Alex is 4!

(click to enlarge)

Alex, you have been looking forward to your birthday for 364 days!  I'm so glad it's finally here and that we get to celebrate you :0)  Dad & I stayed up late decorating the dining room in "Cars" style and have enjoyed making your birthday special so far.  We had our typical streusel cake breakfast, you went on a ride in Dad's car to get the oil changed (even got chocolate cake) and watched "Cars" with your siblings and popcorn.  Tonight Dad is going to grill hot dogs & s'mores per request.

Alex, if I could sum you up in a nut shell, I would include that you...

• are one handsome little guy.  I just love that you're a blondie like your Dad, but have those soft brown eyes.  And that smiles melts me.
• have grown up SO much this last year!  We are still working on tantrums and meltdowns, but you've come so far, and are much more reasonable and often answer with, "sure thing", "no problem", "I'd love to."  You want so much to be BIG.  You've been eating your veggies so that you grow big and strong, like to wear Dad's old tennis shoes, often request the biggest fork or to use the biggest plate, to push the shopping cart, pour your own milk, etc.
• are becoming such a great helper!  With Elijah being so busy and being pregnant and low on energy I have come to rely on you more and more.  I really appreciate the times you're my runner, help to pick things up, help with little tasks and such.
• and I often hang out during Elijah's nap.  We read library books, take walks & run errands (when Dad's working from home), cook & bake, and occasionally snuggle up for naps on the couch or on Mom & Dad's big bed.  The last two years have been pretty tough for you & me (since we're both passionate and stubborn), but our one-on-one time has worked wonders for our relationship and I just LOVE all of the great and positive interactions we have these days.  It's wonderful how we're becoming buddies!  It makes me SO happy.
• have been going to preschool (5 hours/wk) and like it more or less.  We kind of have to coax you each time to go, but you seem to enjoy it in the end.  For the last few months you've also been going to Occupational Therapy (wtih Veronica) 2x/month.  We're hoping it will help with some of your eating preferences and sensory issues.
• eat more these days, but are still pretty picky.  You like things kept separate with very few dressings, sauces and condiments.  You are a creature of habit and love Cheerios and oatmeal at breakfast, and PB &J, mac 'n cheese and cheese quesadillas for lunch.  You love hot dogs, chicken divan (cheesy chicken broccoli), noodles with melted cheddar cheese.
• have A LOT of energy---love to run laps around the house and wrestle, jump, do dance parties and play!  We try to wear you out before bed time :0)
• have a way with words!  You are very aritculate.  Sometimes you catch me in my words.  Like last week when I said that I was sweeping the dining room and you said, "you're dust mopping" or when we were making frosting and you said, "it's not a blender mom, it's a hand mixer."  You crack me up! The other day I was thinking about the meaning of your names, peaceful leader of mankind.  Someday God will work through you and your ability to speak to bless others.
• have been using the potty on and off for the last several months but are not potty trained yet (Neither of us has been motivated enough), but we're planning on having you in big boy underwear by this Summer!  You sometimes take care of your own wet diapers and change in to pull ups...so I'm pretty sure you're ready ;0)
• LOVE your John Deere tractor and trailer from Bompa and Mémé, the Mack truck you just got for your birthday and all of your other trucks and trains and machines.
• are very attached to your blanket (and corner) and still suck your thumb.  One of these days we will need to break you of that habit.  All in good time.  
• really enjoy playing in the backyard or at the Shepard Park, taking walks down the street or around the mini lake.
• are VERY excited that lawn-mowing season is finally here!  You love to be Dad's helper.
• generally do a great job getting yourself dressed.  Sometimes I have to put my foot down on what you wear (you'd live in tshirts and shorts).  You have a strong preference to wear your grubby, smelly old tennis shoes...even though I  bought you cool Lightning McQueen light up shoes.  Silly kid.
• are learning to be more gentle with Lij, but he is getting to be more of a tease.  You two have a lot of fun together, but sometimes squabble over toys.  It's fun when I see you sharing, playing and giggling together.
• are in Sunbeams with Sister Madsen and do a pretty good job (for a little boy) sitting reverently.  Since I'm in there for my calling, it's fun to hear your comments and see you participate.
• enjoy spending time with Brie!  You two play pretty well together on Saturdays during Elijah's nap.  You like watching PBS Kids (Daniel Tiger, Dinosaur Train, Kratt Brothers, Thomas the Train, Curious George), play puppies and draw.

