It's a boy!

Poor Jade. It makes me really sad to think of her not having a sister. But of course I am excited for another boy! Luke was the only one with disappointment on his face when I shared the news.

Christmas 2011

12.12 Cohen turns 5

Cohen turned 5 yesterday! Everytime I took his picture and then looked at the little frame, I was taken back by old he looked. First thing he said to me when he woke up was, "we need to send out my envelopes." For his birthday party that wasn't planned. Will was supposed to be camping on Saturday so I slacked as usual with the party planning. But we did end up having some people come over for cake and ice-cream and he thought it was the best birthday party. He picked out a strawberry cake which really surprised me. He also got a new bike, books, clothes, art supplies, and some new shoes. We went to McDonalds for lunch and got a happy meal and he played with the toy all afternoon. He was smiling the whole day. Jade on the other hand had a very rough day.

Cohen my little lefty. He is so creative, ambitious, and loves to laugh. He is constantly trying to help, play and take care of Max. He entertains Jade while Luke is gone at school and is generous with his possessions. He has many preferences on how things should be and is never timid about letting you know. He likes to sit on my lap and read books and always hugs and kisses me good night. And he still likes to play with my hair or Jades since they share the bottom bunk. He loves being my "Christmas baby" and How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of his favorite books. I am thankful for Cohen and the reminder he is to me of the Savior's birth during this season. I can clearly remember giving birth to him 5 years ago and feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for our Savior and Mary and what she went through giving birth in a stable. Such a humbling circumstance to ponder. Cohen was my favorite birth experience and the best Christmas present I will ever receive.

05,06,09,11,12

13 months apart. Baby number five is on its way in May. Eating for three was crazy. The sickness is finally wearing off now that I have Max weaned to a bottle. He is such a happy baby. I am really enjoying him and soaking it all in because I know it will be busy soon. We are excited to have our van full and I am feeling ok with this being my last pregnancy. I guess we will see if that stays the same once I find out its a boy!

Halloween

Max cleaning up the crumbs at the church Halloween party

Terrible Twos

I am surviving the drama of a two year old girl. Some days the high pitched screaming makes me feel ok with only having one girl and other times watching her take care of her babies and dressing her and doing her hair makes me want more. At least potty training has calmed down and become the norm and she never wets at night; I'm so tired of buying pull-ups!

6 Months

Max is crawling everywhere, pulling to a stand and chewing everything in sight. He has his two bottom teeth and the drool to show for it. He started eating solids and is really messy. He is so much happier because he can crawl to where he wants and get toys.

5 Months and Scooting

Everybody loves Max. He is always the center of attention. And Jade knows it. That is why she likes squishing him, knocking him over from sitting, and taking his toys. So he started scooting to get to other toys and to get big sister off of him! He gets up on all fours and then lunges forward onto his stomach and then repeats. I have to give Jade credit; even though she bugs him the most she makes him laugh the most. Max has a pretty cute giggle. Jade usually does belly flops onto the floor or bed to get him giggling.

Cohen always wants to hold Max when he's sleeping, hold him to get him asleep or have Max come in his bed when its time to go to sleep. I completely understand. There is something so relaxing and enjoyable about holding a cuddly quiet baby!

Max sitting and scooting

Watching Soccer

Will went to pick grapes in the vineyard Saturday morning so I was left with all the kids and two soccer games so I didn't have free hands to take pictures. I love watching the boys play soccer. It brings so much joy to me and makes my heart feel full. It get excited thinking of all their future sporting adventures.

Luke's game was first and he started out at forward and right away scored two goals. Then he played goalie and fullback and then they put him up top again. He scored two more goals. I wanted to clap and yell each time but I was holding sleeping Max so Cohen and Jade wouldn't climb all over him in the stoller. All I could do was wave my fist in the air and smile. I guess it was better I was holding a sleeping baby I probably would have yelled at him the whole time. They won 5-0.

Cohen's game was second. Will ended up making it to Cohen's game and helped coach. I don't know what has snapped with Cohen but he is on top of things now. He is understanding the game better and I love seeing him determined and focused and enjoying himself. I know he has a creative artsy spirit (that I feel very lost in motivating) but I am happy to see his athletic skills developing. He scored a couple goals (maybe more they killed the other team) I get distracted watching him because we have a few friends from church on his team so I get to chat with the moms too. What a great day, that is until the babysitter called us to come home because Max wouldn't stop crying and BYU got destroyed...by the Utes!

