December 2015

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!  With Jeff's NIFCO work holiday party, Amanda's NARI holiday party, party at Great Grandma Derby's, Samara's dance and preschool Christmas parties and her preschool program - we are all getting to experience holiday cheer.  Thank you to all of our family and friends, we love you and hope you had a Merry Christmas season!

Samara and Kalum were really looking forward to Christmas this year - were very helpful in getting presents wrapped, putting up decorations, making some holiday treats, etc.  Samara loved her party at dance with a gift exchange, dancing with her classmates and even a visit from Santa.  Kalum got to join is on some of the fun at her preschool class party, decorating cookies and singing songs (He thinks he is just one of the group when he's there!).  Samara was thrilled to see everyone that came to hear her sing at her evening preschool program.  The kids sang a few songs and she did much better this year than last.  Definitely one of the taller kids in her class and she loved her sparkly sweater dress (except when it "bothered" her, a problem she has with much of her clothes now that touch her skin.  I explained that clothes touch your skin and that's how it is).  Kalum watched and looks forward to being on stage next year when he is four.

After the busy month of November, I realized that there was really no way I could keep going on with the schedule I was having to keep.  Even with the excellent baby that Wesson is, without sending the kids to daycare, I just couldn't keep giving my best to work and home/family.  It was after much deliberation, discussion and conversations with some trusted friends that I submitted my notice to resign from my position as Executive Director for Greater Omaha NARI.  I gave a long notice to allow time to find and train my replacement and the search began right away.  I feel very at peace with the decision and we have started doing interviews, but that didn't keep me from losing it and bursting into tears at the chapter Holiday Party when they announced it.  I have really enjoyed my role the past four years, but know that during this phase of life for our family, it will be better for all of us if I can dedicate myself more fully to really being there when I'm home.  Only one person can be the best mom to my kids and wife to my husband and I'm getting excited to focus more on both! 

We got to enjoy time with so many of our favorite people over the holidays!  Christmas Eve we went to church at Christ Community and Jeff's parents joined us.  Christmas morning we spent the morning at home then headed to Pennell's.  Saturday we celebrated Christmas at the Derby's and the whole family could be there-this gets more tricky each year it seems.  We got to meet our newest niece, Elizabeth Ann, as Jeff's sister Laura and brother in law Nick were in from Grand Island.  Sunday we taught Sunday school, had lunch with a group of friends from High School and college-always a fun reunion and then went to Karre's for Pennell extended family Christmas.  Unfortunately Grandma and Grandpa Pennell couldn't make the trip this year due to a recent fall that Grandma took.  We took some pics and posted to facebook to share some of the evening with them.  For New Year's Eve we had two couples over and enjoyed some food and Apples to Apples playing while the kids played together.  It was a fun night to round out a great year full of so many blessings!
 
Samara's Moments for the Month:

• I went upstairs to the bathroom one day because I heard giggling.  Samara was using her spinning toothbrush on Kalum's belly button.
• Samara sat on Santa's lap at Great Grandma Derby's holiday party and at dance class.  She said she wants a remote control kitty, barbie and light saber.  She liked counting down each day with our countdown calendar tree.  Excited for Christmas much?!
• She is really learning her letters and wanted to write tags on gifts this year.  I have to spell things for her, but she is proud to spell things on paper.  She makes up songs all the time and is trying to sound out words.  She can count to 100 unassisted.

Kalum's Moments for the Month:

•  Looking into the pantry closet for a snack, Kalum says, "I like front pooch."  Me- "I have no idea what you're talking about Kalum." K-"I DO like front pooch with my lunch." Me-"Ok, front pooch?  Show me what you are talking about and we'll see." Kalum points to the fruit punch flavored Capri Sun drink box. Me- "Oh! Fruit punch.  Yes, we have that with lunch." :)
• After calling me a scallywag when I was chasing him to tickle him, he then said "I love you the most mom", as he went upstairs a moment later.  Melt.my.heart.
• He is excited for Christmas, but doesn't grasp it as much as Samara still.  He wouldn't go near Santa, let alone sit on his lap.  He takes a little longer to warm up to new people than Samara does.
• On Christmas Eve he says he wants a Darth Vader costume -a little late for Santa to change his gifts I think.  I guess we'll see what Santa brings!