Alex, you're awesome!  Thank you for adding SO much fun, excitement and enthusiasm to our family.  We love you mucho mucho!!

Roadtrippin' Buddies.

Exactly two weeks before Uncle Matt's sealing, Aunt Rachel called me as I was headed out the door for the Relief Society Birthday Celebration.  She asked how we could get a sister out for her brother's sealing.  [Matt had been very considerate of us while concluding on a date for their sealing and a few months prior when giving him my input, I told him that if they got sealed in March I would fly out, if it was in April or May none of us would come out (I quickly and totally ruled out the idea of driving cross country) and if it was in June all of us would come out.  So, although totally bummed that I wouldn't be there for my little brother's sealing, I had already set my expectations that way.]  I simply told her that I couldn't fly and that we weren't coming.  She went on to say that she just needed me to hear her idea and to consider it.  As crazy as it sounded, and as it was ;0), we felt like we should proceed with plans.  Within a week every single thing fell in to place and we truly felt like we were supposed to be making the trip.  Being 35+ weeks my OB officially advised me not to go, but unofficially said that I would need to stay well-hydrated (64 oz/day) and stop every 2 hours to walk around, to avoid blood clots forming in my legs.  The day before we were supposed to head out she checked me and I was only dilated to 1 cm so we were given the "green light" and the trip was officially on.

I printed out these little maps and taped them at the front of the van.  We moved the mini van along the trail as we went.  It helped us to visualize the slow but steady progress that we were making :0)

 The night before we rented a blue dodge mini van from Enterprise.  (I ended up quickly switching in the first one when I realized that the A/C didn't work properly on the passenger side.)  Dad was so great to get all of the car seats installed, wedding presents stowed, luggage packed, snack tower in place, DVD players set up...and even left little (post it) notes throughout the van for us to find.  He is so very thoughtful!

The morning of our trip he made us breakfast, prayed with us and sent you boys & me on our way.  There was something special about traveling with you boys (& Aimee).  You were my little buddies at each pit stop.  We'd get unbuckled, walk hand-in-hand to the gas station restroom, take a stroll around the parking lot, pick out a few snacks for the next portion of the trip and head out.  I listened to Nathan Pacheco ALL day long while you boys snuggled your blankies, napped, watched movies and chilled out.  You were such great travelers and I felt blessed!  We were supposed to rendezvous with Aunt Rachie in Des Moines, but her flight got cancelled last minute.  We got the official word as we were pulling through the Des Moines airport terminal pickup lane.  Thankfully she was able to change her flight to the Omaha airport.  We had a few hours to wait so we stopped on a taco place for lunch and then, because it was a beautiful spring day, we walked around Gray's Lake Park.  It was a nice change of pace and chance to stretch our legs.  Arriving in Omaha and picking up Aunt Rachie was relieving; I was ready to have someone else drive, and she had a pair of compression socks for me to wear.  We added her as a driver, stopped for dinner at a hamburger place that was on the way to the freeway.  Between yummy but over-priced food and slow service and some diaper mishaps on our way out, we got on the road later than anticipated.  We'd hoped to make it to North Platte that night, but ended up staying the night in Grand Island.  A big thanks to Bompa for getting us great Marriott accommodations for our trip, even though we were an unpredictable and moving target!

It was a quick turn around!  We crashed in the hotel around 10:30PM (Alex was THRILLED to have his own bed to sleep in at the hotel...I didn't even think about offering it to Rach until after the fact.) and were on the road the next morning right around 6:30.  As we got on the road I was concerned to see that both of Elijah's eyes were goopy and red...PINK EYE?!  What great timing!  Thankfully, even with our super spotty phone & internet connection through Nebraska and Wyoming, we were able to get our pediatric nurse to send a prescription to a Safeway pharmacy that Mémé had located for us in Cheyenne.  Blessings!  Other than that the day was thankfully pretty uneventful.  Aunt Rachie had some fun surprises up her sleeves and spotted trucks and trains with the boys when their patience was wavering.  Somehow, totally against what seemed logically possible, we arrived in Highland just as planned by 6:30 that night.  Our way was very much prospered and all-in-all you boys did an amazing job for TWO days in the car.