Three at home

Jade is potty training and it is going better than expected. I am relying on stickers and reverse psychology to go #2. It's working but once everyday she purposefully has an accident #1 or #2. She tries to be sneaky about it; just to show me she's still in control. Every time I tell her to do something she says with attitude, "ah nam" for "I am" It cracks me up. She is hauling on her two wheeler with training wheels and doesn't miss a beat keeping up with the big kids on the tramp or whatever the activity. She asks to go play at the neighbors house and invites them into our house, in words you can't understand. She is always singing, holding and entertaining Max. And she recently remembered how to close the bathroom door and open a drawer and block me out, which drives me nuts, so I have to walk away until she gets bored.

Cohen is trucking away at learning his letters and doing music appreciation class with me. He is also trying to fill Luke's shoes in taking care of Max by bringing him to me everytime he cries. Between Max nursing, preschool and potty training I am finding little time to myself.

I like feeling more purposeful with my time teaching my children rather than just trying to survive the day (although I know I will still be having those days for a while). Its rewarding to see them build self confidence and understand new concepts. We live by Todd Beamer park named after a 9-11 hero who helped take back one of the planes and crashed it into a field. There was a ceremony taking place at the park as we drove to church and it provided a great teaching moment. The boys were interested and curious about what happened 10 years ago and I could see the wheels turning. Then after church we took cupcakes to the firemen and said thank you for all you do. It was rewarding teaching them and seeing them feel the joy that comes from being grateful and serving others.

Today they were navigating church websites checking out all the great movie clips. I could see their eyes light up and I know they felt the spirit. They kept watching them over and over. It made me feel really good. It also reminded me I want to focus more energy on what we do do on the Sabbath and not complain about what we don't do.

Binky Baby

Max started to suck his thumb. So I gave him a week to see what would come of it and then I changed him into a binky baby. Oh how I love snuggling a baby with a binky. Max was already snuggly and now he is even more. He is so squishy and chunky and HEAVY! So now that he has a binky I can sit down and hold him.

He is also rolling around, sitting on his own, and getting up on all fours and rocking. He scoots a lot. I think he is ready for solids, he stares down and tries to grab food. I love that I can still pass him off to others so they can enjoy but I see it coming to an end.

Soccer and Thirty!

The boys started fall soccer. Luke is playing with school and is very excited. He ran his little heart out and even played goalie. He had some good blocks and looked like a natural out there. While he was waiting for the ball to come he was crouched down low doing "happy feet" with his arms stretched wide. He was also directing his team mates and doing drop kicks.

Cohen is playing in a Christian church league and totally surprised me. I debated putting him in since last year he broke his collar bone and didn't enjoy the season and refused to practice, but I knew he needed some social interaction since he gets to stay home with me all day. He blew me away his first game scoring 2 of the 3 goals and totally dominating when he was in. He knew exactly what to do and actually had the coordination to do it! He was loving every second and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him. I'm sure I was smiling ear to ear watching him.

Now that I'm thirty time seems even shorter. Sometimes the day seems too short to put on make up, change out of Sunday dress, get dressed, and so on:) I can't believe how different thirty feels. Or maybe its the gigantic baby and bad back. For my birthday the boys made me breakfast in bed with a brand new waffle iron. My husband gets my desire for practical presents!

It's always tricky being a mom on your birthday. I took care of kids all day long. I felt very grateful for my mom on my bday and all she gave up for herself to raise me!

First day of First Grade

Luke was up at 6 ready to go! He is so excited to have his same teacher and its great for me not to worry about him adjusting to all day school. He is going to be riding bikes with neighbors so I have no excuse to get exercise. It will save me a lot of hassle. We all rode bikes this morning and Max did well in the trailer but I had to fight Jade to get buckled. Cohen and I already did school this morning and I am glad I don't have to be anywhere in the middle of my day!

Peterson Family Reunion 2011

Will wasn't able to come. We missed him! Jade kept me going with all her swimsuit changes and potty requests.

iPad Happiness

People say Max looks like Cohen. He reminds me of Luke. Max weighed in at 19 pounds at 4 months. A heavy weight like Luke too. He is just starting to sit up and roll over. Its hard to get pictures of him because I am always holding him. Luke starts first grade on Monday and is really excited to have the same teacher. Cohen, Jade and Max will be home with me. I am going to attempt some music lessons with cohen on the trumpet and piano along with teaching him preschool stuff.