Wordless Wednesday - 1 Timothy 4:12

Homeschool Assignment Sheets

I've been wracking my brain for a good way to organize all of the older kids' homeschool assignments.  I needed a way to write down their assignments for the week for each subject, which was easy enough, but I also wanted a way to document that each assignment had been completed, checked, and reviewed.  On top of that, I also have been having trouble keeping track of the other work that the kids do - work on the computer, as well as work that requires one-on-one time with me.  I felt like I was trying to juggle too many things mentally. So (with some inspiration from the planners at DonnaYoung.org), I finally came up with an assignment sheet that meets my needs!  Here's a peek!
Assignment Sheets 2011-2012

At first glance, it's pretty basic, but I wanted to explain a few things.  First, the letters and squares at the bottom of each column.  At our house, the kids do some of their work independently, then I check it, but Michael is the one who reviews it with them in the evenings.  We were having trouble keeping track of if the work had been checked and/or reviewed, and that was making things a little chaotic.  So, at the bottom of their independent work assignment squares, there are 3 check boxes:

• The first "C" is the checkbox the kids mark when they've completed the work.  
• The next "C" is the box I check when I've finished checking their work.  
• Finally, the "R" box is what Michael uses to mark that he's reviewed that assignment with the kids. 

The work that doesn't require checking or reviewing (computer work, or work that they're doing with me directly) just has one check box for "completed". It might sound complicated, but it's really not (it just takes a lot of words to explain!).

I also love having ALL of their work listed out in front of me, so I can keep better track of what's getting done each day. It definitely keeps our routine running smoothly, instead of me always wracking my brain trying to figure out who's supposed to be doing what on the computer, or which lesson I'm doing with whichever child in Spelling, and so on... you get the picture!  My brain can only handle so much overload!

Since this is an Excel spreadsheet, I can either enter in their assignments on the computer and print it out, or, I've left enough room to print it out blank and write in the assignments by hand.  I actually prefer doing it by hand and in pencil, in case adjustments need to be made!

Thankfully, I'm not in a state that requires strict documentation of each lesson and day's work, but even so, I think I will keep these on hand for "just in case"... and also to be able to look back and see where we've been and what we've accomplished over the year!

I am, admittedly, a little bit of a spreadsheet nerd.  I've always loved them!  But it really is so helpful!  Feel free to copy this for your own homeschool use, if you'd like! :-)

A Song for Saturday

The more songs I hear by Tenth Avenue North, the more I really like their music.  I posted my favorite song of theirs a while back, but this one is a close second in my book!  Enjoy and be blessed.

7 Quick Takes Friday - Volume 7

Remember that "my-baby-is-4-months-old-supermom" feeling I mentioned in an earlier Quick Takes, a few weeks ago?  Yes, laugh heartily along with me as we reminisce about all of my goals and excitement.  It didn't last very long.  Go figure!  Well, actually, I've been doing OK in getting up early and exercising, but that whole 31 Days to Clean challenge I was attempting?  I am still on Day 1.  I have read several days worth of challenges, but that's not actually miraculously making my house cleaner.  I wonder why?  And the Good Morning Girls "Ministry of Motherhood Bookclub" readings... well, let's just say they're now on Week 6.  I, however, am just starting Week 4.  So, there you have it!  Hopefully my earlier enthusiasm was an encouragement to someone, and my "back to reality wake up call" can be an encouragement, too.  Either you're in the same boat as me and we're happy that we're not alone, or you're doing better than I am and can feel happy about that fact! ;-)  I just consider myself taking more of the "slow and steady" route, and I'm OK with that.

Speaking of exercise, I've been at it for almost 3 full weeks now!  I've been alternating 3 days of run/walking on the treadmill with 3 days of a strength training video.  Aaaaannnnddd...  I've gained 4 pounds.  Yep!  Yes, yes, I know "muscle weighs more than fat" blah blah blah... but seriously?  There's no way I've gained 4 pounds of muscle in 3 weeks.  I can't even imagine that to be true.  But, honestly... the numbers on the scale aren't my main focus, really.  I want to feel better in my clothing, have more energy, and overall just feel better... and so far... well, the last one is true.  I am feeling better in general.  My energy level hasn't sky rocketed, but that probably has more to do with getting up so crazy early (anywhere from 5-5:30 am) and going to bed way too late (usually between 11 pm - midnight).  But I do love being active and feeling fit enough to BE active, so I'm really glad I've gotten back into a good routine of exercise.