Erin was pleasantly surprised to see us when she showed up for the "bachelorette party" at Rach & Starla's place.  She said she'd had a few inklings about us coming, but that Matt still had no clue! At 10:30 that night Rach, Rue and I drove to the airport to pick up Brie & Dad (they flew so that they could be at school/work for two more days).  I was having a lot of contractions and was worried that I was going in to labor.  In the early morning I asked Dad for a blessing and in it he reassured me that the Lord has ultimate foresight, that I was supposed to be there and that I would take part in important and influential conversations while in Utah. 

The morning of sealing (Thursday), Dad, you kids and I drove down to Bompa & Mémé's house to surprise Uncle Matt.  You kids ran in to his apartment first and totally took him by surprise.  He was so excited to see you!  Dad and I came next...when he saw me he gave me a big hug and started to cry.  (He told me that he saw the kidlets and Dad first and thought that maybe you'd all flown out for the sealing and that I had stayed home.  He was of course grateful you'd all made the trip, but was especially grateful to see his sis.)  

Seeing you kiddos play with Uncle Matt and give him your cute handmade cards was so sweet.  And he & I spending the morning together (while Dad dropped you off at Grandpa & Nana Julz's) and having a heart to heart was so special.  It made those 24 hours of traveling worth it!  I'll devote a whole post to the rest of the sealing day next...

Em was the second and crucial piece of the puzzle, getting us home.  We left Monday morning (9:00AM) from Provo (Dad flew back home that afternoon so he could get back to work), we stayed the night in North Platte and pulled in to Normal Tuesday around 9:00PM.  You blessed out with great aunts, Aunt Emmie made the trip bearable and fun!  We made a stop at the Little America in Wyoming for lunch, silly cowboy selfies and some playground time.  She pulled out lollipops and surprises along the way, braved many a poopy diaper and took you kiddos on walks. Somehow we blew right by Cheyenne (our anticipated dinner spot) and ended up making a stop and strolling down a random dirt road instead.  Was it Wyoming...or Nebraska?  It all looks the same out there!  We tried to keep a sense of humour about the lack of cell coverage through that LONG stretch of the country.  But the best was having two days to chat with my sister Emmie about all that she's been up to lately...mainly talking about wonderful Bry and the guy she's been dating.  The second day was filled with fog, swollen legs and antsy passengers.  You guys were great sports...4 days in a squishy van and 4 cram-packed days in Utah.  We were so ready to be home.  

A huge thanks to Aunt Rachie, Aunt Emmie, and Bompa & Mémé for making the trip possible.  We couldn't have...and wouldn't have done it without you!  We sure love you guys!!

Bangs for a wig.

A few months ago I started thinking about chopping off my hair.  I've been growing it out and had it long for the last five years.  Although it was fun, and had its good moments, I rarely had/took the time to do all the pretty things you can do with long hair...and decided it was time to go back to my {short hair} roots :0)  When Brie heard about my plan, she cutely requested that she get the same haircut as me.  How could I say no to that??  So over Spring break we made a mother-daughter outing of it.  We shared some raspberry frozen yogurt from ColdStone then headed over to Beauty Brands for our hair cuts.  To make a long story short, neither of us got the hair cuts that we'd hoped for, but the manager was great to straighten things out. (I got my hair highlighted and fixed at Colorific and Brie had hers recut at Beauty Brands by a master stylist.)  In the end we love our new dos!  As a side note, I had my hair cut and put in a bag so I could donate my (10 inches of) hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.  Brie followed suite and had her 3 inches put in a bag.  Sadly I had to tell her that it wasn't enough hair to donate.  "Couldn't they use it to make the bangs for a wig?"  I wish!  I told her she could scatter her hair outside so that the birds could use it for their nests.  She seemed contented by that idea.  In any case, I loved our outing and love having similar hair cuts.  This mother-daughter thing is the best!  Can't wait for our little baby girl to join in the fun :0)

Brie's first Spring Break.

23-27 March 2015

Other than Dad & Brie's time off not overlapping (ISU's Spring Break does not correlate with Unit 5's), I was SO excited to have Brie (and Alex) home for a whole week!!  Some of the highlights include:

Watching freezing rain cuddled up on the family room couch * Designing placemats to go along with Brie's new tea set and doing a Tea Party Tuesday * Having the Gublers visit * Swimsuit bubble bath w/ the kiddos in our big tub * Sewing projects (changing pads and burp cloths) * Brie, out of the blue, cleaning the entire kitchen for me * Being Brie's sous chef as she directed the making of our spaghetti & meatball dinner for the elders * Outing to the library * Mother-Daughter outing * Going to the Children's Discovery Museum for the the first time * Meeting up with Dad for lunch at Meathead's * Homemade brownies & "Shirley Temple" * 

Closing the St. Louis Chapter.