 Wesson's Milestones for the Month:

• Two Month check-up: He got three shots in legs and one oral medicine.  Mommy had to nurse him to calm him down afterwords.  14lb 8oz (96%), 24" (86%), Head circumference 40.8 cm (71%) - He's bulking up!
• 10 weeks - slept for a 9 hour stretch at night for the first time!  (8:30PM-5:30AM)
  He watches you walk by him when in his seat, sucks pacifier at bedtime, more and more talking, cooing and babbling a bit as long as not too loud in room (i.e. when older siblings in same room), starting to suck on his hands and thumb intentionally, six feedings per 24 hours usually-give one bottle before bedtime.  Smiling a lot and almost laughing sometimes.  Two dimples and brown eyes, we'll see if they stay that way.  
• He would let you hold him to sleep all day long.  Still working the sweaty when crying trick in order to be held until he falls asleep.  We usually swaddle him, pacifier and into bed when drowsy in your arms.  Sometimes have to go back and put in pacifier or pat his chest and then he nods off.
• Just before Christmas he started sleeping from about 8PM to 2 or 3AM.  A couple times has even gone all the way until 6AM!  We tried out a test "stand" in the exersaucer with some blankets around his belly - he liked it. 
• Then, at 12 weeks old - a Christmas gift to Mommy - he started sleeping 12 or 13 hours straight at night.  He likes a couple rattle toys that we have, having people talk to him.  He is on the verge of laughter - any day now. :)

Now - 2016 here we come!
 

November 2015

November - A month to remember we have so much to be thankful for!

We started off the month with Kalum's three year check-up and flu shots for him and Samara, that they were not so excited about.  We are so thankful for three healthy kids though for sure!  Also thankful to have such support from family and that we are able to see those that are local often.  We got to see Noah be dedicated at church and enjoy lunch at Nick and Courtney's house.  Jeff's Mom was able to come see Samara sing at her preschool thanksgiving lunch party.   With all of my work events this month, I leaned on my Mom to watch the kids in order to get to all the events I needed to be at, including three different meetings, a NARI event with 150 attendees-our largest attendance to date by far- and a community service project at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

When we got to Thanksgiving weekend, we were ready to slow down and just enjoy some time with family!  We had a great meal and relaxed day, including making gingerbread houses, at Pennell's on Thursday.  Jeff went to the Huskers vs. Hawkeyes game after Thanksgiving with Dad, Nick, and his brother Jake - Husker fans were not thankful for the result, but they all enjoyed the (very cold) game anyway.  Saturday we surprised the kids and went to see a Saturday morning movie, then celebrated Thanksgiving at Derby's for the rest of the day.

Samara's Moments for the Month:

• Samara was so proud that she was going to "preform" for family at her preschool Thanksgiving feast lunch.  She told Kalum all about it in the days before and that morning.  She did great!  She sang songs with all the motions and smiled at the audience and loved playing around with Hailey, her friend from class.
• She seems to enjoy dance class and has determined her favorite friend in class is Sophia. Prior to each class we have to get through the complaining about the leotard and tights while getting dressed.
• She loves little Wesson, always telling him he's adorable and the cutest baby ever.  She wants to hols him, kiss him, sing songs to him and is proud if she can calm him down if he's getting upset.  She also loves to help bathe him.
• She plays really well together with Kalum for the most part, though Samara often dictates the nature of play and who will be what toy, etc.  I'd like to corral the bossiness in her without stamping out her passion. :)  We had Samara's preschool fall phone conference with her teachers and she is doing really well.  They even remarked how great she has been with her friend at school who has had some separation anxiety issues at the start of the day.  She invites her into class and helps her cheer up.  Proud Mama-hoping the bossiness could be a sign of leadership, not just being bossy. :)
• She says she is not afraid of dinosaurs, but shuts our bedroom door because it's dark in there and she doesn't want to go upstairs alone right now, especially if it's dark.  Hmmm - may have watched too many dinosaur movies lately I think.

