Ridenour Ranch: April 2013

Happy fourth birthday Jude!!! I wrote this in your prayer journal tonight, but I thought I would share it here too! (P.S. photos of the visit from Sarai and Minette and my adjustment back to work post to come...someday...maybe!)

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Today is your fourth birthday Jude! I can't believe how fast time goes by- and that you have a little brother and sister now. I also can't believe that it is snowing outside! School was cancelled today and daddy stayed home too, so we had a great day at home. We started with a birthday donut with a candle and opened presents (helicopter lego, swim gear, and a robot t-shirt outfit). Then you played legos with daddy for the first time (you both loved it!). Lunch was mac and cheese and hot dogs followed by robot cake. In the afternoon you watched Cars 2 and then took a bath to try out your new goggles.

Jude, I want you to know how much your dad and I love you. You have brought us so much joy over the past four years. You are always saying hilarious things and we talk to each other about what we hear you say a lot! You are so fun to listen to. It is amazing to see your personality and see the wheels turning in your head. You learn so much every day! Right now my favorite thing you do is tell me how much you love me and thank me for doing things for you. You will look at me at supper and say so sincerely, "Thank you for making this food mom. I love you mom! I love everything you do!"

You also love to sit on my lap and cuddle. Dad and I pray for you each night. We pray that you stay happy and healthy and for wisdom (and patience) as we raise you! We also pray for the person you are growing up to be and that you will learn to love God.

You are a terrific four year old boy, Judas Maccabeus, and I can't wait to see what this year and all the years after that bring for you.

Love, Mommy

Well, here it is. April 1. The last day of my maternity leave. It is hard to believe that 8 weeks have passed so quickly. Although truth be told I am hoping the next 7 until summer just fly by! Everyone has been asking me if I am ready to go back to work and if the time went by fast (insert 15 minutes to feed Mikey). So now that I have thought about it...no, I'm NOT ready! It is a quarter to five and I haven't even started making the meatloaf for supper and for MOPS tomorrow night. Then there are baths to give, lunches to make, clothes to lay out, a bag to pack for the babysitter, more feeding of the baby, and bedtime. Then there is sleeping which obviously won't be enough before a loud annoying alarm clock (who has also had a lovely vacation) rings in my ear to tell me I have to pry myself out of my warm bed and into the "real world." Aggghhh!!! Not to mention the fact that I have to leave my three beautiful babies ALL DAY! I hope Cora takes a nap yesterday. We took away her binky on Thursday and she didn't nap the first two days. It would be cruel to the babysitter if she isn't napping. Everyone loves Cora and how cute she is. But everyone needs a break from Cora! I hope Mikey takes the bottle well all day and sleeps well and isn't fussy. You never get to make a good first impression twice you know! I hope Jude isn't crabby and doesn't throw a fit and gets along with others. All things I will not be there to check on and know about. ALL DAY! Yes the time went fast. How can my newborn not really be a newborn anymore!?! And why isn't it spring yet (as in it snowed last night!)?!?

I had a great time being home and not worrying about the next day's stress (beyond the kids and maybe an appointment). I could do this full time easy. But alas...no one will pay me!!! Here are a few of the things that went on during the past 8 weeks:

Getting to know my wonderful new son, Michael. He is a complete joy. Such a good baby! He is even sleeping well:) We spent a lot of cuddle time, nursing time, smiling time, bath time, and even started having "talking" time. I held him during the entire movie of LesMiserables (soooo good!) and just thought about how fast (too fast) he will grow.

Playing with Jude and Cora, refereeing Jude and Cora, eating with Jude and Cora, etc. etc. They too are complete joys to be around. Jude continues to amaze me with his insights into life and his vocabulary (fatigue!). He has just caught onto all the letters and sounds and is eager to read! Cora is a handful right now (good thing she is adorable!), but she is also so funny. Her language has improved significantly in the last 8 weeks. It is fun to sit and watch what she will do next. I love her little strut around the house and hearing her pattering little feet running around. Her favorite thing to do right now is color (and the ipad!)

Financial Peace University class each Wednesday in Sioux City with the Pick's

Lots of chiropractor appointments, and other doctor appointments for me and kids

LOTS of laundry!

Many days of sweats wearing and not taking showers until the pm (although let it be known that I DO shower EVERY day!)

Puzzles, trains, coloring, Sesame Street every morning, rest/nap time

Here are some pictures to show more!