24-25 March 2015

The same week we moved in to Park Forest in St. Louis, the Gubler family also moved in.  I remember meeting Cynthia at the DUC on a very rainy afternoon.  They had two little boys and we had Brie...and now both of our families almost have 4 kids.  Bry officially finished his PhD in February and Tim will be finishing up in May.  Cynthia grew up here in Normal and connected us with the awesome Ringer family when we were house hunting a year ago.  Before their move to California they came to visit Normal one last time.  We had gonodolas from Avanti's, the kids played, Andrea came to meet the newest Gubler, we chatted, had dinner together, Tim & Bry got the door bell fixed while Cynthia showed me some of their favorite prospects for houses, they spent the night and after breakfast we said our goodbyes.  With them finishing up and moving, it feels like the PhD Park Forest chapter is officially closing.  It'll be sad to no longer have them there when we go to visit.  The Gublers have been great friends over the years and we wish them the best as they start out on their next adventure!

Big Sister Date.

 21 March 2015

We decided it'd be fun to take each of you kids on a "big sibling" date before our baby girl is born.  Brie, you were first.  You picked out one of your dresses to wear for the special occasion.  Since you are very much into ALL things baby, Dad & I brought you with us on our tour of the Brommen Hospital Labor & Delivery.  (It was remodeled a few years ago and was beautifully done.)  You loved walking the halls with us but were bummed that there were no babies to see in the nursery.  Afterwards, you picked Noodles & Co for dinner and ordered the Beef Stroganoff, a peach drink and shared a chocolate chip cookie for dessert.  During your date we asked you what you were excited for: changing your sister's diapers and helping her with things.  You can't wait for her to be born!  You're going to be such a WONDERFUL big sister to her.

St. Patrick Celebrations.

20 March 2015

We postponed our St. Patrick's Day celebrations til the weekend when we were all feeling back up to speed.  Thanks Pinterest, for a few free printables and design ideas.  We listened to Irish music, had a GREEN salad, shepherd's pie, Irish soda bread muffins, root beer and grasshopper pie.  During dinner we called Bompa to talk to him a little bit about his LDS mission (Scotland and Northern Ireland).  Mémé supplied us with the awesome tshirts :0)

Family Fun Day.

14 March 2015

Growing up I LOVED going to Rock Canyon Elementary's fundraising Carnival each year, with its cake walk, ball toss, rides, prizes and games.  So when Brie's school announced a similar Family Fun Day, I was excited to take our little family.  I have to admit that it wasn't the hoopla that I had expected, but it was fun to get out as a family and take part in an event for Brie's school.  The highlights were probably Brie getting her face painted, seeing her excitedly bump in to friends from her class and having a caricature of her drawn.

a shortened visit.

16-17 March 2015

For over a month we'd been planning for the Hintzes to come visit.  As the time grew closer everything seemed in place and like we were good to go.  Then the morning of Alex woke up saying, "ouchie, my stomach hurts." I knew this wasn't good.  For whatever reason Alex seems prone to throw up.  Sometimes he'll throw up once and seem just fine, other times he's out for a day.  I texted Laura to give her the news.  The rest of the morning was a roller coaster as Alex seemed to be better and keeping things down and we were trying to decide if Laura and her 4 kids should make the trip out.  She finally decided to come, survived the drive and arrived around lunch time.  Thankfully Alex stayed in his room all day, napping and watching movies on our faithful little TV/VHS player.  And Dad was able to come home early to help out.  The day went really well, Normal offered its best spring day yet, the kids played in and outside, we chatted, made dinner and even took the kiddos out to DQ for free ice cream cones (as promised to Hannah & Brie since they had stopped sucking their thumbs!!).  The girls stayed up late, got their nails painted and Dad read them "Hercules."  After the kids were in bed Laura, Bry and I worked to get a fun and festive St. Patrick's Day breakfast together.  It was a great day and so fun to finally have our friends come visit!  But once I was in bed I was super nauseous, tossing and turning all night and miserable.  I must have gotten what Alex had.  In the morning I wanted to imagine it away so I could enjoy the final few hours before Laura and the kids needed to leave...but I knew I was out with something and wouldn't be up for doing anything :0(  I was so bummed to have to foil plans and have them leave that morning, but I'm so glad that we got to live it up for one day.  Thanks for making the trip!!

