I can hardly believe its been nearly three months since Tate was born! She LOVES to be talked to and tries her hardest to talk back. Her newest trick is if her binky is nearly all the way out of her mouth she has figured out how to push it back in. What talent! (Of course she wouldn't need such skills if she were a little better at the binky but we'll take it!)
As for our other girls...we started giving them a performance based allowance (they have to do certain chores every day without crying). We explained the whole tithing thing in simple terms and the rest of the week Brit kept saying "I will give Jesus my money!"
As for Charlie, she is trying so hard and learning how to read. Last week she kept asking us for plain milk so she could grow big and strong. On Sunday she made a comment that made me realize she thought the milk in the fridge was the same milk Tate drinks (I am nursing). Straightened that one out real quick!

Could it really be???

I woke up Sunday morning knowing my kids were all staying home from church due to illness AGAIN and decided it would be the prime day to start potty training being that Phil was technically home for two days to help out. I have to say this is something I have put off for MONTHS, I had a good excuse with having a baby but I knew my time was up.
You see, I had to potty train Charlie three different times before it finally took and each time was more miserable than the previous. It has a lot to do with SEVERE frustration all the while having to fake nonchalant-ness after an accident and overly joyed at something that really had been taught and learned many times before.
I think I figured out my problem. Charlie WASN'T ready! So yes, Brit is on the verge of three and that seems to be the trick! We had one accident Sunday, one Monday and so far none today! WAHOOOOOOOOO!!!
The best part of potty training Brit is there's always a song and dance to go with whatever she is doing. For those of you who have seen the "stinky bottom" dance it is now the "potty" dance. And apparently if she goes in with Phil she has a song (which she refuses to sing for me) that goes a little like this, "Go potty, go potty, go potty!"
I will get video of the dance for all to see one of these days but just know it has to do with sticking her little backside out and shaking it side to side. Its a riot!

Miracle of miracles!

Two weeks ago Phil took Charlie up to Powder Mountain for some ski lessons with the intent of having two quiet hours to himself to read in the lodge. One of the instructors found out he couldn't ski and would NOT take no for an answer. He only fell once and loved it so much they are going back this week for more lessons. I was so proud I could have cried.

Recently....

We all grew over the holidays-Tate is now out of her "up to 7 lbs." clothes, Brit grew (or jumped feet first) into a big sister, Charlie grew into the oldest and wisest and Phil and I grew in ways we just won't discuss. That brings up the fact that I've been to the gym twice this week (or since Tate was born) and my pre-pregnancy clothes STILL don't fit. Shouldn't twice do it??? Oh, and Nat brought Ava and Alex out to visit so Christmas was complete!!!

Tate arrived Thursday, weighing in at 6 lbs. 4 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. The four of us (especially the girls) couldn't be more thrilled to have her in our home. She is a quiet, curious little soul. The week was, of course, not without drama of Phil getting the flu really bad while I was in the hospital but we all survived thanks to my wonderful family who helped with the girls (especially Austin).

A little of Charlie

For any of you who know our Charlie she is ALL girl. The way she walks, talks, and acts is so girly. HOWEVER, there are a few exceptions. For example, last week she and Brit were playing in our backyard and she ran in asking for a bag to catch a bug with. She usually catches potato or lady bugs so I didn't think anything of it. A few minutes later Charlie reenters with a huge, ugly, brown praying mantis. Phil was good to make him a cage outside and Charlie spent much time talking to the thing, showing him her loot from Halloween, tucking him in (which also was the end of Sarah Cara-she named it) and so on. She would daily catch bugs to feed it and really was very sweet about her "pet". She can't wait until spring when "Jesus makes more praying mantis" so she can get another pet. (I know its slightly pathetic that my daughter has resulted to insects for pets, but what can you do?)

A few days ago the girls were watching Bambi. This inspired many questions about hunting from Charlie. I decided that I would give her the facts, gently, but factually. Why people hunt, what they do with the animals, etc. As I was bracing for tears and a very unsettled girl at the thought of dead animals, Charlie says, "I want to go hunting. I want to shoot two animals for Dad." This sentiment has carried throughout the days and at this point I don't know that Phil can get away with going hunting to some extent without his daughter. He just chuckles at the thought but I'm pretty sure deep down inside he's as giddy as a school girl.

Happy Halloween!!!

The girls got more candy then they will EVER need. All Charlie has said all day is "The baby is coming! The baby is coming!" We gave her the time frame of after Halloween and before Christmas so hopefully she can be patient for a little while longer.