Whew. It's Monday night, Sean works late, babies didn't take an afternoon nap!! Let's just say, dinner was "fun". It's time to kick up my feet and relax, until duty calls again, which is far too often I gotta say.

I think it's time for a little update on the clan. I think I'll start with the youngest.......

Jordan is becoming quite the mobile boy. He can sit well and for longer periods of time. Although he still rolls proficiently, he is starting to get up on all fours and rock back and forth. He is also discovering that he can push back while in this position and move around this way. I don't think it will be long before he is crawling. He usually takes 2 naps a day and has an incredible appetite. When he wants attention he squeals although it very much resembles a high pitched scream.

Alex's favorite mode of transportation continues to be rolling. He is still unsteady when sitting and has not made any attempt at crawling. Alex loves to be upright in the exersaucer. Alex tends to be an unsettled sleeper. He is often awake up to 5 times before I have even gone to bed. Sometimes it is to nurse, sometimes for a soother and other times I am unsure. Alex gets attention by grunting or coughing. When you pay attention to these calls you are rewarded with a huge smile.

Mikayla. My monkey. This little one continues to keep me on my toes. I think she may be my most mischievous child yet. You have to give her credit, she has incredible tenacity. Today, every time I turned around, she was sitting on the counter eating sugar out of the sugar bowl. I gave her a time out and several minutes later she repeated the offense. It took me a while to realize it (and many time outs) but not only did she enjoy sitting on the counter eating sugar, she was also pretty pleased to be getting a time out. I think she felt like such a big girl. The sugar is now hidden, in it's second hiding spot, and hopefully it will stay safe. I believe we can now call Mikayla potty trained. She has stayed dry through running errands downtown and in church yesterday. Mikaylas favorite things to do are dress up, play in the play house, listen to music and play with her little people.

Caileigh Bear. Energetic, bouncy and constantly on the move. Caileigh is constantly engaged in some form of dramatic play. She loves to pretend and hand out characters to everyone. Caileigh has been spending her days coloring, reading and trying to parent Mikayla. Caileigh takes great pleasure in being able to dress, feed or care for her little sister. Mikayla's fierce independence makes it tough but when she does comply, Caileigh is tickled pink. Caileigh makes friends easily and has a sweet disposition. She has adjusted to the move beautifully and considers her sunday school friends to be dear friends.

Aiden, my five year old. I never quite realized before but five year olds really do have the world figured out. It seems they know everything and tend to be the fastest, most creative, bravest and clever individuals around. Well, this is according to Aiden. I am personally a little unsure. One thing is for sure, Aiden's creativity keeps him busy from morning to night. He has been incredibly fascinated with all things crafty. Yesterday he spent 3 hours making a home for his toilet paper bunnies. The week before he spent hours decorating plates for his plate factory. I think I got a pretty good deal to buy the bunch off him for $1. The move has been a little more difficult for this sensitive natured boy. Aiden misses his old friends and routines but we are hoping with time and patience he will fully settle in.

The older three are beginning to play together more each day. It is typically the older two who begin and sustain the play and Mikayla will join off and on. Last week they held a "grand opening". Sean and I got to come downstairs and enjoy a snack. It felt a little humbling to be eating off a bare mattress. After the snack we sang grand opening songs that the kids wrote. Sean and I were instructed to sing along too. There was a musical number and then was the big moment when I got to cut the string that went across Aiden's door way. I was very honored. The whole experience felt a little de-je-vous from Aiden's grand opening last month but he informs me it will happen every month. This was all to honor his new song writing station. Apparently Aiden hopes to become a famous song writer and when the people of the world hear his songs they will fall on their knees in shock. Um, yeah.

The weather has been a little warmer over the last week. This morning it was snowing and then it actually turned to a little rain. I think the rest of the week is meant to be sunny with clear skies. These, besides the heavy snow, are my favorite days. I love the bright sun shining on the snow and the cold, crispness in the air.

We have two playdates this week! It is nice to be meeting people and settling in. Sean has an even busier week (if that is possible) but hopefully we can carve out some time and make the most of the time we are given. Here Sean is singing his solo at the grand opening ceremony last week. It was quite riveting.

Well, duty calls. Gotta run.............