HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween! Can you believe it? All 6 of us dressed up recently to enjoy the season!

Ballerina Bear--I had to get creative with the rather boyish bear costume I bought on the cheap from Children's Place after Halloween last year when I was dead sure M&M was going to be a boy.

Bug turned Elmo-- this is the second year for Elmo in the Copeland family. What is it about Elmo that attracts my almost 2 year olds?

The princess without her crown-- although she doesn't need the crown to totally act like a princess 24/7.

And princess number 2--she's not second-best--she was supposed to be a vet until she lost her costume! So a made-from-stuff-around-the-house princess costume is what she got.


And here's the whole gang; ignoring the fact that I have a camera in my hands waiting for them to look on with adoring smiles.

Oh, and let me tell ya--hubbs and I went to our first Halloween party ever. We're not totally lame, we've just always had either a newborn or a still-in-the-first-trimester pregnancy going on! So we kicked it nerd style (yes, we love us some history) and went as a U.S. Government Agent and an American Indian. We totally created a back-story for our characters, but I'll spare you the nerdy part and just say that we are definitely pre-Kansas territory days (that'd be before 1854, in case you didn't know) & I was having my land taken from me so that the... oh, never mind, I know you don't care. Ahem, as I was saying...

see how mean he is dragging me away from my home.

And I just want to mention that we were in no way making light of the situation-- we both love history, especially Kansas history, and decided we'd enjoy dressing up (rather cheaply I might add) as we did. In fact, we both happen to have American Indian ancestry--Choctaw and Osage--which both happen to have been removed from their land many years ago. Okay, I'll stop with the history lesson.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Halloween!

1/2 a Year? Seriously?

April 28 of this year I welcomed a little girl into my arms and my life forever. Yes, one of the happiest days of my life. But could somebody please explain how she goes from this tiny 7 pound bundle of cuteness....

to...

this 15 pound bundle of cuteness in what feels like no more than 2 months?

Excuse the soul patch-- we'd just had our first bite of solid food! More on that to come!

Look at this collage and you can see how much she's changed over the months-- one thing I sure notice is that wild hair. Do you agree that her hair gets crazier with each month? Because I'm so in love with her locks, I use a clip to hold her bangs back instead of just trimming them--yeah, I know, I told ya I was crazy!

Mini Me's stats:

-You weigh somewhere around 15#, maybe slightly under!

-You've been in several diaper sizes, but 2's fit you best as of now!

-You hair is crazy long--in fact some people think you're petite for your age because your hair makes you look older!

-You stayed healthy during our H1N1 outbreak!

-You still nurse every 2-3 hours--except at night-- you're still snoozin' from 8ish to 5ish.

-You did move into your own bedroom about 2 weeks ago. I thought it was going to be so tough to see you go (down the hall), but you made the transition very easily!

-On your 6 month birthday you had your first nibbles of food--organic brown rice cereal. I plan on making all of your baby food (I have a few store-bought jars for emergencies) and I have some pureed sweet potatoes waiting for you in the freezer!

-You love to grab toys with both hands--is that advanced for your age? I'll go ahead and say it is! HA!

-You are still the laziest tummy-time gal there ever was. You are totally capable of lifting up your head and looking around or rolling over--but most of the time you prefer to lay there and relax or fall asleep.

-You really enjoy being in the midst of all the action. So much so, that I know it cuts into your sleep. In fact, if no one is in your face talking or singing to you, then you pretty much throw a fit. As soon as somebody comes to your rescue with their rendition of the ABC's or Twinkle Twinkle you are happy and squealing!

-You're still in 3-6 month clothing. I know some of the 6-9 month stuff fits, but remember, I'm crazy-- I hold on to every inch of keeping you little as long as I can!

-You went to your first pumpkin patch (outside of my belly). You rode around in the snugglie on daddy.

-You've been outside to play in the leaves--this would be more fun, honey, if you could sit up. Let's work on that one!

Thank you Mini Me, for loving me like only a baby can love her mama. My precious moments with you are stored in my mind forever. You have changed so much in such little time--I feel like it's all flying by me while I stand still, just watching, afraid of forgetting.

