While Ava is at school....

We paint...

We go to the playground (which always ends with a stop at Pollman's bakery)...

and we play together in Eli's room each day after his morning nap.

She knows how to use my phone better than I do.

There are many times during the day when Nora asks, "Go to skool.  Get WaWa (her nickname for Ava)?"  Ava has to be reminded that we did many fun things together when she was at home too.  She isn't always so happy to find out we have done things during the day without her.  Sometimes it is good to keep it a secret.  Although I miss Ava terribly, I am also really enjoying getting to know Nora more and more now that she has a lot more of my attention.  She is a complex child but equally as wonderful and loving as the others.  I am taking advantage of this time.  I will not take it for granted.

I thank the Lord every day (and Kevin too) for the blessing of staying home with my children.  There is not a single job that is more difficult, more rewarding or more exhausting.

Eli - 5 months

Our sweet boy at 5 months.  He is still as calm as ever (takes after his Daddy) and I'm proud to say, is a Mommy's boy.  I'm not complaining.  He will sometimes play with his feet when he lays on his back, which isn't for long.  He doesn't like to be on his back.  He would much rather be in his exersaucer.  Thank goodness because he is too heavy to hold for a long time.  He is really enjoying solid food and is just like Ava about a schedule.  He likes to eat, take a bath and have his naps at particular times during the day and he will gladly let us know when it is time for one of them.  He can lay on his tummy and play, with his head up for longer periods of time.  He has always loved being near his big sisters but during month 5, his eyes would light up when Ava would talk to him.  He loves being around and playing with Nora as well but there is just a certain way he looks at Ava as if she hung the moon.  I hope it never changes.  I hope he always adores his sisters and I hope his sisters always treasure him.  

Nora is precious with Eli during the day.  She is a different child when Ava is at school and she has most of the attention.  She is gentle with Eli and takes time each day to play with him.

I absolutely adore my Nora bug.  She is one of a kind!

Twick or Tweet

Ava stayed home from school recuperating from a nasty stomach bug.  She slept most of the day but when she was awake, she was asking over and over if she was going to get to trick or treat.  Even if we had to pull her in the wagon, we weren't going to make her miss out!  Thankfully, she was feeling better.  My Ariel, Peacock and Puppy had a great time walking around the neighborhood and we were excited that Nana and Papa came with us!  Nora made sure she said "Twick or Tweet" each time and Ava Lena made sure to tell those that opened their doors, "I'm not allowed to have hard candy."  That's my girl.  We love that we don't have to tell her rules like that often.  She just gets it.  If anyone is reading this with children, pretty please do not allow your children to have hard candy!  It is so dangerous.  When I was around 8 or 9 years old, a Gobstopper candy got stuck in my throat.  All I could do was let out a whisper and could not breath.  By the grace of God, my Mom, who was at the other end of the house, heard my whisper.  She tried different ways to get it out but ended up having to stick her fingers down my throat.  It was very scary and something I remember vividly...enough to make me terrified of it happening to my children...or yours.

"sad face"

"happy face"

The next 4 photos are just to show Nora's expressions.  How I adore her!