"These are a few of our favorite things..." (I made B do this--thought it would be fun!)

Steph:
-chocolate chip cookie from Potbelly
-Diet Coke fountain beverage
-open mouth baby kisses
-LOST Seasons 1-5 :)
-cinnamon sugar pretzel from Target
-reading books to both babes
-hanging out with 24 anxious dancers before a competition
-7:30PM when the kiddos go to bed :)

Brandt:
-shopping the clearance aisles at Target
-spying on other people's lives on Facebook
-small group
-playing basketball
-Cheez-It Mix
-Vanilla Coke Zero
-7:30PM when the kiddos go to bed :)

Addie:
-fishy crackers
-tea parties
-t.v.
-pink blankie
-Pizza Hut dates at Target

Eli:
-his Daddy
-sweet potatoes
-any toy he can get to his mouth
-Mommy's milk :)

I am so thankful that my kids have been healthy. Last night we paid for it ;) Addie had a bug, or food poisoning, or something... but she was sick- really sick. It's amazing how much more it feels you love your child when they are sick. After throwing up what I believed was her entire stomach last night, she slept with me in bed, and then proceeded to wake up and throw up 5 more times in the next few hours. I remember when I was young, my mom would rub my back, hold back my hair, and say, "I wish it was me and not you." I was doing and saying the same things last night. So sad. I'm also amazed at how having a sick child makes me fall in love with Brandt even more. We were like a well-oiled machine last night... he was sleeping on the couch, but would hear her, run in and sit with us, then empty the bucket and make sure we were both tucked in before heading back to the couch. And the cycle continued. It's so nice to be with someone to go through the ups and downs of parenting together- the easy days and the hard days. Last night was definitely one of those hard days. Today Addie is doing well. She's eating a little and has kept it all down. She's tired, but has still been her funny self :) And my little boy has been perfect. After about 4 nights of waking up every 2-3 hours, last night he slept 9! It's like he just knew we needed to take care of Addie. And today he's been calm, played on his own and taken three separate hour-long naps. Thank you, Elias! And thank you, Lord :) We're on the up and up!

I am amazed at the very different talents, gifts, and passions God has given each of us. My brothers and I are living completely different lives right now. I can't imagine living in either of their shoes, and I'm sure they feel the same about mine ;) Jeff just moved out to LA, spending this semester at the LA film school. He recently landed an internship with a small production company and is on cloud nine. When he's not in classes or at his internship, he's hanging out at the pool and exchanging contact information with big time producers. I can't even imagine!! On the other side of the world ;), my brother Phil works as a Senior High youth pastor in Anderson, IN. This morning he met with the mayor of Anderson to talk about ways they can continue to help / reach out to the youth in the city. WHAT? The mayor?? He has such a heart for those kids. I couldn't be prouder, and I'm just the big sis ;) And my day?... I spent it having a tea party, playing baseball in the basement, hitting up Super Target for lunch, and cuddling on the couch with my two babes. Three very different lives, but all of us carrying out the passions/gifts God has given us.

Eli's 4 month stats :
Weight- 18 lb 2 1/2 oz
Height- 26 1/2 inches

B starts school this week. He has Wednesday and Saturday classes. Dance is in full swing! Competitions every Saturday. This weekend we head to Waconia. That's all for now :)

My goofy kids!
I wrote on facebook this week that I love being a mom! I don't regret the decision I made to stay at home with the kids every day. It's the best job in the whole world :)

Well, we are back into the swing of things again. B is back at work, and we are back into our weekly routines :) We did conquer the sleeping thing with Elias! He will nap and go down at night awake, without crying, putting himself to sleep! It's a miracle. And it was pretty easy. I'm thankful Brandt was around to help make it happen, because there were a few days when he cried for awhile before falling asleep... but he learned very quickly and it has made a huge difference!! Most afternoons I find myself pacing the house, or cleaning, or actually pulling out a book because both kids are napping and I don't know what to do with myself. So nice :)