I treasure little things with you, my fourth girl, things that most parents do but don't discuss much-- like holding you while I type even though it makes it slow and tiring for my hands; but I do it just to smell your head and feel your breath as you snore. Or learn the quietest path from crib to door--the path that avoids all the funny floor noises--just in case I accidentally watch you fall asleep and linger a bit more just to watch you dream away.

You are such a go-getter, yes I can already tell-- a friendly little gal who always has a smile, squeal, or giggle to share. You fit right in with this big, obnoxious, crazy, loud, loving family! We all adore you and delight in your excitement for life. Thank you, M&M, for adding so much love :)

-Love,

Mama

Tiny Terminator Turns Two!

My little terminator is two!

October 22, 2007 was the day my precious and beautiful girl entered this side of life. She has been snugly and pretty silly ever since.

I remember the first months of her life with cuddles abound. Every night we nuzzled forehead to forehead and nose to nose. She leaned her body close to mine and off to sleep we went. Definitely the cuddliest of all four, my little Bug was also giggly and quite the family clown. Yes, I'm sure she'll graduate to class clown here in a few years!

Bug-

You have made the Copeland family a hoot to be in. You are full of such awesome powers to make somebody laugh with one silly look from those big, brown, precious-moments eyes you have. You have a way at putting my heart and mind at ease when you reach up for a little snuggle and say, "Mama, uhh!" Though they may not say much to most, those are some of the sweetest words simply because I know you feel safe and secure in my arms. That warms my heart! Thank you, sweet girl.

At this tender toddler age you hold a few things near and dear:

rocking with mama (and dada) just before bed

your Dora doll

Elmo on t.v.

your sissies

Daddy coming home

An aunt, cousin or grandma coming for a visit

"Wa-wa" or what we adults call milk

and I'll never forget how much you adore the Itsy Bitsy Spider!

God knew just what he was doing when he gave us you. He knew that with the stress of trying to balance all the craziness a young, large-ish family brings, we'd need a little gal to throw in a few good laughs. Not that your sisters don't do their fair share of silliness, but you just have that comic relief gene that I think every family needs. I treasure that quality in you, sweet babe!

I also treasure your sweet ways-- like when you ask me to wrap up your dolly so you can snuggle her and treat her with such care. Or the way you twirl your little curls as you drink your "wa-wa" or start to doze off. I especially love that you do that to my hair-- even though I have no adorable curls like you. And the excitement I see when you are reunited with your sisters after naps or an outing you didn't go on-- well, that just makes me so happy!

I'm so blessed to be your mother--I'm honored to be your protector, advocate, teacher, friend, even the mean one when called to be.

I love you forever and for always, Bug! I'm excited to share this life with you.

Love,

Mama

Between Pumpkin Patch Visits

Boy what a difference a year makes!

See that little cutie with the crazy, dark, beautiful hair lounging in her sister's lap? She was only an inch one year ago-- now she's well over 2 feet.

Biggest of the big sisters still enjoys holding the baby. I swear this gal is going to be an early-childhood educator or maybe a NICU nurse.

Brownie has shorter hair now--funny thing is now that she doesn't have much hair, she loves to adorn what she does have with bows and ponytails.

And the tiny terminator, or Bug as I refer to her on here, is still silly and entertaining. So much so that she can hardly wait the two seconds it takes for me to snap a picture before she's off looking in another direction!

Here are the girlies sporting their Halloween-wear last October

And here they are again, this year. I'm still shocked that so much can change between two pumpkin patch visits.

And though the weather was a bit chily this time, my little pumkins were still silly enough to pose for some goofy pictures.

but she was a tad grouchy looking in her pictures

She wasn't though. Here's a happy brownie riding in a train-car.

Peach also enjoyed her train riding experience.

But she still looks slightly unsure about all the hay.

And last year she wasn't so sure about the corn she was sitting in.

But she still looks really cute in her pretty bows!

I wonder what will happen between now and our next pumpkin patch visit?????

Oops, I Did It Again!

Thanks for the title, Brit.

I totally messed up again by not posting a special little something for my little birthday girl.