Kalum's Moments for the Month:

• Kalum has his three year check-up in early November.  He was 35.2 lbs (82%), 39" tall (84%) and his BMI is 16.27 (58%).
• He got a dinosaur movie for his birthday.  I said we can watch it, but it might have some scary parts.  He said, "it's okay.  I want to watch it.  Boys like scary stuff."  Okay than - and guess what, he seems to not be all that scared of it!
•  He was in time out mid-month (yes, my children are not perfect, if you thought so for some reason).  He's yelling at me from the inside his room, "I'm starving in here!" over and over.  Kids really know how to get to you.  It's like they try to get to you in the way that you will feel the worst about putting them in that situation.  Samara would always yell things about being mad or not liking me.  Girls go for the emotional connection/relationship and boys want you to feel that you've neglected their one primary need - food - ha!
• Even by the end of the month, he was still all about dinosaurs!  Jeff let the kids watch non-scary segments of Jurassic World that he had rented.  Kalum was mad that Jeff was taking the movie back.  He wanted to keep it "forever until he was dead".  So very blunt are conversations with three year olds.

Wesson's Milestones for the Month:

•  At almost 7 weeks, he holds his head up well, wants to be held to stand - already?!  I guess he senses that he will need to run soon or be run over!  He's starting to make cooing sounds and a-goo, etc.  He eats about 8, 11, 2, 6, 9, 12AM and 4AM.  Smiles more often and is content being awake and just looking around.
• 8 weeks old - smiling now and showing off his two dimples!  He's finding his tongue and liking that.  He gets super sweaty if he cries at all, so it's hard to let him cry it out in his crib (good technique on his part!).  He is nursing 5 times per day, one late night and one middle of the night.  He is a very content baby, no fussy time every day or anything.  He does like to be held to sleep, so working on that so as to not create a monster! 
• Samara adores him and Kalum is still more curious and not careful around him.

 Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's onto the reality that Christmas is almost here!  Hoping we get to enjoy the season between getting to everywhere we need to go and taking care of three kiddos!

October 2015

And we have a baby!  The first day of October, I woke up as Jeff's alarm was going off at 5AM to get ready for work.  I sat up, heard a pop and hurried to the bathroom as I realized it was my water breaking!  This was so different from the start of my labor with the other two kids, as I had no contractions right away.  We sent my mom a text message that today was the day, but no contractions yet.  I decided to take a shower and eat breakfast, as I figured when the contractions did start, they could be really strong.  We told my mom to maybe head our way soon.  But, within 30 minutes, the contractions started and they increased in intensity rapidly!  We called the midwife and asked if we should head right into the hospital, or wait at home longer.  She said to go ahead and head in.  My mom arrived by about 6:30AM (thankfully she got up and ready to head to our house as soon as we text her) and we left for the hospital right away.  I had several contractions on the way there, then one more in the car as Jeff went inside to see about parking.  With the other two we pulled up the emergency entrance due to the time of day, so we didn't know what to do at 6:55AM!  They told him to leave the car there until we got upstairs, then come back to park in the lot.  Well, after the walk from the car to the elevator, I had another contraction after getting off the elevator and another really strong one in the hallway heading to the labor room.  We got into our room, I used the restroom and went to the bed so they could check me.  Jeff asked if he should go move his car so they don't tow it and they said, if you go move your car, you're going to miss it.  I was already at a 10 and ready to push!  But, our midwife was just arriving at the hospital, so they asked me to wait through a contraction.  They got the external monitor straps on my stomach and were going to prep my hand for an IV (standard protocol), when Marilyn, the midwife, came in.  She assured them we were ready to have a baby and the IV was not necessary.  After just a few pushes, our baby was born - it's a boy!! - at 7:01AM, 21.5" long and weighing 8 lb 15 oz.  It felt surreal, like a TV show labor and delivery, from water breaking to a baby in two hours!  He was healthy and I was so glad that pregnancy, labor and delivery were over!  When those contractions picked up, I truthfully was unsure I could handle them for another long labor.  I guess an extra week of pregnancy was worth it, if it means L&D can be that quick! :)  So, we got to soak in the first minutes our new baby boy, choose a name from our list we'd made and make initial calls to family.  We heard a lot of, "already?!" type comments, as it was only 7:30AM. 