Oh, and I wanted to give a little suggestion for other breastfeeding moms who exercise.  If you've ever tried to nurse in a regular sports bra, you know the amazing skill of acrobatics it can require (especially if you happen to sweat a lot, don't ask me how I know), as well as the overall discomfort it causes.  Well, I have found the perfect sports bra for nursing moms!  It is the Fiona Bra by Moving Comfort.  It is designed to support "fuller figured" women (which often comes with the territory when nursing), closes with hooks in the back (no more over the head wrestling) and also (this is the best part!) has straps that adjust in the front with velcro!  So it acts just like a nursing bra!  They are truly the perfect sports bra.  Another nice thing is that there are several other sports bras made for full-figured women by Moving Comfort that have the same design!  So whatever style or size you need, you an probably find one that suits you!  I do suggest looking around online for a good price - I found several on amazon.com as well as Sierra Trading Post that were about half the suggested retail price.  (Disclaimer:  I get no reimbursement whatsoever for this recommendation - I'm just passing along the tip!)

Isaac, my oldest, just turned 10.5 this month.  I've always made it a point to measure each of the boys on their birthdays as well as their half-birthdays, so that I have a record of growth for every six months.  Well, in the past 6 months since he turned 10, Isaac has been very busy - growing!  He sprouted up 2 whole inches in just 6 months!  That's the biggest growth spurt on the growth chart by far, so far.  I know there are more to come, but it really took me by surprise!  He's just 4 inches shorter than me now!  It's so strange to me when I look at him and get glimpses of how he's changing.  The time has gone by so fast, and sometimes I feel like I am totally, completely unprepared for what the future might hold!  Boy, am I thankful the Lord holds it all in His hands and His wisdom, and will give us all that we need!  Here's my half-grown boy as of late:

This is one picture where he really looks "different" to me - a glimpse of the man he will become!

This makes me think of the lanky teenager he'll soon be, with arms and legs everywhere!  Yikes!

I didn't post about it earlier, but for Mother's Day this year, I got a Kindle!  Woo-hoo!  However, I was a tad disappointed to discover that Kindle books are not all that less expensive than a regular book! :-/  Thankfully, I ran across a blog called "Family Friendly Reads" which lists all of the really inexpensive or FREE Kindle books available.  I check it daily and have gotten some really good books through this site, so I wanted to pass it along to others!

Another great resource I wanted to share with y'all is the Homeschool Buyer's Co-op.  This site is awesome for finding really, really good deals on all kinds of curriculum and homeschool-related things.  I've been able to save almost $100 in just two purchases so far!  They also have lots of free things, so definitely check them out!

Homeschooling's #1 Way to Save

Speaking of school, we finally have a reasonable end in sight for this years' curriculum!  We tend to do more of a year-round type schedule, so most of our "summer break" was taken right after Rachel's birth, but it looks like we'll have a few weeks to enjoy during the actual summer, as well.  We are about to dive into Week 29 of Core D - only 7 weeks left!  The big kids have about 10 weeks left of their independent work subjects (Math, English, etc), and the littles have only 5 weeks left of Sonlight's P 4/5!  Oh, and Joel (6) is only 15 lessons away from finishing off "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".  We took some breaks from it over the past year, so it seems like it has taken forever to get through it, but the pace has been perfect for Joel.  He recently made the realization that he actually CAN read, and is eager to try reading everything he sees now!  I love when that finally clicks!

I could have actually done a few more points, but then this wouldn't fit into the "7" Quick Takes theme, would it?  So I'll just have to keep you all in suspense and wait until next week. ;-)  Have a blessed weekend!

WFMW - Quick, Easy, Healthy and Yummy!

I don't do a lot of posts about meals and cooking, because it's not exactly my strong suit.  I am always juggling trying to find meals that are easy and quick to prepare, but also healthy and taste good, too.  So when I ran across this recipe (courtesy of e-mealz), I was excited.  When I served it up and EVERYONE in my family enjoyed it, I was thrilled!  It is now one of our top go-to recipes for dinner, lunch, or even a quick snack!

Our newest favorite meal is Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps!

Here are the ingredients required:

Yep, just three things - a Caesar Salad kit, chicken, and whole wheat tortillas!