My beautiful Brownie turned 3 last Friday-- the same day that I happened to be in the hospital assisting my sis-in-law while she was in labor-- by the way, I got to see my nephew come into this world and that was a wonderful experience.

Anyway, my Brownie has changed a lot during the last three years. She started out a rather hefty-sized newborn at nearly 9 lbs! She had a smooth transition from my belly into the world where she was greeted by lots of happy family! Her dark hair and eyes captured me instantly, as well as everybody else!

These days, her eyes are still full of magic and are a so bright and deep. Her soul reaches right out of those eyes and grabs hold of anybody in the room. She's goofy, silly, stubborn, hard-headed, strong-willed, bright, a daddy's girl, an every-once-in-a-while mama's girl (mostly if I'm about to leave the house without her), and an imaginative, friendly, little helper girl! From day one, she stole my heart and made it hers (at least one of my four mommy hearts- the other three belong to the other three girls).

Captivating? Oh yeah!

Learning to be a helper and not a whiner? Mmm hmmm!

Silly-heart? When she wants to be!

A snuggle bug? Not really, but sometimes when she's hurt or sick, or maybe around grandmas or aunts. Do I wish she'd cuddle more with me-- HECK YEAH!

A purse and baby doll hoarder? Yes, but don't tell her sisters-- I think they're missing a few of these items!

Oh, and did I mention...

she's got a mind and heart of her own!

Brownie, you are a sweet little spirit who keeps this house alive and kicking! I can't believe you are three and enjoying the heck out of preschool. You have such a tender side-- always showing others you care. My love for you started that day I saw those two lines-- and, my darling girl, that love will never, ever end.

even if you do put those stinky footies in your mouth!

Thanks for sharing your heart, smiles and thoughts with me. You embody everything I ever expected my daughter to be. I have dreams for you to find your place in life, to be a happy and productive adult, and to love your friends and family like only you can.

Many blessings for my happy-heart girl!

Love always,

Mama

YIKES!

I'll say it again...

YIKES!

I missed the post I wanted to share with you all on M&M's 5 month birthday. It seems as if I just wrote her 4 month post--ridiculous, I know!

So M&M, as you end your 5th month and begin your sixth month of life on the outside here are some facts we know:



-Oh my, do you smile and giggle. We love your belly laughs.

-You like to have your cheeks munched on.

-I've (sadly) packed away every piece of clothing smaller than 3-6 months. You wear some 6-9 months as well.

-(Daddy claims) you like to watch football-- something to do with the jerseys (no, I don't think he's full of hopeful wishing)!




-Peach in your face--it can't get more entertaining than that!

-You've grabbed toys out of people's hands and off of the bar with your play mat. They go directly into your mouth!

-Feet! Feet! Feet! --you are discovering these loverly toys!

-You still nurse about every 2-3 hours during the day!

-Still sleeping well at night-- about 7:30 until about 5 am! Thank you!!!

-Unfortunately, naps aren't that steady or scheduled since you spend a significant portion of most mornings in your car seat traveling from play date to preschool to park to MOPS to meetings. I'm sorry!!!

-You love to make silly noises-- you babble lots and da-da-da is one you've definitely mastered.

-You've yet to be sick!! You survived the round of head-colds and stomach virus that affected the rest of us.

-People, mostly strangers, still comment about your hair and big eyes. Yes, you are quite beautiful (I don't care if I'm biased)!

-If I had the heart, I'd be cutting your bangs. They hang well below your line of vision.

-After going on Zantac at 4 months for GERD, you gained a whole pound in 2 1/2 weeks. You must weigh about 13 1/2 pounds now.

Thank you, my sweet (fast growing), lovely, perfect little girl. You are seriously a wonderful addition to our family. Everyone just adores you- and there's just a scosh of jealousy (not naming anyone, Bug). You are the most kissed-on baby I've ever seen. I'm so happy to have my four great girls, but more importantly, I'm so blessed to know that my four girls have each other for life. What a blessing you are to us all. I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!!!

Love,

Mama

No Ordinary Life-- well maybe it is

Well, I was doing good with posting for a while and then everything hit at once-- life started again. Our new normal routine is in full swing.

Since posting last, my darling Brownie started her first day of school. Yes, I'm scared about how too cool for school she looks in this picture!



