Spa Morning

Who needs a spa when you have a doting father/husband! This morning I woke up and painted my left hand (which is easy to do since I am right-handed). While I was waiting for them to dry, Bennett came in and asked for her nails to be painted. Steve volunteered to do them for her. She chose pink for her hands. However, once she saw how pretty her hands looked, she wanted her toes done too. So she propped her feet up and he painted them red, purple and a few green.



Since Steve did such a good job with Bennett's nails, I asked him to paint my right hand. They all look perfect, and we didn't even have to leave the comfort of our house. Nice!

Biking

Every young child deserves the opportunity to ride a bike. Unfortunately, we don't have a good driveway to provide that, so the children have learned to improvise. Since we cleaned up our basement back in December, there is a large enough space for them to ride their bikes down there (which is perfect on those cold or rainy days).

Our other location is the library parking lot (which is practically across the street). Preston has gotten so brave and loves to pedal as quickly as he can down the slight hill there so he goes fast. He gets going so fast, his little feet fly off the pedals and he wobbles some (which makes us a little scared), but he recovers and keeps going! Our goal is to keep practicing through the spring, so we can try taking the training wheels off this summer.

Check out our daredevil! His tongue is always hanging out of his mouth, so we have to keep telling him to keep it in his mouth (so he doesn't bite it off)!

Bennett, on the other hand, is not quite sure of herself outside of the basement. She is confident and does well on the smooth concrete basement floors, but the minute she wobbles a little outside, she gets scared. She road around a little this morning, but she just prefers to watch Pres.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is Valentine's Day, and though Steve is out of town...he gave me a great gift - The Kindle Fire! I look forward to reading my first book on it! Unfortunately, I have been feeling under the weather (again). I got the mother of the year award this morning when I turned on the TV for the kids, laid out their breakfast and went back to bed until school started. I know it is pathetic but I was feeling awful! I told Bennett I wasn't feeling up to attending her party today, but she lost it so the guilt set in and I went.


Shortly after I arrived, my fever broke and I started to sweat profusely (seriously...sweat was running down my back and into my pants). I felt awful! I told Bennett I had to go, but she started to cry again, so I hung out in the corner for awhile longer so there wouldn't be a scene. Finally, I was able to escape about 15 minutes later. When I got home, I drank some water and started to feel a little better. So I decided to do what any logical person would do...sweat more by heading to spin, right? I definitely didn't give 100% to the class, but it felt good to sweat a little more and feel my head drain some. After another shower, I started to feel even better. Thank goodness for the Z-pack, day 2 is finally kicking in for me!

Regardless of my little illness, Bennett had fun at her party! They had a craft, enjoyed a story, and ate a cupcake.

Preston's school party was yesterday! He has a large class but he only talks about four other kids: Banks, Whit, Luke and Lucy. These five kids were in the same class last year where their bond was formed. After two years together, they are thick as thieves! Before his party ended, I tried to get a photo. Someone wasn't looking or was moving around each time, so this is as good as it gets. Just by looking at this, can't you tell how these kiddos can be mischievous? They are a hoot!

Lucy is Here!

I am excited to announce the birth of my newest niece....Lucy Ann Banta! She was born today, February 6th....on my father's birthday, as well as my late grandfather, Lynn Banta's birthday! She weighed in a 7 lbs 8 oz and is just perfect!

Shannon is doing well, and is thrilled to finally meet the little girl that has caused her to spend many hours each week in her OB's office. Since Shannon has had high blood pressure issues, as well as sporadic low amniotic fluid, her OB felt it would be best to deliver Lucy a little early. Due to some medication Shannon received right before delivery, little Lucy had some breathing issues after delivery. Thankfully, once the medication wore off, the problems went away.








The kids and I went up to meet her this evening. Her small, perfect body brought tears to my eyes. She slept the entire time we were there tonight, but it was still love at first sight.



She is adorable with some dark, soft hair and big cheeks, which are perfect for all of the kisses I know she will be receiving! Big siblings, Christian and Henley couldn't be more thrilled, as are cousins, Preston and Bennett! In fact, they both held the baby and talked about her all night after we left. Bennett kept saying how cute she was, and how she can't wait to visit her again. Fortunately, she'll have the opportunity tomorrow when our family returns (with a real camera for better pictures). We love you Lucy, and are so happy that you are finally here!