(A few notes: My husband vastly prefers home-cooked cubed chicken breast to the canned stuff.  Sometimes I provide that for him, other times, when I am not so well prepared, we use the canned chicken breast instead. Also, if I knew how to make homemade tortillas, I would.  But I don't, so we go with store-bought.  Both of these choices also help to make the meal "quick", of course, but subtract slightly from the healthy aspect of it... but not too much!)

The prep is super, super simple.  As in, a child can easily do it for his siblings (hint, hint!).  Simply combine the salad kit (but not the croutons! Save those for a crunchy snack later!), add chicken breast (if using canned, be sure to drain it first, of course!), and combine well.  Serve into the center of the tortillas, roll up like a wrap, and cut in half.  For a little more fun, stick a toothpick into each half - for some reason, my kids love when I do that!

One large salad kit and two chicken breasts (or two cans of chicken), plus an 8-pack or tortillas is enough to satisfy my crew - but with no leftovers!  Which isn't necessarily a bad thing!

I have two children in my family are who particularly picky - as in, only eating a few select fruits or veggies... and even they gobble these wraps down!  That makes this a miracle meal in our house!  Add to it the fact that it is so easy to make, and healthy, too... Super Bonus Points!  Oh, and I also love that no cooking is necessary, which makes it an awesome choice for summer menus.  As you can tell, this is one of my favorite meals to serve!

So, for a quick, easy, healthy, and (best of all) yummy meal, these Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps work for me!  Check out other WFMW posts at We Are That Family!

Moby Wrap Giveaway!

'Tis the season for baby carrier giveaways, so it seems!  Raising Homemakers is having a giveaway for a Moby Wrap!

Back when I wrote my post about loving Babywearing so much, I had not yet tried a wrap.  I kept hearing about how awesome they are, but was really hesitant to try one, because they looked a little complicated.  However, after being able to see several friends "in real life" demonstrate their use (and marvel at how fast their littles fell asleep in them!), I was convinced!

A sweet friend loaned me a Moby Wrap to try, and then surprised me by saying it was mine to keep!  So Rachel spent her infant carrying days snuggled up next to me in the Moby.  It was bliss, for both of us!  It took a slight learning period, but once I got the wrapping thing figured out, the Moby quickly became my second favorite baby carrier (second to the Ergo, of course).  For the infant stage, it is definitely my top favorite!  It is better balanced than a sling or a pouch, and so soft and snuggly!

This is the only picture I have of Rachel in the Moby - see her little head peeking out?  She's sound asleep!

I did find that the Moby got harder to use as she gained weight, because of it's stretchy material. After doing more research, I found that woven wraps are not as stretchy, and can even be worn on the back with babies and toddlers!  Another generous friend has loaned me one of her beautiful wraps (be sure to see the great wrapping pictures she has on her blog!), which is the pink one I've modeled recently.  Woven wraps are more expensive than a Moby, but also more versatile.

Either way, wrapping is now one of my favorite methods of babywearing!  I consider a Moby an excellent baby shower gift - not *too* expensive, and soooo wonderful for newborns!  If you've never tried one, or know a mama who might need or want one - definitely enter the giveaway over at Raising Homemakers!  The giveaway closes June 20, so you'll have to hurry!

Ergo Baby Carrier Giveaway!

I've gushed before about how much I absolutely LOVE my Ergo Carrier!  It is seriously one of the few baby items I consider a "must-have" for mamas.  So I was more than excited to see that Dee from Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House is holding a giveaway for an Ergo Carrier!  She's got lots of ways to enter, so now's the chance to try to win one!  Don't pass this up!

Just to demonstrate the versatility, here's one of my favorite pictures (it's from last year) It's Isaac, age 9, wearing Judah, 14 months, in the Ergo.  They loved "hanging out" together like this, and Isaac is already asking when he can wear Rachel!  I love that the Ergo can be used easily, comfortably, and safely by more than just ME!  No one else in my house is brave enough to try a wrap or a sling! ;-)

Be sure to head over to Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House, to enter!  It ends on the 27th, so there's lots of time!  She's got lots of other great giveaways going on, too!

A Song for Saturday

This song is so beautiful, and really touches me with it's truth.

7 Quick Takes Friday - Volume 6

I'm excited to announce that I've been chosen to be apart of the 2011-2012 TOS Homeschool Crew!  Last year, as my first year on the Crew, I'll admit I felt a little frazzled by figuring out how to balance our school year while including the curricula we reviewed, how to be properly prepared for writing up reviews, even how to blog about regular life amidst all of the reviews, and so on.  This year, I'm feeling like I have a much better idea of what to expect, AND what's expected of me.  I'm really looking forward to sharing some more awesome homeschool products with y'all!