Peach also started school--her second year!



You all know Peach turned four at the beginning of this month, but what I haven't told you is that we took her on a special date with mom and dad. We dined at Stix for lunch and Peach fell in love. She's always loved the hibachi style of cooking, but this place was just too cool!

We then headed off to a children's museum where she shopped...

watched golf balls swirl around ...

and shoot out of containers...

played in sand...

and gave birth to four babies at once!

and then gave them a check-up of course!

But like I said above, life, routine, whatever you call it, rolled around again. MOPS started back up (thank goodness). I've worked a couple of days and there are a few more to come soon. I'm starting a new job through an on-line college as an assistant teacher-- still not quite sure what all this entails. Halloween/Fall decorations are up. Clothes for all four darlings have been switched out to the new season (do all moms despise this chore as much as I do-- I'm sure they do, right?) or size! A new nephew will make his debut soon and I've been planning some fun things for him, and his mama of course! But much is still the same around here...

... with the regular 8-12 loads of laundry per week still being washed, dried, sorted, folded, but rarely put away. The tiny hand prints still cover many of my glass surfaces. And my basement is still {usually} a mess!

Much has changed, but much of the change was expected, so in a way it doesn't feel as if much has changed. Make sense?

If you peeked into my house right now, you see one sleeping baby in her bassinet, two siblings coloring at the kitchen table and the little Bug up to no good (as usual). You'd also see about 8 tubs of clothes that need to be taken to the basement closet, but your eyes would skip over those and look directly at our light-up Mickey Mouse pumpkin. Yes, there is a basket full of laundry sitting next to our love seat and a book titled Nurture Shock sitting at my feet. A vacuum cleaner is waiting to be plugged in and my sweet babes are waiting to make cranberry pumpkin cookies. Look out, I'm told they're delicious.

So, I'm off to control the madness, the mayhem, the chaos, the loveliness that is my life. But as ordinary as my days may be now that fall is on my doorstep, they never truly are anything but extraordinary.

Birthday Girl

My now 4 year old when she was a mere 12 hours old. Take a peek at her hair-- it'll explain her nickname mentioned below!

Well, not only do I now have a 4 MONTH old, I now also have a 4 YEAR old. Miss Peach is no longer three-- she is this many--picture a little girl holding up four fingers.

Although, I feel she should still be this many-- I think she's 2 weeks in this picture. Isn't she so cute? This little girl was such a good baby-- slept through the night at 8 wks (would've done it earlier if I didn't have to wake her up to eat), never fussed much, smiled and cooed with the cutest little face! Oh, I cherish those days when it was just the three of us. Not that I don't love my life now, but life then just seemed so un-chaotic. So easy-going. But I was also living in a constant state of euphoria-- I couldn't help it, I was totally in love with this sweet thing-and I still am!

We had a full busy day yesterday, with special meals, presents and cake of course! Here's my sweet Peach in her classic photo pose with her eyes half open (or closed-- depends on how you see it)! Of course Brownie had to be in every part of it. They are often treated like twins (being exactly 13 months apart, I get asked at least once per outing if they are twins); they were the first two of the children to be treated like twins-- although, I think Bug is starting to put her two cents in though, because she's demanding it be considered triplet status around here. Anyway, here's the twins blowing out candles on Peach's cake.

Ohhhh, Mama, I can't wait for the cake!!!! By the way, this cake frosting is so super delicious! Do you like fudge? Thought so! Well, then you need to make this frosting!

I love my new jammies! They're so pretty!

Look, there's monkeys on there! This is exciting because her other nickname is Monkey (due to her spiky orange-tinted hair at birth--see picture at top of page).

What more could a girl want than a special birthday sundae and a nice group of servers to sing a song!

Happy Birthday to my gorgeous, nurturing, sweet, kind, responsible, loving, good-doer, smiley, fantastic, first-born babe. I'm so in love with you, and I have been since I first knew you! You melt my heart at least once a day-- I can't thank you enough for all that you've taught me. I hope you get to experience all the blessings in life-- especially that of being a mommy. It is the most precious blessing! I love you,

-MAMA XO XO XO XO XO