You Can't Make These Things Up

Kid's say the funniest things sometimes. Here are a few of the girls recent sayings that I simply could not have made up if I tried. 

Hazel and Eliza were playing when Eliza got upset and shoved Hazel she responded with, "Now I get to shove you back - it's the Golden Rule! Do to others as they do to you." We obviously need to keep working on that concept.

Eliza asked Hazel how she learned to draw so well. Hazel replied, "No one taught me; it's just a talent."

Lenora has been potty training! She wanted to be like her big sisters so much I couldn't say no. She's been doing great too! Every time I pick her up to take her potty she always says, "No pee you!"

Hazel's description of the Rolo cookies Michael made: "It looks like poop sprinkled in sugar!"

Kiara licked Lenora and she replied, "Yaya, sucky me!" She has the most adorable voice.

Eliza: "Snow is more fun than eating candy!"

I love the way Lenora pronounces the names of each family member right now...

Oh sweet, adorable, hilarious girls - could you be any cuter? Nope, I don't think so!

Buddy

Sweet Orson is almost 8 weeks old already! I cannot believe how quickly it's flown by. We lovingly call him Buddy. And he really is our little buddy. 

When he was born he had the most scrunched up face. He literally didn't open his eyes for almost 24 hours. I think he just really didn't like all that bright light! And when he finally did it was just the teeny, tiniest slits like this. 

1 day old

Eyes shut tight - about 1 week

Once he finally started opening his eyes, I couldn't get over how much he looks like his daddy. Such a handsome boy!

6 days old

Not only does he look like daddy, but he acts just like him too! He hates bright lights but couldn't care less about loud noises. In fact, he sleeps best when the house is hustling and bustling. By the time the girls go to bed, he's most awake and ready to be held. It's a nice excuse to just sit and cuddle him while we can.

Studying with Daddy - 2 weeks

He even sleeps like Daddy! - 7 weeks

Orson is such a sweet baby. He rarely cries and has slept well from day one. He's up at night to eat every few hours, but he falls right back to sleep (and I mostly sleep while I feed him so I wake up feeling well rested too!)

1 week

All the girls love little Buddy but especially Eliza. She constantly wants to hold and cuddle him. Lenora loves to smother him with affection, but in slightly less appealing ways...

Eliza and Orson - 1 week

Lenora love - 1 month

Unlike all my girls, Orson's not so sure about pacifiers. He almost never takes one. We'll see if he ever decides he likes it or not.

3 weeks

I think Orson has a very large spirit in his little body. When I look in his eyes he seems so much older and wiser than a baby. He can be so serious like he has very deep thoughts. I think he's destined for greatness!

Wise Orson -  6 weeks

7 weeks

1 month 

At 6 weeks old, Orson came down with a bit of a cough. Poor little guy sounded terrible! It went in to his chest and everything but thankfully his body has fought it off well. Even sick, he is almost always in a calm, happy mood. Such a sweet little boy!

We sure love you little man! You have us all wrapped around your little fingers. And this smile... it melts my heart! Love you Buddy!

7 weeks

Halloween 2015

The week of Halloween our festivities included: truck-or-treat at a ward member's acreage (complete with a hayride and constellation viewing), carving pumpkins, pumpkin shaped pizzas, introducing the girls to Hocus Pocus, costume parades for Hazel and Eliza, and of course trick-or-treating.

Orson - 3 weeks

Check out Hazel's jack-o-lantern grin! 

Pumpkin Pizza 

Hazel and Eliza designed and carved their own pumpkins.

Cheerleader

Minnie Mouse

Rapunzel and Pascal

Tiny Quarterback!

On Halloween, Michael had class for his Doctorate from 9 to 5, but he still took these sweeties out Trick-or-Treating once he got home. Best Dad ever! 

Lovey Fall

We are enjoying the most beautiful fall this year! I say "are" not "were" because even though it's the middle of November it still feels like fall and not winter yet. It's been unseasonably warm and we've loved it! We've spent mornings out playing in the sand box, raked some leaves, and prepared part of our backyard for a bigger garden for next year. One Monday evening we went to the High Bridge and took some family photos for FHE. 

Playing in the sandbox.

Orson love to be outside! 

Hazel - 6

Eliza monkey - 4

Lenora - 21 months

Orson - 2 1/2 weeks

 Yay for a wonderful fall!

Family of Six!

I called the girls out of school the day Orson was born and Kelli brought them to the hospital to meet him about noon. Hazel and Eliza were so excited to have him here. Lenora was more interested in eating Michael's lunch haha.

Eliza and Orson already have such a special bond. She would talk to him frequently in my belly so I'm not surprised they are so close. She frequently asks to hold Orson at home. Often she'll sit for 20 or even 30 minutes and just hold him. She can get him to fall asleep just by talking to him. I've loved seeing the special relationship they have.

Hazel is thrilled to have a brother! She absolutely adores Orson. She even saved up her "pride points" at school to earn show and tell just so she could show him off to her class. It was precious. Hazel has been an awesome helper! She really makes things flow more smoothly and some days I know I couldn't do it without her.

Of course Lenora wasn't so sure what to think of her brother at first. But she has quickly warmed up to him. The first few days at home any time she heard him cry she'd perk up and start saying "Mom, baby crying!" She also has the most adorable way of saying his name. 

It was great to have a visit from my girls. Kelli and Steve took such great care of them that first day and totally spoiled them!

Orson and I had to stay in the hospital for a full 48 hours so he could be monitored due to my group B strep. I would have preferred to go home sooner, but it was a nice chance to relax and sleep. Michael brought the girls back for another visit Tuesday then Wednesday morning we headed home.

Michael picked out Orson's coming home outfit. He looks like such a little man - I love it!