A Week of Firsts

 Firsts:
 -First long bike ride for Apollo without his training wheels.
-First bike ride ever for Parks (and first for mom in a long time).
-First time for Parks in the bouncer.
-First Mohawk for Apollo with it shaved on the sides (will post next time).  He was so excited and said "Marshal is going to like it.  He'll say 'you should wear that to my house next time'".
-First time for Apollo and Annie to take a basketball class.  Apollo loved it and did awesome-he follows instruction from his coach well.  He was the one to choose basketball for his next sport.  Annie was tiny and one of the only girls on her team.  On one of the running drills Annie ran all the way back to us in the stands and held her tears until she got to us.  She is usually fearless but as far as classes she's only done the mommy and me gymnastics class.  Carleton went with her to help her out but she was done before the class was over.  We'll see how next week goes.  It was so funny because she looked so chill at the beginning of the class like she didn't have a worry in the world.  She was leaning back on her hands.
 -First time for Apollo to make lunch.  He's made pb&js before but I was feeding Parks and asked if he would make lunch for him and Annie.  He made sandwiches for the two of them all by himself.  They are both becoming very independent and very helpful.
-Annie made up her first game "Hello, Goodbye".  When I was young, my mom made up fun little games while we would wait for my dad or we would play little games for fun.  I make up a lot of games to play with Carleton and the kids.  Apollo has started doing this-like we play run around the house-it's cute to see his creativity.  I asked Annie how to play and she gave us an example.  She said "Like, Goodbye...Pass.  Like that."  So, we took turns saying "Goodbye Pass or Hello"-that's it.  It was funny because Apollo didn't bat an eye or think it was weird, we just sat outside and took turns.  So cute.
-Parks was serenaded at a fundraising event while Angela held him during the dance portion.

I am really enjoying being a mother right now!!  It's still crazy with a newborn but we are doing fun things together and I really enjoy being with my children.  Right now Annie's telling me about her birth story.  She said, "I was in your tummy and I popped out and you were excited to see me.  You were excited to see your little girl Annie.  You were excited to see your son (hehe)."

Highlights:
-family trampoline time.  Carleton had Annie and Apollo on his shoulders jumping at different times.  We played Crack the Egg.  Apollo likes to be hooked to and cracked with Annie.
-family bike ride.  At some points up the hills, Carleton was pulling Annie and Parks in the trailer, while holding onto Apollo's handles so he could have a break from pedaling.  It was crazy to see-Superman.
-night off!!  Every week I lose weight, Carleton takes the kids for the night and makes dinner.  He texted me that day and said I should get a pedicure and manicure.  He told me to make the night special. He's so sweet.
-Taking antibiotics for strep.  Sweet relief after some sleepless nights.  Annie and Apollo had it too.


Parks and I were watching the preschool kids on their scooters and bikes.  The weather has been amazing.  Love CA!

 Physical Fitness day at our preschool.  They were being monsters or something.

 Annie will make a great Momma some day.

 Apollo and Annie helping me work on some projects.

 Annie and I still do preschool while Apollo goes to our Coop preschool.

It was so fun to see Parks being held by Apollo.  He was awake, drifted off, and fell asleep.  They love to hold him.
 


























 Preschool Easter Hunt.

The kids love making Parks smile.

 Family bike ride.

My mom and I made this using Carleton's bike for a surprise.  I'm going to post how on my creative blog.





























Jumper.

Parks.  He is the best baby!!!   I'll check on him after I put him to bed and he'll be wide-eyed just
looking around and not crying.  I'll change his diaper or set him down and get busy with something else and he'll still be there, being a good boy.  He LOOOVES the outdoors.  I can put him in his Bumbo or chair outside and he is perfectly content.  In the mornings, Apollo and Annie love to talk to him and he's always so smiley.  He's super smiley during his night feedings.  He slept for 9 hours last night and went even longer without feeding.  He has the most kissable cheeks.  He loves to be rocked and cuddled to sleep.  Annie is good at rocking him to sleep.   Parks loves being held in the air and has a big smile.  He's going through longer stretches without eating-yeah for sleep!