According to Motorola, 4.

Wow, so much has happened since the last phone update.  And it feels like I'm just shy of  a dozen blog posts I want to do to document the last month...I'm going to start with these pictures to give a taste of what we've been up to.

 I just love this sweet girl.

 Dad reading to you kids while waiting for the Sagers to pick Brie up for school.

 Little Lij as a firefighter.

I've become the unofficial flyer maker for the Primary and Relief Society in our ward.  Here is one of several that I've designed lately.

 Alex & I playing downstairs during Roo's nap.

 I don't even know what this picture was about, but you look worried about something, Roo, and too cute.

 Brie & I getting ready for Valentine's dinner.

 Me & my Sweetie...before I chopped my hair.

 Just after delivering this cute little giraffe ;0)

 Oh you three, how I love you.

 Roo enjoying a movie and some popcorn.

 Building "a city" in the hallway.

 Love your cute baby face profile, Roo.

 Could you be any cuter, sweet Brie?

 Brie & I at a 30 week ultrasound...

 Brie helping me to lay out patches for the Hintze's blanket.

 Brie showing Rose (and gear) for show 'n tell.

 Alex saying hi to his baby sister.

 Roo after decorating himself with stickers.

 Alex & I before taking a snooze together on the couch.

 Eating icecream by {head} lamp when the power unexpectedly went out.

An adorable card Brie made for her friend's birthday.

 Froggy hat :0)

 Roo, looking so grown up and sitting down to take off his shoes.

 30 week Baby Bump.

 You boys covering your ears because the blender was loud.

Selfie at Sam's after ducking into the van to stay warm from the wind while the gas pumped.  SOOOO COLD!!

I love my little stair step children.

 Roo, you will use anything as a blanket.  Here you've snagged the dish towel from the oven handle and snuggled up on the couch.

Dad making minecraft cookies for one of his cubscout's birthdays.  He is so thoughtful like that!

Making "Redbird Cookies" to send with Bry to share with his department.

A little singing Christmas tree that Laura found on our run to the outlet.

Lij decided that oatmeal could work just as well playing in the snow ;0)

After Roo's 2 yr appt, finally forward facing!  BIG BOY!

Silly little man.

 Backyard play date with Me & Alex.  I didn't want to brave the cold, but so glad I did.  Alex loved having me tromp around in the snow with him :0)

 A drawing Brie did of one of her shirts.

 Brie "colored" this dinosaur page in photoshop for Roo's birthday card.

 I know this is NASTY, but I just had to include poor Sue who got covered in poo...thanks to Roo.

 32 week Baby Bump.

 Brie & Dad singing at the piano.

 Me & Brie :0)

 Embellishing Brie's old white onesies for our baby girl.

 Nice enough weather for bubbles!

 Silly kiddos.

 Brie's 2nd note from the tooth fairy.

 An afternoon stroll with Alex, note his shoes.

 Trying to enjoy this long hair before it's gone.

 Brie snuggling up to her sis :0)

 You kids & Dad brought me breakfast in bed after a hard mommy day.

 Snack time outside...Spring is coming!

 Making an apple pie for Pi Day Dessert.

 Our little leprechauns getting ready for some door bell treat ditching.

 Alex helping to man the crêpe maker.

33 week Baby Bump.

 Sometimes when Alex gets up extra early we ask him to set the table for breakfast.  He's getting good!

 Alex was my "naan bread" helper as I got ready for the Relief Society (international) birthday celebration.

 Alex's seed (from sunbeam class) sprouting!

 Dad often subs as pianist in primary.  It's fun that we get to be in there together during 2nd & 3rd hours of church on those days.

 34 week Baby Bump.

 Bry's childhood friend, Brad, teasing the kids after Sunday dinner.

 Tea party Tuesday with the newly designed placemats that Brie dreamed up.

 Getting Matt & Erin's wedding present assembled to take on our trip.

 A CUTE card Brie made for the happy couple :0)

35 week Baby Bump, goodbye long hair.

Saying goodbye to the hermanas.  I've gone to several Spanish-speaking appointments with the spanish-speaking sisters since we've lived here, now we'll have elders instead.  Adios :0(

Elijah's new favorite stuffed animal.  So fitting...Roo :0)