Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Sledding...well, kind of.

Behind the barn there is a small mound of snow made by the snow plow plowing the Village. The kids have made this into their own personal sledding/snow boarding hill. When we got to the barn on Sunday night Hannah, Noah & Ava were already sliding away so I thought that Payton would jump right in. Not the case, she screamed bloody murder! She didn't want anything to do with it but Bryan & I made her...does that make us bad parents..?? :) Even though she screamed the first few times eventually she went down with Aunt Heather without crying...or so I was told. (Had to go in to feed Charley). So sledding wasn't her thing...this time, but she did enjoy playing in the snow watching her cousins going up and down the hill.

Ugly Sweater Party

Saturday night was our annual Ugly Sweater, Re-gift/Old shit party. Julie & Adam Potter hosted this year's event and did a super job. We had a lot of fun. Julie organized a bunch of 'Minute to win it' games...Bryan & I were the runners up, whoot whoot. Thanks for all the work you put into it Julie, it was fun.


Saturday, January 15, 2011

January Prayer for My Children

Dear Lord,
I pray my children never be without godly friends and role models, that they be discerning in choosing both friends and lifestyle - caring as much about inward beauty as outward appearance and achievement.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

20:42

42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.a]">[a]



Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Deanna's Playhouse

Last Wednesday we went to Deanna's Playhouse with some friends. We had never been there before but we will be going back. What a great place. Nice and big with lots and lots of activities for the kids. The music 'room' was where P spent a lot of her time.




Even something for C.
Making Roast Beast...for real, that is what they said. :) heheh
Lunch time

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

'3 Month' Pics & 4 Month Stats.

I am considering these pictures '3 month' pictures because that is standard for most people but in actuality...they are 4 month pictures as I had them done last week Thursday, 4 days shy of him being 4 months. :)
Now for the 4 months stats! Drum roll please....ok so it's no big surprise, he's a big boy. BUT he is a healthy boy which is even more important.
Weight: 16 lb 4 oz
Height: 25 1/2 inches
Both are in the 75th percentile.

Dear Charley,
4 months old. How is it you are 4 months old? Each day with you gets better and better and we love you more each day.
Activies: You are starting to really interact with all of us and playing in your saucer and under your playmat are your favorite activites. Over the past month you smile and giggle all the time. It amazes me how happy and good you are.
Eating: No big surprise, you like to eat and are good at it. You are eating 4 to 6 oz every three to four hours. You get mostly breast milk but in the evenings you are getting extra formula to 'hold you over' til morning. We got the ok at the doctor's office to start cereal which I know you are going to love.
Clothing: You are no longer wearing 3 month clothing. We have stepped it up to 3 to 6 and 6 months. Even the 6 months are starting to get short...well, those items that have been washed. One piece outfits are the worst in this department. You have a really long torso so when it's a one piece it seems tighter. You are still in size 2 diapers but I don't think you will be in them long.
Sleeping: Mommy is very happy with your sleeping habits. You take a morning nap for about an hour, usually in your bouncy seat down in the living room, an afternoon nap for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, again, on the couch...I know, I know, it's bad but you sleep longer down by me. :) Then at night you sleep from 9ish to about 8. I'll take it!
All in all you are so sweet and lovable. I could not have asked for a better baby. Our prayer is you continue to be healthy and happy and grow to love Jesus with all your heart, soul and mind.
Love you Little Man,
Mommy, Daddy & Payton

Sunday, January 9, 2011

All About Payton

As I look back on recent posts I find myself reading a lot about our little man and start to feel like I am leaving Payton out a little. So this post is all about what Payton is up to these days.

