JMC

No, it's not his birthday yet, but JMC has really been growing lately. He has a great imagination, daily deciding if he is a "minja" (it's his way of saying ninja), Superman, Robin (JT is usually Batman), or some other fun character. He also talks about Rana Verde Grande as if she were real. For example, it's often her fault for keeping him awake at night. :)  He is gaining a voice of his own and doesn't let his older siblings boss him around (as much), and is also very protective of JL. Despite all of this growing up, he still enjoys hugs & cuddles, and my kisses still heal his bumps & bruises. I know it won't last for much longer, so I'm really trying to enjoy this time.

Similar to Rana Verde Grande (Big Green Frog), so named because he had a small toy frog at one point.

"Es arte." (It's art.)

The full effect :)

Relaxing with Papi watching sports on TV.

Happy to help choose a winner in a Lilla Rose giveaway I did

Easter weekend

We spent Easter weekend at Grandma & Grandpa's because it coincided with the soccer game JT & Papi had tickets for. It was a fun weekend, with lots of activity. Papi and Uncle A. played golf, all the girls went to a craft exchange, and we celebrated Easter. Plus, there was birthday fun for JT.

JT Turns 7!

JT had his 7th birthday last week! We celebrated as a family and then went to Grandma & Grandpa's house for the weekend. JT thought it was special to have a birthday weekend. We had birthday pancakes, gifts,  Chuck E. Cheese, and cake on his birthday. Then, the next day we had his birthday dinner (GF spaghetti & meatballs), and then the following day was the soccer game.

1st gift - tickets to a Chicago Fire game

2nd gift - his own Bible

Papi sorting tokens for equitable distribution. :)

JL enjoyed Chuck E. Cheese, too. 

This game was a hit - automatic water guns that you aim at a target.

JMC & Papi

JMC & Papi (Papi worked the pedals, and helped JMC with the steering wheel)

JA could steer by herself, but I worked the gas pedal for her.

JMC didn't like skee ball too much

JT loved it though! 

 At the Chicago Fire game!

JT & Papi went to the game.

Birthday pictures

Comparisons

Grandpa sent some pics of JA when she was the same age JL is now.

10 months

JL will be 10 months this weekend! We'll be busy visiting family & celebrating JT's birthday, so I'm posting a little early.

She pulls up to standing now.

We have stuck with Duplo Legos, so they'r safe for everyone, except when you step on them. :)

Trying to escape the playpen

She kept pulling down books from the shelf that was here, so we replaced it and moved in her things.

She's put her finger to her mouth frequently lately.

Walking along the outside of the playpen

This whole "cruising" thing is quite new; just in the last week or so. In fact, the older 3 are still surprised when they see her standing. :) Other new things this month: she wants to feed herself, and has begun with baby puffs, "Baby Mum Mum's", crushed rice Chex, rice, and steamed zucchini. Rice noodles & sweet potato didn't go over well, as they are difficult to pick up. 

9 months!

Last month I filled you in a bit on JL and our journey to combat reflux. Well, she has gained 2 pounds in the past 2 months! That's after 2 months of no weight gain whatsoever. Her reflux has reduced significantly, to the point that she was able to stop her medications 3 weeks ago, and now only spits up a few times per week. She is such a happy baby now, crying only for diaper changes or when she wakes up at night. It truly is a dramatic change. I am so very thankful to God for these answered prayers and his care for this precious little one.

Highlights from the past month: she's eating more solid foods, began to army crawl, move to a seated position, crawl on hands & knees, pulled to standing, and got her 1st tooth.

JA inroducing JL to "Julia" with JMC and "Rana Verde" helping.

JL searching through her toy box.

She wasn't to sure about the small pieces of peach, but once mixed in to the pureed peach baby food, she loved it.

The kids got out the Weebles for JL to play with. She loved them!

The 1st time she pulled up to standing.