Chew the potatoes

Who needs to chew pureed sweet potatoes? (Turn volume down if you don't want to hear random Star Wars book in background read by you know who).

 

Excuse Me

I love this video. I shared it with so many already. But my boys ask to watch it over and over and over again. I truly was trying to capture Crosby hugging his monkey. And I accomplished that. But in the meantime I caught him being a boy, a man and a clown. Hughie LOVED it, as you'll hear his laughter in the background. (Turn up the volume and listen closely around 30 seconds in)

Eli "rocks" it

Eli has a rock wall at school, but it is a horizontal one.  It doesn't go up high, but instead kids are encouraged to climb from left to right-all the way across the gym.  He loves it.  He makes it to different "levels" or distances and challenges his little monkey body.  This weekend we went to a fun pizza place that had a much taller rock climbing wall where he got to wear a harness and climb.  He raced his older cousin Gabe and gave him run for his money.  Go Eli!!!

Hugh Lou is 4

Dear Hugh Lou,

I can't believe you are four.  In the last few weeks you seem like such a mature kid to me.  There is hardly any baby left over in you at all.

I know I've said it a zillion times but I still can't believe I have a blonde kiddo.  That's you! Such a surprise.
So you wanna know a few things about you?
-You are great at counting and can write your name and identify all of  your ABC's
-You wake up asking for "a snack and a show".  Your favorite snack is raisins, cheesey crackers and dry cereal.
-You go to bed asking for book after book after book
-You are just starting to learn to swim.  Swim lessons have been a challenge.  One of the two teachers works with you extra hard each class.  The water is so cold and you are worried someone will drop you.  But after a few weeks you are doing better and better and are so proud of yourself.
-We have stopped your nap.  I make you take a rest period and usually you nap on Wednesdays in the middle of the week.  This has solved our bedtime drama that was lasting 1-2 hours each night.  I am so proud of you, being able to rest and calm your body.
-You are a creature of habit.  You remember how we did it and there is no veering off that path with you.  You also like control and strive for everyone to be listening to you.  At meals hardly anyone else can get a word in edgewise.
-You have one main favorite thing in the whole world: E-Y.  (Eli)
-You do like to check where Crosby is.  One thing that makes me smile each day is when we are riding in the van and you have to check if Eli is in the car.  "Ey-are you in here?"  His seat is behind you now so you can't tell if big bro is riding along or not.


You had a small party after Crosby's baptism.  I think it was perfect for you.  You guys built (mostly Star Wars) Lego guys to put on your cake, played star wars bean bag toss and a Star Wars version of Pin the tail on the donkey.  The "photo booth" for the Lego guy turned out different than I pictured but it's awesome-here is what everyone made at your party!

What will this year bring you Hugh Lou? I want to re-word that question--what will this year bring US Hugh Lou?  I changed the wording because I am so scared about how quickly you are growing up.  Every mom says it and it's always true.  I want to still share so much with you.  I love all your independence (like being able to buckle yourself in your car seat!) but I still want you to rely on me as your mama.   Being your mom is one of the greatest responsibilities I will ever take on in my life.  I am excited for you to ride your bike, go to 4K, be a big brother, learn to read and eat a zillion treats this next year.  I want to read you a million stories, hear about your dreams, your fears and brush your wild hair.  I hope you tell me what you ate for lunch at Brenda's house, who your friends are, what made you sad each day and how excited you are for the cottage.  Let's work together to always stay calm (you remind me and I'll remind you!), let's set a goal to laugh together every day and never, ever stop giving hugs and kisses.  happy birthday my main man --> Hughie. 
Love you--
Mama

Hugh's 4 year old interview

Hugh turns 4 tomorrow.  Holy Moly!!
More to come on his big day and his little party, but wanted to post this on time!!

Crosby eats!

We waited a long time to feed Mr. Cros.  As a mom who solely breast feeds, it's hard on my heart.  A new milestone-exciting-yes!  But up until now, everything that he is-is ALL from Andy and me.  Once he was born--all of his growth came directly from me.  Everything that is responsible for his kidneys, liver and brain functioning due to adequate nutrition was from ME.  It's hard to introduce something new to him when I think about it that way.  The recommendation to start feeding your baby between 4-6 months (from most pediatricians) really is just that- a recommendation.  I firmly believe that every family makes the choice of when and how to feed their child that is best for them and their little one.  Some research is pointing that earlier feeding is related to increase in allergies.  I know Celiac isn't a true allergy, but it was another reason I let add up on my heart on way to wait. I don't think I need to defend why we waited until almost 6 months to the day to start feeding our little Crossy-cros.  We just did.
Here he is. Star of the show.  Big boys in the background enjoying it too.

Crosby Paul is Baptized

Date: 2/6/16
4 pm mass
You were the only one baptized at that mass!!!

Your Godparents: Aunt Julie, Aunt Monica, Aunt Nici  (The "Trifecta" as we like to call it).

Attended: Grandma and Grandpa Roeder, Grandma and Grandpa Schneider, Mom, Dad, Eli, Hugh, Aunt Julie, Uncle Jer, Adelia, Gabe, Elliott, Aunt Monica (boyfriend Josh), Aunt Nici, Uncle Issac and Peggy, Lily and Connor.

You wore the same outfit as your brothers and you were an angel during church.  When the priest poured the water over your head you spread your arms straight out (like an airplane) and just let it happen.

Afterwards everyone came over to our house for dinner.  We also celebrated Hugh's 4th birthday during this time.  We had cake and a gf cookie cake that was in the shape of a C!  You were passed around to everyone and never made a fuss.

Congratulations Crosby Paul.