family pasttime

The Kennedy family loves baseball - playing and watching it. Growing up in a small town, it's just what we did during the summer. I remember most nights either watching my brothers play or watching the Rangers on tv. Fast forward 20 years and I am doing it again! Jack has become a baseball fanatic. From practicing literally hours in our garage and backyard, to playing on a t-ball team, to going to four Rangers games already....he is hooked! I am amazed at how much he knows, wants to know, studies, and understands. Today during his game, he stopped the ball and ran to first base and beat the runner! I am always proud of my boy but watching him do something he loves is so exciting. Looking forward to many more years of summer nights at the ballpark....

may memoirs

As the month of May wraps up this week, I want to remember so many things about our life right now. I realize that, even though some days seem to drag, that time is passing quickly. I want to hold onto these moments...

My handsome five year-old is busy! He enters our bedroom each morning at 7:30 ready to play hard. A routine morning for him consists of playing baseball, basketball, and soccer outside, possibly entertaining the sisters in their pretend play, watching his PBS show of choice (WordWorld, SuperWhy) some sort of school activity that I prepare, playing Memory or Uno, and eating a snack. He is totally ready for kindergarten! He amazes us with his reading, counting, time telling, and problem solving. He is happiest when all the family is home and joining him in his sport of choice. A new obsession thanks to Dad is collecting and studying his baseball cards. Should a 5 year-old really know all the stats that he knows?

Josie and Kate have started playing together more and more. This brings me so much joy! They play babies - swaddling them, feeding them, doctoring them, and putting them to bed in different places in the house. Josie is still the one who is most interested in her new brother. She is my "Sweetie-Jo." She loves to garden and is doing well growing tomatoes in our backyard...faithful to check on them and water them each day. She is happiest when cuddling with her blankie, doggie "Curly," baby and sucking her thumb. Her newest "great idea" is that we need a pet cat because "it wouldn't be noisy."

Kate continues to make us all laugh with her infectious smile and jibberish. This month she has really enjoyed pretend playing with Josie and throwing balls to Jack. She begs to listen to the Wiggles cd each day while she and Jo dress up and dance. Although still a picky eater, I saw her try a few new things this month. We'll just keep putting all the foods in front of her! She loves to fill up her sand buckets with random things and carry them around the backyard. Will and I love putting her to bed each night. Really, this is our favorite time with her. She loves books, sitting so still to hear every page. I sing two songs to her each night and rock her while she cuddles with her blankie in my lap. She is happiest when roaming the backyard...so curious and creating her own fun or following big bro and sis in their games.

Baby Sam is 6 weeks old and so sweet. He is a little uncomfortable right now with his reflux but can be consoled with a snug swaddle and pacifier. I love to hold this boy! He seems so long to me but fits just right in my arms. His longest stretch of sleep at night has been 4 hours but I am hopeful he will stretch it out in the next month. He is smiling and cooing and trying to push up during tummy time. His first outing was this week to my 6-week postpartum checkup and to the Starrs house. His blue eyes are breathtaking! He is happiest when swaddled and held close.

first recital

It was a sweet time watching Josie dance in her first recital last night. She has been taking ballet this year from Mrs. Courtney at GP Dance Connection. The best part about this program is that they are taught to dance for the Lord, using their talents to worship him through song and dance.
Mam came into town to help with the little ones so I could focus on Jo for her big weekend - dress rehearsal Friday night and the recital on Saturday night.
My little girl looked so sweet and danced beautifully. I was so proud of her. She didn't suck her thumb on stage so she was rewarded with ice cream later! She loved watching all of the older girls dance as well. I found myself crying a bit as I watched her dance on the big stage. She is growing up and I look forward to many more milestones with her!

Sam at One Month

Happy 1 month to our little boy.
Time is already flying! As I look back at the month, I think we are adjusting well to our new family. And the little guy seems to be adjusting well too...nursing and sleeping well and doing all the things a one month old does. We look forward to introducing him to many friends in the next month, as he really hasn't left the house. He is sweet, cuddly, and grunts a lot! He is a noisy little fella but it's nice that he can make his presence known around here. With all of Josie's dance festivities this weekend, I pumped a few bottles and he did great taking them from Will and Mam. We think he's cute right down to his dimples, blonde hair and deep blue eyes. He loves to be swaddled, take warm baths, and sleeping in his swing.

wordless wednesday

the best we could do....

Getting a good picture of all my children was difficult before.
Now it's almost impossible...and this was even with bribes of Gatorade and popcorn!
Here are the Davis four in their sibling shirts made by Nicole.

brothers

My boys are five years apart but I already sense a comradery forming. Jack keeps telling me that he is going to teach Sam "everything he knows." What a great big brother! I catch the two of them just hanging out and bonding several times a day - no words needed. I am so blessed to be the mom of these boys.

Growing up

Everyone is growing up around here!
Having Mam here to help has been awesome and necessary. She has confirmed what I have been noticing....my kids are changing and growing up. I want to remember "the way they were" at this very moment....

Jack has changed into our non-stop, energetic, soccer-lovin', game-playin' five-year old. He rarely slows down during the day. Praise the Lord that he still naps (or has quiet time anyway) from 1-3 every day. His competitive spirit is still a struggle, as he wants to win every game and score every goal. We're working on being a good sport.

When I think of Josie at this age, I will remember what a mini-Mommy she was. She loves to sit by me while I nurse Sam and feed her babies too. She brings me diapers, wipes, the boppy pillow, burp cloths. She is my little helper. She is really good at holding baby brother and asks to do this many times a day.

Kate has probably grown up the most in my eyes. She follows directions, puts toys away, and "talks" about everything. We still don't understand much of what she says but she definitely has a way of making us understand. She could spend hours in the sandbox and loves singing to the Wiggles.

Littlest one is almost three weeks. He is peaceful and content for now, although he probably has the most volume of our babies when he does cry. He is eating and sleeping well and weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz at his 2-week appointment this week. He is very long-legged, reminding me of his sister Josie at this age. His blonde hair and blue eyes are so handsome and we think he's perfect!