Jason--4 Months

Jason had his 4 month checkup today. He weighed 14 pounds, 12 ounces (50th perc.) and his length was 25 in. (56th perc.). He is definitely my big boy in comparison with Madison and Carson. Madison was only 12 lb, 3 oz at 4 months and Carson was 13 pounds, 12 ounces. And he's going to seem so big in a few weeks when we meet up with my sisters' family in Ohio for my dad's 7oth birthday party. My sister's youngest Savannah is exactly 2 months older than Jason but is more than 2 pounds smaller. Of course she started out at 6 lb, 11 oz and Jason started off at 8 lb 13 oz! He is such a great baby. He loves to smile at everyone and will start to talk back and giggle when anyone speaks to him.

These first two pictures are from April 18th--almost a month ago.

This one of Carson and Jason was taken on May 4th--Grammy got these matching outfits and I had to capture a shot while they can still wear them. It's more difficult to get Jason to smile when he's sitting this close to Carson--I think he's a little scared. Carson recently had his 15 month check up and he now weighs almost 24 pounds (not far behind Madison who weighs about 27 pounds).
A more recent picture of Jason--taken May 12th.
And the two boys--also taken May 12th.

We just recently acquired this seat from our friends the Ricchinis--had I known 3 years ago that I would have 3 children back to back I would have purchased one then. It is a great invention. It allows Jason to sit upright (he really doesn't like the bouncy seat anymore) and he can turn his head in all directions. Here's a great video of Madison talking to him and us which makes him laugh.

The Cougars are the Champions

The Covenant Life girls softball team were crowned the champions of their conference yesterday. They beat their opponents 6-0. This is the third year in a row that they have won the championship (this was Sam's first season on varsity). The score was 0-0 until the 6th inning! The game was definitely exciting. Sam played left field for the entire game. Here's a shot of her in ready position.
And a nice picture of the team with their banners after the game. Sam is the third girl in from the left.
While we (Matt and I) tried to watch the game we were also keeping one eye on Madison and Carson. There was a water fountain near us and it didn't take Madison long to figure how to use it.
When she got bored with the water fountain she began playing in the dirt. She would get her hands nice and dirty and then proceed to the water fountain to wash them off!
Look how dirty and happy she is--I don't think she'll have any problem hanging with her brothers some day.

An Evening at the Rio

Last Saturday Matt and I with the 3 little ones had some time in the afternoon to go to the Rio. We walked around the lake, saw the geese and ducks, then went to Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. Going out to dinner with all three can be chaotic at times and we're never quite sure if they're going to do well....but they were so good! The sights and sounds at Joe's were enough to keep Madison and Carson happy throughout dinner. Carson danced in his high chair throughout the meal and clapped after each song ended. I got a couple of cute shots of Madison as we went around the lake.

Outings to Sam's Softball Games

Whenever we have the opportunity we go to Sam's home softball games. Her team is currently undefeated and will be playing in the championship game tomorrow or Thursday. As soon as Madison sees Sam either out in the field or on the sidelines she says, "Hi, Sam" and she won't stop repeating it until Sam responds! Madison will also cheer for Sam when she goes up to bat..."Go Sam." Sam's number 21 in the picture below.

Madison at the field.
Carson...headed somewhere with a look of determination.
Carson hugging the tree...I guess he's a nature lover.

Warm Spring Days...A Little Taste of Summer

In between the wet and cool days of spring there have been a few beautiful days. We take every opportunity we can to get outside and play on those days.

Madison loves to have a little water to play with when it's not quite nice enough for the pool. She stays busy moving the water from one container to another and doing a little cleaning with a rag. Carson doesn't quite understand Madison's ways--he would just rather dump it all out.

Here she is in motion. Carson is content wandering around the deck chewing on the wet washcloth. Hear all that noise in the background....the making of the "dry ponds." (see View From Our Deck post if you don't know what I'm referring to)

While Madison played with the containers of water, Carson occupied himself by getting in and out of this chair...check out the chubby boy. After a few times of standing up in the chair I had to stop video taping as I was concerned for his safety.

And on the hot days we've gotten the pool out, put a few inches of water in it, and they play until their lips begin quivering.

Carson hasn't quite mastered getting up the steps of the slide yet but Madison is a pro...the slide becomes a water slide when the pool is out...ONE, TWO, THREE, GO....

View From Our Deck

Our deck is typically a very peaceful place to be ...then the workers came. Although we don't really understand what it all means and why it all has to happen, they are finishing off the common area behind our house by putting in "dry ponds." They showed up early April and they are still here. On the beautiful sunny days when we would like to spend our time out on the deck, there they are, making all kinds of noise. The kids loved all the action in the beginning but now they're not really interested.

Here's one of the early shots from April 11th:
And here's all the parked vehicles today....they've had the last few days off as we've had a lot of rain and I guess they can't do their work when the ground is so wet.Here's a shot of the "progress" they're making...hopefully they'll be done soon!

For those of you who more auditory...here's a video clip of the workers in motion. Make sure you turn your volume up for full effect!