Praying for Rain....I mean....Trains



In need of prayers it appears.......

When Courtney or I take Austin to bed, we make sure we say some short prayers each night with him.   On nights I put him to bed, I usually ask him who he wants to pray for.  Prior to coming up with a couple of different family members or friends each night, he always leads off with one his trains to get things rolling.  Sometimes Thomas, other times Percy, even an occasional Emily.  I had never prayed for a train before, but it comes naturally, we usually just ask Jesus to keep their wheels clean and protect Sir Topham Hatt.  He has become quite diligent about it too, as there is no turning the lights off prior to a few good prayers.  He demands it. 

A new chapter

For about a month now we have been enjoying everyone crawling and pulling up to standing, which has really helped the self-entertainment factor. Gabe decided to stand without holding on to anything this past week. Our days are numbered before we start to see some walking! Yesterday the kids went to the doctor for the, hopefully, last RSV shots. Gabe and Cayden weighed in at 18 lb 1 oz each. Ryleigh weighed in at 16lb 13 oz. They are 52 lb 15 oz of fun these days. There is nothing like coming in the door and being swarmed by 3 crawling babies and one almost 3 year old who will fill you in on everything that is going on. And he will also tell you what he wants to eat.

Speaking of eating - they are doing a lot of that lately! At their 9 month check up, we got the all clear to start eating anything except things which trigger allergies. The babies didn't have to be told twice. Their menu has expanded to include chicken and noodles, cheesy potatoes, puffs, and ground beef with cheese, just to name a few. This week we made, and they ate themselves, an entire box of macaroni and cheese - as well as a collection of fruits and veggies in addition to their 4 bottles a day. I wish I had Ryleigh's metabolism!

In addition to growing, everyone now has at least 2 teeth. Oddly enough, they all got the same two first - the bottom front teeth. Gabe decided to one up his siblings and has gotten a third, top, tooth. Thankfully he prefers a pacifier to chewing on his siblings. Cayden on the other hand has taken to teething on the train table, much to his big brother's dismay.

Thanks to this unseasonably warm March we have gotten a reprieve from the inside of our home. The babies are loving taking their choo choo wagon out for a spin and took quite well to the swing set too. They have easily adjusted to daily walks with the warm weather. And as you can see, they ride in style...

Austin likes to wear his shades upside down

Cayden

Gabe

Ryleigh

Every day around here is filled with new adventures. One classic incident occurred just the other day when I was home alone with all four. With the nice weather, we had the windows open. Earlier in the day while we were out for a walk I had noticed a solicitor walking around the neighborhood. Of course by the time he rang our doorbell, I was mid-way through changing a dirty (and by dirty, I mean a very messy #2) diaper from one of the babies. Since the window was open by the front door, Austin decided to check things out for himself. He said hello and the guy asked whether his Mom was home. To which Austin replied 'Yes, but she's busy'. The guy said 'okay' and turned to leave. At which point, Austin cheerily hollered out 'She doesn't need any help! Bye!' My little angel!! :-)