We chose the name Wesson Michael Derby.  Wesson, a name Amanda came across and Daddy agreed with it's likeness to Smith & Wesson!  Michael is Jeff's middle name and we opted to go with a family middle name like we did with his siblings.  We are so blessed that he is a healthy, content baby thus far!  Big sister, Samara, was highly disappointed it wasn't a baby sister, so we'll hope she can move beyond that when she gets to help with a little baby.

October was a fun month, adjusting to a new baby in our family and enjoying some fall festivities.  We had newborn/family photos on Oct 12th, had journey group, Amanda had a MOPS table night, Samara had her preschool Noah's Ark Party where she dressed as an Octopus, and Amanda and the older two kids had dental cleanings (no cavities!).  We went to look at minivans, decided on the best one for our family and went back to purchase it mid-month.  Even though I don't really want to be a "mini van mom", I know it will make life easier than driving the kids in the truck!  It was the first new vehicle either of us have ever purchased.  I explained to the kids that we needed to take care of it because we will have it for a long time!  

We made a trip to a small pumpkin patch to get some pumpkins, but it was so hot outside everyone was sweating - crazy fall weather this year!  We celebrated Kalum's 3rd birthday on his actual birthday, 10/30, with a Dinosaur-themed event at our house.  Our family and one neighbor family came over for a simple dinner and some cupcakes.  Kalum loved his "dinosaur" cake and all the gifts he got - many dinosaurs lit up his eyes for sure!  He is growing up into a boy instead of a toddler and it is fun to watch.  He does have his impatient and temper tantrum moments, but overall just neat to see his creativity and hear him verbalize his thoughts more.  We also had a Halloween themed lunch at Pennell's on Halloween.  We all enjoyed the food and treats, then headed home so the kids could get ready and go get their candy!

Samara's Milestones & Moments for the Month:

• Loving being a big sister.  So proud she can hold Wesson by herself (though she knows she must first ask and he must be handed to her by a grown-up), helped with his first bath-washing him, keeping him warm in the blanket and brushing his hair.
• She was down to just sucking her thumb at night or when really tired, but I noticed that I haven't seen her do that at all for weeks now.  Not sure if it was the talk it making her teeth stick out or turning five or what, but no longer a thumb sucker!
• She loved the photo shoot when Wesson was a newborn.  She would have been in all the pics if I had let her.  She smiled nicely and did just as she was asked - a natural. So proud to have a photo of her holding the baby "all by herself" so others would know she could do that.
• She wanted to touch the inflatable ghost in the neighbor's yard on a walk around the block with Daddy.  She didn't know Kalum went behind the back of it to do the same.  Just when she touched it, he pushed from the back and it leaned into her.  She ran screaming away from it!
• She likes to help take care of Wesson, even nursed her dolls while Mommy fed Wesson.  Kalum even wanted to take a turn nursing one of her dolls.  He was not near as thorough as Samara - she made sure to feed her babies on both sides and then burp them.
• She said her favorite part of Halloween was handing out candy.  She even sat by the door with the candy bowl after she got back from trick-or-treating, hoping more kids would come by).  She also loved jello with gummy worms at Gemma's Halloween lunch and being Silvermist fairy (one of Tinkerbell's friends) in the costume Gemma made for her.

