one proud mama

Guess who was the first student of the month this year in Mrs. Chalfin's class... 

Miss Molly.

To celebrate we went to the Orange Leaf, a frozen yogurt bar.  It was our first time there, but it won't be our last.  I think they had 12 yogurt flavors and then a ton of toppings.  You help yourself and then pay by the ounce.  yum.

pumpkins

Suzie came into town for a few days this past week and brought pumpkins for the kids. We had a nice visit. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of her with the kids... We spent most of our time shopping and enjoying the weather. It was in the low 80's most of the past week. beautiful. I think Suzie's favorite store while she was here was the 6pm outlet. Zappos outlet store. It's full of the shoes that have been returned. The shoes are marked down slightly from their original price and then it's 50% off the lowest sticker price.  Thursday night was our first trip there Gabe got treated to a new pair of sneakers and Molly got treated with the cutest pair of open toe flats "I love it when my toes can hang out".  Then Friday Drew saw that it was their friends and family weekend, 20% off your total purchase.  Suzie and I had to go back.  When Drew got home from work we left the kids and went back.  (so so nice being there without kids.  I actually got to take my time and look at everything.)  I got treated to a cute pair of Fossil wedges.  Thanks granny!  We spent most of our time texting pictures of sneakers to Kelly.  I'm nursing so we couldn't stay much more than an hour before we had to leave so I could make it home to feed Simon.  Suzie had spent all of her time looking for shoes for Kelly so she decided to go back after dinner to look for shoes in her size.  Drew thinks we're both crazy, but that's only because he's a boy and apparently either men don't do much shopping at Zappos or they don't return as many shoes.  Drew gets one side of half an isle for his shoe size. 

Anyways.... 

Sunday after church we carved pumpkins.

Molly and Gabe have come along way.  This year they loved cleaning out the pumpkins.

 Lincoln was sleeping when we started and woke up angry.  (I think sharing a room with Molly and Gabe is catching up with him.  He does well staying on his bed, but not so well at going right to sleep.)

 Simon didn't help with the carving, but he did look super handsome.

 The final products.  left to right.  mine and Molly's "scary face", Gabe and dad's "Yoda" do you see the rebel alliance symbol glowing on the wall behind it, and lastly Drew's pumpkin I mean Lincoln's ;) "Darth Vader".

the littlest brother

Simon is 1 month

his current stats:

8lbs 4oz

20 inches

perfect

2 weeks

Simon turned 2 weeks today.  It's strange to think that yesterday was his due date...  Here are a couple pictures from today.

He's so little.

Daddy giving him his first bath.  He really liked it until I pulled out the camera.

 All clean.

 These pictures are from last week.  Lincoln loves rubbing Simon's head.  Simon doesn't have much hair, but what little hair he does have on top may be rubbed off.

 

While my mom was here we got to celebrate her 50th birthday  (10/2).  Happy Birthday grandma!

Lincoln's favorite part.  mmm.

Right before my mom left we got a quick picture with all the boys.  My man Gabe LOVES his light saber.  Probably his best birthday present.  I made him a cape a couple days ago.  Now he can really pretend to be Darth Vader.  It's the small things we love.

Molly had school pictures last week.  Sometimes I look at her and I can't believe how grown up she is.

 I was trying to get a picture of Simon's eyes open.  When who snuck up from behind.  You guessed it.  I thought Lincoln's little hand in the background was really sweet.

 

 

baby cocoon

A couple months before Simon was born I made him a little baby cocoon.  It was really easy.  When I was finished I looked at it and thought gee I hope it isn't too small.  Ha.  I had to gather it around the edges so that he wouldn't fall out.  These were taken a few hours after we got home.  I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather.  Look at how perfect he is.  I can't get enough of this little guy. 

Welcome

We were told to be at the hospital at 7am.  We were a little late and then it took a while to find the right elevator and get to get checked in.  At about 8:30 we were put in a room.

 At 9:30 the pitocin was started.  10:10 my water was broken.  shortly after that I got an epidural. (which didn't really work) 12:20 I was pushing.  at 12:32 we welcomed tiny Simon Griffin into our family.  he weighed in at 6lbs. 5oz.  18 1/2 in.  just perfect.

 Thursday night the kids came to meet their new brother.

My mom drove down Wednesday.  I don't think I can put into words how nice it was having her here.  It's the first time she's been here before I've had a baby.  I didn't have to worry about Molly, Gabe or Lincoln.  I didn't have to call in any favors from friends or worry about how long they had been somewhere.  So So grateful. 

 For the first time since Molly Drew stayed the night in the hospital with me.  Not exciting, but it was nice not being alone.

getting ready to come home

 Welcome home Simon!  Look at all the eager little hands reaching out to touch him.  He'll be loved and abused I'm sure, but not intentionally.

so much to do

I had to bring Lincoln to my last doctors appointment.  With him being sick I didn't feel like I could ask anyone to watch him.  I was measuring small so Dr. Walsh said that she wanted me to have an ultra sound at my next appointment just to make sure the baby was growing properly.  Today was the ultra sound day and the baby is smaller than he should be.  The tech said 5lbs 13oz.  Dr Walsh said he looks good, but she wants to be safe and induce me on Thursday.  It's convenient timing.  Drew doesn't teach any classes on Thursday or Friday and Monday and Tuesday the college is closed for fall break.  But for some reason I'm really nervous.  Maybe it's because the basement bedroom isn't done yet.  Lincoln is still in the crib and I have a bunch of baby clothes to wash.  I guess ready or not we'll be a family of 6 on Thursday. And yes I have been saying the whole time that my due date is 10/10, but I'm hoping for the end of September.