Love Sick

We're eating lunch today, and Delaney sighs:

"Ahhh. I'm in love."

What!? Are you kidding me? She seriously sounded like a teenager. Great. When I asked who, she said: "Christopher." Not Chris, but Christopher. Last year it was Ethan, this year Christopher, and there is always Spencer. (Although, according to the girls, Katie is now going to marry him). Wow...we're in trouble, Peter!

Caught! In the Act of Being Nice

Delaney was ready for jazz class, Katie for gymnastics, and Rowena for a nap--soon. And they were all playing SO nicely. All three in good moods, being silly, and laughing together. I had to capture the moment (despite Rowena not looking at the camera).

Usually one is in a bad mood, being sassy, or not listening. Kate loves to play with Rowe, but is very loud, rough, and in her face. Delaney is more gentle and subtle. Both love her very much, despite their different approaches. Rowena loves them both too, but is already getting a little sassy back with them. Of course, she's the third, so she's learning to hold her own quickly.

With these three blond beauties, and their sassy attitudes and independent personalities, we're sure to have our hands full!

Our Silly Rowesie!

I know the previous post was all about Rowena, but I wanted to share some more cute pictures that were taken this last week.

She loves to unload things--such as her big block filled with small blocks, clothes baskets--no matter if the clothes are folded or not, the playpen, and bathtub.
She loves to put things in her mouth.

She also loves to share--toys and already been chewed food. Mmmm, right? Oh, but she laughs when you try to share her blankie, bottle, or sippy cup--those things she doesn't share. She smiles, but takes them back right away.

Almost as much as loves to unload things, she likes to climb on and into things--such as our (ew-dirty) clothes.

Although, she does look mighty comfy, no? She still, obviously, loves to suck her thumb--which is super cute when she's sitting in the middle of the floor, grabs her blankie with her right hand, and insert left thumb (the only one she'll suck).

A Day In The Life Of Rowena

She gets up and has lots of energy...of course, she needs breakfast and a bottle to keep her happy and energized. She crawls around and is practicing her standing.
She gets even more exercise on the Wii Fit Plus.

She picks up toys to help clean up.

Then she starts getting tired.

And takes a nap.

Then, she wakes up and does it all over again.

Stinky-Poopy-Head Mommy!

Delaney has been LOVING the Wii. Almost too much, actually. Yesterday she woke up and told me she didn't want to go to school because she just wanted to play video games all day. When I told her "no" she then told me that she was sick and should probably stay home. Once she heard she wasn't allowed to play video games if she stays home sick, she recanted her "stomach ache" story. That's what I thought.

She tends to get a little competitive (wonder where she gets that from) and a little bossy (hm, same person, maybe?). Yesterday when she got in trouble for being bossy and then throwing a controller, she began to cry, and I found out that I'm a "stinky-poopy-head mommy."

Oh, and when I took this picture, she screamed at me.

Making Some 'Za!

This month at Katie's school they are learning about food. On Monday she made a pizza face that she brought home to cook and eat. Yesterday when walking home from school, Kate mentioned she really wanted to make pizza again. So, going through what we had in the house, we were able to be successful. We had cresent rolls, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and other toppings (that the girls, of course, won't eat). We each took a section of the cresent roll as our own and added what we wanted. Twenty minutes later...we were eating. YUM! Now, the girls said they want to do this every day. Enjoying their homemade 'za

Home Stretch

Whoa. It's finally here...I can't believe it, but it's finally here. I can remember about 3 years ago (in December) I was laying in bed, on the phone with Nichole freaking out..."Can I do this? I have two kids! Am I crazy?" But, I did do it, and now I have three kids...and I probably am a little crazy. BUT...I'm there, in the home stretch. I'm talking about grad school. I have eight months left, and I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have 3 classes left and 600 hours at my internship site, but that's it. Of course, along with that, I have many clients to see, papers to write, get a #1/Golden tape, and do a transcript...but it's here--the end is in sight!

I began my internship this past week at a counseling practice in Crest Hill. It's seriously just down the street from our house, and I could ride my bike there (but then I'd be all sweaty to see clients). I start with clients this week, and am very excited, and a little nervous. I am anxious (in a good way) to get started with all of this and really start doing what I love and what I've always wanted to do.

I have to give thanks to all of those who have supported me the past 3 years...my parents (for their emotional support and constant availabilty for babysitting), mother-in-law, siblings, and friends--those close like Nichole and Donna, those not so close but who always have words of encouragement like Marcia, Patty, and Katie, my new friends from school who truly understand this process--Barb, Deb, Jen, Ashley, Michelle, and Maureen. I also have to give recongition to my daugthers who are loving, funny, and supportive. And, of course, most of all, Peter. I'm not sure if he really understands how difficult and stressful this has been, but he has been the most supportive, loving, and caring husband anyone could ever ask for. I'm so fortunate and lucky to have such an amazing support system. I appreciate each and every one of you...Thank you so very, very much. I love you all.

I cannot wait to celebrate graduation at the HenderQ this August...with friends, family, and neighbors!

Webkinz Party

I think the girls were missing being around other kids over their two-week break, so they asked if they could have a "Webkinz Party." When asked what that was, Delaney proceeded to explain that it was a party with their friends who have Webkinz, and also for those that don't. So, um, basically a playdate. However, the morning of this "Webkinz Party" the girls were off the hook...very hyper, anxious, and ready to go. They got in fancy dresses, had their hair professionally done (thanks, Donna), and asked for a feast. Katie even had Pete take her to the store for flowers for a centerpiece. So fancy!

It ended up that they didn't even play with ANY of their Webkinz! ahahaha! However, they did have a very fun time with their friends they hadn't seen in a while (well, the Dillinghams we saw on New Year's Eve). Sadly, the neighbors couldn't make it, but we had Grace, Emily, Paige, and Walter. Ben had a great idea to get a picture of all the kids from biggest to smallest, which would've been so cool...we had a 6, 5, 4, 2, 1 year olds and 10 and 2 months old. However, that (of course) didn't happen).


The girls with their dresses on and fancy hair around the table with the pretty "purple, glitter" flowers and the "feast". Katie and her fancy hair (and her first dress of the day).

The back...the gorgeous curls.

Delaney with pretty "princess braids."

Rowena and Emily...Emily had fun following around Baby Rowe. (And no, Emily is not trying to kick Rowe).

Playing in the basement.

Paige enjoying The Littlest Pet Shop toys.

Rowe chillin' with her bottle at the end of the party.

Cute New Outfits and Fun Times

For Christmas, Nana stocked the girls up with some new clothes. Here are some pics of our little models.

Playing Wii and (trying) to pose for the picture with Uncle Joe Our Littlest and Newest Ballerina (the tutu is from some new pj's for Kate).

The girls before going to see "Princess and The Frog" the day after Christmas, in their new Adidas outfits.

Peter...And His New Look

Peter grew out his beard, as he does every fall/winter. Well, I guess he was tired of not getting kisses from Kate (who hates facial hair), so he decided to get rid of it before February. However, just for shits-and-giggles, he went to just a moustache for a few days. He received several comments...1) 70's porn star, 2) Chicago Cop, and 3) high school chemistry teacher. Too damn funny.

He decided to go for a whole new look for this decade, and cut his hair shorter than he's ever had it. He' still in shock whenever he looks in the mirror, but he likes it--and so do we! Katie has nicknamed him "Short Fuzzy Hair Man."