Kalum's Moments & Milestones for the Month:

•  Talks about the bad guy on the dark side called "dark bader".  This drives his sister crazy, she always corrects him, "it's DARTH Vader".
• Tucking him in for bed and he sniffs his blankie.  "Yuck, my blankie smells horrible!  It smells like a dead rat!"  Samara and I both burst out laughing.  Where does this stuff come from?  I offered to spray it with febreeze and said we could wash it tomorrow.  he approved of it after a quick spray and cuddled it to sleep.
• Getting closer to being a big boy?  Early in the month all on his own he goes upstairs, put up the lid and the seat, peed standing up, put the seat down and sat down to go #2 on the potty.  Jeff went up to check, but he was fine and just needed help wiping.  Also had dry diapers in the mornings this week.  Should be diaper free by three - getting so big!
• He was goofy at the photo shoot.  He wanted to make silly faces or not smile.  We eventually got him to cooperate and get a couple of the kids together and one of him for his three year photo.
• He eats any part of Samara's snack or treat if she leaves it for a second.  If you ask him if he ate them, he proudly says, "Yep!", while Samara sobs.  At least he's honest (and we then get Samara some replacement snack or treat and remind her not to leave them unattended)
• Says "skelekin" instead of skeleton
• After watching an episode of show about dinosaurs, Kalum watched a five minute comparison on the video about two different kinds of dinosaurs.  He watched the whole thing, then stood up from his chair and nonchalantly said to the TV, "but they're dead" and went to play some cars and trucks.
• He had his first teeth cleaning appointment.  He did great, eagerly climbed up into the chair and had no cavities!
• For Halloween he loved being a scary dinosaur, all the yummy Halloween treats at Gemma's and going to get his candy!  Gemma made him a cool triceratops costume this year.

 Wesson's Moments & Milestones for the Month:

• Oct 4th - found his thumb!  Big sister, Samara, was amazed he found it, just like her as a baby.
• One week old - staying awake after feedings, looking around some, taking sun baths since a little jaundiced, taking naps during the day in swing usually, nighttime in pack n play in mom and dad's room.  About 8 feedings per day.  Liked first bath at home!
• Almost two weeks - Eating every three hours at night on own, often have to wake during day from naps to eat at three hours.  Eats an extra feeding in evening a couple hours apart.  Wet and dirty diapers are all ok.  He did GREAT at newborn photo shoot on Oct 12th, slept the entire time!
• Two week check-up - 9 lb 5 oz (79%), 22" long (95%) and head circumference 37.2cm (65%)  He did great at appointment, no shots until 2 months.
• Three Weeks - enjoys tummy time and often gets thumb in his mouth.  Eating every three hours and has some 4-6 hour stretches.  Typically eats between 7-8AM, late morning, 2PMish, 5-6PM, 8-9PM, 1AM and 3-4AM.
• Almost 4 weeks - He is such a great baby!  Not has a couple four hour stretches between feedings.  Last night slept 9PM until 3:30AM, tonight 9PM until 2AM.
• Halloween - wore his cute "Where the Wild Things Are" outfit that our neighbor gave him as a gift. Stayed home with Mom and Auntie Courtney, Nick and Noah stayed for a bit to help hand out candy.

Look forward to giving more updates on our family of five next month!

September 2015

Well, no baby pics to post this month... September was as packed as it could be, with activity and waiting on baby!  Preschool and MOPS both started back up, though I bowed out of MOPS steering team this year, just too much on my plate with a new baby coming soon.  It was strange but nice for a change to just show up and enjoy a morning at MOPS.  Papa and Gemma took the kids to the fair over Labor Day weekend, but I opted out this year.  I had work commitments for tour planning meeting, board meeting, Golf Outing on Sept. 18th and general meeting 24th (the last two I was really hoping not to be at actually!).  We got together to celebrate Poppy's 92nd Birthday with dinner at Pennell's.  Jeff's parents went on a cruise during the first half of the month and we hoped baby wouldn't come while they were gone.

