We are Thankful

Knox is thankful for milk, his num-num, and bouncy seat.

Maisy is thankful for Santa and the Elves, Mommy, Florida, and the zoo.

Carson is thankful for America, his family, his house, electricity and Santa Claus.

I am thankful for my family (who I really miss today and everyday), friends (old and new alike, that make living here so much easier), technology (that allows us to at least see the people we miss and makes life better), our community (freedoms and safety, I can't imagine living without them), our health (Right now we are all strong and healthy.) and sleep (I really need more of it.).

Jeremy is thankful for family, life, and health.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lots going on this week!

A night of dinner and dancing for Maisy and Nolan. Since we have moved, Maisy has really missed her buddy Nolan from across the street. Last night he came over to play and eat dinner. He brought Maisy a flower, which she happily accepted. They had a candle lit dinner and then to my surprise, I caught them dancing to music from a Christmas decoration. So cute! We miss Nolan!

This is Maisy's best friend, Nakita. I met her at Special Person Day. I was told that Maisy and Nakita enjoy each other's company so much that they had to be moved away from each other at circle time, permanently. As a teacher, I know what that means. Trouble!

Maisy had Special Person Day at her school this week. I was her special person! Knox stayed with a neighbor friend while I went to spend time with her at school. It was great! It is so nice to have individual time with each child. In isolation they are all perfect. It is the combination of them that gets difficult to manage. I predict this division of attention to be the most difficult part of having three kids, aside from the constant clutter and noise, of course.

Knox is 6 weeks old! He is really struggling with tummy issues right now. The last 2 days have been better though. I think the expensive Pepcid is working. Hopefully he will regain his title as Best Smith Baby soon. He recently turned the title back over to Carson.

A Visit from the Tooth Fairy

Carson lost his first tooth this week! It was a traumatic event. He really did not enjoy it, but was somewhat obsessed at the same time. He was so afraid someone else was going to pull it. He walked around with a paper towel hanging out of his mouth when it bled. And when it finally did come out, he thought he swallowed it. Once we found it, he was surprised at how small it was.

I have decided the tooth fairy must also be using only credit these days. Either that or she was short on cash, because Carson got a movie from her. She probably had to dig into her Christmas stash to find a suitable item to leave him. Hopefully she will be better prepared for the next tooth. The first tooth is special, so a big gift is alright. However, a I think a dollar will do next time. She really needs to start carrying some cash! :)

Carson told me he heard the tooth fairy come into his room, but he closed his eyes so she wouldn't leave. When I asked him if he peeked at her, he said she was too fast. Whew! I am sure has to be fast to sneak under the pillow of a sleeping child. It probably made her really nervous. Maisy told me the tooth fairy had a long nose so she could smell the lost teeth and go find them.

Kids are so funny!

In Only One Month

Knox is one month old today. I can't believe it. In so many ways he seems he has been part of our family forever, but at the same time, the month has flown by. I have enjoyed my time with him so much. I don't even mind the late night feedings. I just enjoy the peaceful time with him, no one else, no noise, just my sweet baby and me. I do miss the sleep, but it is worth it. He continues to be a good baby. He is starting to express himself though. He can really scream when he's hungry. He loves to eat, be held, and look at lights. He also knows my voice. I love the way he stares into my eyes. He is really alert, I think.

My ten favorite things about Knox at one month.

10. I love how he quiets down when he hears my voice.

9. I love the affect he has on Carson and Maison. I can get them to do anything to hold him.

8. His hair is so soft.

7. You never have to guess about needing to change his diaper. His "movements" are incredibly loud. They make me laugh.

6. I love how he feels against my skin...so warm and soft.

5. He looks at me so intently. I wonder what I look like to him.

4. I love how he squeezes my finger and holds onto my shirt.

3. He has a beautiful smile, even if they aren't intentional yet.

2. He makes the sweetest sighing sound after he sneezes. I LOVE it!

1. He is my baby, and he completes our family. I feel so blessed and whole.

Moving...Again

It is the eve of the movers arrival. We are no where near ready. The new house is livable, but still requires some work. This house is a disaster. I can't imagine what tomorrow will bring.

Leaving this house is strange. While I am no where near attached (It never felt like home.), it is difficult leaving the little comfort zone we have created here. Even though the move is within the neighborhood, it still means new neighbors, new bus numbers...just more new. As I look back on the last year, the word new keeps repeating. I am so ready to create old and boring. In the last year, Jeremy has taken a new job, we moved to a new city, I took a new job, Carson and Maisy started new schools, we delivered a new baby, finished our new house, and are moving AGAIN. I am ready for 201o. I hope it brings a slow pace to our family. I am tired!

I will miss the great friends we have made on our street. I am hoping the blocks between us don't affect our friendship. They have become our family here. One set of neighbors are like old friends. We are the same age and feel like we have known each other for years. Another set is like an extra set of parents, always going out of their way to help and visit. The other family is busy, but constantly offering to help and checking in on us. I am so thankful to have met such wonderful people.

Off to bed! Tomorrow will be a long day and I know I will be up at least 3 times before then. Mr. Knox loves his late night snacks!

Rockin' Halloween!

Halloween was fun! It was the first year we could actually trick-or-treat in our own neighborhood. Although we missed friends at home, we made the best of things. We walked in a parade, trick-or-treated around the neighborhood, and went to a neighbor's party. It was a great night!

Maisy and our neighbor Nolan had a great time, racing from one house to the next ringing the doorbell and knocking a thousand times at each door. They even let themselves in a couple of houses. She doesn't know a stranger. Carson was much more cautious. He only approached the doors with a group and rarely spoke. I guess we know who needs the Stranger Danger talk. Knox stayed at home with Nan and Pa. It violates my germ policy to have him out. He and I both celebrated the buttoning of our first pair of jeans since delivery, much more of a conquest for me than him. :)