This week began my first week of exercising since Rachel's birth.  Since I didn't really exercise at all during my pregnancy with her (bad! very bad!), it's really my first week of exercise in... a YEAR!!  That's a lonnnnggg time for a body to be not-so-active!  I've upped my wake-up time to 5:30 (ish) so I have time to work out, shower, and still have some quiet time before real life starts.  Rachel has been helping me in that regard as all week she's woken up around 5 to nurse (thank you for that, Rachel).  I'm alternating strength training with walking/running.  I'm not following the Couch to 5K program, but a similar one that incorporates walking and running until I'm able to run 3-4 miles consecutively.  I'm looking forward to being in "not tired and flabby" shape soon!

It's growing season at our house!  We're growing lots and lots of tomatoes, we've got some radishes, a watermelon vine, and even a cantaloupe!  In just two weeks, our plants have gone from this:

  

To this:

And there are flowers blooming everywhere!  And where there's flowers... there will be fruit!  I'm so excited!

We are back to using cloth diapers full-time.  With Rachel, in the beginning, I kind of waffled about using cloth.  I had lost the love.  So I used disposables for a while, and then after dealing with leak, after leak, after leak... I ran back to my beloved and dependable cloth!  I still have some disposables on hand for "just in case", but I'm even using cloth at nighttime.  In disposables, she was waking up several times a night, soaked from diaper leaks.  In cloth, she stays dry, her clothes stay dry, and she sleeps a lot longer.  I'm using prefolds in Thirsties covers during the day, and FuzziBunz for outings and nighttimes, because of the stay-dry fleece.  Another bonus, of course, is the cuteness factors of cloth! They're like their own little fashion accessories!  ;-) 

Two of my favorite retailers for all things cloth diapering are Abby's Lane and Little Lions.  Abby's Lane has awesome customer service and free shipping on all orders, and Little Lions has awesome sale prices on all of their things (you have "add to cart" to see the sales prices, but they can't be beat!), and happens to be owned by a friend of mine (hi, Gina! *waving*)... so check them out!

I want to take a second to get real .  I struggle sometimes with my "blog identity".  I want to be honest and forthcoming, not painting a false picture of some imaginary perfect family who is always smiling and accomplishing all their goals and never struggling with things. However, I don't tend to post too much about struggles or problems because, either, 1. they're too personal, or 2. I want my blog to be an encouragement to others, not a downer.  However, I have realized more and more recently that I find the most encouragement from those who are "real" and do share their struggles and problems.  So I've been thinking a lot about the voice I use on my blog, the portrait I paint, as well as the light in which I display my family. 

Let me just let my hair down for a moment.  We are real.  We struggle!  I have awarded myself the "most horrible mom of the entire existence since Creation" award many a night once I've wrangled all of the hooligans to bed.  I lose my temper.  I am not a very good housekeeper. Michael and I argue at times. Sometimes we're just disconnected and disjointed.  The kids bicker, disobey, and make lots of noise and lots of messes.

I fail ALL.the.time. This journey of marriage and mothering is sometimes the hardest challenge I've ever faced.  I am grateful beyond words that God's grace is sufficient - not only for me, but for my husband and children, too, as we stumble through this thing called life together.  He is my source of strength - I am weak and helpless in my own flesh.  I am a regular woman and mom, with regular kids and a husband, serving a really, really awesome God.

So, just in case it ever comes across as though we have it all together, or that I'm pretending all is perfect, please know that it is not my intent!  We have our ups and downs, just as anybody does.

I know I've mentioned before that we like to run together as a family, but I realized that there's a more prominent activity that the majority of our family participates in together that I've never mentioned - Disc Golf!  Michael has been an avid disc golf player for years, and each boy has learned how to throw a disc from about the time they start walking.  Isaac and Ezra just completed their first Disc Golf league, with Ezra placing first and Isaac second.  They're really excited about their award plaques!

  

Disc Golf an excellent family sport because anyone of any age and fitness ability can play - you just have to be able to walk the course and throw the discs.  And it's inexpensive!  When the kids are small, Michael pushes them in our jogging stroller and they just toss around small marker discs or frisbees, but as soon as they're big enough to walk the distance (just like regular golf, there are 18 holes), they're able to join in the fun!  We even have a practice basket in our yard.  I'm the only one who doesn't actually play, but on occasion I will go and walk the course with everyone.  Most of the time while they're out playing, I stay home to get some much needed quiet time and chores done.

