Smilin' Sixteen Weeks

The babies have come alive!  Not to say they haven't been here, but they are now really becoming babies.  Goodbye preemie and newborn days!  We have babies that kick and wave their hands.  And smiling, oh my goodness, I'm not sure I've seen anything cuter in my life!  Each of the Fab Four has always had quite the personality.  It's amazing to see their personalities coming out more and more every day!  I promised myself I'd blog more often to remind myself (and the babies in the years to come) what milestones everyone has reached, so here goes!

Being held by G.  She used to be the size of his hand!

Kathryn:  You are our bitty-bit!  Our petite and powerful one, you came home just shy of four pounds after being born at almost three.  It's hard to believe that you've almost doubled your weight.  You were the first one to find her thumb.  I was happy because you weren't really a pacifier fan and with four siblings, you need a way to self soothe.  You were the last one to smile, but it was worth the wait.  You're precious!  I love that you've started talking and you don't sound like a newborn anymore!

Early morning smiles

I found my hands today!

Elliott:  Oh, Elliot, you are Mr. Personality!  You kicked the whimpy white baby boy theory out the window within 24 hours of your life.  Ever since then, these sisters have nothing on you.  I guess you were the last one to work on putting your hands in your mouth because you were busy smiling at the world.  This week, you've started to laugh with your whole body.  It's pretty funny.  You inadvertently roll over if you are leaning on your arms just right.  I love that you thank me for your bottle and changing your diaper with a sweet smile AND that you found your hands today!

Sweet girl Thompson

Thompson:  Sweet Thompson!  You are too funny.  You came home a grunter and quickly became who we called our nanny goat.  I didn't know babies could make those sounds.  But lately, your sounds sound more like a baby and your smile is so genuine.  You do lots of smiling with your eyes, even in the middle of a bottle--which is funny because you used to have your eyes closed for your entire feeding!  Your hands don't interest you too much, but you love black and white patterns and sticking your tongue out.  I love that you make yourself laugh like the ceiling fan just told the funniest joke!

Happy Emerson

Emerson:  You're my big girl!  With your piercing blue eyes (which, let's face it, just might stay that way.  Who knew your brown eyed parents would end up with you?!?) you've become so much happier.  You have acid reflux, but your eyes tell me that you aren't in as much pain anymore.  Sometimes you smile right before you spit up which fools me, but I secretly think you think it's funny.  You're working hard on putting those hands in your mouth, but you don't like when they disappear.  You let us know that for sure!  I love that you have a head full of crazy hair--none of your siblings can compare!

Boat riding!

Ta-da!  I dressed myself to play outside.

I love my 3 sisters and 1 brother!

Mason:  You are the best big boy there ever was!  You've done such a wonderful job of becoming used to "your babies" as you call them.  You introduce your family to everyone--the perfect Masters of Ceremonies.  This summer, it has been so fun to watch your mind come alive.  I have never known a more creative, imaginative three year old.  No wonder the doctor says you're verbally advanced!  I love that you have made up entire activities like campfire with pillow marshmallows in your bed and the treat trip with your named stuffed animals.  I love when you tell me that helicopter starts with H--you know all of your letters which pleases you and me alike.  You've moved on to working on the sounds also.  I imagine reading will make your world an amazing place.  Thank you for learning to be patient and for filing up my snuggle bank!

Playtime!

Our life is full and God is GOOD!