Zander’s First Day of Kindergarten

I don’t know who was more excited, me or Zander, for his first day of kindergarten. I decided to start early since in just a couple weeks from beginning we are going to Hawaii. I didn’t want to get behind so we started on Monday, Aug 3rd.

I put up decorations and got everything ready the night before. I woke him early to make sure that he and I would not be interrupted by Lexi or Aiden. He got dress and then headed downstairs.

He noticed the decorations and actually became timid to go down the stairs. Not sure if it was a little much, nerves or just excited to have all of Mom’s and Dad’s attention totally on him. After a few minutes Dad finally coaxed him down.

We had breakfast together and started in.

We began with checking out our calendar and learning how it works. Throughout the year, he will be learning alot about it; the months of the year, how many days in a month, weather graphs, days of the week, etc.

Then we did our Bible studies, History, and some of his read alouds. He loves handwriting and we completed a lesson of that and did some Language arts. We had snack and a break. Then we completed some math and science. We went outside and played for a while after that. Lunch time came quickly. We had lunch. I read a chapter of The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner befor nap/quiet time.

And with that Zander completed his first day of kindergarten.

I can not believe Zander is officially a school ager, a kindergartener. I am so proud of him. He seemed to really enjoy it and did great. I’m sure the year will have some struggles here and there but I know I’m doing the right thing homeschooling him. He even made a comment about how he loves to do school. It was like the icing on the cake for the day.

Zander and Lexi having some Art fun

I had some packing paper left over from Zander’s box of school stuff. I took it and completely covered our coffee table. Then I let Zander and Lexi color and have fun. The first day we did crayons. Then one day we did markers. Another we did colored pencils and we finished up with chalk. They had lots of fun.

Lexi excited to get started.

Zander was involved he refused to look up for a pic

Aiden’s First Bath

With each child, I’ve given them their first bath in the middle of the living room floor. Aiden was no exception. He whimpered through most of it. He was so adorable. Then afterwards I got him all wrapped up in a towel, held him up, took a few pics and then he peed all over me. Guess he showed me.

Aiden getting his first bath

He's so cute! (he's in Zander's baby towel hehehe)

Its hard work to get a bath. lol this photo is so cute and the only way word press wouldn't say it was too big was to make it upside down. weird

First Sunday at Church

We went to church and of course took lots of pics of all our friends holding Aiden for the first time. After church we went out to Olive Garden with Papa and Grammie.

Aiden’s 1st Doctor’s Visit

You would think that this is our first baby and not our 3rd as many photos that we take. I hope we are like this on our 5th and 6th =)

On July 6th we took Aiden to his first doctor’s appointment. We found out that he has lost over a pound of weight but other than that Aiden is absolutely perfect.

Aiden is very alert for his age. He also already rolls over. He has learned that if he puts his feet straight up in the air and then put them to his side, it rolls him over. He doesn’t like his back and I watched him do this several times. Already keeping me on my toes at 3 days old.

Aiden waiting naked for the doctor.

Cute Pictures of Aiden

Aiden a day old

Zander and Aiden July 4th

Proud Papa

Lil Aiden Dale

Zander and Lexi See Aiden for the 1st Time

Zander and Lexi went to Grammie and Papa Sackrider’s while Aiden was being born. They came home later that night to a new addition to the family. They were so excited and happy.

Also, Dale’s sister, Cher and her 2 children and Dale’s Grandfather and Grandmother Cunningham came to visit.

Here are some pics of Aiden’s first visitors.

Zander and Lexi seeing Aiden for the First time!

Zander Holding Aiden for the First time

Lexi thinking she has a new baby doll. =)

Grammie and Papa seeing Aiden for the First time.

Grandpa and Grandma Cunningham seeing Aiden for the First time.

Aunt Cher holding Aiden!

Me and the 3 kids!

Aiden was born July 3rd 2:46am

Here’s the post every one has been waiting for!!!

This is the story of Aiden’s birth.

July 2nd I went into the midwife and I was measuring over 42weeks and still 6 days away from my due date. The midwife

Last Midwife appt before Aiden was born, July 2nd.

suggested to use caster oil and lets get the show on the road.

I had a pasta dinner ad then a couple hours later took the caster oil with some OJ and baking soda. I was told later that the baking soda is to make the drink more like a soda but with mine it didn’t mix and instead I got the baking soda in one clump and it was nasty. Since I have been having contractions for months, my midwife was sure this would work and I’d be in labor.

My two midwives arrived about 1030pm. The caster oil began to work about 11pm. Dale and I were joking and laughing the whole time. I kept saying, “there is no way we are having a baby tonight; this is way to easy.” I just was think about how previously it was such an ordeal and painful. No pitocin and using bradley method; what a difference!!

At 1:37am my water broke. I got in the shower for a few minutes. The midwife asked me on a scale 1-10 how strong they were. I said, “6 with a couple 9s.” She told me to get out and use the bathroom while they set up the birth pool. With in a couple minutes they were now 9s. She told me to lay on the bed for a minute to check dialation and hear the baby’s heart beat before getting into the pool. By this point they were all 9s if not all 10s. But still doing ok.

I got in the pool and it felt great. The warm water definitely took the edge off the contraction. I was going every two minutes and I had Aiden in my arm at 2:46am

Aiden getting examined by the midwife.

Aiden Dale was born at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and 19 inches.

It was an awesome, peaceful experience giving birth at home. I hope to never go back to the hospital for another birth of my future kids

Me and Aiden only a couple hours after his birth.

Peoria Fire Staion 197

Our MOPs group put an event together to take our youngsters to see the local fire department. Thank you to all the fire fighters at Peoria Fire Station 197. All of the kids just had soooo much fun. The fire men gave us a tour of the inside of the station including their living quarters. Then they took us to the bay. When my son stepped into it he said, “OH WOW!” which as a mom just confirmed that this was exactly what we should be doing on a Saturday morning.

While in the bay, the fire fighers allowed the children inside, then showed the children all the special tools they have and then one fire fighter showed the children the “special cloths”. The fire fighter slowly put on the protective clothing, allowing the children to touch and also to see that he was still him under the cloths.

The Saturday before, Zander was in a bike accident. You will see in the photos where he was very scrapped up. (editor’s note: Its been a month now and he’s doing and looks fantastic.)

You will also notice; I am VERY pregnant. I only 6 days from giving birth when these photos were taken.

Zander super excited to see and touch the fire truck!

Fire fighter showing the children all the stuff they put on

"See, I'm still me. I'm not scary at all, am I?"

Ladder truck beginning to put ladder up.

The gang!

Hillbilly Lexi

The cutest hillbilly ever!!

She's so cute!