School Days

Lydia started First Grade at Midland Classical Academy.  She told me she wanted to be a "plain mom" when she grew up.  Ha!  Is THAT what I am?  Her top two reasons for wanting this career...

1) It is easier than going to work

2) You don't have to pay a babysitter every day

Mabel turns 2!

Since I am so behind posting on the blog since Betsy was born in December, I thought I would get a few hours AHEAD of this one!

Tomorrow is Mabel's 2nd birthday, but we celebrated it with our favorite Midland family, the Cooley's.  The Cooley family provides 3 babysitters for the kids, 2 playmates for Lydia and Henry, and 1 "couples friends" for me and Dan.  Having the 7 of them over felt for dinner felt like a party so we turned it into one.

Mabel was so precious, exclaiming at every gift with excitement.

  Callie helped Mabel eat her birthday cake.  

 Mabel's favorite gift, a tutu.

 Modeling her new things.

At one point, she picked up one of the older girls' keys and sunglasses and walked off.  Oh my, it's like I can see her 14 years from now, heading out on her own for the evening (tear).  I'm so happy I just get her as a two year old for now.

December 7th Arrival!

Betsy Joy Westcott was born at 10:23 pm on Saturday, December 7th.  She weighed 9 pounds 1 ounce and measured 21 1/4 inches long.  

Here I am at 40 weeks, desperately hoping to have a baby...but I still had 4 days to wait!

 See how happy I am to FINALLY be in labor!!!

Pictures from our time at the hospital

 Meeting Lydia, Henry, and Mabel 

 We are so blessed to have our healthy, beautiful Betsy in our arms. 

Winter Weather

A winter front moved through over the weekend, following a week with temps in the 70s and 80s!  What change! I stayed home and indoors with the kids for two days...two long days.  Today we cautiously drove to church (the highways were closed, but the side roads were open) for a much-needed outing.  It was fun to worship together with the few other brave souls who ventured out.  Everything should melt away tomorrow afternoon then dry out in time for a Thanksgiving Day in the 60s.  Wonderful!  Meanwhile, we are waiting for our new baby to join us in our arms.  Two weeks and counting down!

 

A few interesting weekends

Back in October, Stephanie and baby Matheson came for a few days to visit.  It was so great because Matheson nursed then napped most of the day, leaving Steph and I lots of time to do my baby prep projects!  Lydia was in love with Matheson and wanted to help with everything.  

I'm hoping the fact that my kids left Matheson alone while he rolled around in the middle of the floor is a good sign they will all let our new baby alone too!

Dan's parents came for a weekend visit in the middle of November.  We relaxed all weekend while the kids enjoyed being spoiled by their Nanny and Pops.

Lunch at the Country Club

 Mabel at the park

Standord 10 year Homecoming Reunion

Dan and I enjoyed a fun weekend in California for his 10 year college reunion.  

We spend a beautiful day on campus, biking around to see all the new buildings.

In the evening, the swim team hosts an alumni meet.  Dan and a few of his classmates suited up for the fun.  They were hilarious and had a great time together.  It was obvious who was single and still had plenty of time to work out and who, let's say, has three kids!

Dan with his coach, Skip.

Even some REALLY old alums came back for the meet.  The man on the left swam with his flippers on!

 The guys goofed around.

 Dan, getting in a few minutes of exercise.

 The end of a successful meet!

 Good times and old traditions! 

Curious?

Check back soon for more pictures and an explanation!