She is Getting So Big

Piper is Six Months and has not one but TWO teeth. She got her first on Friday and her second Yesterday. She tried bananas this morning and she didn't hate them. She is really developing her personality and is smiling and laughing she is getting really fun, much less blob like.
She does have a raging case of separation anxiety. She flips her lid when I leave the room. Oh Joy!!!!

No Mo Babies for Us

Well I ended up doing it, yes me. It really made more sense because I had already meet my deduct able for the year it only cost me two co-pays. One for the consult and one for the actual procedure. I had Essure, www.essure.com which is a non surgical alternative to a tubal. It was pretty easy and I got to watch the entire thing on a scope so that was really cool. Now the aftermath is a little worse than I thought in fact it is kind of like recovering from childbirth. I am going to spare everyone the details. All in all I am glad it is over with & I would do it again.

First Day of School

Yes, School started today. Yes I know it is August 3rd, we have a balanced schedule and the kids get a week off every six weeks. I however think that August 3, is way to freaking early to start school. I will have to post the pic later but I forced the kids into taking their obligatory first day of school picture.
We got to school and by putting that that place was a madhouse is an understatement. I parked in the back parking lot behind the bus drop off. Of course there were dumb ass inconsiderate parents parking in the drop off/carpool line. I am not even going to start about what kind of example that teaches your children.
We all walked Chloe to her class room and she walked right in, gave her teacher her book bag, gave me a hug and kiss, Ethan a hug, and Dillon a kiss and walked right to her desk and said bye. There were no tears from her, or me. We then walked Ethan and all his stuff to his class room and said good bye. Apparently he is to "old" for a hug, much less a kiss. On the way to the car Dillon starts saying " Bye Chloe and Ethan, I love you, miss you" He has already asked me if it is time for them to come home. I think he misses his big brother and sister.

Piper is Six Months Old Today

I can not believe that Piper is already Six Months Old!!!!! Yes, I have managed to help her survive that long. She is getting so big. She is a wonderful baby. She is very laid back and rarely cries. Usually only when she is hungry or if Dillon is bothering her. She is cooing up a storm and is very verbal, and LOUD. She has started to giggle and is newly ticklish. She is so cute. I am so in love:) I have also reached the realization that I have to feed her soon. I even bought an avocado, but it needs a few more days to ripen. Yes, gag I am one of those Moms that make their child's baby food.

National Breastfeeding Week

Well everyone that knows me knows that this is something that is near and dear to my heart. I love just about everything to do with breastfeeding. It is the healthiest, most nutritious thing you can do for your baby. Not to mention the bonding. Plus it is easy and cheap. Now sure I have had my hurdles, everyone does. With Ethan I went through the pain, bleeding and cracked nipples, and mastisis. Yet I persevered and it made Ethan and I happy and he nursed for 15 months. Poor Chloe I only nursed her for 6 weeks before I started weaning her :( I had to go back to work at 8 weeks and there was no place to pump at work. This is an area that could be improved upon at many workplaces. With Dillon he nursed until he was 21 months and I was pregnant and one day no longer had any milk. Piper is six months today and still nursing. It is a wonderful way to bond and comfort your child. I may be a little out there and have a different view as when to wean a baby from breastfeeding. I tend to follow my child's cues as when to wean but I probably won't nurse much over age two. I however could see someone that nurses to age three but I just don't think I would.
The important thing about a "National Breastfeeding Week" is to promote the act of breastfeeding. I think it is a wonderful thing and wish every mother would at least attempt to nurse. If it is not something that you can do than so be it but I wish more women would make the effort.
Breast is best. If anyone reading this needs more info on breastfeeding check out the following websites: www.kellymom.com and www.llli.org

Okay I am stepping off my soapbox.

