4 months old

Preston is 4 months old already!  How the time is flying.  He is a big boy, weighing in at 13 lbs 14 oz and measuring 26 1/2 inches long.  Preston has the most adorable smile.  We all love to make him laugh.  The boys had him going for a while tonight.  It was super cute.  He is pretty mild-mannered.  He does great at night.  He has been waking up once during the night, usually around 2 or 3, but the last several days he has gone all night, until about 5:30.  He's in bed between 6:30 and 7 every night.  It's wonderful.  I'm hoping that trend continues.  He usually wakes up happy.  I often wake up to the sound of him sucking on his hands.  He's not the best napper, but I take what I can get.  He does do well when we're out.  When I know he's tired, if I put him in his car seat and cover him up, he goes to sleep without much fuss.  It's really nice.  I still find myself putting off things that need to be done around the house to sit and play with or just watch Preston.  He is an absolute joy to all of us.  The boys love to talk to him and play with him.  Preston has torticollis, as did Derek.  We're hoping to avoid getting a helmet. His head isn't nearly as flat as Derek's was.  He has been getting physical therapy for almost 2 months to help strengthen and stretch his neck, as well as to help him learn other skills.  He isn't rolling over yet, although he is rolling to his sides now.  He loves chewing on things, especially his burp cloth.  He has been extra fussy the past couple weeks, so he's probably teething.  It would be nice to have something to show for all the pain - hopefully soon.  Preston started eating food about a week ago.  So far he's not really a fan.  We'll keep trying.

Elliott's Activities

Elliott had his first Cub Scout Pack Meeting.  Technically, it was the Blue & Gold Banquet, but there wasn't a banquet.  It was a nice awards ceremony though. Elliott earned his Bobcat.  He enjoys going to Scouts.

Elliott had a great season playing baseball.  His team was the Miami Marlins.  They were a great group of boys and coaches.  There were two main coaches, but there were several dads who helped at all the practices and games.  The coaches were really encouraging and supportive.  Elliott had a lot of fun and learned more about playing his favorite sport.  It was a long season, so I'm happy it's over, but I'm glad Elliott was able to play.

 

Derek's 4th Birthday and other fun events

Derek turned 4 on May 22.  We celebrated in the usual style - dinner at Friendly's and fun at Chuck E Cheese.  Derek continues to bring so much joy into our lives.  He started reading recently and learned so quickly.  He LOVES to read and is so proud of himself for being able to do it.  He also loves singing.  I love to listen to him sing along to the various "Silly Songs" CDs we have in the car as well as Primary songs, even if he is a bit off key.  That just makes it all the more endearing.  :)  In Primary he always knows the answer when they are asked the words to a song.  He is a fast learner.  He is also very bossy.  He likes to make sure things are done the way he thinks they should be done.  Derek also loves to be read to and he gives great hugs.  We love you, Derek.

End of the year Preschool trip to the Lehigh Valley Zoo

Preschool Graduation
Derek had a great year in preschool.  His teachers, Mrs. Kollar and Mrs. Shepard were fabulous.  The end of the year program was really cute.  The kids sang a bunch of fun songs.  My favorite was Peanut Butter and Jelly, which unfortunately, we didn't get a video of.  They also sang a cute skunk song.  Derek was the job boss at school.  He always knew who was in charge of what and made sure everyone did their jobs.

 

Blessing Day

Today was another double-special day.  I had a lovely Mother's Day.  Brent made breakfast for me this morning and the boys gave me lots of cards.  I am so lucky to have 3 super sweet boys and a wonderful husband.  I am also so grateful for an amazing mother who has taught me so much and is such a great example to me, as well as a wonderful mother-in-law.

We also got to bless Preston at church today.  Brent gave him a special blessing and Preston was a perfect angel.  When he was finished, Brent said Preston was super smiley.  We missed having our families here today, but know they wished they could have been here. 

Who's Who?

Pictures of all the boys around 2 months. Can you tell who is who?

April Happenings

Spring is here and we are busy!

Elliott received his red belt in karate last Friday!


Little Slugger

Derek is learning to read and loves reading books to me. He loves playing with his "girlfriend", Elle, when he goes to Elliott's baseball practices/games. They are so cute and have so much fun together.

Preston is 2 months old! Where is the time going? He weighed in at 12 lbs 1 oz (50th%) and is 24 1/4 inches (95th%)! He is so big already.

Last Saturday, Air Products sponsored a free day at the America on Wheels Museum. It was fun to see all the cars. They have a display of cars from movies, such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the original Muppets movie, Austin Powers, and others. I thought the old electric and steam engine cars were pretty cool. It was a fun start to a busy Saturday - museum, baseball game, movie - Brent and I finally got to see Hunger Games while the boys played with friends.

The First Weeks (repost)

I suppose it's about time for an update. Preston is already 7 weeks old! I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone. He was 10 pounds even at his 1 month checkup. It's amazing how much he has changed in such a short time. To me I saw more of Derek in him when we was first born, but now I think he looks a lot like Elliott. There are times I still see the Walker side though, so he's definitely a good family mix. He has started smiling, which is so fun to watch. I have to admit, I spend a lot of time just watching Preston. I put a lot of other things on hold - like blogging and cleaning. But I only have this time once, so I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts. Preston is a sweet baby. He is sleeping well at night, but he doesn't like to nap alone during the day. Occasionally he'll get a decent nap, but usually it's just cat naps. Elliott and Derek love to pat him, give him kisses, and hold him (for about 10 seconds). Preston definitely gets lots of love.

I am so thankful for many wonderful friends who have done so much for us these first weeks, from meals to clothes to watching the boys. I have been spoiled by not having to cook almost at all for since Preston was born. Now it's time to get back into the swing of things. Life with 3 boys is keeping me busy. I feel like Preston just lives in his car seat some days. Between school, karate, baseball, and scouts, Elliott (and therefore I) always have somewhere to be. We are all adjusting well. If only I weren't always so tired...

Week 1

Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

Week 5

(I guess there was a week without pictures)
Week 7
Week 8