on the beginner level.

Cameron loved that Uncle Scotty played chase and hide with him!

Lauren slept through most of it, so I got to have a break and play.

Thanks Shannon and Scotty for the great time!

A Visit to the Dentist

Friday was dentist day for our whole family, minus Lauren. It was Cameron's first time at the dentist. He did a wonderful job! Of course the bribery of the "Good Helper Box" that the dentist has worked well as well as the promise of a Cars toothbrush. The only bad news is that we need to stop his thumb sucking. Our dentist said it's not too bad now, but if he stops now, it will hopefully correct itself. The good thing is that he hasn't sucked his thumb since, so hopefully we are well on our way to quitting this habit. Aubrey's teeth we great as well. Her front teeth as starting to get wobbly! I couldn't believe it, she seems too young. The dentist did say that they could stay this way for awhile before they come out, so who knows how long it will be. You'll be happy to know that Ryan and I had good check-ups too, no cavities for the Millers!

Doesn 't he looked a little nervous?