Pre-School Jitters...mommy style

I have decided that as my capacity to love has increased with each new child, so has my capacity for worry.  It's startling how many things one's mind can be consumed with simultaneously.  

Mandalen (not pictured because every picture of her I take is just horrid...must make Bryan take her picture today!) was not yet back up to her birth weight at her 2 week visit, so I took her in for a weight check at the doctor's on Thursday.  I literally jumped for joy (kind of embarrassing) when I read the numbers....10 lbs 4 oz!  She had gained nearly a pound in a week!!!   We are having a lot of trouble coming up with a shortened version of her name (something I need because that extra syllable  is just a lot of work!) ;)  I have taken a lot of nicknames on testdrives this week, but so far no winners are emerging.  She does not like to be alone when she is awake which has turned into lots of holding.  Normally that would be just great and awesome and wonderful, but with Belen's broken leg, it has become a bit of a challenge...

Belen has started crawling, which is helping a lot.  She even put weight on her little foot yesterday thanks to some prodding from her cute aunt...it's fascinating how there are some things just need someone besides mom to make them happen.  That first week home from the hospital, Bryan was here so I did good not to lift anything heavier than the baby.  But with him gone, that just wasn't realistic anymore.  So not having to cart around a toddler and a baby constantly has been a very welcome treat.

Asher has taken his teasing to a whole new level, and his little personality has been shining through with ferocity.  He can make me smile faster than almost anyone in this world and want to swear just about as quickly :)  Yesterday's trick was "What does rootbeer look like when dumped onto Mom's freshly cleaned bed and comforter?"  Bear in mind, this was immediately following Belen's trick of "Let's see how many diapers I can blow through in a 2 hour period of time" and Mandalen's Puke fest 2011.  Good times...thank goodness for big washers.

Aeden has been getting all of the big brother time he possibly can...he LOVES playing with Zerin.  He was overjoyed when Zerin told him yesterday he had improved so much in his baseball pitching skills that Zerin was awarding him a scholarship to the Zero Arrows (their secret club) University...full ride!!!  What a proud mommy moment :)  I would be lying if I didn't admit to being very nervous about him being in kindergarten, but I know he has a wonderful teacher, and if she is half as good with Aeden as she was with Liah, it will be just fine. 

Liah, my sweet little Liah...   She is such an amazing little girl, and I don't think I'd last very long in her shoes.  Sometimes, being her mother is overwhelming, and feels akin to beating my head against the proverbial brick wall, but it is equally rewarding too.  After a particularly long day with her yesterday, she came and hugged and kissed me goodnight.  Those sweet hugs and kisses have gotten me through a lot :)

Zerin is getting more nervous for school to start.  This year, he only has one friend in his class.  He was initially pretty devastated by this, but has since made some amount of peace with it.  I am excited for him...but I can totally relate with how he feels.  I hope this year will be a chance for him to open up his circle a bit and learn to enjoy a broader range of interests and people.  I just want him to have fun this year, and enjoy his friends, and enjoy his interests...maybe a couple new interests...not that I don't love baseball and Jimmer...I'm just sayin' :)

I took the kids to the Church History Museum to the new display they have their in the kids' section.  It was a lot of fun :)  I had no idea Aeden and Asher had such and affinity for latin dancing :)

Belen kneeling in her pretty dress, watching herself dance in the mirror.

My girls are taking their driving responsibilities VERY seriously.

The last lemonade stand of the summer.  This week's proceeds netted $17!

Liah, Aeden, and Zerin with Bryan at the Salt Lake Bees Game

My kids getting the Bee's autograph.

So now we are down to the last 48 hours before school starts.  Trying not to be terrified about it all, but I am, so just do me a little favor and pray for me, please :)