For the first time in 6 children, we have a painted and decorated nursery!  I know, it's probably terrible that we never went to such lengths for the boys and now that we have a girl, suddenly it matters!  Hopefully it won't scar the boys for life.  It's nothing too fancy, but I thought I'd share some pictures anyway:

Have a great weekend!

She Wears Skirts

I'm joining in with Amy at Raising Arrows and Caroline from The Modest Mom as they conclude a series they've done all about wearing skirts (entitled, appropriately, "She Wears Skirts"). The series has been great - talking about why one might choose to wear skirts more often, how to accessorize, how it can be done frugally, how it can be done while pregnant and breastfeeding, even how to do it during various seasons! There are so many topics they've covered, and they've all been fun and interesting to read.

For their final post for "She Wears Skirts", they've offered a link-up for others to share some pictures of... well, skirt wearing! Since I tend to wear skirts, probably 95% of the time, I thought I'd join in!

First, I want to give a little background behind why I wear skirts so often. I wouldn't say it's a conviction, necessarily, because I don't believe there's anything wrong with a woman wearing pants. Skirts and pants alike can be either modest or immodest, depending on various factors, so when the Bible speaks of a woman being adorned modestly, I don't personally interpret that to mean "skirts only".

However, here's my background - I was a complete tomboy as a child/young woman. On top of that, I was also very feministic in my thinking (that may not be a word, but I think it can be understood what I mean!). I often felt very awkward in my female skin and rarely wore skirts or dresses. My main attire was short shorts, blue jeans, baggy sweats or exercise clothes.

Fast forward to becoming a wife, and then a mommy - to one boy, then another, then another... I started to become more comfortable in my calling as a woman. I started to desire to be more feminine! I was surrounded with masculinity and wanted to be the softer, gentler one of the family. I clearly remember an evening when I was standing in the yard with my husband while we watched the boys playing, and saying to him "I think I'd like to wear skirts more often. Would that be weird?" and he said "No! That would be great!"

And so I slowly started building my wardrobe of skirts. I remember so well the first time I ventured out in a nice, long skirt (one of my husband's favorites, which has sadly worn out due to many years of wearing!)... and a man held the door open for me at the store! That had never, ever happened to me before! Coincidence? Perhaps... but I have found over the years that I've been wearing skirts more regularly that men actually do take notice - not in the way that they take notice of short, barely-there type skirts and shorts, but take notice in a way that causes them to treat me more... like a lady! Fascinating, really, that a feminine-looking woman can bring out the chivalry in a man! (That, of course, is not the reason I wear skirts, but it has certainly been an interesting observation)

So for me, wearing skirts is a way to feel more feminine, and to remind me of my femininity. Just dressing the part doesn't naturally make one more lady-like, but it can help serve as a reminder of my role and calling, and that God has created me distinctly female, with gifts directly related to that aspect of who I am. So! That is why I prefer to wear skirts.

Now, on to the pictures! These were not all taken this week, this month, or even this year - it's actually hard to find pictures of me, since I'm usually the one taking the pictures. But I was able to get some volunteers to help me for a couple shots this week, and the rest are examples of my basic skirt wardrobe, which hasn't changed much over the years.
I try to keep things pretty simple - sticking with basic, solid colors, or color themes that match my wardrobe. I like earth tones, so there's a lot of tans, browns, blacks, olive green, with some brighter pinks and blues thrown in, too.

It took me a while to get up a good collection of skirts. I was really blessed to discover a local thrift store that offers 1/2 off coupons every so often, which happens to have a very nice selection of skirts. My first visit there I was able to get 8 skirts for less than $30! That made my collection quite complete, and I haven't needed to shop since!

Michael calls this my "homeschool mom" skirt, because, well, it's denim!

I'll admit, most of my skirts are elastic-waisted. I know, I know! But since I am always in the pregnant-nursing-gaining weight-losing weight cycle, it's just more practical to have skirts that can adjust with my body, instead of having to have skirts for each phase. However, I tend to wear pants when I start to get really big pregnant, just because elastic can only stretch so far! Here are two of my maternity skirts:

The day Judah was born!

That's Rachel in there!

