Zander's Picky Palate

Zander started eating solid foods about a month ago. We started a little late (he was 8 months old), but figured it was no big deal. Well, we've tried all of the cereals, and a bunch of the vegetables, and here's what he will agree to eat:

1. Barley cereal
2. Gerber graduate puffs
3. Any piece of dirt, lint, or paper off the floor
4. The salt off the pretzels Bronson spilled all over the kitchen floor
5. The red M&M he found on the floor tonight (again, I suspect, courtesy of Bronson)

He looks like he enjoyed the M&M, doesn't he?

Dog Groomers are the Best!

So, yesterday we broke down and took the dogs to the dog groomer. It's one of those little things that makes life so much easier, but is difficult justifying paying for when you have at least 3 kids who could bathe the dogs. But, Pippin and Daisy are both shedding like mad, and every time I picked up my crawling baby, he was covered in dog hair. So we decided perhaps it was time for the professionals. Ninety dollars later (ouch!), they're both gorgeous. I swear Pippin (above) lost about ten pounds of fur.
And Daisy with hair bows was hysterical. She scratched them out as soon as possible, much to the disappointment of Annika and Marissa.

For those of you who don't know, Daisy is actually Melissa's dog. So Melissa, these extra Daisy pictures are for you.

Sunday Best

I took this picture because Marissa was having such a good hair day. Sadly, you can't see her hair. But Zander looks good in his tie. And of course, they're all adorable.

Mike Told the Kids No Dresses

The kids recently found this picture of Marissa when she was 6 months old. So they did this to Zander:

Personally, I think a better comparison to Marissa is her 9 month picture:

But that's just me.

Happy Birthday, Connor!

Today was Connor's 7th birthday. He woke up and yelled, "Happy Birthday" to himself. Then he came in the kitchen and gave me a big hug, hugged Zander, and then hugged Annika who defensively threw herself back away from him because she thought he was trying to wrestle with her, and looked shocked when she realized it was just a hug!
After stake conference we went over to Richard and Maralee's for his birthday party. We had steak and favorite potatoes at Connor's request. All of his cousins who live in the state came, and Connor had a great time.
This is his Indiana Jones cake. I used to make elaborate cakes for my kids' birthdays, but then they figured out that ordering a cake from Target means they get more toys. Smart kids.
Connor blew out all of his candles, and then had ice cream. He told his Uncle Matt (Mike's brother) that he wanted all of the kinds of ice cream (there were 4) and ended up with so much ice cream he didn't have room for cake. Not that he cared. Like I said, the cake is just a vehicle for toys.

When we got home he told me it had been a good birthday, which is really all you can ask for.

Sleep Deprivation Causes Memory Loss

Here's a picture of Zander today.

Mike just tracked down this picture of Zander yesterday.

I only vaguely remember that. And it's only been 5 months.

Marissa's Coming For You, Aunt Melissa!

Mike faithfully measures the kids on their birthdays and half birthdays. Today, Marissa was 11 1/2 years old, so Mike pulled out the measuring tape. She grew a whopping 2 1/4 inches in just 6 months, which means she is now 59 inches tall. That's just 1 inch shy of 5 feet, and 3 inches shorter than Aunt Melissa. So, Melissa, you'd better watch your back!

It's Been a Long 4 Months

Zander was born 4 months ago yesterday. To celebrate, we got out the exersaucer (which he loves), and went to the doctor. Sadly, not for his well baby checkup. He has RSV (bronchiolitis) again. Luckily, he's 6 weeks older now, and seems to be handling it better. So am I. Although, he slept more than 7 hours straight last night, I did not. I was awake every couple of hours to make sure he was all right. Of course, I was sleeping right next to him, so it wasn't very hard to check.

And, for anyone who's interested, here are his 4 month stats:

16 lbs. 11 oz.--83 percentile
25.79 inches--81 percentile

Marissa the Babysitter

On Sunday, Zander and I were late to church. It was Zander's first time at church (other than his blessing). Now, I'm one of those people who doesn't believe in bringing the carseat into church with me. I figure, the baby won't stay asleep forever, and then you are stuck carrying both a baby, AND a carseat. So, when I sat down next to Annika, it was with Zander on my lap. He was in a pretty good mood, smiley, happy, and after a few minutes I suddenly realized, I don't have to hold him. I have two little girls right here with perfectly good arms and laps. So, I dropped him on Annika's lap. She lit up at the chance to hold her baby brother. Marissa was sitting on the other side and immediately started cooing at him. And I sat back and listened to testimony meeting until he got fussy.

There are lots of things about having 5 kids that I am finding pretty difficult. The difference in ages can be a big disadvantage when you consider all of the school projects and activities that have to be taken care of for the older kids, while taking care of an infant who can be pretty demanding. But, it's a big plus having kids who are old enough to be trusted holding and watching the baby when I need some time to get things done. Marissa is a great help. She holds him when I need her too, she's figured out how to put him to sleep, and if he cries when she holds him, it doesn't seem to affect her at all. She knows how to feed him a bottle, which is helpful when we have some place we have to be and he is hungry. She knows to give him his binky when he gets fussy. Now all I need to do is teach her how to change his diapers, and she'll be all set--to get paid for watching other people's children while Mike and I stay home wishing we had a babysitter.

Zander Rolled Over!

Yesterday afternoon, I was working on my book shelves, with Zander and Bronson on the floor behind me. One minute Zander was on his back, the next, he was on his belly. And pretty mad about it too, since he's not a big fan of laying on his belly. Sadly, I had my back turned, and although Bronson was right next to him, he was busy reading a book. So, no one has actually witnessed Zander's newest skill, but I'll post pictures (or video, if I can figure that out) as soon as I have some.