Road Trip

Today we decided on a nice family trip to Athens. It is only about an hour and a half away so we thought it would be a great day. We start off with a late breakfast at [Waffo Hoouse] Waffle House. Dillon Loves Waffle House. After breakfast we are on our way. About 45 minutes in, hell maybe a half an hour who knows, the kids are fighting and Scott and I are wondering if we should go back home. We kept driving. Then stopped 15 minutes later so the kids could pee. We got to Athens and went to the State Botanical Gardens. We carried the double stroller down four flights of stairs, Super!!!!
We were inside and the kids are enjoying looking at the plants but Chloe is yelling look at that pretty purple flower, an Orchid. So we make it outside into the gardens and look for a shady place so I can feed Piper. A shady bench is soon scored and Piper is able to eat. Ethan starts running around and Chloe follows. Then Ethan actually listens and come to sit on the bench, but not Chloe she is running up and down the path. Dillon wants out of the stroller so Scott let him out and he starts messing with the plants. So then in the stroller he goes. Then runner girl proclaims she is tired and wants to sit in the stroller too. So I hold Pi and Scott pushes Chloe and Dillon in the stroller. We walk around and look through the gardens. When we start to melt and I can feel the boob sweat starting to drip, we decide we have seen enough and trek back to the car.
Chloe is evicted from the stroller because Scott now has to carry/pull the damn thing up four flights of stairs. Dillon thought the bumps were fun. Scott did not. The AC in the car felt so good.
We decided to drive through Athens, the kids loved all the bulldogs. Athens has different painted bulldogs all over town. Much like Chicago did with the cows. Dillon's favorite is the Santa Dog and Chloe liked the one with the sunflowers. Ethan really liked the one that had a suit and tie in front of a bank????? Capitalist Dog???
The ride home was heaven all four kids slept. It was a great day!!!!! Tomorrow is operation get ready for school on Monday.

Slap Yo Momma Good

I just had to share something that Piper has started doing. When she nurses she gets so excited that she slaps at my boob. It is pretty funny. What can I say but apparently in Pi's world its good stuff.

Beach Trip 09

Well we survived.

The Beach was a blast. Ethan fished to his hearts content. Chloe played cautiously in the water. Dillon had no fear, unless he was wearing a life jacket or swimmies, go figure. Piper enjoyed sleeping, must have been the waves. Scott and I chased the kids. The first week we were on the inlet and it was SUPER. We didn't have to really worry about the waves and Ethan and I enjoyed jumping off the dock. Week two Scott went home:( and while we still had fun it just wasn't the same. We can't wait for next summer, or our next beach trip but we are happy to be home.

Beach or Bust

We leave Saturday to go to Myrtle Beach for two weeks and trust me it can not come soon enough. I have some much to do to get ready. Packing for six people is no small feat. I have been doing laundry nonstop and still have more to do. Chloe is packed and Ethan is next. I won't have internet while we are there so this is probably going to be it until we are home.
I am sure I will have some fun stories and pics to share.

Love,
Jane

New pics

I got my hair cut today, and it is shorter. I haven't gone this short since college but I like it. Ethan provided the picture taking.

Here is a recent one of Miss Piper

Chloe is Five!

I have no idea how Chloe is already Five, but it has happened. So far we have had a low key Birthday. We had dinner and cake at Grandma Pat and Papa George's house. Chocolate, Chloe's favorite. We all sang "Happy Birthday" to her and Ethan even omitted the "you look like a monkey and you smell like one too" part. Thank god that would have made her mad.

I promise, I am determined to figure out pictures tomorrow.

New Blog: Time to Catch up with us.

Hello,

It is officially, well not officially until the 21st, Summer!!!! The kids are home and all is crazy. We are all adjusting, I am trying to just get the kids to pick up after themselves. Ethan is now Eight, Chloe will be Five tomorrow, Dillon is Two, and Piper is Four months. Ethan has some how turned into a little redneck and enjoys NASCAR, fishing, shooting his BB gun with his Papa George and having his hair short. I have no idea where that came from.
Chloe is my Drama Queen everything is a perform ace, including what she wants you to say to her. Yesterday she was twirling around the house singing "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". I still haven't decided if I am proud or scared by her choice in music.
Dillon is a typical two-year old. He usually has a big smile, and says some cute things. He wants to do everything Ethan and Chloe are doing. He maybe pretending to be a race car driver one minute and being a princess (dressed by Chloe) the next, he loves her shoes.
Piper is already Four months, I have no idea how that happened already. She weighs, as of yesterday 11lbs 13oz. She has the sweetest smiles and coos. Her blue eyes will make you melt. She loves being in the midst of her family.
Me I am just fully involved with the kids, I try to keep them busy. We leave for vacation in a few weeks & can't wait.
Scott is as busy as ever. Work is going strong & he just bought a distributorship for an organic fertilizer line.
Come back soon, pics are coming I promise.