The Boyd St. house in Ashland officially sold and closing with be early October.  So, Jeff was out there again doing all finishing touches and we moved all the staging items out since all is officially a "go".  The kids and I came out to help with some clean-up as the month was drawing to a close.  Overall the flip was a success, long time coming, but we decided worth doing again.  There just will need to be some balance, as the every single night and weekend was a little wearing on everyone in our family.  Next time around there will have to be some better scheduling of work time and family time.

I had weekly midwife appointments, but baby is comfy in there and not in a hurry to come meet us I guess.  As my 9/23 due date approached and then passed, we went ahead and scheduled a 41 week ultrasound and stress test for September 30th.  I was already dilated to 4, so the midwife didn't think it would be much longer-thankfully!  All was just fine and it was relief to really see that all is good with baby (didn't even peek at gender, we've waiting this long, what is a few more days?!).  We went ahead and scheduled a check-up appointment for Oct. 5th and induction for October 6th, if baby doesn't arrive prior to that. C'mon baby #3!!

Samara's Moments for the Month:

•  First "Last Day of Preschool" on Sept 1st - After two years at Little Lamb Preschool she knew exactly what to do!  She put her lunch on the table, found cubby for purple bag, mail name tag and go to circle time.  She didn't even say goodbye, just went to sit with all of her new friends.  tear. (But, I didn't cry, just didn't let myself think about it being a "last").  She did well and enjoyed her day.  I asked if she was glad to have a stay at home day tomorrow or if she wished she had school every day.  She said a stay at home day would be good.  Guess the preschool option was right for this year!
• Apple Orchard Field Trip was fun for her again this year. He has made a favorite little friend this year, Hailey.  She loves showing her around and where to go next.  I wonder if her friends will always be the ones she can "boss" around?  Thankfully, in speaking with Hailey's mom, it sounds like Hailey interprets Samara's help as a friendly gesture and she feels more at ease at school.
• Mid September I picked her up from school and told her we were going to sign papers to sell the Boyd St. house to the people who want to buy it.  Rather than excitement, I got a pouty lip which turned to tears.  
• S- "I don't want to get rid of the Ashland house!"  
• Me- "Honey we bought the house to fix and sell to someone.  We are going to get money for selling it, then we can buy a van like we talked about"
• S-"I know, but I LIKE that house!"
• Eventually she calmed down when Kalum offered her the granola bar snack we'd brought for her.  Sheesh.  Daddy and Mommy are not crying over selling it, that is for sure!

Kalum's Moment for the Month:

• September 1st was Samara's first day back to school, so Kalum's first day at home with just Mom all day!  At first he wanted to stay at school to play, but the promise of a cookie at Target pulled him away happily.  At lunch time he asked if it was time to go get Samara, but then ate and played with Mommy.  Rest time was okay at first, then cried, "Samara" over and over again and looked out the window.  I went in and asked what was wrong and he said he was looking for Samara's school.  Oh, so sad.  When I finally said it was time, he eagerly put on his own shoes.  When we went to get her he was so excited!  He gave her a hug and said, "Samara I missed you!" Aw! <3 span="">
• 1st and 2nd bloody noses ever both happened the same week.  He whacked his nose on the edge of the wall while jumping on the couch (which he knows is a no-no).  Next day he face plants on the sidewalk on his bike.  His helmet saved his face from major damage, but his nose smacked enough to start bleeding pretty good.  "My blood!" he said concerned as it dripped down all over him.
• When I'm big I'm going to have... He names red motorcycle with red seat, shiny blue truck, then says "all the cool things" just to cover his bases I guess.
• While he and Mommy were riding in the car one day...
• K - "I have hair on my legs!"
• Me- "Yes you do.  Do you have hair on your arms?"
• K-Yep (looking) but not on my armpities cuz I'm not a big Daddy." 
  

Okay, guess we're in for another October baby then since September is over...