My little angel is moving quickly from toddler to little girl. It amazes me all the things she remembers. I find this to be very helpful when looking for things around the house that she could possible have moved or hid. For example, C's bop (pacifier) went missing yesterday afternoon. I looked everywhere that I thought it could potential be without any luck. This morning after church I went searching again because it was driving me nuts that I couldn't find it. Payton heard me say to Bryan that I was looking for it and she walks right over to where her Mr. Potato Head case is and said, "In here Mama". She opened it up and pulled out the bop. Next time I will go directly to her instead of going crazy trying to find it myself.
She really like to learn new things. She has been going to BSF's children's classes which we call 'Bible School' and loves it. (Although she has been put on a waiting list for this coming semester due to a lack of teachers...please pray for more leaders so she can continue to go!) We read a lot of books with shapes, colors, letters and numbers. She is doing really well with them and loves to tell me the color of things and really loves to count. "Let's count" is a favorite phrase. She also loves to compare things. 'Big one, little one' type stuff. Her manners are still really good as well. She is two so she has her moments where they are forgotten but for the most part if very good. Bryan & I were both really proud of her over the holidays and how she handled herself. I pray this continues.
She is growing physically by leaps and bounds too. For a long, long time she was wearing 24 mo/2T stuff but now has moved into 3T. 3T seems so big girl to me...then again, it is.
Potty training is still a frustration for me. I will blame this on starting the precess to early so now the novelty of it has long since gone out the window. I think she views it as a chore.
Her sleeping habits have been a little off but are now starting to get back to normal. For a few months she was waking up in the night for one reason or another. There were a few nights where we found ourselves bringing her up stairs to sleep with us. Thank goodness this isn't happening anymore because she is a wiggle pants even when she is sleeping and it seemed like she preferred to be snuggled up right next to me. That makes for a really bad nights sleep for mama.
Her favorite thing to watch is Mickey Mouse Club House. She knows the words to the theme song and of course to the 'Hot Dog Dance'.
Music and dancing are probably her favorite things to do. We went to Deanna's Playhouse this past week and she spent the majority of her time by the music room. Whenever there is music playing she dances. We have a lot of 'Dance Parties' in the kitchen.
She is getting to be little miss independent too...getting her own juice or snack, putting herself in her high chair, putting on her boots and coat. This is a great thing because with me still feeding C I can't always get her what she needs/wants when she needs/wants it. It can also be a bit of a problem, like when she gets her own snack when she isn't allowed to have a snack.
The role of big sister has come very naturally. She seems to be adjusting very very well. There are times I can tell that she is a little jealous or craving a little attention but that is only natural. I have been trying very hard to make sure she feels included in the care of Charley and that I give her as much one-on-one time as I can.
We still go to the barn quite a bit and let her ride her bike. I LOVE watching her fly around on it. She has mastered riding with her training wheels and come spring will be ready for a new challenge. We are also going to start swimming lessons the first week of February. I am looking forward to it. I know she is going to do great.
I am so thankful for my little lady and am very proud of the little girl she is becoming.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

A Look Back at 2010

I enjoy this blog post every year. It gives me a chance to think back over the year & see how God has blessed my life. I am amazed every time I do it at how many great events take place in the span of a year.
God is so good and I praise Him for 2010.

January -
We found out we would be welcoming the 4th member of our family in September. It is amazing to think that last year at this time we didn't even know we would be having a baby and now as I write this I am looking at my sweet 3 month old sleeping soundly by me. What an amazing gift from God!
My Dad celebrated 61 years. I am so grateful for my Dad & love him very, very much.
Sweet Hannah turned 7. She is such a fun loving little girl and I love watching her grow up.
February -
We shared our big news with our family & friends.
Vincent Reid Smith was born into our family of friends.
I started my personal training job at Transform Fitness.
March -
My mom had another birthday. My mom does SO much for me & my family. I am very, very blessed & I can't thank her enough for all things she does for me.
Louis Anthany Garvelink was born starting off the 'run of boys'.
April -
We got to spend another year in Ft Myers with the family. Payton was so much fun this year. I loved watching her in the water & on the beach. She was in her element for sure.
Kellan Roger Eldean made for baby boy #2 in our group of friends.
Bryan had birthday #31. No big party this year but he definitely celebrated. :)
Bry's dad turned 62.
May -
Really enjoyed Tulip Time this year. I was not working so Payton & I got to go to all the parades and see lots of Dutch Dancing. She loved it & looked ADORABLE in her costume.
June -
My Mother-in-law & Sister-In-Law both celebrated birthdays.
Luke William Kuipers was born.Yup...another boy!
July -
Noah turned 10! He's officially reached the double digits and I just can't believe it. I swear he was just born.
Payton & I spent a lot of time this summer at the pool and beach. Again, because I wasn't working I really got to enjoy the beautiful weather & quality time with Payton! Priceless!!! I loved every minute of it.
Annalise Sophia McAlpine is born breaking the streak of baby boys...she is going to be out numbered that is for sure. Good luck sweet heart! :)
August -
Payton turned two!! I can't believe how quickly she is growing up and how much she is changing. It is amazing to watch her grow. She is so sweet and a lot of fun. We love you so much Sweet Girl!
Bryan & I celebrated our 4th anniversary. Crazy to think of how much our lives have changed over the past 4 years.
Ava is a full hand...5 that is. :)
September -
God blessed us with our healthy baby boy! Charley Garyson Myrick you are beyond sweet & such a good boy. It was hard to imagine loving another child as much as I love Payton but I fell in love all over the instant I met you. Thank you Lord for such a wonderful gift!
October -
Heather & Mark get engaged. He is a wonderful man and we are blessed to have him join our family come February.
November -
Celebrated my birthday with dinner out with good friends. I am going to enjoy my last year in my twenties.
Tessa Brooklyn Leeuw is born finally giving her mommy & daddy their baby GIRL!
December -
Heather, Bec & Chris all had birthdays.
We had a great Christmas. God is so good and we are truly blessed. I praise Him for sending His son to earth as a baby so I might LIVE.