Speaking of skirts and pregnancy, did you know there are "labor skirts"?  I actually wore one during Rachel's birth, in the birth pool!  I *loved* how it helped me to stay modest and comfortable, even during delivery!

I think this is officially the most pictures of myself ever on this blog!  Now if you run into me at the store, you'll have to say hi, because you'll definitely recognize me.  I'm the one wearing a skirt, with all the kids! ;-)

Be sure to hop over to Raising Arrows to join in the She Wears Skirts fun!

7 Quick Takes Friday - Volume 5

I am participating in Inspired to Action's "Hello Mornings" Challenge! I had a goal of wanting to get back into getting up earlier, fitting in time for getting in the Word and exercising, but was struggling with motivation. The Hello Mornings Challenge has been great, because everyone participating is a part of a small, sub-divided facebook groups (based on our location and desired wake-up time) which we check in with every morning. At first I was hesitant, I figured I could just do it on my own, but I've been surprised by discovering I really appreciate the accountability and encouragement my group offers! So far, I've been getting up between 6-6:30 every morning (well... most every morning) and spending time in the Word. Exercise will be added to the list... hopefully, next week?

I'm currently working my way through the "Ministry of Motherhood Book Club" from Good Morning Girls. I'm not on track with the actual group, but I am working my way through the scriptures, following the "SOAP" plan, and reading through The Ministry of Motherhood. Sally Clarkson's books and blog are incredible! I haven't read one yet that hasn't encouraged me in this beautiful calling the Lord has given me as mother. I'm enjoying the focused time I spend each day on a specific passage - journaling about it has really helped me get deeper into it. I've found that I am so often thirsting for the Lord's perspective without realizing it - and then when I am in His Word, I find such refreshment, and think "Why don't I do this more?". So I am thankful to have a small plan to help me incorporate His Word into my day (and my heart!) even more.

I'm also starting the book, 31 Days to Clean. I have a desire to get my house in better shape, and I am undisciplined about it! This book not only breaks cleaning down into managable steps (just one challenge a day), but also addresses the spiritual issues that are behind things like laziness, the desire to keep clutter, and gets to the heart of the matter. Can I admit that I'm a little scared to start? Change is hard, and just from reading over some pages, I know this book is going to really challenge me! But I know it is needed, and will be good, so I'm excited, too.

It's official - he is smitten! Rachel officially has Michael wrapped around her finger. He's never been a "baby" man - yes, the father of 6 children is actually a bit afraid of infants! In all of the children before Rachel, he's been really hands-off during the infant stage. Of course, if I were needing him to, he would hold a baby, but it had to be a pretty dire need ;-) But Rachel has stolen his heart, and he has to get some snuggle time in with her everyday. He actually asks for it! I think it's the cutest thing!

It is HOT! Hot, hot hot! Spring was beautiful, as always in the South, but short-lived. It's been in the 90s for the past two weeks and there is no break in sight! Michael and I have had our 12th annual Air Conditioning war (he likes to see how long we can go without turning it on. Then, I try to see how long I can go without killing someone. I don't handle too much heat very gracefully!) and have settled on a moderate 80 degrees setting for the thermostat. However, because our house is old and poorly insulated, it can still creep up to 85 or 86. But the cool air circulating makes all the difference!

I thought this video was funny! Maybe it's because the more I homeschool the more I believe in the "better late than early" principle - so I get the sarcasm. Michael, on the other hand, thought it was boring and silly. Either way, the baby is really cute!

You didn't really think I'd do a whole post without an update on Miss Rachel did you? She is now 4 months old! She's a chunky monkey - she weighed 14 pounds, 8 ounces, a week before her 4-month mark, so she's close to 15 pounds by now! She's rolling from her tummy to her back, but only in her sleep - anytime I try to see her do it, she doesn't. Yet!

The 4-month mark always amazes me. I consider it the "magic number" - 4 months is when they really start coming out of their shell. Their sleep gets a little more organized, any colic and fussiness tends to fade away (we can ride in the car without screaming now!), they start hitting milestones and really taking off in physical development. It also tends to be when I start feeling "back to normal" somewhat - more rested, more organized, less hormonal... (I guess that's why half this post has been about my recent goals - I've got the 4-month "superwoman" high! Reality will set in quickly, though, probably once I start exercising!)

Anyway, here's some pictures, of course:

(Have you ever seen such arm rolls? Her legs are just the same!)

She is always smiley! What a joy!