January flew by and now it is nearing the end of February! Looking back over the last few months, I see that life is spinning faster and I am getting less time for myself. Kjetil is knee-deep in busy season which means I am knee-deep in being a single parent these days. So, before March starts and memories get even more fuzzy, here is what we did in January!
Kjetil and I took the older two kids to the movies for the first time. We went to see a movie called Hakkebakkeskogen. It is a story that the kids have been learning all about in barnehage. The story revolves around a forrest where Mikkel Rev (a fox) and some mice, some squirrels, a bear family and moose are all trying to live together in peace. It is a great story and the kids were SO excited about their special date with mom and dad.
A bag of popcorn, a cookie and a few pieces of candy = pure joy!
Joseph continually cracks me up with his creativity and his spontaneous ideas. I looked over one morning to see him place the cap of his bottle on his forehead. When I tried to take it away, he demanded that I put it back. To each their own, I suppose!
Due to sickness, we have spent a LOT of time inside but we make the best of it. Joseph loves to "go fishing" with his magnetic fishing pole.
When that gets old, we fly around like superman! Emily gets to try too but we don't fly as much, we just snuggle.
The older two have become very interested in puzzles. Especially Lydia. She can get into a focused concentration and work on puzzles for quite some time. She is capable of figuring out puzzles with anywhere between 30-50 pieces. It is impressive to watch her.
Joseph isn't allowed to help them do puzzles and after a highly frustrating afternoon of fighting over puzzles, the older two figured out that hiding in the shower was the best place to do their puzzles. Joseph and Emily could still watch without touching the pieces. A win for everyone!
Lydia started Primary this month. She spent a LONG year in nursery and was thrilled to finally be allowed to start Primary. The theme this year is "Choose the Right".
On Sundays, the kids don't get to eat lunch since we have church from 11-2pm. We had eaten a late dinner and then it was time for pjs and tv. Lydia asked for a bedtime snack and Kjetil responded that she had just eaten and that there wouldn't be any more food. I knew she hadn't had much to eat that day so when she walked by, I whispered to her, "I'll make you a sandwich.". She hopped over to the couch, sat down and with her thumbs up in the air, she whispered back, "Good mamma! You chose the right!". I laughed for quite some time after that!
We have been passing sickness back and forth here at home. It means long days inside and not enough time to run off our extra energy. It also means that the kids get more creative in their play. Like stuffing Joseph into "jail" (aka a laundry hamper).
Or emptying every single one of my cupboards!
This is Emily's particular favorite these days. Joseph plays with all of my kitchen utensils and Emily hides in my tupperware cupboard. So, so, SOOOO fun!
Emily is quickly catching up with her siblings and she doesn't like to be left behind when they play upstairs. She follows after them where ever they go and she makes all of us laugh with her silly antics.
We had a few weeks of clear but very crisp/cold weather in January. Kjetil has been working Saturdays since the beginning of the year which leaves me on my own all weekend. After a rough few hours inside, I loaded up all the kids and walked over to a nearby playground. Emily sat and watched from her stroller looking like a little cotton burrito!
The other three LOVED running around together even if their little noses and little hands were freezing.
Lydia actually isn't a huge fan of being outside. Only if it is sunny. She often puts up a fight at barnehage if they are heading outside and it is raining, windy or too cold. She tells me quite often that she only likes being outside in the sun. I laugh to myself and often think - "you were born in the wrong country, sweet child!".
Nathan still thrives best outside. He loves being out in the cold, the rain, the wind, the sun or any other combination of weather. Nothing can stop that boy from enjoy a day outside.
Nathan is still waking up early. The surgery didn't seem to affect him all that much which is too bad but it has helped clean up his sinuses so that he isn't constantly dripping snot. He is often awake before I leave to teach Seminary (at 6:15). And he is often waiting for me when I come home again.
He guides me in, waves to the left and to the right and then tells me when to stop. It makes me smile every single time.
The barnehage had a New Years Party for the kids and we were told to dress them in their nicest clothing. Since these two have a wide selection of "Sunday Best", it wasn't too hard to find something to fit the theme.
When Nathan came in, Lea came running out to meet him. She is his best friend and they have even been caught sneaking a kiss in the bathroom! She got very excited when she saw that he was wearing a bowtie and happily told him that she was wearing one too. Nathan told me later that Lea is his Minnie Mouse (aka girlfriend since Micky's girlfriend is Minnie). These two are so sweet together. They plan to get married someday and Nathan informed me that he will have to find somewhere for them to live and that he will work at Rema 1000 (a grocery store). It is good to have dreams and even better to have someone to share those dreams with!
Since Kjetil has been working so much, we have been calling him more often so that the kids can talk to him and see him on the FaceTime. Emily has noticed the behavior and has learned to "talk" on the phone as well. Hold it up to your ear...
and jabber until you say "Ha det!"
Farmor saved the day with a great deal on a new winter suit for Lydia after she ripped a huge hole in her old one. Lydia was thrilled and so was Joseph when he got a new woolen hat!
Kjetil takes care of the kids on the mornings so that I can get my day started without as much stress. Plus, it is "their" time with him. He has been helping the kids be more aware of what they can do around the house, like unloading the dishwasher and putting away clothes. Joseph LOVES to help put the silverware away. Nathan has learned to fold his clothes and takes great pride in doing it correctly. It is fun to see them learn and develop...especially when it helps me!
Last but not least - the theme in barnehage right now is birds. Lydia's group made these funny crows and I just had to give it a try with the kids. One afternoon, we traced our hands, glued them in place and scribbled on some eyes. I love how they turned out and the kids had fun making them.
(Joseph's is the top left, Lydia's is top right and Nathan's is on the bottom.)
Now...onto February before March starts!
